a lovely life

My New Blog....

2008-08-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

tricia-nae.blogspot.com

I'm Moving!!!!

2008-08-06T12:58:00.001-07:00

And...this time I'm not talking about a house :)

Lots going on in my little world right now. I am experiencing a lot of joy and a lot of stress...all at the same time...

I am working on a few projects....that are fun...but a bit overwhelming....

I am dealing with (or at least praying REALLY hard about) a couple of things that are just bringin me down ...

And...I feel like in a lot of areas in my life, I am just starting over....

Which...can be such a good thing. Clean starts...blank canvas...no regrets.

So...in keeping...(well...and my internet service provider is about to change when I really move...thus I need a new email...and well...why not?)....I'm getting a new blog-home:

tricia-nae.blogspot.com

Nothing going on over there....yet....but I hope to be posting sometime this weekend!

I've Got Nothing...

2008-07-30T20:07:00.001-07:00

But I do have lots of pictures that are somewhat a part of my life right now.

First...the cake...

So this was the cake I fell in love with...maybe because it is my colors...but I also love the simplicity. So mine will be a lot like this...except it will be buttercream icing...and one more layer. So excited.

C's cake is a star with a Texas flag and lots of chocolate covered strawberries.

Next....the apartment....
This is the model of the apartment we are renting. Love that everything is new!!

Anyways...we got everything wrapped up with that Monday..and we got a garage...which is lucky because they only had one left and it was on our side of the building! YAY!!

The building should be finished by the end of September...so now we are in serious packing mode. I wont actually move in until the wedding...but I will start moving some of the non-essentials over.

Let me just say that we are so excited about the huge task of downsizing all of our stuff!! Here we were looking at 3 and 4 bedroom houses....and now we are going to have an apartment with nearly a third of the square footage....wow.

But...we both feel like it will be a really great process...getting rid of everything we don't need or absolutely love.

how things change

2008-07-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

I've always heard that if you "want to hear God laugh....tell him your plans".

I have found this to be true over and over and over again...especially in the last few years.

This morning in church, the pastor said that more often than not...we find ourselves in trouble because we tried to get ahead of God.

Amen.

So...anyways...the last few weeks have been really trying. Our last appointment with the realtor did not go well. The two houses I was beyond thrilled to look at (one of which we were more than willing to sign the papers on that night) were under contract. She took us to a few more houses...all of which were out of our budget...or absolutely not what we were looking for.

With the wedding 4 months away (YAY!)...I was really starting to panic about the house thing. We have been looking FOREVER...even before we were engaged. We just haven't found anything we were IN LOVE with....that was in our price range....and available.

But...we made a decision about a year ago that we didn't want to rent. And we have been spinning our wheels ever since. Then, about a week ago, we decided to look at some brand new apartments in Mansfield.

And...we fell in love.

They are so so (SO) nice...and about 1/2 of what we thought our mortgage would be (hello savings account!!). And...our apartment will be "on hold" tomorrow afternoon. And C will move in the last week of September....assuming they are done with it by then. They are like brand new little custom homes....lots of upgrades (and no previous renters). So we have a place to live...and a good 6 months before we have to revisit the idea of where to live/what to buy/etc.

For the first time in about a month...I feel like I can breathe again....and it feels good.

We even went furniture shopping today...so fun.

And...we are putting a deposit on the cake this week......will share pictures tomorrow!!

Randomness

2008-07-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Not too much to say this weekend. I did go to Cowboy's last night to celebrate my best friend (Jennifer) from DC and her 30th birthday...FUN. I can't believe how old we are getting.

Saw this little list of randomness on Shannon's blog. I decided to play along. Instead of just posting a whole new list of random things...I am using her list as a springboard. FUN

1. Like Shannon, I have an aversion to feet. Dalton's are pretty much the only feet I can tolerate...but the older he gets...the less "cute" they are. My family loves to act like they are going to rub their feet on me...just to see if I will freak out. I always do.

2. I don't like plain coffee. I do like the sweetened or cold coffees. Weird. I know.

3. I LOVE music. I can't clean or get ready without music. I can't drive without music either...unless I'm having quiet time with God. Texas music (Stoney LaRue, Jason Boland, Johnny Cooper, Cross Canadian, etc) and Christian music are tops on my list. But...I like everything from Harry Connick Jr to Aerosmith to Justin Timberlake. Word.

4. I graduated college with an undergrad degree in Print/Graphic Communication, I'm working on my masters in English and I have a certificate in Interior Design.

5. I am trying to get my teaching certification!

6. I read about 3 books per week. I'm actually in the process of reading five different books right now. Craziness!! More on that in a different post though.

OK....so if you want to continue the random list...link me up!!

Going to lunch with Jennifer tomorrow...and she is leaving Tuesday...I'm getting sad.

And then....we are meeting with the cake lady tomorrow night!!! YAY!!

College Football

2008-07-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

Saw this on Cheryl's blog after seeing the SEC coaches on Kelly's blog.

Too funny.

We are off to meet up with our Realtor tonight. A house that we fell in love with like 3 years ago...that was actually under contract when we found it....is back on the market!!! We were shocked to see it.

It is an older home near the golf course in Mansfield....needs a lot of updates but...we can handle that. Here's hoping there are no HUGE issues with the house. I'm trying to not get too excited.

Right.

3 Guesses....

2008-07-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

What I am finally going to finish up tonight.....

1. Katrina Quilt Square 'flowers', 2. XOXO quilt, 3. Mini swap quilt, 4. Animal Quilt., 5. cecelia's quilt, 6. belle quilt - quilting in progress, 7. Four Seasons Quilt Swap - Spring Mini Quilt by Nikki, 8. boys and girls american jane crib quilts, 9. Baby Quilt 001

I started my first quilt last fall...and then life sort of got in the way...but I am determined to finish it tonight....well...the top anyways...and maybe make a trip to the quilt shop later in the week to have them finish it off. Hold me to it girls....

In other news....my alternator died this morning. Luckily...my fiance (key superman music) came to rescue and got everything all fixed and shiny and new (well...not new...but running). Yay for saving the day!!

Off to watch Nashville Star and quilt!!

Too Much...

2008-07-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for Coke.
It has a thing for my hips.

So, after YEARS of talking about it....

Diet Coke has weasled it's way into my heart.

It hasn't been easy. I put up a rather large wall, not willing to hand over my love so easily...so soon....and yet...for after a mere 8 day (yes, I'm keeping count)....that pesky Diet Coke is really starting to win me over.

As is Sunday night TV.

Too much people. Too much.

Do y'all watch any of these shows?
I'm obsessed with each of these shows...and how fitting that they all come on Sunday nights!...and back to back...to back!!

Since BB just started...I can't really tell who is gonna "work my nerve" (inevitibly...someone will). I give it a week.

Design Star...She who worked my nerve is now gone! I hope Trish wins...

The Next Food Network Star....I still can't decide. I think I like Aaron the best....but Lisa is a Dallas girl.

So anyways...there you have it...a peek at my "exciting" Sunday.

Look what I got today...

2008-07-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

I love it. Of course...I'm still trying to figure it out.

My old flip phone flipped right into two pieces yesterday...so had to get a little treat today!

Hot

2008-07-08T13:07:00.001-07:00

I ran a bunch of errands this morning...and my air conditioner couldn't keep up with my constant in and out of the car. However....I think I got everything done for the week...and shouldn't have that many more "to do's" this week.

I remember when I first got my drivers license....I wanted to run ALL my Mom's errands for her. I swear I went to the grocery store everynight that first year. Not so much with loving to drive thing now days.

We are hoping to finish up our registry this weekend. I joke that C and I have the hardest time making decisions. The only thing we are 100% sure about is each other. And sometimes....well...ya know.

Anyways...it was funny to see the things he HAD to have.
1. Coffee maker. He is a coffee drinkin fool. Me...not so much.
2. Pannini press. Seriously.
3. Chip and dip bowl. Well...he didn't have to have one...but he wanted to pick it out.

Me....I'm not really a kitchen kind of girl. Possibly because I've never had one of my own. So...pots and pans and griddles and ladles...OH MY.

But...I do like pretty things...

Like this Spode Baking Days set...(you know my love of all things polka dot).

And...these adorable Ralph Lauren Brunch plates...

And this Ice Blue (or Martha Stewart Blue) mixer...

When it came to registering for china and everday dishes...we postponed decision making.
These dishes are SO me. And SO not Charlie.

We all know who won that battle. Thank you very much.

And we have yet to decide on china. We are not fancy people AT ALL.
I tend to like older stuff anyways...and my Mom and I talked about finding an older pattern I like and trying to collect that over time. I think that would be a really fun thing to do.

But...if you were going to make register today for china...I'm thinking I would go with Emma's Garland....which I'm sure Charlie would just love. haha

Oh..and as a side note....He also registered for a set of plain white dishes (like diner dishes). I think it was a silent protest to the damask print above. And...because I let him hold the gun.

We meet again...

2008-07-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe a week has gone by...again...

So, last Friday we got up WAY early and made our way down 45 to Houston (actually...Magnolia, TX). We got there around 9 in the morning...and left around 2. Very quick trip.

But...we decided to come home through College Station...so we could drive around a bit.

I always wanted to go to A&M...since I was like 7 or something. Then, in high school...I had a competition at Texas Tech...and fell in love with it...and made a declaration to go there. Of course...that wasn't really in the cards immediately after high schoool...so I had plans to go there a year later...and I met a guy who went to school there...which only solidified my decision.

And..then we broke up...and I met C (who, incidentally is from Lubbock). And....I ended up dropping out of school all together....only to go back a few years later to DBU (which I absolutely adored and even though there was no football team....I would not have had things work out any other way!). Over the last 8 years, C and I have become Longhorn fans...and I had long said good-bye to any Aggie or Red Raider love that once lived within me.

Until this year.

My cousins played high school football (which is HUGE in Texas...in case you didn't know) for arguably one of the best teams in the state, the Southlake Carroll Dragons. B graduated last year and went to UNT...opting not to play football. But...D...graduated a few weeks ago with plans (and hopefully they include football) with A&M. And...his brother will be joining him there.

Anyway...though he hasn't made a decision...we sure hope to one day see him in action here

Ok, so we got back late Friday night...and made it to the mall early Saturday to start registering (YAY!...so fun). And...SOOO overwhelming. Who know silverware could cause such stress (I know...real problems).

Then......

The show was really, really good. So crowded. But...we had amazing seats. The first two pics were taken from our table. I had so much fun...and even C managed to have a good time.

No big plans for the 4th. I think we are just going to hang low...maybe do some swimming and grilling out.

And...my bestest friend (that moved to DC last year...and I have not seen in FOREVER) will be here Tuesday!!!! And...she will be here for a WHOLE month!!!!

5 months

2008-06-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Or 21 weeks...from this Saturday...and I will be getting married.

This past weekend we actually went to a convention at the place where we are having our reception...so I thought I would snap a few photos...just to share with y'all.

Ok...this is the outside of the building. It is more of a convention center than a ballroom...but it is new...and really pretty inside. Plus...it is big enough for ALL the people we have on the guest list (we both have HUGE families).

And...the staircase. So pretty. The lady who helped us book the facility joked that if she had a dime for every picture taken on the staircase, she could pay for our wedding.

I was thinking...well, let's set up a little drop box or something!! LOL

Ok, So afterward, we wanted to try to find the Hot Air Balloon Festival....and we did...but there weren't many balloons. We decided we would skip that (and the heat) and head to Waxahachie to drive around the old neighborhoods dreaming of owning one of those old Gingerbread houses.

We ended up driving around dowtown a bit too...and we stumbled upon this...and it totally cracked me up.

So cute. Making all kinds of a ruckus...until I got close. Then, he was just staring me down.

Anyways...I can't believe it is only 5 months away. I can't believe we still haven't bought a house. I can't believe we haven't booked a few of the "key" items for the reception. AHHH.

But...I've been working out a ton. Love my new gym, by the way. And...getting back on the WATP program. And WW. I know I will not be a size 2 at the wedding (or ever, for that matter)...but I hope to have my arms toned...and lose at least 20 more lbs.

C and I are off to Houston in the morning to go to a funeral. I think we are only doing a day trip...but I haven't been down that way in forever...so I'm hoping to maybe do a little bit of site seeing and shopping before heading home.

And Saturday....Hootie and the Blowfish!!! I'm so EXCITED!!

Umm, yeah...

2008-06-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like I'm coasting along and life is GREAT. I mean...I'm pretty much blessed with the best family ever, friends, and a WONDERFUL fiance (who puts up with all of my shenanigans). Life is far better than it is worse. I'm usually a really happy go lucky girl.

But...there are days where I feel like I'm being sufficated by fear. Of what? I'm not sure...of everything I guess. I'm really at a crossroads in my life. So many things are up in the air. So many things are changing. I feel like (yes...even though I am nearly...ugh...30)...that for the first time in my life...I'm not a little girl anymore.

I love this song right now. My battle-cry, if you will. It's on heavy rotation...and I love the verse: It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace....

I really couldn't wrap up my situation right now any better than this song does.
The group is Sanctus Real and the song is Whatever You're Doing....

It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
And all I can do is surrender

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Reevaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything I surrender...

To...
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly
Something Heavenly
It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time breathe in and let everything out

having fun....

2008-06-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have been a scrapbooking machine this last week!! It has been soooo much fun.
I think I may have permanent ink stains on my hand...and I don't care. :)

Me, Dad, Kori and Kaleb. I've had this photo forever...but couldn't decide what I wanted to do or say. Finally...I just sat down and journaled...and the rest just sort of came together. I'm in LOVE with that buttery yellow color.

Awww...when I saw this paper...I immediately thought of Dalton. I love how the the little sprockets look when you cut them out!!!

I may have mentioned this once or twice or a hundred times before, but I love me some Converse....and I dearly want to pass this obsession on to my nephew. LOL. So...every year on his birthday, me and C get him a new pair.

