Work and home projects

Not much has been going on in our world other than the good ol' regular routine. I"m settling into work just fine and am learning on average one new technique a week. Its very detailed work which is not always my favorite- but I enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to learn new stuff! Last week I set up four locomotor chambers that will be used to monitor animal movement. I was so proud of this because as many of you know...I do NOT consider myself a manual/directions reader. Nor a techie, nor a mechanic. So...building these chambers, programming them, and learning how to simulate an experiment was a great accomplishment in my book. I'm sure someone could have done all of it in 1/10th the time it took me - but whatever. I was getting paid and I was doing my best:)

At home...Byron built me some flower troughs from scratch on his day off last week. They are AWESOME! We don't have a yard so we have to be a little creative with our landscaping. I'm in love with the fall chrysanthemum colors..it's about hte closest I'll come to fall colors here in SA so I went to home depot and picked a few up this weekend. Byron was pumped I picked out TWO maroon ones (he's such an aggie). We stained and sealed them this weekend and I just love the new colors outside our door!




And because I'm such an awesome gardener (as much as I can call myself that with a few plants outside in pots)...I have a new pet. Yes that's right. His name is Squirmy II (RIP Jennie's Childhood pet). He is a snail. And he lives in my flower pot and comes out every evening when I water. He loves me. Isn't it sad I've resorted to having a pet snail? Bug Byron. Please. I bring up the issue of getting a dog every week- but I am met with stubborn resolve. Help me plead my case! Feel free to call or email him immediately and tell him we need a more interactive pet.



Byron is having a rough week at work- one of the other residents is out on vacation so that shortens everyones call schedule by one night. So...basically he works call...sleeps....works call...sleeps....etc for the next week and a half. Ouch. I feel for him. I'm just not a nice person when I don't get enough sleep. But...he has a good attitude about it which always helps.

And...FYI...Byron passed his 3rd and final medical boards (well...there is one more for his specialty later)! HORRAYYYYYY!!!! I'm so proud of him. He worked really really hard to prepare for it and took the bull by the horns and took it about 4 years earlier than he had to! Go Byron! We went out to celebrate with a nice dinner in Boerne which is a small, very cute town outside of San Antonio. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was perfect. We both enjoy smaller, quieter places as opposed to the downtown chaos. I wish I took some pictures but alas...I never remember my camera.

Saturday I ran 9 miles with the girls (And walked one) and the time just flew by. It was a beautiful day and the conversation was great! Running is made so much more enjoyable with friends. But- They will both be out of town next weekend so we'll see if I can stay disciplined and go on my own. I had lunch with Jess Logan at Red lobster. I simply LOVE their biscuits! Yummy. Her husband is deployed and it was really nice to sit down and just visit with her. I'm so thankful God has brought so many new friends into our lives.

I also managed to cook some some new fall flavors this week with a berry crumble, and pumpkin muffins. The muffins burned a little (I have a temperamental stove), but I just cut off that part and they taste great anyway. My new friend Becky has excellent recipes of all sorts to share. She is also my new personal library:) She's giving me some friendship bread tonight to try out. I'll let you know how that goes. Apparently it's a 10 day process so...I'm not sure how dedicated I am for that. To me- bread tastes just as yummy frozen out of the freezer. But maybe manual labor adds a little extra something. We'll see:)




P.S- I did not put the Aggie mug in the picture on purpose. Guess who took those? Borderline obsessed.

Rainy weekend

San Antonio and the surrounding areas have been in a SEVERE drought for a while now. Well..this weekend it seemed like God was answering all our prayers for rain the last few months. It rained and rained and rained. While I"m not particularly fond of it rainy weather- I'm thankful that we got some of the relief we needed. However- this also meant that I had to do my long run in the pouring down rain at 7 AM on Saturday. That just stunk.

