Shopping

I've done a little bit of shipping here and there over the past few weeks but of everything I bought...I love this dress from Target the most. It channels my inner "hippie" but is still fun and classic and at under $20 I love it even more!

The Help

I read a lot. I always want suggestions on new books to pick up etc. So when Samma talked about a book in one of her blog posts I picked it up at the bookstore.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett is very well written and I am not quite sure how I felt about it. All I can say is that it changed me. Not in a crazy way but in a wow so much has changed in this world in 40 years and yet I was unaware of the true amounts of change.

I say pick it up, give it a read and tell me what you think.

Also...any book suggestions? I like all kinds and my stack is getting low! :) I love Chick lit but I also love heavy reading so any suggestions would be great.

Top 2 tuesday

It is Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Favorite Things About Summer -

1. Tubing the River- Whether it be the Comal or the Guadalupe River - no summer is complete without a tube trip.

2. Crawfish - Love them. The spicier the better and this comes from a gal that hates spicy food. Disclaimer- I was reading another blog (I wish I could link to it but I can't remember what blog it was..when I find it I will link back) and she also had these listed as her favorite summer activities. I don't want anyone thinking I stole her ideas because my family has been tubing the river since I was 2 (literally I was 2 when I first went down the comal river) and we've had crawfish boils as long as I can remember. :)

edit to add: http://unwritten322.blogspot.com/ thats the blog I read yesterday :)

Weeeeeeeekend.

B was out of town all last week and we were reunited yesterday. While I have been in plenty of long distance relationships and I know that a week apart isn't terrible- I missed him. It's crazy because usually he is gone and while I wish we could meet up for dinner or something, I don't truly miss him. This time I truly missed him and wanted him home. The weekend was fun- good BBQ, good friends, fun party and catching up with an old friend but it was best when he got home.

It was nice to be by his side again. He truly does make everyday brighter and while I would normally already be smiling - him being around makes my smile bigger and truly when I think about him my heart smiles.

Roxy pup

(Roxy at Christmas time)

So I realized that I I have not written about Roxy pup!

(Roxy and I)

So B has a dog - a Lhasa Apso. His parents gave her to him. She is adorable. I am completely obsessed with Roxy. Although they are supposed to be 25-30lbs she is a little under 10lbs (the runt of the litter) and she is precious. I think he thinks I am crazy because I just love her to pieces. I take pictures of her, cuddle with her and I truly think she is the cutest, sweetest dog ever.

(Roxy with my godfather and one of their dogs Brie)

MY godparents dogs and me relaxing :)

Everyone Loves a Crawfish boil!

This past weekend was a lot of fun. We celebrated my friend J's birthday this weekend. Her wonderful BF put on a large crawfish boil. It was so much fun.

I LOVE crawfish and I love seeing my friends. All in all it was a wonderful day! Who doesn't have fun with a keg, wine and jello shots ;)

The picture above is towards the end of the night - glassy eyed and all.

Top 2 Tuesday!

The Undomestic Momma has another Top 2 Tuesday!

Top 2 Tuesday- Favorite Items under $15!

1. Neutrogena MoistureShine® Lip Sheers in Shimmering Blush.

It goes on smoothly and it really does moisturize so I feel like it is chap stick and lip gloss all in one! At $7.39 a pop it is fantastic!

2. Liberty of London for Target® Garla Print Flip Flops - Fuchsia

At $12.99 they are perfect to wear all summer long - I love the floral print!

45 things to remember

Shamelessly stolen from a forwarded e-mail by a coworker, but it made me smile so I thought I'd pass it on via blog. I hope something on the list strikes a chord with you; I know a few definitely did for me. I don't believe in all of them, but there are a few that I do!

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your friends see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.


My favorite is #38 because it is true. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

Happy Friday!

It is Fill in the Blank Friday

1. The first thing I do in the morning is: roll over and think "seriously? it's already morning?"

2. Every night before bed I: turn over and over and try to settle in - this - I think annoys B to no end as he just gets in bed and falls asleep - I have to get comfy.

3. My favorite thing to do when I'm having a bad day is: get a good latte or indulge in senseless tv.

4. Something that makes me cringe is: the thought that I need to clean up my house!

5. Social situations: make me happy. I love to be around people (as long as I like the company!)

6. I like to collect: NOTHING...I hate collections of crap.

7. Weekends are for: resting, getting coffee and overall relaxing.

Some call it...

