Howdy from Texas!

You may or may not remember me, it's been awhile! Some people might think that I got lost in the Texan tumbleweed...don't worry, I didn't :)

These last few months I would like to describe as 'busy.' Now busy is a loaded word. There is busy, meaning you have a child/children and can't find time to take a shower, busy meaning you just started a new job and feel like a fish out of water at all times, and then there's my busy, which might, just slightly, be my fault.

I am what you might call, a perfectionist. I can't just grade some papers, I need to respond in the form of an essay to each an every one, giving personal thought and detail to their work. I can't just be the new basketball coach for 6-8th grade girls. I have to create individual playbooks for each girl, bound together in organized folders, with a personalized touch from me. I have a new 'team' of 5th grade teachers that are working with me this year. I have made it my personal mission to make sure everyone feels comfortable, has lesson plans at the ready, and copies of student work, hot and fresh on their desks each morning.

I am getting feisty voicemails from my grandmother, whom I have neglected to call back. I can't remember where I put all of my clean underwear, and I'm pretty sure I've lost my cell phone 4-5 times in the last week. I'm ready for a break, whew!

It is now Saturday, and I have a weeks worth of vacation stretching out before me. I am in charge of Thanksgiving this year, with my in-laws coming to Texas to taste my lovely turkey dinner. I've decided to keep it simple, and not create individual name cards with the history of the Pilgrims experience at each table setting. I don't need to create a Martha Stewart Holiday...right?!

We are approaching the Holidays, a time of enjoyment. Enjoyment of family, friends, slowing down, realizing what you have to be thankful for, and not worrying about petty things. It is my personal goal to embrace this, and take time...yes, just time :) Here's wishing you a restful, and love filled Thanksgiving!

Singapore no more!

Houston has been an adventure for Sangam and I in so many ways. The two of us have struck out on our own, relying on each other and figuring out life as we go! :) Most recently, Sangam was sent to Singapore for a work trip. It is exciting to think of him traveling half way around the world to attend meetings, have some of the best sushi in the world at a local market, sightsee throughout the city, and then jet back one week later.

Now, if I was a better person, I would be overjoyed for him the entire time, but let's be serious....I want to go too!!! Teaching just doesn't get perks like flying to foreign countries to attend workshops, or even a long enough lunch break to leave the school premises and get back in time... sheesh!

Our daily phone conversations have to happen at about 7 at night for me, but 8 in the morning for him. When I'm beginning to wind down, he's just starting up! Maybe next his company will have a project in Bali, or Greece, and it will conveniently be in the summer, so I can not sweat taking a week and a half vacation, fabulous!!! Until then, a cool Singapore mug or t-shirt will suffice!

Oh how my sinuses astound me!!

Springtime in Houston is a special time. To commemorate the fun that is humidity and pollen combined, I thought I would express my feelings through poetry... :)

Springtime in Houston...a Poem:

I wake in the morning, and open my eyes

On this sunny day, I got a surprise

My eyes are sealed closed

I MUST blow my nose

The only thing not running are the tips of my toes

I feel that a headache is just the beginning

Of loosing health's battle, there is just no winning

Pollen, dander, dust and mold

Allegra, zyrtec, claritin, I'm sold

And just when I think that I'm in the clear

I breathe in deeply and sneeze with a smear

Oh thank you dear Houston,

for bringing the sting

The watering, packed in, stuffed nasal thing

I want to go biking, running, be free

Now only if I could do this, and be able to see

-Sniffly

Vacations are Fabulous!!

This past week, Sangam and I took a trip to North Carolina. I loved not knowing exactly what we would be doing each day, but having so much fun just going with the flow!

Here was our first stop after landing in Charlotte, and driving west to the beautiful Smoky Mountains. It was foggy each morning, perfect for sipping a hot cup of coffee as we navigated in our spiffy rental car!

Sangam was totally in his element. We would pull off at a trailhead and just take short hikes, hearing the sounds of spring in flowing rivers and birds testing out their start of the season chirps.

There is something about hiking in a new place that makes you feel like a kid again, anxiously awaiting what is around each new corner. It was such a great feeling, to be just starting our break, and already being so relaxed and having such fun!!

We ended up walking a few miles to a beautiful waterfall, making friends with the families and fellow hikers along the way. There is something about being on vacation that makes people friendlier, and more apt to make small talk. Every trip, I say to myself, I wish people were this carefree all the time!!

