Kayaking on the Gulf at Sunset

Remember the couple we told you about? You know, the ones from the West Point Founder's Day Dinner. Curt and Linda. Curt is a triathlete... ringing a bell yet? It was in the Karma post...

Any way, I received an email today while I was supposed to be working. It was from Linda and she wanted to know if Bigun and me would like to go on a kayak trip tomorrow night on the Gulf of Mexico at sunset. Uh. Well. Let me think. Huh....still thinking....

... ... ... ... ...

YES! Ofcourse we want to go. So, Bigun and I are heading out to the water tomorrow night after work for a little tandem kayak trip in the Gulf. I can't wait. Stay tuned for the pictures!!!

The couple featured to the right will be "leading the tour". Can't wait!!

p.s. notice in the bio - Diane is a triathlete....

L for Love

That's right baby. Finger and thumb in the shape of an "L" on yer forehead means "L" for Love Baby. Dodgeball, instant classic. "L" for love it!! Enough about Dodgeball. I'm not here to talk about Dodgeball.

I'm actually here to talk about Bigun. He's in a bit of a funk. You see, for those of you who don't know this yet, Bigun lives to be funny. Lives for it. Hands down it is his greatest goal everyday. Be the Funniest. Be Funny. Make people laugh. I laugh at him. A lot. Mostly on the inside, but I'm laughin'. I'm laughin' because Bigun really is funny. Sometimes I think his humor is a little more sideways than I prefer. Then it occurs to me whose mind it is coming from and I laugh ( mostly on the inside). He's hysterical. Crack me up hysterical funny. He is.

Those of you who read his blog, you get it. That's why most of you come back. The laughs in between the work out reports. He's also a guy who likes to leave funny comments on other bloggers' posts. He's funny. He can't help it. He's probably posting right now. On the other PC. Trying hard to be serious instead of funny. I don't think he'll be able to go on like this much longer. Help. Let him know you need the funny Bigun back. Give him the "L" for love sign. Let him know you want the old funny Bigun back. Help him make us all laugh again. Remember - "L" for love ya Bigun!!!

There's More?

Damn skippy!

I have had a few side requests for more pics. Bigun's B-Day was a lot of fun...here they are, as requested for Kim, Linda, The Stripper Chick and all of you others who are curious but won't ask! LOL

Our next door neighbors with their sweet little ray of sunshine.....

Our stalker friends here... we knew them in North Carolina 14 years ago. They found out we lived here and next thing you know, here they are! They live here now too. We have that effect on people. Where ever we go, they follow. Weird

This is KoJo. Another stalker friend. She followed us here from Texas. We moved here from Houston and a year later, she's buying a house a mile away. Weird - I'm telling you, it's true.

Sam and Alli....more stalkers. This time, it's Bigun's sister and her hubby. They migrated south a year ago. Guess where? Yep- about a mile away. Notice a trend here? We are so Freakin' popular, everyone wants to be where we are. We have that effect on people. I can't explain it. It's a gift. Or is it? Hummm...let's think on that one. I'll get back to you.

doesn't actually have anything at all to do with the party. I just love the picture. It's Pomegranate Salsa. Doesn't it look awesome?!?!? Yummmm

I met this couple in a furniture store. The rest, as they say, is history. That was 7 years ago. True story - swear.

The Wild Crew here. They went out Bull riding after they left the party....needed a little more action LOL sorry, not bull riding, they went to The Dallas Bull. That's what it was. whoops.

This is me. Spreading happiness, joy and sunshine in little sugar rimmed glasses. Lemon Drops are yummy. Someone asked me where all the men were...well, the main photographer was a guy. You are enjoying the party through his eyes.....

Say Thank you to Party Pooper #682 (see comments on Happy 43rd Bigun)

Happy 43rd!!! BIGUN

Last night was thee night. Bigun turned 43. We had a great showing. All of our friends who could make it were here. We missed a few faces but they live out of state and we understand. Mostly. Sort of. Kind of. Awww - who needs 'em?!?!? LOL Just kidding you guys!!! We love you and you were missed last night (you know who you are).

