the Fords

A Retiring Blog...

2008-02-15T14:50:00.001-06:00

Sleeping eleven hours a night, working nine hours a day and updating two blogs is getting me down. Keep up to date with our life at TexasTriple.blogspot.com.

Squirrel Struggle

2008-01-16T14:34:00.000-06:00

We've tried foam, wood and steel wire to keep this squirrel out of the attic. You can see his little teeth eating through the steel wire. I hate squirrels!

1, 2, 3

2008-01-16T10:55:00.000-06:00

So many good things come in threes,
like Musketeers and ABC's
But triplets are the best of all.
From little ones to those quite tall.
And from the time such life begins,
It's extra laughter and triple grins.
With joys and mischiefs multiplied
And two defenders by each side.
So much alike, forever linked,
And yet they're also quite distinct.
They share a birthday and a name,
But moods and tempers aren't the same.
From days of youth till life is done,
It's one for all and all for one,
God made us novel and precise,
But special folks -- He made them thrice!

Sam & Hollee are having triplets.

Keep up to date at texastriple.blogspot.com

Posts w/ Pics

2007-12-23T09:28:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been a little silent recently. I lost the cord to connect my computer to my camera. I just can't post w/o pictures. Enjoy a few mew posts!

Gas Prices

2007-12-23T09:26:00.001-06:00

Honestly...I purchased at this price the other day in Orlando, Fl. WOW!

$4.49 a gallon for regular

Seats for Soldiers

2007-12-23T09:13:00.000-06:00

Several nights ago was the fourth annual Seats for Soldiers event at the Dallas Mav's Game. The front row season ticket holders donate their tickets to soldiers for one night. Most of the soldiers had spent multiple years in Iraq and many with serious injury. It was a pretty touching night. Here are a few photos...

This is a video of the crowd cheering on the soldiers. It was pretty cool!

Bellagio

2007-12-06T14:03:00.000-06:00

This week is the Luxury Travel Show in Las Vegas. Nothing says luxury like Southwest Vacations, right? We promoted our packages to Travel Agents that book Vacation Packages. For me that meant another trip to Vegas and I got to stay at the Bellagio.

WOW...my new fav hotel. I was so bummed I forgot my real camera so these photos are a little burry since they cam from my camera phone. They had just decorated for Christmas. Here are a few pics...

Photos from Japan

2007-11-05T01:13:00.000-06:00

So I thought I would have more time to blog while in Japan. The jetlag kinda got me down. I plan to work on a recap blog on the flight home. We are now waiting at the airport for our flight back to the US. (Thankfully we are at the airport four hours early...my parents were concerned that we might run into a few problems. I guess the good thing to arriving four hours early is we were able to secure exit row seats.)

I have posted all our pics online. You can check them out at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/hollee.ford/Japan07

Japan 07

(I am also not sure why I have a uk web address. I believe it is b/c I am using English in Japan. :D

Also I thought I might leave you with a little Japanese although I have no idea what any of it means...

ほっぇえふぉじゃアウロイクアア　ホッェエ　エリュイオ

Photos from Japan

2007-10-30T17:04:00.000-05:00

We have had a good time so far. We've seen a temple, Osaka, Japanese shopping, Kyoto and one of the world's largest ferris wheels. The food is a big adjustment. Besides edamame, who says lets go out for Japanese food. (Please don't confuse with Chinese which is very different and does included fried rice. Also Benihana (or Japanese steakhouse) is an American version of Japanese and doesn't actually exist here. Lastly sushi lovers, I do agree that Japan provides a great dish to you....but I don't like fish...so I'm out).

So here are the pics... (which are in no real order thanks to Blogger's confusing picture application)

Just like in New Orleans...Cafe Du Monde in Osaka, Japan.

Japanese Lunch (we did have fried rice)

Some of you asked for pics of my dad in Japan. You can see him heads above the rest.

jellyfish at Osaka aquariumone of the world's largest ferris wheels - 112.5 meters (or 370 feet) in height

the Japanese sometimes struggle with correct English...I thought this was funny
(but they do MUCH better at English than I do with Japanese)

many little kids were visiting the aquarium when we were...they were these hats to keep them organized by class or something

the Japanese love English...they like to wear shirts with English but usually they make no sense...I guess it related to how many Americans have tattoos with Chinese or Japanese characters. Do you really think those tattoo artist know the language?

when we visited the Kiyomizu temple all the rocks had bibs...not sure why

In Kyoto we ran into a group of geisha girls. I was super excited! Have you see the movie Memoirs of a Geisha?

the vending machines in Japan are a little different...Japanese doesn't have a 'l' sound so cola is cora

check out the Merry Xmas wreath

this is in front of the Kiyomizu Temple

eastern toilets - most are like ours at home but I thought th

Hello from Japan

2007-10-28T17:37:00.000-05:00

I made it to Japan on Sunday night around 7:00pm. (Both of my flights on United had mechanical problems that delayed both flights.) I started my stop watch on take off from Dallas and at touch down in Osaka it was 20 hours and 7 minutes. That includes the three hour layover in San Fran and the two mechanical errors. Anyway...

When I called Chad from the Osaka lobby...they were on the way to get me. Since my flight was so late...they figured they would meet me at the airport instead of the train station. So my fears of figuring out the Osaka train station were for nothing.

I was a little dazed from the flight and all so I forgot to take pictures yesterday. We do have a great view from the hotel so I am posting those below. Once Chad wakes up (he sleeps pretty late) we are going to head to Kyoto.

Also Blogger must read the IP address and know that I am in Japan. All of the wording in Japanese.

Konnichiwa Japan

2007-10-22T12:09:00.000-05:00

I am in the single digit day countdown until my trip to Japan. I'm going to visit my little brother who has been living in Osaka, Japan since March. I leave on Saturday (10/27) from DFW at 7:55am for a quick flight over to San Fran (SFO), CA. I then leave SFO at 1:21 PM and arrive Osaka on Sunday (10/28) at 4:40PM. The flight is 11hours and 19 minutes with a 14 hour time difference (16 from California). For my trip back...I'll travel in time. I leave on Monday (11/5) at 6:55PM and arrive at SFO Monday at 11:11AM.

I think I should be able to post pictures from Japan so check back often next week. My initial plans include multiple sites in Osaka, a day in Tokyo (including a quick look at Mt. Fugi) and a day or two in Kyoto...maybe dinner in Kobe to try the beef.

Trip to San Fran and Vegas...

2007-10-09T12:34:00.000-05:00

Well a promised pictures...about a month ago. In the start of September, I had a week long trip to San Fran and Vegas...here are a few pics...

(this is at the San Fran airport the day Southwest started service!)

(a hotdog at the Giants game)

(this is a photo of a co-worker with Gene Simmons...I took the pic)

(Sam & I in Vegas)

The links are back...

2007-10-09T12:32:00.000-05:00

So I was trying to create a really cool look with a customized blog design. Then I realized that I don't even have time to update my blog. Why would I have time to create a custom look.

So I'm back to Blogger Basic. Until I actually have a few hours to post.

What do you do on Saturdays?

2007-09-08T11:59:00.000-05:00

So I believe this is the first Saturday that Sam and I have been at home in six months or so. I woke up this morning wondering what I should do this Saturday.

(Usually we are either traveling out of town or at the lake house.)

I so woke up and worked out for over an hour. Now I'm home updating iTunes. On Wednesday, I am expecting the delivery of my new iPod nano.

Along with the nano, I'm expecting the Nike + iPod. My co-worker Kim has it and loves it. It charts your run, identifies which miles were faster or slower and basically helps you train for running. I'm not really training for anything big (like a marathon) but I just need a little encouragement to run more. I figure looking about how slow I run will be a good encouragement to get better!

Back to a unschedule Saturday...YIPPEE! (I'll be watching college football.)

I love Jenn

2007-09-02T15:57:00.000-05:00

So I've been a little quiet on the blog recently...mostly due to travel. (More posts to come with stories and pics.)

Our good friend Jenn was able to hook me and my friend Kim up with excellent seats to JT in Las Vegas. (So excellent that I got a wave from JT.)

