Breaking but not Braking...

Ever feel like you just need a break from life? Not for any particular reason, just need some time alone, time away from things, time to clear your mind. 

That's how I  have been feeling lately. Sure I went on a seven-day cruise to Alaska and it was great and grand and wonderful. I was able to relax and enjoy and have fun. But coming back to work where things have changed at the office and I've only been there for a little over a month... it's just a bit overwhelming.

I do my job, work all day, take my lunch break, I just focus... I don't lollygag, don't communicate much with other coworkers, just don't have the time now that we have to have closed doors for the remainder of the next two weeks.

But I keep telling myself it's a job, i'm getting paid for it and it allows me to travel. I have to do it, we all have to do it, unless you're rich or married rich...and clearly I'm not either of those...yet. 

I'm also not used to being around people 24/7; been accustomed to living on my own. Doing my thing whenever I want, where I want, how I want. I'm grateful for my situation and for the kindness of others helping during this transition but sometimes I am going to have to have ME time.

And then when I decide to have that me time and take the night off and do my own thing...I feel guilty but I'm not sure what else to do to keep my sanity.

So here's the kicker....

Just like taking a break from life and having my own time to myself I think I need to take a break from blogging. I don't do it regularly and it shows. I only have a few followers and that's fine. I just started this blog to keep track of the places I've been, things I do and now I  feel like it is becoming more of a chore and not something I've enjoyed since I have to filter more these days. 

So for now it's farewell. Might be back, I might not. I'll always be on the go and I'm always going to be doing something and going different places. 

Enjoy life, live it fully, travel often and enjoy new adventures. Most importantly,  grow while you're at it and be happy. 

Cheers, Nelly

Traffic News Tuesday- Vacation

It's been hard for me to focus the past few days. I think about everything I need to do to prepare for my trip coming up.

I think next time I schedule a trip it will not be at the beginning of the month. Having to schedule for bills to be paid or make sure automatic payments are set up when you don't have access to Internet... it's a pain. 

 This'll be the first time I am going on a cruise. It's been a challenge to try and pack the correct outfits. The weather is going to be chilly and we hadve excursions planned and I am determined to not overpack. Let's see if that really happens!

But at the end of the day, I'm excited to go on my first cruise and I know it will be tons of fun and I can't wait to share all the pictures with you!!

Just like the news, a little good with the bad... 

Cheers, Nelly

Traffic News Tuesday

-I know with change comes frustration and headaches but today it has been crazy... I will just have to learn to let it go just like Disney's Frozen

-I really do not like when tractor trailer trucks take their sweet time to turn

-I have thoroughly enjoyed the less traffic to and from work... That's at least some happy happy joy joy!

-I miss running outside but I hate the heat and my foot is still stupid from New Orleans but I get to work out at the gym and I'll do my best and lift many many weights! 

-Lastly I'm looking forward to this weekend that will be calm and relaxing or so I hope

Just like the news...a little good with the bad...

Cheers, Nelly

Monday Annoyances

-Starting third week at job and still not fully granted access to systems; well I have access but not for the US site...maybe a sign they want me in the UK?! Nah...tried that once

-When gas stations' sign shows a different price then at pump and I didn't double check before I started to fill my tank...$3.29 if paid with a chevron gift card...$3.99 if credit/debit...highway robbery...literally

-When I go to a store to look specifically for an item and it's not sold there...spray aloe...I got a weird sunburn of splotches and it hurts to rub in lotion or aloe

-I typically wash hair every other day or longer if possible but those times when my hair is rebellious in the morning and won't cooperate left down or in a ponytail and then it makes me just want to chop it or wish I had washed it...but I must refuse because I'm determined to grow it a few more inches

It's just a typical Monday...hopefully it'll turn around...like a total eclipse of the heart... 

Cheers, Nelly

Sand Rain

Another fun filled weekend ...this time at Matagorda beach. 

A group of friends left early Saturday to head to the beach for a day. The Texas beaches will never make the list of the top ten most beautiful but they offer lots of entertainment...and seaweed. 

Those aren't beautiful sand dunes...that's a ridge of seaweed they push back off the beach. It stinks like rotten eggs but that's just the way it is. Apparently it's the worse it's been in ten years. 

But it is still a nice view to be on the beach...

We set up camp and a bonfire. Camp, bonfire....that only means HOT DOGS to me!!!! #hotdogobsession 

And ChadNick knows his hot dog brands ... #hebrewnational is the only way to go!! Mmmm good to my tummy!

We sat around the campfire and tried to tell scary stories that were epic fails. The internet isn't always the best reference. 

After a long day in the sun it was time for bed....and ....drumroll.... Que the SAND RAIN!!!

I have never camped on the beach so it was going to be an exciting adventure...until there was sand everywhere and it would come through the vents in the tent... Like it was raining sand. It was in my mouth, eyes, ears, all over my pillow. It was not a pleasant sleeping situation. The phrase 'clean behind your ears'...well that had a whole new meaning. The shower once I got home never felt so good. 

