Nataleigh's Daily Ramblings...

Back to the good Ol' gray skies

2011-05-07T14:22:00.005-10:00

Well let's just say I wish I was still in FLorida!! I can't believe how crappy the weather is here still. I know I know, it's Ohio you say, but truly this year Winter and Spring (if you could even call it that at all!) have been the longest worst grayest one I think I have ever experienced. We do not need any more rain, it's just gloomy and depressing- I think we should move south!

BUT even though the weather sucks, I did get to experience some rays of sun in St. Petersburg Florida, and with my mom by my side It's safe to say that I had smooth travels, she must have brought me some good luck! No bags lost, no cancelled flights, no missed flights etc. Yes, all of the above have happened to me. And I didn't even get molested in the security checks! Our bag was too heavy though which was going to cost $90 freakin bux since it was 5 lbs over so we started loading up our purses and carry on with stuff at the last minute.

We walked all over down town, went to this cute market on SAturday morning had breakfast and bought all fresh produce for dinner, had dinners out, went to the beach, sat and had some wine on the pier outside, and most of all got to spend time with Tiff, Jeri and my mom. Such a nice girls weekend. :)

My grandma's dog Callie passed away a couple weeks ago now, it was so sad just talking to her knowing how sad she was, it was her best friend you know. I cannot imagine the feeling, I have not had to go through that yet, seeing as how Cassie was my first pet- I don't want to know how that feels for a very long time. Obviously you know that they are our family- our little furbabies. :) Sooo long story hopefully shorter there is this dog that I have been trying to spread the word that needs a home, and well whadda you know Grandma wants to adopt it! so we are going to take "willy" up to Michigan at the end of May and see how it goes. Yay.

Saw Fast and the Furious 5 last night at movie tavern, it was soooooooooooooo good, i highly recommend it! What's not to like, "the rock, vin deisel, paul walker, well you get the picture!" Went to Jamies today had some lunch and took some pics of miss Kyleigh, she is just so adorable. They turned out pretty decent, I mean just being for fun and all.

Well i suppose we are doing something tonight so I should get myself looking decent. till next time.

Miss Kyleigh

2011-04-16T14:18:00.002-10:00

Got to meet little Kyleigh tonight! She is just precious- this teeny tiny little thing I actually was like umm you can pick her up and put her in my arms, I was afraid to pick her up! hhaa, she is beautiful. Now it's off to Lodge Bar- or whatever it's called now- not really feeling the bar thing but it's a friends bday so we are going to celebrate. maybe i will get my drink on! It's been a long long time. :)

More little baby girls and other stuff:)

2011-04-15T16:11:00.003-10:00

So Jamie had her baby yesterday- and Kel had her baby just a little while back as well so that is two more baby girls to add to the list this year! My little honorary neices and nephews, wow there are so many now it seems.

Work has been a bit hectic, we just had our new girl start- she is super sweet. Training can always be a little chaotic, trying to get all your normal stuff done on top of that, and we are starting to go into busy season. Hopefully I will see the sunlight this summer! knock on wood, if I have a full staff and have a year under my belt let's hope to enjoy the summer months this year! :) Maybe just maybe we can even get the boat out on the water this year, and not just look at it with huge dollar signs in our eyes as it sits collecting dust in my driveway.

I have decided its a for sure- (but now to plan it is another story, I always find planning trips to places i have never been so stressful) I wil celebrate the big 3-0 in VEGAS!!! if anyone has any tips or places I should stay info please share. OMG can't wait! and obviously I am super excited to be headed off to Florida at the end of this month-- can hardly believe it myself. well gots to work tomorrw- yes another change (back to Saturdays every now and again) to get used to so I better head to get some zzzzzzzzz's.

Well that was interesting...

2011-04-10T15:58:00.003-10:00

Some people are just scum, trash, peice of ...well you know. I came home tonight from dinner with Laura, and I am pulling into my drive way and this guy has a dog on a leash in the middle of the street, so I slow down really slow to make sure that the dog doesn't pull in front of my car or something- the guy had stuff in his hands too- so I am pulling in my driveway and in my rear view mirror i see the guy kick his dog! KICK it!! So I thought maybe I didnt see that right... so I got out and stood there for a second, without them seeing me, and sure enough he did it again--- well you probably know how this story is going to play out if you know me pretty well....

I screamed across the street "Are you kidding me, did you really just kick your dog?, are you serious??" and he (the peice of white trash that he is, who has a pit bull probably just for looks screams back) "MIND YOUR OWN F-ing business, I didn't kick him hard, you wanna meet my dog?? do you??" Mind you he is throwing his arms up like a wanna be ganster trying to like act like what he's going to come punch me out? seriously- like he was going to sic his pit bull on me or something??

Yah um dogs love me and he probably would have wanted to come LIVE WITH ME Not harm me... so I screamed back "you peice of shit, your kidding right? wow, are you serious right now?" I was just in shock, he told me to mind my own business again and i screamed back that there was no way I was minding my own business when I see an innocent animal get kicked by a peice of crap owner. so yah pretty much that was that, i came inside shaking, called Dave crying- because I was so pissed- that poor dog. I guess this guy was visiting my neighbors, he does not live here near us thank god.

when he went to leave later dave was outside and he told him that if he ever cussed out and disrepected his wife again he would have a problem. so the guy threw up his arms again "what you gonna do?" dave said nothing- I am not going to fight with you I just want you to know that you do not need to charge across the street cussing at my wife, and if you are really kicking your dog then you can see how someone would have a problem with it. he said my dog gets steak bones, i dont abuse my dog, i nudged him because he was pulling too hard and wouldnt listen to me, blahbalhbalhblah.... I should have went and kicked him... in the face.

Not long now...

2011-04-06T14:50:00.002-10:00

At the end of this month I go to see my cousin and Aunt in TAMPA!! yes, thats right FLORIDA! I cannot wait. My mom and I are going for a long weekend, I can hardly believe we are actually going to get away.

Now if only I can tear my workaholic hubby away from his job to go somewhere with me this year...

I just donated a few bucks to a chip in for this poor little 2-3 week old puppy that somone super glued his eyes and ears shut??? WTF seriously who the hell does that, so they have some vet bills because his mom died and someone is trying to raise all the little pups by bottle. poor babies, If I could I would save them all every single mistreated animal. It's so hard on the soul to hear about all these innocent animals that are abused. Hopefully I can really carry out my dream one day and have my rescue on my farm. :)

My first night of working until 7pm tonight, it wasn't so bad. Guess there isn't much i can do anyhow if it sucked terribly anyhow. well gonna take a shower it's been awhile so I thought id just do a quick update.

Stupid bill

2011-03-01T16:57:00.002-10:00

It really stinks when you have to use your entire bonus check for your 6 month car insurance payment. It's like the fun bonus didn't even exist. That really is just NO fun. Last tax return went completely to the same bill, It's like the dreaded bill of my life. That's it I am going back to a 1990 mini van. hehe

Just thought I'd share that with ya'll. :)

Time capsule

2011-02-27T16:20:00.002-10:00

so I was going to start this new project, and I went down to my basement to go through some old photo albums and boxes from college and i came across this shoe box, it was package taped up like I assumed that I wouldn't open it again? weird, I couldnt' remember what was in it. When I opened it was so funny, I found some of my old journals, all the way back to Sophomore year in high school- all the way up to the time frame when I met Dave. It chronicled every thing, from all the fun times, the down times, the dating years, it was hilarious. really! I also found 4 planners I kept that had like what I did every day of the week. When ever we went out i wrote where we went, like head liners, chasers, jake's, then at home, dub pub nights arlington cafe etc. who we hung out with and what happened, omg did that bring back some memories. haha.

So the night I met Dave I got this shirt from the miller light girls it says "may all your dreams come true" and i saved it! in the box. haha. so funny among other things, but it was definitely quite interesting reading through all my thoughts. especially since college seems like it was an eternity ago. One of my favorites was "Me and Jamie's deep thoughts on Past loves..." and it described all about why these old boyfriends of ours must have come into our lives for whatever reason, and why they went out, it was so very funny. I remember writing that one night sitting on the balcony at colony apartments. Wow... haha

Happy Bday to my Brother! 22

2011-02-27T16:16:00.002-10:00

Gosh we are all getting so old. haha, we had a great bday celebration today we went to Ichiban for lunch- took Andrew out, then had the big family dinner at mom and dads and all the sibs. it was great, we didn't have one for Jordan's bday so this was nice to get everyone together, its been quite some time.

Nothing much is new I guess, just working and been working on my scrap books, trying to catch up a bit. I am very behind.

Jordan and I have been walking the dogs at the humane society every other Saturday. It is such a great experience. It used to be a bit sad, the stories of each dog was on the cage, but now it just seems that they are excited to see you and you don't know really how rough they may have had it in life, and you just enjoy spending time with them, getting them out and playing with them. It's really so great to get the weekly email and see who got adopted. I hope to one day have my own little rescue. If money was no issue, I would totally be doing that- and not getting paid a dime. Maybe someday right? ;)

Both Kel and Jamie are due soon- time has flown by it seems since I found out they both were pregnant. Can't wait to see those little ones. Girls weekend this coming weekend since it's Jamie's shower. I Can't wait to see the girls!

January 2011 almost over?

2011-01-18T07:37:00.002-10:00

Where does the time go? December was amazing, I gotta say it's been hard to come back to work and be here for 5 days straight. I definitely got spoiled. Over the holiday unfortunately Frosty did end up getting sicker and they had to put him to sleep. It was the day before Christmas Eve. It was rough, I've never had to experience the loss of a pet yet, My pets I have now are my very first pets ever. I felt so badly for them.

Christmas was wonderful,as always. Went up to Mansfield, my parents, then dave's moms. It was very busy. Nothing that exciting has been happening so far this year, the weather is so crappy and I like to hibernate.

I do have some good news, I have quit smoking my last cigarette was on the 12th of this month. Doing ok with it, but it's only been 5 full days so far, but that's more than I have ever gone before when trying to quit. Wish me luck!

Happy 2011 so far!

Christmas Time~

2010-12-20T11:57:00.005-10:00

Ok it's been forever, I have wanted to update, just not much time. I'm sure everyone else is doing the same thing- shopping, running around, stuff to do every minute. All my travels are over, it was great to see everyone. Now I am on vacation with the hubby and we had 6 straight days to get some stuff done and shop for xmas. We currently have 1 and a half left! wow!!! It goes WAYYYY too fast. I can hardly believe we have already breezed through all those other days.

Connecticuit was GREAT! We did pedicures and went shopping, got some xmas shopping done. We had lunch and dinners together which is sooo nice, when you don't get to see your best friend by twice a year, you can take for granted just grabbing "lunch" with a friend when they live like 10 minutes away. Not me I cherish my "girl time!" CT was nice, we didn't see anything like I could only see in CT, but it was a new State to check off my list for sure! We even got to watch the actual copy of Eclipse and enjoyed seeing it with her, (Ehhh). ;) Kel looks great- she is like 6 months prego or something and just looks amazing! Here is a pic of us- I thought about doing the one of me covered in a blanket but I guess I'll suffer and post this one cause it's of us both by the xmas tree!

The trip (travel wise) was quite interesting, got delayed there got delayed home, got stuck in Detroit for a bit, sat on the plane for about 2 hours waiting to De-ice and take off, it was a nightmare. I only say this because even though I know it's the price you gotta pay to use this mode of transportation it seems that I am cursed when it comes to air travels. You laugh but I am serious, someone picked me to be cursed for every single flight or airport I visit. No joke!! haha. I got a text from Kel that made me laugh when I finally made it home it said something like "yes, i know your cursed, but I appreciate you torturing yourself to come see me each time" and it made me laugh and smile. because KEL- trust me I wouldnt do it for anyone else. I would drive, no matter what, but you seem to always be just a tad out of driving range! haha :)

Frosty has taken a turn for the worse, they almost were going to have to put him down the weekend I went to Cleveland of course I was super upset and couldn't even beleive it was time. He is afterall 15 which is like over 100 in his years for a huge dog that he is. BUT it's still very very hard. Well he is still kickin' like 2+ weeks later, they tried one last thing, which is shots weekly that they inject to lube his joints. It's just so sad because he is not senile or anything, but he just is loosing all strength in his back legs. he falls and he can't walk some days at all, Dave and I had to go let him out the other day and he fell in the snow and we had to like both try to pick him up to get him back in, he tried to bite dave bc obviously he was not liking what we were trying to do, so its just really hard on him and Jack and Susan. some days he is walking around fine, others its a major struggle. I know the time is coming though, and he's not even my dog, I dont want to think how I might be when it's time for me to deal with that with my pups. well we have him here for now- we have been visiting more and giving him treats! :)

1 more full day of vaca, gotta shop for Dave and then I am done. Can't wait to celebrate Chrstmas and see everyone. I hear some bad weather is coming in so wish us luck with our travels. :) Merry Christmas everyone, because I doubt I'll be back until afterwards!

December is here!!

2010-12-06T14:56:00.004-10:00

So...We have already been through Thanksgiving and NYC, I can hardly believe that we are done with those two things already. I still have yet to decorate for xmas at all. My hubby is a grinch and doesn't want to carry our heavy ass tree upstairs, so for me I think it's just decorations and stuff through out the living room. Yah we travel so much anyhow in December there is just not a whole lot of point in having this huge tree in our living room anyhow. Way alot of effort.

NYC was ...hmmm Interesting. It was such a crazy busy chaotic place. We got to see most of the "big" sights to see, which was awesome. A once in a lifetime experience I will say, because I do not believe that I will go back. Maybe some day when I am rich and can stay at the trump tower and have the limo drive me around and eat at all the fancy places and shop at Prada or whatever there is there. haha yah right! No, it was fun just way too many people for me. It was also such a great experience to see those things for the first time with my husband and my mom! We created some great memories. I guess I am a suburb girl! :)

I also went off to Cleveland with Jamie to visit Bec for her bday and Ang. We went and got massages and spent the whole day together, it was so much fun. I also hit up the Coach outlet and got me a new purse!! eek!

Well this Friday I am off to A brand new destination again!!! Connecticuit!! I can hardly believe all the excitement I have had in Nov. and Dec so far- It's tiring but I just love traveling and seeing people I miss, and seeing new places. I only get so many a year, as it is hard to get dog sitters every time etc. so I enjoy them when they come! Well I am outta here for now!

Been forever...

2010-11-19T07:46:00.003-10:00

Welcome back me to blog world! Things have been surprisingly busy and I haven't had any time to update- I don't have much time now because I am on my lunch, but thought I'd do a short update. It will be very condensed version of everything that is coming my way soon. I think I have saved the best month for December this year. All this happens before 2011:

*I go to NYC for the first time in my life with the hubs, in laws and my mom!!!
*Thanksgiving of course
*Trip to Cleveland for Rebecca's birthday and having a spa day with Jamie, Ang, and Rebecca! How fun is that!! All three girls doing girly stuff what more could I ask for?
*Trip to connecticut to see Kelly! Doing something and going somewhere I have never been before and get to see my farthest away best friend!!
*Tons of vacation time in December because I have not taken like ANY this year so far!!! woo woo going to work on the house projects!!!
*Christmas where we see all our families and spend tons of good quality time with them! :)
** pretty much I am sooooo excited for the weeks to come, my head is like already startiing to be on vacation so I gotta get it back in the work mode for just a couple more days** eek!!!

I will try to post some more after all of this!

