Curly Girl Confessions

Thoughts on Thursday.

2012-01-26T08:26:00.000-08:00

I am wearing the beloved H&M Grandma sweater today that everyone and their Mom or Grandma owns. I want to rip it off because I am itchy, WTH.

I am a gazillion days late for my period, but not pregnant. I am grateful I made my annual appt for next Tuesday because this girl needs some questions answered, STAT.

I sold some purses to a lady at my office and immediately, actually before she even paid me, bought the gold watch I have been lusting over the past month. My beloved ToyWatch has to be put to rest as it broke and this is the perfect replacement. The bracelet that looks like wood is actually Barbadian coral that is hand crafted from a candle and coral. Loves it. I get asked so many times where someone can buy one? In Barbados is always my clever response.

E and I are supporting Girl Scouts around the globe with the purchase of cookies. Shortbread only have 120 calories for 4 cookies, ain't that bad?

I am trying to read Hunger Games, but cannot seem to get into it. I hope the next few chapters will open my mind to finishing not just the first book, but the whole series.

Today was "wear your hair in a bun" day and my hair was frizzy, so I put lotion on my hands then proceeded to run my fingers through my hair. Now my head looks a little shiny. FAIL.

Thank Heavens tomorrow is Friday!

A bone to pick.

2012-01-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

On my NYC trip with my Mom, we did a lot of shopping. I mean, we hit up every single H&M store in NYC and almost every single boutique that had weird shit. I loved it and I had one motive: Buy a pair of Steve Madden tall boots that I have been swooning over the past 6 months.

My mission was accomplished and my sweet Mom bought them for me.

Well, let me tell you- I am pissed. I wish I had a twitter account with 16M followers like the Bieber so I could bad mouth the boots and Steve Madden. I have had them since NOV, don't wear them every day and a piece fell off the heel yesterday. The rubber has holes in it. I contacted the store where they were purchased a whole two months ago and they directed me to SM directly; SM directed me to my local SM shop. I am not giving up! The boots weren't cheap, but obvs not really expensive, but they were over $100 and I will fight till I get a new pair.

Off my rant.

Look- isn't that upsetting?

Do you kiss good night?

2012-01-24T07:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I was sitting at one of my dear friend's houses waiting to see the finished nursery, chatting with the girls with no TV and at some points no noise. We sat and chatted about this person and that person, about babies, about the opinion of people that already have babies and lastly about men. We went on and on about marriage and how it's hard to date when single at the age of 32 (not moi, obvs) because men go for the younger crowds. I began to think how blessed I am for having found my love at such a young, resilient age. We have been together for 11 years and I am only 30 years old...that's a long time. I said to K & P, "E is my boy, my boo, my best friend. There is no one like him and I never want to be away from him."

We are two very different people. Our love language is so very different. We learn about each other every single day. We cuddle every single Saturday and Sunday morning. We fall asleep on the couch together every single night. I tell him everything (so no one can really expect me to keep a secret) and he tells me everything. I shop for him. I make his lunch every morning and his breakfast most days. He makes my coffee every morning. We yell at each other and I say hateful things sometimes. He will run my bath water when I ask him. He gets so pissed at me for being on Facebook and Pinterest at night (what's a girl to do?). I have pet peeves about him and he has the same about me...chewing too loudly...that will get us both angry. We are partners in crime. We are travel buddies. The kid hasn't done laundry in 11 years, but I haven't cleaned out the garage in 6 years. He does the outdoor chores and I do the indoor chores, but we both like to make the yard pretty. He is my other half, my soul mate.

We don't have a perfect marriage, far from it actually, but we kiss each other good night every night; I am reminded of his love for me before I dream.

Ghetto.

2012-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

We knew they were coming into town about a month ago, but we didn't buy tickets just for the fact that we didn't know if we could make the show. Friday night, I asked E if he wanted to see them on Saturday...it would be $100.

It didn't take him long to say, "let's do it."

We saw a little ghetto-fab:

Wu Tang Clan

See- me being from Houston I love some ghetto rap music and E being from Philly really, really loves the Wu so it was a match made in Heaven. One of the very first gifts I bought E 11 years ago were tickets to see the Wu, so of course I was all game for a Saturday night date with my E listening to one of his favorite groups.

The crowd was weird. Last time, they played at an outside venue and let's just say...it was filled to the brim with ghetto-ness. This show was inside at Emo's and was filled with Emo kids, wtf? I wanted a bit more ghetto, but Emo kids that smelt, were wasted and jumping up and down filled the arena.

All 9 of the Clan were there and they did not disappoint!!!

Spreading CrysTAL all over the crowd, sweating profusely and throwing their towels, taking off clothes and throwing shirts, rapping to the beat randomly, smoking blunts openly and seriously all of them smiling from ear to ear with the pleasure of being in Austin entertaining a crowd was Priceless.

Long time, no talk?

2012-01-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

It's been the new year for a couple of weeks and I am ready to be back in 2011 when I was laying on the beach in Barbados! Why is JAN so hectic in my home and my office? needtodropthenegativeattitude. Moving onward...Happy Hump Day!

A few things I am loving...

I am loving that I am married to an organizer. E loves to be organized, put together and everything to be picked up. He cleaned out three closets, every single drawer in the house and made me do the same. I have to say though...I am relieved to have gotten rid of 7 bags of old clothes and shoes.

I am loving that I found a pair of Manolos that do not fit me in the back of my closet. They have been worn um maybe twice by my Mom and then given to me. I couldn't get rid of them because they are beauties, but now I want the money. :)
Oh yea, do you want to buy them? Let me know. They are size 8 (39) And if you don't, tell your friends. They are brown with about a three inch heel and a pointy toe.

I am loving that Texas has the biggest and most beautiful sky.

I am loving that the Texans are headed to their second play off game! My parents have been season ticket holders since the very beginning, so I am pleased as punch they are getting to experience this.

I am loving we finally have Wifi at our house again. Seriously, don't know what I would do without it now that my iPad works at home.

I am loving these words of wisdom from Pinterest:

Post Christmas.

2011-12-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone which really makes me sad. It's kind of like your wedding day because you anticipate the traveling, family time, good food, booze and gifts. It comes and then leaves so quickly only to come another year (unlike a wedding). We had a fabulous Christmas this year and of course ate too much and drank too much. What's a girl to do? Say no to homemade egg nog? I don't think so.

We received so many great gifts, but my favorite is this fancy little number! I was shocked to see that my Pops knew that Tory Burch is a perfect bag.

She's a beauty.

E's favorite has to be his Luchese burnt orange boots or his new gas\smoker grill. They are both pretty fabulous.

Someone gifted these to E. They are u-g-l-y.

AND- he will never wear them.

In reflecting on the arrival of a new year and my sadness of E being in Las Vegas this week, I was looking at pictures from our island getaway to cheer me up. It didn't really work. ;)

I don't have anyone to nag. Sad.

Happy New Year!

Barbados

2011-12-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

We jet set to the Caribbean last Saturday elated to finally get away from reality! E has worked so hard the past year without any time off, so this trip was a must. We flew out of Austin which isn't typical for us because my parents watch Marley when we vacation, but this year was different. Let me just say...it will be really hard to not fly out of Austin for our long trips! We went to Barbados to celebrate the end of a great year, the holidays and of course my 30th birthday. We have been fortunate enough to visit almost all the islands and we decided Barbados is definitely our favorite. I would recommend this place times a trillion to anyone looking for a relaxing vacation. The island is beautiful, the water is remarkable, the people are fabulous, there is no trash on the ground, it's beyond safe, it's not ridiculously expensive and the list of positives could go on forever. (Let me know if you want a cheaper than normal trip...I can hook you up.)

I am a Christmas fanatic and I cannot tell you how excited I was that the hotel had a real tree in their lobby! Of course, since I have the best husband in the world...he brought a tiny fake tree with ornaments and Christmas lights. He surprised me and had it all set up while I was laying on the beach getting tan. :) I seriously almost cried.

So instead of blabbing...

Our baby Christmas tree.

Our spectacular view from our balcony.

We sat on the beach every night staring into the sunset. Most relaxing special moments ever.

My three loves: E, the ocean and a Caribbean sunset.

A little too much rum. We drank 5 bottles the whole trip, oops.

AIDS.

Sandy Lane Christmas tree. This is the hotel Tiger Woods wed. AMAZING place!

E's caddy for the day, Roger.

Pictures and words really cannot do it justice.

Beautiful.

BEST. PICTURE. EVER. E put up lights on our balcony. So sweet!

Catamaran cruise.

Our new friends.

Special moments.

Perfect weather the whole trip.

It's the little things that make me smile like a birthday card from the hotel.

The view from the hotel lobby. Sail boat sailing past just in time. :)

I am so very grateful for my E, for this year and for the blessings in my live.

Happy Holidays!

Reflecting on my 20's.

2011-12-08T07:44:00.001-08:00

December is my favorite month because it's my birth month and Christmas along with NYE! I mean, what month gets better than that? Oh- there isn't one. I turn the BIG 3-0 in a week and I am not really sure how I feel about it. As my bosses sang Happy Birthday! to me yesterday I just sat there thinking, I feel like I have been in the my twenties FOREVER. I think that's weird to say, but I really feel that way. I am kind of excited to get out of my twenties! I believe this might be the case because really nothing has changed much the past 10 years.

Let's reflect shall we:

20: I was in college at Texas State University dating E. I didn't have a fake ID, so I would drop off and pick up the boys from Copper Tank on 6th Street. I was the best girl friend!

21: I was taking Spanish and hating life. I vividly remember having to change my major my Junior year of college and needing four semesters of Spanish. E's dog was put to sleep due to old age. E's parents bought a home in Maine for a Summer spot. My parents began to build their dream home on an acre of land. We thought my brother was going to marry a girl he had dated forever! I finally turned 21 and began to be a lush and drink way too often.

