When I grow up...

Oh my gosh...my friend Amy sent me this video yesterday and I probably haven't laughed this hard in a while.  Fair warning - it is probably not funny unless you are a tax accountant or have spent a lot of time around tax accountants.  But if you are one, you must watch, I think you will die laughing.  Enjoy!

Random Tidbits

• My tire pressure light has been on since the temperature dropped below freezing.  Happens every time.  But I have a fear of putting air in my tires.  There was an incident in college.  Let's just say I did more harm than good.
• Oh, and my car needs gas.  Desperately.
• It snowed yesterday.  I heart snow.  And it wasn't so much snow that the whole town of Dallas thought they needed to shut down...which was even better.
• I wore athletic tights to work today.  And Uggs.  I mean, the high was 35 degrees.  But at least I put a nice sweater with them.
• I love peanut butter.  I've already eaten small amounts of it twice today.  I might see if I can work in a third. Earth Balance chunky is my favorite kind...in case you care.
• Body Pump might be my new favorite form of exercise. 
• I got to meet these little guys this evening.  They are absolutely precious and tiny! I might steal one...she has two...she can share, right?
• I bought brussel sprouts at the store today.  I'm going to try and find more vegetables I like, so I'm going to try a new one every time I make a grocery trip.
• I cooked dinner in the crock pot.  I think I should do it more often.
• I've made some great food lately.  You should try them both!

17/30: Daily Stops

There are some blogs that I visit daily. Okay, maybe more than some.  I can't help it.  I'm addicted.  And, of course, they come from a wide range of interests.  Food blogs, healthy living blogs, style blogs, sewing blogs, house and decorating blogs, and many more.  And this is in addition to reading all my friends who have blogs (see sidebar). So, I thought I'd introduce you to some of my favorites, in case you've never seen them.

• The Pioneer Woman, of course.  I mean, if you haven't heard of her, go.  Now.
• Eat, Live, Run.  Food blog/healthy living.  Jenna is one of my favorite stops.  Probably because in addition to healthy food, she has plenty of dessert recipes to balance it out.
• Young House Love. Obviously, home & decorating.  I like it because they live in an old, ranch style home like me.  And they have great taste and decorate with things that I would really buy.  It's fun!
• Under the Sycamore. Her name is Ashley.  She has a lot of mom/kid stuff, but she also has a ton of cute crafty, DIY, and photography things.
• Annie Blogs.  She's a writer.  Lives in Nashville.  About my age. Single.  Crazy, awesome heart for the Lord.  She has a book coming out.  And I just like her writing.
• MADE.  Pretty much my favorite sewing blog.  Even though a lot of her stuff is for her kids.  Always so, so cute!
• Kendi Everyday.  Obviously you've heard about this one from me, but it definitely has caused me to recently add style blogs to the list of the kinds I read.
• (never home) maker.  Another healthy living.  Great recipes, and a lot of stuff about running, which I enjoy.

Okay, I could keep going, but I'll stop.  And move on to today's outfit.  Really wanted to wear the pink H&M sweater.  Also really wanted to wear my black pant/tights, but once I got it on, I felt like in order to wear it to work I needed to have on something over the sweater.  Never, ever would have mixed these two, but I kind of like it.  And I kind of don't.  I can't really decide.  But it's what I'm wearing, regardless.

10/30: Nerd to the max!

Yes, we all know I'm a nerd.  We also know that I will put almost anything into spreadsheet form if given the chance.  So, here you have my 30 for 30 Remix spreadsheet.  Made to, of course, keep me from wearing the same outfit twice and make sure I'm wearing everything that I included in the challenge. 

I couldn't get the spreadsheet to print to print in pretty color, so I put in in a google doc.  If you're interested in my extreme nerdiness, you can see it here. 

And outfit #3 pictures were a little bit better.  I took advantage of the fact that my roommate was around this morning whenever it was picture time and used her skills!  Thank goodness!

NaBloPoMo 2010

I can't believe I'm even typing this post.  But I think I'm going to do it again this year.  I'm committing to a post a day for the month of November. I've done it the last two years and have enjoyed myself...so I guess I'm going to go at it again. I am also going to try and post a picture every day.  One that I've taken.  Ideally on my camera, not my phone, because I want to practice more.  I want to become a better photographer, and I'm pretty sure practice is the best way to get there.  I'll be back Monday ready to go!

