Figuring out this long road called life

Fill in the Blank Friday....

2012-02-10T07:49:00.000-06:00

Apparently I had nothing to say between last Friday and this Friday....which isn't true - but I am hopeful that I will post a weekend wrapup on Monday!

To Join up click here....

1. I started my blog because ..... I have always kept a journal. I use it to remember my life and look back on. If other people are interested, great, if not, that's ok too.

2. One thing I love seeing on other blogs.... is the reality of life. I love to hear stories and feel like I "KNOW" the person...even if only through blogs.

3. Something I love about blogging....I love knowing that I am not alone. Meaning - when I feel something - someone out there has been through it. It is a great community.

4. A favorite blog post of mine is... oh I have no clue. I love reading about my and B's relationship and how it has grown. I also love reading about all of our trips.

5. Something my real life friends know about me that I have never mentioned on the blog ... my dad had a heart attack when I was 12 years old. He was healthy and an avid runner. It was the worst time in my life, truly. He was given a 10% chance of making it. Every December we celebrate another year of him with us. I think of that as a birthday present all on its own because that year he came home from the hospital around my 13th birthday. He truly is an amazing dad - I'm told often how lucky I am to have such great parents and I 100% believe I am so incredibly lucky.

6. My favorite blogs to read are... Traffic Jelly, Sweet Caroline in the City, and the others listed on my reader- hello I have 80!

7. Some things I avoid doing on my blog are...I try to be real. I want to be honest and open without revealing TOO much.

Fill in the Blank Friday

2012-02-03T08:07:00.004-06:00

It is Fill in the Blank Friday again....link up here

1. If money wasn't an issue, the first thing I'd cross of my life list is traveling the world for one year.

2. Escargot and pate are two things I like that other people think is weird.

3. If my life were a movie right now, the title would be - hmm have to think about that one.

4. Three things I am looking forward to this month are picking up my coop orders, going to DC and going to Dallas!

5. My favorite song to sing in the shower is I don't sing in the shower.

6. If I found out that the production of Reese's was ending this month, I'd go out and buy as much as I could tomorrow.

7. One thing I'll never grow tired of is being with B.

TAG! You are it!

2012-02-02T09:32:00.001-06:00

So while Beantown Prepster didn't exactly tag me - she tagged her "lurkers" and I was one - so I decided to play.

The Rules:
1. Post the rules
2. Write 11 fun facts about yourself
3. Answer the 11 questions the tagger set for you and create 11 new questions to ask people you tag.
4. Tag 11 people and link them to your post.
5. Let them know you tagged them.

11 FUN FACTS ABOUT MYSELF:

1. I recently joined a coop - I LOVE IT. I think B thinks I am crazy because I talk about it non stop. After reading about Running for Perseverance's coop, I found my own in Htown and LOVE IT. All of the veggies and fruits make me so happy.

2. I, just like Beantown prepster, cannot function without earrings. My grandmother used to tell me that a lady doesn't walk outside without her earrings and her lipstick. While I wear gloss mostly- I still adhere to this.

3. I'm left handed.

4. I always have a book on CD going in the car. Library is where it is at! Sometimes I have the hardcover book and the book on CD checked out of the library at the same time. Just to read it faster!

5. I laugh at the most unopportune time. Like when a mom is scolding her child for running around all crazy at the grocery store - I am that person that has to go an aisle over to laugh. I can't help it - I think it is because I just feel awkward so I laugh.

6. Starbucks is my favorite coffee place - B and I used to meet there all of the time in college - at the Starbucks off of Far West in Austin.

7. B and I went on our first date when I was 20. Afterwards I said I just thought of him as a friend. Then when I was like 24 or 25 we went on another date - to which he said we should just be friends. Then...almost 2.5 years ago we gave it another shot. This time it was perfect. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if we would have been together all of this time. I think life between 20 and now has made me appreciate him so much more than I would have at 20. Either way - I am one lucky gal.

8. I like to cook - I enjoy it - I just don't think I am that great at it. I'm learning. Does anyone have a good recipe for Kale or Bok Choy? Those apparently I cannot cook!

9. I detest tomatoes. Unless they are cooked, in ketchup or a sauce - I don't like them.

10. I also detest mustard. Just the smell makes me nauseous. I don't mind a sauce made with it as long as it isn't TOO mustardy.

11. I smile ALL OF THE TIME. If I am not smiling - run. ;)

11 Questions from Beantown Prepster:

1. If you could have a theme song to play when you walk down the street what would it be? Beautiful from Carole King.

2. If you could only watch one TV show for the rest of your life, what would you pick? Right now? Downton Abbey. I love it.

3. French Fries: Skinny and Crispy or big and mushy? Skinny and crispy!

4. What is your guilty pleasure outfit? This is embarrassing - I have a pair of Red old Abercrombie running pants from college that I wear paired with an old Texas long sleeve shirt, hair in a bun and socks. I feel so comfy in it - but I would NEVER wear it out of the house.

5. Soda: Fountain, bottle or can? Fountain is my favorite - but it just depends on where I am going and such - if I am in my own car - bottle- can't have drinks spilling in my car!

6. Favorite thing to do at the gym? Sauna...oh you meant activity - I like intervals on the treadmill.

7. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? I always say somewhere in Europe (preferably the Italian coast) but I think that would be too far from my parents and my brother - but I would love to for a little while!

8. What was your first animal and do you remember its name? Around my parents 1st wedding anniversary they opened their front door and a beautiful Irish Setter puppy was lurking around. They raised her - Chi Chi - and when I was born she was my first pet. I loved her. She was beautiful, so sweet and protected me and let me use her as a pillow. She lived with my parents for 17 years. We were devastated when she passed away.

9. What is the one thing you carry in your purse that you absolutely cannot live without? Hand cream. My hands are SO dry.

10. What is your most embarrassing habit? I bite my nails. I know---I KNOW!.

11. If you could meet and be BFFs in real life with a blogger that you follow, who would it be and why? I think it would be Al (Traffic Jelly). She was the first blogger (That I didn't know IRL) that I connected with and got to know. I just think she is amazing and wonderful and SO INCREDIBLY STRONG. Plus she loved Guac and Wine....need I say more?

The people I tag are:
1.Traffic Jelly
2. MmmApron
3.The Happy Dash
4.Greetings from Texas
5.Her Highness of Cute
6. Hungry Meets Healthy
7. Reasonably Swanky
8. Leggings are Not Pants
9. Baby Steps with Catalina
10. Running with Perseverance
11. I'm leaving 11 open to people I also don't hear from that read :)

The 11 Questions I have for you are:

1. How do you begin your day? (What is your morning routine?)

2. What is the one beauty product you couldn't live without?

3. Are you a coffee or tea person?

4. What is your favorite board or card game?

5. What is your favorite spice to cook with?

6. I'm always curious if I take longer than the average woman to get ready - from shower to out the door, how long does it take you?

7. Of all the places you have travelled to, where would you recommend others go?

8. What is your favorite alcoholic drink?

9. What is your favorite book?

10. What is your favorite movie?

11. What is your favorite indulgence?

Thank you for playing! Please comment back if you do!

FILL IN THE BLANK FRIDAY

2012-01-27T09:42:00.002-06:00

It is Fill in the Blank friday again...

Apparently I can't uplaod photos at the moment.....sorry for such a boring post!

1. My favorite place i've ever traveled to is Greece. HANDS DOWN.

2. Australia is somewhere I'd love to go someday.

3. I pass the time on a plane (or bus, or car ride or train) by reading. LOTS of reading.

4. My three must-haves when I travel are a book/kindle, hand lotion and lip gloss.

5. My favorite travel companion is B!

6. The craziest thing that ever happened to me while traveling is my favorite thing that ever happened was in Rome. I didn't know the time of mass on a Sunday, so I followed these nuns that were walking super quickly- I figured it was Sunday, they were going to mass. Apparently, they were going to a blessing of a restored church and a mass that THE POPE WAS HOLDING (PJPII). It wasn't supposed to be open to the public - only myself and a handful of other tourists were there - (we all talked about it afterward) and we were surround by a few Cardinals, priests, nuns and altar boys. It was AMAZING. I will never forget that ever.

7. The most exotic food I've ever tried while traveling is alligator..

8. If I could live anywhere else, I'd live in Colorado, Texas or somewhere in Europe!

9. I have been to 36

states in the U.S.

Happy Birthday to my little Brother

2012-01-25T09:19:00.000-06:00

Today is my brother's birthday - I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to the world's best little brother. I am truly fortunate to have such a wonderful brother and a wonderful friendship with him.

Fill in the blank Friday

2012-01-13T08:11:00.002-06:00

I haven't done this in forever...but I missed it! Link up here with Lauren!

1. The last thing I ate was chicken tikka masala - it was DELICIOUS. I'm drinking coffee now.

2. The last song I listened to was I have no idea. I have been listening to "The Paris Wife" book on CD and LOVE IT.

3. Using the letters in my name I can spell {Angela}...um- algae, angel, glean, gale, glen, lean, leg, gel, lane....

4. If I had to dress in one color for the rest of my life I would pick blue.

5. If you were to look in my bag right now you'd find lipstick (3 kinds), iphone, wallet, card cubby (LOVE THAT THING!), mascara, chapstick, keys.

6. When I finish filling in the blanks I'm going to start working.

7. My all time favorite song to dance to is I don't really have a favorite. I'll dance to anything.

Austin

2012-01-09T09:15:00.001-06:00

It is obvious when you enter my world that I went to The University of Texas at Austin and I am incredibly proud of my school. I love Austin and hope one day to somehow make it back there full time.

I spent 18 hours in Austin this weekend. I got into Austin on Saturday afternoon and walked around, shopped some and just enjoyed BEING there.

I went to dinner with my best friend in the entire world - K. I was supposed to spend the previous evening at her house with her family, but I had been sick and I didn't want to get baby K sick so we opted for dinner instead.