Here is Sangam as we drive up to our next destination, near Asheville, NC. Asheville was a really fun town, with an Austin-like feel. Lots of good restaurants, awesome local music and a laid back feel. As you can tell by his expression, Sangam is anticipatory of our tour of The Biltmore.

The Biltmore is the largest, privately owned house in the United States. Unaware of what this place even was, Sangam and I were impressed by the sheer organization of the house, beautiful thought that went into each space of the 250 rooms and forward technology of a house built in 1895. Complete with dorky headseats, I soaked up all the info concerning the indoor pool, extensive laundry facilities, lavish suites for guests and even a bowling alley for the enthusiasts!

I love how new surroundings serve to help you know yourselves better. Sangam and I had such a blast just exploring all these new sights together. After the tour of the house, we walked out into the lavish gardens, beautifully manicured and laid out in symmetrical beauty!

Our next stop was Chapel Hill, NC to see Sangam's sister, Angel. She is a senior at UNC, and as you can see, we had so much fun, I apparently forgot to take any pictures!! Our gracious host brought us to 'Top of the Hill', the infamous place to go in this college town, showed us her sorority house, the college campus and even took her old brother and sister in law out for St.Patty's day :) Being on campus totally brought me back to my college days. Man, if only I had to worry about my next exam, those were the days! :)

With our busy schedule, we said goodbye and headed 3 1/2 hours east, to the coast of NC, near Willmington, or Shallotte to be exact! There we found one of my dearest friends and her family. We were so excited to see the new home and town of the Williams'! One of the first things we did was tour their beautiful home,(Maria is definately a creative and fun decorator!)

After settling in, we promptly headed all of 5 minutes to the beach!

Right off the bat, I couldn't help but remember all the Nicholas Sparks books Maria, I and our high school friends had read over the years. This beach definately fit the description of that place; I was instantly excited for such a great get-away for this sweet family!

Maeta and Soren were naturals on the surf board. They were so good, that Sangam was inspired to test the waters himself, surfing for the first time!!

Dustin was a great teacher, showing Sangam the ropes :) I can't believe how much fun we had with the Williams! There is something about a longtime friend that fits like an old shoe. I was reminded at how wonderful it is to just spend time relaxing and catching up, what a treat!!

Spring Break 2011 was a roaring success! Beautiful scenery, lovely family and friends and the freedom of the road, just letting the hustle and bustle of daily life be put on hold for awhile.

Oh man, what do you want now!!

I have been thinking a lot about the future lately. Sangam and I are finally feeling settled, kind of. We are feeling good about Houston, our jobs and life in general. It seems like for once, we are seeming to be in one place long enough to start thinking about what we want to do next. Then I think to myself, are we thinking about what's next because we aren't used to being stationary in one place, or feeling secure in things?! Of course we are thinking...Grad School?! Babies (not yet!!), Buying a house?!! Traveling/living abroad?!! Let's be honest, Sangam and I can't even decide if we are ready for a puppy yet...sheesh!!

For now, its nice just to think about it, and I am trusting that in the moment; we will be ready for things when we are, and not letting myself jump too deeply into introspective thought. :) It is so comforting to hear others grappling with these issues, or to hear other people's struggles. I know it sounds narcissistic, but just feeling like these thoughts are not alone in us, is something that helps me to feel more content in just feeling them, and not having to act or react immediately.

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens...

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...

Here are a few of my favorite things right now:

1. A warm bath

2. laughing cow cheese and triscuits

3. cuddling

4. hanes t-shirts and sweatpants after work

5. dark nail polish

6. looking for trips to take on expedia...one day I'll simply click on that trip to Bali!!

7. Handmade cards...about the only craft I am good at :)

8. picture taking (long live the memories!!)

9. bike riding...Sangam and I have been riding at night with headlamps...heeeheeeheee...

10. Reading...old habits never die :)

After Christmastime...

Happy Belated Christmas and New Year!! Sangam and I traveled to Colorado for the Holidays. It was wonderful to just relax and be amongst new scenery and the Napit clan. I also experienced that feeling of not working for 2 weeks, and it was GLORIOUS!! Don't get me wrong, I love my job...but, I also loved getting up at 10, deciding when I wanted to eat lunch, and excitedly choosing what activity was going to happen that day! I totally lost track of what day it was, and loved it! Here are some pictures of our time; I hope that you all had the happiest of Holidays!