Weekend Wrap-Up x2

We've had plenty of opportunities to party the past two weekends, and we didn't let the cold, snowy weather stop us!

Saturday, March 13

Beautiful weekend in Dallas for the St. Paddy's Day celebration on Greenville Avenue. In the picture, we're holding our first beers of the day. What you can't see is the 18 pack of beer we just purchased from the gas station behind us.

We mainly hung out on the street and watched the crazy train of people parade by. After a while, we took a break from people watching to have lunch at the San Francisco Rose. We had little burger sliders that were delicious, especially when you've had a few beers. I so recommend this place.

Saturday, March 20

"I just love carrying pink princess bags through the mall."
-- Craig Eastepp

Megan "Mego" Smith celebrated her 2nd birthday at California Pizza Kitchen at Stonebriar this past weekend. And like any cute girly-girl, she had to ride the carousal that's inside the mall. So Craig carried her birthday presents all donned in pink inside the mall for her party. (Mego is Craig's step-brother's daughter... making her our step-niece?)

Mego riding the carousal.

She looks so small on that horse, but you can tell she absolutely loves it.

Isolation

Ever been surrounded by people, but feel alone? Have something on your mind that you want to talk about, but can’t find the words? I felt that way this weekend. And I know why.

I had a conversation with someone that didn’t go well. It was about a stupid topic, my work; about something that doesn’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things. I knew I was right in what I was saying. 100% right, I mean, I work for the company… I should know what’s right, right? And this person wouldn’t believe what I was saying. But I know with everything in my body, I was right.

When I’m right, I feel the need to help people see the truth in what I’m saying and I can be a bit aggressive about it. By the end of the conversation, I felt like I was still talking in a calm manner, but the other person raised their voice because I wouldn’t let it go and then walked out. Needless to say, that was the end of the discussion. From that moment, I felt isolated.

Craig and I went to our nieces 2nd birthday party with family.
I felt isolated.

We went to our I Believe class at church (the class we have to go through in order to join).
I felt alone.

We went to church.
I felt lonely.

I’ve prayed about it. I’ve tried to work past it on my own.
I’ve hit a brick wall.

Mainly because the other person ended the conversation on a negative note… just walking away. By the end of the discussion, all I wanted was for them to believe me because I work there. I’m of the mentality that if one of my friends told me something about their company, I would believe it without question because THEY WORK THERE.

But now, all I want is for that person to apologize for walking away. They don’t have to believe me if they don’t want to, even though I’m 100% right in this case (and I would tell you if I wasn’t), but I would like an apology for not handling the situation with some class. Walking away from a discussion is a childish thing to do. It’s what our niece does if she doesn’t get her way.

Until the apology, this conflict is going to weigh heavily on my chest. Some of you may ask yourselves, why doesn’t she say something first? Why not bring up the topic of them walking away? Because I feel like they walked away to avoid finishing the discussion. Since they “ended” it, I believe they should come back first.

I know it’s a stupid topic and a dumb problem to have, but I’ve been hurt by this and when I hurt people, I apologize. I want the same thing to happen here.

Is an apology too much to ask for?

I realize it’s a 2-way street with this discussion. I know I’ll need to apologize for being too aggressive with my “rightness” and for not letting it go. I’m fine with that and I’m happy to do so, but after they approach me first.

Survey Says...

It's been months since I've seen the inside of my hair stylist's salon. Thus, I have split ends and tweener hair that I'm dying to cut. But... I've come this far! I almost have "long" hair again.

Okay, so it's not that long, but I'm able to put it up in a pony tail... with no less than 4 bobby pins for the stragglers… but it’s still up!

So today's question is -

Should I cut my hair?

I want to, but I also don't want to. I need your help and honesty. Incase you have forgotten what I look like (with long hair, of course) I've included photos just for you.

(and they are in order of l for "long" comes first in the alphabet... none of this subconscious mumbo-jumbo of which photo I put first is what I'm secretly wanting...)

I and my hair thank you in advance for the completion of this survey.

Canvas + Paint + Kaylan = Art

Move over Picasso. Step aside Monet. There is a new painter in town and there’s only room for one in the Eastepp Gallery for the Arts.

Okay, so I’m not Picasso or Monet… I’m not even Dali worthy… but I have unleashed a new found love of painting.

Last night, M from Yoyo’s House met me at Painting with a Twist in Grapevine. I wasn’t sure what to expect or if I’d be any good. But two of the rules stated:
1. Remember to have fun.
2. Remember to drink your wine!

M and I accomplished both of those rules and created beautiful pieces of art ready for a blank wall and a longing nail.

They call this “Moonlight Cherry Blossoms.” I call it art.

Welcome to the Wilderness

Our hike this weekend was great. We met a group of adventurers at Backwoods in Fort Worth and set off for Eagle Mountain Lake.