22: I worked my tail off in school. Moved to my own apartment. My parents gave me my Mom's Cadillac Escalade; I loved it until it stopped working on I-10 going 80mph. I graduated from college with a BA double major in Sociology\Health Wellness Promotion. I was hired for my first full time job as a swim coach. E proposed right after July 4th on our boat on Lake Austin right after I had taught swimming lessons that evening. It was my dream come true!

23: Moved jobs and became a billing coordinator; hated it. Planned a wedding from out of town. Definitely wasn't bridezilla, but did have two Maid of Honors that ended up hating each other by the end of my wedding. I let my parents do our cake tasting and chose the flavoring and look of the cake. My mom had a sense of what I wanted, but I was over planning and turned it over to the two people paying for it. Short engagement. Got married to my best friend. As my Father walked me down the aisle, I remember saying "you cannot believe it." My parents didn't think I would marry the man I met on a cruise. Honeymooned in Turks and Caicos. Began saving for buying our first home.

24: New job at my current work place. We bought our first home and of course we ate potatoes and Ramen (kidding...). Re-did and decorated our home and made it our own. Continued success at drinking too much and become Beer Pong fanatics.

25: Same ole, Same ole. Dear friends we had known for years finally moved back to Austin. Made new friends, new goals and continued our life of feeling and being young. We vacationed to the Virgin Islands for two weeks and "lived" in a condo that whole time. We debated leaving Austin and moving to the Caribbean. Of course, we decided the timing was right. Worked hard and played harder.

26: Worked hard and played harder.

27: Dear friends began to get engaged. Dear friends began to move away and join the military. Vacations came and went. Football season every year was always fun. E was in the construction industry and began to hate it around this time. It was stressful and he did bad things to his body all throughout this time.

28: Dear friends that were engaged, wed. E's best friend moved to Oklahoma and we all knew he would not be returning to Texas any time soon. E decided to open Rita's and leave the construction industry. Life became different. The partying slowed down since the money pile slowly diminished. The first time in my life I was put on somewhat of a budget. My gray hair began to grow a lot faster. I chopped off my hair. I began to embrace exercising, eating right and my body. I began to love myself.

29: Rita's. Work. Friends getting pregnant. E and I talked about pregnancy and what it would be like to be parents. Partying and fun has changed a bit in the year. Mom and Daughter trip to NYC at Christmas time...a dream come true. Life looks different as we have gotten older. Priorities have changed, but still living life to the fullest.

30: What will it bring? I cannot wait.

Sweet treats

2011-12-06T07:33:00.001-08:00

My most favorite thing above shopping, sleeping, exercising and drinking is baking! I love to bake as well as eat baked goods. Notice I didn't put baking above eating, duh. I love to eat! I feel this is a common trend in blog writing perhaps that's the reason my butt doesn't shrink, my stomach still has a pooch and I cannot get rid of my fatter than slim arms...moving right along.

I will be baking and making sweet treats for the holidays. I cannot wait to make these things!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Inception

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Oreo Cupcakes

Rice Krispie Cake Balls

Cake Batter Bark

I think I will stop now.

Best gift ever

2011-12-05T07:57:00.001-08:00

We went over to our dear friends' house on Saturday to watch the UT game which was disastrous, but we will not talk about that. Bad news bears; I am hoping RGIII wins the Heisman as that would make it all okay for losing to the bad azz on Saturday.

Anyhow, prior to leaving E was determined to have a Frito pie. I made chili last week and we saved a bit, so he bought some Frito's and made this...

HUGE

He couldn't eat it all, ha. He ate about half and then took a nap. It was a rainy, cold weekend here so it was totally allowed. :)

K decided that she couldn't wait to give me my Christmas gift and of course I obliged since I absolutely love gifts. She knows me so well: I love mason jars and I love wine.

E made Sunday sauce last night, so I poured myself some Chianti. Stinkin' hilarious!

Best. Gift. Ever.

I hate Mondays. I hate being at work. I hate that fact that I haven't bought a single Christmas gift. I hate the fact that my gray is so bad I have to wear my hair back all week. Sigh. Where is the bottle of wine and my mason jar?

Friday Confessional.

2011-12-02T07:44:00.001-08:00

It's Friday, AMEN. Let's get this confessional started.

-I only tracked my calories one day this week. Ooops.

-I made broccoli cheese soup last night and totally forgot the garlic, but didn't say a word about it to E because he thought it tasted perfect.

-I am secretly wanting this weekend to fly by because I want next week to get here because it means we are days closer to our vacation.

-I wax my 'stache and really need to right now, but I am totally waiting until later next week because I want to have a fresh no hair lip for my whole trip. My hair grows like a weed. ;)

-I have gray that is out of control, but just like the 'stache I am waiting until late next week to cover that shizz up.

-I love girlfriends, but there is nothing like going to happy hour just with my husband.

-Everything I put on my Christmas wish list was over $50 an item. Is that bad?

-I think I am a closet monogram lover. I really want to get a Longchamp bag and have my initials monogrammed to carry on our trip. I don't need it. I don't need it.

-I have absolutely zero motivation to go to the gym. I think it's just the time of the year. I haven't gained weight, but goodness I know it will hit me like a ton of bricks come January.

-I am hoping Texas destroys Baylor tomorrow.

That's all folks.

It's the middle of the road.

2011-11-30T07:29:00.001-08:00

This week is dddrrraaagggiiinnnggg on and I am hopeful I can make it to Friday. Wednesday lovin' at it's finest.
I am loving that tomorrow is the first day of December. AMEN to a vacation, my 30th birthday, Christmas and the end of the year!

I am loving that I have finally figured out how to make my hair look good most days. Scrunch conditioner in it along with mousse and diffuse it. I typically didn't do any of those three things and am elated I asked a home-girl at Ulta what she did to make her hair so pretty!
I am loving that I have a husband that tells me I am beautiful and I that I love myself! I don't want to be like anyone.

I am loving all my Pinterest finds this week...holy moly I wish I would have never downloaded the Pinterest app on the iPhone.

Boob scarfs. Can I get an absolute hysterical laugh?

I think so.

Carb-a-holic

2011-11-29T15:14:00.001-08:00

I love carbs. I could eat carbs with every meal. Well, screw that as every meal. I am an addict. Seriously. I try to stick to a lower* carb diet during the week and focus on healthy foods and exercise. This week- I would like to say it's really tough. I didn't eat that much for Thanksgiving, but all I can think about are things like pretzels, cupcakes, fettuccine Alfredo, pizza and Mexican food. And- ranch...don't even get me started about the addiction to ranch. Maybe I am PMS-ing? I will go with that answer. I am dying to make these as in I might stop by the local Walmart tonight and pick up everything I need to throw these together. Call me a pig or just fat girl. Either will work.

Heaven in a ball I tell ya.

Oh, the Holidays!

2011-11-28T08:25:00.001-08:00

I would be lying if I said the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas isn't my most favorite time of the year! I am pretty sure I have said it about a hundred times, but alas it literally is my most favorite and it's hard for me to be in a bad mood the next month.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with lots of food, booze and laughter! I am so very grateful that my family and my in-laws get along so well that we don't have to split Thanksgiving holiday. We are able to share the day as one big family and that's a blessing. My mom did much of the cooking and I did all the cleaning. It was awful and took forever, but I was done by the time the A&M vs Texas game started at 7. Can I get a Hook 'Em? Texas out-coached and beat A&M! The tradition ends this year and it's a very sad thing, but there isn't anything that makes me happier than to have won the last rivalry game.

On Friday, E and I laid on the couch all day and watched football. I didn't get out of my pj's. It was fantastic! There was no way I was going to tempt going shopping.

Saturday at least I went to the gym and got dressed! We headed to Garden Ridge to pick our ornament for 2011 and then bought our tree. E demanded we take the Jeep that um doesn't have a top on it. It was quite comical and I am pretty sure the guy at Home Depot got a good laugh at us! Meet the Griswald's.

Sunday was a day of Holiday Cheer! We decorated the interior and exterior of the house as well as the tree. I am totally in the Holiday Spirit although I completely forgot to buy Egg Nog last night, fail.

Marley must have been playing when we left to get the tree because we came home to Santa toppled over and the fish was under him along with the singing pig. Too funny!

She's a beauty! (Skinny and tall...exactly how I wish to be, ha.)

2 weeks till Barbados...I. Die.

NYC Recap.

2011-11-23T08:45:00.001-08:00

My mom and I had the best trip to the Big Apple. We ate, drank and shopped way too much. We went sight-seeing, walked a long ways, laughed, chatted, people watched, drank Starbucks, rode in taxis and saw a couple of shows. It was such a memorable trip I will remember the rest of my life.

(Picture over load)

Radio City Music Hall- Beautifully decorated!

Spagetti and Meatballs at Carmine's. The best meal of the whole trip!

View of the city from Battery Park. Spectacular weather!

Hey there lil fellow.

My favorite pic of the Statue.

NYC from Statue of Liberty Island.

The building in the center is the new World Trade Center.

Original baskets brought from immigrants to Ellis Island.

Original bench the immigrants sat and waited on for their number to be called. Unreal.

People actually buy these hats...hideous. And no, we didn't purchase this. Just laughed.

Occupy Wall Street movement. This guy was scary looking.

It wouldn't be a successful trip without cannolis. I die.

I would shop here everyday.

McSorley's. The oldest Irish Pub in NYC. You ask for a light ale and they give you two beers. Fantastic!

9\11 Memorial. My Dad's good friend transported these trees. Serene, for sure.

The 1 acre pools at the Memorial.

NYP and my Mom. Presh.

OMG. Lombardi's pizza = Heaven.

Fashion in NYC. Don't think my Mom didn't buy those mink boot covers! ha.

Brunch at the Plaza.

Inside Macy's. Believe that we shopped our hearts out.

The Macy's window. I will have to upload the video. These Christmas windows were absolutely fabulous!

Tiffany's window. Pictures definitely don't do it justice.

My mom and I.

This trip was an absolute dream come true!

Wednesday. My Friday.