We were surrounded by friends and family and it was a really fun night. It was an unusually early night too. Maybe that's because Bigun had his 100 mile ride this morning. I think everyone was kind to keep that in mind. He has been a little sick the past few days too. He was tired. The question here though is this. WHAT AM I?!?! CHOPPED LIVER?!?!? I was wanting to party. Party poopers. House was empty by midnight. I was asleep in 10 minutes.

Drink of the night was Pomegranate Margaritas. They were okay. I need to work on this recipe a bit. Figure out that one little thing that sends them from "they're tasty" to " Wow THESE ROCK!" Know what I mean? In my quest for the photo of a most delicious Pomerita I found this site -http://www.pomwonderful.com/index.html check it out!! Man oh man, the food looks incredulous!!


The lemon drops were pretty fantastic though. My girlfriend KoJo came up with these. I had polled once before about a lemon martini and was poopooed. Kojo brought the ingredients over 2 nights ago. It took us half a litre of Kettle One Citroen Vodka but we got it right. Finally!! What a tough job!! Someone's gotta do it. So, we served the Lemon Drop Martini's in cute little suagr rimmed glasses and they were the hit of the alcohol! er, I mean party. That'll teach me to "poll". Next time, I'll just serve whatever the hell I want and tell them they'll love it!! Kojo is the girl in the center, after a few lemon drops herself... LOL I won't bore you too much with all of the "stuff" I'll share pictures instead...

A few other of our "Party Staples" Our friends, Perez (left to right), Haskins, and Alli, Bigun's sis.

We even had a stripper Check out Bigun's face. Happy Lap!! or is that Happy Lap Dance? LOL (my girlfriend is going to kill me) Rotflmao. Say "Oh well" LOL

Bigun's Mom came down from North Carolina for the Bigun event.

Pretty sure Fun was had by all. Thanks for stopping in - next party we have, we hope you can make it!

Crusty Man

Crusty Man aka Bigun and I attended the West Point Founders Day Dinner last Thursday evening. It was enjoyable and very interesting. We have already shared those facts with you all. What I haven't told you yet...wait...here it comes.... are you ready? We met a TRIATHLETE!!! Curt and his wife, Linda sat opposite Bigun and I at a large round table. Conversation was relegated to quiet shouting if you wanted to be heard across the table. Needless to say, we didn't talk to them. That is until after dinner and we were all trying to make our escape.

Talk about Karma. I felt compelled to invite them to a cook out the '86 grads from this area are having in April. They live in the same neighborhood we will be partying in(they are '84'ers). It's only right to invite right? That's what I said too.

Well, Linda and I have chatted briefly online and it turns out (we athlinked them) Curt is a triathlete!!! He is already signed up for many of the races Bigun is racing in. HOW. EXCITING. IS. THAT!?!?!? WooooHooooo. I need more pom poms!!! I need Black and Gold Pom POms (USMA colors). Beat Navy!!

I'll keep you posted.

Oh, by the way, I think they like Scrabble too. Talk about a Karmic bonus!!!

Mr Flexeril is my new best friend

Forgive me fellow Bloggers. It has been 11 days since my last post.

It has been crazy around here. Lots of things have been going on in the Bigun Household. As most of you probably already know I missed Biguns "Shamrock 10k". Due to a flare up of pain in my neck from 3 herniated disks. I just couldn't get out of bed. Miserable is an understatement. Unbearable for other people is a little more accurate. I needed to spare any and all who may have come in to contact with my irritable, pain inflicted, un-charming personality. Yes, I too can be a leetle bitchy at times.

Thankfully for all of those who know me, my Doc had prescribed Flexeril and Oxycodone for "those really bad days". Admittedly, Without Mr. Flexeril, I don't think I could have managed. I try to avoid adding drugs to my system. Taking Tylenol is a big deal to me. Last weekend though, Di's drug induced stupor was best for everyone.

Enough about that. I am feeling worlds better and moved rapidly through the rest of the week to Wednesday. An old friend of mine, Lisa, and her two teenage daughters from North Carolina came to visit.