NaBloPoMo

New Tunes

I bought two new albums this week.  Is it weird that I wanted to type CD's there? I would have, but that would be a lie, since I tangibly did not buy a CD.  Anyway...I'm thoroughly enjoying both of them and thought I would share in case you're missing out. 

Now, don't judge, but the first is Taylor Swift's Speak Now.  I know, I know. But really, people, how can you work with high schoolers and not have a little Taylor Swift on your iPod?!  Ignore the fact that there are now three Taylor albums on mine.  No one needs to know that.  It can be our secret.  We'll call it a guilty pleasure.

And can someone please get me this dress...or at least one that color.  It's quite lovely. Moving on to why I enjoy it.  It's catchy teeny bopper music at it's best.  I listened to it the first time through on a run, and I have to admit I laughed out loud at some of the lyrics.  Cheese at its best.  But I like the cheese...obviously.  See above remark about working with high schoolers.

The second album (still, want to say CD) is Shane & Shane's Dare to Share: Unending Worship.  Honestly, this could be a new favorite. 

Okay, Shane & Shane's worship albums CD's back in the day were pretty much the soundtrack of my college years.  I loved them.  I wore them out I listened to them so much.  But since then I haven't just loved anything they've come out with.  Enjoyed, yes, but over the top loved? No way.  But this.  It's a ton of the worship songs we sing at church right now and some new ones I had never heard...all sung by Shane & Shane.  Bonus in my book.  I love every single song.  I can't stop listening.  Buy it.  Now.

I'm spending the weekend with the aforementioned high schoolers...I'm sure there will be plenty of Taylor Swift jamming in our cabin.  Pictures to come!  And my roommate introduced me to one of the funniest blogs ever this week.  I love witty people.  It's a style blog, but with humor, you should check it out if those kind of things interest you!

Shame of the organzational variety...

Okay...so we all know I'm a nerd.  I think that has been well established.  I'm sure that most of you also know that I love excel and lists.  The list of reasons I'm nerdy has sadly grown by massive proportions this week. I found myself getting a little stressed with everything that needed to be done before I leave for ski trip next Friday.  Yes, a week and a half. And right when I get back I head to Granbury for Christmas with my family.  So all the Christmas shopping and wrapping and sewing has to be done in a week and a half.  SO, amidst the craziness of Christmas parties and everything else going on, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed.  So, what did I do?  I created an excel spreadsheet.  With a tab for every day between now and when I leave.  Every day has an events section and a "to do" section.  I also have a master To Do list tab so that I can cross things off when they are done.  And a Gifts tab, so that I make sure I get everyone's gift passed out that I need to before I leave.  And a ski trip packing list tab.  I know - it's sad.  But it makes me feel less stressed.  And I feel better now that I have that off my chest!

This could change my life...

Okay, so maybe that's a little dramatic, but seriously.  I just switched from the old editor to the "Updated Editor" in the blogger settings and I think I really like it.  Not exactly what I should be messing around with right now, but it looks like it's going to make pictures easier to upload and move around, and THERE IS AN UNDO BUTTON! (it's the little things in life).  And it's pretty.  Because that's what really matters. The only thing I can't seem to find is the spell check, and that could definitely be an issue. Anyway, if you're a blogger, you might want to check it out!

Travel Adventures - D.C. Edition

**I am VERY bitter right now. I just typed up an entire blog about my trip to D.C. and Blogger promptly deleted it all. SO, if you'd like to see any details of the trip, you can see Erin's blog, with her wonderfully detailed post about our time together!

The highlights of the trip included the Hirshhorn Museum which houses contemporary and modern art including an exhibit called Strange Bodies. The National Gallery of Art. A couple of lazy mornings at Erin's apartment. Some wonderful pizza. When Harry Met Sally. Chips & queso. Artomatic - a wonderful local art show full of crazy exhibits, including on made completely of Peeps. Lot's of quality time with Erin. Some time in Georgetown (I would move there tomorrow if I could - it's so cute). And riding the Metro - I heart public transportation that actually works!

Artomatic - Clue: Peeps style.

Artomatic: Art is Math. Math is Art.

Georgetown - love it!

Hirshhorn: Art made completely of butterfly wings.

"I think this map should have a You Are Here arrow!"

