wings over houston.

All in a day's work, right? I was invited to attend Media Day at Ellington Field this morning to learn more about and meet the people behind the annual airshow Wings Over Houston. As a kid, I went with my family several times to experience the amazing display of WWII fighter planes doing demonstrations right above our heads, feeling the heat from explosions (all part of the show) and watching jets zip back and forth, breaking the sound barrier. Do you know what that feels like? Sounds like? It's incredible!!

Today after the press conference and interviews with a few of the major sponsors and pilots of the show, I was told I was going up and to pick my plane. There was a particular plane that I was immediately drawn to and I stuck with it, even when told that I might prefer this or that other plane.

54-year-old Ed "Echo" Vesely was my pilot, the owner of this fighter plane. The aircraft was the standard fighter plane from the years 1941-to I think 1946 and was in perfect condition. Ed's buddy Bob helped load me into the backseat, strap on my parachute, then belted me in. Ed orders me to "Lean forward." "I can't" I fretted, to which Ed alerts Bob "Lizzy's ready!" (This all made sense why a little later in the flight.)

Ed arranged with all the Torra Torra Torra planes to fly above, under, and around as they flew in their formations. Flying in formation also means they taxi to the runway and take off in formation. As we taxied to the runway behind them, I was already hyperventilating, shreiking, it was such a cool site to see!! "And we haven't even taken off yet!" Ed yelled through my headset.

Oh my gosh to see these planes take off together was mindblowing. We lifted off and the ground beneath me shrunk as the view expanded wide and far. We flew over Clear Lake and Kemah, had a birdseye view of much of the remaining damage caused by Ike. Ed would turn a hard right telling me to look down and the Torra Torra Torra formation would appear, flying so effortlessly beneath us, the city landscape as their backdrop. Are you kidding me? Over and over again, he'd surprise me with a new view of these planes and never was I tired or bored of it. Click here to see video clips!

The other guys headed back and Ed steered the plane towards the water. "Let's have some fun!!" He lefted the nose of the plane towards space and then turned the left wing hard, pointing down towards the water... *insert airplane sounds effects here*... and then we rolled. Literally, he rolled the plane!! And I don't think it was until I was upright again that I realized I'd been screaming the whole time. Ed just chuckled. "Ready for another one?" "Yes!!"

After 4 rolls, we headed back to land. It was such a rush!! I'm so excited for you to check out the annual Wings Over Houston coming up October 25th & 26th... be sure to look for Ed and his fighter plane!

swirll.

It's all Stacey's fault. She got me addicted too!

Thing is, Swirll frozen yogurt is the good-for-you kind of addiction... although it's not cheap, it's a small taste of heaven that makes any bad day great. And it's healthy / guilt free! They charge you by the ounce - you can load up on yogurt then you pile up with the goods. I usually add candy and chocolates, balancing out the healthy aspect and DK always adds fruit.

I've only been to the location on West Gray near Kroger, but check out all the other locations. It's SO DELICIOUS!!!

Enjoy!

they're leaving houston.

I knew this was coming but... is there really ever any way to fully prepare yourself to say goodbye to family like this?

Dave and Kim have diligently waited for an opportunity to work abroad and now the time has come and we are so excited for them.

They leave for Kuala Lumpur on October 27th.

David sent the email out today to all of us: "Just wanted you all to be the first to know: The contract for Malaysia is signed and sent!"

While David is busy helping set up the new office in KL, Kim is thinking of going back to school and getting her masters. Their projected stay will be for 2 years, which is perfect! I realize how little I know of this place and today have been reading up and learning more about where they're headed. Check it out!

Please be praying for them, that God provides continually and keeps them safe there and back.

Congrats Dave and Kim, I love you both so much...

a perfect weekend.

Any weekend with no big plans is a good weekend. And that's not to discount any weekend with big plans either, cause those are good too. It's just nice once in awhile to stumble upon a weekend with no big plans in the midst of several big plan weekends.

