Fill in the Blank Friday!

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



1. Today is a good day because - I am completely overjoyed and happy. I am living my own fairytale. I love it. I AM GOING TO BE A WIFE TO B!!!!!

2. The best thing I did all week was- Smile non stop. Sorry..there aren't many times in life that I will have this glow. I think smiling all week non stop is a great thing!

3. The current weather is - SUNNY and it makes me feel HAPPY.

4. The best thing about spring is LOVE IS IN THE AIR...ok really it is just sunny and lovely out. You can be OUTSIDE which in Htown doesn't happen without sweating buckets!

5. A fashion trend that I'm dying to try out for spring is  CORAL. I just bought a new coral dress and can't wait to wear it out.

6. A person who made me smile this week was B! I mean really...

7. The most delicious thing I ate all week was Snapper on Saturday night celebrating B's 30th bday and our engagement.


I promise NOT everything will be about how in love I am and how we are getting married...but I'm a week into this engagement thing and I am so overjoyed and excited. It will calm down eventually. ;)

I'm....

ENGAGED!

On April 5, 2012 the love of my life proposed. I am 100% thrilled, overjoyed and in shock. I am truly living my own fairytale.  

I'm going to be a WIFE...and not to just anyone...to my B!

I never would have imagined back when we were 21 and friends that years later we would start dating and now we are engaged. I cannot wait to be his wife.

Fill in the Blank Friday

It is that time of the week....

FILL IN THE BLANK FRIDAY!!!  PLease join in!


My greatest strength is - being happy. I know that no matter what life throws at me, I can take it.

My greastest weakness is - I am really hard on myself.

People always compliment me on - my smile.

If you found me procrastinating you'd probably find me - drinking wine and reading.

The most cozy place in all the world is - at my parents house, upstairs under one other their blankets.

Something new that I tried recently was - slushies with alcohol - K had them at her wedding rehearsal dinner- AMAZING!

This weekend I would like to - see friends and relax!

Baby K turned one

I kow there are better pictures floating around somewhere...but here is the one I have so far...

It was almost nap time....

Baby K turns 1!

This weekend one of my very best friends in the entire world's little girl turns 1. 1!! I am so excited. B and I are going to the ATX to celebrate!

I cannot believe a YEAR has flown by so quickly.

Of course she is getting spoiled by "Aunty A" :)

So far:
A cute outfit
Crayon holder embroidered with her name
2 coloring books
3 reading books
New plates (mom stated that baby K needed new plates since she is feeding herself these days)
Balls (mom said she was really into rollowing balls around)

She also has her presents tied up with beautiful ribbon that has her name on it that I got from Royal Ribbons  (I bought Ribbon a while ago and used some for Christmas and the rest now). I would take a picture...but it has her full name on them. The ribbon truly makes it even better! It turned out perfectly!

My life

Sometimes I wake up and think "is this really my life?" I truly wake up every single morning feeling so blessed to be where I am.

I work at a job that I love. (Most of the time...everyone has bad days at work!)

I have the most supportive family who I love dearly. (I don't see my brother nearly enough, but cell phones are wonderful so we can keep in touch!)

I have friends who truly are the lifeline to my soul - they just GET me.


And I have a love. I have what I always wanted - a love - a great never ending love.

Somtimes I just have to check myself to remind myself that life is beautiful - wonderful and truly I am blessed. Sometimes the pettiness in wants, people and the media make me think that I don't have this incredible life - but I do.

No, I am not bragging, I am reminding myself to let go of the negatives because I have such an amazing life.

The Rodeo

I'm from Texas...in Texas we have Rodeo. I know other states do too. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a BIG deal here.

B and I went with some friends to the BBQ Championship two weekends ago - Free GREAT food, free booze and Free live music - what isn't to love? (Free because we had tickets through work.)

Last night we went to the Rodeo and saw The Eli Young Band. It was fantastic - and free - Thanks work! :)

It's FRIDAY

It is FILL IN THE BLANK FRIDAY...go here to participate!

1. THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEK WAS....dinner with one of my longest friends - we caught up, drank cocktails and it is just nice to see we are each happy.

2. IF I HAD TO CLASSIFY MY INTERIOR DESIGN AESTHETIC IT WOULD BE... I am learning what I like and what I don't and I am in the midst of doing something about it!

3. MY FIRST VEHICLE WAS... A 1998 Forrest Green Explorer...I LOVED it...and so did my brother who got it when I left for college.

4. AN ITEM I NEED TO HAVE IN MY DAY IN ORDER TO FUNCTION IS... coffee

5. MY FAVORITE WAY TO WASTE TIME IS... read...but I like to read whether or not I want to waste time.

6.RIGHT NOW I COULD REALLY GO FOR... Is it 5 o'clock yet?...I need a nap.

7. THIS WEEKEND I WILL BE BUSY... eating crawfish.

Leap Year...

Today is a special day for my parents.

My parents were engaged on February 29, 1976.

Their engagement is only celebrated every 4 years. Actually, they only remind one another about their engagement and laugh about how it was the perfect day.

My dad's birthday is the day before so my mom didn't expect a thing. They also hadn't dated too terribly long.

I have to say - February 29, 1976 is special to me as it was the day that my parents decided that indeed they would get married and on November 27 of that same year they did. And...lived MOSTLY happily ever after.


:) So yes, I love leap year day or whatever you want to call it. It is special to me.

Happy Birthday Dad!

This is my family in 2005 at my UT Graduation

Happy Birthday Dad. I am truly blessed to be your daughter. There are no words that could tell you how much I love you. Thank you for showing both me and my brother how to love, how to be a good person and mostly, thank you for being an amazing leader in our family.

