New Year, New Decade!

Wow! Has it really been 10 years since we panicked over what Y2K might do to us? Hard to believe how fast time travels. And boy have we seen it move at the speed of light! More than I wanted it to. Hard to think that at the end of the next 10 years, I will be married 30 years and have two grown children. Yikes!

So in the meantime (which will be a blink of an eye) I plan to FOCUS on the positive side of life such as PEACE, LOVE, and HAPPINESS! And of course, a whole lot of Gabbin', Gigglin' and Grinnin'! I'm sure I'll fit a little bit of Groovin' in as well. This girl has always gotta dance! Click here and do just that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0ixo5K2aTk


Wishing you and yours the very best in 2010!

Gab at ya in the new year!

Nan

It's NOT about the gifts...it's about the MEMORIES!

Can you believe that another Christmas has come and gone?! And what a beautiful white Christmas it was! I can't remember the last time that Texas has had a white Christmas.

Christmas morning was a complete blur in my house. Everyone knows the drill...you spend HOURS wrapping presents, only to have them ripped open in 7.3 seconds. I use to be up into the wee hours of Christmas morning wrapping gifts. A few years ago, I told myself to start wrapping the gifts as I buy them, so I would not be up late. This has worked out great! However, the destruction time is still the same, if not quicker.

This year, for the first time in a very long time, Cactus & I both had our siblings in for the holidays (minus his oldest sister). His youngest sister and her husband came in from D.C/New York; my sister, her husband and their two kids came in from the Metroplex. My brother and his family live here, so this made for a great time for all of us to spend time together.

Travel was crazy for them, however. My sister-in-law was lucky to arrive. Anyone that lives in Abilene, knows that if it rains here, the airport shuts down. So...when the snow arrived, we just knew that Ann and Jim probably would not make it into Abilene. Surprise, surprise...they made it! They were five hours late...but they made it! Every flight into Abilene was cancelled, EXCEPT the one that they were coming in on. Luckily, my sister and her family were not scheduled to arrive until Saturday morning. However, her husband's family had scheduled to get together Christmas day. Unfortunately, his mother was snowed in in Wichita Falls, and could not make it to their house. I am telling you, not only does our town shut down in snowy weather, but the whole state. People were stuck on I-20 for up to 9 hours; even sleeping in their cars. I think I would have chewed my arm off!

Everyone made it safely. Christmas day we spent with Cactus' sister and husband; enjoying the looks on our children's faces as they opened their gifts (that which we could see through the tornado of wrapping paper!). Saturday was the day for my family to get together. We chose to meet for lunch. This was the first time in over 8 years that we have all three gotten together. We had a great time! This just proved that the spirit of the season is alive and well. It was not about the gifts, but the time spent together talking about "old times"; like how my sister and brother use to gang up on me! The "baby" of the family!

The past few days were fast and furious, but also very rewarding. I witnessed my children getting along (and isn't that the best gift of all?); new marriages flourishing; siblings reconnecting and extended family members getting to know each other better. I am totally drained, but totally blessed! I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and wish you a happy new year!

Keep on Gabbin', Gigglin' and Grinnin'!

Gabbin' Gal Erin

It Was the BEST of Times...It Was the WORST of Times!

Charles Dickens wrote that many years ago in "A Tale of Two Cities". I think I now know what he meant! The past five days have been the best for me and the worst. (In all honesty, I have a great life...can't complain...just want to add some effect!).

Last Thursday, the Schroeder clan was scheduled to travel 14 hours to Telluride, Colorado, for our annual skiing trip. We usually take this trip with our friends the Nelson's, but they had just spent 3 weeks in London and did not feel they could make this trip (I am CRYING for them!). I was not as excited about this trip as I have been in the past, for several reasons. One...the Nelson's would not be there...two...we had to drive...three...we would not return home until the 22nd of December...four...we had to drive...five...we had to drive!

So, much to my surprise, Cactus had chartered a plane from Abilene Aero to fly us to and from Telluride! YEAH!!!! He was trying to surprise (and make happy) all of the women in his life. We had done this many times before, but we all thought this was not possible this year with the bad shape that the economy was in and the down turn in the oil business. Did everyone hear the screams coming from the car when we pulled into the airport? I am just now regaining my hearing from this! I know I complain about Cactus (as we all do about our spouses), but he REALLY is a great man. He knew that I was stressed about this trip; what with shopping, cooking and not just my family visiting this year, but his, too. That is why he decided to fly instead of drive. That knocked 12 HOURS OFF OF OUR TRIP!!!! We were not suppose to be in Telluride until Friday at about noon...we arrived there at about 4 p.m. on THURSDAY!

