Thursday, July 30, 2015

Where are the yard guys?

Sweetness and TLP
It's Thursday, which is usually the day that TLP and I go to the grocery store. Mr. B had instructions for me to give to the yard guys and requested that we not go to the store until they arrived. Well, it's 5 p.m. and the yard guys haven't arrived. No yard guys. No grocery store. No dinner.

Tomorrow is the last week that Dr. Mc has Friday off of work. During the summer months she works four 10-hour days and has Fridays off. I'm not sure if she dislikes being at work for 10 hours or working on Fridays more. It's a hard choice for her.

Today I'm creating a blog about the changes that will take place along Allen Parkway. The City of Houston is spending $11 million dollars to add parking spaces, lights and crosswalks. The project is supposed to take 18 months, but these things usually take longer and run over budget. I'm just not sure the juice is worth the squeeze.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Look closely and you can see TLP's new top tooth.
For the first time in four or five years I'm NOT planning an event for White Linen Night in the Heights. This annual event, which takes place on the first Saturday in August, has gotten so big and crowded that my client decided not to host his private party this year. I'm not the least bit sad that I won't be setting up, staging and working a party this year.

It was 2013 when we had a portion of The Suffers playing at the private party. That wouldn't be a possibility this year, as the band has gotten so popular (i.e., expensive) and seems to be on the road all the time.

Today I'm creating a press release and writing a few blogs, including one about White Linen Night.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Done, done and done!

TLP splashing in his kiddie pool on
a hot Sunday afternoon. 
I spent Saturday and Sunday afternoons addressing wedding invitations. Yes, I learned cursive when I was in school so I usually address everything because I have the perfect teacher handwriting. In fact, I often get asked if I was a teacher when people see my handwriting. Dr. Mc never learned cursive. She always prints, usually in all caps. Sweetness is left handed so her cursive isn't that great.

Dr. Mc and I had quite the set up for addressing envelopes. While I was addressing wedding invitations, she was working on invitations for TLP's first birthday party and entertaining him. It's so hard to believe that in just a few weeks he will be a year old. From a rocky start he has come a very long way! We are so blessed to have such a happy and healthy baby.

Today I'm creating a drive to the post office to mail everything. I'm so excited to have completed all of the addressing. Then I'll be working on blogs and a magazine article.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Friday has arrived

It's so cute how babies will sleep with their bottoms in the air.
Dr. Mc has the day off. She came into the house around 9 a.m. with TLP. We played for awhile, had a bath and a nap, and then they were gone. She is housesitting for her dad and step-mom while they are in Florida. Is it cooler in Florida than in Houston? I hope so.

Now I'm trying to motivate myself to have a shower, get dressed and run some errands. It's so much easier to run errands without TLP in tow. Unfortunately I'm still sitting on the couch in my stretchy pants and Mr. B's shirt. I'm meeting Sweetness and Girafferty at 4 p.m. for cake tasting. Now that's something I can get excited about!

Today I'm creating a magazine article and an outline for future blogs. Nothing exciting.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Such a happy boy!

TLP's mama brought him in the house around 6:45 a.m. He was the perfect house guest in that he drank his bottle and went back to sleep for an hour. I also went back to sleep for an hour. It was the perfect beginning to a Thursday morning!

Yesterday I got all the envelopes for the wedding invitations. Yes, we are running behind in getting the invitations mailed, but that has to do finding a new "celebration" space for Saturday night at the last minute. Hopefully I'll be able to address the envelopes today and put them in the mail tomorrow.

Today I'm creating a trip to the grocery store with TLP. He liked the grocery store last week so hopefully he'll be OK again, today.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Hump Day

Bath time for baby.
I was so tired after work yesterday that I went home and was asleep by 5 p.m., for what I thought would be a short nap. Instead I woke up at 8 p.m. I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep last night, but I was back asleep at 10 p.m. and slept through the night. I should be rested!

After two days of grumpy baby, TLP was back to his smiley self this morning. He has one new tooth on the top and another getting ready to pop out, so I guess he has reason to be grumpy.

Today I'm doing preplanning for an event in November and another in February. I'm also writing press materials. Tomorrow I'll start addressing envelopes to mail out wedding invitations, if my little friend will cooperate!


Monday, July 20, 2015

It never fails

TLP's first trip to Neiman's.
I want to start eating better so what happened? A friend of Mr. B's returned after two weeks in Hawaii and brought a box of chocolates for us. Well, there's always tomorrow. Hand me another chocolate, dear.

Sweetness, Dr. Mc and TLP went to Neiman's today to get one of the dresses Sweetness selected for her wedding. I thought we were in a parallel universe because, at 6:30 p.m., there was no traffic on I-10 or the West Loop. This never happens at this time of the day. I found the perfect pair of Rene Caovilla shoes for me to wear to the wedding. Two-inch heel. Perfect. Signature silver glittered outsole. Good. Swarovski crystal-embellished lace. Fancy! Alas, they didn't come home with me. At $1,250 + tax the purchase would have been a record high for me and perhaps an expenditure that would push Mr. B to his limit with my spending habits.