So my blog is sometimes fun and light hearted, sometimes not...but mostly it is just the stuff that is going on in my life and in my head. As most can see I am in a semi-new relationship with one of the most amazing people I've ever known. And yes...before we were dating I thought that about him. So here I am. My life is amazing and I am lucky...blessed...whatever the word may be. But I am so hesitant in the relationship - I've been hurt, lied to, etc before. So I go two steps forward then 1 step back with this relationship.

I don't want to hurt the friendship with the relationship and yet I dont want to hurt the relationship because of the friendship. So...it is a slippery slope but at the same time...it is wonderful. It is 100% wonderful.

So how does one know it is love and not lust?

We've all been there. You are dating then it is exclusive then almost 6 months go by and then is it love or lust or a combination?

I'm at that point. I am at the point where I think I am in love. It has been 6 years since I was in love. 6 years since being with someone that I truly trusted, cared about, wanted nothing but the best for and no matter what happened - his happiness was super important to me.

And in between those 6 years I was in a long term relationship with 2 different people and dated countless amounts of people. In those 6 years I said "I love you" to two different people and the thing is - at the time I meant it. I did love them but I wasn't in love with them. I just wasn't. I wanted it to work - but the thing is...it didn't.

6 years since I saw a life that I truly wanted to have with someone. I have no idea what is intended to happen and the thing is - for the first time ever- I am 100% ok with not knowing. I don't have to read the ending before reading the book. I don't have to question everything...I just have the faith in knowing whatever will happen will happen. There are no red flags, no lies, no daunting questions that I am worried about.

I think...I am in love.

B's Birthday!

Nothing too fancy - he came home and we chatted and caught up with each other (we haven't spent a lot of time together lately!) Then he opened his presents - he knew one of them but the other two I think he was surprised at and then...DINNER



WE went to Max's wine dive - loved the wine, the atmosphere was ok and the food was good...but the company was fantastic.



What can I say....I just truly enjoy every moment we spend together.



After dinner we came home, cuddled on the couch while watching TV and then went to bed. We awoke this morning and rushed to get ready and head to work...truly enjoy every second I'm with him. :)

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Favorite magazines

1. Body and Soul: I love this magazine. It has great tips and wonder recipes along with just a fresh outlook on life!

2. Texas Monthly. I am a Texan Afterall! :) My dad buys my subscription every year.

Sephora

I am trying to simplify...

So sephora is one of my all time favorite stores....and this beauty chick hasn't been inside and bought or ordered from Sephora.com since November 12, 2009. THIS IS UNHEARD OF.

See...back in November I started organizing my beauty products, makeup, shampoos, conditioners and all else in my bathroom and I was OVERWHELMED by how much I owned. So I put myself on a 6 month hiatus from buying anything beauty related...or if something ran out... I could only buy one package at a time...so since then I have not bought ONE SINGLE beauty item.

Inventory wise -

• I still have enough shampoo and conditioner to last probably a year - and we aren't talking cheapo products either!
• I have enough hair styling products to get me through the next decade
• I am not allowed to buy makeup for a long time - some if it is still in boxes
• I dont need lip glosses to save my life - I have over 15 left- although now I use them until they are empty and go to the next.
• I am on my final bottle of face wash...well final 2 - one at my place and one at the bfs.
• I have enough toothpaste for 3 years and toothbrushes to match (all in boxes)
• I have enough bar soap (I'm old school and I love bar soap way more than body wash..I know I'm weird) for at least a year

See...the things I am going to buy in May are probably only 2 things...I need new mascara (I have one tube left...I just opened it for the first time) and I will probably need a thing of fash wash.

Does anyone else have too many beauty products? I'm seriously trying to simplify my life and not spend so much on products that end up being half empty but what can I say...I love packaging!

Mannerisms

Have you ever been at a restaurant, a coffee shop or some place where you overhear someones conversations and you think "omg I think I know that person!" and then you turn around or look over and who you thought it was - you were so off?

That just happened but in a bad way.

One of our clients was in my fathers office and I could hear him speak. It was eerie how much he sounded like one of my exboyfriends. His mannerisms, his speech, the way he acted when he walked out etc...I wanted to vomit.

As he left I said to my dad ..."doesn't he have the say mannerisms as ______" and my dad said "you are so right!"


It was weird.

Top 2 Tuesday...

Taken from The Undomestic Momma ... it is Top 2 Tuesday!

Top 2 Random Facts About Yourself

1. I love to read...anything and everything I can get my hands on. One of my favorite things to do is to lay in bed all day and read.

2. I eat sushi at least once a week. It is soooooo good.

Random survey

Borrowed from Preppy Little Dress :

Below are a list of things people may or may not have done. The bold ones the ones I have done:


1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disney
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a thunder and lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Been sky diving
66. Visited a Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee


okay, who created this list? some of these questions are a little off the wall if you ask me! ha! ha!so play along, re post this on your blog! can't wait to see your answers!