Side note about the sprockets. The company I worked at forever (where I met C...and he still works) manufactures sprockets. We have a couple of actual metal sprockets...and they make really cute candle holders.

Some Cards....

Look at the little chick. A little play on words...if you will....for a friends baby shower this weekend...who here in a few weeks will have a baby chick of her own! I am trying to finish up the album I made for her...hope to get that posted tomorrow. It's so cute and girly.

Again with the sprocket. They are so fun!

Ok...and now I'm going to share my most favorite thing of all. It's super simple...but I love, love, love it.

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a blog with the cutest quilt. I just started my first quilt last year...so I have this thing for quilts now. Anyway, I saved a picture from her blog (which I will share a link to/and the pic as soon as I find it!). I'm determined to one day make the quilt, but for now.... I created the paper version!!

I thought about finishing it off with some stitching...but I'm not sure...I kinda like it like this. I do want to make another one...and frame it with a big chunky black frame. What do y'all think?

K...we are off to look at some houses (this never gets old, by the way). Then...I seriously need to finish up that baby album tonight!!!!

Have a great Saturday!

busy girl

2008-06-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

this has been such a busy week.
i can't even believe that it is friday night!

went out to waxahacie earlier in the week to shop. it POURED while i was there. a little scary.
but...i managed alright (it helped that i had a gift certificate! LOL).

did a little clothes shopping. talked with a recruiter (fingers crossed!!).

and...

i joined a new gym!!! i am SO excited.

i quit my old gym membership a couple of months ago. it was kinda far from the house and there was never any parking. but...about a year ago a new gym opened RIGHT around the corner from my house...so i finally bit the bullet and joined.

i had my first workout this morning, and i'm "supposed" to work out with a trainer on monday. we'll see.

got a pretty mellow weekend in store..and i'm really looking forward to doing nothing! (am i getting old or what?).

Nashville Star...

2008-06-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Are y'all watching it? I know, I know...country music...but I love it.
I'm pretty much in love with the Texas boys (well..duh). I might just turn into a little teenage-girl voting machine. Maybe.

OK...so I finished this book last night.

It is the follow up to this book (which I adored). Anyway...I read the book in about a day...and it was really (really) good. However....I cried A LOT while reading the book. And...I'm kind of a crybaby anyway....but c'mon. I called Charlie at like 1:30 this morning, crying. Yeah....I'm a way big nerd. And...he is the greatest, most patient fiance in the world.

Layouts......

K, off to start this book. Here's to no more tears.

hi tricia. your boring.

2008-06-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

I really am. No excuses either.

My Grandparents were in town this weekend...had lots of fun visiting with them. And...we went out to eat last night with my Dad and lil brother (and my Dad's girlfriend and her daughter). We had Outback...got way too full...and then came home and went to bed.

I was out the door (sweating) for church this morning...and my car wouldn't start. I just got the battery in December (when I was stranded at Target in the rain). SO thankful for the warranty...walked away with a free battery!!!

It is SO hot here. So close to 100...it might have even happened today. SOOOO hot. Not good to wear black capris and black sweater to church. Note to self.

Even the cat is finding a cool place to sleep (in the shade).

He's so sweet looking when he is asleep.

Dalton and I met my Grandparents for lunch the other day. He had to ride with nana (like nay-nay)...which is me....so we could "jam out".

A little air guitar....

So that's it. My exciting life.

I do have a lot of fun things on the horizon. If I could ever pull myself away from the bookstore...lol. I have been reading A TON. Love Jennifer Weiner...reading ALL her books in the past few weeks.

Ok...off to "work".

Randomness

2008-06-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Just got home from C's family reunion. I was dreading it (it was out in the country...and I assumed that meant heat/bugs/grossness) but it turned out really fun (and air-conditioned!!!). Lots of fun visiting, eating, and talking about house hunting and the wedding. FUN FUN!

Anyway...not much else going on...but I've been wanting to post this that Miss Jenna did the other day.

Favorite person (outside family)? A couple of close friends. But I consider them family anyways.

Favorite food? Grapefruit with sugar. Seriously. And french fries. I'm really healthy.

Quirks about you? I eat sonic ice everyday. I can't imagine the money I spend on it. I'm addicted. For real.

Any regrets in life? Several. Trusting the wrong people is way high on the list.

Favorite Blog recently? Lots. I've been blog hopping a lot. Found lots of fun stuff. But...one of my faves is stylemepretty.com (wedding stuff galore!!!)

Worst job you’ve ever had? The last one.

What job would you pay NOT to have? The last one (LOL...I kid). A corrections officer. A butcher. A job that requires a lot of travel. I'm such a homebody.

Favorite Bible verse right now?
My all time favortie: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer 29:11)

And..another:
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. (Psalm 119:15)

And...another favorite:
I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)

Got any confessions? That I'm willing to share? I usually decide within seconds if I'm going to like someone or not. I guess first impressions really stick with me. Not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing though.

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it? Clothes and accessories. If I had to (hahaha...twist my arm).

Favorite thing about your house? The people who live here.

One thing you are bad at? Getting over things. Who is good at this though?

One thing you’re good at? Laughing. I love to laugh...show me the funny.

If you could change something about your circumstances, what would it be? These kind of questions make me nervous. I don't think my life is all that bad. I've gotten over a couple of big hurdles this past year...and I've grown up a lot (well..a little bit anyways).

But...for the sake of answering the question...I think I would go with having the house already.

Who would you like to meet someday? Dolly Parton. I'm completely serious.

Who is your real life hero? My mom. She's a tough cookie, but has a heart of gold. We disagree about a lot of things....but she loves me more than anything...and supports me in everything...even when I don't deserve it.

When are you most relaxed? In my car. I love to go on little drives by myself. Windows down. Music on. I get a lot of thinking done in my car. Of course..this is becoming more and more expensive. I may have to start just sitting in my car and not go anywhere.

What stresses you out? Money, decisions, ignorance, competiveness. You know...being a grown up.

Why do you blog? For some sort of documentation. It's fun to go back and read old posts. To remember the ups and downs. For preservation. And...because my life is far too interesting not to share.

Ha.

june. already?

2008-06-02T20:27:00.001-07:00

I actually scrapbooked. For myself, even. I haven't really scrapbooked since I left my job. Of course, I was just dipping my toes in the water with a really simple page...but still...it was fun to get the paper and ink out again!

Anyway...

Where did May go?
Or Feb-April for that matter?

I went to Hobby Lobby the other day...and I kid you not...they were putting the Christmas ribbon out!!! WHAT??? All the summer stuff is marked down 50% and they were setting up fall stuff ... and making room for the Christmas stuff. C'mon now!

Ok, Ok....secretly...I'm excited. I mean...I will finally have my own place by this Christmas and the number 1 think I am most looking forward to is the decorating. But still...Isn't it a wee bit early? (oh my gosh...ornaments for the tree!!!).

So, I'm sick. I thought it was allergies or something...but it hasn't gone away...and now I'm working that fever clammy feeling. It's lovely really. And who doesn't love being sick in nearly 100 degree weather? Me, that's who.

C and I are going out of town Thursday...and I'm just praying that I'm better.

Not much else going on. Well...actually there is a lot on my plate. I am just doing my best to ignore it and hope it all works out on its own. I'm really starting to stress about the wedding coming together. And, my student loans. And, about my "career" plans working out. But...who wants to think about that kind of stuff?

Instead of worrying about all of that...I've been wanting these lil red riding hood converse. Are they not the cutest?? I have a thing for converse...and these are melting my heart. :)

6 months....gas prices....early mornings....

2008-05-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

...all the things on my mind this morning.

I woke up at 5:15 am this morning...AHHHH.
What is that? And...I was wide awake! I called C to chat with him on his way to work around 5:45...and totally freaked him out. He is such an early bird...and I'm....SO not. He thought something was wrong with me. LOL.

Anyways...yesterday was 5-22...which means I have less than 6 months till I get married. EEK.
I'm so excited...and so tempted to panic all at the same time. I really am not sure where my plans are falling on the "suggested timeline". I'm not good with decisions. Do I want to do my own flowers...or do I want to pay a little (ok...a lot) more for someone else to do it? What kind of cake? Band or dj? Buy linens (found a website with really inexpensive) or rent (costs the same as buying them)? When we changed reception locations, we also lost the help of the in house coordinator (which is fine...because C couldn't stand her)...but now I feel a little lost with all the options out there. We are having our reception at a less than traditional place. Don't get me wrong...they have receptions there all the time...but it's a completely DIY place (they don't provide anything beyond the tables/chairs/dance floor.)

I'm spending a lot of time on theknot.com....searching for ideas. Here is some flower love. Of course...these look a little spring-y...and my colors are a little more rich for fall...but these are fun either way.

With the fear that it will be over $4 a gallon by this time next week....I decided to fill up early this morning...

and it cost me $40 for 3/4 of tank!!!! I have a little car too. I think I'm going to quit leaving my house. I so wish my town had some sort of public transportation.

And finally...I am loving this song right now. Loving it!

Zipppppp

2008-05-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

I feel like the days are just zipping by. Do you?

Just wanted to share a few random memories from the last few weeks.

The first...the best pie ever.

Now, I don't generally make it a habit to call any pie (other than my grandmothers) the "best". But this chocolate cream pie was so good I nearly cried. We got it a little cafe in Waxahachie the other day while we were hanging out at The Crafty Scrapper. The owner, Carolyn and her husband suggested the cafe...and it was so good, it's all I can do to not drive out there everyday for a slice!

For my birthday...we all went out to eat at this little Mexican place...and they had a fountain. I guess it was Dalton's first time to experience a fountain...and he wanted to throw "penndees" in it ALL night! I'm pretty sure we threw about $50 in change in there. LOL

A couple of months ago, he discovered his shadow and it totally freaked him out. I thought we had worked through that....until he realized last weeked that his shadow followed him. He kept running away from it...and of course...there it was....and he would freak out and run some more. We laughed so hard...poor guy.

This past weekend, we had a late birthday dinner with my Daddy. We went to Hoffbrau, and I had steak (which I NEVER EVER eat)...and it was SO good. I swear I've gained 5lbs since my birthday with all these treats! Thank goodness it's all over.

Anyway..my Dad's company was a sponser on the New Orleans Extreme Makeover Home Edition that aired this past Sunday. He got to spend the week on the set working/helping out (I think it was just a few months ago that it was taped). Anyways...he was reminding us that it was coming on...and telling us all about it. Very interesting.

And, finally...my lil sister had her prom (junior prom, I think). I couldn't make it to the "picture time", but I stole these off her myspace....isn't she cute? And could my little brother be any cuter?

a blog, really?

2008-05-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

In the last few months, I have been one blog reading girl. It's almost like I don't have anything going on all day. Wait...oh yeah, I don't. Anyways, I have found some of the greatest reads, and lets face it....I'm kind of boring. And so, my poor blog is starting to suffer.

But, those two or three of you that still troop over here everyday...and are sick of looking at my cat (even though he is the cutest cat in the world) this update is for you.

Finals are over. I couldn't be happier. The reading was killing me (well...the reading was easy...that whole comprehending what you read thing was really gettin to me!). My gpa is sitting at a low A-. Yay for that.

I have finally started really looking for a job. I knew that trying to get into a new company with my wonky schedule and crazy homework needs wouldn't be fun. Of course, looking for a job isn't all that fun either. It's crazy how just this time last year I thought I knew where I was going career wise, crazy how things change...and how sometimes you have no control over it.

I've been debating a big career change, something I've always sort of wanted to do. C and I have prayed about it. I've researched a couple of different ways to go about it...and I hope to get my toes wet this fall...at least I will know if it is something I want to do or not. Of course, I will share more about that later.

I celebrated my 29th birthday on Saturday. I cried like 5 times last week. I don't know why...but this is just a hard pill to swallow. I really like my twenties...and really hate to leave them. LOL

I went to a new church (all by myself!!) last Sunday. It was really great. C is going back with me this weekend. I'm pretty excited. Of course, we still have like 3 more churches we want to visit...so we will see where this road takes us.

We were supposed to go Austin today, but we had to put it off for a few weeks. I just hope it isn't too hot by then.

I hate posts with no pictures...like this one...but I'll be back later this weekend with lots of em!

burning the midnight oil....

2008-05-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

My sweet buddy :) He's been my study partner lately!

One more final. Of course it's massive...and I'm right on the borderline between an A and an A- (which will knock down the gpa). There are like 72 ideas/people/terms/etc and 20 possible essay questions. I'm so grateful for the review...but it has pretty much consumed my whole life this week.

I did just squeeze in a 2 mile WATP. Yay. I kinda slacked off earlier in the week...but I'm on target to hit my 30 miles on Saturday (my birthday). I will be setting a new goal for our mini vacation a few weeks after that. It is really helping the accountability!

I didn't get to WW this week (I guess I've become the every other week girl). My Aunt had to have some work done at the dentist...and was given some happy pills....and ordered not to drive.
So while I have no idea if I've lost weight...I can see such a change in my arms and legs already. My legs are the quickest to change (thanks to years of soccer). I just wish my tummy would change already!!!

I've been reading this book:

and I love it. It was a little slow going at first...but I'm so ready to find out what happens!!! There are a few more in the series...and they are definitely on the list for this summer :)

Lots of other fun things planned for this weekend...family coming in. I love that my birthday falls on mother's day...because it gives (additional) reason for all my family to get together...especially those that live out of town.

And...I just found out my cousins from Dubai will be here the first week of July...as well as my best friend who now lives in DC. YAY YAY YAY!

Further Procrastination

2008-05-01T21:52:00.001-07:00

Technically, the paper is finished...(whew)...it just needs to be "cleaned up".
So...I have spent the last hour building a workout playlist.

Also, as I have shared with a few of y'all...I have discovered the wonder of exercise tv on demand!!! OMG I seriously watched (LOL) tons of workouts last night. Well...not the whole workout but you know.