Today I'm creating a press release, revisions to two bios, and interviewing another woman for her bio. And it just wouldn't be right if I didn't work on a blog.

Success!

Yesterday Sweetness and I found her wedding dress and her party dress. They are both fabulous and I couldn't be more excited. Of course, her wedding dress isn't really a wedding dress. She didn't want anything like that. But the ivory dress she is going to wear is wonderful. It's so Evan.

Equally as beautiful as her wedding dress is the white dress we found for her to wear at the party with her friends. We ordered shoes online. It's really going to happen. Sweetness and Girafferty are going to get married!

Today I'm creating revisions to two bios. I'm also cooking a nice dinner for Mr. B and myself. I'm ready to relax.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Hurray for Sammi

Exploring his kitchen discovery basket.
Sweetness and Girafferty's family wedding and reception will be on a Friday night with around 60 people and the "celebration"with friends will take place the following night.  Without notifying anyone, the venue for Saturday is closing and sneaking away into the night without refunding deposits. So we were scrambling last week to find another venue.

Yesterday, we looked at a perfect venue and the coordinator (Sammi) is wonderful! She was so friendly and helpful, not at all like Michael was at Gallery MSquared. Thanks to Evan's stepmother (Sherry) for suggesting the place and also to our friend Candy for being the most fabulous caterer. We are back on track and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Today I'm creating revisions to a couple of bios and probably writing a couple of blogs. These are things I can do from home while hanging out. Sounds like a plan.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

So sweet!

Look at TLP! He is having his morning nap cuddled up with a soft, blue lovie. Such a sweet little boy.

What has happened to Project Runway? It has to be my favorite realty show and it seems like forever since it has been on. I'm ready to be inspired by some sewing. I have ideas for new things to make. Watching Project Runway always motivates me.

Today I'm creating a shopping list. I need to go to the grocery store this afternoon. It will be the first time I've taken TLP and had him sit in the basket. It should be interesting.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Showing me his teeth

Look at those two bottom teeth.
TLP was in a great mood this morning. He was chatty and on the move. Around 9:45 a.m. I gave him a bath in the kitchen sink. He still fits in the sink, but his arms are reaching for everything.

After his bath I decided not to put clothes on him. He played in this diaper while sitting on the floor until his mommy came home for lunch around 11:30 a.m. I think her first words were why doesn't he have clothes on. He hates me pulling on anything over his big head and this morning I decided not to fight him!

Today I'm creating bios and blogs. I'm also making calls about Sweetness and Raff's wedding. It's getting so close and so many details haven't been finalized (flowers, cake, dress, shoes, etc.) so I'm making appointments and moving forward.

Monday, July 13, 2015

The times, they are a changin'

I saw TLP last night for a few minutes, but he was tired and semi-cranky. It was a busy weekend for him being in Tiki Island and out on a boat on Saturday, having a play date with friends on Sunday, and then swimming and dinner with Big Daddy's family last night. It was so sweet how he laid on my chest and slept for a few minutes before he woke up and was on the move.

This morning he was really moving. The days of him sitting on the bed with me in the mornings is now gone. Last week he started his version of crawling. He doesn't get on his knees, but instead uses his feet to push himself along. Although his crawling may look strange, it is highly effective as he is now everywhere. I'm going to have to get a kid's gate to put at the door of the television room where I stay with him. He is also going to need long pants to keep his needs from getting burned on the rug.

Today I'm creating work: blogs, follow-ups, newsletter, etc. Back in the heat and wishing I was in the high desert.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Home again

I had something happen last night that hasn't happened to me in a long time. I got pulled over for speeding. I was going 87 mph in an 80 mph speed limit. Fortunately I was just given a warning. I thought that it was safe to go less than 10 mph over the speed limit, but I guess I was wrong.

I need a glass or two of wine. Now.

Today I'm creating the last part of my trip home. About a hour outside of Houston the traffic stopped. From Sealy until Houston there was stop and go traffic. It was more than frustrating. It added an hour to my trip. Just what I didn't need was another hour added to an already long trip.

Friday, July 10, 2015

The Big Event

This is my last night in Santa Fe. How does the time go so quickly? I loaded every minute of my days with going here and there so as not to miss anything. Goal accomplished.

Tomorrow is the big day: International Folk Art Festival. It is so much fun to attend the market every year. There are always wonderful finds that I purchase for holiday gifts. It seems like a win + win + win. I buy gifts that aren't available outside the folk art festival + I support some incredibly needing international artists + I get some Christmas shopping done.

Today I'm creating revisions to a pro-bono newsletter and packing to go back to Houston. The temperatures in Santa Fe have been in the 70s during the day and the 50s at night. I've worn a light sweater or long sleeve short most of the days I've been here. I guess I'll be putting those clothing items away when I reach Houston.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Sleep deprived

Throwback Thursday photo on Wednesday. My family is
ignoring my pleas for new photos while I'm out of town.
I thought I was tired so I went to bed around 8:30 p.m. last night. Still awake at 9:30 p.m., I found my glasses and opened my book. The bedside light went off and my head hit the pillows around 11 p.m. Still awake at 4:30 a.m., I found my glasses again, got up and made the bed, and turned on my computer. I hate nights when I can't turn off my brain and fall asleep!