Article about Austin- on signing day for UK!

2010-11-17T07:26:00.001-10:00

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Boringgggg lately...

2010-09-20T14:50:00.003-10:00

September has been pretty boring sincelabor day. which was amazing because I had four days off in a row, it was truly truly amazing! Nothing much around here, I started up the tread mill again, so that hopefully will last- it's so hard to keep going. I have just been a big dork and have been reading alot, I think I've read like 4 books since my birthday since I got my Nook! Such a nerd I know. Well This weekend should be fun hopefully, it's Dave's bday celebration. The big 32!!! Old man! haha ;)

Very exciting news...Rebecca had her baby and I am visiting on October 9th, which just can't come fast enough. I can't wait to see her!!!!! She is adorable, of course!

I got NO sleep last night, for some reason I laid there for hours, crap running through my head non-stop. I hate that I have that sort of automatic "list' thing that I can't turn off in my brain, it's clearly getting in the way of my beauty sleep, and now at this age it is much needed! haha ;) good night!

4 year annivesary...

2010-09-08T15:30:00.004-10:00

I didn't forget, but I did not post that on the 2nd of this month was my 4 year wedding anniversary!! I had to work all day and so it kinda slipped my mind to mention it on here, but thought I'd share this milestone with you all. I am the luckiest girl ever to have such a great husband! :) I got roses delivered to my work- by my wonderful hubby! We had a nice evening and went out to dinner too! :)

4 day weekend begins...

2010-09-04T18:39:00.002-10:00

And I have actually requested an extra day off next week! I have a 4 day weekend and I cannot wait!! Today was pretty boring and laid back- got some good news I do NOT need a new tire, which was really pretty much a good start to the day- I really didnt' want to pay $315 for a new tire. so that was awesome, then i took Hailey to the dog park, what a beautiful day for it, and then we hit up the petsmart- totally the place to be- and made some dinner and watched "the last song" (which by the way was so good and I cried like a freak- and is it wrong that I think that guy is like the hottest man ever- man? hmm I think he's over 18...haha.what a cute movie) and now I'm blogging before bed... Tomorrow is Dave's family reunion in Mansfield so we are off to that...gotta get some rest. will post some more soon. :)

Letters in the mail...

2010-09-04T18:33:00.002-10:00

So when Kel was here we were talking about how we used to write eachother letters all the time because we have literally been "long distance" friends for most of our friendship. We met when we were 15 as Freshman in high school and then she moved away after Sophmore year, (correct me if I'm wrong kel!) But that means we have been friends being able to actually hang out on a normal basis for only 2 years!! out of 14 years total now I think...dang we are getting old...haha, ok so then she moved and I was devastated, and this was before cell phones really were the "norm" and even then there is no way I would have had one as a kid- my parents would never have paid for that. This is also when you still paid for long distance so we never really got to talk on the phone so how did we tell eachother EVERYTHING that was going on... with letters in the Mail! yes the regular mail!! so we were chatting when she was here and we were like wow, I miss getting letters and good stuff in the mail not just bills- so we have started writing again. It's pretty fun- I have sucessfully mailed out two already- :)How fun- If you miss getting mail and would like a letter just let me know :) haha. Since all my friends live like 9776 miles away from me we could be starting a new trend... no? It's like bell bottoms and umm those stupid leggins with lace at the bottom from the 80s...We're bringing it back!!!!!

Wonderful Weekend.

2010-08-29T16:37:00.003-10:00

So this weekend was quite eventful. Haven't got much sleep but man was I busy. Friday night Dave and I went to movie tavern and we ate dinner and watched pirannha in 3D, thought it might be something fun to see. Well if you want to see lots of BOOBS and Blood then this is the movie for you. I am not sure how getting killed by killer fish and boobs go together, but somehow the people making this thought they would. Yah pretty dumb. Oh well, it was my first 3D movie, bummer.

Saturday was our annual pool party at work, I think I am officially done with all our events for awhile. thank goodness! It went very well, we had an awesome turn out, it was great!! Ang came to town and spent the day with me after the party and we had an amazing dinner at Bravo. YUM! Then we went home for awhile, got some DQ soft serve and when we couldnt' think of anything we really wanted to do, we decided on a movie and wine- so we went to movie tavern, yes I went again..haha, we saw the other guys. Then we went to the bar and met up with Dave and Mark for some drinks. good times.

Today I lounged for a bit did some stuff around the house then got ready for the comedy club. Abbey invited me to go with her and two of her girlfriends. So I went and we saw Brad Williams, he was freakin hilarious. I had no idea who we were even seeing, but it turned out to be one of the funniest experiences I have ever had there. He even did a lap dance on a birthday girl at the end- so totally hysterical. I had tears in my eyes a few times I laughed so hard. Well that was the wekeend- jam packed and totally worth the tiresome eyes I have right now- off to bed semi- early, but not really so I can make it through this week. Where are the people of blog world? havent heard from anyone lately!!

29 Folks...

2010-08-23T13:27:00.004-10:00

yep the big 29! One more freakin year before 30! I can hardly believe it myself. Let me just first say that I had a wonderful birthday. My hubby took the entire day off to spend with me and we went and had a nice breakfast and spent the day together and I got the present that I was truly hoping for- he was listening!!- The Nook from Barnes & Noble. Yes I am a dork and it's an E Reader but I am very excited, because I read alot and well this will just be perfect- I won't have to have like 95 books on my shelves and then be mad when i sell them back for like 5 cents a peice. BUT let me back track, Friday night I went out with my work peeps, It was sooo much fun! I was only planning on having a couple, but that quickly became 8 or so.. haha thank goodness Dave came so he could drive me home! Always be safe! :) haha. Well let's just say I am glad that I had a blast Friday because I spent the night puking and then the whole of SAturday trying to become "normal" again shall we say.

I am also sooo glad that it was sooo incredibly fun because Saturday night was supposed to actually be my "celebration" however, minus Dave, my parents, daves parents and Laura & Andrew- I guess the most important people NO one else decided to take an hour of their time to come celebrate with me for my birthday. I am not one to get upset about these things, but everyone knows how much I love bdays and I tried to plan to have quite a celebration on Saturday night- invited tons of people- yah well NO ONE decided it was important enough to do, even the people that said they would "try". So there you have it, Thank you those who did come, I really appreciate it. That would be just my family & my husband.

Sunday I got my tatoo re-done. I have been meaning to turn this tatoo into something for quite sometime now- so I finally did it. The tortureous pain of DEATH. I always wanted to get another someday but now after that, I totally think I am done for life. Under no circumstance can i imagine why people enjoy getting like a million tatoos, I must be the biggest wuss ever. It was unbearable- like burning scraping vibrating sticking knives in my back torture! OMG never again!!!! If I ever come up with a brilliant idea to get another one, please someone say "go read your blog where you described it right after" ughhh...

Kelly and Fam Visit!!!

2010-08-20T13:39:00.003-10:00

How exciting, I got to spend Sunday and Monday with Kel! let's see Sunday they got into town, we went to dinner at Mongolian BBQ and then off to Magic Mountain. We had a lot of fun, playing games, and putt putt, the boys all did bumper boats. Way to keep the kids entertained and fun for us too. :) I got to spend half the day with Kel Monday too-my work let me leave because they stayed the next day too which was very unexpected, and we got to eat lunch at Blue Ging!!! YUMMM and then off to shop just a bit. We also got to have some dinner and then they were headed off the next morning. Off to their new home in Groton, CT. Crazyness! I can't wait to visit them at these next destinations because I have never been to the East coast. That was a great time, such a nice surprise!

side note: Sadly Bec couldn't make it to add to my best month of the summer :(haha, BUT she is working on keeping that baby in there!!! so I am thinking of YOU bec every day!!! September will be here before you know it!!!

Ang also can't make it for the bday wekeend, hopefully she will come the next weekend.

Best month of the summer!

2010-08-08T12:33:00.004-10:00

OK people, August is usually quite fun for me because you all know how I love to celebrate the bday like I'm 21 again, but this month for sure this year will be the best, let me tell you why...

I have already had my first weekend of August and we got to spend it hanging out with Tasha and Josh, two people whom we have not seen in Eons, which was great!! 2nd, next weekend Rebecca and Joe come down from Cleveland and we are going out to dinner around Easton with Jamie and her hubs and Dave of course, then going to the comedy club. I cannot wait. it will be so much fun. It will also be the last visit from Rebecca before she becomes a MOM!!! eek! Things are going to get pretty crazy for her soon so it will be wondeful to spend that time together, and with Joey too, it's nice to include the hubbys once in a while! :) haha.

Then Listen to this!!! I just found out that Sunday next weekend Kelly and Matt will be arriving to town on their way to their new home in CT. They will stay in the day and night in Columbus and I get to hang out with them and go to dinner and such. I can hardly believe it! That's just amazing! I will surely post some more after all this and then the next weekend MY BDAY!! woo hoo! I forgot to add that Angie is coming to town to celebrate with me too! Can't wait! :)

One event down...2 more to go... when does Fall start?

2010-08-06T14:58:00.006-10:00

Well I made it through the grand re-open of our state-of-the-art fitness center last weekend. Mark and I had to go in on SAturday, thank goodness they let me leave early this week to just kinda have some time off for working on my day off- which really means nothing when your salary which I have come to realize. but hey that's what I signed up for, so I am in no way complaining. I actually enjoy the challenge and the new stuff I have to do each day! very rewarding actually, I enjoy what I do- not everyone can say that right?

So we made it through, party/event planner i am not, I just don't get into that sort of thing but I think it went well and looked pretty good. I'll leave you with a few pic! :) cause I am a nerd.

Next is the grand opening of my dog park and then our pool party and hopefully fall with come and we can relax a bit! My girls have been doing awesome, and that's been a big help!

Saturday I had game night at my house, with Nicole, matt, Laura, Jordan, Roauf, Dave, Mark and Whitney. We played card games and drank it was alot of fun. Played Asshole, which i have not done since ummm probably college or high school. it was hilarious, i totally forgot how it was played but we came up with some pretty funny rules. You will see here Nicole having to put her chin on the table for cussing, and can't pick it back up till the next person cusses, well here ya go.... very comical!!

My day was brightened this week when I was graced with a bootleg copy of Eclipse...yes people I am still obsessed and need a support group. My friends are going to commit me soon, but along with myself we will have to take Nicole & Laura & kel! haha I also went to see Charlie St. Cloud with my sisters this past weekend and let me just tell you omg we found a new obsession...Zac Efron ladies! If you need a good chick flick go see this movie! He is hot, and it was good and sad a bit. Great easy going flick!

This weekend we are hanging out with some friends that we haven't seen in 95 years... Tasha and Josh or AKA our fav peeps! :) haha, can't wait we are gonna have a game night with them, that should be fun. I will post more soon when I have some time and some more pictures.

Bec's Baby shower weekend!

2010-07-28T16:47:00.007-10:00

So the weekend has come and gone...again. I am starting to adjust to this M-F thing I suppose. It's just been sorta tough since now I only see Dave like one whole day a week, which is hard.

Well this past weekend was Rebecca's baby shower, and it was amazing. When that family throws a party or a celebration they go BIG and i mean BIG! It was like a small wedding! there was like 100 people, open bar, tons of food and dessert and presents galore. I was in charge of taking pictures...pretty nervous about that! No one else seems to enjoy the job, but I had fun doing it. They turned out pretty good and I got some really cute ones of Rebecca and Joe together. Those ones I really liked. So my new camera came in handy and like I always say to the girls... "one day you will thank me for this" I just hope that day comes sometime soon :) haha. Well when we are 80 and we do our get together at the retirement home playing cards or whatever it is we will do when we are that old, I will bust out the scrap book and be like LOOK! Remember when...! (and I'll still be making you get in a line- me not on the end- and set the timer and yell GO!

Had an amazing dinner with Bec, Jamie and Bec's dad- good times. Great night hanging out with Ang too and then baby shower on sunday. here are some pics from this amazing weekend!

Friends for lifetime of amazing memories!

Baby Love!

"It's sorta like our belly..." haha

Busy Busy

2010-07-22T15:01:00.003-10:00

Things around here are just plain crazy! Work has slowed down like by .000000001 percent or something very very small, but enough for me to breathe put it that way! I love it though and it sure is a challenge, but I think I am doing ok. I hope that with time it just comes naturally and gets alot easier. Right now many things are new and that always takes some adjustment. I have started NOT going in on Saturday's to play catch up on paperwork so that is ALWAYs a good sign!! I actually went shopping last weekend and got my hair cut and just had some plain old ME TIME!! WellWish me luck!! Let me just say I can't wait till FALL though! when we actually slow down a bit more!

We got a new Truck! yay! We were so sick of the XTerra, so small compared to every single vehicle we have ever had, and it sucked. It's a nice suv dont get me wrong, just not for us. gotta throw 3 dogs in it and have a bed to haul stuff and move stuff, you just don't realize how nice it is till it's gone. Well that one lasted 10 months, you know how my hubby likes to buy stuff :) haha. He may need shopaholics anyonomous... :)

This weekend I leave for Cleveland again...It's Rebeccas baby shower weekend! How exciting! I can't wait to see the girls and of course celebrate this little baby!!! I could not be happier for her and Joey! It's just amazing! I already told her she is not to turn into "one of those people" you know the ones, they stop being friends with eveyrone once the baby comes... She better tote that little baby down here to Columbus and have Lilliana join girls night!! :) -- I am not sure I spelled that right so Bec, I'm sorry if not!

Well gotta get some stuff done before heading to bed, I am so glad tomorrow is Friday! Weekend here I come!

Hello.. are you out there?

2010-07-07T16:31:00.001-10:00

I think I lost everyone since I became a slacker.... oh well...maybe I'll get you back someday, maybe when I have something really interesting to write about...haha :)

Eclipse .....(sigh) Edward Obsession is back

2010-07-03T06:06:00.001-10:00

Went to see Eclipse midnight showing and let me tell ya I am still recovering from no sleep. I am way too old for this staying up late goign to work the next day thing. haha :) The movie was amazing, and I am in love again with my favorite vampire love edward! haha yes, I'm 12. Then last night I went to the drive in movies with my mom, laura, andrew, michaela, nicole and we saw it again! haha! LOVE IT!!! So I have added a count down to my blog for Breaking dawn...so excited...now if only I could get a boot leg of eclipse to hold me over!

Huge News...been awhile

2010-07-03T06:03:00.003-10:00

Well as you all probably know by now...it's been about a month now, my manager quit and that left an open position at my work. I interviewed for it and GOT IT! wooohooo. Pretty exciting. I haven't had any time to do anything really extra these days so I'm pretty behind on my blogging and my facebooking and all that fun stuff. haha, i just never feel like getting on the computer anymore after work all day long. WE have never been so busy, in the 4+ years ive been there, never, we have people walking through the door constantly every 5 seconds, which is GREAT dont get me wrong, just way super busy, and we are all learning new things, so it's definitely been an experience. We are doing well keep our rentals up and all that fun stuff, so wish me luck!

Busy Busy

2010-05-13T07:36:00.002-10:00

Many things going on around here... Let's see:

1. We made a trip up to Mansfield to spend the day with DAve's dad. We took Hailey with us this time and hung out for awhile. She did really well. We shot some guns and Dave got to finally ride his 4 Wheeler around in the woods and have some fun. I got on it for a minute and got some mud on my shoe and pants and said "enough" take me back! haha I did drive it by myself for a minute though, that was fun. We also picked up the boat to have it at home and get it cleaned up, Memorial Day weekend is usually our first trip out of the year.

