Wrapping it up.

It's been a while and I swear I tell myself so often to write more because it's a hobby and stuff. Sometimes time just doesn't allow for us to do hobbies and stuff unless you are my husband which demands no matter what even if the Earth is ending, he will play golf on Wednesdays. 

Moving right along. We had a great Thanksgiving. Well, from what I remember. Haha. It was totally a wine, appletini kinda day, but I finished it by blaring Christmas music and singing said music at the top of my lungs in the car. Poor, E.

We typically spend Thanksgiving with both our families, but with my Mom's surgery it just didn't work out for them to be here with us. It was the first time in my entire life to spend this holiday without my family hence the singing and blaring of music. The food was delish, the company was great and my spiced caked pumpkin trifle was incredible!

Loves:

 I love to bake and cook!!!

 Love this guy. With all my heart. Maybe I love his fried turkey too. 

We are gearing up for our vacation and Christmas...maybe my birthday too! It's going to be such a busy December, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

 Loving that E decorated our house with my favorite simple yellow lights. Just love our red door.

 Loving my typed directions for our precious Marley.

Hopefully, we will have big news to report in the upcoming months!!! 

Loving.

Believing.

Marley for Prez.

The election is over...thank Heavens! Perhaps, I can go on Facebook without getting angry. Scratch that...I just did - bad idea. Just one comment - Are we in 2012? Do people really think it's black vs white? 

Marley for President. 

Moving right along...

My Mom has had a tumor on her face\neck\jaw for a very long time. We thought she had it removed a few years ago, but it grew back. Now we know, it probably was not fully removed years ago and I want her to sue the doctor, but I am mean and my Mom is nice. Long story short, she had surgery on Monday. I balled like a baby on Sunday when she told me we actually didn't know if it was malignant or benign. Sunday night and Monday were pretty much the most anxious I have been in a very long time...so much so I had a terrible migraine. Good news is...

All I have to say is the original doctor is very lucky because I might hire a lawyer myself if the outcome was different.
Because of this surgery, my parents had to cancel a trip to Chicago. I didn't even really think about E and I taking the trip instead because you know we don't have two HUGE trips coming in December or anything. But we aren't talking about that. I asked E to see about free plane tickets. Scored those. Received a discount code from a friend for a hotel. Scored that. So, we are going to Chi-town. I am over the moon excited! 

Lists anyone?

We are going to eat at some fabulous restaurants, walk the Magnificent Mile, visit Millennium Park, see Wrigley Field, Navy Pier and lastly, see the Texans whoop the Bears on Sunday! Anything else I need to add to the list? Favorite restaurants? Hot dogs? Pizza? It's going to be cold and that just makes me elated.

The next two months are so busy and I am forever grateful for that especially since Mama bear is cancer free. 

Spontaneous.

On a day in which our whole management team is out, I am perusing the internet, paying bills, making transfers, planning last minute trips to Chicago...you know the normal stuff. 

Give thanks. 

I am thankful for...

-E. He is my life long partner that has a loyal and forgiving heart. The one that loves me unconditionally and makes me feel like a Queen when I feel like a whale.

-The big Man upstairs.

-My family. 

-My sweet friends.

-My j-o-b. Even though I complain, it pays our bills.

-Marley. He shows us persistence and purpose every single day.

-Starbucks coffee. Especially in the red cup.

-Flats.

-Boots.

-Leggings.

-Diamonds and gold.

-Love.

-Travel.

-Internet.

-My home.

-Cucumbers and tomaters. Together.

-Mason jars.

-Nighttime baths.

-CeraVe.

-Dyson vacuums.

-Water.

-Crockpots.

-Chewing gum.

-Christmas lights.

-Christmas trees.

-Joy.

-Deva Curl.

-Tiffany and her coloring abilities.

-Forgiveness.

-Cupcakes.

-Zumba.

And forever & ever this list could go...I have a lot to be thankful for this year.

Thursdays.

