Wildlife adventuring in the city

Last week, I had a chance to go on a photo meet-up with other enthusiasts from Katy (suburb of Houston). I've never done meet ups before so this was a first. I've never really been into those kinds of things. Truth is, I'm a social moron. I feel too much pressure to talk to people & entertain them. I know, pathetic. But my flaws isn't what this post is supposed to be about. Back on topic again, so I went to this meet-up not knowing what to expect. I was just excited to get out of the house and do something different for once. The meet-up took place at a wildlife park called TGR Exotics. The little outdoor cabin-ish type building was where we first started. This is where I meet the unofficial official welcome wagon, a cat named "The Enforcer". I couldn't get enough of the little guy. He was a natural born model and I made sure he got his 15 minutes! From there, we did a 45 minute tour throughout the park and saw lots of cute little fuzzies, from anteaters to kangaroos, it was a delight to my animal lover self :)

It was super fun and I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something different. I must admit that it was nice to be around other people who share the same passion as me. All the "nerd speak" was nice ;)

No work Monday!

Today didn't turn out the way my typical Mondays are. Usually I'm awake at 6 o'clock, cursing the alarm clock for interrupting my wonderful, wonderful sleep. Then I'm off to work for 8 hours, slaving away for "the man", cursing my inability to win the lottery and not being lucky enough to be a "trust fund kid". Lovely isn't it?

Fortunately, today I got a call from work... they would not be needing me today. *YIPEEE* Cue the pomp and circumstance, ladies and gentlemen, I am a free woman. And what does a free woman do on a Monday? Why she aimlessly walks around Wal-Mart and Bed, Bath, & Beyond with no intention of buying anything... pathetic, yes. But in hindsight, it kept me from holing myself up in front of the tv and computer, so it was a win-win situation.

Plus, it's always that much nicer knowing that I'm not working today while the rest of the world is. Now that's some sweet sugar.

mini-vacation get-away

So for the Fourth of July vacation, the hubby and I decided to take a cheap, simple get-away to none other than Galveston. A mere hour away, it was the perfect vacation for a budget tight couple. From bicycle riding on the strand, to spending the perfect day pool-side at our fancy hotel, it was great to relax & bask in the glory of vacationing. The first leg of the trip included a semi-romantic dinner at Fisherman's Wharf, which was incidentally, the restaurant where we had one of our first dates. Now I say semi-romantic because the restaurant is located on the not-so-pretty industrial port of Galveston. Outside dining was accompanied by views of big, clunky ships and nasty, dirty buildings. Of course, once you get over the scenery, the experience isn't too bad. The food was great (overpriced!), the company was fantastic, and it's always nice to dine on a pier.

Day two of the trip, included a day full of Moody Gardens adventure. We stopped by the rainforest and the aquarium exhibits. Both were fun but, once again, overpriced. I think overall the vacation was a success. Not only was the bank account intact afterwards, but it was nice to do something different for once. Working 7-3, M-F all the time can get old FAST, so it was nice reprieve to get away from it all.

Vacations keep the working (wo)man sane! ;)

Ruffled leaves.

Spring came and went. I barely noticed. The weather went from being super cold to hot & humid. I miss living in place where there are distinct seasons. I want to be able to enjoy the transition from a gloomy, depressing winter to a sunshine-y, breezy spring. I think I'd appreciate the change in seasons more. Because right now, spring sucks. And spring should never suck; it should be fun & full of life, like being a kid again and being able to go outside in shorts for the first time to play around in the grass.

This is the spring I want.

Bath time.

She thoroughly abhorred bath time. But when you stink like that, you ain't go no other options, baby.



I found it irritating that I wasn't able to edit both the pictures similarly. They were taken with the same lighting, settings, subject... etc etc. So why then can't I get identical results? If I wasn't such a grandma, I'd probably try and correct that, but since it's kinda, sorta past my bedtime, I'm gonna let it slide.

After all, it's only Tuesday. I have plenty of time to exhaust myself before the weekend gets here.

Leica girl

I know, I know, it's been AGES since my last post. Fortunately, today I'm back & ready for some blogging. Last weekend, the hubby & I went on a little road trip to pick up a new puppy. *GASP* A new pet?! Yep, we have a full house of four legged creatures. The puppy is an Alaskan Malamute. She's a gorgeous little thing. I can't get over how much she resembles a wolf. I guess that's what drew the hubby towards the breed. He's always had one growing up & a few years ago had to give up one to his parents. You guys might recognize her from an earlier post. Last Saturday we drove 4 hours north to pick up the little girl from a private breeder and it's been a whirlwind of craziness ever since. So the past few days have been difficult, to say the least. She's not exactly house broken yet & she's howler... a really loud howler. She loves her squeaky toys and spends an obscene amount of time squeaking them, she's constantly drinking which means constantly peeing, and she's a complete slob. But it's ok, we still love her.

Did I mention her name?

It's Leica. Yep, like the camera.