Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A new quote:

This touched me so deeply I just had to share it:

"Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

So before I get sappy and let this blog become a journal entry, let me just say thank you to all of the people in my life who have reminded me that playing in the rain makes it easier to survive the storms. I realize now I can't control weather, but I sure do have a say in how I pass the time. I am so blessed to have each of you.

Mimi

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Spending the 4th Where?!?

That's right... in a last minute decision, Layne and I have made plans to join the Newell's (Ben and Jessica) and the Nace's (Annie and Tyler) in Mexico for the 4th of July! Annie's (who is one of Layne's good friends from Texas A&M) older sister and husband and a few of their couple friends are also going to be joining us here: http://www.excellence-resorts.com/all-inclusive-resorts/playa-mujeres-mexico/playa-overview.htm Or you could say we'll be joining them... since we made plans today to fly to Mexico on Thursday!

Last minute... yes.
Slightly impulsive... yes.
Could we resist... no.

Layne's best friend, Ben, and his wife Jessica are expecting their firstborn (A GIRL!) in December, and we didn't want to miss this last opportunity to travel with them. It'll be our first international vacation with "couples," and we're looking forward to it. We've spent so much time this past year traveling to New Orleans and just trying to keep up with the hectic pace of things, it'll be great to have some quality time with our friends and a great way to start the summer. We weren't planning a vacation anytime soon, but just couldn't pass up the opportunity. So here's to pina coladas (both virgin and spiked) on the gorgeous Mexico coast, just a few miles north of Cancun!

Can't wait to get another passport stamp!

Congratulations to the Lampards!

Congratulations Melissa and JD! Last night, one of my co-workers and friends tied the knot in downtown McKinney. Melissa and I have worked together at Merit Energy for two years now, and are really much more like friends than co-workers. Sarah, Melissa and I all graduated from college the same year, are all petroleum engineers, and encourage and support each other through work, life, and anything that comes along the way. You've heard me mention Sarah recently about her race for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and you probably met them at our wedding if you were there.

The chapel they were married in was beautiful in a simplistic way, and the reception was at the Grand Hotel and Steakhouse in downtown McKinney. We had a great time with some of our co-workers who were also there. Here are a few pictures from the evening.




Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Lucky as a Leprechaun


My brother Gregory is as lucky as a leprechaun. He must have an extra surge of Irish blood in him- and yes, that is a picture of the freeze frame of my brother on national television. Layne and I got so excited when we saw him, we started chanting "G-Baby, G-Baby!" My phone started ringing and the texts came flooding in. I can't imagine how many people were blowing Greg-O up at the time. Gregory being on TV doesn't come as much of a surprise. Gregory has always stood out in a crowd, especially when he was younger, despite the fact that he was so short and looked young for his age. His charismatic personality took care of that. And all of my siblings have made the TV and front page of the paper at national title games. It's not just me that is obsessed- its in our genes.

He was sitting in backed seating, on the first row, 15 feet to the right of the foul line in left field. They were Wally Pontiff Sr.'s seats that got passed along through a friend of a friend. Only Greg. He caught a Texas homerun in batting practice, and threw it right back at them, which was definitely the Tiger mentality last night. The game kept me up WAY past my bedtime, I was way to jacked up to fall asleep, which resulted in me running half an hour late this morning. No bueno, but I'll survive.

I'll admit, heading into the 9th inning I was a little nervous. I mean, I am seriously surrounded by Longhorn grads, and the men I work with do not feel the need to treat me with kid gloves. The harassment is harsh, and I didn't know if my emotions can handle it. Good thing our Tigers pushed through.

Greg called when the last batter came up to the plate. I heard the crowd go wild. It was exhilarating. It's great, to be, an LSU TIGER! (I mean, really, how many people have the collegiate sporting experiences my siblings and I have shared since 2001?)

I played it cool this morning. I don't want to be too cocky, so I didn't initiate any conversations. But the boys couldn't resist- they came to me. I've got on a floor length purple sun dress, LSU earrings, and a clunky bracelet with purple stones and gold lining passed on from Mom to Abby to me. It's a suttle statement, but the message comes through. Surprising, the guys have noticed the bracelet and commented on my LSU accessories. I was impressed. It's gameday, we're playing for a national championship... our program has returned to glory. It's time to tie Texas for the 2nd most wins in the College World Series, and then make our move to break USC's record of 12 Title's. I remember the 90's... 5 out of 11 visits we took it all. It could happen. Paul Maneri could definitely be the next Skip Bertman (...who I thanked God for last night. What an advocate for my alma mater!)