2. We had a wedding to attend in Mansfield, so we went up again. It was Dave's step sister, so we spent last Saturday hanging with family at her wedding. It was nice to have a weekend off Good times!

3. Mothers day was last sunday and Laura, Nicole and I drove up to Michigan to see my Gram. My mom and dad drove up too, we all spent the entire day together and took my mom and gram out to lunch at the Frog Leg Inn. It was sooooo nice to see Gram and spend the whole day with her. I hear she has been lonely lately, Dave and I are planning on trying to take a trip to see her just us soon.

4. I got a flat tire because I ran over a screw driver head thing at my property. I had to take it in and get it replaced and since its a run-flat, not just a regular tire it cost me a whopping $314.00. That SUCKS!!! I was so mad, I called the guy in charge of the renovations and told him about it and it did not sound like they were going to be paying me any money for their negligence. he said bring me the tire and your invoice and we will see. "we shall see??? whatever" so I did it anyhow and brought it in, I had a gut feeling they would not do it, and I was going to be pretty darn heated, I mean how can you just leave screws and nails and tools in the road and expect it to NOT be your faulT?? well they decided to give me the money and pay me back for it, thank goodness!!!!! I would have really been upset had they not. so Thank you.

5. MINI vaca coming at the end of this month!! We are planning on going to Chicago- however, no hotel set up yet... oh geez. Can someone book it for me??? :) haha

Quick update

2010-04-21T16:18:00.002-10:00

Girls weekend has come and gone... (sigh) it was so much fun, I wish we could do it every month! At least we are on a roll and we have stuck to seeing eachother about every other month so I can't complain there. Miss those girls already!

We spent the day shopping, and Ang met us later. She had to work in the morning so met up with us around dinner time. Shopped, has some smoothies, lunch, some dinner and some wine and then some girl chat back at Jamie's house and just some great hangin' out time! :) Spent the night like old times and woke up and had breakfast together and then it was off till next time! Got some prego pics of Rebecca, she looks fabulous! Super cute, we are all very excited. It was very funny we got a pic of Ang touching her belly and she was like " I mean it is kinda like "our Belly" haha" We couldn't be happier for her.

Dave and I finally and I do mean FINALLY found a patio set that 1. we really like and 2. that we agree on. We have been searching for a very very long time and I just can't believe how expensive they are, its crazy. so we found one reasonably priced at Meijer and spent Tues putting it all togehter. We also met Jamie at the dog park and took hailey and Lacey for some doggie fun time! It was a blast, they loved it, and zonked out on the car ride home. I was like "ahhh this is nice" usually they are jumping and moving around and clawing up everything and sitting on my lap and just being plain annoying-- but on the way home it was zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... Loved it! haha. Miss Cass stayed home, not sure if she would enjoy that or not, but ill take her next time maybe...sorta dangerous for a tiny little prissy thing. maybe more hassle than it's worth. we shall see.

still quite busy at work- a little stressful, but getting through it, keep those rentals coming! :) thats a small update, gotta jump in the shower, but thought id keep ya posted. G'night

Rentals and the big week is OVER!!

2010-04-14T14:26:00.002-10:00

soooo we made it through our week we thought would never end at work. we did great, things went well, to my knowledge and we even got a big work lunch out to a NICE place :) for all our efforts to make the place look GREAT! So today we had our work outing and got to spend some quality time together, making fun of eachother and telling Mark how we will probably end up kicking him in the balls soon! ;) haha.

Good times! I am also on quite the roll for rentals and it feels GREAT!

ps Girls weekend is this weekend and I have Saturday OFFFFF! YAYYYYYY. so excited.

What a big Yard....

2010-04-14T14:22:00.002-10:00

I never realized how much work it was going to be to get our yard in shape. WE have been putting it off since we moved in (2 years now) don't get me wrong we still killed the dandelions and planted some grass seed in some bare spots, mowed and even mulched the front so it wouldnt look bad from the front but the back...Different story...WOAH. i have a new found respect for landscapers everywhere...and to think they do that every day, day in day out. My dad is freakin 62 and thats what he does for a living!!! Nicole and Matt and Laura help as his workers doing it 8-9 hours at a time. I could NEVER.

we spent over 6 hours on Sunday mulching and getting rid of dead stuff and making it look beautiful. we got three new trees, and planted some grass seed in our bare spots. so much work. i was and still am quite sore. It looks great. we are still not done yet, but we are almost there. My hubby is such a hard worker out there over 8 hours, he trumps my 6. Looks fantastic so far though, so I suppose it was worth it. I will however,never be doing that again. we are now on the hunt for patio furniture for our deck. we have none. later!

Not enough time...

2010-04-07T14:43:00.004-10:00

I am beginning to not have enough hours in my day... work has been stressful and crazy. Things are just so busy it's insane. It's that time of year yes, but on top of that are the renovations and well...thats definitely a new experience for us all. At least I have help on Saturdays now! phewww... it was getting a little crazy for me there.

I have been a slacker and have been away from blogging, emailing, calling etc. I apologize. I have been kinda in my own little world. Things here are good. Let's see just a small recap:

-We have celebrated Jordan, Andrew and Laura's bdays.
-I have went to dinner and a movie (Bounty Hunter- pretty good) with some old friends from high school. That was fun to get out and do something with some new people.
-We have started working on the yard, which let me tell you SUCKS- I do not like yard work at all, but good wife that I am helped all day yesterday! Mulch clean up etc. ICK! We did get a bird feeder and put that up, thought it might be nice.

- Dave got a new motorcycle Monday, it's pretty sweet. When I get a chance I'll take a pic and put it up. It's a 2008 Honda CBR 1000- a Red and black sport bike. Very nice! Funny my dad has the same bike too. We got rid of the other two, so now we just have that one, which is fine by me. :)
-Went to the Columbus Blue Jackets game and got to sit in the Huntington Bank suite. that was pretty cool- free food, greats seats, free beer/wine, how much better can you get?! Good times. we enjoyed that.

- I have a girls DAY/NIGHT planned for April 17th and the girls are coming from Cleveland cant wait!
-Dave and I are trying to get away for a MINI trip in May for like 3 days... any suggestions. We are thinking Chicago right now. I have never been there...

Gots to jump in the shower and get some rest...tomorrow is our BIGGGG day at work. Owner's and just about anyone important that is our company and then some are coming to our property tomorrow. long day I'm sure...so wish us luck we have been working our asses off to get everything in order for the visit, hopefully all goes well. I'll try to post some more stuff soon!

They started the slaughter of baby seals again... :(

2010-03-29T11:11:00.002-10:00

DO NOT BUY CANADIAN SEAFOOD UNTIL THIS ENDS!!! CRUEL MURDER!

IF they end the seal hunt forever, I will consider buying canadian seafood again, we shall see.

24hours

2010-03-04T16:54:00.007-10:00

In the last 24 hours I have:

-Was called to find out about this poor sweet innocent dog that was hurt
-started MASS amount of emails to rescues and contacts that know more people than I do about helping animals
-heard back from Numerous people and was sifting through all the websites and names people were giving me to contact
-found out that the "good samaritan" program is actually in fact where they just euthanize an animal to put it out of thier misery (which is NOT what was going to happen in this case)
-emailed, typed, posted, blogged and made more phone calls than I can count
-found a wonderful rescue to help with the injured dog

http://www.measlesanimalhaven.org/

They picked up the dog and got it to a vet, the vet said it was either hit by a car or badly beaten with something like a baseball bat. The femur was completely shattered and it was a very gruesome break. The dog will see an orthopedic surgeon soon, and the surgery will possibly be on Saturay from what I read.

-The rescue set up a donation fund because of course this will cost money
-Have watched the funds grow to $200 in less than 24 hours!!!
-Have typed so much my fingers hurt asking people to donate
-Thinking that I am grateful to Robin at Measles animal haven and all she does for the animals
-Cannot wait to hit the $1,200 mark for his surgery and of course hope to hear about an update soon.

It would mean the world to me if you would donate even if it's only 1 dollar.
Click Here

HELP!! If you have just $1.00 it can help!

2010-03-04T16:52:00.001-10:00

BUSY

2010-03-03T15:26:00.003-10:00

Things have been crazy around here for me, I feel like there is no time anymore. Some relaxing moments late at night but thats about it. from alarm clock to sleep I feel like its been go go go. Sad Story though and need to make a post so more people see:

Need Emergency Foster for Pittie found on the side of the road w/ badly broken leg.Share

A pit bull was found today on the side of the road by a good samaritan who took him/her to the vet to find that the dog's leg was broken in 2 places. The vet said it could be up to $1100 to fix the leg. The person who found the dog cannot afford to pay and could only purchase 3 pain pills. The dog is in his care temporarily overnight, but needs a place to go as soon as possible.

The person who found the dog is the brother of a friend's boss. So he is definitely not the owner of the dog, but a person who cared enough to pick up an injured pit bull on the side of the road and take the dog to the vet.

If anyone has any fosters available or can advise on how to start a chip-in for the dog's care, please message me. Transport is available to rescue. The dog is in Columbus, Ohio.

Work has been a mad house, with renovations and traffic picking up its been crazy. We got a temp yesterday to help out.. so that has been helpful..my goodness, we have been waiting for this for years and its here, but damn its alot of work. I got 4 rentals on Sautrday with 9 shows so that was pretty awesome! Go me! haha. and well gots to get off here...will update on life soon. oh shout out Andrew turned 21 and Lauras bday is next week, soooo more fam stuff to come! gotta post about our BIG huge family reunion bday dinner too!

BUSY...

2010-03-02T16:34:00.002-10:00

I know I know, I am behind. Things have surprisingly been quite busy around here. I will be back soon I hope things settle down in the next week for me. I will be back I promise...soon.

More snow...and stuff

2010-02-11T04:47:00.002-10:00

well I think we are done now with the storms, it was so beautiful when it was all coming down. I finally got to experience a snow day from the warmth of my house watching through the window snuggled in a blanket and not at work wishing I was at home! It was great! Dave spent a good 4 hours plowing driveways and the street so we could drive in and out easily. The neighbors love him now! haha.

I have been just plain exhausted lately, maybe its the weather. I just feel like a I need a vacation or something and well that's not gonna happen for a long ass time. The girl in our office comes back March 29th and then maybe after that I can take a long weekend or something.

Dear John was a little disappointing, I remember liking the book but was not IN LOVE with it, and hated the ending but I was hoping that with that HOTTIE in the movie it would be way better, but had he not been in it I would not have liked it as much as I did... I will probably buy it anyhow just to sit and stare at him ;) hahaha Reading a new book, the first one by Jodi Picoult. I hear her books are amazing so we shall see... current reading "The Pact" Well that's it I am boring.

Big Snow!

2010-02-06T08:17:00.005-10:00

We got our big snow storm yesterday and last night. Our guys are working today with me, they are digging us out of the whiteness! Dave plowed our driveway like three times and there is still a bunch on the ground from after he went to bed. He had a blast though with his new 4wheeler! I shoulda taken a picture.

Hailey was loving the snow too! Cassie not so much! We had to shovel her a little area and she still tends to want to pee on our deck because she doesn't want to go any further than right by the door.

Last night we went over to Tasha's and Josh's and played some games. It was a snowy game night! :) Tonight is DEAR JOHN night!!!!! Nicole, Laura and I are going to the movies, I have been waiting since I saw the preview at NEW MOON so umm NOVEMBER!!!!! Along with Twilight and all things RobPatz I am also obsessed with this movie and I cannot wait, I heart Channing Tatum!!! Can't wait to see it!
---- sigh--- haha

Not a whole lot...

2010-02-01T16:11:00.002-10:00

I posted an entry about hair cuts for haiti, which laura donated her time to do discounted hair cuts (her time free) to send all proceeds to the relief efforts for Haiti. She did a wonderful thing. she didn't like the video so it's erased. so there's her shout out!!

Lindsey at my work is getting ready any day now to have her baby so that will leave us with just the three girls at work for 8 weeks!!! 8 whole weeks! but we couldn't be more excited for her and she will be coming back in April. Seems like forever, but I am sure how busy we will stay being down a person it will fly by. Especially since renovations start very soon! Spring will be here before we know it! well hopefully at least, I am done with this cold weather.

We had a girls night "twilight party" this past Saturday. It was so great, all my sisters came and my mom got to spend some time at Tasha's house, snacks and games, it was great! we decided to do it when I realized I had these games and no one would play them with me :( so everyone we knew that loved twilight came and we got to play and have a good time! great idea.

Valentines day is around the corner any great ideas to wow the hubby?? I am taking suggestions.

Been scrapbooking again... got like 6-8 pages done so far, need to go on a mini shop spree at hobby lobby and stock up on some new items and pages. can't wait. maybe tomorrow. Been feeling sorta sick lately though, don't know whats wrong... just not myself and stomache aches. My last accupunture appointment (unless I decide to keep at it on a regular basis) is tomorrow. it's been helping a bit. no miracles, but better.

Good times...

2010-01-18T10:46:00.006-10:00

Well the weekend is OVER... how sad. I went to Cleveland on Saturday right after work and met up with the girls and we headed to dinner. We decided that after a late dinner we just wanted some wine and to go home and veg and play games and chat is up, so that is just what we did. It was so nice to see them again, it's been too long since we have all gotten together for the night.

Rebecca's hubby (Joey) got home at like 3AM and his cousins dropped him off, let me just tell you if we grow his hair just a tad and decided we would need to bejeweled the other two's shirts they are the Jersey shore cast to a T!!! It was freakin hilarious.

Sunday I headed home and was soooo tired. I am not used to staying up till 4AM. Jordan's bday celebration was at Outback Steakhouse, the whole fam got together and we had dinner. It was a great time. We realized that we talked about the following items the entire time: Jersey shore "dude that chick is mad weird" " you stalk my whole life on the boardwalk!!", TWILIGHT...how much Nicole is a creeper and is obsessed these days ... Laura's words not mine of course... How much Laura HATES Matt Damon.. Don't ask, you'll get the full scoop I'm sure! and well that was the biggest topics then down to smaller things such as Jordan's bday and stuff. haha such insightful/intellectual conversations. It was really fun though, Austin said that when he gets really rich and famous he'll maybe remember us... how kind?!?! haha.

Tomorrow is Acupuncture #4 and final unless I think it's helping and I decide to go back, but right now it's under office visits so I am sure it will cost a fortune to do it for real and who knows if I will feel like it's worth it. I feel alittle better but by no means healed quite yet. we shall see... well that's it for now.

slacky mcslackerson...

2010-01-13T05:46:00.006-10:00

Yes, I have become a blog slacker. I guess things have been a bit busy, but nothing crazy. NYE was amazing, it was just so much fun to share it with so many important people. ALL my sisters were there and Raouf and Matt of course, then Angie came and Dave's parents It was just so great. We had a BLAST!! Andrew stopped by with his friend Kayla, which he was very nervous about since all his sister's would be in one place at one time, and drinking, he was afraid we would embarrass him! We were on our best "drunk" behavior...whatever that is. haha. A picture of the girls and Dave and I ringing in the new year with a Kiss! :)

Stuff I've been up to...Hmm Well 2010 has been pretty quiet so far. I have been working and then I have taken up Wii fit which I do at night. It's pretty cool. Laura and I are supposed to do it together which should be fun. Dave and I had game night with Tasha and Josh last weekend, which was really fun. I have had 3 visits for acupunture for my back. It's pretty weird, you really don't even feel the needles once they are in. Going in its like this tiny tiny prick but nothing major, and they hooked them up to a little electricity to stimulate the muscles. We are doing one more visit and then see if it helped at all. I am currently very "uncomfortable" feeling if I sit too long or lift something a bit too heavy, but not the excruiating pain where I feel nauseaus and want to feint like in the beginning so I guess I might be getting better. hey I'll take uncomfortable and a little painful over that other feeling.

