Life..

Today has been such a whirlwind of a day. I found out that I won't be offered the position at a University that I interviewed with. This was actually kind of a relief because they made the decision for me. I had been toggling back and forth on what I would do had I been their choice. I have a good job, I don't LOVE my job and I don't HATE coming to it either, so I applied just to see what would happen. 6hrs of an interview, 4 thank you letters, and 2 weeks of waiting later, they let me know that they decided to go with the other candidate that they interviewed. They were impressed with me, praised my strong credentials, and only brought in me and the other person to interview for the position which had been open since June. Even though I wasn't sure what was going to happen with this position, I am somewhat disappointed that I didn't get to make the choice to say yes or no. I was fascinated with the possibilities of the opportunities that would come but at the same time reserved because I have my own business plans for my life. I'm realizing that I'm an entrepreneur at heart. I guess owning and operating a consulting firm and a non-profit organization didn't raise red flags for me..ha ha My life tends to run around my job(s) maybe this door closing was God's way of telling me to be patient where I am..



Sadly today I was informed that one of my good friends that I went to LSU with died yesterday. She was running in the Dallas Marathon collapsed, went into cardiac arrest and was later pronounced dead. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6164680.html

Erin was married and is 29 years old. Today my mind has been remembering all of the fun times I had with her while we were at LSU. We were friends and we were sisters bonded through music. She was super funny man. Always had a smile on her face, full of joy and laughter and life. I was so not prepared to hear that she died, not that we're ever prepared to hear of someone dying, but she had run marathons before, had been doing everything "right", working with a trainer, running coach, nutritionist the whole 9..I've never had a good friend die. I'm not good at emotions and this kinda stuff, today has been so surreal, like seriously, dead, gone. This is one of those things in life that I don't think I'll ever understand. I do know that God is still God and He is still in control. Erin was truly a blessing to me and my life and I know for sure that there are countless others who can say the same. I praise God for Erins life and for the joy that she brought into mine.

Also today I got word from one of my bffs that her daughter Alysha (I've mentioned her before) who has been battling Cancer, body has accepted her cells. She's been going through her last rounds of Chemo and had a bone marrow transplant. Her system accepting her cells is GREAT news!! Her ANC is 900 and when they get to 2000 they get to leave St. Jude in Memphis and finish out treatments at the Ronald McDonald House. She is essentially in remission and can get back to a "normal" life for a 6 year old. Praise God for her healing and her life, through all of this she has been so strong. The last few weeks have been super hard on her and on my friend. I'm thankful that things are starting to turn around.

At one end of the spectrum life was taken so sudden and at the other end Alysha has been fighting for her for months, and there was a time where doctors didn't think she would make it. Life is so short and not promised to any of us, but at the end of the day, God has a plan for us all and He knows why things happen even when we can't grasp it.

Please keep Erin Krielow Lahrs husband Jeff and her parents and brother in your prayers.

Brown...out!

Randomly speaking

I've been incognegro around this joint lately.  Not by choice believe me!  I just have so much on my plate right now that I'm thinking of going on a fast, ha ha..anyway, so I'll just ramble on and we'll see what comes out on the page.  Buckle up folks, I have a feeling this is going to be a random wild ride!

 

After my last post here I actually took the words I was writing to heart and have been grinding and doing some grassroots efforts to get business #2 up and running.  That's right blogland, I'm expanding and going into another area of business.  Business #2 is a non-profit organization The Catalyst Foundation of Louisiana.   

It's an organization that donates instruments and other financial resources to music programs nationwide to students/educators that have access to a music curriculum but lack the resources and support base to adequately keep up with equipment loss due to attrition, depreciation and wear over time.  Music has always been big part of my life and most people are dumbfounded shocked to find out that I have a music degree.  While I don't have the passion to teach music full time it doesn't mean that I don't have the passion to keep the performing arts alive.  Some of my best memories and friendships were forged because of "band"...at any rate, getting this organization operational has been taking up a lot a lot a lot time that I probably would be wasting anyway doing something less productive, so..if you're interested in hearing more info about the organization or would like to donate an instrument or financial resources contact me, tcfofla@hotmail.com Please feel free to pimp the info about this organization and pass it around.  I'm always looking for philantrophists who want to give or even contacts in education who could use our assistance.

Thanksgiving was at my house here in the boot this year.  That was quite interesting and LOUD..all of my immediate family from TX came into town as did some of my aunts/grandma/cousins from Mississippi were there as well.  My mom apparently does know me a little bit since she came bearing all of this.

Of course she had ever reason to bring half of her kitchen because I don't have nearly as many pots as she does, and probably never will.  They were here way longer than I thought they would be for a few days.  We ate, we laughed, we slept, I cleaned..Here are a few pics of the kids

At this point, the kids were STARVING..lol

2 cousins in the middle, 2 neices on the outsides, and 1 nephew..