Right now they have the 30 day shred video from that Biggest Loser girl, the Girls Next Door workout (LOL), and lots of pilates, taebo, walking, yoga, etc. And...it's all free. I think every month the "menu" changes a little bit.

If you have on-demand check it out. Who knew I could ever get so excited about working out?

Tomorrow I get to finish all the errands I've been putting off for the past weeks. Do I have 20 things to that need to go to the post office and bank?

I'm procrastinating.

2008-04-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

And, I'm really (I mean really) good at it.
I've walked two miles.
I've found a couple of fun new blogs.
I've organized some stuff around my room.
I'm now blogging.

but...
I should really be finishing up that paper.

It's due Sunday...but I hate knowing a paper is due (and not finished ) on the weekend. We have lots of fun things planned...and I don't want that ruining anything.

So...I'm about 4 pages into the 10 page paper. I'm hoping to finish up tonight....and then...no more papers until this fall!!!!

Also....if anyone is still reading...do you have a favorite excercise dvd? I'm loving the WATP (check it out...18 miles already!)...but I know I want to start mixing things up....so I don't get bored.

Share your favorites!!!

Oh...and I lost 1 teeny little pound at ww yesterday. Well..at least it's going down (it had gone up the last time I went).

Busy Weekend

2008-04-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

Somebody got a "real" bike this weekend. Lot's of "show me's" (which actually means...show you). Lots of bike riding. Lots of running before he gets to the end of the cul de sac (hasn't quite mastered the brake move). Lots of giggles. Lots of sweat. Lots of fun!

Had a great time with Brit and her family in her new cute home. I tried to take pics but it was not the best lighting situation.

Then, very last minute (like on the way home from Forney) my Dad called and invited us to dinner. He was at my uncle's and they made grilled chicken, baked taters, garlic bread, and corn on the cob. YUMMIE. Oh...and of course there was some fancy Italian Cream Cake. I got so full!

Sunday was a lazy day. We went and saw Baby Mama. Pretty cute. Had lunch at the pizza place next door...and drove around looking at houses. It sometimes seems like more of a hobby than an actual thing.

I don't know if we are being too picky, or if it's normal to not find a house for so long. Well, we do still have the option to build the one house we like....we are just concerned about the lack of homes being built in that neighborhood. Ugh...it's just that time is of the essence now.

It will all happen in due time though, right?

Oh...and check it out....I'm up to 14 miles in my Walk Away the Pounds journey. Only 16 more to go to meet my birthday goal.

WATP

2008-04-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

That is what I am doing!!

According theknot.com, I have 212 days to go!!! Yay yay yay!

In addition to our new found bike-love, I have pulled out the old "Walk Away the Pounds" dvd's. Since Monday, I have tracked 5 miles...and I have a goal of 30 miles by my birthday. It's amazing, even since Monday I have seen a big difference.
I can do the 1 mile and not break a sweat...so I am progressing to the 2 mile, and hopefully the 3 mile by this time next week.

And then...this one. It has several different 1 mile walk combinations in 3 and 5 mile groupings.

I didn't get to ww this week...but I am really hoping the walking and cutting back on the fast food is paying off.

In other news, my sweet cousin Britney just bought a house.
So happy for her! She is having a little housewarming get together this weekend...so we are headed out to visit her...very excited about that!

Megan's friend brought over a ton of clothes yesterday...mostly brand new with tags...and gave them to me. Usually I'm not that big on hand me down clothes, but these are really cute...and office-y (which I really needed), and they were free...so I'm organizing the closet with all the new clothes. I think I'm going to pick her up a little something this weekend as a thank you.

K, off to start a new book that I have been wanting to read for a few weeks. Now that school is finally slowing down...I can start it.

Will share more about that later!

Tells from the bike...

2008-04-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Here lately C and I have been talking a lot about getting in shape. Of course... a lot of this is wedding fueled. But...we really do want to get in better shape...which means branching out from our little casual walks.

So...we bought some bikes!!! Mine is the pink one in the back. They aren't super fancy...but they are pretty nice.

Now, I have not been on a bike in 12+ years...nor am I the same weight I was 12 years ago. I was a little fearful...but seriously...how hard could it be?

LOL

In some weird twist of luck (or unluck)...we started off with the wind. I was a little wobbly at first..and then took off like I was 6 years old again. I'm thinking: I've totally got the hang of this...I'm going to do this everyday....I may even start riding to the store...omg I am going to be in the best shape....

This is where the road turns and we are now peddling into the wind. I swear the bike would barely move. I was breathing so hard, peddling like crazy and the truck was still so very far away. This is also where I realize that this seat is pretty much the most uncomfortable thing EVER.

It is getting much easier finally. Thank goodness.

I was sharing with a friend and she said the same thing happened to her...but she was by herself and had to call her husband (LOL...omg) to come get her.

I wanted to share some pics because I finally got a card reader for the laptop (and a new camera!!!!).

Dalton's boot. He wears boots ALL the time now.

Even with shorts. Cute.

This is the way we eat donuts. Thank you very much.

And this is his most favorite person...his Pop.

They were ar the races and having a little bonding moment.

Anyway...I'm exhausted...but I can't decide if I want to be crafty or go to bed ultra early.
Decisions decisions.

Hello Old Friend...

2008-04-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

I use the term friend jokingly.
Today I revisted this guy:

for the first time in several weeks.
Not so fun.

But, I had put it off and put it off...and it wasn't as horrible as I thought. Anyways...back on track again!

Which is good...because we finally finalized the wedding date!!! YAY!

We were struggling with reception sites...and spur of the moment found/visited another site 2 weeks ago. My mom went back with us last week...and we signed a contract!!! Yay yay yay!!

I mean, I knew it was going to happen...I was just starting to panic about where. I was not happy with the current "plan" or "planner" and thankfully, we were still in a position to back out. It never ceases to amaze me how things really always work themselves out!

So anyways...November 22, 2008...I will marry my best friend in front of all the most important people in my life....and I can not wait!!!

Oh...and I realize I totally flaked on the photo thing. Way too busy right now...but maybe I will try that again next year. LOL.

29 days...

2008-04-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

until I turn 29!!!
I thought I would be all creative and start with a picture from my first year, and work up to this past year....but I never got a chance to go through Mom's pictures.

So...I will just be sharing random pics from the last (nearly) 29 years.

I will not share the date on this one, as to not incriminate myself. :)
Let's just say it was before I met C (who does not drink, btw).

This is me and my bestest girlfriend Jen. Actually, most of my closest friends growing up were named Jennifer. Which is weird...because that was my name until I was actually born...and my mom changed her mind last minute to name me after both of my Grandmothers.

Anyway this Jen and I met right after hs graduation, we were both working at the gym together. We were completely inseperable for about 3 years...and pretty crazy most of the time. I'm shocked I have no injuries or a record from those years. I do have some pretty good stories though. Again, none of which I will share here. :)

Happy Birthday!!!

2008-04-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

To my adorable sister, who is 22 today!!!

Here she is with my stepdad (her dad). awww.

Not much else to blog about. I'm up at my favorite little coffee shop trying to finish up some homework before our little get together tonight in Megan's honor.

Happy Birthday Megan!!

Opening Day

2008-04-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Rangers opened today (with a loss no less). I got to go last year...which was fun. C and I talked about getting tickets...but it's kind of a rip off. So...we are going to try and go this weekend instead...which works out better anyways....because Toronto is in town. And...an old classmate plays for the blue jays!!! I graduated high school with Vernon Wells. I will have to find a picture of us from the last days of school.

So proud of him. He was awesome in baseball and football in high school. All the girls thought he was a cutie too. Well..he was. Married with kidlets now. Wow. I can't believe we are all growing up. LOL.

Of course...he is on the front page of the blue jays webpage and I am unemployed. But still. LOL

Next....isn't he cute? This is from a couple of weeks ago...all ready for school!

I know you can't see them that well...but he does have on camo converse. From Aunt Nana (me) and Uncle C. He is so my nephew!! :)

And...I got tagged from the lovely Christie.

Four jobs I have had
1. Dippin Dots Ice Cream Server
2. Everything (office, childcare, telemarketing, etc) girl at a gym
3. Admin in manufacturing office (where I met C!)
4. Creative Coordinator

Four movies that I have watched more than once
1. Love Actually
2. Dirty Dancing
3. Steel Magnolias
4. Sweet Home Alabama

Four Places I Have Lived
1. Arlington, TX
2. Arlington, TX
3. Arlington, TX
4. Arlington, TX
(for what it's worth...I will be moving about 10 miles south to Mansfield here in a few months!)

Four TV shows I watch
1. Law & Order (all 3 of them!)
2. Keeping up with the Kardashian's (guilty pleasure)
3. The Office
4. The Hills

Four places I have been
1. New York, New York
2. Cape Cod, MA
3. Myrtle Beach, SC
4. Las Vegas, NV

Four people who e-mail me regularly
1. Jenn O
2. Erika
3. My realtor
4. Jenn R

Four of my favorite foods
1. Grapefruit
2. French Onion Soup
3. Bread
4. Pizza

Four places I would like to visit
1. Ireland (honeymoon)
2. Alaska
3. The west coast
4. South Africa (me too!...my Aunt lives there)

Four things I am looking forward to in the next year
1. Getting married!!!!! less than 8 months :)
2. Our first house
3. New job
4. Our summer vacation.

Fun stuff! If you do it...link me up so I can read your answers.

I watched Biggest Loser tonight and got so inspired that I went to the gym afterwards. Yay me!

somedays...

2008-04-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

you just have to lay your head down and take a nap.

i feel ya buddy...i really do.

proof

2008-04-06T21:06:00.001-07:00

that the kid is all about guitars.

i'd like to share with you exhibit a: a photo of dalton's band.

in keeping with the kids obsession, it's a guitar only group. we have air (ahem..the blow up guitars played by aaron and country), stringless acoustic (because a two year old loves to break things) played by ashley, a fancy mini-electric (again...broken whammy bar) played by pop (my stepdad), a guitar playing houndog (next to pop) and one adorably irresistible, guitar loving two year old. what's funny is that there are at least four other people outside of this picture with guitars of their own.

now you know how we spend our nights.

so the paper is done. i'm not pleased with it. but i always go into panic mode once they are turned in. i hate when a page limit is assigned to a paper. i think it leads to rambling to fill space. of course...i'm far to smart to fall prey to this...and my paper was barely 8 pages. i'd rather take a tiny hit for that then the big hit for mindless babble. of course, if i didn't wait until the weekend the paper was due...i could probably fashion something better. oh well.

so much for that

2008-04-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

yesterday was a busy blur of wedding planning. out of nowhere c has really stepped up in the fiance world. he is researching tons of things, setting up appointments and making decisions...such a nice surprise!! of course, that meant leaving the house at 10am yesterday and being gone the majority of the day. still...it was fun.

while we were out, i scored a little detour trip to downtown waxahachie. that meant a stop in at two of my favorite stores: the crafty scrapper and the dove's nest. i finally got some of this and some of this. i also found my perfect birthday present at the dove's nest. i was dropping some big time hints...so hopefully that will pay off. :) he is usually pretty perceptive.

another busy day ahead. of course, it's not nearly as fun...and i only have myself to blame. by midnight i must finish my 10pg paper on the worldview most prominent in Groundhog Day (remember that movie?). fun. stuff. not.

maybe i will shock myself and finish it with a little bit of daylight left.

until then...

itchy eyes, good advice, and a plan

2008-04-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

The weather here is all kinds of crazy. Yesterday it was so hot and humid, today...I wore a long sleeve shirt and jacket.
But...all things are finally in bloom:

I'm going to admit that both of these pics are from last year. I'm even going to admit that the reason I don't have any new pics is because I'm lazy.

Beyond the massive sneezing and itchy watery eyes, I love Texas in the spring! Bluebonnets are so, so pretty. I love the way plain old highways are so much brighter. Love to see people pulled over and having mini photo sessions. I love that it means my birthday is right around the corner...as well as summer.

Ah, summer...where there is no school. I think I'm officially burnt out. LOL...I guess that happens after 25 years of school. I've decided to hold off on applying for financial aid (you have to take 9hrs to qualify for grants in grad school). No more loans. Just planning on taking one class each semester for the next year and paying for it outright. This is for the best with the wedding plans, the house plans, etc. I was warned not to do all this stuff at one time...but I've never been one to follow other people's advice. Now I see.

Got lots of things I want to share...but I'm off to get ready for a date night!

I have set a goal to blog everyday until my birthday (at least). I loved what this girl did in the days before her birthday. So I will be doing my own little version... "the last 28 of 28" starting in a few days.

hold my hand...

2008-03-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

i love me some hootie and the blowfish.
and, after all these years...i'm finally going to see them live.

i'm not gonna lie...i'm a happy girl right now.

yay for really sweet fiances!!!

Happy Easter...

2008-03-23T10:51:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Easter. It is my hope that you are surrounded by love today...and everyday!
I also wanted to share this amazing song. If you've got a few minutes...take a peek!

Flashback

2008-03-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

Not sure what brought all this on. Maybe it was the huge disaster my room has become.
Or maybe, it's the initial realms of purging all of my junk so that I can start packing.
Either way...I am having a wee bit of a flashback today.

Remember him?

I was like so in love with him. My cousin and I would watch Goonies, Dream a Little Dream, The Lost Boys, License to Drive....over and over and over. Ahhh...those were the days.

At Six Flags they had this little booth with cardboard cutouts of famous people...and you could get your picture made with them...and then it looked all real. Everytime I would have my picture made with Mr. Haim. Well...except for the one time I had my picture made with Jordan from NKOTB. LOL. Nerd.

Oh...and if you are going to hang out with the celebs, you are going to need to smell good:

I know you had some of this.

Or this...which I thought was "grown up" perfume. LOL

And my personal favorite...Tribe.