Sidenote: I'm officially twittering, and if you have an iPhone, it is easy, awesome, amazing. Huge fan. The reason I mentioned it is because Les Miles a twitterer too. I don't know if its really him, but I assume it is (I believe in seeing the good in things, and it sounds like him), and it was AMAZING to watch his response to the game last night. He was pumped, he really believed in the Tigers, and truly thought we were going to pull through. It was so cool to see a coach have so much faith in a team, just like he had in the 2008 BCS National Championship team. No wonder I love him as our head coach. Have I mentioned its only 74 days left?

GEAUX TIGERS!
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Monday, June 22, 2009

A Tiger in Foreign Lands

Technical difficulties posting pictures from the wedding this weekend, so I'll have to wait until I can sit down with Layne and see if he can help me figure it out. He uploaded pictures to his computer at work... and now I'm confused by the process. Sorry for the delay!

Today, I'm a stranger in foreign lands. I'm used to being in the minority... I'm Caucasian and I live in Texas (joke), I'm a female engineer. I'm always in a room full of men at work and industry meetings. But today, I'm another minority. I'm a Fighting Tiger surrounded by Longhorns.... and I'm soaking it up. Because despite the fact that I'm one of a few surrounded by many- I know who has the stronger voice.

First comment- ever see the "Texas-Exes" Alumni Association sticker? This never fails to crack me up. You go to a University of 40,ooo students, paying more than $10,000 a year for your degree, and when you walk across the stage to graduate, you officially become known as an Ex? Not in my book. I'll settle for simply turning the LSU on my senior ring from facing me to facing the world. It sends such a sweeter message.

I never fail to raise commotion when it comes to my college sports. LSU is beginning a best two-out-of-three series against Texas tonight, in the hopes of winning our 6th College World Series. And although I know I'm biased.... we really are in the drivers seat this time. As I walked into work this morning, a co-worker who graduated from UT told me I should be worried about our bats being cold this evening. We were standing at the coffee machine with a few other co-workers, and I politely reminded him that LSU is averaging 9 runs a game, and asked if he can count on 1 hand the number of times UT has done that this year. He couldn't, and my smirk said it all.

And while I was running errands at lunch today, I came across two Tiger fans at Wal-Mart. As we passed each other, I casually tossed out the standard Geaux Tigers and got a high five. It was a classic moment, until I noticed two teenagers with UT hats on giving me the evil eye. I took that "Hook Em Horns," and flipped them upside before you could count to three. The smirk returned.

What is it with all of the LSU grads at Merit showing up to work in purple and gold? I haven't seen a single UT co-worker in burnt orange today, and I checked my floor. (Of course the other floors were checked too. Bragging rights!) It's all about that Tiger pride.

I've tried to get someone to place a friendly wager, even for something as simple as lunch. But no one wants to take the bait... the Tiger Bait that is. They know what's up.

Gregory is at Omaha. He flew up this weekend, and is staying in a house that rented for $10,000 for two weeks. Walk out the front door, and the college baseball Mecca.... Rosenblatt Stadium is right there. He can sit outside and hear batting practice, "clink... clink.... clink." Life is good. National Championships have been in abundance at LSU over the past two decades, but the Tiger faithful never disappoint. The masses have fled to Omaha... and tonight I'll imagine I'm sitting in the ball park myself. (Greg's going to call at all critical times so I can just put the crowd on speakerphone and soak it all in.) I may not have any vacation left, but I'll make the most of what I've got.

Let me hear it: GEAUX! ...TIGERS! GEAUX! ...TIGERS! GEAUX! ...TIGERS! I can feel it. Can't you too?

And what's the only news of the day better than that? Only 75 days till LSU kicks off at the University of Washington. It's time to put a beating on the Pac-10, and take our rightful throne at the top of the West. Let the Countdown begin!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Layne's a lucky man...

Layne's a lucky man... and not just because he married a wonderful woman like me. (Haha!)

Yesterday he attended a Sustainability Summit. In typical Layne fashion, he ended up having lunch with the keynote speaker, and walked away with more than he could carry. Layne won the table centerpiece, the beautiful orchid you see (and yes, it is purple and gold) and to top it off, an iPod Touch. Talk about having a great day at work!

(Sorry for the delay in my postings lately. I'll catch you up on the wedding festivities this weekend!)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

My Husband- the Director

My husband is many things... my favorite being an "ordained minister." (No, not through the Church, the Internet. See why its my favorite?) But now he has another title to add to his resume. Layne received a promotion at work, and is no longer an associate at Building Solutions. Layne is now officially the Director of Sustainability Services at Building Solutions.

For those of you who don't know, my husband has a work ethic that rivals my dad. He gives his job 100%, and works twelve hour days on a regular basis to keep up with the ever-increasing work load he has. I am so proud of him and his drive to provide for our family. He's amazing, and he deserves the recognition and the title. It's the little things that can keep someone going, and he deserves it.

