This Working Girl's Thoughts....

So after 4 days back at work I have realized that ......

We need to win the lottery so that I can quit working  : )

Just Kidding ! (Sort of ) 

Ok, Really - work isn't that bad. There are only a handful of people I can think of that have really, really awful jobs (customer service representatives for a 1-800 number and pedicurist are among the top terrible jobs that just pop in my mind ) But I mean - lets get real - even if your job is tolerable or something sort of cool - who would CHOOSE to get up everyone morning earlier than their bodies natural rhythm and CHOOSE to spend more hours awake at the office than you are in your own home? If you know of that person, please stick your tongue out at them for me. Thanks!

And regardless if you job is awesome or not - there is at least one day in each quarter that makes you want to:

Ok, maybe I'm being a little dramatic. (probably not though) Regardless, since I am in a little bit of a post-vacation funk about work I have decided to make a list of all the reasons that my particular work is not that bad. The plan is to refer back to this at a later date.

1. I pretty much like what I do. And since my husband and I are both in the same profession, it gives us a unique way to relate to each other when we talk about our jobs and workdays
2. I LOVE the people I work with. I have developed some of the nicest friendships with the girls I work closest with. Not everyone in the whole building is someone I would want to go to lunch with (or save from a burning building), but the three that surround my desk are some of the brightest and sweetest co-workers that a girl could wish for. I'm kind of  feeling better already just thinking about them.
3. I have good hours - no nights and if I have to work a weekend its only 9am-12pm on Saturday. Anyone can handle that.
4. I get off on random holidays (most recently, Columbus Day) Thank you the four day work week Mr. Columbus! (and also for the whole exploration thing)
5. I get to interact with people - big plus for a chatty cathey like myself
6. The security guard in our bank whistles the tunes to Christian songs when he thinks that no one is around. So on Thursday's when I work the late shift and am in the building by myself until 6pm, I get a little treat. Today's serenade is " Come Thou Fount" - LOVE THAT SONG
7. Work gives me money to put into our account which then pays for fun trips! (or shoes, or house decorations, or toys for nieces and nephews, you get the point)
8. I have access to Internet at work. I don't jump on it very often except to catch local news or the weather report, but lately if I do have a spare 10 minutes that I need to use to relax my brain cells : my recent obsession is pinterest. If you haven't tried it - do it. Or maybe don't - depending on if you have a few hours to just browse through endless depths of information.
9. I work in a magnificently beautiful building - that doesn't even do it justice, but I'll leave it at that.
10. We have the cool Kuerig Coffee Machines at work - hello instant Starbucks station!

I think 10 items on the list should just about do it. Yes, I'm already feeling a little more chipper about coming back tomorrow. Thanks for taking time with me to reflect - I'd say we had a great therapy session - wouldn't you?

Until next time - GO RANGERS!

XOXO

Back from DC with mixed emotions



Team Krasey and the Whitehouse.
 We didn't get to go in, but that was probably best. I'm afraid to think what my husband would have done if he had actually been in an arms- length distance of the president.

 Washington DC has been marked off the ol' bucket list. Done and Done. Loved being there, loved seeing all the amazingly historical stuff, loved traveling with my husband and experiencing new things together.

Also, loved the first shower I took in my own shower, loved getting all the clothes cleaned and put neatly away in our closet and currently loving sitting on our couch watching TV in my comfy clothes.  : )

Yes, We love to travel, but there is nothing like getting away from your home-base for several days that will make you appreciate your home.

I can sense you saying : "Okay, Kristi, quit yapping about how you are a home-body by heart and tell us what you guys liked about the the Trip!!!"

Ok, Ok, you can quit yelling already! Sheesh.

By popular demand - Here are my lists for the trip :

Things my dad says that I knew before this trip, but I must have forgotten sometime between Highschool and Oct. 2011:

1. Our United States Capitol was built by slaves. A major symbol of Freedom in our country was built by slaves. wow.

2. Pocahontas played a major role in our nation's foundation. She's pictured three times in the capitol dome - and not only that, she is the only woman depicted!

3. George Washington was an incredibly self-less man. He could have easily been buried underneath the Capitol dome and had as long as a term of presidency as he would have wanted, but he didn't want to be treated like a King and was very purposeful in everything he did to make the United States a democratic place.

