Home Sweet Home!

I (Anna) decided that it was about time for me to post again since my last post was in February! We spent several days back home in Mississippi recently and had a wonderful time seeing family and friends. To start things off, we woke up REALLY early on the morning of May 27th to hit the road. We wanted to beat the morning traffic rush, but more important I had an appointment to get my hair cut in Jackson, MS at 1:30. So we left Plano at about 5:30 AM.

We arrived in Jackson just in time to grab a quick snack before going to get my hair cut. I've been wanting to see the lady that cuts my sister and mom's hair for a long time, but just haven't had the chance. I knew that I wanted to do something different with my hair and Sara said that Roxanne would know just what to do. She was so right! I absolutely loved Roxanne and I love, love, love my new haircut! I've never gotten so many compliments on my hair in my life!

After I got the new do, we headed to Flowood to meet Alicia and Kaylee Brooke for lunch. Kaylee Brooke has gotten so big since we last saw her!! She is such a sweet baby! After hanging out for a while at the restaurant, Alicia decided on the spur of the moment that she really wanted to come to Philadelphia to see some people. So I hopped in the car with her and the baby to run some errands while Aaron took our car on to Philly. It was so great to spend that time in the car hanging out and catching up with Alicia.

We had a great dinner at The Cole House with my family (mom, dad, sara, and kyle) as well as: maw, paw, aunt bonnie, leo, aunt susie, alicia, and kaylee brooke. The food was great (as usual) and we all had a good time laughing around the dinner table. After dinner and some fellowship time, Alicia and I took Kaylee Brooke to visit Hope and her family. That was the first time all of us had been together since mine and Aaron's wedding---14 months ago!

Wednesday was exhausting, so Aaron and I slept in a little bit. Then we headed off to Kewanee to have lunch with his mom and Vann. We ate some good Mexican food for lunch. The only downfall was that it was REALLY cold in the restaurant! After that, we all headed to Aaron's Mamaw's house to look around. It's strange seeing all of the stuff that she collected over the 60+ years she lived in that house. Aaron had the most fun when he discovered a safe that was "hidden" in the floor in a bathroom closet. He managed to get it out, but no one knows the combination!

When we left there, we headed back to Philadelphia to Sara and Kyle's house for steaks. We were a little late, but the steaks were still really good! I had to raid my sister's closet (of course!) and also had fun playing with Buddy and Dakota. Too bad I forgot the camera...I wanted to take a picture with my "nephews."

Friday was rather uneventful for me. Aaron, however, had a very full day! He went for a 6 mile run. He stopped for a few minutes at Sara's house to play with the dogs and refill his water bottle, then he was off again. I had no idea where he was running at, and I actually passed him on the road. He finally noticed me, but didn't stop...He just kept on running! After that, he came home to shower. Then he and Kyle were off to the golf course. My parents were busy preparing for an event that night, so I snuck upstairs for a much needed nap! I always sleep great when I'm at home. After golf, Aaron jumped in the shower again, and we got ready to go have dinner with Daniel and Lauren in Kewanee. It was great hanging out with them. Lauren and I chatted on the couch while Aaron and Daniel played video games!

When Saturday rolled around, I was so anxious to get on the road to go to the coast. Our reason for coming to MS was to attend Amber and Chip's wedding, but that wasn't until Saturday night. Before that, we had plans to spend time with some of my favorite girls, Brittni and Jennifer. We all met up at a restaurant and had a really good lunch. Then Brittni was our "tour guide" and made sure we found the church and our hotel. We got to spend a few hours together before Aaron and I had to leave for the church.

Amber and Chip's wedding was absolutely beautiful. We got to see and sit with Amanda, a friend from college whom we have not seen in a while. After the wedding, the 3 of us carpooled to the reception site. It was really pretty there....and the weather was just perfect. They had a lot of good food, but my favorite was the fresh fruit....I think I went back twice for more! Unfortunately, we didn't stay long enough to see Amber and Chip leave, but we were glad to get to talk with them a little while at the reception.