For those of you who send mail to the casa, you can address it to: Director and Mrs. Layne Court. I just like the way it sounds.

Congratulations Husbie! I am so proud of you! (You know me- couldn't help but brag on you!)

Monday, June 8, 2009

Wedding Video- Bridal Prep

http://exposureroom.com/members/chaddyle.aspx/assets/54f0812bd61e481286146aef8c4703f7/

The first of three video montages from the wedding was posted on Friday of last week, and I can't help but share it with everyone. Check it out! I was so happy and so overjoyed that day, and it shows through my smile and my eyes. This week will be 5 months! I can't believe how quickly our time together flies by. Hope You Enjoy!

Updated Settings...

I finally realized why so many people email responses to my blog rather than just reply with a comment... because of the way I had set up the settings. That has changed now- so you no longer have to email me, you can just post away!

Friday, June 5, 2009

Riding Lake Tahoe... In Memory of Kathy Reynolds

This weekend, I have a friend who is doing something special in honor of my Granny. Sarah Bennett is a co-worker of mine. She's a Petroleum Engineer who graduated from Montana Tech in 2006, and we started work at Merit together. I've enjoyed her friendship for the past three years, and would have been lost without her. Sarah was out with me the night I met Layne. She was INCREDIBLY supportive when Granny was sick, she is the co-owner of our Fantasy Football team, and she is a die-hard OU fan. Why, I'll never know. She's a good friend, with a great heart, and this weekend she is giving back.
Sarah just left for Lake Tahoe with Team in Training, an organization that raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This weekend, Sarah will be riding 100 miles of beautiful terrain, and has committed to raising $4400 for the cause. Check out her link below:
I'm not the world's biggest fan of asking people for money, so I'm not, but I am letting you know about this in case you are in a place or feel moved by the spirit. Every dollar counts, and Sarah is already 87% of the way there. As you can see on her web page, Sarah is riding in memory of my Granny, Kathy Reynolds. I know a card would go along way, and I would love to let Sarah know how many people her gesture has touched.
I was so touched when Sarah came to me about this. I am so blessed to have made the friends in Dallas that I have, and I am blessed that the people who have walking into my life are so giving and generous. Sarah never met my Granny, but she has met my extended family. She knows what Granny and Grandpa made and shared with each of us, and will be thinking about her as she pushes herself through the uphill terrain.
Leukemia may have taken Granny from us, but it doesn't always have to be that way. Because of people like Sarah, there will be a change.
Thanks for being a do-er Sarah, and thanks for thinking of my Granny. I can't express how moved I am. We're rooting for you!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The Great State of Texas!

Today, Layne and I are opening up the Casa De Court Resort to the masses. We’ve had a visitor all week (Lauren Simoneaux), have seven more arriving today, and 3 more tomorrow. (Yay for Abby’s Bachelorette Party!) With all these visitors, it reminded me that summer is upon us, and our Vistor’s Bureau could use a plug in. Why should you come to visit in Dallas – besides our company and a free place to stay? Here are a 10 reasons!

1.) The TV Show “Walker: Texas Ranger” was filmed in Dallas (who doesn’t love Chuck Norris?), along with the movies “Leap of Faith,” “Pure County,” “JFK,” “Robocop,” and “The Karate Kid.” And let’s not forget to mention the TV Series “Dallas” that ran for 13 years and was shown in 95 countries. (Southfork ranch still operates a short distance outside the city.)

2.) Texas is larger than France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland and Luxembourg combined.

3.) The “Texas Star” Ferris wheel at the State Fair of Texas is the tallest in North America.

4.) Neiman Marcus was founded in Dallas, and the flagship store is downtown.

5.) Dallas has the 9th largest population in the nation, and is the largest metropolitan area in the nation not on a navigable body of water.

6.) D/FW International Airport is larger than the island of Manhattan, and is the 3rd busiest airport in the world with more than 1600 flights per day.

7.) Speaking of Manhattan, Dallas has four times more restaurant per person than New York City. Dallas also has more shopping centers per capita than any other major US city.

8.) The Six Flags Over Texas theme park is larger than Disneyland.

9.) The frozen margarita was invented in Dallas.

10.) The Dallas Public Library in downtown has on permanent display one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, printed on July 4th, 1776.

Needless to say, there is something for everyone here in Dallas. Whether you’re looking for a way to occupy the kids, some quality R & R, or you want to explore- we’ve got it for you. After Abby and Dustin’s wedding next weekend, we’re taking some time off of the road. (You know it’s a problem when the Southwest flight attendants recognize you because you fly so frequently.) We’ll miss seeing everyone so frequently- so hop in the car or check out those super cheap airline tickets and head on over. We’d be happy to have you!