I loved seeing her, talking with her and just knowing that no matter where life takes us, no matter what stages in life we are in - we will always be friends. I'm just truly lucky.

After dinner I met up with S, went to a concert, watched the rest of the Saints game and just chatted. She, another sorority sister, is my other "best friend" from college. We are completely different - in our views, our goals in life but as she stated we just click. We work. We truly are amazing friends.

I feel lucky to know some amazing friends. I would feel LUCKIER if they all lived in one city! :)

Christmas

2012-01-07T08:28:00.002-06:00

I fail to take pictures. I fail at remembering my camera when we go places or do anything. Oh well.

B and I spend Christmas up at his parents house.

Let's rewind:

My birthday is the 22nd. We went to the tasting room and friends came and celebrated. I also invited my parents, brother and grandfather. It was wonderful. I loved having everyone there. I truly felt special that so many people took time out of their busy Christmas time schedules to come out and celebrate with me.

On the 23rd we went to B's parents house. They live about 5 hours from us. While we see them somewhat often, it is usually for a short period of time. We see my parents MUCH more often than his. On the 23rd we went to dinner with his parents and my godparents. It was lovely and the first time they had met.

On the 24th we went to his Grandparents (dad's side of the family). We had a tradition Christmas meal and they do a gift exchange. Everyone brings a $25 gift and then they follow the white elephant gift rules of being able to "steal" someone's gift or pick another to unwrap. It was fun and a good laugh. I truly enjoy being around his grandparents. I have lost all but one Grandparent. I only have my Abuelo still living so it is nice to see his grandmother and grandfather. His grandmother even made us cookies. :)

On the 25th we went to his Cousins house (his mom's side of the family) and spend the day with his Cousin, Aunt, Uncle, Grandfather (his grandmother on this side of the family has sadly passed away) and other family members. It was great getting to spend time with them and get to know them more. His Uncle went to the Bahamas with us this summer and his grandfather we went to Colorado off-roading with last year. They are the adventurous side of his family!

Late on the 25th we headed to my parents house and spend the night and hung out with my parents, brother and grandfather.

It was truly a wonderful way to spend Christmas.

Then on the 27th our parents met for the first time. Yes, for the first time and it went wonderfully. I couldn't have been more pleased with how well it went. With B being an only child and our family being so close, it was important to me that they all got along well. So my heart is full.

B's parents were in town all last week and it was just great seeing them more than usual. His father had to work during the day, but it was nice that B got to spend so much time with his parents.

We truly had a wonderful Holiday season. :)

A New Year and a confession

2012-01-06T08:17:00.001-06:00

I took an unannounced, unplanned blogging break. It isn't that I was overwhelmed or anything - I just didn't have anything to put out there. I felt like I lost my "blogging voice".
I have a confession - I read a lot of blogs. I love blogs. I love reading about people and knowing other people whom I've never met are living such full and wonderful lives. I get ideas from y'all. The dayzero project, I learned about it from a blogger - she no longer blogs, but I learned about it and have been doing that challenge for almost 4 years...wow. I learn to appreciate things. I learn about different products, shops etc from other bloggers. I love this about blogs.

Here is the confession - SOMETIMES (ok I lie, a lot of the time) - I feel my life is too boring or small to write about compared to some of the other blogs I read. Sure I travel and see new places, I go out with my friends, B and I have a weekly date night - but I wonder if these are even blogworthy experiences. I have to remind myself that EVERYTHING is blog worthy because it is my life. I may not be gallivanting all over the world (I WOULD LOVE TO BE!), I may not be shopping (self imposed STOP on all clothing into the house...I have 3 closets...all overflowing...mission organize is starting!) and I may not be at the hottest clubs/bars every night - but I am living a wonderful life. I did amazing things this past year and went on some great trips. I mean 10 days on B's parents boat in the Bahamas was incredible. Being in La Jolla with B is always a treat. I know I am lucky to have the experiences that I have. It is somewhat simple, but it is my life.

I was discounting my experiences because others looked so much better - and that is silly. I love reading about y'alls lives and it truly gives me ideas. When I hear about a trip, new restaurant, new shirt, new lipstick - it has me intrigued - not to go buy the same thing, but to check it out and see. Sometimes there are big scores - a blogger friend got some good finds at a thrift shop and it made me think to go - and I found barely used hunter boots for $10.

Lastly - I missed my little blog. I love looking back at my life and seeing what I was up to/where I was in my life. It gives me balance. It helps me be positive.

I missed y'all and I missed writing even if it is about the little things.

2011

2012-01-04T09:22:00.000-06:00

2011

What was 2011....

Where did you begin 2011? I was in Houston with B.

What was your status by Valentine's Day? I was with B.

Were you in school (anytime this year)? nope

Did you have any encounters with the police? nope

Where did you go on vacation? Florida, the Bahamas, California,

What did you purchase that was over $500? hmm...I am sure there is something....

Did you know anybody who got married? yes

Did you know anybody who passed away? Unfortunately the world lost 3 of my family members this year. It was a ROUGH year.

Did you move anywhere? no

What sporting events did you attend? Astros, Texans....

Where do you live now? Htown

What's the one thing you thought you would never do, but did, in 2011? Spend 10 days at sea with B's parents!

What has been your favorite moment(s)? Going to the Bahamas. I loved it.

What's something you learned about yourself? I can do almost anything that I put my mind to

Any new additions to your family? Yes, I mean a lot of my friends had babies and my friends are considered family to me!

Get a new job? nope

How old did you turn this year? 29

Turning 29

2011-12-21T08:48:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is my birthday. My 29th Birthday. I cannot believe how quickly the years have gone by. Although- some years didn't go by fast enough and some WAY TOO QUICKLY.

I look at my life and think about all of the amazing things I have done, seen, people I've met, loved and lost.

I wake up living my little fairytale every single day. How did this happen? Sure, it seems I have a somewhat simple life compared to others but I wake up knowing I'm loved. Sure I have my wants and other stupid things that I think I need, etc but - I wake up knowing I am surrounded by so many wonderful people who make me want to be a better person EVERY SINGLE DAY.

As I turn the corner and enter my 29th year of living - I am so happy. I love my life. I love the people in it. I'm truly blessed beyond words.

Time flies

2011-12-05T09:38:00.000-06:00

Time has FLOWN by. I wish I could say I was off traveling or something equally as amazing...but life - it is so wonderful these days that I haven't had time to blog.

I went to FLorida for Thanksgiving with my family. We held memorial services for all of my family members that passed this year. It was sad, but good to be with family.

It was nice to see everyone and enjoy time together. Sometimes though, I wish I had a female cousin. I'm the only female in my generation and it makes me feel left out at times - but I love reading so I guess that helps while the boys beat each other up in the pool or play poole together.

So now it is onto the holiday season!

Fill in the blank Friday

2011-10-28T08:18:00.002-05:00

It is Fill in the Blank Friday time...

1. When I was a kid I wanted to be a neurosurgeon when I grew up. (Yeah...and now blood makes me want to faint!)

2. As an adult, my dream job would be hmmm, I have no idea!

3. W hen I was younger I wanted to be just like my mom .

4. The childhood Halloween costume that I remember most was when I was a clown. My grandmother made the costume.

5. My favorite childhood toy were all of my dolls!

6. The time I got into the biggest amount of trouble when I was a kid was when I would talk back to my parents other than that - I was a pretty good kid.

7. I get daily inspiration from pinterest!

2 years

2011-10-27T10:35:00.000-05:00

On Saturday it will be 2 "official" years with B. I can hardly believe it. Time has flown. Granted we have known each other almost 10 years...but 2 of them were of US. Our life, our love.

As far as gifts go - I got him this cooler he has been wanting. I know it sounds lame - but when he has talked about it for almost 2 years, I decided to get it. We will use it all of the time and our ice won't melt.
He got me beautiful roses. Then asked me what I would be wearing for dinner that night. I stated that I was thinking just one of my simple dresses. He then surprised me with beautiful Akoya Pearl stud earrings. Months ago he and I were talking and over dinner I had said that I was looking for real pearls to replace the fake ones that I wore often. I remember the conversation, but I just couldn't "pull the trigger" on getting myself such an expensive find. I was shocked 1) that he remembered and 2) that he would go out and find such a wonderful pair - not too big not too small - just exactly right.

We went to a place I have been wanting to try - it was delicious. Then we went to Tasting Room - as we always do at any big occasion. It was wonderful. I feel so blessed and so loved. We talked about how crazy it is to be where we are. How lucky we are and truly how amazing our love is.

Truly every single day I wake up thinking that I am so incredibly blessed to have the life I have.

The Hard Stuff...

2011-10-18T09:02:00.000-05:00

I talked a little bit about what was going on in my life - my personal, I am a girl and yearly things are not fun life - here

And I continued on the story here

For the first time in over 2 years - going in for tests every 2-3 months, having a few operations - I got the news...for the first time everything came back normal. To say I am hopeful, optimistic and very happy is an understatement. I have undergone quite a few treatments, lots of blood work and just a lot of heartache to be told that I am ok. I have to re-do the tests every 3 months for a year before I can be truly cleared...but this was hurdle number 1. I got a "normal" result.

Truth is -Cancer scares me. I've been terrified for the past 2 years. The cancerous cells scare me. I feel that no matter how happy I appear I know inside I have been so sad. So slowly I hope this is recovery. I hope this is where I can let go of the fear and have the knowledge that I will be ok - because for 2 years I've prayed, hoped and willed it to go away. I don't know which procedure worked or which didn't. I just know it was all worth it. I was told that so far I shouldn't have any problems having children as long as it stays away. That we "got it early". So I am happy. More deliriously happy than I truly think I have ever been..but on that 1 year mark - in 1 year I hope to be even happier. I hope I can say it is truly gone and out of my life.

I just try not to think about this stuff, which is why I rarely write about it. But today - today is a great day.