C and I were somewhere not to long ago and you could still buy some of these. I'm not sure if they still make them...or they are just left overs from the early 90's.

I'm not alone is these memories...am I?

10 Things..

2008-03-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

1. Don’t buy the reduced fat Oreos. Seriously. They are good. Really good. And, there must be some kind of chemical in them that convinces you to eat twice what you normally would…because they are reduced fat after all.

2. I know some of the funniest people. And, laughing burns calories. So if you don’t listen to my Oreo advice…at least get you some funny friends. That way…it all evens out.

3. Cancun, here I come. Well, in about 4 and a half months anyway. Which means that I must work out every day between now and then. And I’m thinking an apple and Coke are not the best dinner decisions.

4. “I wanna jam”. My new favorite words. When I pick Dalton up from school…he says this over and over until we get in the car. And then…we jam. Stoney is his favorite. He is so my nephew.

5. I’m changing my hair. New color. New cut. C is so nervous about this. “Don’t change it too much before the wedding” he says. “You didn’t fall in love with me because of my hair” I say. And then we quote an old Randy Travis song. This happens every time I mention changing my hair. I thank God everyday that I found someone who is just as nerdy as me. It’s a beautiful thing…nerd love.

6. I miss old times. I could go on an on. But I won’t. I just wish some things didn’t change.

7. Not working out for a week will affect you. Nothing like panting a half mile into the workout to realize you’ve been slacking. This will not fly for Cancun, wedding, honeymoon, life plans. Seriously.

8. As much as she drives me crazy…my Mom is my best friend. She always has the best advice (but don’t tell her I said that). She always knows best. And, she really does love me unconditionally.

9. Sometimes little dives are the best place to go. We went out with some friends the other night to a little acoustic show at this barbeque restaurant in the boones. SO MUCH FUN. Now we are all trying to out-do one another with the most “off the beaten path” hangout. As long as there is running water and a decent potty…I’m game.

10. This was supposed to be a quick little post. I’ve been working on it for nearly 30 minutes. Well, I’ve been working on this post, my apple, downloading tunes, and doing laundry. Ok, ok…
and an Oreo.

Or two…

Oh...

2008-03-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

me and this blog.
It's kind of lame, no?

I have felt backwards and rushed all day. So not good with time change. Especially when I'm too lazy to actually change the clocks.

At least it wasn't freezing cold and raining all day. So over that.

Really considering this:

I mean how many times can I put it in my cart, then take it out? C says go for it....I just may.

Reading lots and lots lately (and not so much the required stuff for school either)

Finally picked this up. I don't know why....but I really had no interest in it all these months. I'm only a few pages in...and I already recommend it. Also finished Sophie Kinsella's "Remember Me". Really cute.

And...all about the house stuff here lately.
Just a few of the things I'm loving....

this little fainting sofa from urban outfitters...almost makes me want to faint. I'm pretty sure I need it. LOL

I'm also diggin these prints from ballard designs.

This is going to be fun!!

Friday, Friday...

2008-02-29T14:41:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is Friday. It's amazing how fast some weeks just seem to fly by.

C and I are planning a fun date night starting with catching my cousin perform at a semi battle of the bands thing tonight. Then we are off to a late movie and dinner. Fun fun!

I went out to my favorite store today for some shopping...and was lucky enough to catch her unloading some brand new product:

Isn't it yummie? I literally waited on her to unpack it so that I could get some! Got some Jenni Bowlin and Daisy D's stuff...here's to some creative time this weekend.

And, thought I might share some of my favorite pictures from the week.

Buddy. So, my cat is kind of weird. Thankfully for him, he is also really cute. His major job on Wednesday was watching the neighborhood from the top of a truck. Just another day.

My lil stinker. He HATES having his picture made....and I LOVE taking it. Sometimes we have issues. Love it when I get a good one like this (note the expression). He's too cute. Just a trace of the boo-boo on his nose where he bit the dust.

Big plans for the weekend:
-Meeting with wedding coordinator tomorrow...so hopefully we will get our date set and plans rolling (FINALLY).
-Celebrating my parents 25th anniversary.
-Heading out to my Dad's to celebrate my baby brother's 11th birthday!
-Meeting with our realtor.
-Booking our engagement photos with C's sister.
-Paper on last week's service learning project at Mission Arlington.

Have a fabulous weekend!!

Two days in a row?

2008-02-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

Because even a trip to the store requires a mini jam session...

How cute is he, I mean really? Everything is all guitar, all the time these days. Beyond his 3 actual guitars, he is often found rocking out with an old wrapping paper insert, trucks, 0r... today...a package of cookies. He even makes these sound effects and has a little stance...and of course...the head bob. Where did he learn this?

It was so cold here this morning. I just couldn't seem to pull myself out of the warm cozy bed. There is this lovely, but extremely brief window of time where my gym is not super busy. I guess it's right after the early morning rush, but before the SAHM's and kidlets arrive. Needless to say, I didn't make it this morning. However, I did manage to get to the early voting place before it got crowded.

Did some shopping, schoolwork, reading, crafting, dreaming, planning for a few hours.

Then, tonight I went to a fun little reading by CJ Critt at the library. She is well known for her audio recordings in the Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich. Of course, she has done lots of other things, and was quite entertaining. While there I just happened to meet a girl that is in design for the publishing industry...and we got to talking and she requested my resume. See there, I almost convinced myself to stay home.

I should finish a few more chapters...though I can't decide if I will be reading for school or fun.

I'm thinking fun.

Life is good.

2008-02-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

Blogging while I wait on CS3 to load. I'm so impatient.
But...I'm so excited to get to play again! Lots of fun things planned for the next few weeks.

I have been such a busy girl the last few weeks.

It's amazing how one day you can feel like you've hit rock bottom, and the next you are literally better off than you have ever been. I had been in such a slump for what seemed like forever. I had some great things happen to me last year (getting engaged, graduating, etc), but I think after I lost my grandmother, my heart broke and never fully got put back together.

I was questioning pretty much every major decision I had made in the past year or so. It was a struggle just to be happy, and I felt like I was constantly sick. My hair was falling out, and my body was always really sore (and you know I wasn't working out). Then I got the flu...ugh, the flu. I never experienced the flu before this year...and had no idea how icky it was. I didn't get out of bed for like 6 days...except to go to the doctor. I didn't read. I didn't eat. I didn't sleep. I just sort of laid there, worrying about everything, coughing, and praying. I prayed that I would get better (not just over the flu...but better in general). I knew I needed to start working out, eating better, lighten my load at school, etc. I really just prayed for a sign...anything...and I would follow it. Oh...and I prayed that the sign would knock me on my butt....because I think I miss a lot of "signs".

I got my sign. And it knocked me flat on my butt...and then hurt my heart. It stayed that way for about 2 days. And then...it was gone. And I can't even describe how much better my life is.

I was losing 100+ strands of hair in the mornings getting ready for work. That stopped about a week ago. I lost about 5 this morning...and I have all these cute little baby hairs growing in. Grow baby grow!

I've lost about 5 lbs. in 2 weeks. Me and C are walking a couple of miles almost everyday. I am trying to eat better (and WAY less).

I've been blessed enough to have the most understanding Professors this semester. I am finally caught up on all my homework. And, the course load issues have been successfully dealt with.

I've had some nice financial treats the past few weeks. My finances have always been a fear factor for me. I was terrified that losing my income would cause a lot of issues with the wedding and house hunt. And...it really hasn't.

I get to pick Dalton up from mothers day out. I can't even describe the feeling I get when he spots me and comes running across the room and up into my arms. That's the beauty of children. They have such an unconditional love. It's the purest form. They love you because you are there. Imagine if adults behaved in such a way.

Having fun creating again. Lots of fun opportunities presenting themselves. I could totally get down with the whole freelance thing. I'm just saying.

I was out running some errands today, and the weather was unbelievable. It wasn't really hot, and not really cold, and the clouds that were rolling in were creating the perfect color sky. I had my windows rolled down, and my favorite cd playing my favorite song....and I couldn't help but think...life is good.

Life is good.

A Good Day

2008-02-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

The flu must have shared with all it's yuckie feeling friends how lovely a host I am, because as soon as he checked out, Mr. sinus infection arrived. Thankfully, I was able to acquire some antibiotics without another Dr's visit (yay for small miracles)...and have faith that I will be feeling wonderful again in no time!

Slept in late this morning, which was pretty awesome. It is a little weird to know there is nowhere to go (job, school, etc)....but I will not complain about a couple of days of freedom.

Speaking of, I'm currently jobless. Not sure how I feel about it, as it is still really new. I think I'm still in a state of shock, and have not had the chance to fully digest everything. Pretty much everyone seems to think it is for the best, and I'm sure I will come to agree. I just feel a little broken hearted, and maybe a little dissapointed in how it went down. Oh well, it is what it is, or so I've heard.

Being the unemployed bum that I am actually affords me a little free time to hit the road. My Thrusday night class was cancelled this week, and me and Charlie decided on a little road trip to visit the cutest grandparents a girl could want.

My MeMe has been feeling a little under the weather lately and we thought it would be fun to go take care of her and relax for a few days! I'm so excited!!!

I'm working on lots of new goals (I so missed the boat on Resolutions this year). I started by returning to WW this morning after missing a few weeks. I'm down 2.2 from the last visit. Yay!

Off to pack...will be back this weekend with pictures and some fun news!

such a lucky girl

2008-02-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

Just sharing my favorite verse. Something I'm holding on to a little more than usual today:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I'm so grateful for the amazing blessings in my life:

-My mom. She pretty much rocks. Uplifting, supportive, and always willing to crack a joke.
-My fiance. I'm such a lucky girl to be loved by such an amazing guy.
-My nephew. Always making me smile. His hugs make even the worst day seem better.
-My family. Caring, faithful, protective, loving. solid.
-My friends. Always there when I need them. Perfect combination of "build you up" with "tear them down". Cry with me, yell with me, pray with me, laugh with me.

It's all good :)

p.s. Could I be more excited with all these CHA previews?

Cough syrup and backup plans

2008-01-27T20:23:00.000-08:00

So. I'm sick.
So sick.

It started yesterday with a sore throat...and now I'm just praying for 8am tomorrow morning to roll around so I can try to get into the Doc. Dalton had to go to the dr Saturday and he was diagnosed with the flu. Great.

I'm thinking looking at 7 houses yesterday didn't help matters. By the time we were in the last house...I was dragging. We ended up just coming home and sleeping the rest of the day. But, the good news is....we have found a house.

We decided to lower our budget, and the very first house we went in yesterday was PERFECT. Of course, there are a couple of things we need to get in order before we start the proces...and we are a bit scared someone else is going to get it. But...it turns out....the builder is building in a community across the street...as well as a few empty lots in the neighborhood of the existing house. SO....Charlie and I finally 110% agree on the same house....and we have a backup plan! :)

So here is the house. Front porch and back porch. Completely rare for newer builds in the area. Plus...it has so much character with arches and rounded corners and built in niches and those cute little bay windows along the side of the house...and...I could go on and on.

Despite feeling like absolute crap-o-la, the thought of this house makes me smile!

How bout them boys? :(

2008-01-14T10:18:00.000-08:00

Hey Hey Hey.

So, a little tiny depression has washed over Dallas today. They said something lke 52% of the televisions in the area were watching the game yesterday. Too bad it turned out the way it did. Maybe next year? We actually started the game at my Aunt's house with some yummie nachos and Texas cheese fries. We finished the game at my house...and Charlie was so disgusted by the end of the game. LOL. Charlie is the most even tempered chill guy I have ever met....so to see him so distraught was funny.

photo from dallascowboys.com

In other (way more exciting) news.....Charlie and I have officially began looking for our first home!!! I am having so much fun looking at houses...which we have done with our realtor for the past two Fridays. We initially thought we would build, but we found that a lot of communities are not reaching completion. We knew we didn't want to end up in that situation (driving down the value of the home).

The very first house we looked at with our realtor is the one we are most interested in (so many people have said this was the case for them too). It's a really cute little house...needs some updating...but that actually excites us more than turns us away (we are total fixer-uppers). Anyways...we should make a decision here in the next few days or so as to whether we will continue looking or move forward with this one!

Please note: one of the first things that we would change is the front yard landscaping. So not down with the round shrubs. LOL But, we love the dark brick color, and the floor plan is sooo cute. And, the street name is really cute too (who knew this would be important?). It's not the corner lot (which is something we both really wanted) but it is the one next to it....so that is kind of nice. The backyard is really big for being a neighborhood home (it's like 4 times bigger than my current backyard). And the current owners installed this really cool brick porch extension. We totally love that for the entertaining possibilities!

Oh, and of course....the wedding. I have just completely been slacking in the planning department. Well...Kenda (Charlie's cousin who is also getting married) and I went to the bridal show....and got so many ideas!!! I am changing up my whole idea from the country club to an outdoor reception. C's sister lives on some acreage...and we are thinking about renting some party tents....and just having a big fun get together...which is way more our speed than the formal thing I was envisioning.

I'm re-obsessed with theknot.com (thanks to Kenda) and finding all kinds of adorable ideas! Look at this....perfect for our fall wedding!

phot courtesy of theknot.com

I really need to get moving on planning. 2008 was supposed to be my year to break free from procrastination....but I seem to keep putting it off. LOL

Of course I do.

Happy 2008!!

2008-01-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone!
I can't believe another year is upon us.

However, I have to admit that I love, love, LOVE New Year's resolutions. I'm a big dreamer...and planner. So, this is my time of year to organize my thoughts, goals, dreams, ideas, etc. I have a lot planned for this year...with work trips (hello Cali!), my wedding this fall (and honeymoon!), buying our first home and lots of other fun things in store for this year.

The last few months of 2007 were very difficult for me, with the loss of my grandmother and great-grandmother in a 40 day period. However, it showed me that nothing is permanant...except love. This year I totally want to embrace love....with my family, my friends, my hobbies, my school, my faith....it's my "theme" for the year. Fitting, huh?