Once we left the reception, we decided that we just had to drive along the coast since we were so close. We didn't get out and walk around, but we did have fun just taking in the scenery along the coast. It's so pretty out there. Then it was back to the hotel to crash....it had been a long trip!

I guess all good things must come to an end, and that's exactly what happened on Sunday morning. It was time for us to leave Mississippi and head back to big Texas. The trip back was not so bad. We made several pit stops along the way (including shoe shopping!) and Aaron got to listen to my "incredible" singing skills for a full 10 hours. Our trip to MS was so refreshing and a much-needed break from work here in Texas. I can't wait till we get the chance to go back!!!

Anna's 1st Camping Trip!

The fish that couldn't get away...

My trusty 'ol pick-up truck!

Plenty of Food!


Necessary and even extra gear!

1 very excited husband to be back in the woods!

1 new battery operated ceiling fan!

1 happy camping wife!

We had a lot of fun this past weekend camping for Aaron Benzick's surprise 30th birthday at Hickory Creek. We got a little ran, but avoided the soaking downpours that took the Cowboy practice building down. Enjoyed the company of some entertaining people, and ate great fajitas on Friday night. Saturday we enjoyed fishing with our friend the game warden. Fished with minnows, but I got my catch using a Beetle spin. We're looking forward to doing this again, only with a little bit better weather.

Bear Creek

My second shot from about 100 yds out on a par 4 that I made easily for Birdie!

ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon: 3/29/09

Running in my first ever half-marathon was a lot of fun! It was only the second race I have ever entered, and plan to enter a lot more in the future! I have a competitive heart that enjoys the competition with others. My first race was a 10k last year. Though I didn't train exactly as I wished, I landed between my 15 minute target times, and didn't "hit the runner's wall" until much later than I expected!

Thanks go out to my Cobb Family for their support and, as always, great Southern Hospitality, while I was in Atlanta! Now that I have my race photo and medal engraved, the shadow box really looks great!

My Saturday Night Ride!

Thanks to a co-worker serving an arrest warrant I got to drive the owner's car (same model as above). That's right, a 1990 Ferrari 348. I have to say it made me appreciate my truck. The steering resembled the red Massey Fergusson tractors I am used to driving, not what I thought an Itailian Hand-made auto would be like. So with no power-steering, and with the top behind the driver seat, I felt like I was the last sardine being put in an aluminum can. If I have the chance to drive one on the higway one day, I will probably change my mind. On that Saturday night, I only went in the 1st and Reverse gears. I have to thank my co-workers for letting me know the gear ratio beforehand was different from what I'm used to. And to those who are wondering, I did not stall out, I drive a standard transmission daily, and the engine sounded wonderful!

What to do after a long run...EAT!

That's right! It's very important for muscle recovery to eat right after your run! Runners World says its just as good to eat chocolate chip cookies and milk, which is one of my favorites. However, if you are going for a loooonnnngg run, that may not be so filling. Especially if you are coming back in time for lunch. I have a simple, nutrious, and yummy soloution that takes very little work and will have you eating in less that 15 minutes!
Smoked BBQ Salmon, it was very simple and tasty!
2 main items needed: BBQ Salmon from SeaPak and square Cedar planks for the Smokin' (see pictures below).
Step 1: Let both the fish and cedar soak in water for 1 hr (prep before the run)
Step 2: Preheat grill at 350, heat the cedar for 3 mins, flip, and add your Salmon(cook time 10 mins).
Step 3: Enjoy with a salad and a Coca-Cola!

Famous Sightings

While on patrol I saw Randy Travis at a private concert this week. I was asked to work the concert as part of security, but had to be present for my patrol duties. So I told one of our sergeants I would stop by anyway. When I did, I saw two huge musician tour-type buses in the parking lot. I asked the valet who was hired for the event who the buses were for, and he told me someone I had never heard of (not even sure what he said). When I rolled around to the other side there was a sign that read, "Welcome Randy Travis and friends." I then knew I was in the right spot and came back later to see him take the stage and talk with the audience. Stayed for birthday cake and sweet tea!