Weekend Wrapup

2011-10-17T10:09:00.001-05:00

B and I worked on his house this weekend. His fireplace was a GOLD BRASS. IT WAS UGLY. (See Above)

Via Pinterest, I saw someone transform their ugly one into a pretty matte black one. So we took it off the fireplace and taped it up outside (so as not to get paint on the windows) and used a high heat spray paint (meant for grills) and painted it. I LOVE IT. (see below)

Another reason why I love Pinterest!

We watched the longhorns lose (again...boo!) and the Cowboys lose (again...boo!) and the RANGERS WIN! :)

We went out with some friends to a bar where you can bring your dogs and it was nice to just get out...and Roxy - she was FILTHY at the end of the night - a sign she had a great time in the bark park.

All in all - great weekend. We spend most of Sunday at Lowes, Home Depot and Target - we are fixing up B's house slowly - he needs new blinds, paint on the walls - and as you see above a nicer fireplace. Slowly but surely.

Weekend Wrapup

2011-10-10T10:11:00.000-05:00

UT lost - it was sad. I got over it.

I saw my brother - shortly, but still saw him. He looks good and I just hope hope hope he gets a job in TEXAS...preferrably Houston...but at this point - I will be ok with Dallas or Austin (not SA...I just don't like SA.) (Sorry SA peeps!)

Things are going well - just crazy. Is it Nov 1 yet? I am ready for FALL.

It rained all weekend. ALL WEEKEND. (ok Saturday afternoon-now)

I'm tired...and it is Monday...is it Friday yet?

Crazy life

2011-10-05T08:59:00.002-05:00

This has been one crazy week for me. Well the past 2 weeks actually.

Work is Just CRAZY.

My brother is coming home on Friday and I am so incredibly excited to see him. He is only in town for the weekend - but something is better than nothing. I just miss him more than I can describe.

This weekend is also the Red River Rivalry between Texas and ou. HOOK EM HORNS!

And...that is about it.

Fill in the Blank Friday

2011-09-30T06:43:00.000-05:00

It is Fill in the Blank Friday....

1. My current obsession is my nails. I've been trying to stop biting them and they are truly getting LONG!

2. Friends make me happy. (I copied Lauren...but it is true!)

3. My greatest strength is my ability let work stay at work and not bring the "work" mode home with me.

4. Chocolate is my greatest weakness.

5. My life is more than I ever thought it would be. I truly wake up every morning knowing how blessed I am.
6. In high school I was very hard on myself. I look at pictures from back then and I think "wow" I have no idea why I was so hard on myself!

7. When I'm super tired I can fall asleep ANYWHERE.

Day 30: Share a picture you love

2011-09-30T03:02:00.001-05:00

I talked about why I love this place right here....

Bridesmaid

2011-09-29T13:48:00.002-05:00

My friend L recently got engaged. We have a girl's dinner once a month - there are 4 of us. I love girls dinner. What is funny is that all 4 of us were in the same sorority but we were not close when I was in college. I actually only knew their names. That changed over 2.5 years ago. We started our sushi dinner monthly outings and I have to say it helped me tremendously.

Last night L asked us all to be bridesmaids and I was so touched and thrilled.

It made me think of all of the other times I have been asked - A LOT OF TIMES- I lost count at having 7 bridesmaid dresses in my closet at one time. Yes - 7. Those have since been donated.

What I thought about was how lucky I am to have so many people who think of me so dear to them to want me to be part of their wedding party. It truly makes me feel so blessed to have such dear friends.

Some we are no longer as close and others - I am just as close if not closer. I also know that I will be a bridesmaid at least 2 more times.

Sometimes I think I take these amazing friendships for granted - especially when I think "i have no friends" because we all know that is not the case.

So- next October when L is saying her vows I will be up there with her, with all the girls, happy and in whatever dress she wants me to be in.

Day 29: 3 things you cannot live without

2011-09-29T02:47:00.031-05:00

Since you said THINGS and I am keeping this light hearted - And because I feel creative...here we go:

A - apple iphone
B- MY B! :)
C- the letter that begins my brother's name
D - the letter that begins my father's name
E -the English language - I love it!
F - flowers
G - girlfriends
H -hair straightener
I - the letter that begins my mother's name
J - Jesus!
K - king size pillows..so snuggly!
L - lipgloss
M - mascara
N - nature
O - opinions - I have lots!
P - popcorn
Q - the Queen...ie all Royalty things - I'm just fascinated!
R - Roxy
S -strawberry jelly
T- trust
U -umbrella - especially the cute one I own!
V - VINO
W - Water...for after all of that VINO ;)
X - Xi - reminds me of my sorority sisters since Xi is one of our letters
Y - the color Yellow - it makes me happy!
Z - the Zoo...I love the Zoo

That was fun.

Day 28: Favorite books

2011-09-28T02:44:00.004-05:00

I have WAY too many favorite books. I was an English major in college and I got to read so many wonderful books...here are SOME of my favorites:

Mansfield Park
Eat, Pray, Love
The Glass Castle
Catcher in the Rye
The Tipping Point
Brideshead Revisited

and my all time favorite - The Giving Tree

Day 27: 3 wishes

2011-09-27T02:39:00.004-05:00

Any 3 wishes?

The big stuff:

1. World peace
2. End of World Hunger
3. That everyone could come from a loving and nurturing family.

Sure there are other things...but are they more important than those probably not.

I mean for insignificant wishes?

1. UT to up their football game and get into the top 10.
2. A cute pair of cognac boots
3. An engagement ring....I know it is coming we have talked about it...but I am not patient. :)

Day 26: Best concert you have been to

2011-09-26T07:59:00.000-05:00

I've been to A LOT of concerts...and A LOT that I loved- some were great performances and some were great just to listen to...you can figure out which is which...

My Top ones are:

Britney Spears
Roger Creager
Aerosmith
Jimmy Buffet
Madonna

There are tons more...

Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle and share the first 10 songs

2011-09-25T08:42:00.016-05:00

This actually came up with a lot of songs I love - very strange mix though with lots of new and a few old ones.

Adele - Rumour Has It
Jay Z- Empire State of Mind
Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger
Chicago - Will you Still Love Me
Colbie Caillat- Brighter than the Sun
Bryan Adams - Everything I do, I do it for you
Jason Aldean - Dirt Road Anthem
The Beatles - I want to Hold your Hand
Eli Young Band - Crazy Girl
Adele- Someone like you

Day 24: Favorite places to shop

2011-09-24T08:37:00.017-05:00

I like to shop a lot...but my favorites are:

Lands End (online)

Nordstrom (online and in store)

Sephora (love going to the store!)

Anthropologie - love the store!

TJ MAXX - such interesting finds!

Marshalls - same as TJ Maxx

Fill in the blank Friday

2011-09-23T08:15:00.001-05:00

It is Fill in the Blank Friday....

1. The best thing I did all week was lady lunch with V. We have lunch together at least once a week, and I love it. It helps break up the work day. Today I am having lunch with Bea (she is like a sister to me) and her son (whom I call my nephew).

2. Being able to sleep in makes me super happy.

3. Pets are the best. They love you and snuggle with you. This morning I woke up to Roxy cuddled right next to me. I love it! .

4. My family and friends are the best thing about my life.

5. With the cooler weather I am looking forward to non iced pumpkin spiced lattes .

6. Something that's on my "wish list" right now is a pair of boots - congnac color.

7. This weekend I am going to be at a 1st birthday party for one of my friend's children. I am really excited about it .

Day 23: Favorite blog hop that you participate in

2011-09-23T08:08:00.000-05:00

I used to participate in Taylor's Top 2 Tuesday - but she has since gone private and it makes me sad as I miss her! I just hope she is doing well!

I also used to participate in Lauren's fill in the blank Friday's and I think I am going to start to do that more often:

Crazy google reader

2011-09-22T10:16:00.003-05:00

Did anyone else's Google Reader become crazy today? I follow about 60 blogs...right now it shows I follow 10. Anyone else have this problem? Also - how do I fix this?????

UPDATE- after a few hours I, I think Christina was right - my google reader was drunk. Google reader has now sobered up and I have all of the lovely blogs I read back at my fingertips. THANK GOODNESS!

Day 22: Share about your hobbies

2011-09-22T08:13:00.013-05:00

I don't have a lot of hobbies - I go camping with B. I really enjoy that. I would like to get more into volunteering and I enjoy thrift store shopping.

This week at the thrift store I got:

Hunter Boots - barely used - $10

Turquoise necklace - $10

Louis Vuitton bag (needs some TLC) - $20.

I think at $40 for those items I did really well. I actually found the LV bag but showed it to V as I didn't need it. The other two things are mine. It rained this weekend so I got to actually used the boots - LOVE THEM

Day 21: Something that stresses you out

2011-09-21T08:10:00.003-05:00

Messes stress me out. I'm a hyper organized person - and truly a messy anything stresses me out. This does not sit well with B - who is not so much an organized person. I literally can play back in my head everything that needs to be straightened - in every place that I had been in the entire day (whether it be the card isle at Target, the shampoo section at Ulta or our copy room in the office). I try not go straighten things up anymore - I used to do that.

Day 20: Picture of Yourself

2011-09-20T08:38:00.007-05:00

This is me and Roxy pup! I think this was last Christmas.

Day 19: Share your nicknames

2011-09-19T08:09:00.000-05:00

I don't really have a lot of nicknames. I actually can only think of one:

Pumpkin - both of my parents called me this growing up as a term of endearment and my dad still every now and then calls me that. I love it. It always makes me smile.

Day 18: Something you miss

2011-09-18T07:19:00.008-05:00

I miss a lot of things - sure I miss surface level things but when I miss something - it is usually SOMEONE.

I miss my brother - almost all of the time. He is away finishing up law school and I just miss him being around and being in Texas. I've mentioned before how I consider him one of my best friends and I do.

I miss my grandmothers - both of my grandmothers have passed away and I miss them both terribly. They were amazing strong, educated and loving women. I get a lot of my personailty from them. I wish they were here to see how my life is.

