LULU'S SPA DAY

Yesterday Happy Handsome Hounds came and gave Lulu the royal treatment. She got a bath, a haircut, her nails trimmed, and a fabulous spring scarf (Sarcasm for my Momma. She HATES the scarves they put on the puppies).  When I got home, we did a little photo shoot.  Here are the pics......

I mean, can you stand how cute she is?!?!?!!?!  I just DIE for her. 

I went out to dinner at my fave mexican restaurant last night.  I got the guiltless chicken quesadilla.  This chica is in major need of a diet and excercise intervention after being sick this past week. I got up this morning and ran 5 miles. It was ugly, but I got it done. I'm back on the wagon. It wasn't all bad because I got to watch the royal wedding while I ran. Loved the dress. Hated her flowers. But overall it was magnificent.

I can't wait for the weekend! It is suppoused to be nice so we might even get out on boat. Fingers crossed!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

OVER. IT.

I am sooooo over this dang cold. O.V.E.R. it.  I am sick of not being able to workout. I am sick of not being able to sleep.  I am sick of being mistaken for a man on the phone because my voice is raspy. I am sick of having to blow my nose every three minutes. Seriously, I had no idea my body could produce so much JUNK. Gross.

I just want to feel normal again. I want to get up at 5:00 am and go running (weird, I know). I want to sleep through the night, or at least 4 consecutive hours.  I want to be able to taste my food again. I want to not feel tired and emotional all the time!!!!

Not an actual pic of me. But pretty darn close, right down to the rollers and the robe!

Thanks for listening to my rant.  I was told that stress makes me hold on to this stuff so complaining make me feel better :) .



On a happier note, Ms. Lulu is getting groomed today. I love it when she is freshly groomed and smells good! I will, of course, post a pic tomorrow!

Smooches and Sneezes,

THE DARLING DIVA

GOOOOOOOO TIGERS!

Welp, it's official. I can finally talk about it!!!! Teddy Ballgame (Daddy) is going to be the Director of Athletics at The University of Pacific (effective July 1st).  I couldn't be happier for him.  He played at Pacific, coached at Pacific, was the Athletics Director at Pacific (in the 80's) and the Vice President at Pacific. He is in the Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame so he totally feels like this is his school!    He even married my Mom at the university chapel 40 years ago!


Everybody is on board. Mom is embracing ORANGE (gasp) and Crystal has her tiger print collar on.  Below is a pic of our family back when Dad was the AD the first time!  Weren't we cute?!?! I showed a couple of people at work and they said that I had my princess wave down even back then! I was a diva from the START! HA!

Here is the pic from the article today in the paper........SO FUN!!!!!

Side note: From here on out if I say anything like....go Tigers, congratulations Tigers, good luck Tigers, YEAH Tigers...... I am refering ONLY to the Pacific Tigers.......NOT the tigers from Missouri. Just had to make that clear.

All I can say is......Here we go again..........

SMOOCHES,

THE DARLING DIVA

WORKING WEEKEND

It's kind of hard for me to believe that this was a holiday weekend. I felt crummy all weekend which was a bummer because I was really looking forward to hanging out with my people and celebrating Easter.  Instead, with a few exceptions, I spent the weekend at my house. A "stay-cation" I would call it.  I had a long list of to-do's for my house and, with the beautiful weather, I was just itching to get it done. There is a great deal of satisfaction that comes with my house being in top condition. Probably because growing up, our house was always perfect. 


I had a project that I was dreading getting done, so I decided to do it first thing Saturday morning. Just to get it over with.  After my Wayne workout I headed straight to ACE Hardware and started while I was still grubby from my workout.  The bushes along my front walk had died and were looking pretty shabby so I had my lawn guy, Barney, pull them out for me.  That left a huge and muddy walkway that was just unacceptable. I got a "weed killing tarp" (there is probably a more technical term, but I sure don't know it) and marble rocks and went to town. I ended up having to go back to ACE three times since I grossly underestimated the amount of rock I would need. I am now on a first name basis with all the ACE guys. HA!!

