National Geographic Adventure

Albuquerque is a great place to live and play.
But don't take my word for it, just ask National Geographic.

Bluewater Lake State Park

Over the weekend, we headed about 90 miles west of Albuquerque to Bluewater Lake State Park. There were a few people jet-skiing and boating, but very few campers, especially on our side of the campground. People are allowed to camp and have campfires right on the beach near the water. The lack of rules and regulations is freeing and liberating. The solitude and scenery were so relaxing. We just hung out and read and leisurely walked around the lake. The ominous storm clouds produced thunder and a very cool breeze, but never rained on us.

Sunday morning we went to a truckstop-type restaurant for breakfast called the Iron Skillet where all meals are served in a skillet (aluminum) and we heard someone use the word "hum-ding-er."

The bright red-orange of the rock doesn't come through as brilliantly as it does in real life. It was really gorgeous.

Breakaway

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes 'til I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away (I will)
And breakaway

Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging around revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway

Random Updates

I got a haircut. A hairdo redeux. Really short. Shorter than I wanted. Chopped off all my curls and naturally and chemically-lightened blonde. Either I will grow to love it or my hair will grow... eventually...

My new co-workers are fabulous! I had lunch with two of them today at the Flying Star Cafe downtown. There are so many great restaurants here, it's bound to make a gal gain a few pounds. Yikes!

One of my recent favorites you can find pretty much anywhere: 7-Eleven Slurpees. Do you believe I've never had one of these until just a couple weeks ago? There's a 7-Eleven just down the block from my office building and I went there in search of some ice cream. For some reason, this frozen treat caught my eye instead, and I decided to give the sugar- and caffeine-free orange flavor a try. Instantly hooked! I think I've had 2 or 3 so far until last week - it happened. The Slurpee machine is broken! No more frozen goodness to break up my workday. Don't worry - I've already sent an email to the good folks at 7-Eleven Slurpee.com to alert them of this extreme situation. With any luck, it'll be fixed by Labor Day. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Too Rich, Too Thin... Too Organized?

So I get a little... um, shall we say, focused sometimes when it comes to organizing my scrapbook supplies. I hate not being able to find what I'm looking for when I'm scrapbooking. To alleviate that problem, I try to be organized. My latest project was organizing my chipboard - specifically alphabets. I sorted by letter and fit them into empty CD jewel cases. I stamped the corresponding letter on each case to make it easy to flip through the cases and find a particular letter. I'm thrilled that they fit in the box I recently decorated. Ahhh, it all comes together.

Definition

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

Alley Cat

Well, she's gone.

We found a home for lil' miss stray cat. I couldn't have asked for a nicer couple who I know is going to smother her with love. But I am a little sad just the same.

And now for something completely different, have you met Pearl, the landlord?