Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Back to School


Well, after a brief hiatus, I'm going back to school tonight. Did I mention that I got an "A" in my Business class? SCORE! I was VERY excited about that.

So tonight begins my adventures in ASL in college. I'm looking forward to it, but I'm a bit nervous too. I'm never studied ASL in a CLASS. Just with my friends. So, this is a bit different and alot of the students already know each other since they had the prev. class together.

Maybe I'm over-thinking it all, but I just wish my knowledge of the language was at the same level as the knowledge of signs. It's like knowing English, but not knowing grammar. They tend to go hand in hand. Although you can include adjectives in a sentence without knowing exactly what an adjective is. So, I will probably have to take a test this week to see if I really qualify for the ASL II class or if I need to take ASL I first. We shall see.

I'm heading to Cal-i-for-ni-a tomorrow morning. Yea! Just a short trip though, I'll be back Thurs. in time for school.

So, that's my latest and greatest. I'll chat with ya tomorrow from the West Coast!

posted by Amstaff Mom | 11:00 AM | 12 comments




Thursday, August 24, 2006

Planes, Trains & Automobiles


Well, I'm back in the land of Tejas after enjoying daily temps of 75-80 degrees in the NE. I did my fair share of Planes (4 flights), Trains (Metro-North and NYC Subways) and Automobiles (2 rentals and 2 car services rides) in a 4 day period. It was a smorgasboard of airports and hotels and experiences.

Favorite quotes while on my journey:

"I'm SO SORRY my car is SO HOT. I'm about to DIE it's so HOT OUTSIDE!!!! " (This from my friend in NY when it was approx. 80 degrees outside). I made her swear not to come to Texas in the next 2-3 months.

"I'm just sitting around, waiting for my flight". (This quote was provided by the lady in the bathroom stall next to me while she was talking to her friend on her cell phone.) She had called the lady right when she began "sitting around". Yeah lady, sitting on the pot, that is.

I delivered three presentations while on my trip, but also managed to do a little bit of shopping, and a quick voyage into NYC when I arrived in White Plains on an earlier flight. I got to enjoy my favorite sandwich (the Chicavo from Lenny's) and scarfed it while sitting in Central Park. NICE.

So now that I'm back, I at least have a few photos to remind me of the trip, and of last week's to Florida. I'm off to California next week. yea!

Treasure Island Beach, St. Pete














Proof my feet were in the Gulf of Mexico....















Inside Grand Central Station




















From my perch in Central Park

posted by Amstaff Mom | 11:19 AM | 7 comments




Saturday, August 19, 2006

Happy Birthday! (and anniversary)


Happy Birthday to the oh-so-innocent looking boys in the photos below. Yes, my hubby and his (somewhat) evil twin are celebrating their birthday today! The bow-ties just kill me. KILL ME!

The anniversary part is that it's been 1 year since I met Eddo, Jes, and Roger in person. One year ago today my husband was given the name Brian by Eddo. He's been Brian on Blogger ever since.

Happy Birthday Guys! (Brian is on the top photo)




















I'm heading to Boston, NY and Pennsylvania this week. I'll check in with y'all from there!

posted by Amstaff Mom | 8:25 PM | 12 comments




Monday, August 14, 2006

Where's the Beach?


Well, I finally made it to Tampa. It rained the whole time we were flying over Florida which can be a rollercoaster ride. Upon arriving at the gate (well, almost), we were told that the lightning was so bad that the ground crew couldn't guide us in. 30 mins. later, we were able to get off the plane only to hear the sirens going off again. WE were off the plane, but our luggage was not coming off anytime soon. Sigh. After picking up a banana and a water @ Starbucks (you'd be proud of me Tracey), I began the wait. Then I waited to get my rental car. When I arrived at the hotel, I was greeted by a warm chocolate chip cookie. No, I don't like chocolate, but at this point, I was thankful for the love.

So, here I am, in wet, rainy Tampa. I sure hope I get to see the beach tomorrow.

Security was a breeze at the airport. A light pat-down, but no waiting at all. Not for me at least, but one guy and his agent(?) was forced to go through the thorough baggage check to the side. Evidently it was a very thorough check b/c he was just sitting there waiting. His name?
Emmitt Smith. No privileges at D/FW airport for the uber-famous I guess.

Good night folks.

posted by Amstaff Mom | 8:27 PM | 8 comments




Friday, August 11, 2006

Good News/Bad News


Good News: I'm flying 8 times this month.

Bad News: I'm flying 8 times this month.

I LOVE to travel, but I'm going to be one parched, stressed tourist it sounds like. Wish me luck, myfirst trip is Monday! Florida here I come! (eventually)

posted by Amstaff Mom | 1:38 PM | 4 comments




Thursday, August 10, 2006

If I Could Turn Back Time


I would have checked my OTHER email account (my 3rd one) last night. Then I would have seen that Starbucks was offering me a free Iced Coffee from 7-9 this morning.

BLAST! RATS & MICE!!

Hmph.

posted by Amstaff Mom | 9:54 AM | 7 comments




Monday, August 07, 2006

2,555















That's how many days I've been married. Since I changed my name. Since I added an extra ring to my finger. Since I became his wife. And you know what? It's just not enough. I want alot more. Happy 7th Anniversary to us.

posted by Amstaff Mom | 4:58 PM | 11 comments




Thursday, August 03, 2006

New Toy


When I started my new job a few weeks ago, I got a new cell phone. I was checking out the features of the phone and realized that it is also could be an mp3 player. My gears began turning. I'd been wanting a mp3 player with more memory than my current one (my free gift with Turbo Tax). So last night I bought the little USB adapter and special headphones that allow both for the listening of music and answering/disconnecting phone calls. I also got a 512MB TransFlash memory card. (Am I the only person that hasn't heard of this?) It's so tiny!

So, last night I sync'd my phone with my pc and voila! my phone was transformed into a walking jukebox.

I think my birthday money has been put to good use. :)

posted by Amstaff Mom | 5:26 AM | 11 comments