Oh, Thursday I love you because that means a half day tomorrow or better yet maybe a half day off.
It's ok... That I admitted I had terrible PMS to my husband via an emoticon yesterday. It's bad. To have a gazillion XFactors and The Voices to watch. To have eaten at least 10 single wrapped Sour Patch Kid candies last night. To set the alarm clock for 6:45am everyday, but get up at 7:45am. To absolutely love Zumba even though I know I look like an idiot. That I have no faith in the Texas Longhorns this weekend. Pretty sure they are going to get put through the ringer. New coach, maybe? Doubtful. To really want E to find something that will make him happy, lower his stress level and allow him to stay home on Saturday mornings. That I tell my boss how it is and really don't care about his feelings. Is that bad? To know I need to be more compassionate and empathetic. To download three books to my Kindle and still have three that are only half-read. To love alcohol club more than book club. To want to chop my hair off...especially when it's impossible to run my fingers through the rat's nest. That I want Tory Burch Revas in absolutely every color. And, that I will pretty much be asking for TB gift cards for Xmas. To hope we don't have coffee at home tomorrow morning, so I can get my first red Starbuck's cup of the season. To officially start the countdown to December. Two vacations, my birthday and Christmas...Blessed.
Lastly, it's okay to want a glass of vino at 2:00pm on a Thursday.

Those emails.

A few months back E and I had some pretty substantial revelations with each other and it's been a learning and changing curve ever since those days. My marriage is everything to me and to make it better is one helluva a job that takes more than one person. I am forever grateful I am married to someone that changes with me, loves and adores me all of the days of our lives even when I don't deserve it. 
I have built up anger and resentment for whatever I am not sure? It's one of those things we all deny over and over, we blame everyone else around us because we SWEAR it's their fault we are miserable, but in the end really its our own fault. We cannot control others nor can they control us. I signed up for emails from a lovely website : Tiny Buddha (No I am not Buddhist, yes I believe wholeheartedly in Christ, no I do not worship a statue, yes I believe in self-help and amazing words that will change my life.) They send daily emails to overcome life. They send emails to better yourself. Their emails either ring true to oneself or they don't do much because you may have never experienced the discussion in the email. Today, rang true! I read it twice and sent it to E to read. It was about anger, overcoming your feelings for the people around you. 

The power does not lie without. The power lies within you. You just have to know that you deserve it—happiness, peace, love, and joy. ~ Nanette Stein

We are the ones with the power to overcome. We are the ones with the power to choose happiness, peace, love and joy. To some that might not mean a thing, but to me it means everything.

“If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place.” ~Lao Tzu

Ah-choo.

I have sneezed a million times today. I am loving the colder weather, but goodness my allergies are killing me.

Life has been super busy the past few months  weeks. It's been a whirlwind since September and I am so grateful for it, but thankful it's over.

Rita's is slowing down and we do not have any scheduled events until the Spring. Let me just say...that's amazing. It will allow E to look for jobs and he can relax with me and the pup on the weekends. 

The last event we participated in was the Livestrong Challenge. It's a bike ride with 18 mile, 65 mile or 100 mile ride. They had 4,300 riders ALL in support of this amazeballs organization. E and I are HUGE, LIKE DOUBLY HUGE Lance Armstrong supporters therefore we support this cancer research foundation. It was definitely a humbling weekend being surrounded by people that have been through so much words cannot describe it. 

In between events, football and celebrating with booze is on the top of our list! 

On Friday night, the girls had our monthly alcohol spirits club. This month was Halloween Martini themed and let me tell you...these were all delish.

(From left to right: Pineapple upside down cake, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Candy Corn, Vampire Cherry)

E and I had THE BEST weekend! Like I wish I was sitting on the couch with a fire, snuggled up with coffee and my boys. I literally melt to pieces thinking about wonderful times spent together. It's always so refreshing and recharging to relax for a whole weekend. 

(Officially on the vacation countdown.)

Oh there she is.

Dear Weather : You are amazing. Seriously, where have you been all my life?