Day 17: Something you regret

2011-09-17T07:23:00.002-05:00

I don't really tend to regret things. Honestly, I try to live in a way that when I look back at my life I live with no regrets, just learning experiences.

But if I had to say I regretted something - it would be someone I dated in the past.

I regret that I let someone break me down and hurt me like I let him. I say I let him because I did. I didn't walk away the first time he said those things and I should have.

I will say that because of that relationship and because of my ability to bounce back more positive and happier than ever before - I found myself again. I found my voice.

I am so much more appreciative and thankful for this gift from God that is my wonderful and loving relationship with B. Because love - love is a gift from God.

Fill in the blank Friday

2011-09-16T08:42:00.000-05:00

It has been AGES...I mean AGES since I have done a Fill in the Blank Friday:

1. You should always take time to enjoy life. Smell the roses and be IN THE MOMENT.
2. Smiling at strangers and people you know make(s) the world a happier place to be.

3. I can hardly wait for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My family is probably going to Florida for Thanksgiving and then B's parents are thinking of doing Christmas on the boat. I think it is going to be a fun time!

4. Saturday is my favorite day of the week.

5. Something totally dumb and ridiculous that I love is books on CD. I listen to them in the car on the way to work. I love them.

6. If I could, I would hire someone to help out around the house twice a month. I feel like it is always more messy than I can handle. I try, but sometimes I just fail miserably!
7. I rather like curling up with a good book and a glass of wine. MMM...my idea of heaven, at least part of it!

Day 16: 5 blogs you visit daily

2011-09-16T07:56:00.001-05:00

I have a lot of favorite blogs, so these are by no means the only ones I read, but these are the ones I wanted to share with you:

Pretty Shiny Sparkly - this is written by one of my sorority sisters from UT. She was a year younger than I am. She is a lovely, intelligent person (she's in medical school) and her fashion sense is just AMAZING! Plus she is newly engaged, and that is fun too. :)

Old Georgia House - this is written by Natalie. I have been reading her blog since BEFORE she was married. Back in the old XAnga days. I just love her style!

Sadly Leggings are not Pants - They aren't! In all reality, this website makes me laugh and I love reading it. I love blogger friends.

Reasonably Swanky - I love Blair and her posts. Her stories are funny, I love her tweets. She's like the girlfriend that you didn't know you needed!

Aesthetic Alterations - love her fashion sense. love her writing. Pretty much love this entire site!

Day 15: 3 tips for a new blogger

2011-09-15T08:15:00.000-05:00

I don't really have tips for blogging. I don't blog to have readers (although I will say I am so glad to have become friends with some of you) but I really blog for myself.

So my tips would be.

Be yourself

Enjoy writing

Comment on others blogs if something moves you, not because you want more readers.

Day 13 and Day 14

2011-09-14T08:50:00.005-05:00

Day 13:

“Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option”

"If you love the life you live, you will live a life of love"

"Own only what you can carry with you. Know people, know languages, know countries. Let your memory be your travel bag"

DAY 14:

I look forward to lots of things in life, but I try to stay in the present, enjoying the moments as they pass by.

Sure I look forward to my wedding day - but more importantly I look forward to my marriage. I think nowadays there is too much preparation for a wedding and not enough for a marriage. So I look forward to married life.

I look forward to being a mother, God willing.

Mostly though - I am thankful for all that I have in this moment right now.

Day 12: Share your goals you would like to accomplish in the next year

2011-09-12T08:40:00.005-05:00

A Goal I want to accomplish in the next year:

Read 75 books. I love reading and I get A LOT of use out of my library card, but I want to use it more!

* Disclaimer - I read A LOT. I love books and I try to read at least one a week (52 a year) and while on vacation I have been known to read an entire book in a day and start another one. The kindle for vacations is the only way I can travel - otherwise I'd be paying overage fees just for my books! When we went to the Bahamas I finished 8 books in a week. Vacations and days off are the only way I could get through so many books :)

Do you remember?

2011-09-11T08:36:00.006-05:00

As this is the 10 anniversary of 9/11 I will not post the challenge, but I will say, I will never forget.

My thoughts, prayers and love are sent to the heroes and the families of the heroes that gave up and are still giving up their lives in order for me to live this amazing FREE life I live.

Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your sacrifices.

Day 10: Tell us about your special someone

2011-09-10T08:26:00.019-05:00

My B.

Wow, where to begin. I guess I will say that we met at UT back when I was about 20ish. A lot of my sorority sisters were friends with his fraternity brothers. I was dating someone else at the time so B and I became friends. When I became single he asked me out on a date. While it was fun and he was wonderful, I put him in the friend zone. In college we would meet up for coffee and talk, play poker with friends and I saw him all of the time. He truly was one of my good friends and I was lucky to have him.

As I left college and moved to Htown we lost touch for a while. We met back up and went on a few more dates but he put me in the friend zone then. We lost touch again for a few more years.

We both dated other people quite seriously, but those relationships ended.

One day he IMed me and we started talking. I remembered how much I enjoyed him in my life and now we were both in the same city. So we went out for dinner and drinks and pretty much since then we have been inseparable. Almost two years now.

B is truly a loving, caring and amazing man. I feel so incredibly lucky every single day. I feel like I am living a dream. Sure there are bad days, but every single day I know I am loved and I know I am cared for beyond what I can even imagine. He truly is the love of my life.

Day 9: Tell us about your must watch TV shows

2011-09-09T07:57:00.000-05:00

B says I watch trash TV. He is right. I am ok with it.

Pretty much all BRAVO:

All Real Housewives - all locations and all season
Top Chef
Rachel Zoe
Flipping out
Top Chef just Desserts
All Bethenny shows
Millionaire Matchmaker

Non Bravo:

How I met your Mother
Parenthood
Modern Family
Grey's Anatomy
Private Practice

Day 8: Share a picture of your friends

2011-09-08T08:20:00.000-05:00

I have friends from all over here are some of them....

S and I celebrating my birthday. I love her. She is an amazing friend who always makes me laugh and have a great time! We met freshman year in college and I couldn't imagine my life without her!

I told you in this post that my brother is one of my best friends. He truly is and I am so lucky to be his sister!

This is my friend L and her husband at their wedding in Seattle. I was a bridesmaid. L and I go back to the 8th grade.

These are two of B and I's camping friends. We haven't seen them in a while - it has been TOO hot to go anywhere!

This is S, her husband me and B. S and I met when we were 5. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding a few years back. I am truly blessed by her wonderful friendship.

I posted this picture the other day. I don't know where I would be without these two. They are sorority sisters of mine and truly I cannot imagine my life without them. I was K (on the left)'s Maid of Honor. I am sure she will be my Matron of Honor. As for V - we have lady lunch every Monday as we work in the same vicinity as one another and we always saw "ladies who lunch" so we decided we get to have lady lunch every week :)

Day 7: Tell us about your favorite vacation

2011-09-07T08:28:00.013-05:00

Santorini, Greece

My favorite vacation was when I backpacked through Europe for 3 months after my Sophomore year in college. I went alone and I fell in love...with myself. I truly learned that I could manage in any situation and that I am a lot stronger than I thought.

I flew into Athens, Greece and flew out of London, England. I traveled to LOTS of places in between. It all started when I was about 15 years old and I decided I wanted to backpack Europe. It took me 4 years to plan it, save money and then my dream was realized. The summer of 2003 was one of the best summers of my life.

I started out in Athens - I was there for 1 night. My plane landed at midnight and my dad was too worried about me on the other side of the world for me to find my hostel that late so he booked me a room at the Hilton Athens. At the time my dad traveled A LOT, he was a platinum Hilton member - he used points to get me my room. The van picked me up from the airport and I get to this BEAUTIFUL hotel - it is me and my backpack. I am given a top floor executive room - so fancy that I couldn't figure out how to turn my lights off and on. I opened the windows in the morning and there was the Acropolis. I had an amazing view. I asked for a late check out (I got it at 6pm!) I saw the Acropolis and then went to the hotel for a great shower and headed to my boat for the Greek isles. I was in the isles for a week. NOT LONG ENOUGH.

After Greece I went to Italy. I was in Italy for 3 weeks. NOT LONG ENOUGH. I fell in love with Rome, San Gimignano and all of the little towns in between.

I will say that one of my best friends, K (the blonde in the picture that makes me happy) was studying in Paris that summer. She met me in Florence for 3 days. IT WAS GLORIOUS to KNOW someone. We did LOTS of shopping, eating and seeing all kinds of art.

After Italy I went to France, Monaco, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France again and then England.

There are SO MANY stories. I kept a journal and made sure I journaled EVERY single day. It was the best thing I could have done. I met lots of people - hostels are friendly! I actually met Karen, a girl from Australia for the first time on my way from Greece to Italy. We traveled for about 4 days together. When I was in Germany, I heard people talking in the Hostel and I was like "wow that sounds like Karen!" And it was. We traveled a few more days together. She introduced me to more people and I traveled with those people as well.

So anyone that is thinking about if they should or shouldn't travel alone - DO IT. Hostels are great places to meet all kinds of people. I loved it.

Check out the rest of the blogs on the 30 Day Challenge here:

Katie's Life Journey

Day 6: Favorite movies

2011-09-06T08:21:00.000-05:00

I have a lot of favorite movies...WAY TOO many and most are Rom Coms:

When Harry Met Sally is number 1 on my list!

The rest include:
Groundhog Day
Sleepless in Seattle
The Princess Bride
16 Candles
Dirty Dancing
and so many more....

Day 5: Share a picture of something that makes you happy

2011-09-05T09:13:00.002-05:00

While not the best picture:

These are two of my very best friends.

K, me and V.

My life would not be the same without them.