I'll be back later with pictures from the last few weeks!

Annoyed

2007-12-14T21:04:00.000-08:00

To pieces with blogger and/or my computer. Apparently...adding any extra tidbits to the design shuts my internet explorer down. UGH!

Anyway. I am just starting to panic about the Christmas shopping. We were supposed to get a majority of it knocked out tonight and tomorrow...and finish up Sunday in between Church and the game.

Well...I was working from home today...and decided to leave the house for a quick run to target to pick up some ww dinners (because I'm desperately trying to ix-nay on the fast food). And...guess who's battery died? In the cold rain no less? And guess who's fiance would not answer the phone? Yeah...I know! Thankfully, my step-dad was right around the corner and was able to get up there pretty quick! And, thankfully...nobody was parked in front of me...so I only had to stand "guard" of the spot for about 5 mins. Which, in case you are wondering, is plenty of time to get completley soaked (who needs an umbrella when you are just running in for lunch?).

So...the shopping thing didn't so much pan out tonight. I was tired and cranky...and cold (to the bone!). So we ran to Hobby Lobby and Chipotle and called it good.

Of course...tomorrow we will have to act like a bunch of banshee's to get it all finished. :)

Charlie's cousin, who is also my sweet friend Kenda, just got engaged last week. So now we are both planning fall weddings. This will be so much fun! I'm sure Charlie's sister (our photographer) is sweating the extra work.

We have decided to do London and Ireland for our honeymoon. Mexico is so close to home, and we figure we can go anytime (well..you know what I mean). But...Europe is more special, and something we both really want to do. Of course, we have talked in far more detail about the honeymoon than we have the wedding.

Go figure.

Weekend Over?

2007-10-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

They go by sooo fast, it seems.
We spent Saturday with family in East Texas for my cousins first birthday. She was so cute in her princess costume. Pictures coming soon.

Here is a fun self portait of me, C and Dalton. A little distorted, but I was pleased just to get all of us in it. Love hanging out with him...and he totally loves his Uncle Charlie.

Got this fun email from a girlfriend of mine...and thought it would be fun to post...cause I'm lacking for blog content.

1. your rock star name (first pet & first car). Teva Achieva. LOL
2. your gansta name (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie). Cappucinno Chunky Chocolate Oreo. Word.
3. your “fly girl"? name (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name). PCro
4. your detective name (fav color, fav animal). Pink Elephant
5. your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born) Rene Arlington
6. your Star Wars name (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first). Cropa
7. superhero name (the? + 2nd fav color, fav drink). The Brown Coke
8. nascar name (the first names of your grandfathers). Kenneth Danny
9. stripper name ( the name of your fav perfume/cologne/scent, fav candy). Be Delicious Snickers
10. witness protection name (mother’s & father’s middle names ). Carol Scott
11. tv weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter). Forrest Fargo
12. spy name (your fav season/holiday, flower). Fall Daisy
13. cartoon name (fav fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie" or “y"). Grapefruit Shirtie
14. hippy name (what you ate for breakfast, your fav tree). Yogurt Cherry Blossom
15. your rockstar tour name (the + your fav hobby/craft, fav weather element + “tour"). The Altered Cool Breeze Tour

Your turn!!! Line me up to your answers!!

Buddy, Study

2007-09-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

Blog readers: meet Buddy (the cat). We've had him about 3 years, but I just realized I don't talk about him much. He's very very independent...and nothing like our previous cat. But..he is really cute, huh?

Not sure if I've posted this picture before...but I love it. He looks so soft and cozy. Not at all mean and a tad arrogant, huh? :) Love him though.

So, I have my very first master's level mid term this week. I'm mucho nervous, but well equipped with a study guide and very brief outline of some 2500 years of ancient history.

I'm not working tomorrow...so 3 guesses where I will be and what I will be doing!

It's Me

2007-09-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

Not sure what's up with the ring on the wrong hand thing. I guess it has something to do with photobooth on the mac. I assure y'all I know what hand to wear it on. LOL

Remember when I used to blog actual posts? Remember when people used to read the blog and actually comment. Maybe I used to be interesting?

Nonetheless...I enjoy reading my old posts...it's weird to have so much of the last few years documented all nice and neat here. I like it.

This coming from the girl who never kept a journal.

I've had a rough week. Death is not easy-especially when it is someone you never imagined would be gone. It taught me a lot about how fragile life is-about how painful it is to miss someone when they are gone-what it's like to witness this pain in other people all while trying to process it within.

I look forward to sharing pictures and memories of my grandmother when things are a bit easier.

We are finally progressing on the wedding. We are looking at a few spots. We are gathering the ideas and formulating a budget (finally!) and plans for theme and overall "feel". Of course "we" actually means "me" but whatever. Charlie is so not into it. I mean, he is all about getting married... but I honestly thing a backyard bar-b-que would suffice. Which-doesn't sound all that bad. Except, with some 350 people on the guest list (he has a huge family-I am a child of divorce....so 3 parents all with huge families)...we are going to need someone else's backyard. LOL

Grad school is kicking my b-o-o-t-i-e. Wow. Read much?

Went to WW after a one month sabatical (i.e. "eat whatever you please mindset"). It's nice to know that gaining weight will never be a problem. Now if I could just conquer that whole losing weight thing.

Birthday party and baby shower this weekend. Plus...some study time. And...maybe some scrappy time.

Maybe.

I miss you already.

2007-09-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

I wish words would flow like the memories of you are.
I wish I could somehow express the love I had for you-even though it was often overshadowed the last few months by the fear of what I knew was coming.
I wish I had one more day.

I know you are in a better place.
I know the pain is gone.
I know I will see you again.
I know I will forever seek what your wish for us was.

I know I will miss you more than anything....
because I already do.

Rainy Monday

2007-09-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

It is raining like mad here today. Beyond the interference it plays in my driving (I'm such a chicken in the storms) I love the overcast, bleary weather. I feel most creative on days like today. Too bad that beyond a few fun things for work, I will just be studying most of the day.

Speaking of studying. WOW. Lots of that going on. Check out my books for the semster. All this for 2 classes. Of course the Bible is a given, as well as the notebook-which I kind of spruced up after seeing nora's blog.

Basically taking the same class in two different formats. They are both the History of Western Civilization....one strictly history based-the other arts based. They are 2 of the 3 required courses for the MLA program. I hope to take the third in the spring (maybe) and then spend the next year delving into all the fun English classes. It's crazy to think that in the next 2 years I could be qualified to teach undergrad English classes. I'm SOOO excited.

Wedding planning coming along. Will have to share more of that soon.

Slow start

2007-05-23T20:53:00.001-07:00

But I'm ok with that. At least the scale is going down. And..it was a fun loss. The middle number changed.

My week in pictures....

2007-05-18T14:34:00.001-07:00

This week has been a whirlwind. I graduated a week ago.
It seems like yesterday. It was soooo awesome to have all my family and friends together. My mom's family all came in and spent the whole weekend here. We are all only together on Thanksgiving..so this was such a treat.

Carrie posted a challenge over at cmk to share 5 pictures from the week. So, I thought I would share a few of my own personal pictures, with some other pictures that have consumed my week.

Some of the roses C gave me for graduation. A dozen pink and a dozen white. They looked so cute at my pink/black/white party! And...the pink ones are still alive.

My sisters and me. This is the ONLY picture I have of the three of us. The one on the left is from my Mom and the one of the right is my Dad's. Too bad I look crazy in that picture. It was just after graduating. It was beyond hot outside. But..I will forever cherish this picture!

So here is one of the cakes I'm in love with. The picture is from theknot.com.
I love the simplicity of an all white cake with flowers. But...I'm totally loving the simple swirls and dots.

I love this little arrangement.

And this big one. I'm so into adding fruit as an element in the decor (see post below with the limes). What do y'all think.?

Ok, so there is just some of the highlights of my week. I wont bother showing pictures of the messy room that is left from non stop activity for the last month, or the money I am spending trying to get my brakes fixed.

and so it begins...

2007-05-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

(all images from theknot.com)

Planning this wedding is going to be fun!

Interviewed!!!

2007-05-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

So I'm pretty much the worst blogger here lately.
In my defense....things have been undeniably hectic.
But...
I finally graduated!!! Last Friday, 10 years of hard work (lol...well maybe 2 years of really hard work...and and 6 on and off of semi-hard work) paid off.
My sweet family threw me an awesome party...in my choice of colors: pink black and white.

The cake table.

Me and my adorable brother.

My diploma holder. Yay.

And...my cake. So stinkin CUTE! My family calls me Rene...so that is actually my cake...not some random girl. :)

You may notice the lack of graduation pictures...or pictures of the party with me in them.
That is because they are frightening. I wanted to cry when I went through them. I think in the midst of this last year (being the hardest of them all) I just sort of gave up on weight loss or even healthy eating/exercise. It shows.

But...tomorrow we start again. A lot of my family (mother, aunts, and cousins) is joining weight watchers (again). We know the program works...and it is soooo much easier when have other people to talk to about it. Plus...for the few who live local...it's a great way to spend some time together!

We are all trying to get in shape and skinny, and of course healthy...for different reasons. Most of them are completely vain..but at least we are honest. I am trying to lose weight......

TO FIT IN A WEDDING DRESS!!!!!
because I'm (finally) engaged!!!!!!!!!!

And in fitting with this...my sweet friend nichole interviewed me and of course, a few of the questions are about my wedding :)

1. when is the wedding date??!! ;)
We are looking at March of next year. We have a bunch of ideas for what we want in the service and reception...so now we just need to find the places and check availability. I'm thinking possibly March 22...but nothing is set in stone...yet.
2. now that you're about to be a married lady, what are looking forward to the most?
Starting our lives together. I mean, we have been together forever (almost 7 years), but it is so much different now that we are engaged, if that makes sense. We don't live together...and so while we are super close, we still very much have a "dating" relationship. I can't wait to have our own house.
3. if you could live anywhere, where would it be & why?
I love Texas. I honestly don't know if I would ever live (full time) anywhere else. I'm not sure if this is something that everyone feels for their homestate...but Texas is pretty much the coolest place I have ever been. I love the Austin area and the Hill Country (outside of San Antonio), but here in Dallas/Fort Worth is home. That being said, I wouldn't turn down a summer home in Cape Cod or any Island.
4. what are do feel most accomplished about so far in life?
Graduating. Seriously. I never thought I would. I quit when I got a full time job at the age of 21. I went back when I was 24, and it has been a huge deal. I nearly quit a million times after that. But, by the grace of God....I finished. And, now I'm going to Grad school.
5. scrapping. how did you find this aaaaamazing hobby?!
At a CM party about 7 years ago. The next weekend I found a scrapbook store...and that was all it took. I often wonder what my life would be like I had I not went to that party. I mean....I changed my major to graphic design because of my love of photography and scrapbook design. I even work for a scrapbook manufacturer now!!!

Thanks Nichole!!! That was fun!
Ok, so if you want me to interview you...just leave a comment saying "interview me".

one week

2007-05-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

it seems like the last 5 months have flown by.
it's funny how you look forward to something so much, so sure that it will never ever happen.
and then, when the day is close, you meet it with this bittersweet emotion.

i'm so happy, and yet a small part of me is kind of sad.
i'm not fond of growing up, and to me, this seems like one of those "adult" defining moments.

i have a lot of plans for this summer.
a lot of plans for this next year of my life...
as i am turning 28 next thursday.

for now, i'm just going to enjoy the no homework life.
until school starts back in the fall anyways (glutton for punishment=me).
i'm going for my masters in teaching.
:)

so sick

2007-04-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

There is my graduation announcement.

Cute huh?

I'm so sick y'all.

I thought it was just allergies or something....but it's not getting better.

I seriously can not blow my nose one more time.

I can't breathe...or sleep, unless I take some over the counter stuff (which I'm generally way against). And when I take that....I can't wake up.

Ugh.

Charlie came over Sunday to take care of me.

He brought diet cherry 7up, reg 7up, orange juice, ice cream, medicine, cappucinno, and a diet cherry limeade from sonic. He's taking the whole "lots of fluids" thing seriously. sweet boy.

I've missed two classes, chapel, and work. I made myself go to school this afternoon because I had an appointment about my post bac/grad school stuff. Fun.

I'm home...trying to force my way through this massive paper. I've got a little over 3 pages...and it needs to be at least 7. I don't think it is going to happen. And...I don't think I care.

Got tickets to see the 20th anniversary showing of Dirty Dancing. That is one of my favorite movies of all time. Seriously. Charlie is so sweet for taking me...cause it is going to be a big ole beating for him...as I will say the words of the movie....the whole time we watch it. And of course...I will sing along.

I guess I will get back to the paper. My goal is to finish the rough draft tonight and edit the next two days...and be done with it by Friday.

Wish me luck!

Some random photos

2007-04-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to post some pictures for a while, but it seems like everytime I get on blogger to post pics, everything freezes up!

First, my kitty. Buddy the cat. I call him Budreaux. I don't know why. He is a crazy cat. Like...so completely random. He will not eat if I don't stand next to his food. In fact, I have to walk over to the bowl, and let him stand between my legs...so he can start eating. I can walk away once he begins....but not until. I'm the only person he does this with! If charlie, or my mom or anyone else feeds him...he just eats it. Me....he needs me to hang around a while. What a goob. Good thing he is so precious.

My shoes. My favorite shoes. They are the most comfortable pair I own. I have some newer black ones that I love...because they generally go with more...but aren't near as comfortable. So..I say pink is the new black. I have been known to wear them even when they completely clash with what I'm wearing. I've said it before...and I'll say it again...I'm cool like that.

The D-man on Easter. It was kind of cold here in Dallas on Easter. The day before it actually snowed (gasp!) all day. Of course none of it stuck, but it was a bit chilly for the summerish-Easter outfit Megan had got the kids. So they had to wear reg. clothes.