Overall it was another great weekend with friends and family, as always. But now I must relax and watch Jack Ryan and chill before another work week begins. 

Cheers, Nelly

What Happens in Vegas...

Back in May I met up with one of my sisters and her boyfriend in Vegas, Season and Whuff. (That's not his given name but that's what all us sisters refer to him as...isn't he lucky?!) 

This is my version of the recap...a photo dump...

They picked me up from the airport in a convertible camaro which is also probably the worst car ever. The windshield has more blind spots that Ray Charles...

We were off to a quick lunch and then to the Hoover Dam. 

I wanted to order everything on the menu that mentioned avocado. I had a yummy turkey club like sandwich. 

I even made a quick step into Arizona!! 

Guess this dude is really scared of heights or he really really just wanted to test out his new cables. ;)

This was some lake's marina that we overlooked. The landscape out west is so different but beautiful. 

We made our way to a few casinos. 

Caesar doesn't really like hugs I guess... But he likes his money and is so stingy...this is all he would give back...

Whuff wanted to see Primus in concert...

And a motor cross event...

It was a quick trip to Vegas with a nice long delay at the airport but a good time!

This was view from room...ballin'!

Cheers, Nelly

Traffic News Tuesday

It's Tuesday... 

It's hot

It's humid

I despise stop and go traffic 

I didn't do any work at work today

But...

I did buy a new book to read on the cruise, The Fault in our Stars

I drank 128oz of water today...so far

Tomorrow is Girls Game Night

Just like the news... A little good with the bad...

Cheers, Nelly

Ever Changing

I don't even remember writing the last post and I am not sure why I stepped away from blogging. All I do know for certain is that my life is ever changing. 

I don't mind change; it's an opportunity to learn and grow even more. 

I knew I needed to finally do something for myself and I needed a fresh start. I accepted a better job position and moved closer to family and friends. It's already made such a difference in my overall happiness. 

Now if I could just get access to the systems at work to be able to do my job...life would be great. Or maybe it's a sign I just need to take the summer off...

Summer has already started off with a bang though. Busy weekends planned consecutively, events during the week...I must find one wknd to be still. 

This past weekend Friday was trivia night at BWs...but never play your first time with cal and drew...they don't tell you all the rules at once. Cheaters! We did take the opportunity for a photo shoot though...

Cal likes the World Cup for the games...I like it for the coaches. They always wear suits to perfection. 

Saturday we attended the Houston Beerfest and it was hot hot hot! And loads of fun!!

Sunday was just going to be a chill pool day but turned into a pool hopping event. Apparently new pools have to be health code appropriate before you can swim in them...here's to hoping no fifth limb starts growing from my ear... 

Just a great start to an ever changing and eventful new life...stay tuned...

Cheers, Nelly

True Meaning of Friendship

Many times I catch myself sad that I don't have that "best friend"....but I have many best friends actually. 

In fact I work with one of my best friends. It sounds middle school or childish at my age to say best friend but that is how I feel about her.

We have been working together for about 2.5 years. It didn't take long at all for us to become friends. I have trusted her from day one and I have felt comfortable being 100% myself. I know I can call her at any time of the day and she would answer. She would do and does whatever she can to help me. She has even given me sweet hugs when my grandmother passed and I was so lost at work. I still remember her saying 'I know you don't like hugging but it's what you need." And of course, as always she was right. 

We celebrate birthdays together, I adore her two sweet and handsome boys and her relationship with her husband is beautiful. She probably doesn't realize how much I truly look up to her. She is a hard worker and an amazing mother. One day when I have a family I want to be half the mom and wife she is...I am not sure I could ever measure up to her. 

When I was (and still am) going through the toughest part of my life to date and she has always been there; to just listen and offer advice and reassure me I am going to be better in the end. She's a rock for me. 

One of the many things I envy of hers...is her trendy style and her SHOES!! She is an addict of shoes and they are normally heels that I would break my neck in but she rocks them all the time! 

Today she shared a Mexican fiesta with me for lunch. Fajita, chicken, sausage, charro beans, amazing salsa and queso. She and her husband made it all and it was to die for. 

That's what real friends are for!! Oh and she made cake balls. I tell her all the time she needs a bakery. 

She is definitely an amazing person with such a pure heart and incredibly giving and caring. I am thankful I get to call her my friend...one of my best friends. 

Thanks Barbara for always being a friend and I look forward to our relationship only to grow and strengthen!! 

Cheers, Nelly

Tis Life

Geez sometimes my life just picks up and fast forwards itself without my permission. So rude, right?! I think so. 

Last I posted was day light savings... Since then I've ran a 5k, enjoyed the 100th Anniversary of the Battleship of Texas, enjoyed a happy hour with friends and a great weekend with my main squeeze. Ha! Isn't that the hip way to say boyfriend these days?! 

I didn't do well in my 5k, timing wise, but I ran the entire route and finished strong. I may possibly have another race this weekend. 

The battleship was so fun. And Robert Earl Keen performed. It was rainy and cold and muddy but tons of fun with friends and family!!

Life is great right now and I only have faith it's going to get better.... And busier. 

