PHX is The Place to Be!!

Since I'm so good at blogging it's going on two weeks now, B and I went to Phoenix to visit my parents and friends for Memorial Day.
One of the things B has been really into is clay/sport shooting...whatever style-- he's into it.

We went to the Ben Avery Shooting Range in the north valley and it was quite the place. They have all kinds of things you can do there, every kind of shooting scenario...it's available. I mean check out this map!I'm all for showing the best first and this is my favorite pic of my dad. If you look closely you can not only see the clay blown to pieces, you can also see the shell shooting out of the side of the gun. So lucky to catch that shot!
Is it wrong for a Coach purse to be on a shooting range? Only in AZ :-)
Here's my mom and the instructor who was awesome! He really helped us improve our style, or lack thereof.
And of course b-man had to get in some action. Yeah our newest addition to the family was his Benelli shotgun! Before I left, my mom and I were able to get some fun shopping time with my best girl Ondrea. We've been friends since freshman year of high school and she's great.More pics from Vegas!

We're BACK!!

We're back after 8 days on vacation. The first 1/2 was in Phoenix visiting my mom and dad and the second 1/2 was mainly spent here...the pool at the Flamingo Hotel.
I'll post pics soon after I can get everything unpacked...we spent a lot of money. Well when it's $24 for two drinks at this pool, you better get out the lube for your rear end. I went shopping and got some really comfy flip flops!

What I really need to do is eat healthy. I haven't been so good lately and I NEED to get back on board.

What is your favorite healthy dish?

I'll feature your recipe and repost, linking to you for all the other healthy girls to see!

Trap Shooting and what not...

I'm here in Iowa at the in-laws writing while B and the 'rents hit up the trail and exercise the dogs. I decided not to go with since I'm really lazy and only brought heels...what better time to work on my blog on week old happenings than now. I've been so bad about blogging lately since I've taken on a side job in addition to my real job. I just blog stalk now.

This is Me playing around with Photo booth while Brian drives to IA last week. (photo booth reverses shots so no I'm not on my laptop in the car while I'm driving.

Open your eyes Duke!!Okay enough with photo booth!

Last week my youngest nephew turned one and since his parents live on a farm, we thought it'd be a great idea to try out some trap shooting. While I have shot pistols and even rifles before, I've never shot a shotgun. I borrowed a 20 gauge from a friend but I couldn't hit crap with it so I upped the ante and switched to the 12. Lots more powerful but nothing this chic can't candle...I did get a bruise on my shoulder/armpit though.

Memorial Fiesta and a New Baby!!

So B and I are headed to the Valley of the Sun, or as I like to refer to it...HOME. My dad wants me to bring my new baby--Ruger!
This isn't my real gun...I'm too lazy to take a pic of it, but it looks just like this. I should be getting my conceal and carry permit any day now and I needed a gun I could use for concealing. I have a 40 cal S&W M&P compact. I do like it but it's not very portable for me (maybe Rambo). Hence "baby Ruger", I also refer to it as my "running gun". I'll need to get a special holster for running but at least it won't pull my shorts off while I'm going down the trail. I'll be damned if I'm going to get violated out on a trail running with my dog by some creeper. Move over pepper spray there's a new kid in town!

Did I ever tell anyone I love my new job and my new boss? This job makes traveling more conducive. Well since we're going to visit my mom and dad for Memorial weekend, we thought we'd squeeze in some Sin City as well.

I'm excited to once again stay a the Flamingo Hotel...
I love that place. It's in the middle of everything. We also reserved the new Go Room...
Well maybe I'll post some pictures of my new car next time!! Hasta luego!!

Family Outing at the Japanese Steakhouse

Last night the crew (aka The Leinen Gang or my in-laws) went to Genji's Japanese Steakhouse for, our nephew, Luke's birthday. For the normal diner, this is no big deal, but for my hubs this is like being in actual Tokyo. As I've stated before, Brian eats like a 5 year old--nothing green, no veggies but corn and potatoes. The rest of his diet consists of meat, cheese and bread. He's a processed food freak! I was so surprised this picky eater actually didn't have to hit the Arby's drive through after dinner. Here is my brother in law Brad with his kids, "Birthday Luke" and Lucy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Raspberry Genji (although pretty weak). I guess it's raspberry sake, cranberry juice, and a splash of sprite. Yummy.
They apparently like to embarrass you for your birthday with this umbrella for a pic.
B and I after dinner. I'm stuffed from the fabUlous fried rice.
Afterward we went bowling with the kids...well some of the kids are bigger than others.


Brian is working on his form here, I usually just launch it down the way and break a nail in the process. Speaking of nails...I'll be posting about something cool next time. ;-)

Hartford CT Here We Come

So the few of you who actually do read my blog since I've been SO bad at actually posting lately know I got a new job in advertising sales. I'm liking the change but still learning the ropes. I feel like I haven't quite found my niche in comfort. I do however like how everyone has been very understanding of my newness and I feel my co-workers are really there for me. We just did our taxes for 2009 and I'm glad I made the change financially as well. Last year I made less than I did the year before-by more than I was expecting, so I'm glad I got out of my comfort zone and am trying something new and exciting and I hope will be the best for me and Brian.

The weekend before Easter (aka Holy Week) we have a sales conference in Hartford Connecticut. I've never been there before and while we won't have a ton of time to do anything super involving. My colleague and I, who will be traveling from Omaha together, will be getting to CT a day early since the flights were so much cheaper.

Has anyone been there before? Any suggestions as to a nice place to hang the night before?

Been a While and Changes are Here to Stay

Well it's definitely been a while since I've blogged. I've been going through some major changes in my life--Career changes. Mid January I quit my job at the Toyota Scion dealership I've worked at for almost 4 year! I was definitely sad to leave all my co-workers and friends I made over the years but I still feel it was for the best. Everyone was so sweet my last week at the dealership, it definitely made it hard. Here's my "going away" cake courtesy of our service department...apparently there was a problem at the bakery...
she was blond but not after the guys got a hold of her and "dyed" her hair with a magic marker.
They also threw me a nice going away lunch catered by Qdoba! It was so nice.

I didn't waste any time, and started my new position with LPi the following Monday in Minneapolis for training. All of my new colleagues are really nice too. I am one blessed person to have great people to work with yet again!

While inI stopped off at the Mall of America.
The mall wasn't what I was hoping for, but definitely overwhelming. I couldn't believe how many food options there were in one mall.

I did however happen to find the cutest restaurant (not at the mall) called Patrick's Cafe. This place was a treat! I got a chicken salad and this stellar cheesecake for takeout.
It was almost too pretty to eat...but I managed. Look at that yummy surprise in the cheesecake--raspberry filling!

I'm learning a lot at my new job and hope you girls are doing well. I hope to get back to blogging now that I'm home and working. Please pray for my success at my new job in advertising sales...there's a big learning curve and I need it!