The concert was great! The three of us brought sexy back. Here are few pics of the excellent seats.

Dolphin Stadium

2007-08-24T06:40:00.000-05:00

This weekend the family and I traveled to Ft. Lauderdale for another weekend baseball trip. I added one more ballpark in my quest to see them all (or at least many of them).

Honestly I was very surprised at the quality of beaches in South Florida. Everyone seems to be traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean for beach vacations but South Florida has a few great beaches!

Welcome Charlie...

2007-08-24T06:33:00.000-05:00

Our dear friends Amie and Bradley just brought home the most beautiful baby boy.

She has pictures to share at www.pregnantonpaper.blogspot.com.

Hawaii Photos

2007-08-05T17:12:00.000-05:00

A few of my favorite photos from our Hawaii Trip...

If you want to see them all visit http://picasaweb.google.com/hollee.ford. Also check out Chad's blog as he comments on his trip to Hawaii after months in Japan.

July 21

2007-07-21T18:19:00.000-05:00

So I'm currently stuck in the LAX airport with a four layover before our flight to Hawaii. I'm not real big on layovers...I usually always fly standby on the next flight out (one of my favorite benefits of an airline employee).

Sam & I have been really busy so I'd like to fill you in on the last few weeks.

We've both become better at the wakeboard. Sam takes lots of video of our wicked tricks so I'll try to post them soon. Most weekends we head out to my parent's lakehouse after work on Friday and then head back home on Sunday evening. We've become regular visitors to the Azle Church of Christ.

Last weekend we had a great time in Chicago with Sam's cousin Carrie and her husband Wes. On Saturday morning, Carrie and I headed to the Miracle Mile for a visit to our favorite store H&M. After about an hour and a half later we left with full shopping bags and a somewhat frustrated Sam. Following H&M...we made our way on the L to Wrigleyville. This was the first visit for myself, Sam and Wes. WOW! There are few things I appreciate more than a passionate sports fan and the Cubbie Fans are passionate. It was a great day and SO much fun. Plus the Cubbies won!!

Following the game we met up with Sam's college friend Preston and his wife. It was great to see them. Sam wanted to eat Mexician food in Chicago (remember we traveled from Texas to Chicago...to eat Mexician?). Anyway...following dinner we enjoyed laughs at Second City. Second City is known as the comedy university and many great comics get their start at Second City. The 11:00pm show was hard for us to stay awake but our laughter kept us awake.

I have some great pictures to post but I'm on my little brother's laptop so I'll have to post another time.

I'm about to board a flight for Hawaii. We are all excited to meet up with Chad. (We are meeting in Hawaii since it is somewhat a half-way point between Dallas and Japan.) We'll be on the island of Kauai. We've never been to this island before so we are excited to explore.

One more quick note...any one buy the Deathly Hollows book? Funny thing...like half the plane has the book. I will admit that I bought it...I became addicated to Harry thanks to my college roommate Laurie. I've read the other six and I'm anxious to find out the ending to the story. (I haven't finished yet so don't tell me.)

Digital Pictures

2007-07-05T19:50:00.000-05:00

Don't you all just love the convience of digital photography? You take all the pictures you want. Only print the ones you need. You can also reprint later, right?

Well my good friend's Adam and Doodle had a computer crash and they have lost very valuable pictures. (They are currently searching for help recovering information from a hard drive...if you know anyone let me know.) Which reminded me to back up my pictures. I lost all the pictures from my personal camera from my wedding and honeymoon...thanks to a computer virus.

I thought I'd share my tips for backing up information including pictures. I have an external hard drive which is connected desktop computer. I save all important documents including pictures on both. So how do I compare and make sure that the same information is on both? Good Sync. It is an awesome little program. It looks at two folders and analyzes them. Following the analyzation it will tell you which files are missing from each folder. Then you can chose to synchronize. It will then copy the missing files from both folders so both folders will contain all the information. The best news...it is free! For a large number of files, it will cost you but after the first synchronization...your files will be much smaller.

Any other tips for backing up and/or protecting information?

Bikram Yoga - Hot Yoga

2007-07-02T20:57:00.000-05:00

So my dad has recently started the practice of Hot Yoga. He just raves about it...so I figured I would try. For those who haven't heard of Bikram/Hot Yoga...I'll explain. The room is heated to 105 degrees. Then for the next 90 minutes, you work your way through 26 asana (postures).

So I've practiced Yoga at a few different fitness locations but this was intense. Honestly about twenty minutes into it, I sat down and tried to find a way to duck out. (They lock the outer doors once the class starts...to protect everyone's personal stuff. So if I left the hot room, I would have been waiting by myself for the next hour until they unlock the door.) I was sitting down because my head was spinning and I was seeing spots. So after what felt like twenty minutes (they don't have a clock on the wall and I didn't bring a watch) of sitting down...I got back up and actually got really into it. The next hour or so was much better.

So in the end I bought eleven additional visits. I'm not sure I can keep up with my dad...but I'm going to try for at least the next eleven visits. I highly encourage everyone to try it...at least for the experience.

The Police

2007-06-28T19:27:00.000-05:00

Sam & I partied with The Police (or more simply put...we attended The Police Reunion Tour). They didn't allow cameras inside and my phone takes bad video. For those who might no get to enjoy The Reunion Tour live...below is video from a few of my favorite parts.

...okay Google Video is taking a while to post video...I'll update tomorrow...

America's Pastime

2007-06-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

Recently I've been able to catch a few good baseball games.

Last weekend the Huston family took off to Kansas City to see the Marlins play the Royals. We have a family friend (Josh Willingham) that plays for the Marlins...so took off for a quick trip to see him play. The Marlins won!

Just a few days later, we got to see Sammy's 600th.

Sam & SWA

2007-06-07T17:40:00.000-05:00

My first blog as a Southwest Blogger was on the topic of Southwest Employee couples. Who would have known that a few months later...I would be one of those couples.

You read right...Sam is one of the newest members to Southwest Airlines...that is assuming he can pass the drug test and background check.

Welcome Sam as Senior Planning Analyst.

New Orleans

2007-06-04T10:58:00.000-05:00

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting New Orleans. Southwest Vacations hosted a retreat for our top producting Travel Agents. New Orleans is know for great music, great food and great fun.

As many have said...New Orleans is back. I experienced it first hand. If you plan a trip...here are a few of my New Orlean's favorites.

Cafe Du Monde - A New Orleans landmark offering the best beignets and coffee.

Personally I liked the frozen cafe au lait. The original cafe is still in the heart of the New Orleans French Market.

Oak Alley Plantation - An Antebellum Mississippi River mansion. Just beautiful. The walkway up to the mansion is lined with 300 year old trees. As we walked up a gospel choir was singing hymns.

(okay I know this isn't Sam...this is Jeremy my new Co-worker at SWA)

The New Orleans School of Cooking - With the help of a few chefs, we cooked our meal for the evening and I learned to cook creole.

I didn't get a picture of me but I pounded chicken and then stuffed with cornbread stuffing. It was delicious.

Swamp Tour - A little too close to hungry alligators but very exciting. Here a few pictures from the tour including one with me and a baby gator.

The French Quarter is fun but a little smelly in parts and you gotta watch where you step. (I have a no puttle rule...i.e. don't step in them!)

This was my first trip with my new job. All in a day's work, right?

hoops & yoyo

2007-05-18T09:50:00.001-05:00

Anyone heard of hoops & yoyo? Hoops & yoyo are the characters in many of Hallmarks best e-cards. I think I like them because they have Hollee-like energy levels. But they have grown to more than just e-cards...they have a homepage, lessons on manners, an animated series and many fun downloads.

Enjoy a smile today from hoops & yoyo!

Manager Online Products

2007-05-10T12:51:00.000-05:00

So I'll admit, I've been a little quiet recently. The reason for that is I accepted a promotion with Southwest. So I've been cleaning out folders, packing up my office and such. I moved into my new position and office on Monday.