When my girlfriend Lisa was pregnant almost 18 years ago with her oldest daughter I was there. She had a real schmuck for a husband who walked out on her and her soon to be new baby girl ( best thing that could have happened to her then). Lisa was only 2 months pregnant. So, as friends do, we shared her pregnancy. She had a tough go of it towards the end and was restricted to "bed rest". I don't think she ever really obeyed the whole bedrest thing. So, to keep her in a state of "rest" so to speak, we watched Topgun. Over and over and over. I watched Topgun more times during her pregnancy than I ever dare admit. I still cannot watch Topgun without remembering sitting on the floor of her apartment rubbing her belly while we watched Val Kilmer flaunt his awesomely HAWT bod. Sick. We ate a lot of popcorn too. I no longer eat popcorn. I do still drool over Val Kilmer though. Love a man with a flat top in a uniform. Too hot.

Lets not forget, he was hot in The Doors....... oh and he is definitely the BEST Doc Holliday the silver screen has ever had....remember that scene where he twirls his tin cup? Hot. Oh and lets not forget "I'm your Huckleberry" SO.HOT. He can be my Huckleberry...Wait, this post isn't about Val. WTH am I doing?

So, let me finish the story I was originally telling....

It didn't take Lisa long to meet a really great guy who loved her and her beautiful daughter. They married and share another amazing and beautiful daughter who is now 15. Bigun and I had a house filled with the chattering, bickering, laughing, wonderful voices of the 17 and 15 year old girls for the last 3 days. On top of that, I don't think Lisa and I ever stopped talking either. Bigun was inundated with women. Ouch.

Thursday night I had to leave the 3 girls to their own devices. The girls shopped, Bigun and I attended the annual West Point Founder's Day Dinner. It had been 6 years passed since we attended one of these dinners. I enjoy getting together with everyone and meeting new people. Bigun would rather have his teeth pulled. The dinner was really nice. We had a delicious meal. Talked with people we hadn't seen in a while and made new acquaintances with people we'll be seeing again soon. Right around dessert The Commandant of West Point stepped up to the podium. I expected to be bored out of my mind. Truly, I did. Been there. Done that. To my surprise, boredom would least describe my experience. Not only was General Hagenbeck personable and interesting. He came across as genuinely driven in the task of making West Point the best it can be. The programs they have introduced and the opportunities they are offering to the future leaders of our Military and our country are astounding.
For those of you who don't know, I grew up in a military family. I married a military man. Although Bigun and I are now civilians, my friends- lifelong friends - are Army and Army wives.(beat navy) My life doesn't revolve around the military but the military is an intrinsic part of who I am. I am proud of and hold my head up high to that fact. The USMA , West Point, understands that the future of our Country and it's freedom rests on the indelible fact that we will need strong leaders. They have stepped up to the plate and plan on holding themselves accountable to the future of the United States of America and it's Citizens - Americans. You. And me. The faces in this photo ARE our future protectors.

Making a political statement on my blog is not my intention. I don't wish to rial anyone's feathers. If what I am about to say causes anyone to stop reading my blog - so be it. This I must say - I agree with John McCain on something very important. McCain does want to see an end to this war. We all do. Our men and women are dying at the hands of cowards who fight behind women, children and car bombs. This is not something I want to see continue. Like John McCain, I believe that if we do not "win" this war before we leave Iraq and Afghanistan, we WILL be fighting a war of terror on our own soil. These cowards will come to our country in droves and kill as many of our citizens as they can. The death of America and her Citizens is their life mission. The Terrorists believe in their mission to abolish Americans, our government, our lives. This will be the difference if we leave now without a true "win" over terror. You won't know who the terrorist is until they kill you or someone you love. These cowards will not be walking through our streets in uniforms with weapons slung over their shoulders. They are NOT soldiers. They are NOT brave. They'll be hiding in the shadows and will strike when we aren't looking. They'll shoot us when our backs are turned. They'll bomb our places of business and our schools. They'll kills thousands more men, women and children who have no fight with the terrorists or their religious beliefs. They WILL kill Americans who are just living their daily lives. Hoping for a peaceful night of sleep will be the farthest from your worries.