That's about it for now. This weekend I go to Cleveland for a girl visit! Will report back soon about that!

NYE...eve

2009-12-30T17:33:00.002-10:00

ok so tomorrow is already New Years Eve. I cannot believe it will be 2010 the day after!!! Just crazy. We decided to have a few fam members over to our house because no one could or would decide what they wanted to do for the night. I wanted to be with all my sisters and my hubs of course so I just said come on over!! I have a special visitor this year as well...Ang is going to come to town! Although I have received 2 texts in the last week and all it said was yes, and the other maybe just yes. hmm...so that means I'll see her when I see her pretty much. Who really knows...but that is exciting! :) haha.

It's just me and Cass at work tomorrow, should be pretty quiet. we manage to entertain ourselves quite well though. ;) I will post after the shin dig with some pics I am sure ringing in the New Year of 2010!!!! Happy New Year everyone!

Over so soon :(

2009-12-28T15:40:00.006-10:00

Well It has come and gone again...Christmas that is. I can hardly believe that all those fun festivities are over so soon. It just flies by. I love the xmas parties and the gifts and surprising people with great gifts and the holiday food (too much), but now we have NYE and then it's back to reality for real. WE keep joking that we will start working again "next year" cause we are all like in a holiday coma...

I hope everyone's Christmas was wonderful!! I had an amazing holiday. Let's see Xmas eve it was off to Mansfield. We spent the late afternoon and evening up there. I got an early xmas present from Dave, my very first gun!!

There I am shooting at Dave's dads house. I am a pretty darn good shot if I do say so myself :) That was pretty exciting, I really enjoy doing that now, we are going to the indoor range hopefully tomorrow if we have time.

Xmas eve my sister started a new tradition and had the fam over at her condo. We all played games and had a great time. All 10 of us! I just love those get togethers where we can all be there. It's so hard to gather that many people at one time. So here are some pics from xmas eve, and the last one all us girls decided to attack Austin, oh how he loves us so.. :) haha

Xmas morn it was off to my parents house for presents and breakfast, (by the way my mom went a little overboard and loaded me up with everything "twilight & New Moon" haha, How did she know??) and then off to Dave's moms for presents and dinner. What a busy couple days! I at least had 4 off in a row and spent them hanging out and playing Weii with Dave, visiting the fam like every day and just hanging around. It was Amazing! Happy Holidays!

From Christmas Day:

Christmas Time- let the festivities begin

2009-12-16T11:31:00.002-10:00

Today was our work xmas gift exchange. We each get something for someone secret santa style that is like $10 bucks. I got Lindsey this year and Ted got me. Guess what I got??? haha It was pretty funny actually...

Yes that's me getting the NEW MOON calendar! haha. I was like "Ted how did you know?"
Here are some group shots what a great bunch of people to work with:

Christmas Time!

2009-12-14T19:00:00.000-10:00

I'm a big blog slacker...Well we are almost there... Christmas! I finally got in the spirit, I start out quite a grinch and then I finally come around. Which I have after I spent a day of shopping and got most of my stuff completed, and with that, much less stress. I can't wait to spend the time with my hubby and my family. I am very much looking forward to that.

Nothing much new around here, that's probably why I haven't had much to post about. We have just been shopping and getting stuff ready for all our travels that we will do for Christmas eve and day. We did go to Dave's cousin's wedding in Mansfield at the beginning of the month. It was very pretty the dresses were maroon and green and she wore one of those capes that have a hood and fur. very pretty. We also had Dave's work xmas brunch, which we stayed at for the longest I think of anyone we know. Everyone is like in and out...with a quickness. This Friday is my work xmas party at Dave and Buster's so that should be fun. Happy Holidays everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-28T09:53:00.003-10:00

Thanksgiving was great, we went to my mom's house first and got to hang out with eveyrone, then we headed to Dave's moms to eat there too. woah way too much food. but delicious! ;) I had Thurs. and Friday off which was a nice change of pace, poor Dave has been working so much this past week, he is the only finance mgr. there and has been workinge every single day, except Thanksgiving. He will finally get next Tuesday off. And of course I am soooooooo thankful for my loving hubby, wonderful fam and all my friends. soo thankful for all that I have in my life. :)

Last night saw Edward again .... (sigh) I heart him!!!

with my sisters and mom and Dave's two little neices. They asked me all week to take them to the movie so last night we all went and I took them, it was so cute, they wanted to go sooo bad. who am I to stand in the way of that??? I Mean they had to drag me there ;) haha. yah right. some nice pictures for you ... again. at work we are thinking of a way that I can become famous and meet him! haha any ideas let me know.

NEW MOON!!!!

2009-11-20T10:48:00.003-10:00

OK so I was totally not going to do it- the midnight showing that is.... Laura, Dave and I were totally going to go sunday once it calmed down just a bit and we were going to go and enjoy a nice afternoon or evening movie. Well Yesterday I kept seeing all these newly put out clips and everyone was talking about it, the radio was buzzing about it constantly and I broke down, I bought tickets for us and we ended up at the theater last night at 10:45pm. We waited in a "holding auditorium" and then we got put in our real theater at about 11:40PM. The movie didnt even start until like 12:30 so we got out and home around 3AM ish. Trying to get out of the parking lot was like a rock concert or someting...crazyness. Let me just tell you...

I am totally and utterly obsessed with this phenomenon. I LOVED the movie I cannot wait until it comes out on video. You might catch me at the theater one more time.....I can at least admit that I have a problem and may need an intervention...along with my intervention for Bejeweled Blitz which can be found on Face book, At work we say that we have very "addictive personalities" me and my mgr. that is...haha, we can be found addicted to the following: Advil cold and sinus, Diet pepsi (only in bottles though), Ice Tea by the gallons, Bejewled of course, "but he gonna kick my ass re-run" and I am sure there are many more....This Twilight stuff happens to be just my obsession (so far,I still have hopes for turning her to the dark side) haha... By the way the movie was Freaking amazing, and I am in love with Edward Cullen even more, and now Jacob a little bit, which is illegal as we all know because he happens to be 17...but hey whatever...I think we can call me a "cougar" on that one... ;) hehe

Video

2009-11-20T10:47:00.000-10:00

I still need to post the video surprise, but have not had a chance, reminder to self to do that still!!

SURPRISE!!!

2009-11-16T11:59:00.000-10:00

SOOOO...Big news, this weekend was the weekend that I flew to Nebraska to surprise Kel for an anniversary party that her hubby planned for their 6th anniversary. Check out her blog here to hear it in her own words!

Well I left Friday morning around 10am to go to the airport, flew through Chicago airport had a small layover and landed in NE at 4:12pm on Friday. There was Matt waiting for me, then Amanda arrived like 10 minutes later and we were off to the location to wait for Kel to arrive. (here we are waiting!!)

(I will try to post the video later of her big surprise!) she will love it I'm sure, she kinda looked like a deer caught in headlights! :)

We had an amazing dinner then Saturday we had a girls shopping day, dinner at Cheesecake factory (YUMM pumpkin cheesecake) and then had some girl talk before heading to bed each night fairly early, we have decided that yes in fact we are old. haha. Sunday I had to leave pretty early which was a bummer time just flies by on our visits, but I got home yesterday around 4:30pm. I am so glad that I got to see Kel and the fam again, and it was nice to see Amanda too, it had been 6 years.

Little puppy Zoe(y)

2009-11-13T03:55:00.000-10:00

Welcome to the family! Susan and Jack just got a tiny little german shepherd puppy flown in all the way from California, the tiny pup had a 10 hour travel day. what a trooper. we went over last night around midnight and met her, she is freakin adorable. It's just what we need to realize that we never are getting a puppy again! haha It was such a relief realizing how ONRY she is already and that I dont have to deal with it!! haha. she is too, I think she will be a tough little one. She also has to get Frosty to like her, he growled at her pretty bad, he is a grumpy 13 year old grandpa dog that has no interest and no desire to befriend a tiny pup. so we shall see... and with that here are some pics...

ps....Totally on another note, i am soooooooooo excited for NEW MOON to come out, its almost here! Nov. 20th release date, and I think me and dave and Laura are going to see it that Sunday when we have off work. EEK!! so excited.

New Bed!

2009-11-12T05:03:00.000-10:00

We finally got a sleigh bed! I have been waiting to find just the right one, at just the right price and we finally did. It came with a nightstand too and it was such an amazing deal. It's all black. Now I can't wait to decorate our entire room! I have a vision, just gotta get the funds to buy everything! :) Probably after the holidays. yayy! alright well gotta get stuff done...

Pictures! ~Finally!!

2009-11-05T12:05:00.000-10:00

I got my "engagement pictures" done finally! haha Three years later. No they arent really those, but I call them that cause we never did any around the time of our wedding. Dave agreed to them as long as he could take his motorcycle and get some pictures with it too! So I said yes. haha. It was a good time, we got an amazing day weather wise, and well I probably won't get pics like this again for a long long time so Enjoy! Here are just a few of my fav's:

~Thanks Toosh :)

Back to Blogging'

2009-10-31T07:24:00.001-10:00

I have taken a hiatus I guess, a small one. Nothing much to report but lots of little things going on here and there. we visited Gram for her 81st bday. It was an amazing trip. At first it was just me and Laura planning on going, then Nicole asked to go so it was the three of us. WEll then we found out that mom, dad and austin were going. Andrew couldn't because he had school work to do and Jordan was at college at OU all the way down at Athens. Well Andrew changed his mind and then Jordan was sad because she didn't want to miss out on the family trip so Nicole went to go get her at school that morning and then we all headed up to Michgian! All separately because me and Laura worked till late and couldn't make it there until night, but it was so great.

We spent all night chatting it up with Grams, Uncle tad and tom came over, cousin Ajay. We had a great time. we all called beds and ran to get them so we wouldnt be stuck on the floor. haha, it was like we were all little again, but we're so not. The hubby's stayed home. Dave was at work late and Matt was sick. It was so great to spend a birthday with my grandma! And we got some great group photos, cause we are NEVEr all 8 up there together, it was truly a rare occasion.

The trip to see Ang was great we got to both (Dave and I) get away together and visit someone for once and we got to meet Ricardo, ang's new "guy she dates" not sure what they are. but he was very nice. good times. stayed up way too late talking like old times and then got up way too early to go home! haha time flies when your having fun.

And a picture from the Fair that we went to with Tasha and Josh:

Hailey is better now, after an ear infection and medicated baths and anti-biotics I swear two visits and we are up to $226 bucks for all that crap. but she is better that's all that matters I suppose....haha. yes that's what matters. and a picture of the doggies to end this post:

small update

2009-10-14T07:30:00.000-10:00

Well lots of stuff has been going on, ill have to post some stuff later, some pics too. I was all excited, thought i finally had some comments on here and then i find out it is some mexican man that said i was a hottie mexican lady?!? well not what i was thinking i would find. so anyhow whoever you are please stop. I thought i blocked this, but i guess i dont know how. ummm. tasha please help me. :)

1. we visited ang for her bday that was fun.
2. we went to the fairfield county fair.
3. I am going to Michigan here soon
4. I got my first book from the book chain letter!!! Ok, i am a dork but that was exciting for me :) haha

I will post more later, when i have time. lunch is over. and someone (my friends) i hope you have time and you read and then leave some comments, i know this is partly for me, but its just no fun with no comment and no one reading it. alright bye.

Oh Hailey...why must you cost so much?

2009-10-06T14:09:00.000-10:00

OK so today was VET day for Hailey again. she actually has been doing pretty well, but I have noticed she has little bumps on her legs and feet and her little chin gets like these pimples. so we took her in, she had an ear infection, and her skin is growing abnormal amounts of extra bacterias, they are all her own natural skin bacteria's but they are just too much right now. they say it is probably allergies. and her poor little chin bumps are a form of acne that boxers can get because thier skin is sooo thick and wrinkly right there. they start deep and pop out and look like pimples. so we have to fix her ears up, with some goop that we put in there. give her anti-biotics twice aday by mouth and then we have to give her medicated baths twice a week with spot treatments on her chin and leg where it is the worst. oh Hailey bean, our little money pit.

the things we do for our pets...

Dave turns 31

2009-10-03T05:10:00.000-10:00

Well it has officially passed, but Dave's Bday was last week on the 29th and he turned the big 3-1! wowza!! haha So we are celebrating tonight with friends and his mom and Jack, should be a good time. Now if I can just get through the work day...ahhhh

click here to see some great photos of the evening. IT's the link from Tasha's blog! :) Thanks tooshie for coming!

Next weekend we are visiting Angie for her bday, same day as Dave's. Can't wait to go see her and hang out to celebrate! well that's about it thats going on right now.

Hilton Head Island 2009!!

2009-09-30T09:55:00.000-10:00

Well vacation has come and gone. That's how is usually goes huh? I have been back for a little while and things are starting to get back to normal. It was amazing to relax and see and do new things, also to not have anything to do and sleeep in and stay out late. You see, I have never left the three dogs, we have never been on vacation since we have gotten them. I have never not had to think about them and take care of them. It was just the break I needed. :) sleeping in was just freaking amazing!!!!

So, on our trip (Ill try not to make this a novel) we hit up all the shops, played putt putt at night on a really fun pirate course, great dinners with some fancy food, Laying at the pool, laying at the beach, jumping waves in the ocean, sitting at the tiki hut at night listening to live music while sipping a strawberry dacquiri...yummm. Went to harbour town to see the light house and million dollar yachts. We went to the top and took some pics up there.

We hit up Savannah, GA for one day, went in all the shops and bought some gifts for people. We have both never been there so that was interesting. the historic area is just so neat, right on the water way. WE saw this HUGE cargo ship going through that was quite a sight. really some stuff that you just don't see every day here in Ohio.

Then...on our last night we went on this sunset dinner cruise. It truly was the perfect ending to a wonderful vacation. It was on a boat that went out and you had an assigned table and they served you dinner and dessert and wine, it was just so nice. As we watched the sunset we also saw some dolphins in the distance. It was just so neat to experience that. Well here is a pic from the boat, and that was our trip! yay...now for planning next year. haha

Leaving tonight!

2009-09-19T06:59:00.000-10:00

I can't wait to leave, so much to do though. Why does it have to be isolated thunderstorms EVERY single day of my vacation on the 10 day forecast. UGH for real. Hopefully we can make the best of it, and at least we will be away. so much for a tan though. :(

Leaving soon!

2009-09-18T04:28:00.000-10:00

We are leaving for vacation so soon. I am so excited! WE have never done this just left for this long, I don't even know what it's like to be away from home that long. It will be sooo peaceful. Poor Laura doesn't know what she's in for, with three dogs. haha :) but I am so thankful that she will stay there and take on that task!

Well I probably won't be on here until we get back. Unless the weather is completely crappy which it's sorta supposed to be. but hey we will be on vacation none the less. driving through the rain at night won't be much fun though. hopefully we will get some sun! cross your fingers for us!