I've decided to run the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon in November and have been training for it with two girls from church: Julie and Olivia. It's totally necessary to have running buddies- because on days like Saturday there is no way any of us would willingly run without the motivation of the others. It s a great time to reflect on the last week, talk about our struggles, goals, etc. all while getting some exercise. The time actually goes by pretty fast, but last Saturday did not. It was cold, and wet, and dark. But- all that being said- we ran faster than normal because all of us just wanted to be done! So- I got home by 8:30 which left the entire day open for activity. I managed to clean the whole house and finish the laundry before Byron got home so I felt very productive.

Byron was on call Friday night which was his first overnight call of his career. It was a doosey. I don't know how he does it, but he was at the hospital going non-stop for 36 hrs with no sleep. Ouch. So- I tried to clean the house (the loud stuff) on Friday night so I wouldn't bother him. He got home around 3 and crashed. I treated myself to a nap as well after I went to the grocery store and did some gardening for a while.

I love saturdays like that. There's just something that makes me feel better about having a clean house. It feels more cozy or something. And since it was raining- I didn't feel so bad about not getting outside and being productive.

I spent the evening paying bills, reading and cooking. I made Chicken and wild rice soup, and a chocolate espresso silk mousse pie. It was delicious! I finally woke Byron up around 10:30 to let him eat, but he went strait back to bed. Poor thing. But the good thing about this rotation is that he gets a full post call day and the day after off. So- at least you have a chance to catch up on your sleep before having to do it again. There is one week this month when he has three call days in 1 week- which is going to be rough.


It was still raining cats and dogs on Sunday and the following pictures were after only 24 hrs of rain. Yikes! Holy bad drainage systems! But- our roof didn't leak this time- so that's a step in the right direction! We had to find new routes to church since some of our normal roads were flooded. We went to a new pizza place with our young marrieds class and then back home for hte afternoon. I went to volleyball practice and man....am I sore today! You'd think I'd be in shape after training for a 1/2 marathon! All in all- I'd say it was a productive, but relaxing weekend.

Life is sweeter in AggieLand

Last weekend was our first chance to really get away this summer after starting work. Byron doesn't get many chances to get away for a whole weekend so we took advantage of the opportunity. Friday night after our parents left we jumped in the truck, picked up our friend Genevieve and headed for College Station, TX. Home of the Fightin' Texas Aggies! I was still pretty drugged up at this point, but there was no way I was going to miss out on this weekend. Byron has been looking forward to going back to Texas A & M for about 4.5 years now (since he left in the first place). I know he must love me when he offers to stay home from this long anticipated weekend and let me get better. But- we made it to College Station around 10: 30 with enough time to check into the hotel before heading to "Midnight Yell Practice". What an experience! SEe the videos below for some samples.





I didn't know any of the 'moves' or chants, but it was really inspiring to see all those students cheering for their team. Wake Forest fans just don't compare. The entire stadium (that seats 85K) pulses with energy. It was really cool- even for a non- A & M'er like myself. After yell practice- we all (Johnny, Genevieve, Byron and I) headed back to the hotel (I fell asleep on the 10 minute drive I was so exhausted) and slept until 9:30! 9:30 these days is really late for me to sleep on a Saturday but I must have really been tired! I felt 1000 times better. We headed for Mi Cocina one of Byron and Johnny's FAVORITE places to eat while in school there. They stamp your tortilla's and pancakes with the Texas A & M logo. Every person in there was in gameday spirit with some kind of A & M gear on.

Next we hit up the shops with ALL the A & M gear. Byron bought a T shirt for every person in his family practically. It was fun, and I'm always game for getting new clothes! We drove through all the old stomping grounds and checked out the new monuments etc on campus. All in all it was a relaxing afternoon. We headed back to the hotel to clean ourselves up for the game and get ready for the tailgate.

Johnny had some friends cooking up some food so we dropped by there before the game to chat and watch the cadets march into the stadium. Genevieve's brother scored us some sweet seats on the shady side of the stadium WITH seats. Apparently it's tradition for the students to stand the ENTIRE game- which I am not dedicated enough to do. So-we were about 20 rows up near the A & M endzone! We won the game...a lot to a little (really...I don't remember by how much), and it was a great experience!