That's right...I said "kids" and "they". Megan is dating a guy with a daughter a day younger than Dalton. She's pretty cute.

Do you love how the Easter Bunny "hid" the eggs? Everytime Dalton would pick up an egg he would try to eat it. Too cute.

3 more weeks until graduation. So busy with announcements, party plans, grad-school decisions, work, cleaning my room, etc.
I thought I had this huge (10pg) paper due on Monday...and of course I waited until basically last minute (today) to start working on. Turns out, we all get an extension!!! One extra week. YAY!!! Now if I could just make myself work on it a little everyday.
Ha.

I'm a student.

2007-04-17T08:09:00.001-07:00

I'm a student.
Something I have been at least part-time for the last 22 years.
The majority of my days have been spent in the confines of a classroom.
A place where I meet new people, develop new friendships.
A place where new subjects are studied, lessons learned, concepts developed, life enhanced.
A place that has challenged me, inspired me, and taught me.
A place where I have grown up, made connections with the world around me.
A place where faith surrounds me.

For the last several years, I have struggled with the day to day of college life.
Struggled with certain topics or classes, what I'm going to do after school, and my place in this world.
And yet, in the midst of this, one thing has always remained a constant.
Comfort.
I've never been terrified of sitting in a classroom.
Of parking my car and walking across campus.
Of random noises that filled the hallway between and during classes.

I've never second guessed a classmate.
Never been concerned that they are carrying a gun, or any negative feelings for that matter.

Today, my world is different.

Though I am many, many miles away from Virginia Tech, the events of yesterday hit so close to home.

My heart pours out to those students, the school, the community, and everyone involved.

new & improved

2007-04-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

well...at least a little bit updated.
i love to play with updating the blog.
if only i shared the same enthusiasm for business ethics or chem.
speaking of chemistry...we had an exam tonight, which i was super stressed about.
then i had to stay over and work on a lab i missed.
which means my test was graded...and i got a 100!
love it.

my sister (megan) turned 21 on tuesday.
i can't hardly believe it.
or how old it makes me feel.
at least my brother is only 10.
of course every year he gets older is another year i've been out of high school (as he was born feb. of my senior year).

i have spent numerous hours on etsy.
someone should have told me it would be addictive.
if only i had some money!
but the "window shopping" is fun for now.

got my cap & gown.
got my announcements, and the goodies for my invitations.
picked out my "theme" of pink black and white (of course).

looking forward to some major things happening in the next few months.
but also really just wanting things to slow down, so that i can appreciate them more.

reading baby proof by emily giffin. i adore it so far. i've read both of her previous books, and they are just as good. it's a little chick lit-ish....but not so much really.

off to finish up some random to-do's before going to bed before 1 am (which is my usual bed time) thank you very much. of course...this is not something i will actually complete...but its nice to think so.

because...

2007-04-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

after curiosity struck this afternoon in a conversation at school,
i decided to learn how to create vignette's in photoshop.

fun stuff.

no blog love

2007-04-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

-watching old gilmore girls dvd's
-working on crafty stuff
-so happy for no step aerobics in the morning
-can't seem to stay motivated with my diet
-flying "do not enter" sign hit my car in the storm last week
-38 days till graduation
-opening day on friday (texasrangersbaseball.duh.)
-dalton is so cute
-charlie and i are thinking about a mini vacation to colorado
-started my first "official" day of work at luxe today
-reading lots of books lately (well, always)
-saw wild hogs this weekend. funny..goofy funny.

I confess...

2007-03-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

-i sometimes wish idiot drivers could be plucked right off the road...and deposited in who-ville or something. bad situation tonight with some freak trying to play demolition derby with me. whatever.

-i love sonic ice. perhaps more than should be associated with noramalcy.

-i never watched a single episode of sex in the city while it was on hbo. now, i watch it almost every night. i heart tbs.

-i love that prayer is an integral part of my school. i love that we pray before class, before exams, for the basketball team, and for classmates going through hard times.

-i hate eating dinner at 9pm.

-i love the feeling of finishing a project. even if you have to stay after school for 2.5 hrs and eat dinner an 9pm.

-i'm addicted to jt's blocks on games.yahoo.com.

"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

at any given time

2007-03-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

there are a million things going full speed in my head.
i have so many ideas and dreams and goals...

and i think it may be a bit parlzying. like where do you start?
either that, or i'm incredibly lazy with the follow thru.

i have about 3 half finished books...in my head.
albums full of scrapbook pages...in my head.
no less than 10 fun business plans...in my head.
a house completely decorated with my own personal style...in my head.
amazing photo shoots i would like to be on both sides of the camera for...in my head.
a wonderfuly healthy all natural pure diet where i feel detoxed, and fully of energy...in my head.
a couple of charity ideas/fundraisers...in my head.
a screenplay...in my head.
a gorgeous, elegant yet completely funky and down home wedding all planned out...in my head.
a vacation itinerary using my newly acquired languages (spanish,french,etc)...in my head. (not the languages...just the travel plans).
full on parties, including themes, menus, gifts, games, etc...in my head.
at least 30 paper designs and other misc. graphic designs...in my head.

i would like all these things in my head (and incidentally...in my heart)...to come to fruition.
i'm working quite diligently on one of them... bet you can't guess which one. :)

please tell me i'm not alone in dreamworld.

Back at It

2007-03-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

fun digi stuff. freebies from 2peas (frame and flowers), rest is mine.

1. Books. Didn't finish them. Did finish Shopaholic and Baby. Hillarious. I think so much like Becky it isn't even funny. Well, technically it is funny....and that is why I adore Sophie Kinsella's writing.

2. Gym. Haven't been in forever. Tight jeans reminding me. ugh.

3. Soda. Must quit. How can something that is so yummie make me feel so crappy?

4. Graduation. 7 weeks and a few days people. Can I get a wohoo?

5. Wohoo. Seriously? Did I just type that? Could I be a bigger dork?

6. Dalton. So stinkin cute. He says Nigh Nigh. Uh Oh. Dink. Crak-Ah. Pop. Sout Side.

7. Wedding. I want one.

8. Chipotle. Yum. Dinner, tomorrow?

9. Luxe. New goodies shipping soon. Can't wait to play

10. Bed, Friends DVD, Ice Water. My evening ritual. Calling my name.

Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn. -C.S. Lewis

The one with the really long post.

2007-03-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I am on the eve of my spring break. My last undergrad spring break. Awww.
I have lots planned for the week. Some travel planned. Some random school stuff (i.e. deciding on grad school...which should have been done last month). Some cleaning (ok lots of cleaning that will more than likely not get done). Some personal stuff (wash car, pay bills, finish photo edits for people, etc). Some really fun projects, a couple of which have been in the works for a long time. Some goal making (I love to make goal lists). Some much needed me time. In fact, I feel a makeover of sorts in the near future. And of course, some mindless just for fun reading. This is what I got this weekend.

Some of the girls over at CMK do a little kit swap every month. It's so much fun to go scrap shopping for someone else...and then so much fun to get your own little personalized kit in the mail. Here is my kit last month.

Ok, My dream home. Swoon. I am in love with this home. It is beyond fabulous. If I were to win the lottery this week (which is highly doubtful as it would probably require the purchase of a ticket) I would buy this exact house. It is the most gorgeous house I have ever seen...and been in. In the most faulous North Texas town no less. Hey...a girl can dream.

My sweet Dalton. Love the kissies. Love the boy. He is so precious (despite massive tantrums and the biting thing). I can't hardly get enough of him. I don't see him as much as before...and that makes me sad. Thank goodness for the happy kisses.

Of course, Uncle C gets the best kisses. I'm not quite as cool on the Dalton-meter as Charlie.
I'm not ok with this. Just so you know. Nor am I ok with scruffy beard.

In other news. A new target, yes shiny and new, opened right by my house. It's kinda like heaven on earth. I'm easily amused you know.

You should also know that I am trying to cut out fried foods. So hard, because apparently we fry everything here in Texas. For the last um 16 or so years I have been an almost vegetarian. And...coincidentally I was much thinner. Then I met Charlie. Things change you know. So that is another one of the things I am working on this week. A detox of sorts. Go me.

Not much computer love in the next few days. A, I won't be near one for a couple of days (I live in the dark ages of a desktop only). B, the computer has a way of sucking me in...and then nothing gets done. As you can see....far too much planned to fall prey to that. Though I'm sure I will sneak a few minutes now and then.

Dinner

2007-03-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had:

with this:

and this:

Cause I'm cool like that.
I did walk 2 miles earlier...so it all works out.
Sorta.

the cuteness

2007-03-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

10 more weeks baby! i can't believe it. i'm one of the first people in all of my families to actually graduate college. i'm so excited!!

i just wanted to share the cuteness with everybody. love his little chuck taylors aunt nana (me) and uncle charlie got him. they match mine!! :)

Today...

2007-01-29T14:33:00.001-08:00

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

enough said, no?

Repeat with me:
Less than 4 months
Less than 4 months
Less than 4 months

why oh why don't I want to just get up and go to class?
it is seriously the biggest struggle right now.

In other news:
I've been working out like a mad woman.
My 10 yr reunion has been announced. Aug. 4th
I. can't. freakin. believe. it.
I hate that it means I'm going to be 28.
I hate that it has actually been 10 years.

I love that I get so see all my lovelies from h.s.
I love that a lot of old friendships are going to be rekindled (some already have with the help of myspace).

C and I have set a personal goal with our weight/fitness for mid summer that involves a little trip to Cabo. We (mostly me) have wanted to go forever...and this is the perfect incentive. Of course, him being a man, he has a smaller goal...and it will probably only take him a minute and half to reach it...but whatever.

Prayers for my daddy please. He is having some issues with his kidney. Hopefully, it is nothing serious...and with a little bit of time and medication it will be better. I just hate that he is in pain.

C, who doesn't talk about the whole wedding thing very often. I mean...he talks in terms of the future with both of us in it, but doesn't ask a whole lot of questions to make me think he is actually thinking about things outside of our discussions, asked me yesterday...out of the blue...where i might want to live when we got married. wow. small step for charlie...big step for mankind (or me anyways).

Really super jealous of all my girls from Luxe out in Cali. The booth looks HOT...and they look like they are having oodles of fun. Check them out at luxedesigns.com (the blog is linked from the site).

Enough rambling. Must decide to go to class tonight...or to workout.
or to nap?

random tricia

2007-01-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

* i will graduate with my undergrad degree in may, one day after my 28th birthday. it took me 10 years to get a 4 year degree, but i believe it is worth more to me now, than it would have been 6 years ago. plus, i am still going to walk the stage before my 10 yr reunion, which was my ultimate goal.

* i read a book every day or two. some are pretty cheesy, easy reads. others are a bit more complex. and yet, i have the hardest time reading a textbook.

* i have been with my boyfriend for 6 years and 6 months this sunday. we hardly ever talked about getting married until this past fall. i believe i will be a married woman this time next year, though nothing is official.

* my favorite song ever is november rain by guns n roses. i used to think axl rose was hot (when i was like 12), though not so much anymore. following close on this list is suspicious minds by elvis, crazy by aerosmith, beverly hills by weezer and mary by jason boland. my dad and i have the same taste in music. we have been to several concerts (including aerosmith and lenny kravitz) together in the last few years.

* my hair and my eyes are three different colors...naturally. my hair is reddish brown with blond streaks. my eyes are brown around the pupil, green/grey in the middle and blue along the edge. these are my favorite physical traits about myself (it's all downhill beyond this).

* i drank more alcohol before i was 21 than i have in the 6 and half years since i turned 21. sad.

* i am the pickiest eater...seriously. i rarely eat red meat. i never eat fish or ham. i am partial to imitation bacon bits, and incredibly picky about the way my chicken is prepared. the smell of eggs makes me sick, and i only like cajun turkey. it would be easier to just be a vegetarian. except i don't like most vegtables. you would think i'd be rail thin...and yet...i'm sooo not.

* i have a certification in interior design that i have never used professionally.

* i learned to drive in a mustang. my second car was a mustang. my third and current car is a red mustang. i figure if i get another one....i will have to stick to it and add it to my quirks.

* i didn't have a relationship (or a good one anyways) with my dad until about 4 years ago. i have seen/talked to him more in the last 4 years than i did the 24 before that. no joke. i have learned that forgiveness is best thing you can do for yourself, and that it really isn't about the other person.

* i have every episode of friends memorized. seriously. don't even mess with me on "friends scene it". everyone wants to be on my team. i am cool like that.

New Year!!!

2007-01-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
I can't believe it is already well into January.
I am so determined to have an awesome year. A lot happened last year, and I think I grew up a lot (about time right?). I also love the fresh start of the new year...I love goals and resolutions!

And...this year is starting out fabulous!!! I have to do an internship for my degree....and I am so happy to announce that I get to work with luxe designs!!! I am floored about what this company has in store for the scrapbook world. I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity!!!

I also set a goal to try and take a picture a day this year. Sort of another way to document my life. I am anticipating a lot of new and wonderful things this year (the internship, graduation, vacations, new house?, and ya never know what else). I just thought it would be a blast to have a photo of each and everyday.

1-1-07

The mustangs in Las Colinas. There were so many people there it was hard to get a shot without some stranger in the background.

1-2-07

The morning show I listen to. There studio is on the canal in Las Colinas...so technically this was taken on the 1-1-07...but whatever. :)

1-3-07

Self portrait of me and C. Awwww . He is looking a little rugged, no? Shave dude! :)

1-4-07

My room. My mess. This photo cracks me up...cause it is SO representative of me.
Notice:
Friends and Gilmore Girls DVD's
Serious cat loving.
Perfume addiction
Books
Computer with powerpoint presentation (for school)
Scrapbook magazines
Bleach wipes (I'm a germ freak)
LOL

1-5-07

Cookies and milk. So funny!