2011-11-16T10:42:00.001-08:00

It's Wednesday and my Friday! I am ecstatic and am beginning to get the travel bug (IE: major anxiety) but it's all worth it and will be a blast.

I am loving my sweet parents. They give and give without ever questioning. They give to their children, their home, their friends and their church. I am telling you there aren't many people that I have met that have a loyal and giving heart like them.

I am loving that I leave for NYC with my MBFF tomorrow and will be scurrying in the cold, beautiful big apple for a few days.

(Can I tell you how badly I want my hair to be this long again? And, I die over that red.)

I am loving that as much as I am going to miss E and Marley they get the whole house to themselves. I won't be there nagging for a few days, they get to eat whatever they want, don't have to make the bed...they are definitely getting a mini-vacation too.

I am loving that K and B find out the gender of their baby tonight. We are all celebrating together and I am dying over here to know right now.

I am loving that I finally received my white iPhone4s today. I have literally been patiently waiting for a long while. I cannot wait to play with Siri in NYC.

I am loving life right now and am loving how blessed I feel for what I have been given this year.

30th birthday trip #1.

2011-11-15T07:46:00.001-08:00

I have been on cruise control the past few days. I feel that I have gobs of things to do in the next month, but have no drive to get it all done. Last week was a crazy week at work, this weekend I just wanted to relax and the end of year is upon us. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's are right around the corner and I haven't done anything for any holiday. I am going to NYC this weekend and then vacation in a couple of weeks, so I am not really sure when I am going to get my Christmas shopping done or when we are going to buy a tree and when the hell am I going to decorate the tree? Did I mention that I am going to NYC on Thursday? My parents gifted me a trip to NYC with my mom for my 30th birthday. I am elated, excited, overwhelmed and anxious all at the same time.

Some things I am taking with me on my trip:

Target Ona flats in black. I have been wearing these everyday in hopes of them being comfy.

Sweater ponchos\dresses

Pink and black scarves

To keep my ears warm

Of course I will have the necessities like leggings, jeans, wool coat and gloves. I really despise flying. I really hate flying with E but I might cry flying without him. I might have to take an anti-anxiety drug before take-off.

We have a laundry list of places to visit and I might not be able to keep up with my mom even if she is thirty years older than me, but I cannot think of a better way to start the holiday season than a trip to the Big Apple!

What a week?

2011-11-10T07:21:00.001-08:00

I am very thankful to be employed, love my job most days and mostly adore my boss BUT this week has put my blood pressure levels through the roof. We have had over 100 people at our office for a conference and I was in charge of pretty much all of it. I hit my 40 hours as of Wednesday. I had stood on my feet all hours of daylight since Monday. E had to take my boots off for me on Tuesday because my feet hurt so bad. Yesterday, I could have cried when I got home because I had to cook dinner. This morning I thought for sure it would be a great morning and an afternoon off, but someone here is about as dumb as a brick wall and cannot get things right, so it was a bad morning and arguing why I am right (always). Anyhow, I am off tomorrow and have so much to do this weekend like clean our house, lame.

What about Penn State? I am a Joe Paterno fan...I love the guy and on my life bucket list was seeing a white out game at Penn State with Joe Pa on the sidelines and I am sad I will not be able to do that. I am not going to go into my beliefs or what I feel PSU should have done, but I will say I am sad his legacy will end on this note because a disgusting human had an obsession with young boys. End.

Some words of wisdom to get me through this week:

WILW

2011-11-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Of course, it's that time again.

I am loving this email that someone sent out to my whole entire company on their last day:

Today is may last day at blank.

I have become crestfallen recently and it is time to moveon.

It was a very interesting and dumbfounding time during my 5years.

Hang in there. I wish you all the best.

He definitely got the last word...zziiinnnggg.

I am loving this fall weather and the upcoming cold front.

I am loving that I live in a weird city where people graffiti and it never gets removed.

I am loving that I am getting my hair cut on Friday. Words cannot express how desperately bad it needs it.

Maybe I will go with red hot short hair

I wish to the skinny gods I could wear my hair this short

But alas, I will probably go with something similar to this

I really want this color too

I am loving that I finally found a pair of tall black boots I will be able to dress up and dress down. I have rather large calves, so these were perfect.

And- I am pretty sure they will be comfy enough to wear and walk the streets of NYC

Halloween.

2011-10-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween. How much does it stink Halloween is on a Monday!? I love Halloween only because we get to see all the munchkins dressed up walking and knocking around the neighborhood. E and I don't dress up because I don't like spending money on items we are going to use or wear once. With that being said, I do love candy corn! ha.

For Italian Sunday, E and I made homemade pizza dough and pizza last night. It was so fun to put on our toppings of choice and have the house smell like a pizzeria.

Excuse the ghetto pizza crust. It tasted legit at least.

E and I don't talk to each other that much during the day because we are both busy and it leaves us with a lot to discuss at night. :) I do send him text messages but typically I get nothing in responses. It's totally annoying! I swear the things I text are really important...

I really want another tattoo on my wrist...I flippin' love this and would love it even more if it said "Grace."

Don't trick yourself into treats!

Vitamins.

2011-10-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

I am not a big health nut, but I am definitely self-aware regarding my personal health as well as E's health. (IE: I am not ashamed to call the doctor and ask what his blood pressure reading was at his appointment.) Neither of us could stomach taking multivitamins. I would get nauseated and E just didn't like the taste. Since following the blog land, I have learned about GummiVites...they are sent straight from Heaven, seriously. We now take our vitamins every day. They do have 15 calories per serving because of the sugar, but I don't really care because I need my vits.

Run and buy these now:

Next, I get really anxious on Sunday nights. Like, stir in the bed...run a marathon...flip from my stomach to back a gazillion times...wake up thirsty and the list continues. E doesn't sleep well any time only because he only needs 4-6 hours of sleep to function. I know his heart and body need more than that though, so I went on a mission to help us both. I bought Melatonin! Who knew this stuff is like chamomile, lavendar, total relaxation in a pill? I had no idea. I took a whole pill on Sunday night and Monday I felt like a zombie all day. E took half a pill and slept till 630! Last night I took half and slept like a rock in the Grand Canyon. I am now a Melatonin addict.

I went to the gyno a couple of years ago with concerns about lethargy, lack of losing weight, etc and she ran some tests on me. Come to find out I am border line Type 2 Diabetic which totally made me run to the gym, sign up for a membership and lose 30 pounds. I have kept all of that off but about 10 pounds that comes and goes by just looking at food. Anyhow- since I have to really watch my carb intake, I stopped using sugar and artificial sweeteners in my coffee. I sweeten my coffee with cream and cinnamon. Cinnamon is pretty much a wonder spice!

Little bit of healthy living goes a long way...now I just need to figure out how to get my hair to grow like a weed.

Hump Day loves.

2011-10-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

It's Hump Day...Thank goodness we are that much closer to the weekend. I am loving quite a few things this week.

I am loving the amazing weather we are having this week in Austin. I walk outside and it really feels like Fall which never happens in these parts until um...Winter.

I am loving that my in-laws are back from Maine (they live there 6 months out of the year, jealy much?) and brought home a few 12-packs of our favorite...Shipyard Pumpkin Ale. It's Amazing! Too bad it's not sold in Texas.

I am loving I am perfecting my Bolognese Sauce. Every time I make it it's better and better. Throw some garlic bread with it...Yummy!

Lastly, I am loving my hard working hubby...I swear I don't know anyone with the same loyalty. Love his heart.

I did it again.

2011-10-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Confessional:

Every Friday is Shangri La night because they sell $2 Lone Star bottles until 9 and a divine philly cheese trailer is next door. Enter: FAT GIRL. I had about a dozen said Lone Stars and ate a whole philly.
I didn't log my calories for Friday because I am almost certain I went over my allotted amount.
We had an event on Saturday, but I am so lazy and hate waking up at the ass crack of dawn, so I didn't shower...just brushed my grill and threw on my clothes. It's not that bad since I took a bath the night after stuffing myself with booze and sandwiches.
I people watched all day Saturday and pretty much wondered WTF the whole entire time.
I am secretly thinking about acting really sick on Friday, so I don't have to do an event this weekend. But, that will never work...
I forgot today was boss's day, so I had to go buy wine at 9am. I am sure these peeps thought I was an alchy...to that I say: I AM!
I bought myself a huge jar of sour pickles at the store yesterday. I ate one today and I got asked twice if I was with baby. What. a. joke.
I think I am going to chop my hair. I hate it.
I haven't bought new make up in over a year. Disgust.
I need new boots, but my calves are too big to fit in any really cute ones.
Last, but definitely not least- I BACKED INTO A CAR IN MY WEEK OLD SILVER BEAUTY. I almost puked. 2nd time to do this, but last time it was a pole.

Karma is a you-know-what!

Travel and Nordstrom.

2011-10-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

I am getting so excited and am just now beginning to plan out our vacation. I think this year has been so different for us because we have been over-the-top busy with work and events, so I don't have the whole trip planned. Let me just say, that's totally not like me. I started looking at restaurants, bars, golf courses, rental Jeeps, our hotel, pools, beaches and drinks; I am overwhelmed. We are going to Barbados and there are a hellaofalot of choices for everything. We are staying near the Gap, so we are within walking distance to so much. We wake up every day stating- "I cannot wait for vacation." The planning and reservations will commence today.

I cannot wait to be laying here listening to the waves crash...

Talking to this gent every single day...

And laying my head here every single night.

So- Nordstrom. Who knew they had a return policy without a maximum amount of days? IE: I bought Chanel sunglasses that I don't really care for over a year ago and they will take them back for an exchange!!! I almost died when I called yesterday. I had heard they have the best return policy and they seriously aren't kidding. I know it's really lame to exchange something after that length of time, but E never has liked the sunglasses and I am beginning to not like the shape of them on my face either. Decisions. Decisions.

Speaking of decisions. The hardest decision I am having to make this week is if I should get a white or black iPhone?

Tough life. For that I should be grateful.

Love for weddings.