 They were on lockdown in my backyard, cheering for the "fisherman" that was out there

My siblings having a wii good time.. lol

 What else...ohhh how can I forget.  This morning when I rose, this is what greeted me, in BATON ROUGE..

IT'S A SNEAUX DAY!!!! 

The sneaux wasn't a big hit for Rocky

I took the liberty of working from home today because I know that folks around here have issues driving in the rain and didn't want to risk my life with them on the road driving so here I am warm and comfy on the couch dumping my head as things come into it. (lucky you!) Rocky has taken a moment to stop being all clingy and whiney and is curled up next to me invading my personal space.  I like him sleeping even if it means I'm getting an extra burst of heat, geaux me! School is finally winding down..I'm like a week and half away from Graduation for THEE last time. It seems like I been working on getting this MBA FOREVER..Kenny Chesney said he wanted to know how forever feels, well, he should enroll in a MBA program, take classes part time and work 2.5 jobs full time, that will do the trick.  

Alright folks, there's a glimpse into why I've been so lax on the writing as of late, snap!! My birthday is coming up soon, if you want to get me something I'm accepting rolls of stamps and names/addresses of people who will graciously make a donation to the above mentioned foundation.  Oh, I also would accept a new desktop (tower, not monitor) and printer..lol

Here is what I got me!!

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRADUATION, CHRISTMAS TO ME!!

 

I've had a good year so I figure I may as well go out with a bang!! I've managed to keep this little gem as a secret for about a month and a few days, actually it's still a secret to many folks so shhhh, don't tell anyone.  I plan to put a nice red bow on it and admire it on Christmas morning when its parked in my parents driveway.  Alright, that's all folks, time to finish enjoying this sneaux day..

 

Brown..out!

Open letter

*this blog was originally posted on 10.21.08**

Dear crappy week,

You know Mr. Week, after such a great weekend I had residue leftover for Monday and just knew it would be the start of a great week, but you had other plans. Monday was HORRIBLE. I'm STILL dealing with Monday and I'll be dealing with Monday for a while but I guess that wasn't good enough for you because today ohhhTUESDAY you saw fit that my crappy week would get worse by having me now dealing with becoming one with a Toyota Tundra. I almost wonder if I wouldn't have been DWTAB (driving while thinking about MONDAY) and some of the issues I had to deal with on TUESDAY (that would be today) I wouldn't be in this position.

While my love of SUVs and trucks have been more apparent lately, I was fine not being in the bed of a moving vehicle, well, I guess technically it wasn't moving when I became one with it.. Should I apologize for my renewed love of SUVs, nope, I think not! Have you been spying on my web surfing these days??? I only peeked at that Range Rover earlier, it's out of my budget! I am glad you were nice enough to not completely jack up Benzo and myself with the hood/grill taking the bulk of the impact..score one for German Engineering..and to make sure I found the day just that much more "humorous" you picked a target that I knew!! score one for you Mr. Crappy Week..Were you leading me on by letting me think it wasn't so bad since Mr. Officer didn't write me a citation? I can't trust you...

Please Mr. Week, can tomorrow and the rest of the week be better. I'm pretty sure I can't handle any more "surprises" of the crappy variety even though that's your specialty Nothing personal, but even my business has been affected by your craptastic endeavors, this week, you playing with my money, that ain't cool. All gloves will be off if you keep this up!

So Mr. Crap, please please let at least tomorrow be a better day. I'd hate to have to self medicate this weekend in my soon to have rental car looking for something shiny to make me feel better because of YOU. You know I'll do it too so don't test me!

Signed,
Looking forward to at least HuMp DaY...don't let me down

M.I.A. (and not to be confused w/cutie patootie Mia W.)

I know I haven't blogged in a while, just been busy with life. My business has been continuing to take off and keep me swamped, which is great in the grand scheme of things but geez, I don't have much "free" time anymore but I know I've been M.I.A. in blogland but I know I'll have something posted in the next day or so. Matter of fact I just realized that I never moved a blog from the "other" blogspot to this one so I'll do that. Hope everyone has been doing well!

Brown..out!

See you at the crossroads..crossroads..

On Sunday morning approximately 1:15am Appolleaux the Fish went to fish heaven. A modest ceremony was held in the bathroom of 2222H. No tears were shed as he was flushed down the bowl of the porecelin god. He lived a full life of 5 months and was most happy when a mirror was held up to the bowl and his tail fins flared up. (I'm trying not to laugh at my silly self) He is survived by 1 owner and 1 dog companion who could care less about his existence. You have fought the good fight and have finished your course..please take a moment of silence in rememberance

R.I.P. Appolleaux!

What happens in Vegas...