Dave's New Car!

2009-09-16T15:59:00.000-10:00

So last night Dave got a brand new 2009 Nissan Xterra...It's pretty snazzy, it's black with a whole bunch of neat features, like blue tooth,satellite radio,bose sound system. we never had the blue tooth before, and you can just sit and talk and hear the person from your speakers. pretty cool. I am pretty sad to see the Armada go, but it was getting older and had like 80,000 miles on it. It was such a great SUV to have, it was HUGE first of all so we could tote around anything, but really I guess we never needed that third row anyhow. I dont' think it ever saw 8 people in there at one time. haha. so even though this new one is much much smaller, it will be just fine I'm sure.

Whats cool is we can take that on vacation now, because we were planning on taking my car, but I was feeling that might be just a bit cramped. so this will be perfect! I'll post a pic later. Haven't taken one yet. Next mission: Sell the Boulevard motorcycle!!! wish us luck...

SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

2009-09-16T15:56:00.000-10:00

I cannot log into my damn blog and it's really starting to piss me off. ok sorry, now that I got that out. I changed my layout and everything UGH. I don't want to not be able to use this one...its been like 2 years here already with this one...any suggestions.

Sunday Adventure.

2009-09-13T14:51:00.000-10:00

Well today Dave and I decided to do something spur of the moment. We could either A.go to Saturn Zoo day which kinda sounded fun B. go visit Jordan (but hadn't spoke to her yet) so not sure if it would work or not or C. go to IKEA. never been sounded fun. We chose:

Option C! We decided to go see what all the hype was about. Maybe pick some things up and explore Cinci. a little bit if we had time. Well we arrived and had no clue what to do, up the escalator to the right to the left, get a yellow bag, cart? how do you get the cart up the escalator? haha, so we just decided to go up stairs first. WOAH sensory OVERLOAD. I was tyring to take it all in and Dave was like zooming through because he was not really into like looking at all the small details to find something that might go in our house. and then I sorta didnt want to either, cause there was just so much. so we just walked and perrruzed the store following the arrows (which we didn't at first and realized we were bumping into people) weird. anyhow we ate some lunch which was equally confusing and deciding with like 10 people behind you super fast is no easy fete. So after that we checked out the down stairs and then were on our way.

we were suppposed to meet up with Chaz, Dave's friend, because he lives down there, but didn't end up. he told us about Jungle Jim's like this HUGE grocery store so we were ok lets go check it out. OMG it was freakin crazy...it was just soooooooo cool. They have EVERYTHING and when I say everything I think i really mean it. We maybe like 2 hours in there. I think I liked it more than IKEA haha. Here is the entrance:

There is so many crazy things in there, like a Boat near the fish section and like talking big puppets like old skool chuck e cheese characters, singing cereal box cartoons, singing campbells soup cans that start when you walk down an aisle, old cars and trucks, sample stations and ever country practically is represented with foods from all over the world. I had to make a pit stop and see what was in the little room of HOLLAND!

I picked my mom up some treats from Holland and it was just so neat. They have a HUGE Asian section and OMG (if you know me you know i have been searching HIgh and LOW for this for proabably about 10 years or so....I FOUND THE SPECIAL SOY SAUCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS MAJOR!!! BOUGHT ONE FOR ME AND MY MOM! :)

so we got some really neat stuff, a canoli cause we never had one before, pretzel bread, hot sauce, soy sauce, dried fruit, wasabi peas, a coconut bc i neve rhad one of those either, umm.....yah just random crap! it was great and here is the exit of the building and Dave smashing our first coconut together! :) Gnight!

Stupid

2009-09-13T14:50:00.001-10:00

First of all I have no clue why i cannot sign in anymore...I have to go comment on someone else's blog then sign in to do so, then come back to my dashboard and then hit new post. I cannot hit sign in, new post, customize or any of that crap at the top of the screen. ERRRRR! help anyone?

Countdown to vaca begins.

2009-09-10T14:45:00.000-10:00

I cannot wait until vacation. we are headed to Hilton Head towards the end of THIS month, folks I NEVER thought it would happen. I really didnt' think we would ever book this trip but gosh darnit, we finally did and we are going! room booked, days taken off at work, dog sitter (check) we are ready! I cannot wait. I will for sure have postings closer to time and after, but I wanted to just get that off my chest! haha :)

Austin news: he is on a Scout Team, which is even a higher level I guess than the Warhawks which he used to be on, and they go to colleges every weekend and play for 6weeks straight. Last weekend he got to play on Wrigley field in chicago. You all know i am baseball dumb and hae alot to learn if my bro is gonna like go pro one day, but i guess that was super exciting for him. haha! and my parents of course. next weekend its off to Louisville, KY. so wish him luck.

Just found of that Nicole and Matt are approved for thier very first condo. so they will be home owners yay! how exciting. Big news for them congrats!

Laura is doing ok, I am sure it's still very hard, but she is ok. I am just glad in a sad way that the poor thing is no longer sick, not even the vets knew quite what was wrong, so i mean who really knows what she was going through. I do not want to go through that ever, though i know that is impossible.

Well off to take a shower and bed. tired.

Tink.

2009-09-08T05:32:00.000-10:00

This morning Laura called me and asked me to go to the vet with her to put her cat to sleep. Poor Tink, they thought she might have a brain tumor and there wasn't much Laura could do but to give her a good home and make her comfortable while she lived out the rest of her life. They had no idea how long that might be. Well she started to go downhill yesterday but it being the holiday no where was open, so this morning first thing she was going to take her.

I left the house at 9 and Laura called me just as I was arriving, crying, saying that she thinks that she passed away already. so I went inside and as far as I could tell she was right. I wrapped her in a blanket and put her in her carrier, and we went to the vet to have them take care of her. It was a very hard thing to help someone through, i can only imagine what she must be feeling. Being an animal lover and obsessed with my own doggies, I just figure that will be one of the hardest moments that I will have to endure one day. My heart goes out to her, and poor little tink, that I am sure is good that she won't suffer if she had a tumor. it was not drawn out. sad as it is, she wasn't in pain or suffered long. Very sad morning that's for sure.

Zipline in Hocking Hills

2009-09-08T05:22:00.000-10:00

Woah that was quite the experience, we did that the first day of our labor day weekend. It was such a great time. I mean it was very scary for me, don't get me wrong but to just be able to try something like that and be with your hubby and friends to experience it for the first time together was unlike anything else. I was actually terrified, but I had to talk my self into it and be like OK GOOO...and then your off...to zip across the forest to the next station. There were like 11 stations and 5 sky bridges. It lasted for like 3 hours, and was such a great time! Definitely something I will remember for ever. It was neat to do something with Dave especially that he had never done before too. :) wow! and with that I leave you with a few pics from our day: Oh and you get a certificate at the end and everything... :) haha

Zipline in Hocking Hills Today!

2009-09-06T04:01:00.000-10:00

Leaving for zipline day in Hocking Hills soon! Sooo excited. Dinner last night was GREAT! We went to this new mexican restaurant at Tuttle called Casa Patron. Very neat place, very good food. yummmm. well off to get ready to leave...will post more later.

Dinner Plans.

2009-09-05T08:33:00.000-10:00

Rebecca and Joe came to town today and spent the day at the zoo. Later tonight we are going to dinner with them and Jamie and her hubby. Can't wait. it's always sooo nice when we all can get together. Tomorrow is the big zipline day! Nervous and excited for that, will post when we get home. I really do not know what to expect. eek!

Many new things!

2009-09-03T06:44:00.000-10:00

Ok tons of stuff been going down since the last entry.

1. my mom turned the big 5-0! but if you looked at her you would never never be able to tell! Happy bday mama. WE had a big family dinner and cake and all that fun stuff. Happy fam time as always, I think it ended with someone calling my dad a psycho and then we all sorta dispersed and left. haha :) but then we came back Last night of course everything is fine.

2. Jordan left for college today! OMG I can hardly beleive that. She is off to Athens, we won't see much of her i am sure, yet i made her promise to come back sometimes. I am sure she will love being away. she never liked it at home much since she's bee older and wanting to "get out" ya know what i mean. Jordan's room (she sent me pic today)

3. ♥My THREE year annivesary was yesterday!!!♥ Dave and I have been together almost 6 years now...married for three. Wow time flies! We went on a shopping spree together and then at the end of a very exhausting shopping day we had some dinner together out. We were planning on going to somewhere "fancy" at Easton, but by the time we shopped all day we were beat and we headed to Texas Roadhouse looking like bums. haha, but hey thats love right! Then we bought roller skates! YES, old school roller skates the ones with 4 wheels and started roller skating around the neighborhood. It's alot of fun. haha. I took Lacey and she ran beside me, it was great. Then I did it again last night with Hailey then Lacey again and got some exercise. great fun. while out shopping I got some clothes for Vaca, a dress. woah I know, but its long so don't have a heart attack, and capri jean pants and some new shirts, it was fun. oOOOh and some really cute Steve Madden sandals that are like wedges. very cute.

4. Dave and I have started a "diet". I dont want to put too much pressure on this because when I do I always fail. but we are buying better food adn eating better and less. and so when he does it too it's always easier, bc im not starving and then watching him eat mcdonalds. soooo...we shall see. i hope to loose a few pounds before vaca, and then hopefully more after. (now i can roller skate the lbs. away.) haha jk.

5. Laura's poor cat tested negative for all infectious diseases and any and all tests they could do. Pretty much she will just live with her head tilted to the side, bc it's most likely a tumor in her brain. They swore that she is not in pain, maybe just a bit confused, but not in pain and as long as Laura could provide her with a loving, comfortable home that she would be fine until she did unfortunately pass away. which could be like a month or like 5 years, i mean there is just no telling at all. But laura loves her and its not even an option to whether she keeps her and just lets her live out the rest of her life in a good home. It was so nice of my brothers and sisters to pitch in in a time of need and donate to the cause. I couldn't ask for more loving siblings. I am so glad that we know what is wrong, even though its quite sad, at least now we know. She is a very loving cat, very cute, her name is Tink, and she is very unique. she will definitely have a loved life.

6. Had lunch with Tasha and Zoe yesterday, she is sooooooooooo adorable. I can't wait to have a baby :) yah yah my time will come eventually, hopefully. Let's get my hubby on board! :) haha. So good to see her though, it's def. different not seeing her every day.

ok enough for now. :)

Update needed

2009-08-27T08:04:00.001-10:00

Well things have been pretty crazy, and busy in a good way so I haven't had much time to get on here and update. It seems like So much has happened.

Austin is back and they won the world championship. aka he took home the Gold for USA! which is so awesome I can hardly put to words how proud I am of him. My little brother all grown up, traveling the world, playing baseball for USA. it's just amazing. And he didn't just play he did freaking amazing over there. He got his own gold for MVP and most RBI's and some other stuff too, but I don't remember it all. Go Austin. He already is having full ride scholarships coming in for him and he's just a Junior this year!

My bday was really great. Not so great the next morning, but really great. Let's see Ang came to town and we went shopping at Easton ALL day long! We had lunch outside like cafe style and it was just so relaxing to roam around and do whatever the heck we wanted. NO work on a SAturday! woohoo. So that night we went out and Nicole, Laura, Courtney and Mike came out. Ang and Dave already with me. I got Destroyed, yes I am too old for that now I know i know, but it was fun. I guess I was little out of control but good times. Sunday not so fun, couldnt get out of bed until like 4:00pm then had to go to birthday dinner at my parents house.

We took Laura's poor cat to the vet, it seems that she migth have a brain tumor or neurological issue. NOt a good thing. So she is waiting for the blood work to come back. will update more later.

This Friday is mom's bday so I gotta get something for her and we are set to go to dinner this Friday night with Sarah and her husband which should be a good time.

Been Busy

2009-08-20T04:58:00.000-10:00

Our last day off which was Tuesday was a pretty busy one. Dave's dad and step mom came down from Mansfield and we had breakfast together at Scrambler's. It was delicious. We spent the entire day with them shopping around and just hanging out. Dave got a brilliant idea that today was the day that we are going to finally have a flat screen tv! So we priced some out and ended up coming home with one! yay finally we can get rid of that huge one in the living room. It makes our space look a bit larger now, which is really nice. :) I am so excited to have that finally!! We were alittle behind the times there. haha

I also ate lunch with Jamie for a Bday lunch at Blue Ginger, yummmm california rolls. That was fun I got to see her new house too. It's so pretty and they go so lucky their paint was already a color they would have chosen. oh that is nice, painting is sooo much work.

Let's see what is coming up, my Bday :) I am taking off work early on Friday and leaving at 2:30 which is nice and then Saturday I am off. Angie is coming to town and we are going to spend the day together. Then we are gonna go out Sat. night and meeting up with some people to celebrate. Hopefully my sister's can make it and Courtney and Whitney might come too. Am I forgetting anyone? Can't wait for the weekend.

Austin Pics from Taiwan

2009-08-20T04:55:00.000-10:00

So great to finally see some pics of him :)

USA two-hits Korea, wins 11-1

2009-08-19T04:35:00.000-10:00

USA two-hits Korea, wins 11-1
French, Davis and Hurst combine on two-hitter

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Parker French (Dripping Springs, Texas), Dylan Davis (Redmond, Wash.) and Hayden Hurst (Jacksonville, Fla.) combined to throw a two-hitter and Team USA used a seven-run second inning en route to an 11-1 win over Korea on Wednesday afternoon at Taichung Stadium.
French (1-0) picked up the win after tossing four hitless innings with five strikeouts. Davis allowed an unearned run on one hit in two innings of work with two strikeouts and Hurst struck out two in a scoreless seventh.

The U.S. went 5-0 during pool play.

Catcher Evan Powell (Lake Charles, La.) drew a leadoff walk on four straight pitches to start the second inning. Three batters and two outs later, first baseman Ricky Jacquez (El Paso, Texas) was hit by a pitch. French followed with an RBI single to left, scoring Powell and moving Jacquez to third. Centerfielder JoMarcos Woods (Orlando, Fla.) then reached on a slow roller to second, driving in Jacquez and moving French to third. That knocked Korean starter Jung Sic Youm out of the game. After Woods stole second, leftfielder Austin Cousino (Dublin, Ohio) laced a two-run single to center to score French and Woods. Shortstop Francisco Lindor (Clermont, Fla.) then turned on the first pitch he saw from reliever Hyung Soo Chae and belted a two-run shot over the wall in left. Second baseman Kevin Kramer (Turlock, Calif.) followed with a triple into the gap in left center and when leftfielder Jae Jun Bae missed his cutoff man, Kramer trotted home for the seventh run of the inning.

The Americans sent 10 batters to the plate in the second and scored all seven runs with two outs. Korea had to make two pitching changes during the frame.

The U.S. added three runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 10-0 lead. With one out in the inning, Woods would be hit by a pitch before advancing to second on a balk. Cousino then dropped a fly ball over the right fielder's head for an RBI standup triple. Lindor would then drive in Cousino with an RBI single up the middle. Lindor then stole second and later scored on an RBI single to left by Powell.

Korea scored an unearned run in the top of the fifth to make it a 10-1 ballgame. Korea would later load the bases in the inning but catcher Shaun Chase (Phoenix, Ariz.) gunned down Tae Young Kwon at second after he drifted too far away from the bag to end the threat.