So thought my past job was cool...but this one is a little cooler. I am now focused on promoting Southwest Vacations. That is right...my job is vacations!

Three to One

2007-04-30T14:40:00.000-05:00

The Mavs are down 3 to 1 in the series against Golden State. Well...I'm speechless.

Rain in Washington, DC

2007-04-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

This past weekend my friend Melanie and I went to Washington, DC to be a part of the National Cherry Blossom Parade. This was Melanie's first trip to the capital city so we tried to take in as many historical sites as possible. Saturday was a little cool but manageable. Come Sunday, Mother Nature turned against us. It rained, rained and rained. All in all, we had a great trip!

Is the Officer a Gentleman?

2007-04-11T13:07:00.000-05:00

Many seasons ago, I gave up The Bachelor. After a couple of seasons, I just couldn't make myself believe anymore.

This year I've returned, I will not be caught in the lie that Andy will meet his sole mate. Rather this time I'm enjoying it strictly from a comedy perspective. This show or more specifically its characters are funny.

My husband (and I believe most men) reads Bill Simmons' columns on ESPN.com. For those of you somewhat interested in sports…I promise you'll enjoy. He is known as the Sports Guy.

The Sports Gal (Bill's wife) also writes a column on ESPN. Rather than sports, her column is written on The Bachelor. For any bachelor fans, it is a must read. I'll also suggest a Texan writer Lincee's Bachelor Blog. BB (Before Blogs) her comments became famous though forwarded e-mails.

So anyone else watching this season?

More Words, Less Pictures

2007-04-02T08:36:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I had the great pleasure of observing my dear friend Jennifer wed her best friend Mike. The festivities brought together old friends from Ohio, Texas, Missouri, Georgia, Wisconsin and China. My friend Sarah mentioned that while she enjoys the pictures…she wanted more words from my blog. So here is goes…

For the month of March I traveled and enjoyed a few great events…

We started the month with a trip to Keystone, CO with Sam's sweet cousin Carrie and her husband Wes. These two are great FUN to share a weekend. (I'm still waiting on the pictures from Carrie so I don't have any to include.) Carrie had the best line of the weekend which she delivered after just four hours on the mountain. "I left it ALL on the mountain." See Wes and I were trying to convince Sam and Carrie to night ski but we ended up eating some good Mexican food instead. The snow was great! Keystone is one of my favorite resorts because of its great night skiing (which we never did).

Mid-March I volunteered to serve crawfish at our Maintenance Crawfish Boil sponsored by Boeing. I use the term volunteered loosely as in reality my friend Katie and I got an up-close tour of our Dallas Maintenance Base. (I'm including pictures for this one.) Southwest has a high commitment to safety so we take our maintenance very seriously. A few pictures are from the interior of the plane in what we call a 'D' check. In a 'D' check we take everything (seats, floor, side panels, lavs, etc) and inspect it all. It was super cool as I got to see all the wiring, cabling, fuel tanks, water tanks, etc.

For St. Patrick's Day, I ran in the Greenville Avenue St. Patrick's Day 5K with some friends from work. In true Southwest Airlines style, another co-worker suggested that we wear the TJ (our airplane costume) while we raced. I volunteered to run mile two carrying TJ on my waist. After about fifteen minutes my friend Kelly and I started to wonder why we hadn't reached the two mile marker. We actually weren't running as slow as we feared rather, we missed the two mile marker. Kelly with her unlimited Southwest SPIRIT ran the whole 5K with TJ (saving me from wearing it). Following the race, we watched the Greenville St. Patrick's Day parade. (I believe I heard over 60,000 people participated in the parade…either way I was a lot of green!)

The weekend following St. Patrick's Day, I left Dallas for greener pastures…to Phoenix. My dear friend Katie asked me to be her plus one for a weekend with WGN and the Chicago Cubs. WOW…what a weekend. We had great food, great massages, great manis and pedis and great company. Being the HUGE sports fan that I am, I was super excited to met Ernie Banks, Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee…just to name a few. By far our favorite was Matt Murton, who we loved for his red hair and the close resemblance to my two younger brothers. I also added two new ballparks to my list…Hohokam Stadium (the Mesa, AZ home for the Cubs) and Tempe Diablo Stadium (the Tempa, AZ home of the Angels).

As I mentioned at the first, this weekend I traveled to Nashville to reunite with my Lipscomb girlfriends. I was also able to meet many new baby Bisons and they are all beautiful.

As I scan my April calendar, I don't foresee as many great events in the coming month. I may get to take a trip to Washington, DC for the Cherry Blossom festival. This would be a great year to go as my brother Chad is also enjoying the Cherry Blossoms in Japan. For those who aren't aware the Cherry Blossom festival in DC is a celebration of the gift of the trees from Japan. (This isn't a picture I took but it gives you an idea of the beauty of the Cherry Blossoms.)

Next Saturday is the Fort Worth Race of the Cure. I'm running or walking with a group from my church and not in the SWA TJ costume.

Last night the Dallas Mavericks just won there division for the first time in like twenty-five years. We are getting excited for another great playoff season.

Also many of my more creative and somewhat random thoughts are being posted on Southwest Airlines' blog Nuts About Southwest. (I've even got a bio!) Check it out!

Sarah...enough words? (sorry but I had to include pictures...a picture is worth a 1,000 words right?)

Where in the world is Osaka?

2007-03-21T12:50:00.000-05:00

Imagine packing a year's worth of possessions in two suitcases (each weighing less than 50 lbs.) and moving to another continent where you don't speak the language and you don't know another person.

On Sunday, Chad (the middle brother) moved to Japan. About a year ago, he started looking for new life experiences through opportunities to teach English in foreign lands, the Peace Corp and such. Several months ago he accepted a position in Osaka, Japan.

Osaka is the second largest city in Japan with a population of 20 million. (I'd never heard of Osaka before Chad introduced me to it.) As Chad said, imagine the population of Texas living in the city of Dallas. His apartment is 30 ft x 15 ft, not Texas-sized living anymore.

Anyway...he is keeping us all posted on life in Japan through the eyes of a red-headed, 6' foot, white guy. Check it out at Chadsan wa Blog.

(this picture was taken as Chad was packing up)

Spring Has Sprung

2007-03-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

I love spring flowers....tulips, buttercups, I love them all! Usually in Texas we start to see spring flowers bloom in February but with our cold winter this season...they just started popping up. These buttercups are from my flowerbed. My tulips should be blooming any day.

More Scenes from an Airplane Window

2007-03-07T11:46:00.000-06:00

I love Texas sized sunsets!

My favorite Dallas building

2007-02-26T21:03:00.000-06:00

As a part of my job, I visit Southwest Airlines Customers in downtown Dallas. For those that work downtown...bless you! Car horns, DART dings, squelching breaks, the list goes on and on. (Granted I hear airplanes all day…but I LUV that sound).

However I can honestly say I enjoy every trip to 1445 Ross Avenue, the Fountain Place. The base of the building is fountains…fountains which create a relaxing environment in the mist of so many other downtown sounds. Next time you need a little relaxation in the middle of downtown Dallas visit 1445 Ross Avenue. (It is the big green triangle building with a twist in the middle.)

It's Flip Flop Weather...

2007-02-26T21:00:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite times of year...I can wear flip-flops again!

I'm a Southwest Blogger

2007-02-14T08:31:00.000-06:00

At the start of this year, Southwest asked me to be a regular blogger on our corporate blog "Nuts About Southwest." So I share with you my first post as a SWA blogger.

http://www.blogsouthwest.com/2007/02/14/a-southwest-luv-story/

On my way to work...

2007-02-01T08:09:00.000-06:00

Most of you know that I work for Southwest Airlines. As a function of my job, I travel to Albuquerque, NM about once a week. On Tuesday, the view outside my window was amazing. I wanted to share with you all. The picture really doesn't do it justice...

Fold the Perfect Airplane

2007-01-31T14:21:00.000-06:00

Southwest's Spirit Maganize recently published an article on how to 'Fold the Perfect Airplane. ' Since I know you all would enjoy a good paper airplane...just print out the link below.

http://www.spiritmag.com/pdf/paperairplane.pdf

Got any lipstick in there?