Apple Pie

I baked Alton Brown's apple pie over the weekend from scratch and I dare say it is DELICIOUS!

The start of the crust

The dough for the pie crust

Pie crust

Apple Filling

My pie!

Girls night

So B is out of town at a bachelor party - they are camping and playing disc golf and eating at Perrys...a very tame bachelor party! (I like!)

So last night one of his female co-workers/friend invited me out for drinks. It was so much fun. We've hung out before and I honestly think she is great and I'm so glad we went out. I mean- UH alumni Rugby players showed up halfway through our night and insanity ensued and the night ended at Katz - so all in all a fabulous night!

I find the journey of meeting new people and making new friends very hard for me. While I am outgoing by nature, I am only outgoing with those I love and those that know me well. Whenever I meet someone it takes me a long time to get comfortable and just let loose. As I get older I find making friends easier and I guess it is a sign of being more comfortable with myself as well as just knowing everyone could always use more friends. In the past 2years my social circle, which ones consisted of me and just close friends, has expanded exponentially. I have let a lot of people in and I couldn't be happier - because truly life is party - you have to enjoy it. And enjoying it I am!

Date night!

Last night B and I had a date night. I loved it. Sometimes I think life goes by quickly and it is nice to stop and smell the roses so to speak. I truly enjoy our date nights for lots of reasons.

• I am with someone who stops and takes the time to be in the moment with me. I have never had that before. I, of course, wanted to talk about how long we've been together, past great dates etc and he of course told me to stop thinking about the past or the future and to live in the now. It is so hard for me to do that. It is hard for me to not compare or evaluate things on an on going basis. I wonder if he ever evaluates us or thinks about the past or the future. I know men and women think differently, but sometimes I have no idea what is going through his mind.


• I always feel so important when I am with him. I know this should be an obvious thing but when I look back and think about him and I, I never have a doubt in my mind that I am important to him. It is a wonderful feeling.


• I enjoy his company. We laugh, poke fun, (sometimes I am too sensitive and I do like that he doesn't let me be overly sensitive!) and inbetween those moments there are stolen kisses, hugs and hands held.


• We may not be the overly affectionate couple - but date night includes my favorite things - him opening the door (I know it is cliche, but I love it when he opens the car door for me), holding hands as we drive (this always makes me feel so special!), kisses and good wine with lots of laughter. I don't think we have ever had a date night without wine. It's kinda our thing!

Anyway- last night we went to Ruggles Grill and it was so good. We split a crab cake (divine!) and I had the salmon and he had the stuffed chicken. After Ruggles we went to the Tasting Room (per our usual!) and split a bottle of Malbec. All in all, a wonderful date night.

As he heads out of town for a bachelor party - this weekend is going to be quite the girls weekend - drinks, mani/pedi, drinks and brunch. Cannot wait...and hopefully I will bake an apple pie on Sunday :)

Fill in the blank Friday!

The Little Things We Do... fill in the blank Friday!



1. The best piece of advice I was ever given was to live in the moment. I too often talk about the past or the future and forget to live in the now.

2. If I had a million dollars to give to one charity I would give it to KIVA because then people from around the world could help other people...a pay it forward mentality.

3. If I got to choose my "last meal" it would be a french feast! Starting with foie gras, escargot, beef bourguignon, crepes (savory and sweet!) and ending it with poached pears!

4. My hair is curly, unruly and yet I love it. It can be straight, wavy or curly and always does what I want it to do although sometimes it takes forever!

5. If at first you don't succeed better luck next time!

6. I have always been very much a planner. I plan everything...I need to work on that.

7. Oh....and by the way.... I am ready to relax and enjoy the weekend!

Cooking Class

So B and I are going to a couples cooking class next month. Have any of y'all been? I have been wanting to do it for a while but everytime I looked at the schedule I didn't like what the food was going to be. (I don't need a cooking class to make pasta thank you very much!)

I hope it is as fun and I think it will be...then again it is rare that I don't enjoy a date with him. :)

Update- we didn't get to go because he went out of town for work...boo...

Cleaning my closet

So I moved my fall and winter clothes to the back of the closet and brought up my spring and summer clothes. In doing so...I also went through my shoes.

I HAVE OVER 40 pairs of shoes...not including flip flops or tennis shoes...

Some may say I love heels...because I do...I don't think there is such a thing as a heel too high!

So true!

Read this on Social Climbers and just had to pass it along!


1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.

2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!

5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.

8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.

10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.