Favorite Monuments we visited (we saw almost all of the ones in DC, these are the top ones that really struck us) :

1. Lincoln Memorial - so iconic

2. Korean War Memorial - VERY well done Memorial
3. Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Team Krasey in front of the Lincoln Memorial

Getting Sassy with Lincoln

The Korean War Memorial. There are statues of 19 soldiers and then a reflecting wall. When you count the soldiers and their reflections, the total number of men is 38 which represents the 38th parallel which separates North and South Korea

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery

Best Food we ate in DC:

1. Tortilla Cafe - A Salvadorian Cafe that Casey heard about on "Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins" . So good that I can't even begin to explain. It made me want to become a "foodie" like my friend Jill. The flavors in my mouth just exploded!!! And it was served on a plastic plate- that just made you know it had to be good. I mean, they didn't need to "dress it up" on some fancy plate - the food speaks for itself 



Tortilla Cafe : Puppussa, Sweet Corn Tamale, Fried Plantains. Holy Cow that was Delicious!

Coolest Experience we had:

1. We had a guided tour by Congressman Flores' office all over the Capitol Building and the House of Representatives. Got to walk in all the underground tunnels, see some incredibly significant places in our history and even got to witness a vote that was taking place on the house floor. Crazy!

In front of the Capitol Building



Thank you to our area representative for providing such a great tour!

Cyndi Louper was Right!

Girls DO Just want to have fun!

No really, check out these pictures from the weekend and see if what I say isn't so true  :)

All the girls, having a blast - Erica, Nichole, Natalie, and myself. Didn't realize I was a full head shorter than them until this picture - Geez.   I believe this was the second winery... but really, after the limo ride, things just started turning into a blur of fun....

Me and the birthday girl. Such a GREAT Day together!

Ohhhhhhh how I love my man. and I love to have Fun with my man

 

More of my favorite girl



Even Emily was getting into the fun spirit this weekend! Check out these smiles that she is now giving out! We went and visited my sister and her family on our way home from Austin on Sunday. So glad we did a quick drop-in trip. When we get smiles like this, it makes it ALLLL worth it!

Off to D.C. tomorrow morning - more fun pictures to come! These will involve more boys though  ; ) 

a Vacation BEFORE a Vacation? Oh that's just crazy!

But it's true! Tomorrow morning we are headed to Austin to see my oldest friend, Nichole Varner. Clarification: SHE is not old, our friendship is. Literally we have been friends since toddlers. Anyways, Nichole, her boyfriend Eddie, Nichole's cousin Erica and her husband and Nichole's little sister Natalie and her beau will all be joining us for a fabulously fun day of wine touring in Fredericksburg this Saturday. Dang we are so stinking lucky! The day is destined to be a thrill as those three girls are probably the funnest women I know. Casey and I have recently been thinking a trip to Fredericksburg would be right up our alley as :

A. I love Wine

B. its a relatively close destination for fun
C. I love Wine

D. My husband likes to make me happy

And with Nichole celebrating her birthday this past Wednesday, it just seemed like a Great idea to do all together. Don't worry - although we know it will be a crazy day, we are being responsible and having a limo drive us to and from the wineries. I guess with age, there really does come wisdom.

So to Recap :
Crazy girls + A limo + Winery Tours + husbands/significant others who are super fun = a day to remember!

So excited!!

Other awesome highlights from our life :

• We got confirmation this week that Casey was the number one salesman for Citibank in the NATION for the month of August. That's right - think of all those Citibank's you see in New York, etc. My husband beat them all in sales for the month of August. I was so proud that I put the sale sheet on the refrigerator with a big "A +++ " written on it. He's such a rockstar.
• One of my friends at work is pregnant and we found out this week that she is having a little girl. It has been so fun watching her pregnancy develop and now that she is having a girl its even more special. After being blessed with Emily this summer, I have been exposed to the amazing sweetness of little girls and am so excited for LeeAnna to get to experience the waves of pink that are coming her way.
• Casey's mom and Grandma took a well deserved vacation this week to Destin, Florida (there favorite place) They made it there and back safely and we are so glad! Also glad they got a chance to get away and relax together.