Dear busy life :  Just stop for a bit. We know that you like to fill up and go, go, go, but just chillax. Life is short. Dear Extremely Loud and Considerably Close : You made me cry. Not only did I shed some tears, I went to bed feeling sad and kept telling the husband I didn't want him to die. And that is why I don't watch movies, but would rather sleep!

Dear Driver that hit me almost three weeks ago : Sucka!!! Yea, your insurance and YOU will be footing the bill to fix my ride. You shouldn't have come up with some story you thought was clever. You lose. Dear car : I cannot wait to drive without my hair blowing in the wind. Just kidding, but really, I am tired of hearing the wind whistle. Dear Longhorn football : I don't think I can watch tomorrow. Like, really. Dear Austin : You did a number on our checking account last weekend. For shame. But, it will probably happen again tomorrow even though we said, "we cannot afford to buy tickets to the game." haha, that's a joke right?

Dear Tory Revas : I love you. I need you in every color.

Dear Barbados : I die. I need you now. Dear Husband : I'm crazy, but you know how to make me smile.  Dear Faith : It's funny how when I believe in you, wonderful things happen. It's been a good week!

Cannot take it.

Oh weekend and Monday...I am not that into you right now. Can Friday already be here? Or better yet, could we start back at last Friday? 

Friday consisted of me cleaning our house even though we have Yolanda. Typically, Yolanda does really well, but I felt we needed a good deep cleaning to start the Fall. I was successful in the fact I sneezed for three hours straight because Ms. Yolanda missed a lot of dust balls in our bedroom. I was too tired to clean our bathroom and needed to rest up before I went to Zumba. I guess my cleaning might have actually been a failure after writing those two sentences. Whatever. It still smelled good when E got home from work.

Saturday was a booze day. 

See? Neato picture captured by the Mister.

Then after boozin' it all day : We headed to the Texas game. Big fat loss. So depressing. All.he.had.to.do.was.make.the.field.goal. 

Um HEY Mackie B, recruit me because I could have made that one.

We had an absolute blast, but you know it's bad when you walk from the stadium to downtown only to drink your sorrows away. One of the first things I said to E when I opened my eyes Sunday was, "I cannot believe he missed that field goal." I swear I am a female. 

OU still sucks!

Sunday was spent resting my leg, drinking coffee, watching movies, shopping at the grocery store...ya know the normal.

Then I had to wake up Monday, go to work without makeup and GET STRUCK BY SOME IDIOT THAT PULLED A U TURN RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I cannot take another negative thing happen in our lives, seriously. I know the good Man above only gives us exactly what we can take, but guess what BIG MAN...HELP A SISTER OUT. 

And, this idiot is saying it's not her fault. I should have been rude to her, but I clearly thought she would have admitted guilt when insurance heard the story. I am going to stay positive because we have been working on living in the moment and "Positive is how I live."

At least the week can only get better. 

Dear Friday.

Dear Friday: You are always my favorite. Actually, Saturday and Sunday are my favorite, but we won't admit that today. Dear E: I am so glad one of us is a morning person. I cannot imagine how Marley would feel if you were like me in the morning. Dear Parents: I am jealous of y'all right now. Dear Two Week Barbados Vacation: I can officially start counting down for you. I.cannot.wait. 

Dear Longhorn football: We are coming to watch you tomorrow night. We might be buzzed, but that only makes it more fun. Please win.

Dear Tory Burch: You officially made my Friday with your 25% off coupon. I was able to purchase exactly what I wanted and save $125.00. Winning! Dear Zumba: I know I look goofy as heck participating in class, but guess what? I don't care. You are amazing and shaking my bootay has never been so much fun. 

Peace.

Those moments.

There are so many moments in my life in which I literally have to take a REALLY deep breath to not totally freak out and yell at someone or something. I tend to keep my composure but undoubtedly there are those times where I want to burst at the seams.
It could be the AT&T bill showing up on my screen showing that my other half not knowingly went over on minutes the last months. I really wanted to call up said company and yell at them because there "is absolutely no way one can talk that much...especially him." Instead, I called up the company and basically was nice and negotiated those charges be taken off and figure out a new plan. In the midst of me saying, "he never goes over." She responded with he has the past six months, but had roll over minutes. How dare she prove me wrong and I not go off? 