K, so I am going to try and keep this up!
Charlie had to go into work this morning...and we are supposed to have date night tonight. But, I guess when you don't have kids, and you don't live together...every time we see other is date night.

A Very Merry Indeed

2006-12-29T22:28:00.000-08:00

A few Christmas photo shares...
First...my cousins B and D. Both starters for the Southlake Dragons football team.
They won the state championships last week (which they have done 4 out of the last 5 years).
They are both super smart, super athletic, and super sweet. So proud of them.
Everyone on the team dyes their hair blonde during the playoffs...that is why B's hair looks like that...the other one had already cut his hair!!
We all got together Christmas afternoon...and it being only 2 days after the game...that's all we could talk about. Fun stuff.

Next (these photos are so not in the order I uploaded them...ugh blogger!)
My sister. Isn't she cute? This was taken at my Dad's house on Christmas Eve. We always get together on Christmas Eve...and there is usually wild times to be had. However, with my Grandmother's recent health issues (the early stages of dimensia) the dynamic of the evening was totally different. We had fun and all...and it was great to see my Noni...I just am not a big fan of change. My dad got me some new black converse...and some perfume and money. I'm so, so, so glad that we are close now. I spent most of my life praying for a better (or any for that matter) relationship with him. Anyways...Kori's hair looked so cute. I am thinking of getting mine done like that when I get it cut. I'm just too lazy to straighten it everday like she does.

Ok...Christmas morning at my Mom and T's. Look at Buddy!!! Playing with his stocking goodies. He never had anything to do with cat nip...until this year. He was totally freaking out!!! Notice my foot in my paw print socks! :)

Another from Christmas morning. Dalton!!! He got a tricycle from my Grandparents. It was so much fun to watch him open gifts this year. Last year he just sat in his carrier and slept. LOL. Got another pair of converse from the parentals...PINK ones!!! They are beyond cute! I love the tradition of all of us opening presents together. I don't even like to think about what happens when I have kids...do I drag them to grandma and grandpa's to open all their presents...or do I create a family tradition of our own? I told you I hate change. :)

Last one from my daddy's. Kori and Alyssa (sister and sister to be). I just thought it was a cute pic. It's so weird to think about being an only child for seven years...and then having 3 half siblings...and a step sister on the way...and charlie has 4 sisters. Maybe all change isn't so bad.

I will share more soon! I totally tried to not worry about setting up the shots this year...as I have done in the past. I just took pictures. And...I ended up with tons!!! I'm so excited to get them all printed and on some layouts!

Anyways...I'm having such a hard time digesting the New Year.
I love Resolutions. Love clean slates.
I'm piecing my list together right now. I try to be semi realistic...and am actually pleased to say that I accomplished much of what I set out to do this past year.

Going out for the 3rd annual white trash new years eve. bingo and fast taco and all my goofy friends. too much fun! and maybe some money???!!!

I hope you all have a safe and fabulous weekend. See ya next year! :) LOL (that was so my favorite thing to say before Christmas break in school!)

2007 Baby!!

2006-12-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

1. Will you be looking for a new job?
Yes, hopefully!
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?
Always looking for new friends!
3. New house?
More than likely ... or at least a new apartment.
4. What will you do differently in '07?
Eat better, laugh more, worry less.
5. New Year's resolution?
Lots! Be happy, Love more, Live without looking back.
6. What will you not be doing in '07?
Doubting myself, worrying, holding on to the past.
7. Any trips planned?
Several...Vegas in the spring, USA roadtrip after graduation, and a honeymoon????
8. Wedding plans?
Looking like it!!
9. Major thing on your calendar?
Graduation in May, and October is looking hopeful :)
10. What can't you wait for?
Graduation, traveling, my new house (?), and Christmas!!! :)
11. What would you like to see happen?
My family to find peace and happiness. My father to quit smoking.
12. What about yourself will you be changing?
My weight, my hair (cutting it again for locks of love), hopefully my left hand will change a bit :)
13. What happened in '06 that you didn't think would ever happen?
My grandmother getting sick. My stepfather quit smoking. I passed physics.
14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about?
I will. I will quit stressing over the small things....and just love.
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in '06?
In smaller clothes. In a graduation robe :) And...probably have to trade in the jeans and hoodies for more business like attire.
16. Will you quit drinking?
I would like to quit drinking soda. Don't drink much alcohol...so that doesn't really count.
17. Will you better your relationship with your family?
I'm going to let go of the past...and I think things will get a lot better.
18. Will you do charity work?
Yes, always.
19. Will you go to bars?
More than likely....gotta see my bands live!!
20. Will you be nice to people you don't know?
Yes, I usually am if they are to me.
21. Do you expect '07 to be a good year for you?
I do :)
22. How much did you change from this time last year til now?
I think I grew into my own a lot, became more of my own person. Hoping to do more of the same.
23. Do you plan on having a child?
One day maybe. Prob. not next year.
24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now?
Yes, of course!
25. Major lifestyle changes?
A couple. Hopefully.
26. Will you be moving?
More than likely :)
27. What will you make sure doesn't happen in '07 that happened in '06?
Freak out over things that don't deserve my freak out!
28. What are your New Year's Eve plans?
Umm, the 3rd annual white trash new years eve at fast taco and the bingo hall. Yeah baby!
29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?
Yes ;-)
30. One wish for '07?
Good health & happiness for my family, friends, and myself!

catch up

2006-12-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

-passed physics, with a C, which is so much better than the D i was praying for. made a's in the other three classes.

-went shopping today. about half done. always wait till last minute and always say i won't do that again next year. always.

-growing my nails out. which is new.

-dropped the conditioner bottle on my toe this morning. it's blue now.

-thinking about my new year's resolutions. i love the fresh clean start of a new year.

-never started my new diet or exercise plan. well, except for one single trip to the gym.

-my dvd player is broken. this is a huge deal. now i realize that it may seem petty, what with the state of the world, to be so crushed by this. however....i seriously go to bed every night watching friends on dvd. everynight. which is perhaps one of the main reasons the thing no longer works. is it pitiful to mourn the loss of an electronic device?

-got the new LOOK book from autumn leaves. fabulous. my new favorite.

-finally saw the devil wears prada. the book is better. much.

-more to come later :)

Humor Me

2006-12-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

While I pull out an old pic:

Me and Megan...many years ago...like maybe 7?
I think I was about 19 or 20, so Megan was 12 or 13!
Of course...I'm no where near tiny, and this isn't even the smallest I've been. But...I would give anything twice over to be back here.
I ran across this picture tonight while cleaning...and almost started to cry.
Do y'all do that?
I can't believe how much has changed since this picture was taken.
My sister is now the age that I was in the picture...she is a mommy.
And...I no longer fit in that dress. UGH!
In the picture, it's a size 10...and loose.
I'm not a size 10 anymore...and none of my clothes are loose. LOL

I have a step aerobics class (for school) that starts 5 weeks from tomorrow.
If it started tomorrow...I seriously doubt I would make it more than 5 minutes.
So..tomorrow I'm off to the gym and all about the stairmaster and eliptical machine!

I still have this dress (it was one of my faves!) and I plan on wearing it again next year!

Hey Y'all

2006-12-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

*some of my faves from an impromptu photo shoot with my sisters friend the night before she had her baby!! fun stuff!

*finals this week: two tomorrow and the last one on thursday. i.can.not.wait.

*some serious scrappies going on. it is so good to scrap again.

*wicked is coming to dallas. yay!

*my cat is so over the cold weather...so he is driving me crazy. like a kid stuck inside!

*made tater soup last night. big yum!

*my cousins play for the southlake dragons and they won their game on sat. something like a 70 game winning streak. wow!!

*making a lot of the gifts this year. money's way tight...and i'm feeling super sentimental.

wish me lots of luck on my exams this week!!
lord knows i need some serious blessings in physics!!

Look....

2006-10-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

could he be any cuter? i mean really.
i missed him so much this weekend...so happy to see him tonight and give him bunches of huggies and kissies.

went to east texas...then to shreveport. shopping, eating and bull riding...my idea of fun.
my grandmother had scored some free tickets to the pbr so that was a nice little treat.

went to a little birthday dinner at texas roadhouse tonight. so full. plus we have this bowl of candy corn which should really just be put away. i'm probably never going to sleep tonight because of the sugar. remember when you were young and sugar didn't affect you at night? or is that just me?

hi!

2006-10-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

so. friday is finally within view. i always feel silly willing the weeks to go by. i mean...cause don't we always end up saying something like "time goes by so fast" or "where did all my time go?"

physics class is kicking my butt. it is seriously the hardest class i have ever had to take. which makes me want to reconsider the idea of grad school. i have always picked things up fairly easily. i guess i never really appreciated that until now. i just don't get it. it's like my mind has to know and be able to apply so many things just to answer one word problem. my professor is part of the problem. he is so difficult. he really pushes us. which is fine, if i could only understand what is going on. i feel like i am just sitting there with this blank look on my face for 75mins every tues/thursday. and then labs....lol...please.

so anyways, today at 3pm the whole classroom thing was over until monday at 3pm. i still have chapel tomorrow morning, but that is fun. i am going to miss chapel when i graduate. i have always been a believer, although we rarely went to church growing up. i never considered going to dbu. when i was little, i so desperately wanted to be an aggie (texas a&m). my senior year i advanced in some academic competition and the regional contest was at texas tech. i fell in love with the campus. my plans were community college for a year...and then tech. meanwhile, i fell in love with a guy who was at tech, which only cemented my plans. however, we didn't qualify for financial aid, and realized maybe i wasn't really in love. so i basically quit school altogether. found a full time job, met charlie,and partied, partied, partied (seriously). in 2001 i was so burnt out at my job that i couldn't stand another minute. i walked right in there and quit, worked for two weeks and then c and i left for a week road trip. i drove through nyc the friday before 9-11. a week later my company had laid tons of people off. they asked me if i would be willing to work part time (which was a blessing because i couldn't find a comparable job here to save my life). i took a few classes at the community college, but basically started working again.

then, one day in may of 2003, i just drove to dbu, toured the campus, filled out the application and paid my $25. a week later i had been accepted to a private baptist college. this from the party girl. i don't really even remember thinking about it, much less talking about it to my family. it's almost like my car just drove me there.

i'm not sure why i'm rambling on about this. but, i just started thinking about it tonight. i feel like God lead me to dbu. He wants me there (even in physics class). surely i can make it through the next 6 or so weeks? and then just another semester till i will (finally) be able to walk the stage again.

anyways...since i've been at dbu, my faith as grown so much. never in my life had i seen students (or anybody for that matter) gathered in prayer (outside of church services). never have i talked so openly about my faith, and certainly never had i been in a classroom that prays before lecture (and of course before the tests).

basically, i'm really thankful to be there.....

and i think every once in a while it's a good thing to remind yourself of things like this.

i hope y'all have a fabulous weekend.

Tomorrow

2006-10-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

my nephew is going to be 1.
aack.
my buddy. isn't he too cute?
he's a mess though.

i've got a new little cousin. miss bella boo.
i went to east texas this past weekend to take some pics.
she is super tiny and so cute.
my uncle....has 4 girls. from 20 to 2 weeks.
bless him. lol

did i mention that d man got a hair cut a couple of weeks ago?
he also got a gate. well, he got the gate about 3 months ago when he started walking. i'm sure by this time next month...he will have learned to crawl over the gate. he is super strong...and afraid of nothing. anyways...check out the before on his hair. lol. little bit of a fro going on. megan didn't want to cut it though...i guess i understand. it was a little emotional at the salon. i can't believe how big he is getting.

i wanted to share this pic. isn't it wild? it was taken about a month ago down the street. it was about to rain...and the sky just looked wicked. interesting fact about the white building in the bottom right. in the spring of 99 a horrible tornado came through fort worth, and then straight down i-20 which is like 1/4 mile from where i was standing here. it totally demoed that building. it was just a plain building-it didn't have all those fancy things on the top. anyways the tornado pretty much ripped the external walls off of the building. you could drive by and see in all these offices. it was wild. anyways...the rebuilt it a little bit snazzier than it was.

and while i'm talking about that tornado. let me tell you where i was. i was working by myself at the mall-also on i-20. when the sirens started going off, i couldn't get ahold of my family (i was 20). i started freaking out...trying to decide if i should try to make it home really quick. anyways...within minutes the power went out at the mall and the police and security ushered everyone into these hallways behind the stores. now it was april or may, in texas, and there was no air conditioner, and there were about 200 peeps in my hallway with me. or...i could say it was super hot. i was pretty sure i was going to die. after about 45minutes they let all of us out and we all gathered in the mall to be told by a police officer that there had been a bad tornado and that at last update it was basically a 1/2 mile from my house. i remember the drive home like it was yesterday. there were cars turned upside down in the road. i had to drive in the complete dark, massive rain. 20 was blocked and the 1-way service road was basically a free for all. we lost our fence and power. but...all was safe. well, except for some buildings. fun stuff living in tornado alley. but that is really the only one i've personally had to deal with.

too cute huh?

k, gonna finish my studio 60 watchin.
it's a good show...do y'all watch it?