We attended church the following morning where Byron went and ran into all sorts of people. It was inspiring to see so many college students on fire for Christ. No wonder he had such an amazing experience there! All in all I'd say it was a great weekend. We made it back to SA in time to have dinner with our young marrieds group.

Monday was a great day at work for me. I finally accomplished 'patching a cell' which has taken me a whole month to learn! Horray! I'm finally ready to do some actual science!

Murphy's Law

Last week was a busy, but very exciting week. We had our first house guests since getting married and moving to TX. Lesa and Charlie chose to stay with us in our ghetto fabulous Condo for a few nights while in town. I say "Ghetto fabulous" because the week they decided to come, our house seemed to fall apart at the seams. Last weekend our washing machine overflowed. Twice. Soaking the kitchen floor, walls, etc. What a mess! We took the machine apart. Twice. That's right- you read correctly. My husband completely dismantled the washing machine and put it back together again. Twice. He's amazing. I wish I had taken some pictures of the carnage in our kitchen with all the parts dismantled and sprawled out. And.....as it turns out...nothing was wrong with the machine. No clogs. No malfunctions. The problem was in the pipe in the wall. We should of tried that first. Doh. So- the maitenance people had to come out and roto-rooter (however you spell that) the drain in the wall. But...we actually had fun overcoming that challenge together. I think taking things apart and putting them back together again is very therapeutic for Byron. Go figure! But- we will look back and laugh on that day for years to come.

Then...our roof in the guest bedroom started leaking. Actually- it started about a week before hand when we had a big thunderstorm. We called maitenance and they came out and "fixed" it. But we never saw them. Ever. So- Our guest bedroom was entirely dismantled for a week waiting for them to come and fix the inside since the carpet was wet (and probably molding now), the wall was warped (and probably molding) and the ceiling was caving in (and probably molding now). But...it started to rain on Monday night and didn't stop for three days. Now...mind you- San Antonio has been in a drought with NO RAIN all summer. And now- when we have an actual need for our guest bedroom- it starts raining and leaking and SMELLING! Murphy's law. So..we call maitenance. Again. And they come look and say they fixed a different leak- (In the fireplace) and not hte one we actually complained about. Nice.

By this point in time Lesa and Charlie are at the airport being picked up and I'm frantically cleaning and washing everything in our bedroom so they can stay in there. I was just not comfortable with the possibility of the ceiling collapsing on my new in-laws in the middle ofthe night.

I was also starting to get very sick at this point in the week with a cold/flu and just couldn't stop coughing. But- I was not going to miss out on all the family fun. So my doctor (Dr. Byron) fixed me up with all sorts of cold medicines to help me muddle through. THank goodness for modern medicine! It was wonderful to just visit with everyone. We really miss seeing them every week, and hanging out at the farm. I'm really looking forward to Thanksgiving break and being back in Good Ol' Winston-salem!

And...to top it all off, one of our microscopes flooded at the very END of the day on Thursday when we were supposed to be going out to a fancy dinner with the whole family. Awesome. Again- Murphy's law. But...my boss let me go a little early on Friday to give me a few hours to visit with the family before heading up to college station for the weekend.

On the brightside though, we have a great home, wonderful family and friends, and jobs that support our lifestyle. So...God has blessed us beyond measure and I need to remember that no matter what.

Sorry no pictures on this post:( Next one I promise!

Volleyball, labor day, and life in general

I've GOT to get better at this regular posting thing. I'm sorry to all those who are curious and are being left in the dark by my laziness. I'll try to post at least once a week.

Life has been busy as usual lately, and I'm feeling a little older than I should. Let me explain. Byron and I get up around the same time now around 6:30 which is not all THAT early. But it's nice to be able to see him before the day has gotten ahold of him. (Have I mentioned how studying is his favorite thing to do?!?! NOT!) But...we go to bed around 9:30. How sad is that!?! Seriously- around 9 pm I can barely keep my eyes open. I get in bed, read for about 20-30 minutes and I'm out like a light. Both of us are.