2011-10-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love weddings. I plan destination weddings because it incorporates my two loves: Traveling and weddings. I feel that everyone I know or follow is 1) Getting married. 2) Just got married. or 3) Is pregnant. The latter makes me cringe only because I have two trips ahead of me and the thought of not drinking red wine in NYC or Mojitos in Barbados gives me the creeps. ha.
I have been married for going on 7 years. Caarraazzyy. I married at a rather young age, but I wouldn't have changed a thing about our wedding. I loved every minute of it and really I didn't plan jack shit because my Mom and the planner did everything. Best. Bride. Ever. I just said, "I want pink and green with touches of ivory." They took it from there. I do love to dream about what other people could do for their very own wedding though.

You could have a flower girl that looks like this. Ha. Look at me and check out that bride's gown. Old School. (Note: I dropped the flowers out of my little basket while they were saying their vows...decided to sit on the bride's dress and pick up the flowers. Classic Dillard move.)

Look at that UT cake. To die for.

Perfection.

This is the perfect seaside beach wedding.

Can you imagine saying your I do's under this canopy of trees? I die.

This almost looks like my bouquet, but I had a ton more callalillies.

I love the her hair, hair piece, makeup.

Love these vintage mismatched chairs.

I mean. Fabulous

And this is the perfect definition of elegance.

Weekend in Pictures.

2011-10-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

We surprised my Dad for his 60th by having a weekend in the most fun-filled city. Obvs, it wasn't a surprise that we were going to show up at some point this weekend, but my older brother came into town for the surprise. Let me just say, it was an absolute blast. A weekend filled with way too much alcohol, ass kicking football games that depressed everyone, great food, bad nights' sleeps and love.

E- Drunk. J- Sober. Depressed together. The Longhorns got the shit kicked out of them.

First shot of the weekend, tequila all the way around. And...a $400 bar tab. Hysterical.

My boys. E (Known as the guy that sweats an absurd amount under his right arm pit), Brother (Known as Osama or people often referred to him as the Zach Brown Band guy) and my Pops.

To say we had a blast is an understatement...Love good family times!

On Sunday, E took the day off. This is the first day he has had off in 7 months. Seriously, 7 months. He said that he wanted to smell baked goods on Sunday, lay on the couch, eat and sleep. Let me just say, I let him do all of the above. He did get up and grill steaks for dinner. I baked peanut butter chocolate bars I found on pinterest and pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese icing. Heaven in your arteries. Both were amazing!!! See...

I love to bake!

Monday came way too fast.

Our son.

2011-10-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

Marley! I love our pet and am going to show him off to you...

We rescued Marley from a rescue group. I actually saw him and wanted to adopt him at our local animal shelter, but Wee Rescue already put their name on him.

He has so much energy.

Loves his Mom at night and his Dad in the morning.

Definitely was abused.

I mean, who wouldn't want him he is adorable!

I want to get him a friend and name HER Ziggy.

He has been through a lot and we have definitely plunked out a lot of money, but he is totally worth every penny.

Has perfect teeth and only one eye.

We love our eyed-eye-pirate named after Bob Marley!

Something new.

2011-10-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

I bought something knew which triggered my last post. I am a girl that never gives up that...I really wanted that item to begin with, so I am not going to let it go and I am going to just get it attitude.

My battery died on my car earlier this week and I had to take it to the dealership on Wednesday morning. While I was waiting for my car, a salesperson came to me and said, "you look so familiar." I quickly remarked with, "No, actually I don't I have never seen or met you in my life and you are just trying to sell me a new car." Blunt, yes; Do I care? No. I got my car and went about my day. BUT, when I got back to my office I thought to myself I am going to check out if I can afford the car that I have been wanting but didn't have patience so I bought something different...I found one in San Antonio for a steal, so I contacted the dealership in Austin and the guy informed me that he would not only match the price, but beat it. Say what? I went Wednesday night- sent E a text message (oops) and told him where I was as he was playing golf and it wasn't a big deal. I test drove the car, loved it, filled out the paperwork, received the offer, negotiated my ass off with the guy, text E again (oops) and asked if he would divorce me, E quickly called back and said, "I don't give a shit what you do." AND, I signed the dotted line and bought myself a 2011 Nissan Murano. I stinkin' love it especially because it's only dollars over what I pay now! (and, E is over my decision, loves me and isn't going to divorce me)

And poor sassy thing got rained on this morning...I am grateful for these dark clouds!

It's 10:27 am in Austin, Texas and OU still sucks...

HOOK 'EM!

Saying the wrong thing.

2011-10-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

I say the wrong thing a lot...I am not sure why I do it, but I have to finally admit that. I say things that come out the wrong way and it's always the wrong time. I blurt things out that I don't even think about and know it's going to hurt my husband. Why, oh why do I do it? I don't like to be wrong. I am ~~always~~ right in my book, so when I am confronted about a decision or questioned I immediately become defensive. I tend to be too independent and not lean on E for guidance. I feel that I need to be independent because who wants to be dependent on someone forever and who wants to have someone else make all the decisions? Not this girl. I need to find balance though. I need to understand that we don't all have picture perfect days and that in a marriage not both parties are going to be happy at the same time as the other. If one has a bad day, is tired, fussy and down right full of an attitude, it's okay. That will pass and the next day is a new day. I tend to be smiley and happy and then when my partner in crime isn't that way I feel that the happiness is sucked out of me, but in reality it's not...it's just that we are in completely different moods. That's totally okay. I know this because I PMS really bad every month and E continues to smile and be happy. I know that there are times when we each will be happy when we hang out with friends, are at work, driving, playing golf, shopping because we have new stuff to talk about and new scenery with friends. Nothing is wrong with bad moods, happy moods, yelling, crying and smiling all at different times. I adore E and he makes me the happiest lady on the block 9 times out of 10. He is my everything and I need to remember that, be grateful for it and learn to shut my mouth because I want to stop staying the wrong things.

It's Wednesday.

2011-10-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

...We know what that means- I have a few things I am loving...

I am loving that we have a fabulous weekend somewhat planned to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday. We have some surprises lined up for the old fart to include: tequila, limes and a Red River Rivalry viewing partay.

I am loving my maxi skirt that is fall-ish I bought at Old Navy for a whoppin' $12.50. I really want the tan one, so I can wear browns and creams. I will definitely be taking this comfy piece to NYC.

I am not liking the iPhone 5 doesn't exist, but loving the fact that I get an iPhone 4s because my current phone doesn't have sound since my wonderful husband dropped it in a mason jar of skinny girl margarita.

I am loving that our lantana around our oak tree is blooming in beautiful yellows, oranges and pinks. This is by far the most drought resistant flowers\bushes. We kept them alive this Summer and I am thankful I get to walk past these every time I leave or come home.

I am loving that Hey Cupcake! has their pumpkin cupcake out...I will definitely be stopping tomorrow on my way to get the hair did and purchase ~~dozen~~ one cupcake.

Cupcakes, hair appointments, booze and football...good week, folks!

Daydreaming of boots.

2011-09-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

I am in a rut. I am in a it's still 100 degrees outside but it's October and what am I supposed to wear because pink cannot be worn right now but it feels like Summer so I do it anyways type of mood. I picked up a Pumpkin Spice Latte to celebrate that a cool front is blowing through as we speak and it will only be a high of 98 today rather than a high of 103. Do I live in the desert?

Daydreaming of Fall clothes, boots, scarves, dark nail polish and cozy drives with the Jeep top down.

Pinterest Loves.

Hopefully, it's chilly everywhere else, so not everyone is miserable like I.

Stein. Wine. Bird Dogs.

2011-09-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

Full of randomness:

E and I are participating in a Sorority powderpuff football game on Friday night. Isn't that random? Well, actually we aren't playing, but giving out Rita's to the players. I can only imagine how often E will be having eye movement behind his sunglasses. UT attendees, blonde, brunette gals that probably come from loads of money, can work out hours of the day...a man's heaven.

One of my besties works for a jewelry company and she gets the hook up for a myriad of things like Philip Stein watches and straps. I love, love, love my Philip Stein watch. It's something most people don't have, it goes with everything, has a chip in it that makes you sleep better at night and you can switch out the strap. K sent me a gmail chat stating she got me a new lizard band for *FREE.* Say what? This strap typically costs $125, so I was elated. I am rocking it and I love it!

My brother's boss is going through a lot right now and of course I am not going to delve into it because its beyond private. Anyhow, he called my brother at 9:01 am on Monday morning to give him the status of a tragic event. Bird hung up the phone. At 9:20, someone from my parents church's prayer room called Bird's phone and stated, "We are just calling to see if you have anything that you need us to pray about?" Wait, what? Um, just 19 minutes earlier he got horrible news from his boss. If that's not powerful, I am not really sure what is.

Speaking of Bird (aka: My brother), he sent these pictures of his precious Callie-girl. She is the most intelligent, trained and loved bird dog. Isn't she a beauty?

She is retrieving. :)

You thought Osama bin Laden was dead huh? Not so fast...

Only kidding, but my brother the one with the dark, dark, long beard (left) kind of resembles him.

We went to Chuy's last night for dinner and I only ate the chips and salsa. Is that bad? I didn't go over my calories for the day, but felt like a fat p.i.g.

My Dad turns 60 next Tuesday! I turn 30 in December! My Meemaw turned 90 this year! My Dad is exactly 30 years older than me and Meemaw is 60 years older. Random.

I am going to Central to buy this wine:

It's THE BEST. Run to your Whole Foods or Central Market now.

Random, I tell ya.

Busted.

2011-09-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we had an event in a town just North of Austin. We had the day scheduled out perfectly...I mean from the start to the end of the day. Remember, our night ended with bacon madness. We headed North and we were to arrive at the wedding we were serving at 6pm sharp. We crossed over the railroad tracks and bam--Tire busted, blown, in pieces. Crushing. E and I just looked at eachother and I said, "shit...we have to undo the trailer and haul bootay over to the church." We walked into the church as if nothing crushing just occurred. E went to fix the flat and in the midst the trailer fell off the jack and put a hole the size of Mars into the bottom of the trailer. I served the ice to the people that were dying of heat because the church had to be 1000 degrees inside. Horrible.