We get to our hotel (which we have stayed in 3 times before), and they only have us for ONE room on Thursday, not the TWO that we had booked. I show my confirmation e-mail and the front desk manager goes to the "back to see what she can do." She returns and tells us that since they are at fault, we are being upgraded to a penthouse suite, with full kitchen for about HALF of what we were going to spend on the two rooms that we have already booked. AND...would we be interested?! REALLY?! NO...we will all just cram into the king room that you had us in! DUH! Isn't life grand?

SCREEEEECH! Now for the worst of times! As I am standing dealing with the room issue, my 16 year old comes up to me and tells me that Elle is in the bathroom throwing up. I will not go into details at this time, BUT...it is not good! I go check on her and see that...well, never mind. Housekeeping is called. She says that she feels better and goes downstairs with her dad to get her skis, while I meet the bellman in the room. While I was unpacking, Delaney, my 14 year old, runs into the room and tells me that Elle threw up in the middle of the hallway; I grab the first thing I can (a small bowl) and head out to the hall...again...housekeeping is called. I will now give you the Reader's Digest version...I stayed in that night...Cactus took the two older ones to eat...this went on until about 4 o'clock Friday morning...I slept on the couch!

I am sure that it was just altitude sickness, but just in case, Elle and I stayed in the room on Friday, while Cactus took the other two skiing (which is NOT such a bad thing). Cable, DVD, and wine...what more could a girl want? This had never happened to her before, but I think all of the excitement, plus the thin air got the best of her. Thank goodness we arrived a day early!

The rest of the trip was WONDERFUL! All of our girls are amazing skiers; but Elle is FEARLESS! She just points her skis down and meets you at the bottom! At one point, she got off the lift skiing BACKWARDS!

The advantage to a private plane is that you can come and go at your own schedule; the disadvantage, is that when you are in an area like we were in, you have to constantly check the weather. So...Sunday afternoon, our pilot, Greg (he is the BEST!), called and said that we would need to head home on Monday afternoon, instead of Tuesday morning. At first, we were all disappointed, but then, we realized that we had been able to ski the same amount of days we would have if we had driven. Crises diverted! The good news is, I was able to get home a day early...complete my Christmas shopping without a great deal of stress (groceries, too)...and Gab with Nan tomorrow at 1 p.m. CST (tune into www.highvoltageradio.com)!

I had a great time with my family. All three of the girls got along...MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!...we rested...ate good food...and enjoyed our time together. Trust me...time is VERY valuable right now. I realized on this trip, that Katie will be leaving for college (probably NOT in Texas), in a year and a half! So, please take this time to hug your children, your spouse, your significant other, your parents, grandparents and all of your family members. Don't just hug them now...but everyday, because...It's a Wonderful Life! I know... I live it every day!

Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Gabbin' Gal Erin

P.S. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Brittany Murphy at this time!

DON'T MESS WITH WEST TEXAS WOMEN!!!

That's right boys and girls....Don't mess with us West Texas Women! Heck, don't mess with ANY women...Right Tiger? Okay enough about Tiger!


Dear 'Ol Abilene High in Abilene, Texas has made it all the way to the state finals and play this once in a lifetime game this Saturday. Not only are the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, yada yada yada attending the game, but I do believe this whole town will shutdown and head to the Alamodome in San Antonio. It's been a long drought since we've made it this far...50+ years! To say the least we are darn tootin' proud of these boys!!! And we are not gonna miss it! Especially not a mom of a senior on this team! Well, believe it or not, that almost happened. Her employer was not going to let her have this day off to attend this grand event! YES, you heard me right!!! She even offered to work 1/2 the day and then drive down to San Antonio. OH NO they said! You will work or you won't have a job! REALLY??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Oh yea...left out the most important part....this precious, proud momma has worked for them for 28 years...28 YEARS!!! Give me a freakin' break!


WELL, little did this employer know... the word got out about this and it was GAME ON! Be very aware of the social media world we are living in...right Tiger? (sorry just had to say it again) because all it took was for a very dear friend to post this little known event on FB and well.....the company she worked for got calls, their corporate office got calls, local radio & tv got calls and yes yours truly gabbed about it from the minute the story broke on our GLOBAL internet radio show and well you get the picture. Like the title of this blog says...DON'T MESS WITH WEST TEXAS WOMEN! We are truly a force to be reckoned with, and I am extremely proud to be a part of this group! NEVER EVER underestimate the power of women because it WORKED! The company reinstated her, she goes back to work tomorrow, and has Saturday off for the BIG GAME!


