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

Fill in the blank Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 19: Share your nicknames

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

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

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

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

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

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

 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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

3 Favorite Films:

1. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY!!!

2. Groundhog Day


3. SATC- the movies, the show.

10 DAY CHALLENGE - FOUR Books

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

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

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

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

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

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!