I will not apologize for what I believe. My point is - the Founders Day Dinner boosted my hope in the future of our Country and the men and women who will be it's future leaders. I'm proud to be affiliated with such an outstanding Institution. I am proud of being an American and I am proud of the men and women who are putting their lives on the line for us every moment of every day.
On a lighter note- we came home from Thursdays dinner to my girlfriend and her daughters. Bigun had to hit the sack. I on the other hand climbed into the Minivan with Lisa and the girls for a midnight run to Steak and Shake. LOL I can't remember the last time I went out for a midnight run ( in my nightgown and sweat shirt) for a shake. All of us were in our jammies. What a sight for the poor fellow at the drive thru!! We had so much fun this weekend. We ran the gamut of rollercoasters at Busch gardens on Friday. Shopped, literally, til we dropped on Saturday. Enjoyed a great dinner last night and a friend of Lisa's family, Adam, came over from Orlando to join us. Adam is smitten for Lauren, the 17 year old. There is no doubt, Lauren feels the same about Adam. This is his first year at College and I have no doubt you will all see his name one day with the likes of Sam Raimi and Steven Spielberg. He is a motivated young film student with the brains and work ethic to get where he wants to go. He is such a nice, genuine young man. I can see why Lauren adores him.

Alex, the 15 year old is boy crazy. Surprisingly she didn't suffer any whiplash this weekend. I was certain that as much as she spun her pretty little head to check out the "hotties" she would need a neck brace by Sunday. They are both amazing young women. Lauren is soft spoken, easy going and sees the beauty in everything. Alex is as saucy and strong willed as her Mother and is full of ideas for her future.

The girls left this morning to drive back to NC. 10 minutes out the door and I was already missing them. I kept hoping Lisa would turn around and come back for today and leave tomorrow morning. It didn't happen. That shit only happens in the movies. The rest of us real people, we know we have to work on Monday. WTF?

Now. This week Bigun's Mom is coming down for a visit and will be joining us in the fun and festivities of Bigun's 43rd birthday party this coming Saturday. The house is a wreck. It was a wreck before the girls all arrived. They didn't mind that fact at all. Bigun and I have to motor to get the house in shape for the party. In addition to working, daily activities, Bigun training, we have to put the dining room back together, wash laundry, move furniture, and try to get in some sleep.

Talk to you again in another 11 days!!!

Ahem

WICKED was totally wicked. Not the book. Indeed I can honestly say it is exactly what I expected. That meaning I knew it could not be like the book. It was a surprise on the comedy side of the Production. I loved it. For me, when I watch a musical or a play on stage, I get lost in more than the story line. When I watch a movie, regardless of comedy, drama, horror, etc. I get lost in the story.

On stage, I get lost in the production itself. I experience the story. The costumes, where a character stands on the stage, the subtle gestures and the exaggerated gestures, the props, the mechanics, the colors, the costumes. It all fascinates me. Maybe that is a bit distracting in my ability to simply lose myself in the story. I lose myself in the entire being of the production. It's a living, breathing, pulsing event and I am smack dab in the middle of it. Lost.

Oblivious to most everything around me. Except the person who decided to de-shoe and allow their funky a**, nasty feet catch a little air. My air. My precious previously odor free air. WHO DOES THAT? WTF?!?! Aside from that excruciatingly LONG period of 7.32 minutes of funky air - Wicked Oblivion was my own personal space. I want to go again. It's like a good book. The more you read it the more you enjoy it. The more you are able to absorb it's subtleties. You are able to witness it's brilliance and it's color with enhanced, more vivid, more aware eyes.

I wonder if I could score tickets again by Sunday? Sunday is the last production. (in Tampa) I heard though, if you stand outside the box office- in line- starting the night before- you might, just might, get to score an unclaimed ticket. Humm, maybe I could call in sick tomorrow and get in line a day ahead of time. That should guarantee me a ticket. Wait.

Maybe I should go see the Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz. He would help me get a ticket. Follow the Yellow Brick Road, follow the Yellow Brick Road...

Yeah, that's the ticket....

Tonight is Your Night Bro

And tonight - Bigun just might score. Can you guys hear Danny DeVito singing in the background? Well, tonight is THEE Night. WICKED. Bigun gave me tickets to WICKED. So, I'll be sporting my binos on the way to our seats to enjoy the production tonight. Cannot wait.

I don't know what I'm going to wear!! I better skip work today. Girl's got some shopping to do. Wait, can't. I have some training to do today. Okay, maybe I'll suddenly contract Geek Girl's cold. That darn Geek Girl. I just KNEW she was contagious!!!