2007-01-29T21:12:00.000-06:00

Meet my friend Camille.

Camille and I are friends through church and everytime she sees me, she looks in my purse and asks "Got any lipstick in there?" So what I'm stocked my purse with chapstick and lipgloss just for her. Wouldn't you?

MASTER Sam Ford

2007-01-29T21:06:00.000-06:00

In the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season...I neglected to share Sam's wonderful news.

In early December, he completed his Masters in Business Administration! Next time you see Sam...make sure to refer to him as 'MASTER' Sam Ford. With the completion of his Masters Degree, he was recently promoted. On Monday, January 15, Sam started a new job as a Financial Analyst of Division Two at Triad Hospitals.

Sam made me promise no parties...so make sure and congratulate Sam next time you see him.

The Windy City Tour

2007-01-02T20:55:00.000-06:00

Sam & I had a great time in Chicago.

We visited what Sam has named...his favorite museum ever...the Chicago Field Museum. The Field Museum started in the days before zoo had a large number of species of animals. The museum displays EVERY kind of animal by taxidermy. Most of the animals were collected as dead animals on research expeditions or dead animals from zoos. My only question was how Noah fit all those animals in one ark? It took Sam and me hours to walk through the halls of the museum.

We ate Chicago style pizza, walked the Magnificent Mile (in the rain much to Sam’s chagrin) and enjoyed Chicago’s famous Zanies for stand up comedy.

All in all…a great trip for all!

I've gone paperless

2007-01-02T20:43:00.000-06:00

My New's Year Day started by attempting to file a year's worth of household paperwork (that is right...I haven't filed anything since pre-2006). About halfway through I realized that most statements and bills were unopened. Although in most cases that would lead to visits from the collector or life without water and electricity...in our case I just pay online.

So after a few hours of sorting through the bills...I realized...most of what I need...I get online....I never open a file cabinet for a past statment of bill. So New Year's Resolution #1...go paperless. So no more filing or paper bills for me. YAHOO!

Snow...Snow...and more Snow...

2006-12-29T21:06:00.000-06:00

As many of you know...it is snowing in Denver. As a skiier...I love snow! However this time around...our flight was cancelled and that meant the trip was too. I slowly unpacked my ski stuff this evening.

However I didn't want to make waste of our packing...so Sam and I are off to Chicago tomorrow morning. I've always wanted to go and Sam feels bad for me (since the other trip was cancelled) so he agreed. I'll post pictures soon.

Christmas Fun...

2006-12-18T20:52:00.000-06:00

Ever wondered what you would look like as an elf? Well http://www.elfyourself.com/ will allow you that opportunity.

See me as an elf! (http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=e1c3e36294df4fadc3b94aaG06121818)

You can also sculpt with ice, arm wrestle a reindeer, make Santa dance the M.C. Hammer dance, design a Christmas sweater and many other fun games...I promise you'll enjoy!

Holiday Thoughts from Buddy

2006-12-06T11:55:00.000-06:00

"We elves try to stick

to the four main food groups:

candy, candy canes,

candy corns, and syrup."

~Will Ferrell as Buddy in Elf

In the spirit of the Holidays...what is your favorite holiday movie or movie line?

Let's Say Thanks

2006-11-14T11:16:00.002-06:00

To honor U.S. military personnel and increase community morale, Xerox Corporation has created Let's Say Thanks, a national program designed to deliver millions of cards to servicemen and women overseas with messages of support from home.

It is really simple visit http://www.letssaythanks.com/, select a design for the front of the postcard, enter you name, hometown, state and then select a message or write you own.

Postcards personalized using LetsSayThanks.com will be printed in batches on a monthly basis, then bundled and sent along with care packages from Give2TheTroops.

2006-11-07T20:06:00.000-06:00

Southwest Airlines Halloween 2006

So I already posted our Marketing Skit for SWA's Halloween. Well here is the Fun Tens (like the Bellagio Fountain) however the video doesn't do it justice. This will give you an idea of a SWA-style Halloween.

Favorite Thanksgiving Food?

2006-11-06T21:21:00.000-06:00

This Wednesday is the Annual SWA Marketing, Revenue Management and Schedule Planning Thanksgiving Potluck. I promise that our lunch is just as good as it sounds. In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving meals, what is your favorite thanksgiving food?

Mine? Cranberry Sauce...I can't eat the turkey without it!

The Unluckiest Weekend in Sports

2006-11-06T20:44:00.000-06:00

Being a sports fan can be so cruel at times. Mark November 2-5 down for me.

November 2 – Opening Night for the Mavs vs. the Spurs : Mavs 91 – Spurs 97
I got goose bumps as we drove up to the AAC on Thursday night. It was opening season for the Mavs season. Our family will prepare for a trip or two each week to watch our beloved Mavs play. (It wasn’t that long ago that we left in a rush as the Heat took the NBA trophy away from Dallas…but the start of the new season opens with a clean page.) For those of you living outside the State of Texas, the Mavs vs. Spurs game is a big state event. (Those Spurs fans are crazy) Several of my co-workers are from San Antonio and I believe they may shout Go Spurs Go during sleep. So the match-up for Game One couldn’t have been better. All through the game…I watched and counted every shot but somehow the game got away from us in the fourth quarter. BOO!
This season opening game…opened my unluckiest weekend in sports.

November 3 – Colleyville vs. Keller : Colleyville 19 - Keller 22
My father-in-law has been the assistant football coach of the Colleyville Heritage Panthers since the school’s inception (Sam’s senior year). Many say that this year’s team is one of the best. Going into Friday’s game, they were 6-2 with the two losses to two of Texas’ best. Up against the 1-7 Keller Indians, the Panthers were looking forward to a win. In a fluke overtime last minute call by the officials…the Panthers LOST.

At this point…I’m starting to think my bad luck was making me a bad fan.

November 4 – Tennessee vs. LSU: Tennessee 24 - Tigers 28
The Vols and Tigers game has always been a fun for me. Maybe because Tiger fans are crazy….maybe because last year I got to attend the greatest of the UT vs. LSU Monday night game in LA…maybe because it is always exciting… Anyway after watching a few quarters, I really thought my Vols would have it. However that was one unlucky fourth quarter…sorry Vols.

Up until this next point most losses were in the last minutes or in overtime. The bad luck continues…

Mavs vs. Rockets : Mavs 76- Rockets 107
Another Texas rivalry. My only question…how does a Finals Mavs team lose by 30 to the nonplayoff Rockets?

November 5 – Cowboys vs. Washington – Cowboys 19 – Washington 22
By Sunday…I knew the Cowboys would lose…but could the end have been more unlucky? A field goal loss with no-time on the clock after a blocked field goal attempt including a facemask for 15 yards and another play for Washington. The 4-4 TO Cowboys sure don’t look so good for the post-season.

I repeat ONE UNLUCKY WEEKEND….five losses. Hopefully I won’t have another one of these again soon!

Chocolate at 9:15 am?

2006-11-03T08:44:00.000-06:00

Throughout the Halloween season, my co-workers have supplied our office with a wealth of chocolate and candy. We've become somewhat accustomed to chocolate during the day. However today I believe I crossed a boundary, as I opened started by first Reese's at 9:15. So my question to you is…is there a start time on when chocolate can be consumed?

Happy Halloween

2006-11-02T15:51:00.000-06:00

Halloween is my favorite non-Christmas holiday. The costumes, the candy, the fun...what isn't to like? Thankfully for me...Southwest Airlines feels the same way. Friday, October 28, was our Haunted Headquarters. Words cannot describe halloween Southwest style. (For those from Lipscomb, it is Singarama-like). Our CEO dressed up like Captain Jack Sparrow. The finance department recreated Disney's Pirates of the Caribean ride with canoes on wheels and live actors recreating the scenes from the ride. (WOW!) Each department creates 15 minute skits with scenes, songs, lines and costumes. Skits for this year included...Herb @Nite, Viva, Las … What?, The Wizard of POZ, Midsummer Flight’s Dream, Saturday Flight Live and few others.