I love you friend and had a great time! Can't wait until you're here in a couple of weeks!

*If you'd like to see more pictures, you can find them here: http://picasaweb.google.com/sarah.d.welch/DCJune2009#

Happy Tax Day

April 15th...a day that is generally dreaded among my kind (the accountants). And even though my dread has lessened since leaving the crazy world of public accounting, there's still a sigh of relief when it comes and goes. We mailed of all of our 4/15 returns yesterday...hooray!

Now on to the funny. My friend Erin posted this website on her blog today, and I found it too funny not to copy! I mean, who knew people made e-cards for April 15th?! I realize most of you won't find these funny, but for the few who will, here are a couple of examples from the website. If you find any humor in them, you should go to the website and look at all of them! Some are slightly offensive, but most are just plain humorous.

Happy Tax Day!

A few things

A few of the random things going on in my life or floating through my head right now:

• I had a great weekend with my family. I enjoyed their company, celebrated birthdays, and took some time to remember the sacrifice my savior made for me.
• With the exception of my plane ride home last night, I have been listening to my iPod exclusively on shuffle. I love the crazy mix of music you get that way. It was perfect on the way to work this morning…from a little Brooke Frasier to Matt Wertz…just what I needed to get my morning started.
• Next weekend I’ll be with this girl. I haven’t seen Julia since she left for Arizona last summer, and that just makes me a little sad. I believe we are planning to see the Grand Canyon. I’ve never been there. I’ve been trying for years to get there. And now it shall happen.
• I think my OCD/anal/beaver/just plain freak of nature habits are getting worse. If you know me well, you know this is scary. I didn’t know they could get worse. Maybe I should be medicated?
• In June I’m going to be visiting this girl. Erin just moved to DC back in February, and I miss her. I’m excited to see her new home, and do some exploring in the city!
• I am currently addicted to Kings…a new TV show on NBC. It is based loosely on the story of King David from the Bible. I love it, but would not suggest watching it, because it is probably going to be cancelled. Sad! Why do they cancel the good shows? Why do people tell me to watch shows that are just going to disappear on me a few short weeks later?
• My friends Laura and Shawn leave for Brazil in a few weeks. It’s weird to not be going, but I am super excited for their trip. I might bribe them to put me in their suitcase!
• I’m going to Cabo in October with my sister. She won a free week in a suite at the Hilton. I had enough miles to fly for free. I love free vacation!
• Can you tell I’m making up for my lack of travel in 2008? Because I went to Brazil right after I started my job, I was in negative vacation for the majority of the year.
• And last, but not least, I had my six week check up for my surgery today, and I am officially cleared. I believe I will start running tomorrow. Or not.

Leaves!

Today Julie came home from church and decided she wanted to have a photo shoot in the leaves. She is always full of crazy ideas, but today, I humored her. Here are some of the pictures! We pretty much look like cheese heads in all of them!

I have a problem...

When I start a book, especially if it's a good one, I have a hard time putting it down. I will stay up until all hours of the night to finish it, no matter what I have to do the next day. I will sometimes turn down social activities to read if it's a good enough book. Sunday, I started Twilight. My friend Jen (who just found out she passed the Bar!) had been telling me I need to read them. You can read about her obsession here. Anyway, I stayed up until midnight reading and then finished it Monday whenever I got home from work. I know, out of control. I had the second book in the series, and I was all ready to start it, but Jen told me that if I started it, I would be hooked for the next three books and not be able to put them down. SO, I relinquished my copy of the second book until after the weekend with my girls, because I don't want to miss out on any of the fun because I have my nose stuck in a book the whole time. I realize this isn't news to a lot of you...you know problematic habits when it comes to certain books. Harry Potter was the same way...I just couldn't put them down. Do you think there's treatment for this?!

The Breakup...

Dear Dairy -

I hate to say it, but I think it's time we break up. As much as I love you, our relationship is just too painful. I can't help it that I become violently ill every time I spend time with you. You know how people always say, "it's not you, it's me?" Well, this time it's true. It's been a wonderful relationship. There are so many things I will miss from our relationship: the queso, the lattes, the enchiladas, the pizza, and did I mention the queso?! I know it's hard to hear, but in time, I think we will both heal. Maybe, someday, I'll even come back to you.

Love always,
Sarah

I Am a Nerd!