Paint, it's a Behr

So, first you ask- "Is this post at all Tri related?" Well, I can answer that with all honesty- I don't know yet.

What I can admit to upfront is the impasse I have reached. It is the ever formidable PAINT COLOR impasse. I have 4 gallons of Behr paint- which includes the color. The problem is, getting it from the paint bucket to the wall. Anyone out there know how this happens? Actually, let me restate the question for clarification. How exactly am I supposed to get the paint onto the wall in a short amount of time with no commitment of my own time? BTW hiring someone to do it, it's not on the "Remodel Budget", so- any ideas? I may still have a little room on the remodel budget for beer and pizza. Dilemma....I think that everyone we know is wise to this ruse and would simply feign other commitments.

I have, for all intent (almost) finished the Dining Room. I had quite a lot of help with this. Even Bigun pitched in on this undertaking. When you see it you'll understand why I am over the whole painting thing. It was pretty intense. Worth it? Well, yes, when it's done. It isn't completed and already I have friends who want this finish done in their home. Did I tell you it's stunning? It is. Directly opposite the Dining Room is our Office. I'm not going to be doing any special finishes or faux techniques. The Dining Room is quite spectacular and any faux opposite it would be too competitive. The office is just 2 colors rolled onto the walls. Easy. Right? Okay, until you have to move all of the bookcases, the sofa, the desk, the filing cabinets, the chair...are you getting an idea now? I haven't even mentioned all of the prep work. You know what I'm talking about, the taping, the priming, the cutting in, the tarps. ARRRRRGH!! All in the name of beauty.

I'll say it for you, "Kwitcherbitchin". Done. With paint any way. For now.

Well, Bigun and I have had our new Washer/ Dryer set for a week. Spectacular. They are washing clothes in a fraction of the time it took my 12 year old washer. ie:save money on electric, save money on water. When I remove the clothes from the washer to the dryer, they appear to be nothing more than damp. The spin cycle is KILLER. This in turn also reduces drying time....saving more money!! Love to save. Love to look at the beautiful color. Any one want a tour of the laundry room, just say the word!

I have finally started to get serious about buying my new car now. My lease is up in May. Phew good thing too, I was feeling the panic of crunch time with it being up in about 3 weeks. Luckily I was mistaken. After experiencing that slight panic though, I thought I better get busy. So, here is an example of what I will be soon driving. (check out those black racing stripes) HAWT. Driving may not be the correct terminology. Flying might be better. Yes, hard to imagine a Mini flying, ride with me once. You'll be on board with my terminology afterwards. I love to drive. I do. It's the best quiet time of the day. Except for the music. The music is really loud. It's a requirement isn't it? I'm not into the really loud thumping bass. I'm into as loud as I can get it to drown out my off key warbling attempts at singing. No, I am not a good singer but I must confess, that doesn't stop me. I don't care. I love music and I love to sing. Wanna ride?

I am so psyched that I am going to be able to put my bike on the back of my new car. I never had that option with the SAAB. Yes, I know they make compatible bike racks. My concern was the paint. We had a rack for the Rodeo we owned and the rack totally wrecked the paint job. I didn't want to risk that with my SAAB. (it is leased) No problem with it on the Mini. It's an option. Can you believe it? On a cute little convertible, they offer a bike rack as an option. I am so stoked. I am fully aware that a Mini Cooper is not what you would typically describe as a "Sexy" car. Then again, I have always been attracted to the nerdy types. There is nothing sexier than a smart man or a smart car. oohh I get chills just thinkin' about it. Know where you're going? Maybe I can give you a lift.

Tri season is fast approaching. WOOOOOHOOOOO. I look forward to the races. It's always an adventure. Bigun is in great shape. He's going to be a man to watch. I have seen vast improvements in his running abilities. If I were to say he had a weakness or an area that I worried most over for him, it was the run. Now, when he's finished with his runs he comes in strong and smiling. HUGE difference. I am so proud of him. Bigun will definitely be a contender this race season. In addition to vamping up his run he has also improved his bike and swim. Those skinny boys better watch out. When you skinny boys feel the ground shaking as you run, look over your shoulder. If you don't kick it in, that Clydesdale, Bigun, is going to kick your ass. How sexy is that?
Can't wait for Tri season to start.