Friday night we had a live broadcast in Sugarland for Veggie Tales and I was floored at the stories of moms who fought lions to get their kids to the show. The things some parents will do for the sake of their kids having a blast dancing with other kids just blows my mind. It's great to be out broadcasting live again too... there've been some technical restrictions prohibiting us from doing so in the last months and it broke my heart. I LOVE BEING ON LOCATION!!

Saturday morning we ran - I did 10 miles, DK ran 8. I'm really proud of him... it's so fun to have running as something we both love and work on together. We had breakfast at Dry Creek and layed around reading for the rest of the afternoon.

I just started reading Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller and couldn't put it down... have you read it? I feel like he pulls the thoughts and feelings and words straight from my heart and splats 'em right down on the pages. Whew. I'll write more about him when I finish this book.

Later on I went with DK to get his haircut and then we met up with DJ, my friend from college who is in fro

m L.A. for an Astro's game. Jen came along too and it always proves to be so much fun hanging with her outside work. She's a huge Astros's fan and was very knowledgeable in terms of what was going on, who was who, and where to get hook-ups! After the game we met Dad and Mary downtown on the balcony of Cabo - what a great view! It was a blast and we had great conversation!

Sunday was low key... I'm not sure I even remember what we did? I know there was some reading, napping, wrestling with Kenai involved... a bikeride to Discovery Green and burgers while watching Sideshow Tramps onstage (the weather was outstanding!!)... then dinner in midtown with Dave and Kim... I got to see Stacey my roomate for 5 minutes and then we stopped over to get some Swirll. It's my FAVORITE.

Craig, Geoffrey, and the other guy give me a little pre-show private show...

All in all, it was THE perfect weekend. Well, perfect in terms of low key weekends, that is :)

look, stacey!

DK and crew are using our house as the setting for part of a short film for Second Films. This morning they arrived bright and early to start setting up and I snapped  some images of the process. I have to leave for work in a few minutes but DK promised to take more photos once the talent arrives (legendary actress!!) and the shooting begins.As you can see, Kenai is definitely in charge and the star of the show!

october 17th :: mark your calendar!

This is an organization I believe in and support greatly. I hope you'll come and learn more!
(Click the image for a larger version.)

lakewood fashion show.

(Click the image for a larger version.)

my boyfriend blogs.

Ok, everyone! Are you ready for this?

He's been working on this for quite awhile and has now unveiled his very own blog. And it's not at all what you'd expect.

I must say, I'm VERY impressed. It's so DK.

Click here to check it out!

sick day.

I had a stomach ache that turned into... well, I'll spare you the details. In my 4 years at KSBJ, I think I've used 4 sicks days total and this ache definitely merited use of another one. I crashed into my bed at home and poor helpless DK didn't know where to begin.

Eventually, after the pain grew and grew, he was on the phone with the nurse and she instructed me to come straight to the minor emergency clinic, "Don't drive yourself." Geeze!

Turns out I had a bug and was beyond dehydrated. After two hours in the clinic, a painful shot in my hip, and a conversation between Bill Clinton and Larry King on the tv, I was "released".

Where does this junk come from? Ugh, I hate being so immobilized. However, it was no doubt another great memory for DK and me, embarrassing as these times are, I think we became even greater friends and lovers after this experience :)

running behind.

I'm seeing how more and more how God really uses this marathon training time to speak to me. And it makes sense too because it's out of my comfort zone, it's painful, I rely solely on Him to get me through each workout, and I'm stuck inside my head with either "This sucks, I hate this, I'm giving up" or "God thank you for the glorious sunrise this morning, thank you for my health, thank you for strength in You..." and in this time, it's becoming easier and easier to cling to and praise Him as my first and natural reaction.

In hills training, I'm pretty much the slowest one in the group and it's tough for me because I am so terribly competitive. This morning was a bit more difficult for me than usual (and I found out later why) but when running up and down the hills, as fast and strong as I feel like I've gotten in the last couple months, I still wasn't faster than the girl in front of me. You should have heard the conversation in my head, beating myself up, even imagining the conversation I'd have with my coach explainging why I quit and couldn't train anymore. My head cleared and I realized on how many levels we do this, comparing ourselves. God was speaking again.