Day 4: Tell us about your family

2011-09-04T08:54:00.029-05:00

My family:
Currently there are 3 people living in my parents house. My parents and my mom's father. My dad's dad passed away when he was young and my two grandmothers have passed away as well. So as for my immediate family here goes:

I have a mother and a father - this November they will have been married for 35 years. I am so blessed to have such a loving happy example in my life of what true love is.

My mother drives me crazy - but truly she is one of my closest friends. I tell her everything. She is strong, very wise and went from working to being a stay at home mom for over 15 years. Once my brother and I left the house she went back to work. Now she is the CFO of a company. Driven. 100% driven. I hope to be just like her - because she truly can do it all.

My dad and I have the same sense of humor and I am so lucky to have been blessed with a dad who was a great provider, great role model and a parent who has gone out of his way a million times to make his little girl happy. He also can fix anything. I mean ANYTHING. In his off time he is building an airplane. Yes, a real airplane that seats 2 people. It is quite amazing.

When I was 3 years 1 month and 3 days old, my life changed forever. My little brother was born. He is so smart, such a caring, outgoing person and one of my best friends. We talk almost daily and I just wish the ATL was closer to Htown. He is in his 3rd year of law school. I feel lucky that we have such a great relationship as I hear time and time again from friends how they wish they were closer to their siblings. I attribute this to our amazing parents. We were never allowed to bring friends on vacations - so he and I were each other's friend. While on vacation my parents let us roam around a few hours at a time as long as we were together - checking in with them every 2 hours. When I was 18 and he was 15 with a driver's permit they let us take a vacation to Miami to see my grandfather together. It was SO MUCH FUN. I guess my parents tried to instill in us that we were siblings but we could also be friends.
Nowadays we always meet for dinner just the two of us at least one time when he is in town. We make the time to still be friends. I know I am blessed to have this relationship with him and I wouldn't want it any other way.

My Abuelo. My mom's father is another wonderful man in my life. I am surrounded by wonderful men - in my generation of the grandkids etc - I am the only girl. I am the only girl born in our family since my mom. ON ALL SIDES. I am also the first grandchild on my mom's side. Abuelo lights up a room with his stories, his laughter and his joy in life. He may partake a little too much in the red wine now and then, but at "28 backwards" (as he says) he can do what he pleases. My brother and I grew up with our grandparents nearby, in our house or around the corner. Abuelo has been at every large or small event in my life. When people meet him and they ask what to call him he says "Abuelo, everyone calls me Abuelo". Grandfather in every sense of the word. In his previous life before retirement he was an engineer for NASA, Saudi Aramco and a few other companies - let's just say my science projects growing up were "THE BEST" every single time.

I truly love my family.

Day 3: Tell us about your job

2011-09-03T08:49:00.009-05:00

Tell us about your job:

I try to keep some things private so I will say the only things I have said before:
I used to own an insurance agency with my dad. I LOVED IT. It was fun, we made money and I got to spend lots of time with my family. For those 3.5 years, it was a wonderful thing and I am glad I did it. We sold our company a while ago and my father went to work for a large company doing what he does best- investments and I went into the industry that dominates Htown.

Now I work in the Oil and Gas industry and use my insurance knowledge. I love my job. I love the environment of my department and truly I am so grateful to be where I am.

I can say - I love to talk insurance - so if you ever have any questions - ask me. I'd be happy to help!

Day 2: Tell us about your blog

2011-09-02T08:30:00.001-05:00

Tell us about your blog:

I use my blog as a diary - random thoughts, events that happened and I just keep it real. Nothing too crazy in my life. I use this as a tool to documents my thoughts and my ideas. I rarely censor myself because as much as I love having readers, I blog for myself. I love to look back to see how much I have grown in exactly one year. I love looking back and seeing that 3 years ago I was working on my first 101 in 1001 challenge.

I also use this blog as my 101 in 1001 challenge place. I love this challenge. It helps me plan out things I want to do, see, try etc. It really helps. I will always try to accomplish all of them, but if I get 90% I am happy.

I'm not a crafty person, so you won't see that here.

I just like to write.

Day 1: Introduce Yourself

2011-09-01T08:44:00.002-05:00

Day 1: Introduce Yourself

Ok...I feel like I have probably done this a bazillion times but here goes:

Late 20s.
Born and Raised Texan.
Graduate of the University of Texas- HOOK 'EM HORNS!
In the Insurance and Oil and gas field
Traveler
Love to read
Watch trashy reality TV
Love red wine
Sushi is my favorite food - just plain ole raw fish MMMM
Cuban American
I speak with my hands - see above as to why. ;)

30 day journey

2011-09-01T08:39:00.000-05:00

So I am doing the 30 Day Challenge - or at least I will try to. Thanks to Leggings are not Pants I found out about this...so here goes nothing...or something...or whatever.

Here are the 30 day Challenges:

Day 1: Introduce Yourself
Day 2: Tell us about your blog
Day 3: Tell us about your job
Day 4: Tell us about your family
Day 5: Share a picture of something that makes you happy
Day 6: Favorite movies
Day 7: Tell us about your favorite vacation
Day 8: Share a picture of your friends
Day 9: Tell us about your must watch TV shows
Day 10: Tell us about your special someone
Day 11: Something you’re afraid of
Day 12: Share your goals you would like to accomplish in the next year
Day 13: Favorite Bible Verse/Quote
Day 14: Share something you are looking forward to
Day 15: 3 tips for a new blogger
Day 16: 5 blogs you visit daily
Day 17: Something you regret
Day 18: Something you miss
Day 19: Share your nicknames
Day 20: Picture of Yourself
Day 21: Something that stresses you out
Day 22: Share about your hobbies
Day 23: Favorite blog hop that you participate in
Day 24: Favorite places to shop
Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle and share the first 10 songs
Day 26: Best concert you have been to
Day 27: 3 wishes
Day 28: Favorite books
Day 29: 3 things you cannot live without
Day 30: Share a picture you love

Life

2011-08-30T10:26:00.000-05:00

2011 has been a tough and challenging year for me.

In February I lost my uncle. My mother's brother.

In June I lost my great uncle - who was a father figure for my father as my grandfather passed away when my dad was only 5.

This August I lost my grandfather's wife. My grandfather married approximately 10 years ago as my grandmother passed away when I was 14.

Everyone said "bad things happen in threes" or things of the like to show that I have done enough greieving for a year. Except I don't believe Death is "bad". It is part of life - the good, the ups and the downs. Right now I feel a bit "down".

My uncle was pretty young to pass away, but he had a terribly hard life. Mostly his own fault with his own decisions, but sometimes the "cards didn't fall the right way" for him. He taught me my love of music, how to "handle" my mom, and truly the value of an education. He told me, when I was about 16 that the difference between his life and my parents lives was purely education. They had the same upbringing and same opportunities, but my mother had the perservence to stick with education. He told me to never take the easy road as he always tried to and it always set him farther back than where he first started. I suppose, looking back, he knew his mistakes and he wanted nothing more than for myself to never make those. He told me those things when I was 16 and his youngest child turns 16 this year. I only hope that I can help him understand what his father once told me.

My great uncle showed me what family was all about. He and his wife had 4 children - 3 boys and a 1 girl. One of the men is in seminary on his way to being a priest. I've always thought he was going to be a priest, but his discerment took about 10 years to truly know his calling. The other three are married to the most amazing partners. While my "Uncle Johnny" was Baptist, his wife and 4 children are all Catholic. They grew up in both churches and did community service projects for both churches. When you asked him what helped to make his 60+ years as a married man so wonderful he always said "it didn't hurt to have 2 congregations praying for you and your family and your marriage".

My grandfather's wife, Marinela passed away just recently. She truly was wonderful, made Abuelo laugh and truly made him perk up in life again. She was there when he battled cancer and when he went in remission. She was there to celebrate love and life with him. While I was uncertain about his idea to marry 10 years ago, she truly made my grandfather's life so much more fun.

I wanted to write down a few things about them as I know I am still in the grieving process. They existed. They mattered to me. They taught me love, life and so much more. I just hope to get back to the "real" me again. I go back and forth and up and down as they meant a lot to me.

It is in the everyday moments when I miss them the most. When something breaks and I think "my uncle could would know what to do, let me call him." Or when I drive by my great uncle's exit and think "I should pop on over and say hello to Uncle Johnny" or when I talk to my grandfather and I can hear the little bit of sadness in his voice.

It isn't easy. It isn't hard. It is part of life. It is part of knowing and loving people. It is part of family.

Amazing Girlfriends

2011-08-19T09:07:00.000-05:00

I have amazing girlfriends. Most are in separate groups and don't really know each other. I've collected them throughout my life from different stages and different places. I do have a group here in Htown - there are 4 of us who try to get together at least once a month for dinner - it's our "Girls Sushi Night" although sometimes it isn't for sushi. Well, V has a cabin in the hill country and the 4 of us, but 3 more went to the hill country and to the wineries last weekend. IT WAS WONDERFUL. We hired a limo and truly had a blast.

I wish I had pictures to add...waiting on them as I didn't bring my camera.

10 DAY CHALLENGE - ONE picture of myself

2011-08-13T14:07:00.002-05:00

ONE picture of myself- this was taken on our trip through Colorado last year. I was so incredibly happy. It was a wonderful trip.

10 DAY CHALLENGE - TWO Songs

2011-08-12T13:54:00.002-05:00

Top 2 Favorite SONGS:

1. Carole King's "Beautiful"

You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face

And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel

Waiting at the station with a workday wind a-blowing
I've got nothing to do but watch the passers-by
Mirrored in their faces I see frustration growing
And they don't see it showing, why do I?

You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel

I have often asked myself the reason for THE sadness
In a world where tears are just a lullaby
If there's any answer, maybe love can end the madness
Maybe not, oh, but we can only try

You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel

2. Chicago - "You're the Inspiration"...ok most things by Chicago I like.
2.

10 DAY CHALLENGE - THREE Films

2011-08-11T13:43:00.004-05:00

3 Favorite Films:

1. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY!!!

