I'm Sad

So you know those friends that you just really like to be around? Chrissy is one of those friends for me. When we hang out whether it is dancing at Zumba, cooking and sometimes cleaning in my kitchen, hiking, or playing games, we laugh pretty much the whole time. There aren't too many people that can really really make me laugh, but Chrissy is one of those few. She and Josh have become our closest friends since we moved here...literally. They lived one street away and they're moving back to Ohio in the morning. We've known the whole time that they were trying to move back but I tried not to think about it. It would have been easier to not like them so much and then I wouldn't be so sad right now. Even though it's not cool, it's totally been worth it to get to know some great people. I'm really sad to see them leave but they are so excited to be living closer to family. I would be too.

There Chrissy, are you happy? I finally updated. :)

-Monica

P.S. The only bonus out of this is that they cleaned out their fridge so we don't have to go shopping for about a year now. We had just run out of ketchup, too. Score!

Somebody keep me accountable...please.

Okay, I admit it, I have a problem staying committed to things. I often times begin activities (insert something that's good for you), but lack commitment to follow through for more than 3 or 4 days. I need help.

To be held accountable I'm listing the 3 main things that I want to accomplish this year (maybe I'm being over zealous - but I don't think so)

1. Get in-shape (exercise at least 3 days per week and eat healthy: no more Dr. Peppers)

2. Learn to play golf (practice at home, go to driving range at least twice per month, and play at least once per month)

3. Get better at playing the bass guitar (practice at least 2 hours per week..I can do that right?)

Okay, so if you are reading this blog, you are hereby obligated to ask me how I'm doing. Thanks.

- Ray

The Big Apple

Since I haven't posted in so long....here you go. Here's a recap of last week:

Monday Morning 4/7/08:

I woke up at 4 a.m. to catch my 6 a.m. flight to La Guardia Airport in New York City. I got to New York and had to wait for my airport shuttle to drive me to my hotel (took about an hour to get there) I arrived at my hotel which was located just off of Time Square. I put my suitcase up and hung a few things in the closet. I had just enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair before my first meeting at Wal-Mart's New York Apparel Office. For those of you who know me well....you know I love fashion. I had the opportunity to spend some time learning about our operations in NY, and was privileged to see next season's line-up. I think most people will be surprised at how nice the 2008-2009 collection will be. It was really interesting b/c there were several rooms throughout their offices that were lined up with different categories and styles of clothing (men's, women's, children)...they were also separted by brands. This was pretty cool.

I spent Monday evening walking around Times Square; which was INCREDIBLE. There were people everywhere....and I loved it. I also managed to make it to a Boardway show; Cry Baby! It was hilarious.

Tuesday 4/8/08:

I had a "Corporate Compliance and Ethics" conference to attend which was my main purpose for the trip to NYC. It was a really great experience. I heard new speakers, and met a bunch of new people. Afterwards, I went out to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and spent more time walking around and shopping in NYC.

Wednesday 4/9/08:

I attended my conference, and then spent the evening walking around. Before I realized it I was at the famous Empire State Building. So, I forked over $20 and went up to the top floor. The view was amazing. You could literally see all of Manhattan....in the distance you could see the Statue of liberty. Pretty neat. On my way back to the hotel, I hit up H&M and the Manhattan mall. Monica should be happy b/c I "hooked her up."

On my way back to my hotel I stopped and grabbed some pizza at this little tiny place on the corner. It was the BEST PIZZA that I have ever tasted. Half way through my dinner an old local guy sat at my table (all of the other tables were filled)...it was a little awkward at first, but we had a really great conversation that lasted about an hour. That was a good time.

Thursday 4/10/08:

I check out of my hotel around 10 a.m. and spent a few hours exploring the city before it was time to leave. I took the subway to Downtown NYC. I decided that I needed to pay my respects and visit Ground Zero. My heart was torn and the emotions that I felt right after 9/11 were reinvigorated. It was really sad; however, they were in the process of clearing the land to rebuild, which demonstrates new hope. Across the street there was a film crew that was blocking off traffic and pedestrians b/c they were filming a documentary about 9/11 and the World Trade Center.

I left there and went across the street to St. Paul's Church. This was the church that helped thousands of people right after 9/11. They still had tributes throughout the santuary honoring our fallen heros. That was really cool.

I also found 5th avenue. This is where all of the high-end luxury stores can be found. So, needless to say, I spent some more time shopping.

Overall, I had a really great week, but I missed Monica a great deal.

Other things that I saw:

The New York City Library

Grand Central Station

Central Park

Bryant Park

What I wanted to see and didn't:

Parson's Fashion Design School

Mood Fabrics

Madison Square Garden

The Statue of Liberty (up close)

What I regret:

Not taking walking shoes with me. My feet are still killing me.

Sorry Charlie

Ok, so I know it's been forever since I've posted, but seriously my life is a bit crazy right now. School is almost over, praise the Lord so then I won't feel guilty about playing around on the computer. Right now, I have about a million things to be reading and studying that I can't justify blogging. Just you wait, Henry Higgins, come May 2nd I'll be blogging the fire out of this thing.

I Wanna Dance

Last night, Trista, Ray and I went to see Flamenco Vivo at the Walton Arts Center. Wow, it was awesome. Those people can dance like nobody's business. The music was great, too. The musicians are so tight; I can't imagine how many hours of practice they put in for this. In my online Music Appreciation class, we have to go see 8 different productions and write papers on them, so this will be one of them. Our professor said he would be there and would buy anyone coffee afterward who wanted to discuss the show. I had never met him before 'cause it's an online class but I knew what he looked like. Tell me why our tickets were right next to his. Out of all the seats in the place, we were right by him. The cool part was that he had binoculars and that helped since we were literally on the back row of the balcony. The only bad part was that I couldn't talk and be disrespectful. Shucks. Just kidding, it was so good I didn't really want to talk.
We went over to Common Grounds for come coffee and cake with my professor. Nobody else showed up but we had a good time.

Trapsing through the woods

We went on a hiking trip with Josh and Chrissy this weekend to Devil's Den. For those of you who don't already read Chrissy's blog, here are some photos of our adventure.

We like to fight...

Always playing of course. (We have scary faces)
What in the world?
Pretty waterfall


We were in the "Icebox" and it was so cold just a few feet down that we could see our breath.

Heck yes, I went in a cave. There were bats.
Aww, Josh and Chrissy.
Aww, a giant and a little person.
We really do like each other...see?

And the glory of the lord shone upon Ray's face.

I felt like a hobbit in Middle Earth.

I like caves, they're fun times.

P.S. I need all of Josh and Chrissy's family to stop hating on Arkansas and encouraging their unrest here. They will be back in Ohio soon enough, no need to pour salt on my wounds. I greatly appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Love always,
Monica

Revenge is Sweet!

Did you guys know that our dear friend Chrissy used to be Amish?

Payback for putting a gazillion sick pictures of me on your blog, Christina Galloway!!