E fixed it, came to pick me up and we stopped, so I could grab a tall boy to drink whilst E was driving. I was stressed and wanted to act like a bit of a white trash broad for five minutes. As we drove down the road about three miles, bam--Tire busted, blown, in pieces. No lie. We had two blowouts within two hours of eachother, within three miles of eachother, on a Saturday night, 40 miles from our house, 40 miles from our city and friends, 45 miles from the bacon party. Crushing.

We immediately pulled onto a side street and it was getting dark, so I wouldn't let E go about changing the flat especially because he didn't have a spare...because remember...we already used the spare and that's the tire that just busted. So- I saw some people up the street and decided that I was going to tell them we were leaving our trailer and would be back the next day to fix it. Walked over, smelt like a tall boy and spoke to the nice people and realized it was Hope Center- AA (as in Alcoholics Anonymous). Horrible. Horrible. This guy probably wanted to punch me in the face for having beer breath. Alas, he was kosher with us leaving the trailer.

Long story shorter, we went on Sunday and realized the axle had moved and there was no way E could change the tire and not have another flat, so we left a sign on the POS and headed home.

I met a tow trucker there the next morning. I must add this was the least white trash tow trucker I had ever seen...I mean, clean cut with a vneck tee. He was great. I thought the trailer was going to fall off the bed of the tow truck.

We went to the trailer place, I yelled at the owner, the owner cussed me out and now the trailer is getting fixed. It was a long Saturday that was oh-so-stressful, but we at least enjoyed bacon, booze and friends into the wee hours of the night.

What gives in owning a business? I feel there is ALWAYS something going on and going wrong. This is the life we choose and positive is how I must live.

Turtles.

2011-09-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Bacon-themed birthday parties are fun, filling and the next day you feel like a bloated cow from all the sodium. A good fried of mine threw her husband a bacon party on Saturday and let me just say- all the grocery stores in the ATX have to be sold out of bacon.

We went over to the preggers' house on Saturday and nonchalantly asked what they were making for the party. Her husband responded with "Turtles." Y'all, shut the front door with how creative this is and how disgusting, but good at the same time they turned out for the party.

It started with this: weiners, hamburger meat, cheese and of course three packages of bacon.

It went something like this:

And ended up like this:

Kind of sick, right?! The head, feet and tail are hot dogs with slits so they would open whilst cooking. I mean, I cannot help but laugh...

I made my famous bacon potato salad, but didn't take any pictures because it's boring. Also, I made chocolate surprise cupcakes without bacon and I must say they were delish. I heart cupcakes and think cupcakes make the world a better place.

Here's a glimpse of some of the bacon dishes:

I didn't think I would want bacon for the next eternity, but we found ourselves cooking up two pieces of bacon for our blue cheese salads last night. Fail.

Fired.

2011-09-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

It was a little over three years ago when I was part of a two-girl team planning events for our company. I really enjoyed the planning, the execution and the fun that ensued at the events.

It was the first Holiday Party we had planned and our President and his wife wanted people to draw for their seats rather than just choose to sit with friends. Obviously, his wish was a command and we used a huge fish bowl and put table numbers in the bowl for every attendee to choose. At this time I worked for two Vice Presidents and knew both of their wives really well. When they arrived, the wives didn't want to just "draw" for their seats, but rather dig their hand in the fish bowl and hand pick their table number. What was a girl to do? Bullshit them and say "um, you aren't allowed to do that." Get real. I just let them do it. OOPS. That was a ~~great~~ horrible idea. Fast forward about two weeks after the holiday party, the day before everyone was going on vacation for Christmas. My two bosses called me in their office. I am thinking oh yes- we are going to exchange presents. I took their presents with me and walked into the office. I got a really weird feeling and they looked like deer in headlights. There was a paper turned over on the desk...I shut the door and they let me know that I WAS WRITTEN UP FOR INSUBORDINATION TO THE PRESIDENT. Guess what for: LETTING THE VP'S WIFE DIG IN THE FLIPPIN' FISH BOWL. No lie. Seriously. I would never lie. I only tell the truth. I was in utter shock as were they. They explained to me they saved me, my job and my paycheck. I was going to get fired over this fish bowl. I am pretty sure they wanted to laugh out loud about the whole thing, but I was a basket case. I was hysterically crying. I didn't "do it" because I didn't want to listen; I allowed it because of who was asking to do it. They told me that I had to sign the write-up and I refused. I walked out balling-crying. I was kicked off the event planning team. I mean, seriously, like in fifth grade when your conduct was bad in school so you couldn't participate in that week's game. I felt like a child. Being upset turned into pissed. I finally signed the paperwork the next year. I didn't really sign it...I just scribbled over the paper and it's in my personnel file...well, maybe we put it in there.

I almost got fired over a fish bowl.

And- This story is a laughing stock anytime an event comes up because I refuse to attend company events now because...I could get fired.

Loving Wednesday.

2011-09-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's happy hump day, thank goodness...I am ready for the weekend and really the thought of having to swim 2000 yards tonight makes me want to yack. Moving on and going along with Jamie today:

I am loving this batch of cupcakes I bought for E last night. Seriously, the caramel apple cupcake was to die for and I stopped myself at half the cupcake. I kept telling myself "buck up cupcake" to stop eating the cupcake...vicious cycle.

I am loving that my bestie is pregnant and I get to walk through the baby section at Target and not feel weird. I now have a reason! I almost bought this teeny-tiny swimsuit for the baby even though it might be a boy. We could shove a boy into this I suppose...

I am loving this picture of Marley's best friend.

I am loving the scale for saying I have lost a total of 6 pounds even though I drank too much alcohol and ate 1\2 a cupcake and escargot the past few days.

I am loving that we are attending a bacon partay on Saturday. Yea-Everything has to do with bacon and every dish will have bacon in it...I am debating on not eating the rest of the week.

I am loving my husband an extra lot this week since it's his birth week.

Expecting.

2011-09-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Nope- Not me, but one of my best friends is expecting her first baby and to say I am ecstatic is an understatement. She and her husband are going to be amazing parents and I cannot wait to see them through this journey. They are due in April 2012 which is perfect because K will not have to go through a Texas Summer pregnant. This baby is the first our of our group here in Austin, so peanut is going to be beyond spoiled. I already have a list of the things I want to do for these three...they mean the world to E and I. I am really hoping they have a little girl because girlie clothes and nurseries are just plain precious!

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Birthday Boy.

2011-09-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the love of my life...

To my very best friend who is always there for me...

To the most loyal, endearing, whole-hearted person I know...

To my husband that I love oh so much. Happy Birthday, sweet E!

3 pounds.

2011-09-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Weight is a constant struggle for me, it always has been and always will be. I really hate it, but most days I accept the fact this is my fate. My family isn't "fat," but just big people. My Mom pushes 6 feet, my Dad and brother are both giants, but they aren't "fat." As children, we ate well and most of the time we ate at home. I recall as a child loving when my Dad went hunting for the weekend because that meant we got to eat Ninfa's on Sunday after church. My parents made home cooked meals and we ALWAYS, ALWAYS had a salad with dinner: This is why I truly believe that a lot of things are genetic. We cannot change our genetics we can only try to make the best decisions that will benefit us and work with our genetics rather than go against them. Well- this weekend I am pretty sure I gained back the 3 pounds I lost last week causing me to go against my 'fat' genetics. ~~Winning.~~ Failing. I am an avid calorie counter...I use www.myfitnesspal.com to track my exercise and calories. The only problem- I don't have much to track when I drink:

A whole six pack on Friday night.

A whole bottle on Saturday night:

WTH is wrong with me? I mean, I love me some alcohol, but this weekend was off the charts. I woke up with a hangover two days in a row. I didn't even see the doors of the gym all weekend. I didn't eat food except for Taco Cabana at 1am on Saturday. I need to put this ole' gal in check or into AA.

One-Upper

2011-09-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

Person 1: "I played a round of golf...I shot an 82."

Person 2: "Oh, I played a round of golf two days ago and yesterday with scores of 72 and 73."

Person 1: "Well, I played a round of golf twice in one day and shot a 68 and a 69."

Person 2: "I shot a hole in one, twice."

One-Upping

I am not sure if I am the only person in the world that gets highly annoyed with one-upping, but let me tell you...I HATE IT.

We have a friend whose name is "One-Up" in my husband's cell phone contact list. It's a joke to most of us because he literally one ups your one up and then one ups his one up. Everything is a one up. I don't think he means anything by it, but I cannot for the life of me figure it out. I try my hardest not to one up people, but sometimes my story is better and I just find myself doing it. Need.to.stop.now. Yesterday, I was telling a story about how I got written up at work because of some lame thing that occurred at a Holiday party. I mean, I almost got fired and I think that's a pretty damn-good story. This dude totally TRIED to one up me! He even said, "oh, I have something better than that." I laughed out loud fo-real. He went about his story and it was a lame story and at the end no one uttered a word. I get that other people's stories and experiences might be better than mine, but don't intentionally one up me! Is it insecurity? Or do these people want to be popular at our adult ages? I mean, it's kind of like keeping up with the Joneses...just don't do it because you will look like an idiot in the end.

And-can I tell you I bit into the most disgusting-driest flippin' peach ever?

Whatever happened?

2011-09-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

I love HGTV and E gets so annoyed that I want to watch House Hunters at 10:00 at night. We are semi-DIY'ers and more so in the past because we don't have much time for house remodeling and decorating with a bizness. Anyhoo, E and I were talking last night and I wondered whatever happened to Trading Spaces on TLC? That was the original DIY show and I think perhaps it is no longer on the tele...kind of makes me sad even though I haven't watched in upteen years. Paige was so presh, remember? I am old.

Apparently, Paige likes to be a little riskay. You wouldn't think with this innocent face...