The Americans ended the game with a run in the bottom of the seventh, invoking the 10-run rule at 11-1. Jacquez lined a one-out standup triple to left center. Two batters later, Woods drove in Jacquez with a game-ending RBI single to center.

Cousino led the U.S. at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with a triple, a double, three RBIs and two runs scored. Lindor went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored, Woods was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored and Jacquez finished 2-for-3 with a triple and two runs scored. French was 1-for-1 with an RBI and a run scored, Kramer went 1-for-3 with a triple and a run scored and Powell finished 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored.

Youm (0-1) lasted only 1 2/3 innings and took the loss for Korea after surrendering four runs on two hits. Korea used seven different pitchers in the game.

Team USA will have an off day on Thursday. The championship medal rounds start on Friday. The U.S. will face host country Chinese Taipei at 2 p.m. local time (2 a.m. EDT) at Intercontinental Stadium.

Team USA defeats Mexico, 16-6

2009-08-19T04:34:00.001-10:00

Team USA defeats Mexico, 16-6
U.S. scores 12 runs in final four innings

TAICHUNG, Taiwan -- Left fielder Austin Cousino (Dublin, Ohio) went 4-for-7 with a three-run homer, and five RBIs and Team USA scored 12 runs in the final four innings to defeat Mexico, 16-6, on Tuesday night at Intercontinental Stadium.
Cousino set the 16U National Team record for most at-bats with seven, while his four hits tied for the second most, his five RBIs tied for third most, and his two doubles tied the single-game record. He also scored three times.

Second baseman Kevin Kramer (Turlock, Calif.) also had a pair of doubles in the win, tying the single-game record.

The U.S. had 45 at-bats in the victory, good enough for second most in single-game history. The 19 hits tied for the fourth most and the six doubles tied for the third most.

The U.S. jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. Cousino sent a grounder up the middle and showed great hustle to turn a routine single into a double to lead off the game. Two batters later, Kramer lined an RBI double to center to score Cousino. Catcher Evan Powell (Lake Charles, La.) then reached on an infield single, beating the throw to first. When first baseman Hiram Gutierrez dropped the throw, Kramer scored from third and Powell advanced to second. Right fielder Albert Almora (Hialeah, Fla.) followed with an RBI double to left to bring in Powell.

The Americans added a run in the top half of the second to go ahead 4-0. Center fielder JoMarcos Woods (Orlando, Fla.) laced a lead-off double over the left fielder's head to start the inning. After moving to third on a groundout by Cousino, Woods would score on a sacrifice fly to center by shortstop Francisco Lindor (Clermont, Fla.).

Mexico would score on an RBI groundout by right fielder Youeamot Cota in the bottom of the second to make it a 4-1 game.

Two costly errors in the bottom of the fourth allowed Mexico to cut the U.S. lead to 4-2.

The U.S. added a pair of runs in the top of the sixth to go ahead 6-2. Cousino doubled to left to begin the frame and advanced to third on a single through the right side by Lindor. When Mexico pitcher Omar Basulto tried to pick off Lindor at first, Cousino broke for home and beat the throw to the plate, sliding in safely under the tag. Lindor would later score from second on an error by shortstop Manuel Del Paez.

Mexico answered with a couple of runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth to make it a 6-4 game. Gutierrez had an RBI triple, and Cota added an RBI single in the inning.

The Americans responded, putting up four runs in the top half of the seventh to extend their lead to 10-4. First baseman Ricky Jacquez (El Paso, Texas) would draw a one-out walk and advance to second on a balk to get the inning started. Two batters later, Woods was hit by a pitch. Cousino then hammered an 0-1 pitch over the right-field wall for a three-run homer. Lindor followed with a stand-up triple to right, and Kramer capped the frame with an RBI double to left-center.

Del Paez added an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh for Mexico, cutting the U.S. lead to 10-5.

Team USA would add two more runs in the top of the eighth to increase its lead to 12-5. Almora drew a lead-off walk, and third baseman C.J. Hinojosa (Spring, Texas) singled to center to begin the inning. Jacquez would then move both runners up a base with a sacrifice bunt. Two batters later, Woods drew a walk on four straight pitches to load the bases. Cousino then drove in Almora and Hinojosa with a two-run single through the right side.

Mexico third baseman Fernando Perez scored on a fielder's choice in the bottom of the eighth to close the gap to 12-6.

A four-run ninth inning gave the U.S. a 10-run lead at 16-6. Lindor singled through the right side and stole second to start the frame. Kramer then drew a walk, and Lindor advanced to third when the fourth ball to Kramer was in the dirt. After Kramer moved to second on a wild pitch, Powell drew a walk to load the bases. Almora followed with a two-run single up the middle, scoring Lindor and Kramer and moving Powell to third. Hinojosa then lined the first pitch he saw to left for an RBI single. Jacquez capped the scoring with an RBI single to right to plate Almora.

Kramer finished 3-for-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored, Almora was 3-for-5 with a double, three RBIs and two runs scored, and Lindor went 3-for-5 with a triple, an RBI and three runs scored. Hinojosa was 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, Woods went 1-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, Jacquez was 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, and Powell finished 1-for-5 with two runs scored.

Kenny Mathews (Diamond Bar, Calif.) picked up the win after holding Mexico to four runs -- three earned -- on four hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. He also registered seven strikeouts in the win. Courtney Hawkins (Corpus Christi, Texas) was solid out of the bullpen, limiting Mexico to two runs on four hits in 2 1/3 innings pitched with two strikeouts. Cory Geisler (Spring, Texas) came on in the ninth and struck out the side to finish the game.

Ivan Rivera (1-1) took the loss for Mexico after surrendering four runs on seven hits in two innings pitched.

Team USA will face Korea on Wednesday at 2 p.m. local time (2 a.m. EDT). It will be the final game in pool play before the medal rounds start on Friday.

Another Win!

2009-08-17T05:53:00.000-10:00

Hochstatter leads USA to 15-1 win
U.S. starter struck out nine batters

TAICHUNG, Taiwan -- John Hochstatter (Danville, Calif.) struck out nine batters and held the Netherlands to three hits in five shutout innings to lead Team USA to a 15-1 win on Monday morning at Intercontinental Stadium.
The U.S. took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Left fielder Austin Cousino (Dublin, Ohio) began the inning with a single to center. Cousino would advance all the way to third following a walk to shortstop Francisco Lindor (Clermont, Fla.) and a groundout by second baseman Kevin Kramer (Turlock, Calif.). After catcher Evan Powell (Lake Charles, La.) drew a walk, right fielder Albert Almora (Hialeah, Fla.) sent an RBI double to center to bring in Cousino.

A five-run second inning gave the Americans a 6-0 lead. Center fielder JoMarcos Woods (Orlando, Fla.) reached on a one-out bunt to get the inning going. After Woods moved to second on a passed ball and Cousino was hit by a pitch, Lindor reached on an error to load the bases. Kramer followed with an RBI single to left to score Woods. Powell then drew a walk to score Cousino. Lindor then scored on a caught foul ball down the right-field line by Almora. Third baseman C.J. Hinojosa (Spring, Texas) followed with an RBI single to shortstop. Kramer scored on the single, and Powell scored when the throw by Stijn Van Der Meer got past first baseman Jerremyh Angela.

Kramer added a two-run triple to left center in the bottom of the third, scoring Woods and Lindor and giving the U.S. an 8-0 lead.

The U.S. added a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth to extend their lead to 10-0. Hinojosa drew a one-out walk to start the frame. After a pitching change, first baseman Ricky Jacquez (El Paso, Texas) laced an RBI triple to center to bring in Hinojosa. Jacquez then scored on a groundout by Hochstatter.

Third baseman Rodney Daal had an RBI double in the top of the sixth for the Netherlands to make it a 10-1 ballgame.

The U.S. put up five more runs in the bottom half of the sixth to take a 15-1 lead. First baseman Kenny Mathews (Diamond Bar, Calif.) had a leadoff double down the right-field line to begin the inning. Hayden Hurst (Jacksonville, Fla.) came in to pinch-hit for pitcher Parker French (Dripping Springs, Texas), and he lined an RBI triple into the gap in right-center to score Mathews. Woods followed with a triple of his own to bring in Hurst.

Two batters later, Lindor drove in Woods with an RBI single and advanced to second on a throwing error. After moving to third on a passed ball, Lindor scored on an RBI double by second baseman Chris Rivera (Anaheim, Calif.). After the second out of the inning was recorded, Almora and Hinojosa hit back-to-back singles to score Rivera.

Woods paced the U.S. at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and three runs scored. Almora went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, Kramer was 2-for-3 with a triple, three RBIs and one run scored, and Hinojosa finished 2-for-3 with a pair of RBIs and a run scored.

Jacquez was 2-for-3 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored, Lindor went 1-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored, and Hurst was 1-for-1 with an RBI triple and a run scored.

Cousino finished 1-for-2 with two runs scored, Rivera was 1-for-2 with an RBI double and a run scored and Mathews went 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored. Hochstatter added a hit and an RBI, while Dylan Davis (Redmond, Wash.) had a hit, and Powell had an RBI and a run scored.

The U.S. racked up 19 hits, which ties for the fourth most in 16U National Team history. The Americans also had four triples in the win, tying the team record for most triples in a game. The U.S. also had four triples in their 28-0 win over Hong Kong on Saturday.

On the mound, French allowed one run on one hit in the sixth inning, and Cory Geisler (Spring, Texas) had a pair of strikeouts in a 1-2-3 seventh.

Gijs Van Els took the loss after giving up nine runs (six earned) on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings pitched.

Team USA will face Mexico on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. local time (6:30 a.m. EDT).

My little Brother.

2009-08-16T14:56:00.000-10:00

I am so proud of my little brother, we just told him to do his best and to have fun! Well he sure is doing his best and then some. I have been beaming with pride ever since he left for Florida for the first round of try outs. Even though its hard to be "close" to a little brother that is going through his "teen years" and is 12 years younger than you, I hope he does know I am so proud of him, love him, wish him a safe trip and while he is there, and am soooooooo incredibly proud of him for playing his heart out over there in Taiwan and in tryouts to make it there. He is extremely talented and he works very hard and is very committed to what he is doing. We are all so proud and excited for him as he and his team go for the Gold!

There is a game tonight at 10pm I'll keep you posted. I stayed up as late as I could last night, which was 3AM and then i had to go to sleep. I'm still feeling it right now actually and am headed to shower and bed very soon! my eyes are nodding off, so Good luck tonight Austin! Will post tomorrow.

USA SHUTS DOWN CZECH REPUBLIC! 18-1

2009-08-16T04:53:00.001-10:00

Jacquez shuts down Czech Republic
U.S. starter struck out 11 batters
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Ricky Jacquez (El Paso, Texas) struck out 11 of the 12 batters he faced, including the first nine in order, to lead Team USA to an 18-1 win over the Czech Republic on Sunday afternoon at Taichung Stadium.
Jacquez (1-0) earned the win after holding the Czech Republic to only one hit in four shutout innings of work. Deshorn Lake (St. Thomas, Virgin Islands) added four strikeouts and held the Czech Republic to one unearned run on one hit in two innings pitched.

The 15 total strikeouts, which came in only six innings, ties for the third most in 16U National Team history. The Americans did not issue a walk in the victory.

The U.S. took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The inning began with a one-out triple to right by shortstop Francisco Lindor (Clermont, Fla.). Second baseman Kevin Kramer (Turlock, Calif.) then drove in Lindor with a sacrifice fly to left.

A three-run second inning pushed the U.S. lead to 4-0. Third baseman C.J. Hinojosa (Spring, Texas) drew a leadoff walk before advancing to second on a groundout by first baseman Kenny Mathews (Diamond Bar, Calif.). After Hinojosa moved to third on a balk, Jacquez brought him home with an RBI double to left center. Centerfielder JoMarcos Woods (Orlando, Fla.) followed with an RBI single through the right side to score Jacquez. Woods would then steal second and advance to third on a groundout by leftfielder Austin Cousino (Dublin, Ohio). Lindor then laced his second triple of the game to right center to bring in Woods.

The U.S. added four runs with two outs in the bottom of the third to go ahead 8-0. Hinojosa singled to right center and stole second to get the inning going. Following a walk to Mathews, Jacquez singled to left, driving in Hinojosa and moving Mathews to third. Woods then hit a high fly ball down the left field line that got away from leftfielder Richard Kania and rolled to the wall. Woods would turn on the jets and score on an inside the park home run, sliding in safely under a tag at home.

A six-run fourth inning extended the American lead to 14-0. Catcher Evan Powell (Lake Charles, La.) and right fielder Albert Almora (Hialeah, Fla.) drew back-to-back walks to start the frame. Following a double steal, Hinojosa laced a two-run single to left to score Powell and Almora. Hinojosa would steal second and after Mathews flew out to left, Jacquez was hit by a pitch. Hinojosa and Jacquez would both advance a base on a balk before Woods sent a sacrifice fly to center to score Hinojosa. After Cousino was hit by a pitch, Lindor singled through the left side to drive in Jacquez. Kramer followed with a two-run single up the middle, scoring Cousino and Lindor to cap the inning.

The Czech Republic scored an unearned run on a wild pitch in the top of the fifth to make it a 14-1 ballgame.

In the bottom of the sixth, Lindor, Kramer and catcher Shaun Chase (Phoenix, Ariz.) drew three consecutive walks to load the bases. The Czech Republic then brought in Michal Zyma to face Almora. Zyma would only throw one pitch as Almora blasted a game-ending grand slam over the left field wall to finish the scoring at 18-1.

Woods finished the game 2-for-2 with an inside the park home run, five RBIs and two runs scored. The five RBIs ties for the third most in a single game in 16U National Team history. Lindor went 3-for-3 with two triples, two RBIs and three runs scored. The two triples ties for the most in single game history.

Almora was 2-for-4 with a grand slam and two runs scored, Jacquez went 2-for-2 with a double, two RBIs and three runs scored and Hinojosa finished 2-for-2 with a pair of RBIs and three runs scored. Kramer went 1-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored and Cousino was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Powell, Mathews and Chase all scored once in the win. Powell also drew three walks, which ties for second most in single game history.

The 18 RBIs in the win ties for the fourth most in single game history.

Marko Vykoukal (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing four runs on six hits in two innings pitched.

Kania had both hits for the Czech Republic.

Team USA will face the Netherlands on Monday at 10:00 a.m. local time (10:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday).

USA HOUSES HONG KONG 28-0

2009-08-15T02:42:00.000-10:00

16U: USA routs Hong Kong, 28-0
U.S. sets team records for hits, runs and RBIs
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Team USA received a combined one-hit five-inning shutout from Hayden Hurst (Jacksonville, Fla.) and JoMarcos Woods (Orlando, Fla.) and pounded out 24 hits en route to a 28-0 win over Hong Kong on Saturday morning at Taichung Stadium.
The U.S. set several team and individual 16U National Team records in the victory. The team records set were: most hits (24), runs (28), RBIs (26) and triples (four).

Catcher Evan Powell (Lake Charles, La.) tied the record for most RBIs (seven), while leftfielder Austin Cousino (Dublin, Ohio), shortstop Francisco Lindor (Clermont, Fla.) and Woods tied the team record for most runs scored (four).

The U.S. took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. After Cousino drew a leadoff walk, Lindor doubled through the right side to drive in the first run of the game. Lindor would then advance to third on a groundout by second baseman Kevin Kramer (Turlock, Calif.). Powell then lifted a sacrifice fly to left to score Lindor.