11. When life gives you lemons in 2010 - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.

12. Remember, wherever there is a good looking, sweet, single or married man there is some woman tired of his bullshit!

13. Keep your chin up. Only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.

14. If it has Tires or Testicles it's gonna give you trouble.

15. By the time a woman realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong

2 ER visits and one amazing boyfriend

St Patty's day 2010 will not be forgotten by me in a long long time....

I was at work and started to feel a little itchy. I took 2 benadryl and left work at 3 to head down to the festivities with B and one of his co-workers. I break out into hives every once in a while and I thought, oh well, I just won't drink and I'll be fine. We hung out until 7 and then B had to go to a company dinner so I headed to his place- I got dinner and settled in to watch TV. Around 9 I started to feel awful and I had hives that wouldn't go away and I started to not be able to breathe 100%. So I texted B that I thought that I needed to go to the ER. He came home and rushed me to the ER where we were for 4 hours. He took such great care of me.
I took Thursday off of work and stayed at his place. B called throughout the day and made sure I was doing ok. We went out for dinner (because I couldn't handle just sitting inside any longer!) and then headed back to his place. I fell asleep on the couch and woke up right as he was going to bed...my face, lips and body were all swollen - so we went back to the ER. We were there until 5 am and he had a flight to catch to Mexico for work at 830. Poor guy got an hours worth of sleep. He called non stop from Mexico to make sure I was ok. I spent Friday night with my friend V and then headed to my parents on Saturday (they were out of town until Saturday night).

Truly...I have never in my life ever had an allergic reaction like that. I am so lucky to have such a caring, compassionate and loving bf. I am sure he thinks I am "overreacting" by how thankful I am...but I am really thankful that he didn't think it was nothing and that he took such great care of me.

Simple Pleasures

I'm jumping on the bandwagon since other blogs have posted their "simple pleasures" of life....

I decided to have my own list as well....so here goes...

talking to my best friend on the phone after work

a nice long walk without the ipod

a mani/pedi

writing letters to friends

reading in bed all day long, just because I can

a glass of very good red wine

foot rubs

snuggling in the morning

playing with animals

hearing children play outside

beautiful sunrises and sunsets

a blue sky without a cloud in sight

tea with my mom

#52 Camping for the weekend!

B and I went camping at PINS. We got there late Friday night and set up camp. Roxy came with us. It was so much fun. There is nothing like waking up on the beach and watching the sunrise. We went offroading, walking on the beach, and overall had a great time. I am so blessed.

feelings and honesty

So I think B and I are ok. So we had a few bumps and for now we are smooth sailing. I don't know what my future has for me. I know that I care about him and would like for this happiness that he brings to my life to continue but he by no means is the only reason I am so happy.


I was talking to my best friend last night and being brutally honest about my feelings. I tend to be sensitive but not let a lot of people see my true feelings. A really good friend once told me that I smile through all pain- and the thing is...I do. Sometimes I only let myself feel when I am all alone.
At 27 years old I thought my life would be different. Not better or worse, just different. I was always the girl in a long term relationship. I was happy, fun loving, and truly just going through life with a smile on my face. I thought by 27 I would have found the one. I would be settled (at least in the love department) and have my partner to go through life with.
Careerwise I had no idea where I would be. I am sure I didn't think I would be happy and so fulfilled. Most of my friends are either married or engaged and that is a little difficult for me. I know it will happen one day. I am really happy with my life the way it is and when the right person comes along I will be more than happy to let them in my life. I am more than happy for my friends. My friends husband's have been so amazing to me, especially my best friend K's husband. J has known me for the better part of 7 years. He has always said that I don't date quality people. He has sometimes really hurt my feelings but I know it is because he cares and truly wants me to be happy. Between K and J I couldn't have better friends.
Anyway- as K and I were talking she said something that really helped. She said - "all of us struggle with those issues. While I am not struggling with being single I am struggling with the idea that maybe I grew up to fast and settled down too early and stopped going out so much. While I love J and I know he is my match for life, sometimes I think I missed out on the "single" life. Everyone just has to have the balance in their life to know they are doing the best they can. "

It helped me more than she realized.

Fill in the blank Fridays

Taken from The little things we do fill in the blank Friday!

1. The best day ever was the: day I landed in Greece. It was the start of an adventure of 3 months backpacking and learning that no matter what I could get through anything.

2. My favorite meal of the day is: dinner because I usually enjoy it with great friends or family...or if I am lucky...both!

3. This weekend I am going camping! B and I are headed out to the beach to soak up some rays, read, relax and play with our favorite pup!