Then...last weekend I played in a volleyball tournament with some girls I met at the open gym I go to on Thursday nights. It was an indoor 6's tourney, and the teams/level of play was amazing (Not including myself in that list...I was REALLY rusty!). We played 14 games in a period of 8-9 hrs. There was waayyyyyy too much waiting going on in this tournament (they usually run smoothly and teams aren't sitting and waiting for hours on end), but I'm hoping it was just this one that was organized poorly. I felt fine playing all day, and I had a ton of fun getting back into the competitive play.

Everything was fine until about 7 AM the next morning. The alarm went off and I couldn't move. Every muscle in my body hurt. Every joint was screaming at me. I felt a good 30 years older that morning. Byron finally woke up too and pushed me out of bed and into a hot shower since I was whinning already. It helped, but only enough to make me forget not to move slowly. I got out of the shower, got dressed, and started down the stairs to start brewing our morning cup of joe. AHHHHHHHHHHH....I almost fell down the stairs, my legs just wouldn't move like they were supposed to. Trying to sit/stand at regular intervals at church that morning was no fun either. Needless to say- I was REALLY out of shape (which is weird since I excercise regularly). But...I'm torturing myself again in about a month for another tourney. I refuse to let feeling old take away my fun!

Monday was labor day and also the 26th annual fish fry at the Branch Ranch. Byron studied all morning and I went on a quick run to try and loosen up my muscles a little (Not without a good dose of IB profin first). We headed out to the ranch and arrived just in time for lunch (don't you love it when that happens!) the food was AWESOME: all the ladies that go out there cook up their finest, butter laden, scrumptious treats for all to enjoy. It was heavenly. We stuffed ourselves silly and sat around listening to Uncle Warren stories and Aunt Cynthia's Dating extravaganza. After lunch they usually have a skeet tournament, but due to the heat- rallying the enthusiasm was just not going to happen.

I did get a few pointers with Ashley's gun and managed to hit a few! I couldn't let the little Sarah show me up! She's like 10 and about 70 lbs and the kick of the gun nearly knocked her over. But she did it. So I had to. But- the 100+ degree heat was just draining us- so we headed back to the breezy porch and skipped the dove hunt.

This weekend was great with a little time for some much needed cleaning, straitening up, and rest. Its just another sign I'm getting older when I actually enjoy cleaning up my house! Ahhhh- We're turning into our parents! We're headed to dinner with Uncle Warren and Melissa tonight for a young life fundraiser something or other.

Weekend projects and New Jobs

I can't believe its taken me this long to update this blog! My how the times flies. I hear it gets worse as we get older. sigh. Life has really picked up speed in the last few weeks and I guess that's sort of indicative of this time of year. The start of the school year signals the end of summer for more than just students it seems.

I started a new job about a week and half ago at University of Texas Health Science Center. I actually work two floors below Byron (well...when he's in that office...which is never). Its great because on a rare special occassion...I get to grab lunch or a cup of coffee with him.

I'm working the neurophysiology group with a new faculty member there. I'm actually the first hire - which has its ups and downs. For one, I get to set up cool equipment and sort of help design everything. But then again- its frustrating sometimes to have to put EVERYTHING together and trouble shoot all day.

I work with these big fancy microscopes as seen below:




I have no idea what I'm doing and have broken about 1/3 of the important parts so far. But- my boss says that's normal. Its VERY frustrating trying to learn all the controls- but- I'm getting better at it already. We are studying the synaptic communication between cells in the brain. Ask me one day in person as to how we get these special cells. Its a whole new aspect of my job that I can assure you...is not very plesant.

But... so far...I'm enjoying my job. I have a great boss who doesn't get too upset when I break expensive equipment, and the work is interesting and challenging. I'm learning a whole new set of valuable skills. I do however miss Wake and the familiarity around there. Its hard coming to a new place and feeling lost the majority of the time. Not to mention the complicated administration there. There are so many forms to get a lock changed its ridiculous. Job creation I guess. But..I made cookies for the man who seems to know who and where everything is and he likes me now. He's been there 30 years and knows his way around the system. Maybe I'll make some for the parking people. I've gotten tickets for the most ridiculous offenses!