A five-run second inning pushed the U.S. lead to 7-0. Hurst reached on an infield single to start the frame. Two batters later, Cousino singled up the middle to move Hurst to third. Cousino would then steal second and Lindor would draw a walk to load the bases. Hurst then scored when Kramer was hit by a pitch. Cousino would then score on a wild pitch. Powell followed with a two-run single to center to drive in Lindor and Kramer before advancing to second on the throw to the plate. After Powell advanced to third on a wild pitch, right fielder Albert Almora (Hialeah, Fla.) capped the inning with a sacrifice fly to right to score Powell.

The U.S. scored five more runs in the top of the third to extend their lead to 12-0. Woods drew a two-out walk and stole second before scoring on an RBI double to left center by Cousino. Lindor then walked and Kramer singled off the pitcher's leg to load the bases for Powell. Powell then turned on a 1-1 offering and blasted a grand slam down the left field line.

The Americans added 13 runs in the top of the fourth to take a 25-0 lead. First baseman Ricky Jacquez (El Paso, Texas) was hit by a pitch to begin the inning. After Jacquez moved to second on a balk, third baseman C.J. Hinojosa (Spring, Texas) crushed the first pitch he saw over the left field wall for a two-run homer. Hurst then drew a walk before advancing to third on a single to right center by Woods. Cousino followed with a two-run standup triple to left center, scoring Hurst and Woods. Lindor then grounded out to first to plate Cousino.

Chris Rivera (Anaheim, Calif.) came in to pinch hit for Kramer and he singled to center. Rivera would steal second before advancing to third on a single to left by pinch hitter Shaun Chase (Phoenix, Ariz.). Almora then singled through the left side, scoring Rivera and moving Chase to second. After Chase and Almora both advanced a base on a wild pitch, pinch hitter Kenny Mathews (Diamond Bar, Calif.) sent a sacrifice fly to left to drive in Chase. Almora would then move to third on a balk before scoring on an RBI single by Hinojosa. Hurst followed with an RBI triple to right and scored when the right fielder missed his cutoff man on the relay throw to the infield.

Woods kept the inning going with a triple to left center. Pinch hitter Cory Geisler (Spring, Texas) followed with an RBI single to right. Geisler would then advance to second on a balk before moving to third on a single by Lindor. Rivera capped the frame with a two-run single to left center.

The U.S. sent 17 batters to the plate and scored the 13 runs on 12 hits in the fourth inning.

Mathews lined a one-out double down the right field line to begin the top of the fifth. Hinojosa followed with an RBI single to center. Two batters later, Woods doubled to left to drive in Hinojosa. Geisler then laced an RBI triple to center to cap the scoring at 28-0.

Hurst (1-0) earned the win after striking out six batters and holding Hong Kong to only one hit in four innings of work. Woods pitched the fifth and struck out two batters to finish the game.

Powell paced the U.S. at the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with a grand slam, seven RBIs and two runs scored. Hinojosa was 3-for-5 with a home run, four RBIs and three runs scored, Cousino went 3-for-3 with a triple, a double, three RBIs and four runs scored and Woods finished 3-for-4 with a triple, a double, four runs scored and an RBI. Lindor went 2-for-3 with a double, four runs scored and two RBIs, Hurst was 2-for-3 with a triple, an RBI and three runs scored and Geisler finished 2-for-2 with a triple, two RBIs and a run scored. Almora and Rivera both went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored, Kramer was 1-for-2 with an RBI and two runs scored and Mathews finished 1-for-1 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Chase went 1-for-2 with a run scored and Jacquez scored once.

Yau Pang Ng (0-1) suffered the loss after surrendering eight runs on five hits in 2 2/3 innings pitched.

Catcher Cheuk Lam Kwok had the lone hit for Hong Kong, which was a double.

Team USA will face the Czech Republic on Sunday at 2 p.m. (2 a.m. EDT).

Game tonight

2009-08-14T05:11:00.000-10:00

The Next game is tonight vs. Hong Kong and it is the first BIG game I guess the first three were exhibition games. (not sure what that means quite yet but hey I didn't know Austin was good at baseball either until last year...hhaha how funny is that.) ok so You can watch the game on the usa baseball website. www.usabaseball.com and you can watch it live update, no pictures or video (how incredibly stupid) but you can read the updates and find out if Austin is doing well. :) stay tuned ill post the game run down tomorrow I'm sure.

GAME THREE 16U Team shuts out Australia, 6-0

2009-08-14T05:07:00.000-10:00

16U Team shuts out Australia, 6-0
Davis, Hochstatter, Hawkins combine for two-hitter
Recap | Box | Log
Cumulative Stats

TAICHUNG, Taiwan -- Team USA received a combined two-hit, eight-inning shutout from Dylan Davis (Redmond, Wash.), John Hochstatter (Danville, Calif.) and Courtney Hawkins (Corpus Christi, Texas) to lead to a 6-0 win over Australia on Thursday morning at Intercontinental Stadium.
It was the third and final exhibition game for the U.S. before the IBAF "AA" World Youth Baseball Championship begins on Saturday.

Dylan Davis earned the win after striking out two batters and holding Australia to only one hit in four innings of work. Hochstatter had a pair of strikeouts and gave up only one hit in two innings, and Hawkins fanned five in two hitless frames.

The U.S. scored five runs in the bottom of the third to take a 5-0 lead.

Third baseman Chris Rivera (Anaheim, Calif.) reached on a one-out error to begin the inning. Left fielder Austin Cousino (Dublin, Ohio) followed with a single through the right side to move Rivera to second. After Rivera stole third, shortstop Francisco Lindor (Clermont, Fla.) bunted to third, scoring Rivera. Lindor reached on an error by Daniel Nilsson. Second baseman Kevin Kramer (Turlock, Calif.) then lined an RBI single to left to plate Cousino.

Right fielder Cory Geisler (Spring, Texas) followed with an RBI single through the right side. Lindor would score on the play, while Kramer moved to third and Geisler advanced to second on the throw to the plate. Center fielder Albert Almora (Hialeah, Fla.) then reached on an infield single, scoring Kramer and moving Geisler to third. First baseman Kenny Mathews (Diamond Bar, Calif.) capped the frame with an RBI single through the right side to score Geisler.

Team USA added a run in the bottom of the seventh to go ahead, 6-0. Rivera again reached on a one-out error to start the inning. After Rivera stole second, Cousino sent a high fly ball off the base of the wall in right-center for a stand-up double. Lindor was then intentionally walked to load the bases. Third baseman C.J. Hinojosa (Spring, Texas) then reached on a fielder's choice that allowed Rivera to score.

Almora paced the U.S. at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Cousino went 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored, Kramer was 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored, and Geisler finished 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Mathews was 1-for-1 with an RBI, Rivera scored two runs, Lindor had an RBI and a run scored, and Hinojosa had an RBI.

Darryl George took the loss for Australia after surrendering five unearned runs on five hits in five innings of work. Alex Da Silva gave up one run on two hits in 2 2/3 innings, and Beau Rohweder faced two batters.

First baseman Jarryd Klemm and right fielder Mitch Hayes had the only two hits for Australia.

As a practice for a potential tie-breaking scenario at the upcoming World Youth Baseball Championships, the two teams played the ninth inning under new international rules for a tied game. The inning begins with runners on first and second and nobody. Teams can send who they want to the plate with the two preceding batters at first and second. This tie-breaker is implemented beginning in the 10th inning of IBAF-sanctioned tournament games.

Australia did not score in the ninth, while the U.S. scored on an RBI double by Lindor.

Team USA will open the World Youth Baseball Championship against Hong Kong on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. local time (9:30 p.m. EDT on Friday).

New Girl and a recap.

2009-08-12T15:21:00.001-10:00

Today was my first day with the new girl, we'll call her L and well it went well. She seems very nice. Just quiet but that is to be expected at first. and we are alittle overwhelming if I do say so myself. haha :) She got to learn tons of stuff already about Cass, and there is soooooooo much more to come with all the stories we tell in there. haha. but good first day.

Toosh stopped by and I took her last "weekly photo" she has surgery tomorrow for her c-section. Keep her and her hubs and baby in thoughts and prayers.

Put in bay was fun. It was scorchin hot at first and i was sweatin a lil' bit and thought i might die, but then it drizzled and cooled down and i was in heaven! haha. thank goodness. If only I could wear shorts, all my problems would be solved. I used to never get so hot, i think its starting with my old age. hehe :)

Got some great pics and really did have a blast with Dave and his mom, jack and Karen. I just love when we can get away and do anything that is not here in c-bus same old same old ya know. those little trips away are just so good for you. we are trying to plan zipline day in Hocking Hills now for September. That should be VERY fun, can't wait to get those plans in order. Some pics from the trip:

Our vaca is Sept. 20th through 26. HOWEVER, ask me if I have a place to stay yet? NOOOOOOOOOOOO and whose fault is that...??? hmmm no comment, but for real I'm about to loose my freakin mind over this. Well If it ends up being more money bc we waited then guess who can fork over that mula??? but if less because they aren't booked and will take anyone that wants to come last minute then well i guess it worked out ok. we'll just have to see how that plays out...ill keep you posted.

I'm gonna try to do some pictures after vaca so we are TAN and SEXY haha :) thats if Tash is up to it. stay tuned.

Austin is doing FREAKIN AWESOME. tonight at 10pm in like half an hour he plays umm Australia, so its 10AM there in Taiwan. He led the last game off with a triple and his batting average is amazing. like 2nd best on the team i think. I'll keep posting the articles and stats. mostly for me so i can always look back to them, bc they don't stay on the USA baseball site forever. so bear with me as I have long article posts, but they are kinda interesting if you actually have time to read them.

Game TWO

2009-08-12T04:11:00.001-10:00

Jacquez pitches USA past Cuba, 5-2
U.S. starter tosses four shutout innings
Recap | Box | Log
Cumulative Stats
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Ricky Jacquez (El Paso, Texas) struck out six batters and held Cuba to only two hits in four shutout innings to lead Team USA to a 5-2 win on Wednesday afternoon at Intercontinental Stadium.
It was the second of three scheduled exhibition games for the U.S. before the IBAF "AA" World Youth Baseball Championship begins on Saturday.

The U.S. grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Leftfielder Austin Cousino (Dublin, Ohio) lined a leadoff triple down the right field line to start the inning. Shortstop Francisco Lindor (Clermont, Fla.) followed with an RBI-single to left to score Cousino.

Cousino and Lindor teamed up again in the bottom of the third to give the Americans a 2-0 lead. Cousino led off the inning with a double to left before advancing to third when leftfielder Lourdes Gourriel missed his cutoff man on the throw to second. Lindor then grounded out to first, allowing Cousino to score.

The U.S. added a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth to push their lead to 4-0. Right fielder Albert Almora (Hialeah, Fla.) drove the first pitch of his at-bat to left for a leadoff single. After Almora stole second, Jacquez singled to left, giving the Americans runners on the corners. Catcher Evan Powell (Lake Charles, La.) was then hit by a pitch to load the bases and first baseman Hayden Hurst (Jacksonville, Fla.) followed with a bases-loaded walk to score Almora. Centerfielder JoMarcos Woods (Orlando, Fla.) then lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Jacquez to cap the frame.

Cuba scored two unearned runs in the top of the fifth to make it a 4-2 ballgame.

Almora tripled to right center to begin the bottom of the sixth. Two batters later, Powell brought Almora home with a sacrifice fly to center, extending the U.S. lead to 5-2.

Kenny Mathews (Diamond Bar, Calif.) fanned four and held Cuba to two unearned runs on four hits in three innings of work and Parker French (Dripping Springs, Texas) picked up the save after allowing only two hits in a scoreless eighth and ninth.

Cousino led the U.S. at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with a triple, a double and two runs scored. Lindor went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, Almora was 2-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored and Woods finished 1-for-2 with an RBI. Hurst was 1-for-1 with a double and an RBI, Jacquez was 1-for-4 with a run scored and Powell had an RBI.

Elbis Juan Martinez (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits in three innings. Yosibel Castillo surrendered three runs on three hits in three innings and Yosbany Caceres had two scoreless innings of relief for Cuba.

Team USA will face Australia on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. local time (10:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday night) in their third and final exhibition game.

Game ONE

2009-08-12T04:10:00.000-10:00

16U Team falls to Chinese Taipei, 8-3
Geisler throws three shutout innings for the U.S.
Recap | Box | Log
Cumulative Stats
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Center fielder Chan-chia Liu broke open a 3-3 tie with an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh, and Chinese Taipei scored on an error and a wild pitch later in the inning on its way to an 8-3 win over Team USA on Tuesday morning at Intercontinental Stadium.
It was the first of three scheduled exhibition games for the U.S. before the World Youth Baseball Championships begin on Friday.

Chinese Taipei jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Designated hitter Pi Li An singled up the middle to begin the inning. Two batters later, shortstop Tzu-wei Lin singled off of third base, moving An to second. Third baseman Li-jen Chu followed with a two-run triple to right to score An and Lin. Chu would then score on an RBI single to center by right fielder Lee-wei Chiang.

The U.S. got on the board in the top of the third. After left fielder Austin Cousino (Dublin, Ohio) drew a one-out walk, he advanced all the way to third on an errant pickoff attempt. Shortstop Francisco Lindor (Clermont, Fla.) followed with an RBI single to center to cut Chinese Taipei's lead to 3-1.

Team USA added another run in the top of the fourth to make it a one-run game at 3-2. Second baseman Kevin Kramer (Turlock, Calif.) led off the inning with a single through the right side. After the first out of the frame was recorded, Kramer stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch on consecutive pitches. Catcher Evan Powell (Lake Charles, La.) then reached on an error, allowing Kramer to score.

The U.S. tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the seventh. Designated hitter Dylan Davis (Redmond, Wash.) singled to right and advanced to second on a wild pitch to start the frame. Two batters later, Cousino laced an RBI double to right-center to bring home Davis.

Chinese Taipei answered with three runs in the bottom half of the seventh to take a 6-3 lead. Liu had an RBI single and scored on an error and Tzu-wei Lin scored on a wild pitch.

Taipei added a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth to push their lead to 8-3.

Chiang was the beneficiary of the three-run seventh inning, picking up the win despite allowing the U.S. to tie the game in the top of the seventh. Ping-hsueh Chen earned the save after holding the Americans to one hit in a scoreless eighth and ninth inning.

Chu paced Chinese Taipei at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with a triple, three RBIs and a run scored. Tzu-wei Lin went 2-for-5 with two runs scored, Liu had one hit, an RBI and a run scored and Chia-wen Lin scored twice. Chiang finished 1-for-3 with an RBI, An was 1-for-2 with a run scored, and Kun-yu Wen went 1-for-3.

Deshorn Lake (St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands) started on the mound for the U.S. and gave up three runs on four hits in three innings of work. Lake struck out three in the start. Cory Geisler (Spring, Texas) came on in relief to toss three scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out four. Hayden Hurst (Jacksonville, Fla.) suffered the loss after surrendering five runs -- two earned -- on two hits and five walks in one inning pitched. John Hochstatter (Danville, Calif.) had one strikeout and gave up one hit in a scoreless eighth inning.