When I was 12, my father suffered a massive heart attack in December of 1995 and wasn't supposed to live. Each and every year since then, I am reminded how lucky I am to still have him in my life. 

Death of a friendship

Has anyone else been there? In that place where you realize that someone isn't who you thought they were? That the "friendship" isn't balanced?

I recently have realized this about someone I had in my close circle, at least she was in my close circle, I was not in hers, but I realized she isn't who I thought she was. We don't share the same values. It is rough.

So I am mourning the death of a friendship. It is a lot tougher than I thought it would be. Any advice?

Washington, D.C.

Pictures will come when I am not lazy and upload them!

I spent the last three days in DC with B. He's never been and it was so much fun!
We got in late on Friday night.

On Saturday we met my cousin for brunch at Beacon Bar and Grill where we proceeded to indulge in the Saturday 3 course brunch with unlimited mimosas. IT WAS GREAT!!

From there we went to the Air and Space museum, saw the White House, walked the mall, and just enjoyed being outside. Truly it was wonderful walking around (ok my feet hurt and I was tired at the end of the day FOR SURE!)  

For dinner we went to Siroc - hands down one of the best meals B and I have ever had together. The service was excellent, the meal DIVINE and it was romantic. :) For after dinner drinks we went to the Hay Adams --the Dark and Stormy did me in!

Sunday brought more site seeing - AND COLD WEATHER. We saw the monuments, the  Natural History museum and lots of tourist watching. :)   Lunch was had at Le Pain Quotidien and dinner...well that was a story!

We had reservations at Brasserie Beck - and went. My friend E had said "try the mussels they are the best" - um they were out of mussels...so then he said "try the steak frites" ...they were out of them...so we ordered anyway and I ordered the cassoulet...they were out of it. So I ended up with the trout. It was delicious ...as was the cheese course, B's pork belly and B's dish...and the wine and beer superb. I was just dissapointed...but the service WAS AMAZING. And then at the end we get our bill and the manager had taken off everything except the cheese plate and our drinks. Talk about a surprise. He felt bad that what we ordered was out and took care of it all. Everything we ate was delicious. I would still recommend it. They didn't have to do that, but they did anyway - I mean I made our reservation 2 weeks before we came - they just had a ridiculously busy weekend and never would have thought they would have sold out of most things!


Monday we say the American History museum, walked the mall and then headed home...

Overall it was wonderful - great to get away, see the sites and just be together AND to see my Cousin...as it was a little over a year to the day when his father passed away so it was nice for both of us to spend time together.

Downton Abbey

For anyone that loves Downton Abbey as much as I do....

Fill in the Blank Friday

 TO play along go here


1. The love of my life is .... B!

2. Falling in love is ... easy when you meet the right person. I never understood that until now.

3. Marriage is ...something I look forward to, but I am trying to enjoy each moment as they come and not live in the future...this is hard for me!

4. The longest relationship I ever had was...one that stayed together the whole time...this relationship with B. In college I dated someone for 2 years we took a break and then dated almost another year. He is still such an amazing person and I am truly grateful that we dated but most importantly that we are still friends and truly support one another.

5. The key to a good relationship is ...communication, love and respect.

6. I feel loved when....i feel loved all of the time. That is something I learned a long time ago. Yes, I love people to think of me, call me, remember my birthday etc, but I truly feel loved EVERY day ALL day. Feeling liked...that a whole other thing ;)

7. My favorite quote about love is ... "If you live the life of love, you will love the life you live." I don't know who said it, but it has been my motto since I was about 12.  

What is your favorite love quote?

Valentines

So I am not one that wants everything on Valentine's day to be perfect. I don't care about flowers, food etc - I just want to be with my love.

We were talking last night as we went to our favorite Sushi place - not a romantic place nor expensive - just our little place and I said how different this year was.

No $300 meal, no crazy expensive gifts, no flowers - just us doing things we normally do. FOr this year, it was perfect. Sure we are about to go on our trip (that was our Valentines gift to one another) and  so for this year - I loved just being. No pictures, no extras. Just he and I, enjoying a good cocktail and fresh fish. I loved it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to the love of my life!

This has been going around and I decided to link up on this about us meme.

1. How long have you two been together? 2.5 years or so.

We went on a few dates back when I was 21 and we were in college and decided we should just be friends. 4 years later we went out a few times and still decided to be friends. Then 2.5 years after that we decided to give it a go and it was perfect...perfect for us. I've known him for almost 10 years and during college he was one of my best friends.

2. Do you have any nicknames you call each other? I call him hun. Usually I just use his real name...which isn't "B" ha.

3. Name three things you love most about him.

 He's adventurous, he's incredibly loving and he makes me laugh constantly. Oh and he can fix EVERYTHING...it is a great thing !

4. Tell us how he proposed...Not quite there yet...BUT when it does happen you will be told...probably more than once!

5. Is he a flowers and teddy bears kind of guy or a strawberries, champagne and rose petals kind of guy for valentine's day?  I get flowers and champagne and we go to dinner.

6. Are you a sunset on the beach kind of girl or a pop a movie and relax kinda girl? Both.

7. Tell us one thing you would like to do with your significant other some day? Travel more. I know we travel often but the world is large and I want to see it all!

8. What are your Valentine's Day plans? We are keeping it low key as we are going on a trip soon - but we are going to our favorite sushi place!

9. Are you asking for anything for Valentine's DAy? Nope. Our trip soon is my Valentine's Day present!

10. One piece of advice to keep a relationship strong?  Laugh together often. More often than not.

Fill in the Blank Friday....

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Bridesmaid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 24: Favorite places to shop

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