The next day I saw Bush #41's motorcade, when he came to speak at a nearby place in Plano. Due to secret service protocol I saw more of him Monday standing up on ESPN at the Astros v. Marlins spring game.

'Kidnapping' in Plano...

Many of you may have seen some reckless teenagers make the news this week involved in a kidnapping.

I was working Saturday around 5:00 pm on a Traffic Accident involving property damage, and no injuries. While working w/ the parties involved in the accident, our dispatch sent out their deafening tone to signal us that something life threatening was taking place that required our immediate attention. A kidnapping was being called in 2 miles from where I was on the same road. The suspect vehicle was last seen southbound from the scene of the crime. Vehicles dispatched were running code by me with lights and sirens activated. By the time the individuals exchanged info at the accident, a perimeter had been set, and the white van was no where to be found.

The sector of town in which I work had officers searching surveillance video, and the area, talking to witnesses and making information available to find the kidnapped victim. I say all this to mention that we had a Lieutenant, Sergeant, Public Information Officer, Detectives, and other officers involved in the incident. While investigating we had to treat the situation as real, like we do all calls, but officers had their suspicions that this may not be real.

The next day the news reported that our department was contacted and it was a Hoax, putting officers and citizens' lives in danger as they hurried to the scene, wasting manpower, which in turn costs the City a lot of money for the single incident. Not to mention the people who were seen on surveillance video who had to dodge out of the way of the reckless driver of the white van.
View the article and surveillance video at the link below.
Police: 'Kidnapping' caught on Plano Wal-Mart's security camera a hoax News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth Dallas Morning News

Not your Ordinary Rainy Day!

Well the weather went from a high of 80 on Tuesday to a high of 41 yesterday (projected to be 51 by other weather sources). The rain started the time I was ready to get out of the door, and would prove to keep steady throughout my run. Not my favorite running weather by far, but with a race around the corner I suited up. Don't get me wrong, I like to run in the rain, just not the cold.
My attire:

• Lightning Yellow (TNF) running shoes w/ a wire lacing system that prevents your shoes from coming loose.
• Fleece lined running pants and fleece lined running top, w/ moisture wicking Under Armour as my base layer, and glove liners which kept my hands warm, even though they were soaking wet.
• One light weight rain jacket, and an Asics running hat that was a prize from the last race I entered.
• My i-pod, with Lifechurch.tv pastor Craig Groeschel, speaking on marriage, and the vows we enter into. The punch line, "When you are dating opposites attract, and when you are married opposites attack!" I knew it was going to be good and funny, and it was both!

Needless to say, I didn't get my optimum long run in I desired, but I ran 4 miles, and faster than my last run of this length. At the end I was soaking wet, except for what my rain jacket managed to keep dry (my i-pod, and the long sleeve fleece shirt under it). Thankfully I could take all of these layers off in the garage and not make a mess inside.

Other news from the rainy day. I decided to see what it was like shopping on a shoe-string budget when getting essentials from the grocery store. So I took an undetermined amount of change to the coinstar machine inside of Wal-Mart, had it counted, and transferred it to cash. I got back $43.90, then went throughout the store selecting items. My goal was to spend as much money without going over the amount of cash I got back. I bought 16 items and managed to spend $42.80. For the other dollar, I rented a movie from Redbox!

Our New Place!