Before

After

It's still not perfect. Probably two or three more bags of marble rock will do.  I will tackle that next weekend though. The thought of going back to ACE for a fourth time is a little humiliating.  Maybe by next Saturday the guys loading the rock will have forgotten about me :)  I also have to take the sprinkler heads off so they don't pop out. That bugs. And, of course, touch up the paint.

Next up was the garage.  I have a two car garage. It's huge and roomy and I LOVE it in the winter.  Since it's just the Explorer in there, I have plenty of room for all my stuff.  I even have a storage room above my garage I haven't even touched.  The garage is a god-send in the winter. I would NEVER go workout every morning if I had to scrape ice at 5:30 am.  But once spring rolls around, it is in total need of a cleaning.  All of the leaves, dirt, sand, etc. of the fall and winter adds up!   I took everything out of my garage and then Hudy and KO came over and used a blower and cleaned it right up. Easy peasy.

Finished product. Pefection :)

I thought this was a funny pic. All of my front door and gate decorations for the year. Thanks, Mom :)

I got a bunch of other little stuff done around the inside of my house too. Cleaned the bathroom floors, dusted my tv and tv stand, changed my sheets. I don't really know what got into me, but I love the finished product.

On the agenda for next weekend?  Fix BOTH toilets (don't ask, long story), get more rocks to finish up sidewalk and touch up that paint, figure out how to re-attatch my gutter (another long story), deep-clean my car,  and tackle my laundry room.  When did I turn into such a domestic Diva? HA!

Ya'll don't feel too bad for me, though. My weekend wasn't spent all stuck inside. I firmly believe that all work and no play makes Amanda a dull girl so  Friday night I went over to Junior's house and hung out with the Wedd's. We ate mexican food and enjoyed the outside with Hudson.  I took Lulu along because she loves their yard.  Saturday I went over to Lora's because Erica was over there with her little guy, Kingston.  I spent a couple of hours there hanging and talking. It was great.  Later in the day I went for a drink and met up with the besties and our friend Holly at The Eldridge. That's when I started feeling crummy, so I went home early to bed.  

My little man, Kingston.

Holly and us.

I went to church on Easter morning and slept the rest of the day. I would have LOVED to go over and watch Hudson hunt for eggs, but I was too paranoid about getting the babies sick so I stayed away :(  

I did, however, get a chance to make my family's traditional bunny cake! I've pretty much had this every Easter of my whole life so, eventhough I was feeling bad, I HAD to make it.  I knew my Mom was home in California making one too, so it kind of made me feel close to the fam.

Isn't she cute?!?!?

My Mom's cake back in California. Obviously she has had more practice :)

Welp, that pretty much wraps it up!   I am feeling really groggy this morning. Probably since I chugged a half bottle of NyQuil last night at about 2:00 am.  I need to shake this thing soon so I can get back in the gym. Lake season is just weekends away!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!!!!

Last night the besties and I got together to dye some easter eggs. We usually do this kind of stuff around the holidays. We carve pumpkins at Halloween, decorate cookies at Christmas, dye eggs at Easter, etc......We have such crazy lives that ONLY revolve around basketball so we joke that doing stuff like this makes us feel "normal."
Side note: We know we will never be "normal."  We make it a huge party, grill, and all bring our puppies (who are actually full grown dogs). Last night there were 6 people and 5 dogs.  We all picked up our own kits....I, of course, picked up the glitter kit. Standard.

Doesn't it look fun? (excuse the rough looking mani....I need payday to come FAST)

The set up. Of course Coach O'Connor has it all organized. We had to reminder her a couple of times the this wasn't basketball practice! HA!

Our finished product. We are so proud.

So we aren't professionals, but we had fun. We always do.  The next holiday we celebrate is Cinco De Mayo.  Margs and sombreros. I can't believe our players don't think we are cool! Ha!

Lulu having a blast with her friends! Look at that smile!

Ann's darling puppy KC. The newest member of the bunch!

I'm planning on going over and hanging out with Hudson and dying some more eggs with him. His will probably turn out better then mine! HA! Not much else going on this weekend besides Wayne, yard work, and church on Sunday!