(something really clever)

2006-08-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

so it finally rained in dallas.
amen.
it cooled things off...a tiny tiny bit.
i will be so glad when it is under 100.
for more than one day.

went to the cowboy game sat.
they won.
i was super hot.
but had tons of fun.
love miss erika and her free ticket gettin self.
did i say it was hot?
it so was.

cookie makin is my new thing.
love me some cookies.
of course...my goal is to give them all away before i eat them.
make, decorate, photograph, give away.

saving the best news for last:
who had a blowout on I-20 in the rain on the way to school today????
yeah.
happy monday.

randomness

2006-08-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

*didn't go to chapel this morning.
oops
*had mcdonalds for lunch.
oops
*have a ton of homework for tomorrow.
yuck
*cleaned for a while the other day.
big relief
*did someone say free tickets to the cowboys game on Saturday?
i'm so there
*i scrapped almost every day last week.
i only scanned the following four layouts
*i'm sooooo lazy.
it's all good

hey you guys

2006-08-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

i'm still here.
burried in a mound of books.
remember when the first week was introductions?
what happened?

so, obviously...i have homework.
i vow to keep up.
and stay that way.
no last minute late night panic situations
come december.
promise.
smirk.

got burnt last week.
peeling.
which is kinda sexy.
or not.

big doins.
very excited.
must share...
soon.

c & i looking at homes.
first we wanted a fixer upper.
then we wanted to build.
now we want to buy land.
then build next year.
when i'm making the big bucks.
or...when i have a normal paycheck.

found dream property this weekend.
swoon.
by my parents house.
1 acre lake (joe pool) view.
this particular lot is more than i want to spend on a house.
but there are are new lots much, much cheaper.
like 1/4 the price.
we'll see.

looked at rings the other day.
he wanted to make sure he knew what i liked.
he did.
:)

big brother 6 calling my name.
i'll leave you with some photos.

entrance to community.

this is my dream acre. gated community at the
top of a big hill.

this is actually the view of the community/hill
from a neighboring newer community.
please note the lack of green in these pictures.
apparently there is something called rain that
makes things green.
hmm.

hi :)

2006-07-31T14:20:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is Monday again.
Where is time going?
Seriously?

I have so much I want to say.
But...
The words just aren't working together right now.

I've had a super emotional week.
I'm ok and everything.
Just wasn't prepared.
But...
I guess you never are.
Whether it's actually happening, or you find out a couple of years later.
Which, bothers me a lot. It's not like anything happened that caused me to not be there. There were no fights or anything like that. We just grew apart...it happens.
So I guess I was in shock or something.
I can't quit seeing his face, or thinking about meeting him in 6th grade.
Or waiting at the bus stop together in junior high.
Or his laugh, or his red hair.
Or his smile.
Then I smile.
I guess that's what it is all about.

I really want to have happy posts.
Posts that inspire people to come back.

I know that time is coming. I guess I'm just dealing with stuff right now.
On so many levels. I think it's a good thing. A growing thing.
I'll be back.
I'll be funny and clever...and witty.
I'll be cheerful and inspirational....and so creative.
So prepare yourselves !!! (smirk) :)

2006-07-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

I wish I had known you were sick.
I would have visited.
I would have prayed, and prayed, and prayed.
I wish I would have known it would be a short fight.
I would have told you over and over again that I thought you were an awesome guy.
I wish I would have known that 1-4-2003 would be your last day here with us.
I would have hugged you forever that day we ran into each other.
I wish I had been there to say goodbye.

In an instant....I can remember every little thing about you.
I remember your laugh...your smile...your good heart....and your craziness.
I miss you.
and
I'm sorry I wasn't there.

lookie lookie :)

2006-07-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

the gerber daisies in the bellagio.
gerbers are my fave.
they are happy flowers :)

the glass in the bellagio.
it's beyond amazing.
part of me wanted to just lay in the lobby and stare up at it.
kinda mesmerizing.

the hotel we stayed at. the aladdin.
opened a couple of years ago (the new one).
did you know that priscella and elvis got married in the old aladdin?
i did.
did you know that planet hollywood bought this hotel,
and they were working on it the entire time we were there?
i did.
did you know there is a rainstorm every thirty minutes in the mall at this hotel?
i did.

FAO Schwarz at ceasars palace.
i love toy stores.
in case you didn't know.
it's true.
and this huge rocking horse in the front of the 3 story toy kingdom is really cute.

the view from my aunt & uncles room.
kinda cool.
sans the rope on the left side
our room...not the best view
well, in case you like parking garages.

lots more pictures.
but i'm not sharing yet :)
cause blogger is s-l-o-w
and i'm using them for some lil projects

You can never solve a problem on the level on which it was created
-Albert Einstein

inner turmoil

2006-07-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

all the time
lately
do i, should i, could i

i'm learning to care more about others
and less what they think of me

i'm learning to do as i want
and continue dreaming as if i'm not

i'm striving to be the best me
while not forgetting who i really am

i'm changing my mind about everything
and finally feeling a bit of freedom

i'm seeing that faith is a growth process
and enjoying the journey

The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can.
-Robert Cushing

i'm home :)

2006-07-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

unpacked finally.
super tired.
but
i had tons of fun.
vegas = good times.
especially when you win $100 when you are literally checking out.
sweet.

missed the D-man bunches and bunches.
lots of kissies and hugs to be had last night and today.

i'll be sharing pics soon.

in other news:
well, nothing much.
lots of things going on around the house and school/work front.
but nothing overly exciting.

miss scrappin.
need to catch up.

totally taking an elsie class in about a month.
how cool am i?

must share this link from tara's blog:
hoyt video
tara said she bawled.
and i so started crying within about a second.
1-the song. i cry everytime i hear it. and i have the cd.
2-the video. amazingly beautiful. so touching. watch it.

top 5 for today:
1-lost weight on vacation.
2-C is still on vacation...which means i have seen him everyday for nearly a week.
3-wore my new Brighton bracelet (so cute!...need to share pics)
4-sleeping in my own bed/ and showering in my own shower...ahhh
5-having spent a couple of days with my boyfriend, grandparents and other family members is something i look forward to cherishing the rest of my life :)

hey.

2006-07-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

i'm here.
swamped by homework.
wishin i wasn't a procrastinator.
bout to take a couple of science quizzes (fun!).
going to work out afterwards.
got new clothes last night (thank babe!).
excited for vegas (sunday!).
scrappin some.
have watched tons of friends episodes lately.
want to cut my hair.
finally finished my speech outline.
ate yummie brownies...for lunch. (LOL).
lookin forward to big brother 7 tomorrow night.
gonna get my toes done on sat.
get paid friday.
started my weight loss album.
gonna enter the ki memories contest.
and maybe mmm.
not sure.
don't dig rejection.
should really take those quizzes.
peace y'all.

survey says...

2006-07-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

So, I don't really have anything new to say.
I came to upload a lot of pictures the other day, and revamp my site...and ended up deleting a couple of posts. Then, in the middle of the picture uploads...the internet crashed. Needless to say...I was *over* blogger.

However, miss ek posted a cute lil survey on her blog...and I stole it. I'm cool like that.

1. Where were you 3 hours ago? At the movies in Mansfield...watching "Click" with Adam Sandler

2. Who are you in love with? C, Cheetos, Char Char or Charlie :)

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon? umm, no

4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? my toes

5. When is the last time you went to the mall? earlier today

6. Are you wearing socks right now? no, i only wear socks in the winter and when i work out

7. Do you have anything over $2,000? my car, and my education

8. When was the last time you drove out of town? just out of town...today. on like a trip...a couple of weekends ago to longview for Dalton's Baptism

9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days? Today

10. Are you hot? Right now? No. If I were to go outside...yeah..this is Texas. We are good at hot.

11. What was the last thing you had to drink? coke at the movies

12. What are you wearing right now? red adidas pants and a red old navy shirt

13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it? moi

14. Last food that you ate? popcorn at the movies

15. Where were you last week at this time? I think we were all out at Hooters actually.

16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? no

17. When is the last time you ran? Today, cause it was POURING.

18. What’s the last sporting event you watched? My mavs..but lets not go there, k?

19. What is your favorite animal? only one? cat. no dog. no elephant.

20. Your dream vacation? Alaska, the cruise...then the train ride.

21. Last person’s house you were in? Charlies

22. Have you been in love? Yes

23. Do you miss anyone right now? Yes

24. Last play you saw? I have no idea. Prob one of Dagan's (my cousin)

25.What are your plans for tonight? Me, Megan and Zach are about to watch Failure to Launch

26. Next trip you are going to take? Vegas...next sunday!!!!

27. Ever go to camp? LOL

28. Were you an honor roll student in school? yes.

29. What do you want to know about the future? umm, what color eyes my kiddos are going to have

30. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne? Yes, DKNY Be Delicious

31. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor’s visit? Yes.

32. Do you have a tan? Yes

33. What are you listening to right now? the fan

34. Do you collect anything? angels, crosses, patterned paper

35. Who is the biggest gossiper you know? the biggest? nobody really

36. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over? the last time i went to my grandparents. we decided to take the stang instead of c's truck..so i drove and i got pulled over ... but no ticket thank you very much.

37. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw? that is the only way to drink soda

38. Do you like hot sauce? um, yeah. this is Texas, it's the other thing we do here.

39. Last time you took a shower? walla go :)

40. Do you need to do laundry? Oh yeah.

41. What is your heritage? lil bit irish, lil bit dutch, lotta bit texan :)

42. Are you someone’s best friend? Yes.

43. Are you rich? incredibly wealthy...(smirk)

i...

2006-06-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

am updating :)
lost weight (look)--->
cooked spaghetti for lunch
have a headache
don't understand why people intentionally hurt those who love them
can't wait for the weekend
need to start on an anniversary mini album
have homework (again)
need to register for fall (still)
miss my best friend
wish being a grown up didn't suck sometimes
need a vacation
love my sister (even though she doesn't think i do)
can't wait for elsie's book to come out
want to be on the cmk design team
am sad about the mavs losing
want to go back to cape cod
love diet coke with splenda (ice cold...minus the ice)
am out :)

shhh...

2006-06-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

i'm not really here...
i'm outlining my speech....
you didn't see me

(but i just wanted to say hi!!)

busy busy

2006-06-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

* ethics paper due tomorrow (or possibly monday)
* informative speech (on j.k. rowling!) due 6-26
* lab due 6-24
* quizzes in both classes this weekend
* mavs play tonight baby!
* daddy's birthday today!!!
* C is coming over tonight
* got the designing with all about me book on order (score!)
* going to talk to a lss owner about possibly teaching (wish me luck!)

So, I have found my dream home. :)
It is in Midlothian...about 20 mins from where I currently live.
The house is kind of out in the country....way more so than where I live now.
And, it is GORGEOUS.Of course, it's a wee bit (plus some) out of our budget.
But a girl can dream right?

Sharing the love...

The front of the house

The living area, and backyard.

The kitchen.

One of two game rooms.

The entry (swoon).

And, the formal dining. The doors are the ones you see in the front of the house.

must win lotto*must win lotto*
must actually play the lotto to win
keep on dreamin girlie :)

yeah...

2006-06-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

July 28th folks.
yum yum.
check'em out here

ugh

2006-06-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

i
can't
believe
they
lost.

monday, monday...

2006-06-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

I use to hate Monday.
Now, I don't have to be at work till noon.
They aren't so bad.
Don't hate.

Dalton got Baptized yesterday.
He did sooo good.
Everyone thought he was adorable.
Cause he is.

Vegas in like 27 days or something crazy.
Yes, we will count this down.

Must get new Brighton purse while in Vegas.
There is a Brighton store in our freaking Hotel.
How perfect for me.

C started his new job Friday.
How a workaholic is attracted to me,
I will never know.

I need to register for fall classes.
Like, yesterday.

I'm thinking about teaching at one of the local scrapbook stores.
I am not sure yet.

I want to go to the bookstore.
I can get completely lost in there.
and
Not like, I'm stuck in downtown Boston (I think?) lost.
I love books.

I'm actually quite bored right now.
with my own post, no less.

So if you are still reading this.
I'm sorry.

I'm hoping for some awesome news this week.

My mom's bday is tomorrow.
My dad's is thursday.

My paycheck is spent.

My mavs won last night.

I'm out.

lil layout love, lil rambling action

2006-06-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

been a scrappin machine lately!
there are more...but lets not overwork the upload system..right?
couple of dt apps, couple of calls, couple more dt opportunities.
i've really decided to submit my stuff a bit more.
i usually just do hof, then kind of lay low all year.
but i figure...why not!!!???

in other news....
new song action. my new fave song.
for now. it's a position that is always changing.

i've found that the best incentive to stick with your diet/exercise routine...is to video tape yourself giving a speech. it's not pretty folks.

i leave for vegas in one month. one month!!!

we are going out of town on Sunday...day trip to my grandparents...Dalton's Christening at their church.

i am finally rocking a decent tan. finally.

i need to quit drinking sodas. i think about it everyday. usually while i am drinking a coke.

the mavs won. :)

the newscast or pregame show was remarking about the "heat wave" dallas was having this past week...with 100 degree temps. i'm like...dude...it's called summer in texas. no heat wave about it. it's how we do things here.

k, off to watch some tv. do some homework. scrapbook a little. and maybe do some pilates before bed.

don't be jealous.

a lovely life

My New Blog....

I'm Moving!!!!

I've Got Nothing...

how things change

Randomness

College Football

3 Guesses....

Too Much...

Look what I got today...

Hot

We meet again...

5 months

Umm, yeah...

having fun....

busy girl

Nashville Star...

hi tricia. your boring.

Randomness

june. already?

6 months....gas prices....early mornings....

Zipppppp

a blog, really?

burning the midnight oil....

Further Procrastination

I'm procrastinating.

Busy Weekend

WATP

Tells from the bike...

Hello Old Friend...

29 days...

Happy Birthday!!!

Opening Day

somedays...

proof

so much for that

itchy eyes, good advice, and a plan

hold my hand...

Happy Easter...

Flashback

10 Things..

Oh...

Friday, Friday...

Two days in a row?

Life is good.

A Good Day

such a lucky girl

Cough syrup and backup plans

How bout them boys? :(

Happy 2008!!

Annoyed

Weekend Over?

Buddy, Study

It's Me

I miss you already.

Rainy Monday

Slow start

My week in pictures....

and so it begins...

Interviewed!!!

one week

so sick

Some random photos

I'm a student.

new & improved

because...

no blog love

I confess...

at any given time

Back at It

The one with the really long post.

Dinner

the cuteness

Today...

*random tricia*

New Year!!!

A Very Merry Indeed

2007 Baby!!

catch up

Humor Me

random tricia