February

Wow--February has been a full month. It's really flown by! Let's start from
the beginning. On February 3rd, we got the very sad news that Aaron's mamaw had passed away. Thankfully both of our employers were very understanding and allowed us time off to make a trip to Mississippi. Although the reason for the trip was no fun, we did have a good time catching up with friends and spending time with family. We spent some time at Mamaw's
house that weekend. We found out that she had been keeping a journal for quite some time. It was kind of neat to read it....It was almost like reading a blog!
We miss Mamaw but we're so thankful that she is in Heaven now.
We got back from that trip on Sunday the 8th. The next day was pretty
normal as far as work goes; however, I wasn't feeling 100%. Just to be safe I
went to an after hours clinic after work to get checked out. I got a
prescription and everything was fine.....So I thought. Little did I know that a
few hours later I would be in the ER with the stomach virus. I don't know if
I've ever been that sick! I was dehydrated so they gave me lots of fluids and
medicine for the nausea. Aaron was the most wonderful husband and took GREAT care of me that night and for the rest of the week while I recovered. That virus really drained me!
Later that week I turned a year older! I "celebrated" my 24th birthday still in bed recovering. Thankfully at work we get to take our birthday off, so it was great not having to feel guilty about missing another day at the office. Aaron bought me a beautiful necklace that I wear pretty much every day.
The next week of February was great. My mom and dad came to visit!!! We were moving to our new apartment, so they came prepared to help. Since I had missed so much work already in February, I decided I needed to be at work and let my mom, dad, and Aaron handle moving all of our stuff. The move went well...Aaron and I had saved up so we got to splurge and buy a lot of new accessories for our new apartment.
My parents are really good at decorating, so they played a big part in helping
to coordinate everything. It all looks great!
Besides all of those things, we've been attending a great Bible study
class one night a week, I've been getting involved in the Chamber of Commerce for my work, and Aaron is training for a half-marathon. Oh, and we paid off a student loan (woo-hoo!). February has been a super busy month, but it's been great. I can't wait to see what March has in store!

Not our Moving Truck!

We kept with my old faithful truck and the Waltman's Expedition. Thank you Mr. Carson and Mrs. Linda for helping us to move last week! We couldn't have done it so quickly without you.

This was just one of the small parts of my job and something I saw on duty. I was dispatched to this motorist assist (driver needing assistance with a vehicle due to mechanical failure) in 5 o'clock traffic. Several motorists called in to make the Police aware that the U-Haul with car trailer was backing up traffic at a busy intersection. And then it was towed!

We are Moving!

June 24, 2007 I moved to Texas with what I could haul inside my truck! I had it packed like I was coming from south of the border to a new found land, featuring a 6' X 5' solid oak wall unit laying across the bed of my truck. At the time my 1-bedroom /1-bath bachelor pad was all the room I needed and then some. I had two walk-in closets and a small hall closet for storage. No more than a recliner and dinning room chairs for seating, and a television in each room.

Decoration, art, storage...who knew I would need such things?

From March 22, 2008 my home would change forever. I now happily share the space I call home with my lovely wife Anna! Being in such close conditions has taught us a lot about each other. For instance, I learned that I would need art and decoration to make our apartment a home. This would mean dedicated money in our budget each month for such items. I guess it was funny of me to think all I needed was a set of keys, an alarm code, and food in the fridge.

After a month, and moving all of Anna's clothes and other "stuff" from Mississippi we have learned to manage using Space Saver bags. Even though I have always found plenty of space in my closet for uniforms, winter and summer clothes, camping, travel, and outdoor equipment without these bags, I have to admit extra space is a rare commodity in our almost 800 sq ft apartment. Until Wednesday, and 11 months latter...

On Wednesday we move into a 2 Bedroom /2 Bath apartment with a garage! Finally we can keep our living and storage areas separate! Currently when we have had family and friends visit they have had to stay in our living and dining room where we also have our computer desk. Put an over sized queen air mattress in the mix and it causes us to be overwhelmed. ALL of my Police gear has been another "issue." Due to constantly wearing a uniform, boots, belt w/ an array of tools, bullet resistant vest, radio, etc..., my daily wardrobe cannot go in a dirty clothes basket. I have had little choice but to take my equipment off and leave it on the dinning room table to not wake Anna up at night. This move has not come soon enough!

Finally, I have gained the part-time courtesy officer position at our current apartment community. This is going to help us "live like no one else, so that latter we can live like no one else." (Anna will be ecstatic that I am quoting Dave Ramsey on our first post!) My duties include making sure the concierge locks up the property securely and doing brief daily and weekly security reports on the apartment community. The best part is that for compensation our rent is reduced to less than what we currently pay for our 1 bedroom apartment!

I guess this means Anna also gets to start decorating again and make our new apartment our home!

The only change to our address is the apartment number, we will be at #104.