It could also be when I heard that someone received a title change at the fabulous company I work for and along with that title change they received an increase in salary. Um, excuse me? I had to FIGHT tooth and nail for my title change and an increase in salary. Guess the difference? The person on the receiving end has a penis. Male dominance in the work place to the T-E-E. 
I was blessed with really curly hair and some days I really love it. The days I actually comb it...I hate it. Yea, I never comb and I forbid using a brush on my mane. Today, I wanted to scream and run to No 9 salon to get my head shaved. I didn't. I just flipped my hair over and made that shizz really frizzy. Perfection.
Someone near and dear to my little heart had an MRI done twice for a large bump on her face\neck. She is going to Europe for almost three weeks and doesn't want to know the "make up" of the bump so she told her doctor to not notify her. Um, really? Now we all have to go to work in agony wondering if you are kosher whilst you strolling along the streets of Italy drinking wine and eating cheese? For shame.

And this just speaks volumes.

The time I didn't want to scream? When I received an awesome email this morning which has me joyfully hopeful. Say a prayer or think a positive thought for me.

I haz a serious problem.

I recently have been super annoyed with all things Facebook. I feel they are all over the internet world and really just taps into anything and everything I do. It's weird. Also, all of my 500+ "friends" think it's a-okay to constantly talk all things politics whilst bashing their "friends" because they don't believe the same thing...it's not okay. Don't even get me started on the people that ONLY get on FB to update their status when they bought something, won something, announcing a pregnancy or bragging about travel. Those people that only brag and act like their little lives are perfect...yea, they drive me to not log into the good ole FB. BUT...
I LOVE ME SOME INSTAGRAM! I am addicted. I love that there is little to absolutely no drama involved. It's clearly a picture taking and uploading place which is my 2nd most favorite thing in the world. 

AND...

I LOVE ME SOME EMOJIS AND ANIMATED EMOTICONS. I am addicted. I have stated that before. I seriously have a problem. Poor E. He plays along so well with my goofiness. Here's proof of what he receives on the daily:

Now, how can I make millions or even a few thousand off these addictions?

Things.

Oh here's the weekend in pictures. Actually, these started last Thursday on my love's birthday! 

I have to say: I made the BEST cupcakes ever. Snickers chocolate ones to be exact. Like, melt in your mouth...I could eat 100 at a time...damn good.

We fested it out by slingin' ice at Austin Pride. It was an experience...that's for sure.

Dunking drag queens. That's normal for a Saturday, right?!

We hung out with a two week old pig named Bacon, on bacon-mania night...at a bar. Cutest thing I ever did see.

And, I ended the weekend with a long walk to the gym.

Oh, but wait...we watched this home girl sit in the Chick Fil A "line" on Sunday. Pretty sure she was really angry no one was answering her hellos at the drive thru, so she proceeded to DRIVE THRU. Hysterical. Um: Note to America...remember the Chick Fil A CEO\Prez is a die.hard.Christian so he chooses to close his shops on Sundays. 

Idiot of the weekend right there.

Remember Tory owed me an e-gift card because of the janky calf hair purse? I received $600 in e-gift cards today. Now, I am debating what in the heck to purchase! 

GirlProblems.

I believe in.

I believe in the fact that black really is a color.

I believe in forgiveness.

I believe in gold jewelry not platinum.

I believe in Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice lattes.

I believe in never giving up.

I believe in my husband.

I believe in myself.

I believe in best friends.

I believe in Kendra Scott turquoise jewelry.

I believe in THE Texas Longhorns.

I believe in family.

I believe in college football.

I believe in eating comfort food whenever you feel down.

I believe in Italian food on Sundays.

I believe in washing clothes, but not folding them until Wednesday or better yet the following week.

I believe in dresses.

I believe in vacations.

I believe in quotes.

I believe in beaches and sunsets.

I believe in Christianity.

I believe in celebrating birthdays.

I believe in baking & cooking & eating out.

I believe in life.

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