Nichole and Kristi at their best. Always Silly

The 1600 Report (1600 Pensylvania Avenue that is)

PRESS RELEASE:
It is official Ladies and Gentleman! We are headed to Washington, DC. And we are headed there soon! Next Wednesday we are flying out of Houston and will spend 4 tremendous days exploring our nations capital (and we are SO PUMPED). Upon return on Saturday I fully expect to weigh 5-7 pounds more (from the delicious food I plan on consuming) and have some seriously sore feet from all the walking I'm sure we'll do. Casey and I both really enjoy seeing the historic landmarks at the places we've traveled thus far and so what better place to be to explore all the history a girl and boy could dream about ? Why, Washington, DC - that's where!
Casey has two more weeks of vacation to kill this year, so his lovely wife will be joining him on one of those weeks and we decided to travel to a place neither of us have been before, but really want to go. (For the other week, I am selling him to the highest bidder-just contact me if you are interested. Ok, I'm kidding.)
Because it was sort of a last minute trip, we got some really great deals and will probably still be able to afford to bring home souvieners if you play your cards right. :)
My fabulous parents have agreed to take us to and from the airport and keep the dogs while we are away. In exchange, we will probably have to give up our first child but we'll contemplate the consequences later...No really, we are so thankful that my dad is officially retired and is willing and able to help us out on our random adventures. We realize how lucky we are to have traveled all the places that we have this year and are just so excited to knock another location off of our "bucket lists"

So, Don't worry American Citizens : Team Krasey is headed to Washington, DC to straighten out the government. When we return next week Social Security will be fixed, Health Care will no longer be "Obama Care" and the Washington Monument will be crack free.

.........and if not, we atleast got to have a little vacation together and enjoy the beautiful weather in a place where the high is only 70 degrees. I mean, what else do you want from us?

Farewell Weekend

I'll keep this short and sweet since it's Monday and my brain isn't quite running on all cylinders yet...

Highlights from the weekend with Team Krasey:

• We were actually in town this weekend! Don't get us wrong - We LOVE our family and friends, but every once in a while you just need a break from packing your bags, you know?
• Neither of us had to work - Hallelujah!
• We got to sleep in ! (however our bodies tricked us into waking up at 8:30am)
• ESPN's College Game Day was on and we watched the entire 2 hour broadcast
• Eggo Waffles for Breakfast on Saturday
• Aggie Game Day! -let's not talk about the game, let's just reminisce over the nice weather, tailgating with friends and enjoying campus. Seriously, Don't talk about the game.
• Church on Sunday was inspiring
• My husband made some KILLER grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches for lunch
• 2 hour nap. Oh yeah, I said it - TWO HOURS
• Everything we cooked for dinner on Sunday was fried. That's awesome- I don't care who you are
• Favorite Shows came on : The Good Wife and Boardwalk Empire.
• In bed and asleep by 10:30

Stay tuned for other exciting news later this week :
I'll give you a hint - We are going on vacation to a place on the East Coast. Starts with a "W" and ryhmes with Bashington  :)

Married Life is the Bomb

Me and the Man of my Dreams

Warning : If you don't want to read some major cheesy-ness : please skip this post. Enjoy the cute picture above and then press the red X in the upper right hand corner of your screen. But if you feel like indulging me, read on....
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Oh good! I'm glad you stayed!
So, it occurred to me recently that Married life is soooooo great. (imagine me saying that in a totally valley-girl accent) "Like, uh, soooooo great!"
The second revelation that I have had is that what makes married life so great is the person to whom I got married to. He spoils me so often and our love is so great that I'm sure I don't acknowledge what a blessing it is way too often. But when I am still for just a few minutes (this rarely happens) and I have a chance to reflect, it's worth a shout of praise! God gave me a good, good spouse. Sometimes when things are so good, you forget to say "thank you" You just bounce down the golden road and smile like you are in a parade, and if you are like me, we sometimes don't acknowledge those every-day blessings. Well that stops today. So here it is: I'm shouting it from the proverbial mountain top :

Thank you God for my spouse and for my marriage!

Here is what I imagine the Lord saying to everyone who has gone through the whole dating game gamut : "Child, I know you think this person is great, but if you only knew what I had in store for you, you would quit being so stubborn and just drop it."
And so to be on the other side of that it seems so refreshing and fitting to just breath a big sigh of relief and be thankful that we didn't settle. To be thankful we ended up together, to be thankful that we are smart enough to invest in one another. And to be thankful that after over 3 years of being together we still haven't killed each other  :)