Cousino led the U.S. at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Kramer went 2-for-2 with a double and a run scored, third baseman C.J. Hinojosa (Spring, Texas) was 2-for-4 with a double, and Lindor was 1-for-4 with an RBI. Davis went 1-for-4 with a run scored, center fielder JoMarcos Woods (Orlando, Fla.) was 1-for-4 with a double, right fielder Albert Almora (Hialeah, Fla.) finished 1-for-4, and Powell had an RBI.

Team USA will face Cuba on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. local time (2:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning EDT) in its second exhibition game.

Last Day

2009-08-10T14:29:00.000-10:00

OK so today was Tasha's last day ever working with me. I didn't realize till like half way through the day that she had decided not to work the day before her C-section and take Wednesday off, well I am off on Tuesday so that left just today. Really it's been over a year and I think, you'll have to ask her too, but I really think I made a great friend. One I hope to still see and hang out with even though I won't see her everyday at work. I really am going to miss her, especially since she is so like me in so many ways when it comes to work and how we do things. it was a breath of fresh air when she started to be able to depend on someone and know that the work will get done and correctly. someone that took initiative and was a hard worker and came every day and worked till everything was done. trust me we haven't had the best selection when it comes to employees, and these things dont come around in one person having all these things very often. It will be hard to adjust to someone new, but i mean change can be good right? haha, yah right i hate change...haha but i guess its inevitable. I am going to have an open mind about the new girl and hope that all goes well. It just won't be the same though without our "tooshie"

I will be thinking of her and Josh and baby as she goes in for surgery on Thurs. morning and cannot wait to get a call from her mom telling me all is well. I also can't wait to meet this little person that I have been taking pictures of every week on Friday as we watched her get bigger and bigger...just your belly tash, just the belly ;) Well here's to new baby Braniff and a farewell to Tash as an employee of MV.

TEAM USA! 2009

2009-08-10T08:13:00.000-10:00

Player Bio

2009-08-10T08:10:00.000-10:00

Austin Cousino #4
Full Name: Austin Spencer Cousino
Position: OF
B-T: L/L
HT: 5-10
WT: 170
DOB: 4/17/1993
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
High School: Dublin Coffman
Grad Year: 2011
Played for the North Coast Vipers in the 16U Championships East...Garnered All State, All District and All League honors at Dublin Coffman in 2009...Also named team MVP in 2009...Named the team's rookie of the year in 2008...Also lettered in football as a freshman...Lists Pete Rose as the player he admires most and the Detroit Tigers as his favorite team...Austin is the son of Marsha and Timothy Cousino.

website

Games and Times

2009-08-08T08:16:00.001-10:00

Aug. 10 vs. Chinese Taipei Intercontinental Stadium Taichung, Taiwan 10 p.m.

Aug. 12 vs. Cuba Intercontinental Stadium Taichung, Taiwan 2:30 a.m.

Aug. 12 vs. Australia Intercontinental Stadium Taichung, Taiwan 10 p.m.

Aug. 14-19 2009 IBAF "AA" World Youth Baseball Championship Group Play Taichung, Taiwan

Aug. 14 vs. Hong Kong Taichung Stadium Taichung, Taiwan 9:30 p.m.

Aug. 16 vs. Czech Republic Taichung Stadium Taichung, Taiwan 2 a.m.

Aug. 16 vs. Netherlands Intercontinental Stadium Taichung, Taiwan 10 p.m.

Aug. 18 vs. Mexico Intercontinental Stadium Taichung, Taiwan 6:30 a.m.

Aug. 19 vs. Korea Taichung Stadium Taichung, Taiwan 2 a.m.

Aug. 21-23 2009 IBAF "AA" World Youth Baseball Championship Medal Rounds TBD Taichung, Taiwan

16U: USA Baseball announces 16U National Team

2009-08-08T08:12:00.001-10:00

I will be posting some news about Austin so that I can always look back to it someday and to keep everyone posted :)

If you want to check it out click here

USA Baseball 16U National Team Roster
FULLERTON, Calif. -- USA Baseball announced Friday the 18 members of the 2009 16U National Team that will compete in the IBAF 'AA' World Youth Championships Aug. 15-23 in Taichung, Taiwan.

Team USA will be led by head coach George Sanchez (Gilbert, Ariz.) and assistant coaches Eric Kibler (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Adam Moravick (Largo, Fla.) and Ernie Padron (Miami, Fla.).

The U.S. will take five right-handed pitchers: Dylan Davis (Redmond, Wash.), Parker French (Dripping Springs, Texas), Courtney Hawkins (Corpus Christi, Texas), Hayden Hurst (Jacksonville, Fla.) and Deshorn Lake (St. Thomas, Virgin Islands).

Three left-handed pitchers were named to the team: Cory Geisler (Spring, Texas), John Hochstatter (Danville, Calif.) and Kenny Mathews (Diamond Bar, Calif.).

The U.S. will carry two catchers on the squad: Shaun Chase (Phoenix, Ariz.) and Evan Powell (Lake Charles, La.).

Four infielders, C.J. Hinojosa (Spring, Texas), Kevin Kramer (Turlock, Calif.), Francisco Lindor (Clermont, Fla.) and Chris Rivera (Anaheim, Calif.) were named to the team.

Outfielders Albert Almora (Hialeah, Fla.) and Austin Cousino (Dublin, Ohio) were also named to the team.

The U.S. will take a pair of two-way players: Ricky Jacquez (IF/RHP, El Paso, Texas) and JoMarcos Woods (OF/LHP, Orlando, Fla.).

Seven states will be represented on Team USA, with Texas leading the way with five players. California and Florida will both have four representatives, while Arizona, Louisiana, Ohio and Washington will each have one. The U.S. Virgin Islands will be represented for the first time in 16U National Team history with the selection of Lake.

Four 14U National Team alums: Almora (2007-08), Davis (2007), Hinojosa (2008) and Rivera (2008) were named to the squad. Those four players helped the 14U National Team win the gold medal at the Pan-America Games in Guatemala in 2007 and 2008.

AUSTIN...IN CALI.

2009-08-07T05:19:00.000-10:00

OHHHH and we find out today if Austin made the Jr. Olympics team and is going to be flying out to Taiwan. That's just crazy if he makes it, that he will be traveling so far away to another country. We are all rooting for him! We'll find out later.

LUNCH! and other stuff

2009-08-07T05:10:00.000-10:00

We are having lunch today for work at GENJI!!!!! I am so excited, it is so good. Tasha got to pick anywhere and that is where we get to go! YUMMM. ok so we get to close work and that's pretty exciting. fun stuff.

We found out Tasha is having a C-section on thursday next week, so Wednesday is her last day at work with us :( This is such exciting news, I can't wait to visit and see her new baby! No more Tooshie at the view.

I went to dinner last night with my aunt and cousin, my mom and jordan. It was sooooo nice to sit and chat and catch up. I don't get to see them enough. They both live in Florida and Tiff visits and I do see her maybe once or twice a year, but I really need to make it down there for sure. I will be going to her dad's funeral on Saturday morning before work and then going right back to work. I only have a couple hours but I really wanted to make sure that I was there for them. I cannot imagine going through that, I just hope they know that I am thinking of them.

Ohio State Fair 2009

2009-08-06T06:32:00.001-10:00

Tuesday on our day off we went to the fair. As ya'll know I can only take so much of a hot day walking around getting hot and sticky and thirsty, well the first like hour and half was fine, totally fine. then I started to sweat alittle bit, ugh. Well anyhow besides all that, we got tons of good food and some sweet teas, and saw some animals and all the "fair" things you do. Rode some rides. I did that HUGE slide thing that you ride potato sacks down omg that was kinda scary. I always wanted to do that. We went with Jared and his wife and kids. It was fun. Then we had to leave cause Dave was meeting with someone to sell my motorcycle. The guy put a down payment on it, because he is in the reserves and had to leave town really fast, but he will be back on Friday to pick it up! yay...we sold it in like 2 days. No more motorcycle because Dave helped me with the down payment for the BMW...so I guess we can part with it. haha. No, I'm glad cause we have three freaking motorcycles sitting in our garage. Now we just need to sell one more, and a boat and we are good to go!

Here are some pics:

Sad News.

2009-08-05T15:29:00.000-10:00

I just found out yesterday that my cousin's dad had passed away. I grew up with their family and It's just such sad news. the funeral is Saturday. I just can't imagine going through that, my prayers are with them. If there was something that I could do, but there never really is. I hope that they just know I love them and am thinking of them.

Dream Car!

2009-07-26T15:04:00.001-10:00

The day has finally arrived that I got to pick up my brand new car!!! I am sooooooooo excited because it literally is my "Dream Car" that I have just dreamed about having most of my driving life. And now I have one! :) I am truly blessed. Not just to have it, but the fact that I am at a point in my life where my husband and I have worked so hard, and we can enjoy some really great things that we have always wanted and that we have wonderful jobs to go to every day and I am very thankful for that. And here are some pictures of my very own newly purchased, 328I, Alpine White, with 17" wheels (Dave's input) shipped from Missouri, waited over 2 weeks for BMW!!!!!!!!!

Old Friends.

2009-07-24T14:31:00.000-10:00

So tonight I had plans to go to dinner with an old friend from college. She was actually our roommate when we lived at "Colony". I found out a couple months ago that she was moving here and bought a house in Lewis Center, not far at all. We planned a dinner and met after work tonight. It was so great to talk and chat about everything and catch up on 5 Years worth of time!!! 5 years, thats just plain crazy. Well I am so glad to have re-connected with someone after so much time has passed.

It's great, her husband and her seem to have a ton of the same interests as Me and Dave. They have a boat! they go up to put in bay area and boat and stay the weekend up there like every weekend. How fun is that. I can't wait to try to do more stuff with them. It's great to have someone new in Columbus!!

ps. we put a deposit down on a car, and it is being transported here hopefully any day now. It's coming from Missouri so I will keep you posted...the anticipation is killing me!! :) Stay tuned.

Memories & Good Byes.

2009-07-22T14:24:00.000-10:00

Go here to read all about the great memories that we have from the MV and get a glimpse of what we all really like about it. My friend Tasha is leaving very soon to go and have her baby and she will be missed. Finding someone else to do well and mesh with everyone will be tough. Hmmmm... :(

Hailey aka our trouble maker

2009-07-22T14:08:00.000-10:00

So...as requested here is my Hailey story as of late.

Dave gets home from work early the other day and he calls me and says "hon I have left you Hailey's mess all on top of the bed for you to see what she did all day long while we were gone." Im thinking oh god what did she do, at least it cant be that bad if its now laying on top of my bed. (at least it wasnt any bodily fluids, vomit, pee etc. you know what i mean)

so I'm like umm what did she do..? Apparently while we were away she had managed to grab the corner of our comforter through her cage and start to pull it into her cage little by little, ripping and biting and gnawing at it all day long. Mind you we have a King size bed, so it was alot of Comforter. When Dave got home he said he could barely see her in her cage because she had taken all the white fluff out of the comforter and it was all in her cage. he could only see her head, which was kinda funny and kinda made us mad cause now we have to buy a freakin new comoforter...I told him he shoulda taken a picture that would have been hilarious. ;) thats my Hailey Bean story. My onry little one. She also likes to high speed run over to the garden before I can get tehre and yank out WHOLE green bean plans, tear off little cucumbers then play with them like they are a ball, and pretty much anything else she can think up in her little head to do thats bad. oh hailey hailey hailey....

Busy.

2009-07-22T14:01:00.001-10:00

Every day we have been off lately I feel like we have been running around like crazies. We have been just getting stuff done and errands and looking at stuff, and just enjoying our days mostly. We started car shopping for me, cause its about that time and I just wanted to start to get ideas but you know my husband once he has something new on his mind to look into, research, price out and buy he is ALL OVER IT! no joke. so he is pretty into it. We think we have found the one...but I'll leave it for a blog entry later once I am for sure. Then I'll post a picture and tell you how excited I am! :)

Tiffany and I got to have lunch together this week before she left. I think she leaves this weekend. It was sooooo good to see her twice while she was here. I have promised that I will make it down to Florida to visit soon! I just have to. Just do it! that's the motto for the upcoming years.

However I have to save some money too which is always such a struggle for me. I have done sooooooooo well putting money away, which I LOVE to do. But then what good is it just sitting there right? to never use it?? seems a shame, well I would never use it if I didn't marry someone that enjoys the good things in life and enjoying doing things even if it costs money. I would keep it buried in a hole if i could...but what good is that? :) anyhow I have done well but then I had to pay to get the boat fixed, and now we might have to put a down payment to get me out of my negative from my current car. (its not a ton but its enough) After this, I have to promise my self we buy no more and we save save save!!!!! After our vacation in September that is...(see one thing after the next). I'm sure that it will all work out.

Nothing much new than that.

Slacker 2.

2009-07-16T20:00:00.000-10:00

I have been such a slacker. Lots has been going on here. ok so...since July 1st...

Jamie's wedding was on the 4th, rehearsal on the 3rd. I got to get off at 1pm and go home and get everything ready and get myself looking decent and have time to do it all in a relaxing fashion. The only reason I did get off was because my mgr. was nice enough to come in on her vacation and work the rest of the day for me. what was that all about ?? but anyhow its over and thankfully i made it to rehearsal so that was great, i was going to be super pissed if I couldn't make it to something that I had promised to be at. Jamie looked so happy, I just couldn't believe it just crept up so fast. Dinner was FREAKIN amazing, our table was eating like pigs, it was so funny! We couldn't help it though we were at Brio at Polaris and it was probably the best food EVER no joke. very enjoyable.

The wedding was beautiful, we had to fight off the rain but in the end we won. Jamie refused to have an indoor in the middle of a dance floor wedding and so we had it outside in the drizzle and all. people had their umbrellas it was kinda funny. But it was so nice, the ceremony and the reception. That was a BLAST! we danced the night away, and I got kinda drunk which was fun too.

The next day we went out on the boat. got some sun, we have been trying to get out every Sunday. we have missed a couple here and there, but for the most part it's getting its use this year. Doesn't look like we can get rid of it just yet, so we may have a whole nother year ahead of us with it.

Last Sat. i was off work again! YAY, so much fun and I had Tasha's baby shower. Here very soon she is going to have her baby and leave us. she has put in her notice as i mentioned before, and well that's pretty sad. we got along here so well and were so much alike in so many ways...work habits and all that stuff. it was really great to have someone so OCD with me :) haha. I went with Cassandra and her daughter Skyler, she is a trip man...wow. I was talking about how it sucks Dave gets home from work so late sometimes, he works so hard...blahblah....she sits and contemplates for a second then says: " so dave gets home really late huh? ....Does that make you wonder?" WHAT! she is too funny where does she come up with these things...very funny. she is my pal though she might be the only kid that likes me haa. she likes to sit near me and play with my hair, its very sweet. ;)

Cassandra, Nat, Tasha and Skyler

Dad's bday is today....shout out! woohoo. we;re having family dinner this Sunday. Went looking at cars the other day, that was fun. not sure if I'm gonna do anything yet, but i only have a little over a year left in mine so we are just starting to look at our options. :) yay. new car.

Went to Dave and Busters on Sat. and got WASTED. wow, Goldshlager--have no clue how to spell that--and mojitos and we were with Dave's mom and jack!!haha. she drove us to TeeJays at like 130AM hilarious. I passed out at the table, high fived a sheriff and well just was plain drunk! haha good times.

that's about it for now....peace out yo

slacker 1

2009-07-16T11:09:00.001-10:00

I have an entry coming, but I am perfecting it...will post soon! :)