Alright boys...we won our game...it's your turn now! Go make your mommas proud and WIN THAT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE!!!

GO EAGLES! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

Gabbin' Gal Nan

Santa's Gonna Need a Bigger Sleigh!

First, good job Wylie Bulldogs! Second, good luck Abilene Eagles!

Now, on to the sleigh issue. I was out doing some Christmas shopping this past weekend, with all three of my girls wish lists in hand. It's amazing how differently they handle the process of preparing a list. Three different personalities, three different lists. Katie, my 16 year old, merely took a scratch piece of paper and wrote out her list. She had a total of nine items on her list. What could she possible need? She has a computer, an iPhone, TV, car, and every other electronic device. Her list consists of shoes, books, money and we can't forget the DVR for her room. I guess she doesn't have every electronic device.

Delaney is 14, and her list shows her creative side. You have to see it to believe it; but I will try to describe it to you. Her list is two pages. WOW! BUT...there are only seven items on it. She took pictures of the things she wants off of the internet and pasted the images into a Word document and then printed it off for me. It even has a title - "Delaney's Parent/Santa Wish List for Christmas '09." I know...you are dying to know what is on her list. For those of you who know Delaney, you know that there is a purse on her list. However, what you don't know is there are THREE purses on her list (and they ain't cheap!). She says she does not want them all (WHATEVER!); she is just making suggestions. She gets her love of the purse from her mom, and I am not ashamed to admit I have a problem. Hey, admitting you have a problem is the first step! The other items on her list are the typical shoes, jewelry and gift cards. Oh...and an iPhone!

I have saved the best for last. My eight year old, Elle Belly! Her list also has a title - "Elle's Christmas List 2009." I think her big sister helped her with that title. Her list is hand written on a piece of notebook paper. Here is where the bigger sleigh comes into play. SHE HAS 24 ITEMS ON HER LIST!!!! She is eight! What could she possibly need? I will not take the time to list them all here...I will just give you a few highlights.
1. Betty razor scooter or the other scooter
2. computer
3. phone (really?)
5. volleyball net for the pool (because we are going to swim on Christmas day)
7. camo walkie talkies
8. puppy (I guess the three in the back yard don't count)
12. American Girl clothes and all the other stuff
14. iPode tutch (her spelling)
16. bike (the one on the patio that she has NEVER ridden is not good enough)
18. chair
24. clothes

I would love to get her everything on this list and I am sure Santa would, too. However, what would she put on her birthday list in four months?

While shopping, I ran into a couple of friends that asked to see the lists. I can still hear their laughter after seeing Elle's. They of course, know her, and would not expect anything less of her. God love her! So, I am off to help Santa buy a new sleigh. I wonder if he will get a 2010 model or if the 2009 models are on sale? Hey, even Santa likes a bargain!

Happy shopping!
Gabbin' Gal Erin

Crazy World We Are Living In!

I watched a bit of Barbara Walter's "Most Fascinating People of 2009", and I have to say I was a bit unimpressed by the list of peeps. But the criteria to make that list are not the criteria that defines fascinating for me. I can't believe Tiger Woods didn't make "the cut" (get it, used a golf term there), but then again I'm sure BW had already taped this wasted hour of tv before Mr. Woods had his "fascinating" meltdown. Wow, it's quite a world we are living in, isn't it?

Fascinating people to me are the people who live right here under my roof (believe me they can fascinate me in ways I could never dream of! I'm sure you've got some of your own fascinating little peeps in your household). My dear friends and complete strangers fascinate me when I hear and/or see the awesome deeds they do that go completely unnoticed and without fanfare! It goes without saying but of course I will...Our military completely fascinates me!!! But the most fascinating being of them all is the good Lord above who knocks my socks off every single day! So be on the lookout on how the simplest of things that your loved ones, friends and even strangers will do that fascinate you. And definitely be watching for what God will do because fascination is what he does daily and HE far outweighs any person on any list Barbara Wa Wa can come up with!