4. Never in my life have I gone skydiving. (I know I copped out)

5. The only thing better than a vacation is a vacation with those i love!

6. I could really do with some reece's peanut butter cups!

7. The most recent thing I bought myself was Lilly's Laurent Cardigan Ruffle. SO CUTE!

too quick to say

Maybe I said it too quickly because we are talking. I think I realized that we never talk about things that bother us...and we are both so giving that I think we sometimes forget about ourselves. So for now I wouldn't say it is over...I would say we are trying to see what the future brings...in my own heart - I hope it is love and happiness...in whatever form. I would hate for our friendship to be ruined. I feel so blessed that he is back in my life after so long that I would hope there is more in store.

some things change so quickly

So...we are no longer together. He needs time to figure things out and needs alone time...so I have no idea what to say.

#2, #17, #98

#2
I finally had the chance last weekend to sit down, like I did in college and just read for an entire day. It was lovely. I started a book, ate breakfast reading it, and indulged myself to allow myself to read all day long. It was heavenly!

#17
I love my job. I hate my job. But overall I feel so blessed to do something I like and be with my dad all day long. Not everyone has that luxury.

#98
Done...now I need to be a vegan for a week and then a vegetarian for two (don't think I wont combine them because I will...this girl loves her cheese and loves her meats!!!)

Love and Valentines Day

Falling in love. I feel that I am falling in love right now.
I've been in love one time in my life. I was 18 and it was a beautiful friendship, love and more. We grew together, cared so much about one another and truly I was heartbroken when I knew it wasn't forever. I've only ever been heartbroken once as well. Falling in love and being heartbroken all with one person. At 27 one would think this has happened more to me, but I am cautious who I have given my heart to. I've loved many but I've only ever been in love once. To this day I still believe he is one of the most amazing and wonderful men I have ever known. I am so blessed that we are friends. I think to be in love it takes time, patience, and truly learning about the other person. Knowing just by voice inflections how their day was, what is going on and truly knowing the other person so well that you can "read them the words to their life when they have forgotten them". Still, whenever I talk to him, I know him. I like that. People change- their likes, dislikes etc...but the true core of someone stays the same.
I feel that so many people "fall in love" all of the time and truly it is more of a lust than a love. These days people say "I love you" so carelessly. I believe one loves someone way before they ever are in love with them. I forgot this feeling. I forgot how I was at 18 when I was falling in love. It is an amazing feeling. Everything clicks and all is right in the world. I know I am nowhere near "in love" but the falling in love is wonderful. Every moment we spend together I feel so blessed and so excited. My heart is so full. It brings me back to remembering those feelings. The only other time I've been this way and the only other time there weren't "red flags" everywhere.
Of course this comes after Valentine's Day- the day of love- the Hallmark Holiday...
This Valentines Day he sent me a beautiful rose bush that is blooming on my desk as we speak, we went out to dinner, then to "our" wine bar and then home. We went hiking, took the car offroading, went to the beach, watched the sunset, made brunch together, got coffee together, had dinner with my family, played with the pup, watched the Olympics and spent almost 3 days together nonstop. 3 blissful days of laughter, hugs and kisses. I am so blessed.

Austin

B and I went to Austin this weekend. While we don't remember exactly how we met in college, we do know we hung out all of the time here:


You see, back in college B and I dated - went on a few dates and then I said we were better as friends. I then dated one of his frat brothers that I had grown up with. We still hung out all of the time and I probably saw B 3-5 times a week at Cain and Abels. We went almost every night except Tuesday because it was so crowded on Tuesday. We always sat outside- rain, snow, heat. It was our booth. It was fun. It was great.


This weekend we went to Austin to visit his good friends from college that I didn't know.
On Friday night we went to House Wine and met up with his friends and a bunch of other people.
It was fun. It is a little wine bar that is inside of a small house.

Saturday morning I had a terrible headache (2 bottles of wine split between the 2 of us will do that!) It was so cute - we woke up and he went to his bag and said "give me a second" and then got a glass of water for me and handed me 2 advil. It was sweet and very much appreciated.

I spent Saturday shopping with my best friend K while B and his friend M went offroading in their new cars. Saturday night we all went out to Trudys. I love Trudys. After Trudys B took the 4 of us (B, me, M and his fiance H) to Cain and Abels. It was fun to be truly at "our" place. I am sure he didn't see it like that, but for me, it was nice.

Then we went home and watched the Grammy's together.

11 and 12

While I didn't take a picture every single day, I did finally make a 2009 album and I love it. It has shown me how far I have come and seriously 2009 was one of the best years and hardest years of my life. I cannot believe so much happened.