Happy Easter everyone!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA 

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Last night was our end of the year banquet. We spent the night celebrating the 2010-11 season and honoring our seniors, Krysten and Marisha.  It was a chance for us to thank our season ticket holders, Hardwood Club (booster club) members, and administrators. Our seniors get a chance to give a (brief) speech and it usually gets pretty emotional. Last night was no exception.  It was a great night.

I know, horrible pic. But I had to show how cute they all looked dressed up!

 After the banquet the staff went to the Oread and had some drinks, shared a bunch of stories and laughed a whole lot. It was the perfect way to put the '10-'11 season to bed. We've been through a lot, accomplished a lot, and we are a better and stronger staff for it.   Driving home I was just thankful. Thankful that I get to work with my best friends every day. Thankful that I have a great boss who, although sometimes can be difficult (Love ya, Bonnie. You know that. :) ) , is supportive and generous. Thankful that I'm comfortable in my work enviroment and I don't mind going to work every morning, sometimes I'm actually excited. I'm also thankful that I get to work on a college campus with young women everyday. Watching them grow and knowing I am helping them is gratifying. I just wish they would stop missing layups! HA!  Really, my only beef is that I don't make a whole lot of money but I make enough to keep Lulu and I safe (Shout out to Mom and Dad. wink wink.) . Here are some fun pics from the year, our staff and our players.

The "yahoos" after a Hudy workout.

Trena and Hudy at a staff dinner. Typical.

Halloween. Hilarious.

One of many community service events.

Best buddies helping eachother out before a game. Best part is Bonnie in the background giving encouragement.

After we beat RANKED Iowa State!

PINK zone game. My fave game for obvious reasons.

Animal, KO, and I at a team dinner in KC.  Notice the "yahoos" in the background.

My media guide pic this year. Just think it's a cute pic :)

As you can see, we really do have a good time together.  I am so blessed.

I can't wait for next season, ladies! I'm sooooo proud of you all! Enjoy the summer. I know I will :)


Smooches and Rock Chalk,

THE DARLING DIVA 

HE'S HERE!!!!!!!!

Harrison Dirk Hardesty

8 lbs    21 in

(Not the most flattering pic of me. It was a long day at work. Gheesh.)

Sorry I didn't blog yesterday but I was busy hanging out at the hospital with my new little man, Harrison!  Lora and I just had dinner Sunday night and we were joking about how she would probaby still be preggers on Easter. Next thing I know she texted me from the hospital that she was in labor! You just never know! Of course I brought him the cutest little KU booties.  I need to make sure he is properly outfitted!!! HA!  

Congratulations, Lora and Scott!  I can't wait to spoil him and watch him grow! 

(BTW, I fully realize that I just used a lot of exclamation points (!)...I am just that excited about him!!!!!!!! HA!)

Tonight is our end of the year banquet.  I always have mixed emotions about this event.  On one hand, I am sad to see our seniors go. On the other hand, this is the last official event before the summer gets started, and we all know........I CAN'T WAIT FOR SUMMER!!!!!

I went running this morning and came back to find Lulu munching on a sponge. I swear I feed her! I don't know why she does that.  Stay tuned for the aftermath............

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE.........

This past weekend was great. I met some friends out Friday night at The Salty Iguana for some dinner and drinks. I love their SkinnyGirl Margaritas and Guiltless Chicken Fajitas. I went with Hudy, who I am always with, but met up with some friends that I don't really see all that often.  I mean, we work in the same building, but our schedules are so hectic during the year it seems like we are miles away!!  It was great catching up with them and a few laughs. Well, a lot of laughs! Ha!

Saturday started out early after a short workout and stretch I went over and helped Ann paint for a little bit. Well, I actually layed on the ground and talked to everyone while THEY painted.  I figured that was putting my best skills to use :) Then I went over to Junior's house and had some din din and played with Hudson. He had just seen the Easter Bunny that day so he was obsessed with hiding and finding eggs.Lulu came with me because the Wedds have a huge fenced in yard and Lulu is in heaven there. I taught Hudson to say, "Lulu is a diva." He just kept repeating it! Scott was so happy with me!  HA! Shane was home too so that was fun to see him. It was early to bed before my big race on Sunday.