My department's theme was Las Vegas. To stick with the theme...my team dressed up like a royal flush including our dealer. We were even semi-finalists in the Company costume contest.

My co-worker Kris and her twin girls were Via Rock Vegas as the Flinstones.

Aren't her twin babies beautiful? I

had to get Kris to look at the pictures to make sure I was posting one picture of each girl rather than the same girl for two pictures (they are identical). My halloween pictures were mostly of these sweet baby girls (but they were much cuter than most halloween decorations.

Rock the Vote

2006-10-26T21:21:00.000-05:00

When have Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton ever agreed? Well they both agree it is an American duty to vote! We all complain about politics so this year be involved in your local elections.

Educate yourself on the elections in your areas at Project Vote Smart.

Texas Trivia

2006-10-23T20:02:00.000-05:00

For my friends from Texas, how well do you know Texas?

Try you luck at Texas Trivia.

*Sorry I forgot to include the link originally.*

Blogger BOO!

2006-10-23T19:59:00.000-05:00

This isn't a Halloween-themed Boo but rather an excuse for my lack of postings. Everytime I've tried to post (since it is my duty to include a pic)...I've given up because Blogger's pictures uploads don't work.

So...until it is fixed...Boo Blogger!

Any suggestions?

State Fair Classic

2006-10-02T21:03:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday evening...I attended one of my favorite games in Dallas. The State Fair Classic - Grambling vs. Prairie View...however the game isn't really about the football but the battle of the bands at half-time. I wish I would have had my video camera to share my experience. Here is a link to a DFW media outlet that shares the stories of these bands. I promise you will enjoy.

"Students from Prairie View A&M's Marching Storm and Grambling State University's Tiger Marching Band talk about competition and playing to win."

My new sister-in-law...Janelle Ford

2006-09-25T17:24:00.000-05:00

This weekend Sam & I gained our first sister-in-law, Janelle. Sam's brother Ty and Janelle were married Saturday in Nashville. Janelle is a doll (as you can see in the picture) and we are SO excited to add another Ford to the family.

Viva Las Vegas

2006-09-18T11:41:00.000-05:00

Last week I went to Las Vegas, NV for the Southwest Airlines' Spirit Party. We started having "Spirit Parties" back in the early 90s when it was too difficult to have an annual all-company Christmas party. So twice a year we all get together for a little fun! The parties are in a different city each time, so it's a great way to get to see the country too! The LAS spirit party was downtown Las Vegas on Freemon Street. The party was packed...over 6,000 SWA Employees on one street.

Those are all the details I can share. As you all know "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!"

Five Years & Five Days...

2006-09-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

since the horrific attacks on 9/11. I joined Southwest several months after the attacks however my Co-workers have shared with me the concern they experienced as an airline Employee on this day. Southwest published a video with Employee stories from this day. I share a few below and others are available at http://www.blogsouthwest.com/.

Southwest President Colleen Barrett and Chairman Herb Kelleher talks about our first plane to depart Dallas after the 9/11 attacks.

Southwest Pilot Terry Taylor talks about the airplane he landed in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Challenge Air

2006-09-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

This morning I had the privilege of welcoming 125 new co-pilots to the Dallas skies. Challenge Air matches up private pilots with physically challenged children and youth for the flight of their life. Watch CBS Evening News in the coming weeks for a story on this morning’s event.

Lunch meat anyone...

2006-09-11T08:47:00.000-05:00

How cool a lunchroom sandwich would this be?

Friday Night Lights

2006-09-08T10:47:00.000-05:00

Fall Friday Nights in Texas focus on one thing...High School Football. Since my father-in-law is a coach for the Colleyville Heritage Panthers, I cheer for the CHHS Panthers! P-A-N-T-H-E-R-S Fight! Fight! Fight! Tonight the Panters take on Denton Ryan. So today I'm supporting the home team by sporting a red shirt with black flip-flops. Tonight you'll find Sam & me sitting on the visiting side of the stadium (to distance ourselves from the other fans).

I encourage you all to support your local High School football team. The teams, fans, band, cheerleaders, drill team, foam fingers and concession stand food. Where else could you get more action for eight bucks? (Also our concession stands have upgraded from nacho cheese and popcorn…one of the local stadiums sells Chick-fil-A.) If you're in Texas without a home team, we welcome additional support of the CHHS Panthers. More to come…for those not in Texas, our homecoming traditions can be a bit crazy. I'll make sure to post pictures from those games!

2 things that make 09 great!

2006-09-05T20:43:00.000-05:00

09 - the month of September - two things that make it great...

1. The start of football season is great.
I would love to point out that the Vols jumped to #11 (AP poll) & #17 (USA Today poll). They looked great against Cal but several big games coming...Florida on 09.16, Georgia on 10.07 and LSU 11.04. Go VOLS!
Also I LUV my friend Jill for mentioning our Football Chicks Group on the Southwest Blog. P.S. I'm in the Tennessee Fan in Dallas Sales. :D

2. Secondly...the return of primetime TV.
I do love the hot summer weather for lake fun but I need some new TV action. Pre-Tivo, I would use the summers to catch up on missed episodes. However in the Tivo era (of which I am a big fan), I don't miss any episodes.

So...here are my favs. What are yours? Any must sees that I'm missing?
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Lost
3. The Office

Blog Fashion...

2006-09-01T08:44:00.000-05:00

You have a fashion style, spend hours reading and preparing for next season's dos and don'ts. Why not have a stylish blog? You might want to start with Blog Fashions. Two sites have very easy to use blogger templates...The Blog of Templates or Blogger Templates. Another site which takes some searching for a gem (kind of like T.J. Max) is Blog Skins. You'll find templates like Paris Hilton or you could check out some of their favorites for August.

If you want to create your own template...you'll need to learn HTML. HTML is pretty easy and blogger provides some good suggestions on where to start.

Anyone else have a cool resource for blog style?

It's Football Time in Tennessee...

2006-08-29T11:03:00.000-05:00

This weekend kicks off one of my favorite events...the start of College Football.

The mightly Vols take on California which will quickly test our QB Erik Ainge. In his freshman season, Vols were preparing to order tickets to coming BCS games. However after an injury (which I witnessed in person) which ended his freshman seaon, his sophomore year wasn't so encouraging. Fulmer seems to think this season he'll be back to his freshman-like self. Cal and Florida are two of the first three games...we'll know soon.

For other College Football fans, I invite you to check out 20 reasons college football is better than the NFL.

Business in the front...party in the back...

2006-08-26T10:50:00.000-05:00

As a child of the eighties, I believe I'm required to love the mullet. I mean who doesn't love business and party...together. Well I recently came across this Spirit Airlines Mullet Sale. It was just too cool not to share...

This isn't a joke. Click on the image and you'll see the interactive version on spiritair.com where the party hair actually grows. What a fun way to provote first/business class in the front and coach (aka the party) in the back.

Take this job and LUV it...

2006-08-24T14:55:00.000-05:00

I have the greatest job ever...or at least I think I do. I do marketing, sales and LUV for Southwest Airlines for Dallas, TX and Albuquerque, NM. LUV is simply spreading SPIRIT and love with co-workers, the community, businesses, etc.

Southwest so cool we have our our blog called "Nuts about Southwest." It has lots of fun information on SWA at http://www.blogsouthwest.com.

A couple of my favorites are...
1. Information on flight numbers from Bill Owen in our scheduling department (very interesting read) Flight names just wouldn't be the same

2. A quick joke from Jill Howard-Allen (yes she always has these cheesey jokes)...My Weekly Fix

Here are some pics and memories from a few of my favorite fun work events...
Cooking dinner for the Ronald McDonald House in Amarillo

Flying families from the Ronald McDonald House to a Rangers vs. Astros game to meet (former) Ranger Kevin Mench.

Meeting Pete and Penny at SeaWorld.

Dancing to raise money for Dallas LUV Classic

Attending the Capitol Christmas Tree lighting in Washington, DC.