I really want to re-do our hall bathroom and master bathroom. I would die for these bathroom & tubs...seriously. I would eat, booze and sleep in these bad-boys:

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Being from Texas.

2011-09-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

We had a fun-filled weekend tailgating, boozing, eating and working! How fun is that we can tailgate, booze and work at the same time? Yea, it's pretty sweet. We saw so many friends from near and afar...it totally brings us back to the college days. And we were so happy because UT ~~barely~~ won! Case McCoy and Jaxon Shipley will be my new loves this year.

Who knew you could cry watching Sunday NFL football? Seriously, tears streamed down my face watching the football games yesterday. When the football players held the edges of the American flag with the victims families and the first responders, I lost it. E kept saying..."Seriously." Ha. It was a day of reflecting that's for sure. No matter what our opinions are on what should have happened that day or what didn't happen that day- Thousands of lives were lost on that day and continue to be lost in the War for freedom. I will never, ever forget that day. I am really excited to be visiting NYC with my sweet Mom in November and at the top of my list is the WTC memorial. I can only imagine what it will look like in person and the ambiance surrounding it.

Lastly, being from Texas everyone assumes we are ALL ~~Cowgirls~~ Cowboys fans...well, think again because there is no team we hate more in our household than the Cowboys (eh-maybe the Sooners and Aggies). E and I were so excited they lost last night to the NY Jets and I was so proud of the Jets for bringing NY a win on 9\11. Poor Tony Romo.

It's Friday, Friday...gotta get down on Friday.

2011-09-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and every Friday I like to think about Rebecca Black's "Friday" song...that dreadful-most-annoying-song-ever-made, but for some reason it makes me laugh and puts me in a delightful mood.
I swear this week lasted forever!
Anyhoo, guess what I haven't done today? I haven't check the bank account...go me. Guess what I did do today? I went and got...

I have to watch my sugar intake so I always get just a one pump, nonfat latte with no whip. It was delish!

Last night, Marley thought it would be cool to wear E's Rita's shirt, chill and naw on his beloved pig skin bone. Isn't he seriously the cutest one-eyed dog you have ever seen?

We had frat party at Rita's...I want to be in college again. We believe it was an academic fraternity or a Christian fraternity? Do you call a greek organization that accepts men and women a frat? Not sure, but whatever. They filled our parking lot, chatted and bought a ton of shizz.

This weekend UT plays BYU in Austin. Let's be honest- I.AM.NERVOUS. I really don't want to have a losing season because that's never fun. I am going to buy my burnt orange dress today and will be rocking our Rita's cart with a dress and cowgirl boots, what-what. That's how we do it...Here's to Friday!

September Vow

2011-09-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

I typcially am a person that is constantly worrying about MONEY. I hate it. I loathe it. I try to change it, but I fail every single month. We have enough money to pay our mortgage and all our bills, we eat nice dinners, we have a great quality of life SO WTH is my problem? I am not quite sure. I don't know if it's because I want more, but I don't really want more or if I am worried to just worry. I have a legit job, Eric has a business and if we EVER end up in dire straights we both have families that would support us through a rough patch, so again WTH is my problem? Some people are using September as the month not to spend, but by golly I am going to use September to loosen up and not worry. I am vowing to not worry about our finances the rest of the month. I won't complain if E plays golf, if I want something I will not feel guilty and if I want to spend $3 on a freakin' Pumpkin-Spice Latte-No-fat-with-one-pump I am going to drive my happy-ass to the nearest Starbucks and buy it.

E's Heaven.

My heaven.

Our Heaven.

Thoughts in quotes.

2011-09-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

happy hump day.

Absolutely beautiful, horrifying days.

2011-09-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

It was a great long weekend starting with my parents visiting us on Thursday. We offered to watch their rugrats while they had a weekend away at Horseshoe Bay. Their dogs are really good, but they aren't as good as my parents think...you know that word called "Denial."

Thursday ended with celebrations as I received a promotion and pay raise at work...blessed! My parents love Mexican food as much as E and I, so we went to Matt's. We requested a large bowl of salsa...

We watched Texas work Rice on the field Saturday night! Longhorn Network never came on the tele, but we streamed the video just like the bars in Austin. :)

Lastly, waking up to 65 degree weather today was amazing!!! Waking up to cooler temperatures and smelling my state on fire is horrifying. The Austin skyline has smoke in the background, the sunset on Monday night was a firey orange color with deep red outlines and knowing livestock and our land is literally burning up makes me sad. Keep Texans in your thoughts and pray for peace and grace for the people and animals affected...it's scary!

My parents took this snapshot near Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

Bastrop on fire.

What is nature trying to tell us?

Can it be Fall?

2011-09-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

I know I have said it, but I want it to be for the record and for my memory forever. We have had triple digit heat in Texas for a long time and it still hasn't rained. I got my hopes up because www.nws.noaa.gov showed the temperatures were going to lower and it was going to rain this weekend, WRONG. I swear: Weathermen\women have the best job...they can totally screw up the forecast and they still receive raises, bonuses and their jobs. I need that job ASAP.
I want Fall weather so I can wear dark colors, boots, leggings and scarves. It doesn't get that cold in these neck of the woods until December, but a girl can dream, right?

Don't you think you would free like a total hippie-free-loving-and-falling chick in this dress? I would.

Ah to wear tall boots (if my calves weren't huge...I think that is a normal problem, no?) a cardi and a scarf...I would rock this all day, everyday.

I will take these and I will take them with every color bow. Thanks.

Who doesn't need a how-to on scarf wearing? (I am sure everyone has seen this except me...always last.)

I need this whole ensemble.

Today is my Friday. Happy flippin' dance with a crown on the rocks.

Happy college football starting weekend!

It's Wednesday!

2011-08-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday...hump day...middle of the week...one sleep away from a whole four days off of work. Excited!

I am loving that we will have visitors for a night tomorrow and will be watching the two munchkins all weekend. This young lady and her brother.

I am loving that I will be able to get up on Saturday and watch College Gameday! Can I get an Amen?

I am loving that we will get free dinner tomorrow night. Ha. I am such a lush.

I am loving that I have huge curls in my hair today...some days with curly hair are just turable, BUT not today. The power of cheap mousse.

I am loving that in a near week I will be able to spill the beans about one of my BFFs.

I am loving tomorrow is my Friday, HALLELUJAH!

Knock this Out.

2011-08-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

I am just going to knock out the 10 days of me because well...I have other stuff to talk about, but don't want to be a failure and not finish my original idea.

7 Wants:

A vacation

A pay raise

Rita's to be beyond successful

For one of my BFFs to have a healthy, happy pregnancy

Another puppy dog

Cooler temperatures

RAIN!

6 Places:

My home

My parents home

St. Croix

Sorrento, Italy

Turks and Caicos

New York City

5 Foods:

Sunday sauce

Pesto with angel hair pasta

Pearl Street Nachos

Matt's El Rancho

Mom's carbornara

4 Books:

Into Thin Air- Jon Krakauer

Under the Banner of Heaven- Jon Krakauer

Shopaholic Series- Sophie Kinsella

Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert

3 films: I don't really do movies, so I am going to put a mix-match.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

House Hunters

Golden Girls

2 Songs:

"Home"

"At Last"

1: Me

Batfest.

2011-08-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

Austin is a very weird city, but I love every bit of this place. Under the Congress Street bridge lives over 2million bats! Yea, 2million. In order to celebrate our ~~smelly-nasty~~ beloved bats, every year a BatFest is put on with food, crafts and live music (Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World"). We were selected to be vendors this year which was really exciting, but let me just say...it was a miserable weekend. Here's a short version:

Friday night we had an event at St Edwards University until about 10pm.
Alarm clock dinged at 630am on Saturday.
We opened the store, went to the grocery store, sweat like pigs and lastly got the trailer ready.
We got to the Congress bridge at 10am, unloaded and unloaded and did I mention unloaded all the shit that you have to have to sling ice.
It was 112 degrees outside.
The concrete was hotter than hell at 160 degrees. We were standing on said concrete.
We served so much ice we ran out...TWICE.
I had to use a dolly and carry 5 ices that weigh as much as a sumo-wrestler all the way down the bridge because you cannot drive on the bridge. Do you recall it being 112 degrees outside? H-E-L-L.
We left at 950pm to be at a Bar mitzvah. Let me just say I wish I had this 13 years old family. They easily spent $20K on this shin-dig...full up with a dance team to get all the hellions dancing.
We went back to Batfest at 1100...listened to Bob Schneider.
Served ice to Bob's band.
Closed down the cart and E pulled away with the trailer at 145am. I got home at 205am.

Are you jealous? You should be as I spent 18 hours in H-E-L-L.

Our cart with the Austin sky line in the background. At least we had a great view!

Steph serving customers- She is the BEST employee! I do have to say she has the BEST bosses as we let her drink brew-ha-has during the day. Winning.

The original Bat-Mobile from the Batman TV series. Legit.

The beautiful flowers E surprised me with last night to say Thank You and remind me he thinks I am beautiful! (Aren't my flower arranging skills ~~awful~~ amazing? Don't judge.)

Even though we visited hell all day, it was totally worth it. E and I high-fived each other because we made it work; we were successful and we are a great team!

8 fears.

2011-08-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

1. That it's never-ever-never-ever-ever going to rain in Texas. This weekend was beyond miserable and I will blog about that shiz tomorrow...let me just say- 112 outside and no rain in months is causing our grass to turn to dust. Crushing.

2. Losing E. I would really miss those blue eyes.

3. Losing my job. I work in the defense industry and we all know when a Democrat is in office Military spending is first to be cut. Rita's will be my back-up, but it's nice to have a steady income and insurance.

4. Our house going up in flames and Marley inside. I know that's an awful thought, but sometimes it crosses my brain especially with this heat.

5. UT having a losing season. It will be bad for my marriage. Just sayin'...5-7 isn't going to cut it.

6. That my teeth are moving and I will need braces. My teeth are pretty much my favorite part of me. I spent a long, long time with braces, head-gear and retainers. The thought of having to go through that hell again nauseates me.