I'm a nerd. This is something I've always known, but has somehow seemed more apparent lately. The first and most defining thing that makes me a nerd is that I love to do tax returns. It's not normal. When friends need help with their taxes, I get excited (almost elated) to help them figure it out. I will spend hours of my free time in the spring helping people with their taxes.

I think that I should have seen from a young age that maybe I was meant to be an accountant. I have always loved filling out forms. Yet again, not a normal love of most children. I think forms are a little bit like tax returns...definitely should have seen the signs. I also like reading manuals. If anyone in the family gets electronics for Christmas, it is usually me reading the manual figuring out how everything works...I love it. And let's just polish it off with one of my biggest quirks - I love Excel. I'm honestly fascinated with everything that it can do, and I am thrilled whenever I figure out how to do something new. How to set up a new formula, how to make a simple spreadsheet more functional, even how to make it look more appealing, I love it all. So there you have it, my nerdiness in all its glory.

On another note, I went to dinner with some coworkers last night. We had gift cards to Houston's from Christmas that we hadn't used. It was so fun to hang out with them outside of work. Here are a few pictures from our evening.

Me & SarahBeth

The whole group. Becky, Julie, Veronica, SB, me, Brooke

Me & Brooke

Adventures in Half Marathoning...

Lately I feel as if I've been getting a little glimpse of just how mentally unstable I must be to have taken up this hobby we call running. First of all, the sheer fact that I wake up somewhere between 5:00 & 5:30 am in order to run 3 days a week is enough to make anyone crazy. Second, we are getting close enough to the actual event, that the long runs are actually getting quite time consuming. Yesterday, for example, I ran for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes...I never thought I could tolerate exercising for that long! Lastly, and the most extreme point is that I am putting my life in danger!

Last Thursday, Lisa & I took out in my car to our Jr. High track where we sometimes run. We pull into the parking lot, but Lisa is stalling from actually having to run by reading the book I was taking to my roommate from my hairdresser - Jenny McCarthy's book about how she is "healing" her son's autism. Once I lure Lisa away from Jenny (or her mocking of Jenny), we get out of the car to walk to the track and Lisa spots something moving across the field. At first we think that it's a dog, then another one moves under the light, and we realize that they are coyotes. Yes, I said coyotes! We quickly turn around and get back in the car. But we don't leave immediately, not before we can get a picture of the predators invading our track!

Needless to say, we then went and found a different place to do our running that day. But all day Lisa got to tell people about how Jenny McCarthy saved her life, because if she wouldn't have been reading the book and sitting in the car for longer, than we would have been out on the track before we saw our little friends. I know it's hard to tell in the small picture that it's a coyote, but if you click on the picture it will get bigger, and you can see that our lives really were in danger!

Harry Potter

This month has been full of Harry Potter for me! I had never seen any of the movies, even though I had read all the books, so Julia & I went back and watched the first four movies in preparation for the release of the fifth movie. After I saw the fifth movie last weekend I decided I had to re-read the sixth book in order to get ready for the release of the last book this weekend. I finished the book last night, and I think i'm grateful for a small Harry Potter break before my book arrives tomorrow. One night this week I was reading it before I went to sleep, and I'm pretty sure it gave me nightmares!

Two days until IronGirl...I'm getting a little nervous. I know I'm capable of doing everything separately, but putting all the parts together definitely makes me a little nervous. The swim is definitely the scariest part for me - I am NOT a swimmer. My goal is just to finish, get my pink medal, and possibly never do another triathlon! It has been so good for me - it's caused me to be very disciplined in my exercise routine and I'm in the best shape I've probably ever been in. But, I think I'm going to go back to just running for a while. Dad & Deb are going to come down in December, and we are going to run the White Rock half marathon...should be fun to do something with them!

The thing that excites me the most right now is Brazil. After our meeting on Sunday, I just wanted to go home & pack. Put me on the plane now! I looked at pictures of my Brazil trip from college this week, which made me even more eager to go! We're praying the the plane crash in Sao Paulo this week won't cause any problems for us, as they are thinking of shutting down the airport where the crash happened. We will actually fly into the other aiport in Sao Paulo, but I've read that if they shut down the aiport, it could disrupt air travel all over South America.

I'll post pictures if I can find anyone to take them at the race on Sunday.