Celebrity Look-alike

2006-08-21T21:09:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what celebrity you actually look like. My Heritage will scan your picture and match you up with celebrity look-alikes.

You Know You Grew Up In The 80's or Early 90's

2006-08-21T19:03:00.000-05:00

I LOVE these e-mails. Most of them same exactly the same thing however...I still read everyone. My friend Reese sent one by email which was even cooler b/c it included pictures...I've included my favorites below.

You Know You Grew Up In The 80's or Early 90's If:

3. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton

4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.

15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.

19. L.A. Gear....need I say more?

27. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard.

52. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB"

P.S. How did we ever think this guys were hot?

ROCK ON!!!

Recent Family Photos

2006-08-16T20:42:00.000-05:00

I've recently updated Sam & I's blog with pictures. Check it out...

samandhollee.blogspot.com

My favorite summer song...

2006-08-14T21:32:00.000-05:00

This summer have enjoyed one song over and over again...

it is Zac Brown's 'Chicken Fried'...

for those of you from the deep south (especially GA)...you should have a listen...

http://www.myspace.com/zacbrown

click on Chicken Fried.

Tell me what you think...

The Morrow Triplets

2006-08-14T16:59:00.000-05:00

My cousin Anna (Kimbrough) Morrow had triplets just a few months ago. They were just so cute...I had to share them. You can see more pictures at http://www.ourbabynews.com/morrow.

I Heart Nerds

2006-08-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

Why to I love nerds? Because I am one. I recently convinced Sam into a new monitor. The 17" extra large box outsized our cute Pottery Barn desk. My roommate Laurie and I bought in during the college years only because my first one had conked out and it was cheap (not stylish). Sam agreed. I search the web for the best deal and ended up with a 19” wide screen (OOH AHH). After the box arrived at the door...I found a problem. My graphics card couldn't support my super cool new flat screen. So to the internet I returned(and Fry’s) I go for a new graphics card. Well once thing lead to another and I’m typing on a NEW computer. One gig of processing power, 200 GB of hard drive, DVD burner and a graphics card to support my new monitor...things that make this girl VERY happy. In most marriages you might expect the man to get energized about bites and bytes. But I am the nerd.

I’ve known I am a nerd for a while…in high school I took programming classes, in college I hooked everyone’s computer up (include linking our personal computers to the dorm printer to save money on paper and ink) and now at work I get all the "my computer isn't working can you help" questions.

The most exciting thing about my new computer is with the increase spend I can work on graphics and video editing more. Hopefully I’ll come up with some really good footage. Until then…I’ll keep you up to date with all the coolest websites.

PC World…great how-tos, editorials, keeps me up-to-date on the latest and greatest…
http://www.pcworld.com/

For those with digital cameras…the coolest book making site I’ve found is..
http://www.picaboo.com/

Simple and easy photo editing (including a straighten tool to fix the horizon)
http://picasa.google.com/

Also for those with external hard drives…Good Sync will help you synchronize the files and data…
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,62374;order,1;page,1;c,All%20Downloads/description.html

Any one else have any cool computer/software sites?

2006-08-04T22:38:00.000-05:00

Tropical Storm Chris

2006-08-04T22:37:00.000-05:00

Tropical Storm Chris

2006-08-04T21:47:00.000-05:00

Our vacation to the Virgin Islands has been everything one would expect for paradise. Crystal clear water, white sand beaches, constant breeze, mild temperatures, unceasing sunshine, reggae on the radio… (well except that American Airlines lost my mom’s luggage and it hasn’t been found yet). So we were a little shocked on Tuesday to hear the Tropical Storm Chris was headed our way. The hotel started delivering storm notices every couple of hours. Late Tuesday night they brought all the patio furniture into our rooms. Our condo is a good size but add patio furniture and it was a little cramped. Wednesday made for a day full of clouds and rain. Sam (aka storm tracker) was very excited to live through a tropical storm however it moved north of us and all we received was lots of rain. (rain we need in North Texas). Here are a few pictures of the clouds and patio furniture.

Happy Birthday to you...

2006-08-04T21:41:00.000-05:00

For twenty-seven years every August 1st...my grandparents have called and sung the whole song to me. The whole family has come to expect it (even Sam). However this year, they had to call and leave the song on my voice mail as I've be on vacation without access to phone service.

Also thanks to my friend Laurie for the blog post about my birthday.

As a summer birthday I would always complain that my birthday was forget. My senior year...my roommates and teammates surprised me with a GREAT birthday party.

This year I've celebrated my birthday on vacation in the Virgin Islands. It has been great!

One Sick Husband...

2006-08-04T21:00:00.000-05:00

As a kid a 24 hour bug was somewhat great...a few days away from school...time to watch the daytime shows...unlimited attention from my mom...hours on the sofa...but as an adult illnesses aren't so great. My husband knows from a recent experience. He actual thought he was going to die and ask that I call his parents to come and see him during 'his last hours.' Actually I think he wanted the attention from his mom. (see I somewhat laughed at the whole situation...Sam had me call three doctor friends to make sure he wasn't dying). He did make it through but had to miss work on Friday. Here are a few pictures...

Daniel in the Lions Den - VBS - Day 1

2006-07-24T07:52:00.000-05:00


Grapevine Church of Christ VBS - Daniel in the Lions Den Day One (more to come) Enjoy!

Life Since Graduation....Hollee Ford, MBA

2006-07-13T09:42:00.000-05:00

Well life has been somewhat crazy since graduation...

Mavs won the Western Conference Championship (first time ever)... Sam & I were able to see it all live (well except for the final win since that was in PHX). Dallas became a huge sport town.

Everyone in Dallas was a Mavs fan. Sam & I again got to see the games (thanks to the family season tickets)...including the game 6 loss when we stormed back to the car to drive home silently. Our wounds have healed and we are ready for next year. Go MAVS!

Just days after the Mavs final loss...the Fords and Hustons headed to Washington, DC for a tour of our Nations Capitol. Sam wasn't too impressed (big surprise) but everyone else had a great time. You can see our pictures here.

This week is VBS at Grapevine Church of Christ. Sam was one of the king's advisors including a few solo songs. Check back soon to see the video.

Study Break

2006-05-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

Ok...so I haven't been the best blogger. On Saturday, I'll graduate with my MBA so for now...I'm blaming my lack of posting on studying. I'm in the process of finishing my last final (it was a take home) but I need a little study break and I ran across this...

A quick 6 minute tour through the songs and dances of our past. Enjoy!

Random signs, images & annoucements...

2006-04-10T21:13:00.000-05:00

As you walk through life do you ever run into a sign or image where someone missed the message? I make statements in life that I completely understand but do others really get the same message. For those English and grammar experts…I’m sure this is due to my lack of grammar skills but I also know that I’m not the only American that doesn’t really understand English either. I know because just the other day I read a sign that said this…

“If you keep door open for longer than 15 seconds a silent sound will alarm.”

So my question is what is a silent sound? Maybe there is an engineer who has designed a silent sound and I missed the product launch. (I was in Albuquerque which has a high number of engineers and such).

Are you aware of any silent sounds? If so please share!

Also please share any random signs, images or announcements that you’ve enjoyed.

Sam Perkins said...

2006-04-05T20:03:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago I was presented with an opportunity to meet a former NBA player Sam Perkins. My husband, also Sam, couldn't attend with me to he sent me with a message of Sam Perkins. Sam, the NBA player, was known in the league as “The Big Smooth”…Sam, my husband, is not a smooth basketball player. He is actually the opposite of smooth as a sports player. So the husband Sam asked that I pass along the message that Sam was his hero as a player. Sam also wanted to be calmer on the court like Sam. As I told Sam, the NBA player, he smiled and asked that I remind Sam that he too was thrown out of a basketball game. However as Sam, the basketball player was leaving the event…he stopped by to give me a message. He said to tell my husband Sam to never have a hot head with me. To tell Sam to count to ten any time he gets angry. Isn’t that a great statement…Sam Perkins said you can’t get mad at me!

World Bunco Championships

2006-03-14T14:19:00.000-06:00

For the last few weeks I have had a free preview of the Oxygen channel.