In Christian life, do you ever tend to feel not as spiritual as the next gal? That you can't pray outloud in a group as impressively or beautifully as others? That you can't quote scripture or speak blessing as spiritually as your friends? That you aren't as secure in your walk as someone else? Or maybe you feel that your life isn't as clean and pure as someone you imagine never drinks, swears, or talks crap about others? I feel that way all the time.

Or what about finances and organization of LIFE? In everything from going to bed early and eating well to getting regular car washes and checking your bank statement daily, I compare myself to everyone around me. I feel really behind sometimes, as though I'm not maintaining my role as a woman leading the charge on perfect Christian life. What are the things you compare yourself to? Who are the people?

"Girl, it's just you and me" is what He spoke so peacefully. I felt the words blow in on a beautiful breeze from down the bayou. It's so important to surround yourself around people who inspire and motivate you, but when you start crossing the line into comparing yourself to the point you start knocking and tearing away at your own self-esteem and self-worth, it's time to re-evaluate. Hello, control freak!!

So, it's just you and Him at the pace and in the race only He can determine and guide. Let Him be the one who determines your worth as a mother, as a woman, as a marathon runner...

And when I let it go this morning, let Him be the determiner of my worth and speed, I think I even started to run a bit faster.

citizen kane.

In an effort to temporarily re-direct focus off news of Ike and continued relief efforts after work, DK and I set a new goal together: to see every movie listed on AFI's Top 100 Movies.

We consider ourselves big movie buffs and after viewing the list, I couldn't believe how many movies I've NOT seen. So last night we started with #1 - Citizen Kane.

It was outstanding! I was shocked at the cinematography, how each shot was so carefully blocked and set up, and what they were able to do in terms of special effects... in 1941!! I did some research as we watched the movie and was blown away by all the history, the facts about Orson Welles' life and also the meaning behind the entire film. Controversy ensues.

bustin' out the photos.

I love taking photos. Always have. I love taking photos especially of people and think scenery photos are terribly boring without someone in them. Capturing my family and friends, even strangers and documenting my life and theirs has always been second nature to me, all thanks to my dad. It's because of him that I feel my camera is almost an extension of my body and even without a camera, I see things while driving, sitting still and all around me... through the lens.

But when it comes to organizing and displaying my photos, I'm terrible. I tried Ophoto, thought about having them all printed and placed in one of several dead-ended scrapbooks, and just haven't had any great means to organize and archive my photos. But now I think I've got a method down that works for me.

Because I shoot mostly digital, it's easier to collect and load my photos. So what I've done is organized them all into iPhoto on my laptop and from there have started uploading them little by little on my Flickr account. It's been so much fun going through photos from so long ago and reliving all the travels and moments. It's going to be a slow process, but they are looking more and more organized AND in a place I can share with family and friends. I love Flickr most because you don't lose any image quality, you have several organizing methods that are not overwhelming and you can definitely order prints!

Click here to see what I have so far! And remember, it's a slooooow process!

aftermath.

I'm at work till 2p.m. this afternoon and am taking advantage of the electricity to charge my cell phone and post photos.

To see the photos and videos to come, click here.

live ike coverage from kristen "cooper" :)

When we discovered that Anderson Cooper was reporting LIVE from downtown Houston, Kristen and I responded well. At first we discussed the possibility of going downtown to meet him but after the realization that one of CNN's most renowned anchors was reporting to the world the news of this hurricane barreling down on our city the thought was quite sobering. (We weren't really going to go downtown.)

And at 11:22p.m. we lost power.

signs of ike.

the wind is really blowing!!

the clouds are rolling in.

I headed over to north downtown to secure DK's apartment and this was the view from his rooftop

i love the mannings - this is HILARIOUS.

neighborhood prep.

Kenai and I just went for a bike ride around the neighborhood just to see what we could see.

It's 10:45 a.m. on Friday morning.

glued to the tube.

stacey, me, kenai, kristen... 

totally scared.

I work for a radio station that through even the biggest storms, continues to stay on-air and proclaim the message of hope. And though I believe it and speak it from my heart, I'm really scared too.

What do you do with the fear?