Seattle pictures....continued

I had a few more pictures to add from my Seattle escapades.

Seattle Sunset

Me at the Market!

The Spaceneedle!

55 of 101...

55 of 101 tasks completed. Not too shabby....

#21

For Christmas my parents gave me a gift certificate to a salon to get my hair straightened. I decided not to go through with it. I will still use the certificate for hiarcuts etc, but I finally am embracing my curls. I love them. B loves them. They are part of me. While I still use my curling iron to make them more defined, I don't like my hair stick straight anymore.

the little things in life

My "baby" brother called me last night. I say baby loosely...he turns 24 in a few days.

I miss him. He lives in the ATL and we don't see each other much. He is truly one of the best guys I know and one of my best friends.

I feel so lucky to have such a great brother!

8. Sunsets

Not on purpose - but yesterday number 8 was completed.

We took B's new car out to get dirty- he wanted to take it off roading and we did. Then we saw the sunset over Galveston. It was beautiful.

New car...

So B got a new car yesterday...well new to him but almost brand spankin new! He got a 2010 Xterra with the off road package. It is really pretty and I have to say - I love it. We have been looking for a car for him for the past month - and I say we because I've been to MANY test drives and such. It was a long long day but the results are awesome and I have to say - he seems really happy and that is priceless. :)

#48 and #71

#48. Go to a new years party

I went to Seattle for New Years. This picture is taken from a window in L's apartment. It is of the fireworks shooting off from the Space Needle. The party was a blast.

#71. Go to Seattle.

I went up to Seattle for New Years and for a wedding of a dear friend of mine. This is a picture of the market - which is awesome.

The newlyweds

Dallas Birthday Pictures

My Godparents took my brother and I (and our dates) to Stephan Pyles to celebrate my birthday. It was such an amazing time.

(Back- our godparents)

Front- K, my brother, Me and B.

My brother and I with our god mother

My God parents.

My brother and I

Me and B. <3.

Birthday in pictures

Went to see Roger Creager with friends for my birthday "party" and then headed to Dallas for a few days to spend time with my godparents and see B's parents. It was wonderful. We ate dinner at Stephan Pyles in Dallas for my birthday. He even came out to wish me a happy birthday.

Me and my best friend S

L, me and S

Friends

B <3, me and my lil bro

Date night

So I've dated lots of people, I've been in several long term relationships and I have NEVER dated ONE person that liked the idea of "date night"...until now.

I know I have mentioned how much I like B, how wonderful he is and overall how incredibly lucky I am to have him in my life. I am so happy that we never got into a relationship in college. I am glad we both at one time or another just weren't ready for the other. I am so incredibly blessed to have him in my life. I literally wake up every morning thinking how lucky I am.

Last night was date night. We went out for sushi. (We now know not to go to Uptown Sushi ever again. While delish- highly overpriced and Aka is WAY better!) We sat in one of those "swanky" booths and it was like being in our own world. Miso soup, edamame, tuna tartare, 3 rolls and a few pieces of salmon - I was stuffed. I was happy and I was enjoying every second of it being just hima nd I.
After sushi we went to Tasting Room for amazing wine. One bottle of Malbec to split please! We sat on the patio, next to a heater and truly enjoyed each other's company. We held hands, chatted, cuddled and kissed. Super romantic and overall- exactly how we always are together.

I do enjoy wine and I do love sushi and I think it is wonderful to be dating someone that enjoys both of them as well.

I have never had a bad time when I am with him. I am the luckiest gal alive. He is amazing. He is wonderful, thoughtful and just overall the best match for me that I have ever had.

#19 Buy THE purse!

So I finally found the Burberry purse I have been wanting!

The new addition to my wardrobe:

Survey

Appearance:
x. Height: 5'2"ish
x. Hair colour: brown
x. Eye colour: hazel brown/green
x. Piercings: one in each ear
x. Tattoos: NoneRight Now:
x. What are you wearing?: black yoga pants and hot pink long sleeve t
x. What taste is in your mouth?: tea
x. What's the weather like?: chilly
x. How are you?: a little stressed but overall happy
x. Get motion sickness?: not so much.
x. Have a bad habit?: I'm way too hard on myself!
x. Get along with your parents?: absolutely.
x. Like to drive?: actually, I love driving!
x. Boyfriend or Girlfriend?: boyfriend :)
x. Sexuality?: straight
x. Children?: later on in life ...
x. Been hurt?: Oh yes.
x. Your greatest regret?: i don't regret
x. Your CD player has in it right now?: Michael Buble- Crazy love
x. If you were a crayon: sunshine yellow!
x. What makes you happy?:great conversation
x. Whats your pet peeve: ignorant, judgmental people, stupidity, selfishness
x. What's the next CD you're going to get?: the new Roger CD