Stays in Vegas..

Our hotel

Hoover Dam (AKA the home of Mega Tron)

The Bellagio HotelBlogging world I've been out of pocket on vacay to LAS VEGAS BABY!!! I actually unplugged from the world and didn't see the world wide web for like 4 or 5 days. I didn't think I would be able to do it and neither did any of my friends but I proved them and myself wrong. Here are a few pics from the weekend. I'll do a more inclusive blog about the trip when I have more time. Right now I'm playing catch up with work and the real world that doesn't include winner winner chicken dinner!

Brown...out!

Whooooooooooooooo..

"lives in a pineapple under the sea!! SPONGE BOB SQUARE PANTS"

I've had my nephew Stan Man all week and he LOVES when Sponge Bob comes on TV, it is the cutest thing to watch!! He has a whole little "routine" that he does. I had to capture it on film as best I could. I know what Aunie will get him for Christmas!! Oh to be 22 months again! We've really been kicking it! Love the little man.

Brown...out!

More of the Gustavathon..

I still don't have confirmation on whether or not there is power in my neighborhood since I've gotten conflicting reports. Courtney couldn't stop in today because BR was getting pounded by more bad weather and she wanted to stay out of it, couldn't fault her for that right? She has to pass by the area tomorrow and promised to go by then. A majority of the city is still without power and it will be a few days to weeks before everyone is up and running again.

For my LSU folks who read and know the campus here are a few pics that I came across.

This is outside of Lockett Hall

Debris and damage to the quad
National Guard at Tiger Stadium
N.G. Patrolling campus
Debris and damage outside of Tiger Stadium
More quad debris/damageA tree down near the "new' Graham Hall/Broussard Hall

LSU Lab school damaged

Roof of the Rec Center damaged

Debris/damage out front of the Union

It's weird seeing these pics of campus when just a few days ago I was on campus enjoying the things that make it unique enjoying the football game day atmosphere. I'm still on the outside looking in and hope to return home probably by the end of the week.

Brown..out!

The Winners Circle

I SIT HERE AND WONDER...

I AM AT A VERY CONTENT STATE IN MY LIFE. I AM AS HAPPY AS I CAN BE. FOR THE PAST FEW MINUTES I HAVE BEEN SITTING HERE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT...WHEN DID THIS ALL HAPPEN? AM I DREAMING? AND THEM I GET A PHONE CALL, OR A TEXT MESSAGE THAT LET ME KNOW THAT THIS IS SHEAR REALITY.

WHAT CARD DID I PLAY THAT HAS ME IN THE "WINNERS CIRCLE?" I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT. I AM STILL PLAYING WITH THE SAME HAND I WAS DEALT...DID SOMEONE COME ALONG AND CHANGE THE RULES OF THE GAME?

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO...HMMM?

I STILL HAVEN'T FIGURED ALL OF THE ASPECTS OF MY NEW FOUND HAPPINESS, AND I AM SURE THAT SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY I MAY HAVE MISSED SOME FINE PRINT...BUT WHO CARES...I AM ENJOYING LIVING IN "THE NOW!!"

Gustav action...

These were taken by a friend of mine. I'm sure my neighborhood doesn't look like this because there aren't any "real" trees near them but this is near the LSU campus (ie. MY JOB)

I'm also hearing that BR will be without power for maybe 4 days, which to me is 4 days too many. I'm gonna have my friend Courtney who is still in town to go by my house and check on it when she can tomorrow. I pray for a GOOD report!

Brown..out!

Gustav!

For any of those wondering, I'm waiting out this storm in Houston right now. The drive in took FOREVER!!! although I wasn't in a hurry on the drive in and I knew it was going to take more than the normal 3.5-4hrs, this was indeed thee longest it's taken to me to get from Baton Rouge to Houston. I'm sure it was 8+ hours if not more. I probably would still be in Baton Rouge chillaxing but I'm off work for a few days so this is a mini-cation for me. I haven't been "home" since I don't remember, I guess July sometime so I'm here hanging with the family, will catch up with a few friends and probably a few clients, but Rocky, Apolleaux(the fish) and myself are safe and I don't anticipate there being any issues in my neighborhood so I'm going to say that my house will be safe (in Jesus name) when I return on Wed/Thurs as well.

Brown...out!

FREE!!!

Dog.

House trained.

Playful.

Loving. I

talian shoe/panty eating dog.

Comes with updated shot records, box of toys, and food. Knows basic/intermediate commands. Has occasional humping issues when playing with other dogs.

Please contact me if interested. Pick up/Drop off arrangements can be made..don't let the cute face fool ya!

Brown..out!

Of course I would never give Rockstar away, but we're majorily beefing right now since he decided to eat up some shoes yesterday AND wake up at 3am..