At this point, I'm planning on "hunkering down" with Kenai at my house in Montrose. My brother and his wife are in the Galleria area, Kristen is down the street, DK left for Pittsburgh this morning, and dad is at home in The Woodlands. It's important to stay in touch and know the location of your loved ones.

Also, Kristen wants to throw an "Ike and Tina Party" but I told her Kenai and I might have to arrive by canoe down Taft :) So at least our senses of humor are still very much in tact.

What are your plans?

snooze.

This morning my alarm went off at 5:15 ish and I stress the "ish" because I'm not too sure when it went off initially. Eventually after about 12 snooze button slams, I finally got up to follow through with my committment to once a week bust a move on the hills with the team.

It wasn't that I was exhausted or really too tired, I think the reason it was so hard to get up was because my bed was warm and soft, I was so comfy, and I love sleeping. Also it was obviously much easier than getting up and sweating my rear off on the hills.

I showed up about 15 minutes late and jumped right in. But in the midst of my workout, I felt more confident than ever as we raced up and down the hills. I felt the strength in my legs pushing me further and mentally I was totally charged because 1. I was suprised at how much faster I'd gotten and 2. I recognized this change was happening from my consistent hard work. It felt good on all fronts.

After we finished, I stood at the bottom of the hill, hands on hips and looked up at the sky, noticing all the streaks and colors stretching West as the sun rose. There were some serious pinks and lines of bright white clouds, it was breathtaking and definitely worth leaving my cozy, comfy bed.

I thought of how it's similar to the way God works in and through us. By pulling us out of our comfort zones and using us in ways far out of our narrow-mindedness, challenging us, growing and strengthening us in places we're afraid to go, little by little it won't take long for us to see it too. We've just got to be available, dream big, and keep an open heart and mind. Just think of all we'd be missing if we always "stayed in bed"!!

And as Coach Duvall says at the end of our workouts, "Now go conquer the world."

how do you like your eggs?

DK and I ate breakfast at Barnaby's this morning and when the time came to order, I confused the waiter and myself once again with the same trouble I have each time: I don't know how to order my eggs.

I know what I like, I just don't know the official terms used in describing over-easy, over-medium, etc. How did I miss this for all these years?

So, I Wikipedia-ed it. And here ya go!

Over Well - cooked on both sides until the yolk has solidified. Over Hard - also called 'hard' - cooked on both sides until the yolk has solidified; yolk broken. Over Medium - cooked on both sides; the yolk is of medium consistency and the egg white is thoroughly cooked. Over Easy - also called 'runny', cooked on both sides; the yolk is a thin liquid, while the egg white is partially cooked. This is occasionally called 'sunny side down.' Sunny Side Up - cooked only on one side; yolk is liquid (the oil or fat may be used to baste the sunny side, however.) The egg white is often still rather runny as well.

So for next time, it's "I'll take my eggs over-medium, please!"

hurricane preparedness.

just sayin'.

we're having a baby!

It's something we've both wanted for so long now. We've done the research, we've prayed, and we've waited. And on December 20th, DK, Kenai and I will be welcoming home a brand new, bouncy English White Labrador puppy!!

Are you kidding me?! A puppy!! I couldn't be more thrilled and am excited about this new adventure :) DK is going to name him Orson, after Orson Welles. Kenai and Orson, Kenai and Orson, how fun?!

This is a photo of his mother, Zoey. What a babe, ya?

A puppy, just in time for Christmas... could life be any more fun?

101 questions to ask before you get engaged.

It's a really great book and discussion starter and I recommend it to anyone who's been dating for a few months and thinking about potential marriage.

We ordered it a few months back to use as part of our weekly Bible study time together. Once the book arrived in the mail and sat face up on the coffee table, the word "engaged" seemed to pop off the cover, fly and whiz around the room and was kinda unsettling in a nervous, anxious and exciting manner. But after we cracked it open, it began to make sense... it really spurs a ton of conversation between the two of us and helps get the ball rolling on important topics, all the while learning so much about each other.

This morning we talked about how we were disciplined as kids and how we think we will discipline our own kids... we've also discussed the things we've learned about ourselves in previous relationships, our journey of faith, how do we feel we will maintain our individuality if we one day get married and so on.

