I’m Still Here

My life hasn’t had too many words as of late but perhaps the pictures can speak for me.

We had a very good Easter:

My mom and my niece in their Easter dresses.

Miss Chandler is missing some front teeth!

Happy Easter from the Macks!

Daddy’s little girl.

It’s spring time in Houston (FINALLY) and Lent is over so it’s time for crawfish!! We went to the Pearland Crawfish Festival this weekend.

Corn, potatoes and bugs..10 pounds worth!

Lots of ducks to win a prize.

The brothers Mack: middle, oldest, youngest.

And of course, everyone loves a Carnival!

 

Hopefully it’s warming up where you are!

Odds And Ends: The Graduate Edition

I had a really good weekend. Friday night Myron and I went to a friend’s birthday party who was turning 21 for the 25th time! LOL! Her home was decorated so pretty for the holidays so we got in a pic by the Christmas tree. This might need to go on a card!

Saturday I was on proud sister duty as I saw my big little brother graduate from college with his BS in Architecture!! I am so proud of him. He is a single dad of two (see the cheery faces below who were super excited to see daddy graduate) and though he had a few setbacks along the way, he didn’t give up and kept his eye on the prize. Now that he has that paper, he needs a job! Ya’ll hiring??

Here is my brother and my dad. That is one happy parent!

Here is me in proud sister mode. Say cheese!!

Other odds and ends that were on my mind –

• The horrible tragedy that happened in Newtown, CT has been in my thoughts all weekend. I am not a parent but I was shocked and horrified to watch the terror on the news and I hugged my niece and nephew a lot this past weekend and got lots of kisses. Parents should be able to send their kids to school without fear and I hope the President follows through on his words regarding taking steps to end mass violence like this.
• The comments by ESPN commentator Rob Parker just prove that stupidity knows no color. I’m not sure I agree with him being suspended for being an asshole but being in the public eye often means you suffer the consequences of living in a society that allows for free speech.
• What I am about to say is petty and I am almost 40 years old and should be beyond this, but I’m not and I don’t care. Last night, I posted a congratulatory message on a friend’s FB wall. I did so on purpose because I didn’t want to comment on her status and get a flood of notifications. Why did someone decide to comment on MY wall post to congratulate my friend???? Is it that much extra effort to comment on the gotdamn FB wall yourself?? Is it two mouse clicks more than you have the strength to make?? Ya’ll for real I was soooooooo ANNOYED. I have had that happen to me before and I was feeling particularly evil that day so I deleted my original post and re-typed it. Post your own damn message! It isn’t that hard! *woosah* *takes deep breaths* *lays down*

So how was your weekend?? 

California Love

There were a lot of things that conspired against this year’s vacation.

First, we had to change our destination at the last minute because we thought Hurricane Issac was going to hit the Miami area. So we decided to go to the Left Coast (San Diego) instead. Next my manager acted a complete and total ass about me actually going on vacation. We normally go the first week of October because the month of September is a busy time at my office with the annual budget so going on our actual anniversary won’t work. So after much schedule juggling, we both were able to get time off the last week of August. This actually worked out better because we didn’t have to go back to work till after Labor Day.

Then Myron sprained his foot and we were in the ER the day before we were to take off, and he ended up on crutches for the duration of our trip.

But one (several) monkey don’t stop no show, so the hubs and I made it on the plane and prepared to show California some love!

Here are some flicks I took while there..San Diego is gorgeous and we will be back!!

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Memorial Day Weekend 2012: The Instagrammed Edition

We did quite a bit over the holiday weekend and had lots of fun. Myron played hooky from work on Friday to hang out with me and I instagrammed the last 4 days…take a look.

Myron gazing at the waves, Surfside Beach, Freeport TX

A little ankle wading..

Lots and lots of seaweed…

Grand opening of the Pleasure Pier, Galveston, TX (think Navy Pier in Chicago)

Trying a new buffet spot – Korean style…

This is only part of the buffet line…

San Luis Pass side of the Galveston Toll Bridge..

My fishing set up..note the pink fishing pole.

Seaside…cool water..

He’s just chilling…

Getting provisions…

Pasta salad…

Fresh out the smoker…

How was your Memorial Day weekend???

Follow Me On Instagram!

Hey! *waves excitedly* If you are on Instagram, come say hi. My user name is TiffanyNHouston.

Daytripping

Shot of the aquarium pyramid...

Saturday afternoon, Myron and I took a hour drive down Interstate 45 South to Galveston, TX, an island right off the coast. I’d been wanting to the see the Bodies Revealed exhibit at Moody Gardens. Moody Gardens also has a hotel-resort, a water park on premises, an aquarium and  an indoor rainforest.

Below are some shots I took with my cell phone of the view of the bay and the grounds at Moody Gardens.

Here is a shot I snuck at the Bodies Review exhibit. I was living dangerously as you weren’t supposed to be taking pics!

Here is my cute hubs!! Look at that reluctant smile!

There are tons of beautiful flowers in bloom. Spring time in Texas is gorgeous! The weather was a wonderful 85 degrees with a nice breeze coming off the bay. We are enjoying it now. By May it will be scorching!

This cockatoo was eating a snack and wasn’t being that cooperative for my pictures but I finally got one.

After all that sightseeing, we got a recommendation from Beautifully Complex and decided to check out the Black Pearl Oyster Bar and Grille.

I started out with two huge crabcakes! They were so good and full of meat.

My entree was Shrimp Diablo over rice and it did have a kick!

I forgot to get a shot of Myron’s dozen oysters on the half shell. He loves them.

Myron’s entree was blackened shrimp, crawfish and squid over rice. It was pretty tasty. We will definitely be going back to the Black Pearl.

We grabbed some blue crabs on the way home to cook on Sunday, but they all died overnight. I think it was too hot in the garage for them. We went back to the fish market for some fresh ones, though. My husband was determined to get him some crabs!

All in all, we had a fun Saturday. Day trips are nice!

FPAD: Something I Am Listening To

Last day of the photo challenge!  It’s been hectic but fun!

I still love me some Brandy.

FPAD: Something I Ate (And Drank)

Sausage and mushroom spaghetti. Moscato. Full tummy.

FPAD: Night

Outside my front door in my complex…

FPAD: Money

Remember how your mom would give you 50 cents to put into the offering plate at church??? Well this bag o’ coins is called the “Jesus change”. Whenever we make to church we’ll put it in the plate.