7. Flying. I love traveling, but flying (Really only the take off and landing) freaks me out. I clutch E's hand every.single.time.

8. Snakes. Duh.

Sick.

Monday again.

Book Club.

2011-08-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

Let's be honest: Book Clubs are totally an excuse to drink wine.

AND...

I was the host of this month's book club and we drank WAY TOO much wine last night. The clock turned midnight and none of us even realized it except E who was trying to run off to dream land in our bedroom, ha. That's what he gets for being home during book club. I guess that's my fault because I am pretty sure he believed it was "book" club not "wine" club.

We read Flat Out Love by Jessica Park. It was a great read! You aren't able to buy the book in stores because it's a published by order book. I don't know if I would recommend buying it off Amazon because it's expensive, but if you have a Kindle or a Nook--Read it. It's a cute romance\mystery book that throws new age technology into it. Our whole group loved it!

Needless to say, 7 bottles of wine between 5 gals means I am glad there is a month till the next book club get together. I am off to chug a gallon of water...maybe a beer would be better? Hair of the dog...right?

Have you seen this?

2011-08-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Hawkeye, a lab, whose owner was part of Navy Seal 6 and killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. He didn't leave his side. I. cannot. stop. crying.

And to think, I complain. Shame.

9 loves.

2011-08-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

1. E

2. The beach

3. Wine

4. Mexican food

5. Rita's

6. Reading

7. Cooking and baking

8. My curly ringlets

9. Chicken tenders

10 Confessions.

2011-08-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

To follow along and because I am brain dead...

1. I am totally jealous of people that work from home or don't have to work at all because their spouse or significant other makes enough money to support them.

2. I am a salt-FREAK. I add salt to everything...even Chinese food. Yack. I know it's bad, but I literally am addicted.

3. I cannot watch movies at night. I fall straight to sleep.

4. I bite my fingernails when I am angry or aggravated.

5. I will wear Maxi dresses or long skirts everyday, so I don't have to shave. I HATE shaving.

6. I am a bank account addict. I check it a thousand times a day even though I know nothing is going through. I think I have a fear that my bank information is going to be stolen and the account drained of funds. Who knows?

7. I have a 'stache. I hate it and it's something I am so self-conscious about, but that's why they invented waxing, right?

8. I have gotten a Brazilian wax and will never, ever, ever, ever do it again.

9. I have really teeny-tiny toe nails. Seriously, like baby toe nails and along with that small feet. I swear with my height I should wear a size 9. Alas, I will just have baby feet.

10. I hate shorts. I don't like my legs therefore refuse to wear shorts.

And because I think it's hilarious...I confess to wearing white socks to my knees and shorts to my boobs in 8th grade.

Weekend Happenins'.

2011-08-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

I really don't like Mondays. Do you feel me? It's like the worst day of the week, but at least we had a really relaxing weekend. We haven't had a relaxing weekend in um...I cannot tell you how long.

Friday night we went to celebrate a dear friend's 26th Birthday. My-oh-my is she a young buck! ZTejas is such a fabulous restaurant especially because they have Skinny Margaritas on the menu. Delish! We ended the dinner with a red velvet Hey Cupcake! Cupcake. If you ever visit Austin, you have to go to the Hey Cupcake! trailer on South Congress. My husband went to high school with the kid that started this place and in the end really started the cupcake craze.

Saturday we slept in and then had a short little event...it was such an easy-peasy set up, so I didn't mind that two hours of my day were spent slingin' ice. We went home...I read...E slept...I slept...E hit golf balls in our bedroom. Saturday night we ate at Pappsito's. Delish! We are Mexican food freaks...I am pretty sure we could eat it everyday. I would love to, but I would be larger than a barn house...now I am just as large as a small house.

Sunday was a half day for E and chore day for me. I don't mind that at all because I was inside and not in the blazing heat. Late afternoon we went to lounge by the pool and it was scorching and there was some guy talking about his coyote list of chicks he wanted to "bang." Yea, real WINNER there. E wanted to make dinner, so he made homemade pasta, meatballs and Sunday sauce. FABULOUS. I sat on the couch drank water from my mason jar, drank wine and read "Flat Out Love," which is a great book!

Meet Frankie. We don't own him, but he is a stray that lives on our street. He is really pretty, but can be a total turd. We give him water though, so hopefully I don't come home one day to him deceased on my door step.

It's now Monday and I wore my pretty nude wedges to make me happy!

(Totally ignore that my second toe is longer than my big toe. Jank)

Happy Monday!

Weekend Recap.

2011-08-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

EXHAUSTING

That's a common word in my vocab these days.

I have half days on Fridays at my Corporate gig which I absolutely love, BTW, but when you own a business it's near impossible to have these half-days. :)

Friday was an uber-dramatic day at the office with a bunch of ridiculous drama, but I managed to get out around Noon. I headed to Rita's to make ice for the next few hours. Amongst making ice, we had to go pick our spot for the Austin Ice Cream Festival. Picked our spot and went back and forth from the store, Home Depot and our spot about a gazillion times. It was so hot, y'all. Like so hot we were soaking wet...not in water, but sweat. SICK.

We managed to get everything set up and ready to go on Friday. Met one of my besties for a couple of cocktails and din-din. Needless to say, we knew Saturday was going to be a long day, so we opted to head home for some rest.

Saturday was oh so much fun! Alarm clock went off at 6:30am...that shouldn't be legal. We had until 9am to be completely set up and ready for the festival...we were set up at 10. Ha. Typical Jensen-thang. By the time we were set up we were so hot and could have cried. I didn't think people would show up at 10 to get ice cream...I mean, isn't that early to give a child sweet treats? Obvs, not in Austin because the festival was booming by 10:30. There were thousands of people...when I say thousands...that's not an understatement. Did I mention it was hot? We haven't had rain in Austin in about 100 years, so it was dusty. Kids were screaming everywhere. I was chasing around dog owners forcing them to give their animals water because um it was 107 and there aren't paramedics for Dogs, hello! We had a constant line from 10am-7pm. There wasn't a five minutes of down time. We ran out of ice mid way through and that is a big no-no, but we fixed it and had the flavors in the dip box within thirty minutes. It was hot...did I mention that? We served over 3000 people! Insane. It was a lot of fun, trying at times and excellent practice for our next festival...BAT FEST. Yea, Austin is weird, but that's why we love it!

All I wanted to do on Sunday was sit and rest. That didn't happen...it was typical chore day and it's hard to sit and rest when E had to go to work which makes me feel bad. I did my chores, cooked dinner and was bathed and eating ice cream on the couch by 9pm.

Today is Monday and I would much rather be sitting on a beach or by a pool with Sangria!

(E just called and said he got a catering event...serving a shit ton of University of Texas Sorority girls...he didn't ask for my help...I wonder why, lol)

Happy Monday!

What Im loving Wednesday!

2011-08-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Linking up over yonder...

I'm loving the dinner casserole I made last night- Dorito Chicken. I made it low fat by using 2% cheese, Low-fat Sour Cream and Healthy Request Cream of Chicken soup. It was to die for good!

I'm loving that one of my sweet friends is a hair dresser...I have had gray hair since I was in 8th grade...lame. I have to get it colored almost every three weeks as four weeks is pushing it. She slaps on the color and I wash it out at home. Perfection.

I'm loving that Rita's was chosen to be a vendor at the Austin Ice Cream Festival. We have worked so hard to make this damn business a success and getting our foot into a festival is huge. What isn't huge is that I will be sweating my bootay off in 100+ degree temperatures on Saturday ALL DAY. But alas, this damn business must be a success.

I'm loving that sweet guy behind the cart!

THE University of Texas.

2011-08-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Linking up to "Show us your team" because I am so stinkin' eager for football season to start!

I went to smaller university in the great state of Texas, BUT I married a die hard Longhorn. The marriage means I am now a die-hard-for-life Longhorn. (And, let's be honest...I have always been a UT fan as my Dad lives and breathes burnt orange.)

Anyhoo, I am dying for football season to start because there aren't exciting sports to watch right now. It means the weather will begin to feel cooler. We will have people at our house, we will go to other people's houses. Consumption of mass amounts of alcoholic beverages will occur every Saturday. Hangovers will then ensue on Sundays. We will scream TEXAS FIGHT at the top of our lungs. We will wear our lucky UT shirts every Saturday. We will high five with strangers. We will talk mess with our friends that went to other schools. Last, but definitely not least...We hope for a better season than 5-7. Hook 'Em Horns!!!!!!!!!

Typical Saturday or um...National Championship game!

Even Ice Guy likes to enjoy the views of Texas' Memorial Stadium

THE most beautiful ranch animal...A TEXAS LONGHORN!

Hook 'Em

We even dress sweet Lucy in a UT cheerleading outfit.

We are TEXAS!

The most adorable-handsome-best friendish- blue eyed boy on the planet!

What's your favorite team?

5 year thinking.

2011-08-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

With so much time on my hands...ha, yea right. I have been thinking about the things I want to do in the next 5 years. I would do a bucket list for the rest of my life, but unfort I would be here for years as that list is far too long.Without further ado, in random order:

1. Take a Mom and daughter trip.

2. Visit NYC during the Holidays. I am a December bebe and I absolutely love Christmas time. I want to visit the windows of Macy's and Saks. Buy gobs of fun things. Dress up with scarves and boots.

3. Visit Fenway Park. Wrigley Field. & Yankees Stadium.

4. Attend an NCAA Football National Championship game.

5. Quit my job.

6. Have zero debt. To include a house.

7. Perfect baking cupcakes.

8. Buy a puppy and have it crate trained.

9. Perfect my photography skills. Or um, pick up the camera again.

10. Be able to play and finish a round of golf with E.

11. Be a better judge of character.

12. Go to Italy with my boo.

13. Take a mini-trip once a month to different cities in Texas.

14. Go on the cruise that E and I met on 10 years ago.

15. Volunteer one weekend out of the month. I know, that sounds easy-peazy, but being a business owner and full time corporate employee it's hard.