I have a ton of trips planned for the next few months and I cannot wait!! 

Cheers, Nelly

And there was light...

Yal I love love LOVE daylight savings time in the spring! I am sitting here and it's still light outside and 730p. This makes me one happy chica!! 

This weekend was a nice and relaxing couple of days. Friday I chilled at home and watched documentaries about Russia's prisons and lets just say they know what they are doing. I hit the hay pretty early and Saturday was up at 530a. But I was ok with that; I had lots of errands to run and I also needed to go for a run. I waited for the sun to rise around 730 and headed out before it rained....yea that didn't work as I planned. It drizzled on me and the wind was brutal to my ears. I got in only two miles but hey better than nada. I have a 5k this weekend so I really need to be out there. I plan to run tomorrow for sure. 

Saturday I was literally out all day getting things taken care of...from my car being serviced to returning items at the running store to...drum roll please....I got my toe worked on!!! 

Look at that there toe nail folks!!! Fake it til you make it! 

I went to dinner and drinks with some fun friends Saturday night. We always have a good time and lots of laughs. 

Sunday... well all productivity went out the window. I slept til noon. Me! Sleeping! And til noon!!! Call the doctor, something isn't right!!! Ok ok don't because if it's wrong, I don't want to be right. It felt so great sleeping and sleeping good. I actually didn't even get out of bed til 1p and I made a quick breakfast taco with amazing homemade salsa from my good friend. 

I decided to watch another documentary about the secret service and I swear I was dozing off again! Crazy!! So I decided at 430 I should get out of my pajamas and head to the grocery store since my fridge was super empty...

I made a quick trip to trader joes and stopped by a Redbox and picked up three movies; Blue Jasmine, Last Vegas, Wolverine. Blue jasmine was interesting, not bad just different. Last Vegas was super funny and emotional. I definitely recommend. I didn't have enough time to watch Wolverine, thank goodness I had one free rental. 

All in all a great weekend. And then this is how my Monday went...

Apparently you aren't suppose to let it get that low on fuel... I kid. I know better. I was just pushing it, ya know living on the edge, being adventurous, taking a walk in the wild side. Then I realized I might actually have to walk so I stopped and filled up. Really wishing these gas prices chill out and go back down. Me no likey. 

But here's to another week... Make it count, make it worth it, make it great! 

Cheers, Nelly

Houston Rodeo and BBQ Cookoff

Last weekend I went to the Houston Rodeo BBQ Cookoff. I had been before but it was years ago. The Uphams and Avingers sponsor the University of Houston tent which allows us to eat and drink all the goodies they cook at the tent. The chicken was so moist, the pulled beef was flavorful and I enjoyed the fajita beef too. Calista created a mash up of potato salad and ranch style beans and it was yummy!! 

This is the stack of ribs they prepped for one day. Each bundle is three racks. Lotsa ribs in my belly!!

There was entertainment but I can't remember the bands. It was good Texas country for sure. And the people watching was in full effect. Some people just amaze me that they leave the house dressed the way they are. 

In Texas everything is bigger! I saw this random guy walking by with these beads and had to get a picture! Go big or go home!! 

Sunday we went to Pappasitos brunch and their frozen mimosas are super refreshing. And we had such a fun server. It was a great Sunday! Even went back to the Avingers and played encore... Which I am horrible at... And we jammed music. 

I attempted to watch the oscars but yea a nap was more necessary. 

Can't wait for next year!

Cheers, Nelly

Birthday Recap

I know it's a little late but hey better late than never... 

My birthday was conveniently on a Friday and a group of coworkers got together at one of my favorite bar and restaurants. Sadly, we had horrible service. What made up for it was the immense amount of laughter and smiles and good memories we all made. 

My good good friend BM bought me a shot or two in retaliation from her birthday! It was a yummy birthday cake shot! 

ST brought glowsticks!! I loved them! And wore them all...no sharing on my birthday! 

And then Saturday the Uphams came for a continued celebration! I didn't know J was coming along and it was the best surprise!

We had a ton of fun! Saturday was National Margarita Day...fitting enough we went to the famous Joe T Garcias. 

It was a beautiful Saturday and we were able to sit by the pool at Joe Ts. 

We went home and took a nap and then headed out for some two stepping. My coworkers joined us and taught me how to twirl and twirl and twirl ... It was so much fun and I want to learn more moves.

I even broke in my new boots!

Sunday was a pretty relaxed day. We headed to the stockyards to see the cattle drive that happens twice a day. 

Afterwards we picked up some yummy lunch at Freds. Here there is always live music and yummy burgers. 

We got Calistas nails done after she envied mine. Told yal I love my girl Lynn at Kool Nails. J wanted to go to Gas Monkey  near Dallas. He watches some show about a car garage and the owners have this restaurant. We all split the chicken fried steak with truffle three cheese macaroni and garlic mashed potatoes. It was heavenly!! The place was pretty rockin too! 

The weekend was definitely loaded full to the brim with fun and great memories!! Excited for another year! 

Cheers, Nelly