HAVE YOU EVER....
x. Been in love?: yes
x. Gone skinny dipping?: yes
x. Had surgery?: no
x. Swam in the dark?: Yes.
x. Been to a Bonfire?: yes.
x. Been on stage?: Yes.
x. Slept outdoors?: Yes.
x. Pulled an all nighter?: too many times!
x. Made out with a stranger?: ha ha ha....yes
x. Been on radio/tv?: yes.
x. Gotten lost in the woods?: yes
x. Been in an Undertow?: no
x. Smoked a Cigar?: yes.

ALL ABOUT YOU...
x. Wallet: its black!
x.Coffee: YUMMY!
x. Shoes: i love high-heeled boots. and pretty heels. and flip flops.
x. Cologne/Perfume: Stella by Stella McCartney

IN THE LAST 24 HOURS HAVE YOU....
x. Cried: no
x. Bought something: yes.
x. Been kissed: um in the past 24 hrs no but 48 yes...
x. Talked to an ex: nope
x. Talked to someone you have a crush on: yes
x. Had a serious talk: yes
x. Hugged someone:yes

SOCIAL LIFE...
x. Boyfriend/girlfriend: yes
x. Would you rather be with friends or on a date?: both actually but not at the same time!
x. Like being around people?: i love it ... well, if i like them.


LAST...
x. Thing you ate: mochi ice cream
x. Thing you drank: tea
x. Place you went: to CVS
x. Person you hugged: Bryan
x. Person you talked to: My dad
x. Person you IMed: Bryan
x. Song you heard: Michael Bubles' Haven't Met you yet

CURRENTS...
x. Current Mood?: i'm doing pretty good.
x. Current Hair?: long and straight.
x. Current DVD In Player?: Felicity season 1
x. Are you artistic?: i'd say "creative"
x. Are you athletic?: kinda...
x. Are you a brat?: me? never.
x. Do you like spiders?: no
x. If you could be anywhere, where would you be?: on a boat with those I love.


Seven things in your room:
1. Bed.
2. Dresser
3. Ihome
4. jewelry
5. lamp
6. bedside table
7. shoes


Seven things to do before death:
1. run a half marathon
2. fall truly in love with an amazing person that I should be in love with
3. get married.
4. wake up every morning with a smile on my face
5. see Africa and Austrailia
6. live abroad.
7. get on the kiss cam on one of those big screen tvs at a sporting event.

Seven things that attract you to the sex of your choosing:
1. the way I feel when they hug me (if it is the right person!)
2. how I am treated by them
3. their eyes
4. eye contact, you know the kind that makes you want to keep staring
5. ability to hold great conversation
6. laughter
7. intelligence.

2009

27 "2009" Questions(these questions pertain to the year of 2009 only)

1.) Where did you ring in 2009? In Houston

2.) What was your status by Valentine's Day? I was in a relationship- unfortunately

3.) Were you in school (anytime this year)? No

4.) How did you earn your keep? Insurance Agent/Agency owner

5.) Did you ever have to go to the hospital? this year? no.

6.) Have you ever encountered the police? nope

7.) Where did you go on vacation? I didn't this year - but I am headed to Seattle soon!

8.) What did you purchase that was over $500? I have no idea.

9.) Did you know anybody who got married? Yes.

10.) Did you know anybody who passed away? yes

11.) Have you run into anybody you graduated high school with? yes, all of the time

12.)Did you move anywhere? to my beautiful house!

13.) What sporting events did you go to? Astros, Rockets

14.) What concerts did you go to? Britney, Roger, and a slew of others

15.) Are you registered to vote? yes

16.) If so, did you do your patriotic duty? yes

17.) Where do you live now? TW

18.) Describe your birthday this year. It hasn't happened yet but I know I will have a great time!
19.) What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2009? getting together with Bryan. So perfect and yet why did I never see it?

20.) What is one thing you regretted this year? regret is nothing someting I do

21.) What's something you learned about yourself? I am stronger than I thought and more resilient than ever. Plus - I am one of the happiest people I know.

22.) Any new additions to your family? no

23.) What was your best month? October

24.) What was your worse month? June- but it ended up being the best month of the year because I got rid of the only person that was bringing me down.

25.) What from pop culture will you remember 2006 by? Michael Jackson dying? I really dont care about pop culture

26.) How would you rate this year with a scale from 1 (shitty) to 10 (excellent)? 8.....one of my best years but had a few of my worst days.