2. Groundhog Day

3. SATC- the movies, the show.

10 DAY CHALLENGE - FOUR Books

2011-08-10T11:29:00.015-05:00

FOUR Books:
I don't every really have favorites when it comes to books - I read A LOT. I love a lot of my books!

1. For Cookbooks - I love all of my Cooking Light books. AMAZINGLY wonderful recipes.

2. The True Memoirs of Little K - good historical fiction

3. For a good read - I really recently enjoyed Little Bee, slow at first and just gets better and better

4. As for Chick Lit books - I loved the Confessions of a Shopaholic series - so funny. Truly.

10 DAY CHALLENGE - FIVE foods

2011-08-09T11:13:00.001-05:00

For the 5 foods...this is easy...these are some of the ridiculous foods that I like...

1. Escargot. It is one of my very favorite foods. I don't get it often but MMMMM

2. Lobster bisque - so amazing

3. foie gras - another thing I RARELY ever get, but I love it. Got it last night when B and I went to Marks as part of Restaurant Month here in Houston.

4. Blue bell home made vanilla ice cream.

5. french bread with really good quality butter. (preferably in France, but I will get what I can!)

10 DAY CHALLENGE - SIX places

2011-08-08T11:00:00.022-05:00

SIX Places:

I don't know if this is supposed to be 6 places I love, places I want to go etc...so...I decided it should be 6 places I would love for B and I to go visit!

1. Santorini - I loved it there. It is beautiful...I want us to go there!

2. Paris, France - um need I say more?

3. Australia - never been...want to go...want to see Ayers rock!

4. Italy - specifically the coast and Tuscany...

5. Fiji

6. And for the less far away - Nantucket

10 DAY CHALLENGE - SEVEN wants

2011-08-07T10:40:00.015-05:00

SEVEN WANTS:

This is totally an outrageous list...just FYI

1. An ORANGE Birkin bag

2. A pair of these Louboutins:

3. This nail polish (This is actually a do-able thing, it just is more expensive than most of the colors I buy!)

4. This perfume...it is on my list once I finish the Kate Spade one I currently have. (I'm a one at a time girl when it comes to perfume.)

5. I also want a really well made dress - like one that just looks like it was made for me. Any ideas?

6. These earrings:

7. And lastly...of this extragavent shopping excursion... these

10 DAY CHALLENGE - EIGHT FEARS

2011-08-06T10:31:00.002-05:00

Eight FEARS:

1. That I won't truly leave this world better than it was when I came into it.

2. That something will happen to my loved ones. I know people pass away, but I just hope everyone I love (and everyone in general) doesn't suffer. I read the news, I see the stories and they just make me so sad.

3. That I won't grow old and enjoy every moment.

4. Roaches

5. Spiders

6. That I will not be able to have children. This unfortunately is a very legitimate fear and not one I take lightly.

7. Something happens to Roxy. Life with her and B, we are our own little family. I just cannot imagine life without her. Yes, I know she is a dog, but - she is my dog, she is his dog, she is our dog and a huge part of our life.

8. That somehow I will get it all wrong. I see people get married, have children, look happy and then boom - it all crashes down he (or she) cheats and the whole world they knew implodes. I think people say "oh I love him oh he loves me, that won't happen to us" except I think everyone says that and yet it happens more and more and I wonder - where did they get it all wrong. How did they get there...mostly because I never want to be there in that place with my world imploding.

10 DAY CHALLENGE - NINE loves

2011-08-05T10:17:00.011-05:00

10 DAY CHALLENGE....DAY 2

NINE LOVES

1. My family.

2. My friends

3. B!

4. Roxy

5. Movie nights at home

6. READING

7. the way my car smells and looks after it has been really cleaned

8. the feeling I get when I finish a new book

9. sushi!

10 DAY CHALLENGE - TEN Secrets

2011-08-04T10:17:00.000-05:00

I decided to do the 10 days of YOU Challenge. I feel that it will help me get back into the blogging groove.

TEN SECRETS:

1. I bite my nails. I am trying to stop...I think I've been trying to stop since I was little! I go through phases. Sometimes they are rather long, sometimes they are so short that they bleed. I know it is gross and I would LOVE to stop it.

2. I want to be a writer some day. I don't really "write" on my blog - this is more of a journal/diary of my life. I loved writing in college, I still love writing today. I'd love to get paid to write.

3. I miss my brother every single day he isn't home. We haven't lived under the same roof in 10 years, and I still miss him. We talk almost daily- and I hate that he is so far away.

4. I feel so lucky to have the family I have. Truly lucky.

5. I'm a neat freak. B is making me less of one. I don't know if I like that.

6. There was a time in my life that I wondered if I would ever fall in love. True love. Love like my parents have. I really thought it didn't exist anymore. Now...I know better.

7. I hate working out. HATE IT. I need to find something I love. I love Bikram Yoga...but it is SO Expensive here.

8. I'm only 5'2 and I LOVE the way heels look- but after like an hour, I want to be back in my flip flops.

9. I love reality TV. I know I shouldn't, I know it is trash...but it SUCKS ME IN!

10. I have too many clothes. I need to clean out my closet!

Time has flown by!

2011-08-02T09:14:00.001-05:00

August is here, therefore summer is slowly coming to an end...and what a summer it has been! I hope to truly update more often, but life has been busy busy busy!

B and I went with his parents and uncle to the Bahamas - 10 days of pure bliss. I loved it. I was relaxed, enjoyed my time with them and truly feel lucky that not only is B so wonderful, but his family is as well.

I'll update with pictures soon!

Gone away, missing you

2011-06-20T08:36:00.000-05:00

B travels for work - not too much, just enough so I can miss him. He is usually gone about one week a month. This past week he was in Wyoming and Utah.

When he is gone I have girls night with friends - usually a sushi night or something of the like.

This time when he was gone - I just missed him. No real reason more than usual, but I did. I think it is so healthy to spend time away, just for the fact of knowing that when we are together, it really is so special - so I don't take it for granted.

It is so nice to have him back in town!

Is it Vacation time yet?

Strange world.

2011-06-13T16:08:00.001-05:00

My brother is in law school at E.Mory. As of right now he is in another country doing an internship. A lot of his friends are interning this summer in different countries.

He got disturbing news this morning that one of his classmates had been detained in Egypt.

Read here

Obviously we don't know the entire story, but I cannot imagine what his family and close friends are going through.

Away

2011-06-07T15:35:00.000-05:00

I've been away for a few weeks.

Memorial Day weekend was amazing.

B and I headed to Lake Travis with some of our friends. We camped for the entire weekend. Truly great to getaway from it all. Plus...I love Austin. It was was wonderful.

The following week I had another procedure for the same thing as I still have cancerous cells. WE took some more precautions and I have another check up next month AFTER I get back from the BAHAMAS.

Have I mentioned that? I'm going to the Bahamas for 10 days this Summer! I'm excited.

as the days go by

2011-05-24T08:24:00.000-05:00

The reason that I started my 101 in 1001 was because I found myself not truly LIVING. I was going through the motions of life, but not enjoying it. Daily now I live. Sure, I spent last night on the couch with B watching the Mavs play - but that is where I wanted to be.

I truly remind myself to live each day - to enjoy each day as it was your last. So I live and I love. I truly love my life.

What I love so much is that I truly have found a partner - for life, in life. We explore, travel and see so many things. Soon we are going to the middle of nowhere with some friends. A middle of nowhere beach to camp and just be in a beautiful place. He has helped me see that I love doing things like this. While I complain at times (I mean there are NO restrooms in the middle of nowhere) it is wonderful to TRULY get away from it all. He does indulge me at times - we did stay at a beautiful 4 diamond hotel while in La Jolla, California 2 weeks ago. We do it all. Later this summer we will be boating from Florida to the Bahamas for 10 days. Like I said - we do it all. From camping to 4 diamond hotels to boating. Last year was a big mountain year - with Colorado and all of the offroad adventures - this year seems to be our beach year.

I love traveling alone - but I love traveling with him more. I've never felt that way.

San Diego

2011-05-20T10:45:00.000-05:00

B and I went to San Diego last weekend and it was wonderful - so wonderful that in fact no pictures were taken.

It was relaxing, fun to walk around, and truly just nice to be together.

We went to the desert and on some jeep roads, saw the seals, went to a farmers market where I bought the BEST oranges that I've ever tasted! Truly it was wonderful.

It was a nice quick little trip to kick off our vacations for the summer...

We are going to the BAHAMAS for 9 days later this summer...and I cannot wait! :)

Life changes

2011-05-10T12:58:00.000-05:00

Blogs are funny. Sometimes you write a post and then other people's blogs posted at similar times as yours have similar 'takeaways'. Here is what I was working on when I read about another person's whose life is changing -linked below.

My life is changing...has changed and is constantly evolving. I look back on the past years and see ME..but I also see parts of me I don't ever want to see again. I realized in years past that I was living in the "what will be" and not the "what is". I was looking towards my future and not at my present. It all changed summer of 2009- my life changed. I was at rock bottom. I was not anywhere near who I am now. I was a shell. I was broken.

I decided in July that my life would be everything that I ever dreamed. So I started right then, over July 4th weekend learning to be myself. To love myself.
Through my 101 in a 1001 challenge, meeting new friends, setting up a new life, moving, catching up with B and starting our life together- me, the person I am today...emerged.

A blog buddy...Al, has gone through and is going through life changes...and is moving to TURKEY. All I have to say is that it makes me so happy. :)

2011-05-02T16:21:00.000-05:00

So..one of my favorite blogs is doing a giveaway:
Houston's Weekly Chic

Grand Prize Winner

(will receive the following plus whatever else we decide to throw in:)

hanging shoe organizer

hanging sweater organizer

floor shoe rack

leather pda/cell phone/ipod charging caddy

square corner shelf

alphabetical binder dividers

Avery mailing labels

2 under-the-shelf baskets for the kitchen

**bonus** - the first 3 issues of Life+Dog Magazine

2nd place - a Purseket and Real Simple Grocery Checklist

3rd place - Post-it Pockets

So how do you enter?