Tomorrow is our 6-month anniversary!! I'm so excited and a little overwhelmed with gratitude to God and the beautiful way He continually provides. For me this anniversary represents a time well spent with an amazing, dignified, dilligent, talented, generous, consistent, hilarious, strikingly handsome, dedicated, loving, understanding, knowing, smart, God-fearing, steady, creative, adventurous, humble, strong, brave, and sweet man. He's my absolute best friend, we have such a blast together and enjoy the quiet lazy times together also :)

Aaaaaaaand, this weekend he's taking me to Pittsburgh to meet the family... for the first time!! I'm really excited, terribly nervous, and so thrilled that I'm finally able to spend time with them in person, learning more and more about DK...

Do you remember when you first "met the parents"? What was it like - were you nervous, not a big deal? Any funny embarrassing stories? Tell me, tell me!!

LJ

come see kim!

My sister-in-law Kim is a brilliant painter and this weekend is showing her work at the Yale Street Art Market in The Heights!

Would LOVE for everyone to come out, the weather should be gorgeous! Kim has been working on some beautiful new paintings and will be featured amongst several other painters, artisans, jewelry designers, etc.

Click here for all the details :)

i punched george foreman in the face!

I look totally dorky. George Foreman came by KSBJ to do some recording and I had the chance to shake his hand and practice my upper cut.

live in ksbj studios.

l-r: grant, annetta, me, chris, daniel, matt, shelley, mike

chris tomlin live.

And I get paid to do this?

Today on the show, Chris Tomlin will be my guest co-host celebrating the release of his album (in stores today!) "Hello Love".

He's rolling in around 3 pm and will be here till 7. Listen as he shares music from the new album, tells stories from the road and behind the music. I can't wait.

Click here for more.

we can't take the heat.

I've lived in Houston my whole life and have never hated the heat as much as I did this weekend. Maybe I'm getting old?

With a 3-day weekend ahead of us, of course we wanted to plan something big so we loaded up the dogs, the coolers, and the camping gear then met Dave and Kim for a big weekend camping in the Sam Houston National Forest. 

We arrived a few hours before the others and were on a mission to locate a camping spot. I remembered a particular place from a few years back and it was so ideal, I was determined to find it again to show the group. Armed with a 4-wheel drive vehicle and mountain bikes, we ventured into some seriously off-road trails and eventually found my utopia camping spot - it was GORGEOUS! Fluffy grass, constant breeze coming in off the water, easy access to the lake and more. However, we could only get there by bike... and it was at least 4 miles in from the main road, making it impossible with all the gear we had to carry! So we settled for Plan B: a spot not as cool, breezy, or photogenic, but still near the lake and accessible by car. 

We built a great fire and ate some delicious hotdogs while telling stories and talking about upcoming events... I love my brother and Kim, they are so adventurous and interesting! In fact, the next morning they headed out for an Adventure Racing challenge while DK, Kenai, Katie, and I stayed at the Forest for more adventure. I took a nap in my camping chair and DK stayed busy, "tending to the campsite". The sun was rising and so was the temperature... we figured the best way to stay cool, especially with the dogs, was to get into the water. So we tromped through some marshy land and dove into Lake Conroe. Though it was nice at first, the sun began to drain every last bit of energy, hope and positive attitude from us both.

It was about 2p.m. that we resorted to sitting in the A/C in DK's truck - mostly to protect the dogs from heat exhaustion - and then around 3p.m. DK checked the current temp. (100 degrees!!) that we finally decided we were ok with planning for another experience soon once the weather changes and salvaging the rest of our weekend by heading back to the (air-conditioned) city. 

Since we came back, we've watched lots of movies and really felt the toll the heat took on us... feeling unusually tired and dehydrated. I'm sure I sound like a total wimp, but it seriously is scary to think of what the extreme heat is capable of doing if we're not careful. We've also been nerds on the tracking radars, watching Gustav, Hanna and Ike activity. 

All in all, it's been a great weekend full of teamwork, relaxing and taking care of one another. Hope yours was great too!!