27.) how are you ringing in 2010? In Seattle at one of my best friend's weddings. I am so excited.

2009 Getting to know me

Welcome to the 2009 edition of "getting to know you." I fill these out at random times so that I can look back and see what my answers are....
What you are supposed to do is copy (not forward) this entire e-mail and paste it onto a new e-mail that you'll send. Change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to a whole bunch of people including the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends:

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5AM
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds..they are a girl's best friend
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I cannot remember.
4. What is your favorite TV show? Mad men
5. What did you have for breakfast? nothing yet - trying to work on actually eating breakfast
6. Your middle name? Noelle
7. What is your favorite cuisine? French or sushi
8. What foods do you dislike? tomatoes and anything REALLY spicy
9. Your favorite Potato chip? Feta Potato Chips - i've only found them in Greece!
10. Your favorite CD at the moment? Michael Buble- Crazylove
11. What kind of car do you drive? Blue Subaru Legacy
12. What characteristics do you despise? selfishness
13. Are you superstitious? Nope
14. Favorite item of clothing? my countless long sleeved plain t shirts.
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Europe
16. What color is your bathroom?black and white
17. Favorite brand of clothing? Banana Republic
18. Where would you retire? Somewhere close to the ocean
19. Favorite time of day? one PM
20. Where were you born? Houston, Texas
21. Favorite sport to watch? football
22. What laundry detergent do you use? Tide
23. Coke or Pepsi? Coke
24. Are you a morning person or a night owl? morning
25. What size shoe do you wear? 6.5
26. Do you have pets? I personally do not have a pet.
27. Any new and exciting news you would like to share with your friends? nope
28. What (who) did you want to be when you were little? A neurosurgeon
29. Favorite Candy Bar? Reeces!
30. Favorite childhood memory? Selling lemonade with my friends to golfers on the golf course
31. Nicknames? Ange, Angie, and my dad has always called me pumpkin
32. Piercings? Ears
33. Eye color: Hazel green/brown
34. Ever been to Africa? Nope
35. Ever been toilet papering? who hasn't?
36. Love someone so much it made you cry? Yep
37. Been in a car accident? nope
38. Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons
39. Favorite day of the week? saturday
40. Favorite restaurant? I like hole in the wall and non chain restaurants
41. Favorite flower? Tulips - though I've never gotten any
42. Favorite ice cream?Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla
43. Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney
44. Favorite fast food restaurant? Chick-fil-a
45. Do you believe in Karma? Nope
46. How many times did you fail your driver's test? None
47. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Nordstroms
48. What do you do most often when you are bored? Read a book
49. What is your bedtime? 11
50. Who's the last person you went to dinner with? Bryan :-)
51. What are you listening to right now? nothing
52. What is your favorite color? Red
53. Lake, Ocean or River? Ocean
54. How many tattoos do you have? None, and I never want one
55. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? tthe chicken
56. Favorite Cocktail? vodka and cranberry
57. Red or White? Red
58. Republican or Democrat? Republican
59. Favorite Family Vacation? almost all of our family vacations have been a blast - the Virgin islands was amazing, skiing in colorado...all were fun!
60. All Time Favorite Concert? Roger Creager at Gruene Hall

Thanksgiving and more

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family. My little brother came into town and I am so glad I got to see him and spend time with him. Overall it was a wonderful time. I puppy sat for B. He was in FL with his family so I watched Roxy. She was such a doll. I joke with him that I like him just for his dog- and while it isn't true - I do love his dog!
I ate WAY too much, hung out with family and watched UT beat TAMU! HOOK EM! Friday I went out with V and her friend C. It was a crazy crazy evening. Frozen screwdrivers do us in EVERYTIME - and we finished it off with a trip to 59 diner. DELISH!
I spent Saturday recovering. I needed it. I also looked at furniture with my mom.

B came back in town on Sunday morning and we had quite the eventful day! I was so happy to see him and pick him up from the Airport. We then caught up and played with Roxy. My dad called and wanted B and I to meet him at Gander Mtn. I KNEW I was getting a gun for my birthday and I finally got to get it. I got a Remington Shotgun and I LOVE IT. B got me a gun cleaning kit and a rifle case for it for my birthday. He then took me to the shooting range and showed me how to clean it. It was a blast. I am so glad he is home.

What is wonderful about us and the shooting range - it is what we did when we went on our first date- 6 years ago. Yes B and I dated (albeit briefly) 6 years ago. See we dated a little bit, then were just friends (because I called it off). Then 3.5 years ago we dated briefly again, and he called it off and now here we are. Older and wiser and happier. I am so happy. I love my life.