According to Wikipedia the Oxygen network is a cable television network started by successful enterpenuer Oprah Winfrey, oriented on what are ostensibly women's topics, like romance, family, style/fashion, women's health issues, shopping, and entertainment.

Last night I came across the World Bunco Championship on Oxygen. One thousand women from all over the USA (mostly overage and overweight) came together to play bunco. Even with the themed dress night, the program was actually boring to watch. I consider myself to be a big fan of bunco (and I play in two groups) however...after 10 minutes of the championship...I was bored. The real fun of bunco is the table talk during the game.

But for those of you who are also bunco fans, you may want to try for the next Championship in Las Vegas.

Prilosec OTC is the title sponsor of the event. I'm not sure what heartburn and bunco have to do with each other...well I guess all bunco snacks could create heartburn.

2006-03-14T13:56:00.001-06:00

My Arch Team

2006-03-14T13:56:00.000-06:00

St. Louis Arch 2

2006-03-14T13:55:00.000-06:00

St. Louis Arch

St. Louis...here we come

2006-03-14T13:49:00.000-06:00

Senator Kit Bond, MO became a Freedom Fighter for SWA as he (and Congress) loosened the restrictions on the Wright Amendment allowing us Dallas based travelers to now fly non-stop to MO from Dallas Love Field. Southwest has been seeking repeal of the Wright Amendment since November of 2004. The benefits to us Dallas travelers are now $49 airfares between Kansas City, St. Louis and Dallas.

Our office was so excited we took a trip to see what St. Louis was all about. For those who haven't been...St. Louis has much more than just the arch. Most of the museums, galleries and the zoo are free of charge. Now with a $49 airfare and free attractions...a good weekend getaway can't get much cheaper.

Here are some pics of the arch. For those you haven't been, you get in the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory style carrier and travel up. As I've said...I promote traveling and St. Louis should be on your list.

Bunco World Championship

2006-03-14T12:08:00.000-06:00

For the last few weeks I have had a free preview of the Oxygen channel.

According to Wikipedia the Oxygen network is a cable television network started by successful enterpenuer Oprah Winfrey, oriented on what are ostensibly women's topics, like romance, family, style/fashion, women's health issues, shopping, and entertainment.

So I've watched a few programs but not enough to buy outside our Dish 100+ package.

However last night I came across the World Bunco Championship. The program is actually boring to watch, as the fun of bunco is the table talk during the game. For those of you who are also bunco fans, you may want to try for the next Championship in Las Vegas.

http://www.prilosecotc.com/buncocentral/index.jsp

Prilosec OTC is the title sponsor of the event. I'm not sure what heartburn and bunco have to do with each other...that is other than all the bunco snacks.

http://www.world66.com/

2006-02-22T11:33:00.000-06:00

Since my job is selling travel...I encourage everyone to see the world. Test your travel experience by making a map of your travel experience with World 66.

I've been to 33 states or 64% of the United States by way of moving, family vacations (thanks Dad) and trips with SWA.

create your own personalized map of the USA

For the world...I'm a little less experienced...with 16 countries visited and only 7% of the world explored. Any one what to go with me to visit my friend Ginny in China? Or Reese in Brazil?

create your own visited country map

Nothing overly interesting….

2006-02-22T10:55:00.000-06:00

Well the last few weeks, I've searched for funny stories, new ideas or something interesting to blog about…but I've come up with nothing. School is getting busier so my life has been focused on school work. In my capstone course my team is the decision makers for a brand of athletic shoes therefore my life has been studying reports for market share, reject rates, profit margins, etc…but it isn't interesting to blog about that.

The NBA All-Star Game was this weekend which provided great delight to me and Sam. Saturday night's events…the three-point contest, the skills challenge and the slam dunk contest…are my favorites. (Plus…Sunday nights' game conflicted with my extreme dedication to watching Extreme Home Makeover and Grey's Anatomy so I missed the game). The slam dunk contest was one of the best...in the years I've been watching. I've included pictures so my friends who didn't watch can see the greatness. The five foot nine inch (one inch shorter than me) Nate Robinson jumped over Spud Webb (5' 6'') displaying alien like ups.

Well all for today. Sam and I are heading to Salt Lake City with our friends Rick and Shara to play in the snow.

Your not so average day...

2006-02-03T15:49:00.000-06:00

What does a Southwest Airlines Marketing Manager, local law enforcement and the CIA have in common? On a normal day nothing but today was no ordinary day at Love Field.

As I start to write this article…I can hear the hum of the Air Force One engines. How many people can say that as they look out their office window…they look upon Air Force One? Okay so I might be a bit of an American geek or airplane need but my co-workers at Southwest Airlines shared in my enjoyment.

Since my arrival to work today…we have anxiously waited the arrival of George and Laura. Starting at 9 am when the fire trucks, hazmat vehicles and SWAT vans arrived and lined the fence the separates our parking lot from the area where the Bushes would soon deplane. The dog sniffed the area from about 9:30-10. Around 10 am the convoy of motorcycles, large black Suburbans, white vans, then more large Suburbans, then the Presidential limousine, followed by more large black Suburbans, white vans and finally motorcycles. The media arrives about 10:15 and we all wait (while still doing working of course). At 11 we walked to the fence to stake out our place to catch a good view of the W. Within a few seconds a few men in black appear (from out of no where) and asked us to return to our building. We quickly obeyed and stepped back watching from my friend Ram's truck bed. The first snipers we could see arrived about 11:30 and staked out the whole situation from the air traffic tower. Around 11:45, my co-workers and I were approached by the local law enforcement and informed us that we were "being watched" and it would be best if we would step out of the truck and watch from the ground. The air space was cleared about 12:50ish. The airport tarmac was cleared at 12:55ish…so we knew the time was soon.

Right at 1:15 pm…we could see the plane coming in for a landing. The Air Force One Boeing 474 is a bit larger than the Southwest Airlines 737. Right as the plane landed a helicopter started circling the area. George and Barbara stepped out and they were onto the limousine headed into Dallas. A morning worth of waiting for a quick look at Mr. and Mrs. W.

Two things I learned from this experience…being the President is pretty important. Secondly, don't trust your co-workers to take an important picture. After all the CIA, local law enforcement and the barricade left we took pictures of each of us with Air Force One. Well that is everyone but me. See my co-workers couldn't seem to get my camera to work and right about that time…Air Force One took off back to DC. So I wanted to give you all a picture with me to appreciate this whole experience but instead you get a picture with my sad face.

Getting to know your friend questionnaire

2006-01-31T21:42:00.000-06:00

So...I've received this email from several people so I thought it would be good blog topic.

1. What time is it? 9:44 pm
3. What are you most afraid of? not really sure...I have bad dreams about going out in public clothesless...that is a pretty scary dream
4. What is the most recent movie that you've seen in a theater? Glory Road
5. Place of birth? The big orange state...GO VOLS!
6. Favorite new food? 100 calorie packs
7. What's your natural hair color? Brown-Blonde...I think
8. Ever been to Alaska? yes...cruise..GREAT trip
9. Ever been toilet papering rolling (i.e. wrappinghouses)? Yes
10. Love someone so much it made you cry? yes
11. Been in a car accident? Yes, too many!
12. Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons
13. Favorite day of the week? Friday
14. Favorite Restaurant? Bread Winners
15. Favorite Flower? Hydrangea
16. Favorite sport to watch? Football
...this is where I started skipping the questions that were boring to me...
24. What do you do most often when you are bored? blog but mostly I'm to busy to be bored
29. Favorite TV shows? Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The OC, Greys Anatomy, Dallas SWAT
31. Ford or Chevy? Ford...no relation
32. What are you listening to right now? the dishwasher
33. What are/is your favorite colors/color? Orange
35. How many pets do you have? one...Apache

okay...another version (minus the questions I didn't like)
1. What is your occupation? SWA Marketing Manager
4. What was the last thing you ate? Poppers at Chuys
8. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My husband
9. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
13. Have you ever dyed your hair? YES...life is to short to experience only one color.
14. Do you wear contacts or glasses? lasic two years ago...and I still love it
21. Fall or Spring? SPRING...I love spring flowers but I also love fall football ball...can I say both?
31. What did you do last night? School...almost finished
32. Favorite smell? love smells...flowers, clean things, fimilar things
33.What inspires you? learning new things
36. Favorite car? VW Passat or Jetta
37. Favorite dog breed? Labs but I wish they didn't shed
41. How many states have you lived in? four

I'm a Dallas Mavericks Fan!