Sunday came REALLY early. I met a bunch of people at work at 6:50 am so we could all drive over to the course together.  The race started right on time and I cruised through the first 10 miles fine......the last 3.2 miles were HELL though. I mean, I thought for sure they miscalculated the course and we actually went 15 miles! HA! I survived though, and didn't walk ONCE. Go me!  When I crossed the finish line all my yahoos were waiting there for me. Excuse the grainy pics... I had a friend take them with her cell and they didn't turn out that great! But you guys will get the general idea :)

Me crossing the finish line.

Hudy and Dooley waiting for me to finish. They waited a long time. HA!

After we all went home and showered we met up at the local gourmet burger place to grub and grab some drinks. We had grand ideas about getting tipsy and celebrating our accomplishments. Let me tell you, we were all DUDS! First off, we scarfed down our meals because we were so hungry. I don't think any of us actually tasted them.  To be honest, after that, we didn't fell like drinking. All I felt like was taking a fat NAP. Everybody agreed and we went our seperate ways.

I'm pretty proud of my accomplishments on the race course. My only goal was to survive and I DID.  I even got a shiny medal that is proudly hanging on my garage door knob with my ones from past years.  Eventhough the run was hard, I really enjoyed just being around all the people.  My Dad likes to tell a story about me not wanting to be moved up to varsity my sophomore year because all my friends were still JV. I actually told the coach "No" until my parents made me call him back. I told my Dad I was a "social rower." I think he choked on his food :)  Well,  I'm a "social runner."  I know, Dad, you are beaming with pride! HA!


Love you all....

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

SUNDAY FUNDAY

So this weekend is the big half marathon.WHOOT WHOOT!  I am actually kind of excited. Not really for the running, but more for the new Adidas outfit I got to wear! HA! It consists of Adidas capris, a bright orange Adidas shirt and matching kicks.  Love.  I am only KINDA excited about the running. I remember the feeling I had when I crossed the finish line last year.  Relief and accomplishment. I think I might of had a little runner's high too! I'm just really nervous because my foot has been KILLING me lately. It started at my parent's house in Cali and hasn't gone away! I guess I am just getting old :)  Anyhoo...I am prepared. I have put in the training time, now I just need to go for it.  I am going to put a few more songs on my Ipod this weekend then I should be all set. Sunday is race day so stay tuned cause I will have pics up on Monday. After the race we are doing a bloody mary crawl through Lawrence. Should be interesting since I don't like tomato juice OR spicy drinks, but I am a good sport, so I will make the most of it! 

Side note: I am helping my friend, Ann, paint her house on Saturday. This could get complicated since the only other house I have painted is my own. And even then, I was relieved of my duties half way through.  I was never good at coloring between the lines. My only goal is not to spill a whole paint can or step in the paint and track it through the house.  We'll see how it goes :)

I don't really like to post without a cute pic to go along with it. I don't have one this time since this post is about events that haven't happened yet,  so I will just post one of my baby. Her tag says, "Think I'm cute? Check out my owner." HA! 

Updates on Monday of everything!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

THANKFUL THURSDAY

So.....Bonnie didn't take us out for happy hour to celebrate her birthday. She had made other plans with her friends. The Nerve! Ha!  It turned out ok though. I got an extra run in after work (3 days until the half marathon) and then went over and saw my bf Lora and her family. Lora's son Hudson is probably one of my favorite people EVER.  He is just so cute and funny. He loves to show off and is so smart! We played on the swing set and then he showed me his "big boy bed."  Lora said when I was gone in California he pretended to call me using an old phone and ask if Lulu and I could come over. I just love him.


I don't really have much to say today.  I woke up with such a sense of gratitude for everything I have in my life. My family, my friends, everyone's health, my dog, my job, my home, Proactiv, sparkly flats.  I am one lucky girl. The only thing missing is that certain someone :) I said a little prayer on my way to work today. Hopefully that person walks into my life soon! I think I'm ready :)

Aren't my people gorgeous?! I love you all. I ran this morning and my foot is KILLING me. Not good two days before half marathon :( Oh well, I will get through it!

Smooches,                                                                                                                                                 

THE DARLING DIVA