And now for weekend projects:


I made a new friend here; her name is Ally and she is awesome. She has this natural knack for interior design and came over to help me rearrange my house. She suggested putting a larger piece of furniture in the corner to help offset the other stuff in our living room. So...I started hunting and found this nice, heavy duty rod iron frame at a local flea market/furniture store. I got a great deal on it but mainly because it was missing the shelves. Bear with the pictures...I must have drank too much caffeine when taking these pics.

Before:


You see...I've figured out a way to get Byron to buy into the idea of buying more furniture is to find a way that he can 'fix it'. In other words...if he can use his new tools on whatever it is...I will have a MUCH better chance of getting the furniture I want.

So- we went to Lowes, used the last of our gift cards and bought some wood, stains, and sealers. Byron cut the boards to the perfect length using his new saws etc. We stained them over the weekend and....

After:






PLUS... I've freed up some extra cabinet space in the kitchen so everything isn't so crammed in there! I now have this totally original, beautiful shelf! Thanks Byron!

This weekend is a family retreat with the church we've been attending. A bunch of young marriends are going so we are looking forward to making new friends! Byron has to study - but I hope he can sneak away for a few hours on Saturday to participate in the fun. The outline reminds of a small taste of church camp- which is always a good thing.

Ranch work Day

So last week was my first experience in Cattle Ranchin'! Granddad B and Grandma were gracious enough to endure my ignorance on the subject and invite me up to see for myself. I spent the night up at the ranch with all the Momma's and baby calves right outside the door. We spent ate supper and visited on the porch over a nice bowl of Blue Bell Icecream. Front Porch sittin' is one of my favorite pastimes. It reminds me of summers at home. I told Byron we simply MUST have a front porch on our first house. We'll see how that works out.




So Wed. morning I arose at 5 on the dot, very excited and ready to start the day. Its amazing how easily I wake up when I'm excited about something! Louis came up to the house about an hour later to get everyone moving and over to the barn. By this time the cows are moving around and starting to 'bawl' to each other. They know what's coming and they are NOT happy about it. They Mooo constantly. And- after its all over- it doesn't stop for a few days. So..I'm glad we only stayed one night.

The end goal of all this is to seperate the calves from their Momma's (I know...its a very sad sad thing), so they can be sold to another rancher that has lots of grass available for feeding. The Branches are 'stockers' only. Their farm is for bearing calves, and lots of them.

So- we worked two herds of cattle (about 60 mother cows in each). About 3/4's of them have baby calves. So- Louis starts by seperating the Momma's from the babies and sends the mothers through a 'shute'. This is where we (correction...they) gather their tag info, check for fertility, etc. My job was adding the Ivermectin (de-worming medicine) to their backs! I was too scared to get out there and actually herd anything. those Momma's weigh more than a 1,000 lbs and are NOT happy when they are being seperated from their babies.

After the mother cows are seperated, accounted for, and de-wormed, they are let go back into the pastures. BUT...they don't go anywhere. Their babies are still calling to them. So..they hang out by the fence and bawl.

Last, they seperate the babies into the 'replacement' heffers, and ones going to market. Each year- they keep a few good looking babies calves that will replace older cows that are no longer producing. The rest are put into a seperate field to be sold the following morning.

We did two herds which lasted about 6 hours total. Grandma took everyone to a delicious authentic mexican lunch and we returned back to the ranch to take an afternoon nap:) All in all- it was an awesome experience. I've never been around anything like it and I'm always up for a new adventure!

Here are some pics of the workers:








And...lastly...I accepted a job offer last week working at University of Texas Health Science Center in their phsiology department. I'm excited to start working and establishing a rountine. I'm also waiting to hear back about my acceptance into the Master's program for teaching Math and Science at UTSA. I'll keep you posted with how everything turns out!

God Bless!