Go to Houston's Weekly Chic and read all about it!

God Bless America

2011-05-02T08:26:00.000-05:00

I had a post that I wanted to write - all about the Royal Wedding...but now - it just seems so frivolous.

So instead - God Bless America. I am not one to rejoice in someone elses death, but I am one to rejoice that someone who caused terror in Americans lives and lives abroad was brought down.

As former President Bush said, "Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al-Qaida network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."

Thank you to our military for keeping us safe.

Easter Weekend wrapup

2011-04-27T17:02:00.000-05:00

B and I headed to Dallas to spend Friday and Saturday with his family. It was a lot of fun. Friday night we went to dinner with his parents and some of their friends...at their usual place- Mi Cocina. They go every Friday.
Saturday was a whirlwind of family. We went to B's great-grandmother's house (mother's side) for lunch along with the entire family. It was an enjoyable afternoon - flying kites, catching up and meeting members of his family I didn't know. Saturday evening we went to his grandparent's house (father's side) and went out for Sushi. It was really neat to see his grandparents eating sushi, hearing about different stories about B and his family.
SAturday night we went to my godparents house to drink wine and catch up.

Sunday we headed back to Htown - with a stop at my parents house for their Easter party. Margaritas, ham, and all the delicious things my mom makes.

By the time we unloaded the car...we were exhausted. We needed a break from our break!

Tuesday night I scored Astros tickets from work - club level - and I caught a foul ball...not too shabby...

and THE ROYAL WEDDING is coming up...have you heard? ;)

Top 2 Tuesday - Collections

2011-04-18T14:01:00.001-05:00

It is TOP 2 TUESDAY again...

This week it is COLLECTIONS

1. I collect shoes...mainly this kind...

Sam Edelman's "Gigi" sandal. I have 7 pairs. I get new ones every year and continue to buy more - none are the same. I live in them during the summer - and I can wear them to work on Fridays. It's a win win! I have those two colors, a hot pink, a teal, a cork, a black and a zebra. I am coveting the leopard and the plain brown leather for this season.

2. I collect beauty products? I mean I have a ton - so much so that I have some at B's place, for touchups etc. Most at mine. I also have some at my parents house, my desk at work, my car and my purse. It is a bit ridiculous - but I LOVE makeup and everything to do with it. Yeah....

Weekend Wrapup

2011-04-18T09:48:00.000-05:00

This was what I call a lazy weekend. I loved it. I read, gave myself a pedicure and a facial. I went to the farmer's market, drank starbucks and truly just slowed down. B and I went out for crawfish and enjoyed the outside! Sunday I had an alum brunch - DELISH! Who can go wrong with Brenner's. mmm...and then I did nothing the rest of the day. It was lovely...and I think I just needed some time to just be.

Blood taken

2011-04-18T09:26:00.000-05:00

My doctor - on top of what will be happening Wednesday also wanted to have a full bloodwork up done on me. I obliged. I fasted for 12 hours and went in this morning...warning...this is a bit gross/has to do with blood.

I have to say, I was a little bit annoyed at the nurse. She pulled the needle out of my arm and didn't put pressure on it immediately and therefore blood started spewing. I felt faint. Granted, in the end it was all ok and I only got a little bit of blood on me - but after 5 vials taken, I just wasn't feeling hot to begin with and then to see more jolt out of my body...not cool. Whenever I have my blood taken I get a little light headed - today was way worse...at least I got myself starbucks afterwards...I mean that was a great excuse!

All in all...I am ok. I just get REALLY moody about all of this. I just want it to be over and done with. I want to know what is going on with my body and to know what to do next.

Allergies/pollen

2011-04-05T14:37:00.000-05:00

Is anyone else having allergy issues?
Is anyone else's car yellow/green due to pollen?

Just wondering :)

RELAX

2011-04-04T14:13:00.000-05:00

With B out of town this weekend for work..I did something I haven't done in ages...I relaxed all weekend long.

Went to the Original Ninfa's for dinner with friends on Friday night. I'd never been...SO GOOD.

Saturday I went grocery shopping and then took the pup to the dog park...she loved it. Then we went on a 2 mile walk. She loved that too...this is what she looked like afterwards...yeah she was tired. I just love how HUGE her tongue is when she's exhausted!

I spent the rest of Saturday reading, enjoying a glass of wine and truly just relaxing.

Sunday - went to Church, took Roxy out again and then enjoyed dinner with a friend. A nice relaxing weekend.

sad

2011-04-02T19:06:00.000-05:00

Back in February 2008 I wrote about something somewhat personal. You can read about it here.

So I've had to go every 6 months to have this checked out...but this time it came back worse and now they will be doing another prodecure as it showed cancerous cells. As my doctor has said, I am very lucky that I don't have any STDs (um thanks? thanks for that Doc!) but apparently STDs (mainly HPV) could make this situation even worse. So that's the highlight I guess- yay no STDs! (not that I was worried at all)- I guess she was just trying to make me feel like everything could be worse? I'm not sure.

But anyway, later this month I will be seeing the oncologist and have a few other tests done. I was trying to explain my emotions but really the only word I can come up with is sad. I feel like my body is failing me - I didn't do anything wrong and yet this is happening. It just makes me sad. I have been trying to just think of the positives of life, how if it is bad, we caught it quickly, so that is always a good thing. How it could be nothing, but mostly - I just try to not think of it - which is nearly impossible.

Anyway...since I do use this as my "journal"...I just wanted to write it all down. It somehow helps.

Rut

2011-03-30T10:40:00.001-05:00

I'm in a rut. With a bum shoulder - oh I didn't ever write about that...I have a slightly torn rotator cuff - which means im in physical therapy, which also means I feel so incredibly weak and my shoulder is sore ALL OF THE TIME. I will say it has gotten so much better...SO MUCH BETTER...but I have my days. Soon hopefully it will all be a distant memory!

As for all the rest of it - im in a rut. A cooking rut, an after work routine rut and just in general feeling blah. So...I'm trying to get out of it. I want to try new things- I love Cooking light magazine and I'm going to try to pull a few new recipes to try, I'm going to try to actually get things done after work instead of being lazy - but sometimes after work I'm not gonna lie - I only want to get dinner cooked and have a cocktail...cuz I'm classy like that. ;)

2011 Vacations!

2011-03-29T08:12:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned last year - We went to La Jolla.
B travels a lot for work. He gets to go to really fun and awesome places and sometimes I get to meet him for a long weekend in those fun places.We went to California and Colorado last year...and this year he is going back to La Jolla.

I am meeting him at the end of the week...I couldn't be more excited.

We are staying at the Grande Colonial Inn. I fell in love with this hotel last year and cannot wait to go back.

So we have now started planning the trips of 2011...so far - we have Padre Island (for camping), La Jolla, Florida and the Bahamas and who knows what else. I must say...2011 is looking to be wonderful!

DayZero Project

2011-03-28T08:12:00.000-05:00

I've received a TON of emails about the DayZero project - and truly it is a wonderful concept.

The real point of this project - to me is this - to stop waiting for this or that. To really plan out all of the things I want to buy, do, say, etc. It really helped me connect more with myself. I've always wanted to try some new things but I never got around to it - so I challenged myself - and gave myself a reasonable time to get them done. Sure I didn't get 100% done, but I did do a lot of things, that I hadn't done. Tried new things, planned out trips and truly enjoyed every one of them.

I've heard of 30 before 30 or 40 before 40 - all WONDERFUL ideas...just make sure you aren't 39.5 and only give yourself 6 months to do things that may not be reasonable - for example (don't put on there a trip to china, a trip to the bahamas, backpacking Machu Picchu and save $5k in our savings) as that would be incredibly difficult to accomplish (depending on your finances...I know it would not be feasable to me) but all the trips I put in mine - I have 2.5 years to plan, save and know that's where I want my money to go - not on a new pair of shoes - if that makes sense.

Truly - It was an amazing experience for me. Mostly though, through a rough period in my life, it helped me have goals, stay positive and enjoy life. :)

101 in 1001...

2011-03-24T10:57:00.000-05:00

Back on August 1, 2008 I started the DayZero project. Basically I set 101 goals, challenges and other things to do to accomplish by April 29, 2011. It is 2.5 years later...while it isn't April 29, 2011...the next month is packed so I don't believe I will have time to get anymore of the goals done. Out of the 101 goals...only 9 were left undone. This makes me happy. While it wasn't 100% I am so happy with the results. So...as of May 1 I will be doing another one. I am will post the new goals on a tab sometime in the next few days and I am so excited.

As for the one B and I are doing together - I think it is going wonderfully.

Life is good.

Life

2011-03-23T11:08:00.002-05:00

I feel that life is flying by and I am not taking the time to enjoy it...so this week I am going to try to "stop and smell the roses"...

Top 2 Tuesday

2011-03-14T09:39:00.000-05:00

TOP 2 Random things about me:

1. I'm addicted to Reality TV...and I don't want to be! Actually...I am addicted to Bravo...not all reality TV. Mostly because I think "are people REALLY like that?"

2. I work in the Oil and Gas industry but in the insurance sector and I love it. Watching Vicki be excited about insurance is exactly how I feel. I know most people think it is incredibly boring - but me - I love it - and it is not nearly as boring as one would think!

Lent

2011-03-09T10:51:00.000-06:00

I am always asked "what are you giving up for lent this year" and usually it is "curse words" "chocolate" "coffee" but this year I wanted to do something different. I read about 40 bags in 40 days and I decided to participate.

I have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF...and simplifying could be incredibly helpful. So that's what I am doing. I am excited and nervous to let go of my "things."

2011-03-06T21:41:00.000-06:00

So I joined BambooPink and I wanted to pass along some information regarding it.