We all agreed on a path and went from there. You go at your own pace and have a great time in the wilderness. It’s was kind of chilly at first, but as we got into the harder terrain, we were almost sweating. This picture is of my favorite part. It’s flat and has the canopy of trees that will be so beautiful when the leaves come out. It reminded us an English country manor road leading up to a lovely cottage. I want this to be my driveway.

Here, we’re at the top of the scenic overlook.

I really enjoyed getting out early in the morning and experiencing nature. I can’t wait to go back.

This weekend is sure to be fun times. St. Paddy’s Day in Dallas! Since Craig isn’t working in retail, we’ll actually be able to experience more than in the past. We plan on cheering on our Pirate Friends as they race in the Dash Down Greenville and then enjoying the parade and plenty of beer!

What are your plans for the weekend?

Pictures Speak a Thousand Words

December 2009

At my parent's house for Christmas.
I’ve always loved playing in the fire, specifically burning paper.

At Craig’s mom’s house for Christmas.
Carole and I got the sweater dress memo!

January 2010 – Ski Trip to Colorado

Craig and I in Breckenridge.

Craig and I beginning our night skiing at Keystone.
So much fun!!

February 2010 – New Orleans
On Bourbon St. ready to party.

Bourbon St. right after the Saints won the Super Bowl.
It was madness and took forever to get to the other end.

Monster Truck Jam at Cowboys Stadium

They had all kinds of cool trucks.
One shaped like the car from Batman, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle,
and my favorite - the “Monster Mutt”.
It had a tail, floppy ears, and a tongue.

Having too much fun at the Monster Truck Jam.

And one picture to grow on.

Maddie loves the snow!
She especially liked catching snowballs in the air.
She did not like having to sit still for this picture…
she wanted me to throw another snow ball!

This weekend, we're going on a hike with Backwoods. Bright and early tomorrow morning, Craig and I will be cruzin' the paths at Eagle Mountain Lake. Don't worry, we'll have a guide! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Been Away For Too Long

I know, I know... it's been too long since my last post to even still have a blogger account, but I'm doing my best here people!

Actually, my best would be blogging more often, but lets not get ahead of ourselves.

A friend sent me a link to a new blog online and I think it's on a path to crazy town.... so naturally, I had to share. It's Project Husband 2010. I can't even begin to describe it. But it's cute and sweet... and hopefully it works for her. I'm going to subscribe to her blog so I can find out what happens.

To catch everyone up with our world:
December – We had a lovely time with family and friends during Christmas. Flutissimo concerts went well, but I decided to take some time off from the choir.

January - SKI TRIP!!! We spent a full blissful week in Colorado and skied at Copper Mountain - love!!, Breckenridge - new found love (I skied there when I was in high school and didn't love the mountain, but now that I'm an experienced skier, it was fabulous.), and we tried night skiing at Keystone - double love. Craig was still searching for a job but was able to finish the bathroom project and he started on building our shed/car port in the backyard.

February - Who Dat! Saints are World Champions!! Since I was a little girl, I've followed the Saints. During the years when we were called the 'Aints, I wasn't such a good fan. But they've reeled me back in over the past few years and I've been following them religiously ever since. So, naturally, we had to go to New Orleans to the biggest Saints watching party of all time. It was pandemonium when they won. The streets were packed, people were high fiving strangers. There were tears, shouts of joy, and plenty of Who Dats. Everyone was happy that night.

Weekend plans - Monster Truck Rally at Cowboys Stadium. Crazy I know, but it's Clint's birthday and Craig wanted to take him to the rally. We managed to get free tickets, so I can't complain. Many thanks to my friend - you know who you are!

So many things happened since the last time I posted. I'll post a picture show if things in the days to come.

Until next time, we'll keep Easteppin'.

Book Ends: -- Between the Pages --

I've read a few books since my last book post, so I'd like to catch you up on some page turners.

1. I recently finished reading Atlantis Prophecy by Thomas Greanias. It's the second in the series, but the first one I read - the City of Hurst Library didn't have the first one.
I would suggest starting with Atlantis Raising. There were a few parts of the book that I think carried over from the first one, so I didn't get all the "inside jokes", but it wasn't too distracting.
If you like books like The DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons, you'll like this. It's set in Washington D.C., so think about the movie National Treasure mixed with DaVinci Code.
Next book in the series: The Atlantis Revelation -- Definitely one that I’ll pick up at the library.

2. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
I borrowed this one from a friend (thanks, Michelle) and to be honest, I didn't think I would like it. I'm not a big sappy story reader. I don't like to cry. I don't like to read sad stories. I don't typically like love stories. And this definitely wasn't my usual mystery/suspense kind of book. But after the first chapter, I was hooked. I know he's a well known author, but geez, he's good. He really sucks you in and while the story is pretty predicable, it was still a page turner.