Done Preachin' and Goin' Snoozin'!
Gabbin' Gal Nan

Traditions

This is the time of the year when traditions start and continue. Everybody has traditions. Some people stay in bed on Saturday mornings while watching cartoons with their children. Others cook the same meal full of family favorites for Christmas each year. Still other families have a weekly family game night (THIS I would recommend!). One of the many traditions that my husband Cactus and I have is our annual trip to the National Finals Rodeo and the Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas. This year, is the third year for this tradition. We go on this trip with two other couples; one from Atlanta and one from Ojai, California. However, you would be surprised how many other people that we know attend this event. Our agenda includes one night at the rodeo, eating, a day EACH at the three HUGE convention centers full of shopping, eating, a day at the outlet mall in Primm, eating, a show or two, eating, oh...and we do gamble! Did I mention that we eat?! This year was the first year that we attended the opening night of the rodeo. It was AMAZING! Elvis was there performing...at least I think it was Elvis. Too hard to tell from up in the nosebleed section. Now I know why we wait until the second week to go.

The next night we decided to lay low and go to dinner at one of my favorite Italian food restaurants, Ferraro's. One of the things that I like best about this restaurant, is the fact that it is a local favorite OFF the strip. Which translates into great food. Cactus says that the Osso Bucco is ALMOST as good as mine. The atmosphere reminds me of an old Dean Martin movie, right down to a Mafia feel and the "family" table. There is also a piano bar that serves the most delicious martini's. You can even dance or sing along with the band.

Night three was a blast to the past for me. We went to see Donny & Marie! I was sooo hoping to get to meet them, especially Donny. I need to get some pointers from him on how to win Dancing with the Abilene Stars. Hey, if you want to win, you must learn from the best! What a great performance! Marie looked great...Donny looked HOT...they both danced amazing and were so funny! I honestly was surprised at how much energy they both had. They performed for about an hour and a half, and then had a SECOND show! I wish I could have so much energy.

Last, but certainly not least...we went to see Brooks & Dunn. Talk about energy! WOW! We thought we were attending the beginning of their farewell tour, but actually, it was the last night of their current tour! That was almost as special. It was their last night to EVER perform at the Las Vegas Hilton. You know, Ronnie Dunn attended both Abilene Christian and Hardin-Simmons, right here in Abilene, Texas, USA. He was asked to leave ACU or stop performing in the honky tonks. Good thing he gave up his education! Kix Brooks is the energy and Ronnie is the straight man. Both have wonderful voices. It was truly an unforgettable experience!

I am now home, but just barely. Of course, if you have read my previous blogs, you know that if it is going to happen while travelling, it will happen to the Schroeder's. I truly believe that Cactus is the problem. Here's why...Cactus had to go to New Guinea before this trip, so he met me in Las Vegas. I arrived without a delay, turbulence, screaming kid, hot plane, or any other travelling disaster. We travelled back to Abilene, together. Guess what?! Our flight from LV to DFW was delayed about 30 minutes and then our flight from DFW to Abilene was cancelled. Luckily, there was ONE LAST flight into Abilene. We got on it and were getting ready to board, when the gate agent advised us to say a prayer we get to leave. UGH! I prayed and my prayer was answered, thank goodness! So...home sweet home!

I can't wait to see what this tradition brings us next year! I am just glad we have good friends and good traditions, which make great memories that last a lifetime! Take the time to think about your own traditions or maybe it is time to start a new one!

Making memories!

Gabbin' Gal Erin

OOPS!

It's 11:30pm and almost forgot to blog.

Erin and I made a promise that she would blog on Mondays and I would on Thursdays so we would be held more accountable to doing this. And Erin even gave me last Thursday off from blogging due to it being Turkey Day. So there really is no excuse for letting today go by. Just got busy, busy, busy!

However, I really had every intention on blogging last Thursday, but I was out of town at a swanky resort spa that my in-laws took us to and the dang place was going to charge to hook up to the internet! REALLY!!! I'm sorry, but I do believe that should be included in the room rate... the outrageous room rate I might add (eventhough I had nothing to do with paying, because I have awesome in -laws)! Anyway... not that the daily internet hook-up charge cost an exhorbitant amount, it's just the principle. I think those little things should be included! Don't you? It's kind of right up there with all the airlines charging for extra bags! Oh the insanity of it all. But not Southwest Airlines...Don't you just love their new ad campaign? Ok got off track there...kind of like my life right now. I'm running in 24 directions and trying to find the time to fit it all in. However, I do know of one thing I must fit in and that is SLEEP! I've been lacking in that department and must fit more of it in. I promise a better blog next Thursday. Lots has happened...in fact...funny, silly, goofy stuff...you'll just have to stay tuned. Speaking of staying tuned in....be sure and catch us on our internet radio show on Tues & Thurs 1-2pm CST. Just go to www.highvoltageradio.com on those days and see what we are gabbin' about. But for now, this gal is off to snoozin'.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Gabbin' Gal Nan