Bamboopink is a new fashionable, yet affordable jewelry line made and designed by a famous, high-end designer whose current line is sold in upscale department stores, is all over the red carpet and worn by Oprah! This company is the first of its kind, an internet launched company with virtual trunk shows…there are no parties to host and no phone calls to make.

Sign-ups are free, with no risks or obligations. The free signing period is only through March 15, after that you will have to pay to be a consultant.

What sets this company apart from other direct sales companies:

•GROUND FLOOR opportunity (probably won’t ever happen to you again!)

•Strongest company plan in the industry

•We have a very successful designer, multi-million dollar jeweler making & backing this jewelry, so it's sure to be successful.

•Instead of growing one sales rep at a time, this business model using the free sign-up period – we can grow fifty sales reps at a time – but the time to do that is NOW!

This company is going to explode in a few weeks with a national press release and official launch in April. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So be one of the first to sign up!

Then you can do the same as me and get credit for signing up your friends, which is what we are compensated for with jewelry, cash and/or an ipad. It is not about selling the jewelry at this point, but networking and creating interest. If you decide not to sell, you have lost nothing and your name is dropped from the list.

It’s simple to sign up, go to my site: https://www.bamboopink.net/Texasgal05

Copy this email (text and picture) into a new message and replace my webpage link with your webpage link and send it to your friends. You could win some awesome prizes and you could be building a fabulous network for yourself very quickly.

Disclaimer:

This page and its links are provided as an independent training resource for Consultants. The articles and resources provided at this site are for educational purposes. They may not have been evaluated by Bamboo Pink, Inc., and no endorsement or approval of the content is stated or implied.

THESE MATERIALS ARE NOT SPONSORED BY, ENDORSED BY OR AFFILIATED WITH BAMBOO PINK, INC.

Rodeo

2011-03-02T10:03:00.001-06:00

Last weekend was fun. So much fun.

Saturday was the Houston Livestock Show and Rode BBQ Championships...and I got tickets from work to our tent - which included unlimited food and drinks...not too shabby.

So off B and I went with two of our good friends (my childhood bff and her husband). It was great. We bought tickets to the carnival, rode the bumper cars, played all those random - throw the softball and knock over the milk jugs, make the basketball go into the oval hoop, toss washers over soda bottles, pop balloons with blunt darts - all of those ridiculous games. We also ate our fair share of fried oreos, fried snickers bar, ice cream, brisket, and of course a funnel cake. All in all...it was great. You can see that we did in fact win some prizes.

Need Help

2011-02-24T08:49:00.002-06:00

So as I have mentioned a few times...My very best friend in the entire world is pregnant and is due in less than 3 weeks. We've had her baby shower and she was definetely showered with gifts and love...but I have a question for the mommies out there....

What is one thing that one of your friends did, gave you etc that truly helped right after the birth of your child? I am clueless in this department but I want to be helpful in any way possible.

Thanks in advance!

Texas Longhorns

2011-02-18T13:23:00.001-06:00

Kelly is having a "show us your life" - Alma Maters - edition and I wanted to join in!

I went to The University of Texas- Austin. I loved it. I loved every second of it. When I was growing up, I visited Austin with my family and I fell in love. I love the Hill Country, I love that Austin has live music every where and I loved my time in Austin.

I was in a sorority and I met some of my very best friends there.

This was taken at our 80th year on campus at UT. It was a great celebration!

These are my 2 very best friends - K and V.

K still lives in Austin and V and I party it up in H-town!

While I don't have any college pictures to show...I can show you a few pictures of the fabulous people I met while in College.

Girls get together in Dallas!

My Friend KM with one of her sons!

My friend S. Love her, and I miss her - too bad she lives far far away.

All of those girls I met at UT. Too bad I don't have more pictures on hand as I am missing quite a few people! While at UT - we went to frat parties, had girls nights, watch movies together, went out to eat, and truly had a WONDERFUL time...but we also did this...

TUBING down the river....love it.

As an alum - I have met lots of people and reconnected with other people. I love our Alum events, I love watching the football games, basketball games #1 at the moment and everything else.

Lastly..I met the love of my life there. While I wasn't smitten when we first met, I am so glad we became friends and are who we are today.

Memorial Mass.

2011-02-17T08:52:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we held mass for my Uncle. It was very hard, but also healing.

Father said something yesterday at Mass that has stuck with me and really helped.

He said "the sadness we feel, the grief, isn't because we are not happy, we are happy that he is going home to be with the Father, the sadness comes from the separation we feel for no longer having him near us."

This has really helped.

How does someone say Goodbye.

2011-02-14T09:56:00.000-06:00

My Uncle passed away on Saturday morning. It was unexpected and heartbreaking to be honest. He has 3 sons - ages 15, 19 and 27. How does one say goodbye to someone they love. I struggle with this. Everyone has ups and downs in life - and I struggle with the feelings of knowing he is in a better place- a happier place.

He taught me a lot of things in life and I just don't truly believe he is gone. As B told me, you won't really feel him being gone until there is something that you need and you say "I'll call my uncle, he'd know". I know he is right about that. We are having a memorial service here in Texas and then this summer, as is tradition in my family, we will all go to Florida and have family time where we laugh and cry and enjoy each other's company and then go to Disney World and be kids again. I love this tradition.

Things I learned from my Uncle -

An Appreciation of music - he bought me my first CD player, Ipod and my first CDs. My mother didn't approve of them, she didn't like that her younger brother bought her daughter a CD that had a few curse words in them, or that I had music blaring from my room.

All cars can be fixed. I don't know how to fix them, but he did. He truly appreciated the beauty in all cars.

To not make life altering mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes but he always told me, to follow what he was saying and not what he did in life because he made some life altering mistakes and he loved me too much for me to follow that route.

He taught me that everyone deserves second chances. People make mistakes, screw up and are truly sorry- just because you make a mistake doesn't mean your heart wasn't in the right place.

Mostly though, I learned that I love my family more than I have words for. I ache more than I thought I would. I am numb at the moment, but that numb feeling is overwhelming. I feel like I am trying to be strong, hold it together and I just know I will break at any given moment. I had no idea how much I truly loved my uncle and I wonder if he knew. I know that he knows now, which is comforting. I just feel so sad.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Flower's from B. I'm so blessed.

Randoms

2011-02-11T10:28:00.000-06:00

Tidbits on my mind:

I'm walking like an old person today because my quads are killing me. I have to use arm strength to get out of my office chair. I am so happy I have an office so people don't look at me funny!

My credit card number was stolen. Yes this sucks- no they didn't get any goods. I couldn't use it yesterday due to it being declined. So I called the company and they asked me if I tried to purchase $8,500 at Tiffany's online. I said no, but what were they trying to buy. I was curious- the lady on the phone wasn't amused and said my card was cancelled, to shred it and another will be sent to me. I just wanted to know what the thief wanted!!!

I made spaghetti squash- 2 times in a week. I really like it - but apparently one can get sick from eating too much squash. My tummy was not happy the 4th day I had it. Variety is key.

It's the weekend...Valentine's day is on Monday. We are going to Brunch on Sunday because Brunch is my favorite meal of the week.

Top 2 Tuesday - Lessons from blogging

2011-02-07T12:51:00.000-06:00

It is Top 2 Tuesday again...

Top 2 Things You've Learned About Blogging

1. At first I wrote straight from the heart about me and my life. This blog was for me. Then I saw people were following and I didn't want to offend so I stopped doing that. Then I realized - this is my blog, my life and I get to choose its content. I like it that way. I would never intentionally offend someone, but this is a record I keep for me that I love to share with others.

2. Blog friends can become IRL friends. It's true!

Bad blogger

2011-02-07T09:51:00.000-06:00

With the "winter storm" that blew through Htown and being crazy busy at work and in my personal life - the blog get set aside....

This weekend B, the Roxy dog and I went to the bark park, the farmers market, out on a wonderful date day that turned into a date night.

It was cold this weekend...
so cold in fact that Roxy burrowed herself under the blankets in her crate and didn't want to get out.

Top 2 Tuesday - Friendships

2011-01-31T14:43:00.000-06:00

It's Top 2 Tuesday Again...

Top 2 Things You have learned about Friendship - ok or top 4.

1. To only be friends with people that value you the same as you value them. There are times when you are needed more than you need them and vice versa. But in the end, make sure you are valued. I have been used too many times and so just like I said in THIS post... "But my time, ME - I am more valuable than a fake friendship." and "But the friends that I have deep conversations with, that know ME, that want to know how I am doing and don't want to hear "fine" - I always ALWAYS have time for them."

2. Friendships evolve and change. For example - my best friend is pregnant with her first child. Our friendship is changing- and that is ok. Her life is about to truly change again. Our friendship changed when she got married as well (and that is ok!). We have learned that when something changes you can grow together or apart. I know she will be busy with the baby and I know she will be a wonderful parent, but that means our talks all of the time, they won't be as often. That also means our ALONE time will be all the more precious. I've just learned that also my life has changed - so our friendship has.

3. Lastly - When your best friend tells you "you have to meet this person, I just know you will be great friends with her. You like similar things and are going through the same thing right now" believe her. I met that person and V has become such an amazing friend. Actually I would say V has become my "other" best friend.

4. You can't have enough friends. As long as they are TRUE friends.

Weekend Wrapup

2011-01-31T10:05:00.000-06:00

Short quick updates-

1. This weekend included my best friend's baby shower. It was a lot of fun, and she looked amazing. Most of all, it was wonderful seeing her again. Since she lives in Austin and I do not (I am not happy that I do not, but I don't!) I rarely get to see her - so it was lovely to spend a few hours in her company. She truly is the best friend I could ever have!

2. B and I went to the Farmers market and I think we picked up some great items - including FRESH Snapper. We met the fisherman and everything - love knowing where our food comes from.

3. WE watched Texas beat Missouri - Go Horns...at least one team can win these days ;)

3. Sunday was a lazy but wonderful day. Sometimes you just need to rest.