Let's put it this way, I didn't think I would read the other two books I borrowed, but I'm now on the second Nicholas Sparks book!

3. Which brings me to what I'm currently reading - The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

Also borrowed from Michelle, it's an engaging short read that keeps me awake at night because all I want to do is see what happens next.

If you haven't read one of the many Sparks books, I recommend either of these as a launching point. But do not hold me accountable for sleepless nights and the addiction that may ensue for more of his books.

Happy reading.

Trees & Coco

Nothing like sitting at home on a cold winters evening with your Christmas tree all lit up and a warm cup of coco (with milk, kahlua, and marshmallows.)

Hope your cold night is as warm as a cup of coco.

Picture Show II

Left out a couple of pictures in my post from yesterday.

Saints Watching Party at Hooters

Monday Night Football on November 30

Saints v. Patriots in NO.LA.

The whole gang of Saints Fans... the ones I converted!

L-R: Allen, Kaylan, Craig, Blue, Doss, Michelle, and Brittany
The Saints WON against the Patriots!
Who dat'... who dat'... who dat'... who...
GEAUX SAINTS!

Tune in this Sunday, December 13 to see the Saints take on the Falcons in Atlanta. Game time 12:00 p.m. CT. Last time these two teams faced off, Saints were on top 35-27.

GEAUX SAINTS...
make your run at 13-0!

The story of how I came to love the Saints, in readers digest form:
When I was a little girl, merely four or five years old, my mom was the flight attendant for the Saints chartered plane on Braniff. She would take me on some of the flights with her and I got to know the team and the owner pretty well, as well as a little kid-o can. Several times, my family was invited to sit in the owners suite at the Super Dome to watch the games. I would walk around with my little Saints umbrella saying crazy things like "The Saints are on a roll, like a biscuit." (Apparently, I thought rolls were like biscuits.) Anywhoodle, I've been a Saints fan ever since. The Cowboys are okay, but they will never match up to my Saints. And there will be a divided house when the Saints v. Cowboys game kicks off on December 19! Cowboys are going down!!!

One more time for the road - GEAUX SAINTS!

Picture Show

Here are some pictures I promised I would share once I received them.

Our tree before it was cut down. It was leaning on the southern side of the house

Tree almost cut down...

No more tree.

At my second cousin Zac's football game. He plays for the Eustace Bulldogs.

He'll be a senior next year.

L-R: Doss, Zac, Nana, Tyler (Zac's brother), Kaylan, Craig

First Thanksgiving - okay, not our first, but the first one for 2009!

We're at Craig's aunt's house.

L-R: Kaylan, Craig, Uncle Mortey(seated), Aunt Judy, Clint (Craig's brother), Kim, Natalie (held by Kim)

The start of the second Thanksgiving.

Only appropriate with football and beer - those are spanish olives in my beer. Yum-o.

Turkey before the fryer.

Turkey in the fryer.

Kaylan the carver - I carved two turkeys and one ham.

And I get kind of possessive of my turkey/ham carving station!

Almost pirate like...

Thanksgiving Dinner Table.

Friday, December 4 was my mom's birthday. We had a lovely dinner and on Saturday, Mom, Dad, Nana, and I went to the Stars game. We were so high up that we could touch the back wall. It was nauseating climbing the stairs.

On Sunday... busy weekend... was Craig's holiday party for his store. We went to Bosses Pizza (delicious).

L-R: Joan, Bo, Danny, Marylin, Shawn, Jennifer, Corey, Julie, Marcia, Craig

Also, this weekend, we put up our skinny Christmas tree.
Count down to Christmas: 16 Days!

Happy Turkey Day

Hope you have a woner-FULL Thanksgiving tomorrow.

~Kaylan & Craig

Fun Times a Plenty

Wanted to share some fun times with family and friends lately.

November 13 – Went to Mesquite to watch my second cousin Zach play football for Eustace High School. He’s a junior and he’s big – well over 6 ft. tall! He’s being pursued by TCU. Keeping my fingers crossed for him. Zach is my cousin Brit’s first son.

November 14 – my brother Doss got a new tattoo for his birthday. He'd wanted to get a new one for some time and finally got the cross with wings for his birthday. It took a few hours, but it looks great! Smitty at Randy Adams Tattoo did a phenomenal job.



November 14 – again – We celebrated his birthday and Who You Callin’ Cupcake’s birthday at 8.0’s in Fort Worth. Always a good time with that crowd.

November 22 – Craig’s soccer games are always fun because his team can be a bit drama filled. Last night was no exception, but the real fun was on the sidelines watching little Ava, my other second cousin, chase after bubbles that Ashley (my cousin/Ava’s mom/Brit’s sister) was blowing. It was a bit chilly and her little hat was just too cute.

