A week of firsts!

This week I went on a business trip and it was a great week of "firsts".

My first trip to Chicago (notice who was performing - my husband said he wouldn't have believed it was a recent photo except for the 2008 on the sign)

My first trip to Home Office (this car is actually inside the building in the "History of Allstate area")

My first taxi ride (super expensive but the cabbie was really nice. We talked the whole way to the hotel. He is a non-practicing Muslim who is part of an arranged marriage. He doesn't plan on doing that for his children. Very interesting.)

My first ride on the "blue line". (I thought this sign with instructions on how to hold on to your children was hilarious. I couldn't stop giggling.)

My first "famous Chicago stuffed pizza" (really yummy)

My first stay in the Wyndham Glenview Suites (here's the courtyard and me in the bathroom mirror)

My first business trip with Ron (who wouldn't let me take a picture of his face) These 2 buildings really intrigued me. The bottom half is parking and the top half appeared to be housing.

My first outdoor mall (I'm sure the parents were wondering why I was taking photos of their children, but they were just so adorable!)

I have a great trip. I felt like a contributor in our conference which is always a nice feeling. And I'm super duper glad to be home with my sweet husband and doggie.

Business trip to Chicago

I'm blogging from a suite at the Wyndham Glenview near Chicago, IL. I arrived on Sunday and will return to TX on Thursday. Man, this would be more fun if Richard were here to do downtown Chicago with me. I have some pictures to post when I get home. It's been two great days of productive business meetings. It's been fun and exciting to be here, but I'll be super glad to go home.

Look who's been married 3 years!

Yesterday Richard and I celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary. We've experienced so many fascinating things together. I thought I'd take this opportunity to share some of the things I love about Richard. They aren't in any particular order.

• He keeps our home organized and spic and span (did I really just use spic and span?!)
• He's willing to be silly with me - did I ever post about when we dressed up like cows to get free combo meals at Chick-fil-a? (He came up with the adorable felt ears.) Seriously one of the most fun dates! There just aren't many people who'd be willing to do that with me. I felt all giddy and delighted like when we were engaged. I couldn't stop smiling and giggling.

• He's the handiest man I ever did meet. Even my dad calls him for advice on fixing stuff.
• He's passionate about things that he's interested in.
• He's been through so many challenges and he doesn't let them get him down. He has overcome tremendous obstacles and isn't too proud to ask for help.
• He's sooooo cute with our dog. He just loves her up.
• He's intelligent and retains knowledge like crazy!
• He has a strong testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
• He wants to be a righteous, strong priesthood holder.
• He supports me in my callings.
• He wants me to have EVERYTHING I ever want. If I even mention that I'm interested in something, he'll find a way to get it for me. It is incredibly sweet.
• He's loves me to pieces.
• He's my best friend and I have NO doubt that I'm his best friend.

This photo isn't especially flattering of either of us - but we look genuinely happy so I wanted to share.

10 years at Allstate!

I sure love working for Allstate. It has been a wonderful place to work. Here are pictures of my 10 year anniversary pinning. It was super cool.

Here I am in the back of the room with the 4 carrot cakes and punch with sherbet.

Close up of the cake.

Here's my own personal zen sand garden that now resides on my desk (at work).

My sweet choir learned a song especially for my Chinese-inspired pinning. They sang Jasmine Flower in Chinese. I was sooo touched!

Here's me with a genuine Chinese fan.

My sweet honey came to be a part of the celebration.

And he brought my mother. I was excited that she could be honored with me.

The artwork in the background of this photo was a gift from a co-worker. It's now hanging in my living room.

My co-workers said such beautiful things about me. I felt so honored and so blessed to work with such amazing people. Ron was the first to stand - I felt especially honored because he usually doesn't attend pinnings but we've been working closely on a project and I was glad he came. Rashel wrote a poem about me and I was so touched and so delighted that she came. I just treasure her friendship. My manager Elizabeth did the presentation and I'm grateful that I've been able to work with her for 3 years or so. Many other dear friends said nice things and I'm truly truly grateful.

Star Wars birthday party

I tell you - we should go into the party business!

Here's some of the decor:



These are the awesome pizzas that Allison and I made) first uncooked then cooked:









Here's the super cool Boba Fett cake that Brad made (including the frosting) and I decorated.


Here's Richard displaying the Death Star pinata that we made:


I didn't end up with pix of the birthday boy on the camera I brought home. Hopefully I'll be able to update those this next week. I also finally got the pix of my 10 year anniversary celebration at Allstate. It was faboulous! Hopefully that post will come tomorrow.