It's almost 5 a.m. now and I'm wondering if it's OK, since I haven't slept, to finish the glass of wine I abandoned at 11 p.m. or if it's time to move to coffee? Oh wait. I don't drink coffee. Such a conondrum. What now?

Today I'm creating client blogs. I think I have about six to write, but not all today.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Brrrrrrr

Beautiful Santa Fe garden.
It was in the 60s most of the day. Thank goodness I brought a sweater and a couple of long sleeve shirts. At midday the temp is fine, but in the early morning and after the sun goes down it gets quite cool.

I spent most of the afternoon visiting some of my favorite haunts. I had lunch at Downtown Subscriptions, which is just off Canyon. The pic-of-the-day is of their garden. People were eating lunch outside and enjoying the weather. I wanted to take a picture of the beautiful holly hocks that were blooming. Unfortunately there was a couple blocking my full view. Since I didn't know them I didn't want to take their photo. I finished the afternoon with a relaxing mani/pedi.

Today I'm creating an e-blast and Facebook postings for a non-profit. I have rented a movie to watch on my computer after I finish writing a client blog. The only negative I have about the casita were I'm staying is that there isn't a tub. I would really enjoy a bubble bath tonight. TMI?

Monday, July 6, 2015

I made it

I arrived in SFe around 2:30 p.m. The temp was 64 degrees.
It was a long drive yesterday and today, but I made it to Santa Fe. The pic-of-the-day is where I'll hang my hat for the next week.

After I unpacked I had to run a few errands. First I went by Pettita Casita. The driveway gate was open so I got to sneak a peek at the garden. It is full of flowers and lovely! Sadly, I don't think the apricot tree is going to produce fruit this year. I think a late snow killed the buds again this year. Next I went to my favorite casual place in town for lunch. Newspapers in hand I sat by myself at a table in the corner and ate my sandwich. Then it was off to Target to get some supplies: a small FM/CD player and books (no television in the casita). Finally, I had to make a stop at the liquor store. I hope I have enough Diet Cokes and white wine for the week. The essentials.

Today I'm creating a client blog and answering emails. There is a tiny round dining table and two chairs where I have set up my office. Computer operating. Phone charging. iPad charged. Door and windows open. Soft jazz in the background and a glass of wine chilled and waiting. It's good to be in the high desert, if only for a week. I'm a happy girl.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Happy Independence Day!

An outtake from the engagement photos.
Last night I watched a documentary on the Biography channel of Benedict Arnold that almost made him seem like a hero. As an outspoken military leader who was prone to taking great risks, maybe he didn't receive the recognition he deserved. Because he was unpopular he was passed over for promotions when others took credit for his accomplishments. In some ways Arnold reminds me of George Patton, except Patton didn't switch sides and fight for the Germans when he didn't get what he wanted.

Letters written by Arnold and given to George Washington confirm that Arnold was a traitor who sold American military plans to the British. Arnold did many things to weaken the American army, including selling American supplies on the black market for personal profit. Even after the war was over and he moved to England, Arnold had a very questionable reputation as businessman for his unscrupulous acts.

Today I'm creating a day of packing and relaxing. I've stayed inside the house all day watching a marathon of Sons of Liberty on the History Channel. I wish that the producers, directors and/or writers of such programs would stop messing with the true facts of American history. For example, all of the signers of the Declaration of Independence weren't present to sign the document at the same time, and yet that's what is continually depicted. I want these people to stop rewriting history!

Friday, July 3, 2015

Sweetness and Girafferty.
As Mr. B says, it's Africa hot outside. I'm not sure how he knows how hot it is in Africa since he hasn't been there, but I won't argue with him that it is hot.

TLP is feeling better today. His nose is still runny. His eyes are still red and puffy. But he doesn't seem to be as congested as he was yesterday. He had a fever last night so we gave him some Tylenol. Dr. Mc was able to reach the doctor on the phone. She told Dr. Mc we were doing the right things and to call back if his fever spiked to 104 degrees. Dr. Mc and I agreed that before his fever got to 104 we would have him at the hospital!

Today I'm creating a day of getting items ready to take with me to Santa Fe. Tomorrow, which is July 4, will be a day of cleaning house before I leave for Santa Fe on Sunday morning.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Making a funny face.
TLP has a runny nose today. I'm not sure he has ever sneezed before so every time he sneezes it kind of surprises him. Dr. Mc has put a tube in his nose to clean it out. TLP really doesn't like that!

This afternoon I met with a woman who is producing Pop Vows in Houston on July 10 for gay marriages. I'll be out of town or else I probably would help her. I know that some readers aren't going to like that I would be associated with gay marriage, but I think everyone has the right to be in a loving relationship.

Today I'm creating engagement photos with Sweetness and Girafferty. Speaking of everyone having the right to be in a loving relationship, their wedding date gets closer and closer.