2006-01-27T19:56:00.000-06:00

I'm a Dallas Mavericks Fan! Believe me...I do not claim to be a Queen of Basketball but I do enjoy cheering on my favorite Dallas-based basketball. They are sponsored by that other airline in town…but I cannot blame the Mavs for taking their money.

Anyway back to the sports…tonight a pretty big night for NBA fans as they all watch to see Kobe’s jump shot…or any of his shots for that matter. Kobe scored 81 points on Monday night…although not a record breaker no one thought it could be done in this era of basketball.

Another record no so talked about this week…the Mavericks first ever 5-0 away series. Currently tied with the Spurs for the Western Division leader…the Mavs are preparing themselves for a long go in playoffs.

Well I’ll limit it to that since most of my friends aren’t really into basketball. You’ve learned a few new things and you can impress all the guys that you talk too. If they haven’t talked about the Kobe thing…you’d really impress someone talking about it!

This weekend Sam and I become proud owners of skis and a snowboard!

BUNKO

2006-01-23T23:14:00.000-06:00

I consider myself lucky to be part of two bunko groups. The Tuesday night bunko scheduled bunko group is composed of twelve different ladies from Grapevine Church and a Friday night bunko group with an open invitation to all the ladies in our Young Marrieds’ class. Bunko is a no so challenging game in which all one has to do is roll sixes. The lack of challenge in the game allows for in-depth conversion over the rolling of the dice. Bunko nights allow me to check in with all my Grapevine friends.

God has blessed me with a number of great female friends most of which are a part of our Young Marrieds’ class. Each of them provides a different type of support and encouragement to me and Sam. Daily…I am reminded of the strength that God provides through these friendships.

Pictured here are my friends from my Young Marrieds' class (several left early so they missed the picture). Pictured: Mindy, Christy, Shara, Jennifer, myself, Michelle and Summer

Our bunko group was disrupted this month as the bunko bag was mia. Shara & I adventured to retrieve the bag…at our return the group had already conversed therefore January was the un-bunko bunko month.

Back to School

2006-01-17T22:08:00.000-06:00

Ohhhhhhh
Back To School
Back To School
To Prove To Dad That I'm Not A Fool
I've Got My, Luch Packed Up
My Boots Tied Tight
I Hope I Don't Get In A Fight
Ohhhh
Back To School
Back To School
Back To School

Sam started singing this Adam Sandler song last week as his classes started back last week. As of today…I’m in my final semester as a graduate student. YAHOO! That is assuming that I don’t die from over working myself during the next few months. I’ve started into the sixteen page syllabus for one class but I’ve several more pages to go.

As much as I complain about coursework, I really do enjoy learning and school. This world has so many concepts and things to learn…I enjoy taking in as much as I can. I guess that is why I enjoy blogging and reading blogs. Blogs allow me to gain and share information that wouldn’t be available anywhere else.

For those of you not as interested in started back into a full time program, I would suggestion investing in you through Barnes and Noble University. It is a free program that offers a number of good classes with topics from Grammar Fitness to Web Pages Made Easy. http://university.barnesandnoble.com/index.asp?userid=8Z4suDWCQ1

Please share other places that you learn and gather information…I’d love to check them out!

All of MP3

2006-01-16T08:44:00.000-06:00

The invention of the mp3 player has drastically improved portable music. Video Ipods can store 30 gigabytes of songs, music videos or even a favorite TV show. As a somewhat Internet junkie…I feel it necessary to spread my knowledge to some of my not so Internet-lovin' friends.

Actually this all came about as my work friend Dora started asking questions as she purchased mp3 players for her two boys. I discovered that most Americans younger than me…fully understand the world mp3s but some Americans my age…just want to stick to CDs. For those of you still using the CD player…I promise the mp3 player is worth it!

Today I want to share a website that have enjoyed for several months and feel the need to share with my friends….www.allofmp3.com. All of mp3 is housed in Russia so the copyright laws are different than here in the USA therefore you can take advantage of songs for 5 cents or so. ITunes will charge you 99 cents a song so your total savings would be about 94 cents a song…well worth it! Go check it out and start building your music library for only pennies.

P.S. This is the website that was referred to Pam by Dwight in Thursday's episode of The Office.

Go Lobos!

2006-01-12T14:45:00.000-06:00

Southwest Airlines sponsors the University of New Mexico Basketball Team. So last night my friend Katie French and I cheered on UNM as they battled against TCU. Our Lobos pulled out the win at 56-54. The "Pit" (the basketball arena) experience was very energetic. As Katie and I commented to each other on the game…we had to yell over the crowd to hear even though we were just a few inches away.

Although I am not the most avid college basketball fan, I did learn that Lobo fans are very avid. They joyously celebrated a win last night.

Go Lobos!

Old Friends and Great Pancakes…

2006-01-07T21:05:00.000-06:00

As Friday’s work came to an end, I took off to Nashville to visit old friends. A number of my college girlfriends have left Nashville since graduation so this was a small reunion for eight of us.

For those from or have visited Nashville…you know of the Pancake Pantry. The Pantry is known for the fluffy and sweet goodness of pancakes, the not so friendly wait staff and the comatose feeling that hits about two hours after. The seating process didn’t move along as quickly as we would have liked. The seating policy at Pancake Pantry does not include the traditional list and a hostess but rather every party waits in line until a table is available. Most weekends the line exceeds outside the restaurant and around the corner. After waiting almost 45 minutes, our party of seven was overlooked for a party 15 that were in line behind us. We were seated within several minutes of that but not without hunger driven bad attitudes towards the hostess. All our negativity was lifted with one bite into the heavenly favors created by Pancake Pantry. I enjoyed every bite of my five sugar and spice pancakes.

While the pancakes were good…the friendship was even better. Few things compare to time with old friends whom you love and trust. We talked about changes, babies, relationships, families and jobs but the words were not as in important as the shared importance of our friendships. We all have matured and developed since first starting at Lipscomb together in the fall of 1997 but our friendships continue even stronger.

I greatly enjoyed my eighteen hours in Nashville because I was able to spend time with great friends. I thank God for creating friends!

Blogging into 2006

2006-01-04T21:07:00.000-06:00

With slightly nervous fingers, I begin a new year as a member of the blogger club. As people around the world are beginning new habits or ending bad habits…I figure no better time to start. Since I’m not known for my great writing or grammar skills (my husband has to re-write all my papers)…hopefully this will be entertaining enough for you to return.

The purpose of this new habit is to keep in contact with my friends around the globe. My college roommate Laurie will speak to the fact that I’m not the world’s greatest in keeping friends up to date with my life. She recently got upset with me for only sending e-mails related to supporting Southwest Airlines’ fight to repeal the Wright Amendment. Hopefully this blog will allow the Internet community to know what is going on with Sam & Hollee.

Just before the holidays, I got to experience a wonderful trip to see the Capitol Christmas Tree lighting in Washington, DC. Southwest Airlines sponsored the event by flying an eight year old student from New Mexico to Washington to light the tree. The whole event was very magical and a once in a lifetime event for this girl from Texas.

Before I finish my first entry, I’d like to introduce my family.

My only child is about 85 lbs., chocolate brown and walks on four legs. Apache has been a part of our family for a few weeks before our engagement. She may not be the most well behaved dog but given her parents what could one expect. She is pictured here as the 2006 Ford Family Christmas logo.

Sam, my husband since June 28, 2003, is a native Texan. He loves football, hunting and anything else considered 'Texan'. I am still working to get him to cheer for the right UT orange which is in Tennessee.

Until next time...pray for rain in Texas!