Check out the video below of Ava chasing bubbles.

Oh, and I “fixed” my camera. Turns out if you put in NEW batteries it works just fine.

And… drum roll, please! Flutissimo! Flute Choir has officially launched a website – flutissimoflutechoir.com. I’m super pumped. Please visit the site often and see what new things are happening with our group.

I hope you have fun times ahead this week with Thanksgiving! We’re going to be at Craig’s mom’s house and we’re playing Turkey Day Bingo during the football game. If you want the bingo sheets for your friends and family to play, email me!

Two Weeks

Oh my, where did the time go? It's been several weeks since my last posting... to catch up to speed on what's been going on:

1. We removed a tree from our front yard. With all the extra rain we've received this year, the tree, which was already leaning, started to lean on the house. Since that's considered dangerous, we decided to have it removed. One week later, we're less one tree in the front and our house should be safe! I'll upload pictures after they're downloaded from my mom's camera.


2. Which brings me to number 2. My camera died on Halloween. Every time I turn it on, it dies. I can't even get the lens to go back in. Bummer. So I've been borrowing my mom's camera and my brother's, which I'm sure he doesn't know I have!


3. We had our company softball tournament last Tuesday. It was a fun day full of tailgating, drinking, pizza, and softball. I even got my picture taken with the best pitcher to ever play the game - Mr. Nolan Ryan!


4. My co-worker, Jenny turned the big 3.0. on Monday. We celebrated her birthday this past weekend at Joe T's and Four Day Weekend. Can't beat margaritas and comedy!


5. 5. This week, I've been under the weather with a sore throat. Craig even missed work today because he was feeling crummy. But my good friend Heidi brought some spice tea by the office this afternoon. I'll definitely drink a cup tonight. Cheers.



6. This weekend, we'll be celebrating some birthdays. My brother and my bestie's sister will turn one year older on Monday, November 16. AYAYAYAYAYA (if you don't know what that means, don't ask!) I plan on hanging out with Doss and Molly and then convince them that the real party will be at 8.0's. That's where Girl v. the World and Who you callin' Cupcake will be celebrating Cupcake's birthday. We always have good times, so I really want to be there.


7. And last but not least - My bestie and her lobster are engaged! I'm so excited I think I just peed my pants. I know she's wanted this for sometime and my heart is so happy that she is going to experience all the joyous times of marriage (and the not so joyous!) To C & Lobster - Congratulations a million times over. I can't wait to watch as you two begin a life together.

And that has been my life in a nut shell for the past few weeks.

Next on the docket is Thanksgiving. My favorite holiday! I know, it should be Christmas, but there seems to be so much pressure around that time of year. I have so many fond memories of turkey, stuffing, pie, my grandparents, my family, Athens, Texas, and many more from my childhood. Of all of my memories as a kid, I would relive Thanksgiving over and over if I could.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? What's your favorite memory of this time of year?

Dear Mother Nature,

Thank you for creating the swimming pool in my backyard with all the excessive rain. I had one as a kid and always wanted one at my house now.

Problem is, my pup, Maddie, like's to play in the "pool". So, will you please make it stop raining so the pool dries up? I don't like having to clean her each time she wants to come inside.

Oh, and I'll send you my carpet cleaning bill from Maddie tracking mud in because we thought she was clean enough...

Okay, thanks a bunch.
~Kaylan on Valentine

Slutty Halloween

Anyone ever noticed that once you become a female adult, your Halloween costume must include the word “slutty”?

Why is that the case?

I don’t want to be a slut. Ever.

Thanks for letting me vent… I’m better now.

I’m open to suggestions on what I should be for Halloween (that doesn’t involve the word slut).

State Fair Picture Show

Craig and I visited the State Fair of Texas on Tuesday. Here are some pictures from our excursion.

See Big Tex then hop over to Fletcher's to get the best corny dog on the planet!

FYI - if you're going to the fair, the cheapest beer is 6 tickets and is located in the Food Pavilion next to Big Tex. Do not pay the 12 tickets that they ask for at Fletcher's. Just get the corny dogs from there.

Yum-o... a Fletcher's with mustard.

After our corny dog, we tried the fried oreos. We tried the fired cheese curds last year. They are okay, but the fried oreos are delicious. They taste like regular oreos, but with a very crunchy exterior. We saw the fried butter, but I just couldn't bring myself to try it. It sounds disgusting.

After the Fair, we went to Uptown to the Idle Rich Pub and enjoyed a frosty Oktoberfest beverage and bratwurst. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the sights and sounds of being in downtown.

The fair closes this Sunday, October 18. Hope you're able to visit Fair Park before the fair rolls out of town.