16. Visit Napa Valley and get buzzed off good wine the whole time we are there. (this probably won't happen as E has no interest in visiting CA...perhaps, my bestie would join me.)

17. Cage dive with sharks. No-I am not saying this just because it's Shark Week. :)

18. Learn how to drive a standard. Ha. At 29 I still don't know how and E's Jeep is standard...he probably doesn't teach me on purpose.

19. Buy an old bungalow and redo it OR

20. *Sell everything. Buy a Catamaran and sail the Caribbean for a couple of years*

I see a trend in this list...traveling...how to make this happen?

The mode I am in at this time.

2011-08-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Insanely crazy.

That's my mode. Seriously, E and I both feel like we are drowning inch by inch (by damn Body Pump instructor says this and it drives me crazy, but alas that's the true feeling right now).

Rita's is becoming super duper busy and if you remember this post you will know E does this business on his own. Insane. He hasn't had a day off in about umpteen days. :( Anyhooters, I took off my job for a couple of days to help him with an event in Temple. Picture this:

-A nasty ass truck that doesn't belong to us carrying a huge trailer up North I-35 at about 55 mph. Shoot me now.

-An hour and half long drive hungry and hot up N-I35.

-Once upon arrival, we were notified--"You will be right here." Wait, WTH, there is no A\C.

-Oh, remember...we are serving ice to over 900 people in a manufacturing plant.

-Oh, yea. It's only 110 degrees outside too, so the only place of freedom from heat is in the freezer that is holding 18 ices.

-Sweat dripping down every crevice of our body. Serving ice to people that are really nice, but can barely read, so the menu sign doesn't really work. Oh and they can barely talk English...we would like to call their language-Jibberish. Oh and don't look at their mouths to read lips because you might want to throw up because their teeth are black. But, they are really nice people.

Do you have a perfect picture? Yea, well we did this for two days. It was exhausting and we were down each others throats by the time we waltzed into our house...

WHERE THERE WAS DOG SHIT EVERYWHERE. Yea, our Marley-man must not have taken the egg I gave him the night before very well has he had major infant-syndrome-blowouts in our hallway and office. Sick.

I am back to work today and am really ready to leave to pamper myself or something. Just better than working, right?!

We have a low key weekend planned with a birthday celebration in the middle. Every weekend in August is booked with events and we have one event during the week every week in August. It's a time I am trying to be thankful for, but damn I am going crazy! Here's to sipping sangria somewhere...

Random Ramblings.

2011-07-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

1. I am really tired.

2. I started to cry for no apparent reason or a large reason. PMS.

3. I wish a fairy would fly to Rita's and help my husband. His brother left the family business, doesn't help the family business and doesn't even call. Sad. BUT, my husband hasn't had a day off in months. That's even more sad. Anyone know a cute little fairy like Tinkerbell that could help?

4. It's too damn hot in Texas. Seriously. I have lived here my whole entire life and will never get used to it.

5. I wish we still had a boat. But then again, since #3 is happening, it doesn't really matter.

6. We need a vacation.

7. We cannot decide on vacation and swear we will find a better deal than the deal found the day before.

8. Said vacation has to happen in the Winter because of issue #3.

9. Do you see a recurring issue? Yea, #3.

10. I finally made a dermatologist appointment. I have been talking about it for um...about 2 years. I have some skin that needs to be examined stat.

11. The corporate world is for the birds.

12. The corporate world stresses me out and causes me to re-evaluate my corporate job. But, the re-evaluating cannot go that far because of #3. I have to carry a stable job. But, said stable job pisses me off because I do way too much and others get paid more to do way less. Let me repeat...shiz pisses me off. And, when I hear about other people getting raises because they do more and "we don't want them to leave," really pisses me off. So, basically, you don't care if I leave?

13. My mom is taking me to NYC for my 30th birthday. Ecstatic and something that doesn't piss me off.

14. My radio in my vehicle doesn't have sound. Wasn't that bad for the first um, hour, but now it really pisses me off.

15. I love when E makes my coffee. He does it best.

16. I have kept a hanging plant with flowers alive for three months. Go me.

17. Still not pregnant. See #2. But that's kosher because this year has many plans and I turn 30. Next year will be THE year.

18. I really want to buy Essie nail polish, but I really think it's weird when people take nail polish out of their purse at Nail shops. Like, you don't like the polish they supply? Your polish is that much better? Only kidding, really, I just don't want to spend money on polish. But, I just love the colors.

19. I want to chop my hair. See #4. It's too hot to have long hair. I struggle with this though um about every other day. I say "E, I think I want to cut my hair." He says, "J, just wait until tomorrow you won't have the same opinion." Oh he knows me so well.

20. I love my E.

Thoughts.

2011-05-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

I have been away from blog land due to:

-Crazy work

-Rita's is totally ramping up

-Yard work

-Partying

-Sleeping

-Did I mention, Work.

But, alas, I am here and I want to document my thoughts on this May day.

Last night my BIL called and told E to put the Television on because Obama was going to make a special news appearance. We quickly learned that Osama Bin Laden (Osama and Obama sound too much alike!) had perished in Pakistan. The United States military had taken over a compound in Pakistan and killed the #1 Most Wanted man in the world. Sounds good, right? Here are my thoughts:

-Why wouldn't Obama say the Navy Seals went into the compound, had a gun fight and in the end carried Osama's dead body to the helicopters? Why can't they get the credit they deserve? They are the ones who put their lives on the line. They put their families' lives on the line. Now, we know they Navy Seals are the military special ops group that carried out the plan and killed Osama.

-Wouldn't you rather have seen him alive and captured? I would. I would like to see him suffer and feel the pain of the thousands and thousands of people he hurt throughout his life. He was shot once in the head and felt no pain. To me, that's sad.

-Why is the President taking credit? Republican or Democrat, the President only gives the mission of "GO!" His military intelligence group are the people responsible for researching, talking to couriers, sending Predator drones into the sky for intel, sending military troops into Pakistan, formulating the final plan on how to kill Osama and the list continues. Give credit where credit is due.

-Media tunnels such as CNBC, MSNBC and Fox News are a joke. Listen to NPR.

--What about the #2 man that has taken over for Osama the past 5 years? Where is he? Oh yea, Alive. How is the war on terror going to be even close to over when someone like him is still in power?

-We will never know the full true story. We will never know who took the final shot. We will never know how Pakistan supposedly knew nothing of the attack, however, never sent air defense missles into the sky when American helicopters were hovering the sky. We will never know a lot of things to include if Osama was really buried at sea or if he is on an airplane headed back to the United States. One thing I do know, I am proud of the Navy Seals and cannot fathom the thoughts and feelings of that Special Ops group. To that I say, Here's to them!

Alive. I think.

2011-03-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

I'm alive. I think. After yesterday's de-thatching of the yard, I could die. Well, not really, but that shizz is HARD. We planted a bunch of flowers, mulched, planted herbs and -maters when E said "grab the rake and follow me." 4 hours and a few minutes later we were finished de-thatching. If you don't know what this means or is, I envy you. ha. Basically, it's removal of the deep dry roots, dry grass and leaves from your yard. It's tough work, but thankfully it was only in the 60's yesterday! We pushed through to finish. I say April showers better bring May flowers and green grass cuz it's nothing but green right now.

Anyhooters, I said in my last post which was ages ago, that I was going to try Bikram Yoga. And, I did! I left work early that day and went to the downtown studio and did it. Completed the first class in the 105 degree studio. It was hot, y'all! Like I have never in my life sweat as much as I did that Friday afternoon. A river was basically pouring off my arms. I loved every stinking minute of it! I felt so good afterwards and the days after. I wish it was cheaper because um, it's not affordable with us having gym membership too. I plan to attend "drop-in" classes here and there. The Yogi was super impressed with my ability to not pass out in my first class. I didn't feel nauseous either, but I think that's because I sit in the sauna at our gym on a regular basis.

Rita's First Day of Spring was last Sunday and to say it was a success is an understatement! We served over 700 ices and definitely had 1000+ people come through the store. It's still a new concept to most Texans, but it's definitely catching on quickly! Every day our sales have increased and every weekend we have a ton of new customers. Cheers! To you Katy folks, one is opening off Fry and Grand Parkway really soon. Y'all will love it...your kiddos will too.

My good friend Tiffany is getting married in the Dominican this weekend! I am so sad we will not be in attendance. We have traveled to the Dominican and decided not to spend our money on a place we have already been plus E and I love, love, love to travel alone. :) I know we will be missed, but I know the G's and the C's are going to enjoy every minute.

The C's and us will have the same wedding anniversary! I think that's so fun. I don't know anyone that knows someone that has the same wedding anniversary. I am sure there will be plenty of years we sit down to celebrate wedded bliss together!

I want to be laying by a beach or pool right now. For now, I am going to read my book while "working."

For some reason, when I PMS I want to cut all my hair off. Is that normal?

Is it Friday, yet?

2011-03-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sure this is the longest week...ever! I am worn out. I think it might be from the obnoxiously fun weekend I had celebrating Tiff's upcoming wedding.

I cannot wait for Friday! I am dying for 1pm on Friday to get here, so I can attempt *Hot Yoga*, lay on the couch, read my book, relax and eat a good cooked dinner!

For now, I have to say that I met E 10 years ago today! It was funny how I even remembered, but I was talking to a gent here at work who told me he and his wife are expecting...we started talking about how long we have been with our spouses and I looked over at the calendar and saw 3\09\2011...Then I realized the day. I met E on a cruise ship out of Galveston while I was cruising with my Bestie and her fam. Amazing story and Amazing love!

Oh and note: I am pretty sure Babies are going to take over the world. Everyone is announcing their pregnancies!!! OR, they just had a baby in the last few weeks or the last few hours for that matter. (can you please put one in my belly too? K, thanks)

I'm attempting to plan a vacation to Mexico. We haven't been there except if you count the cruise we met on, but I don't, so it will be a "new" place for us. I am thinking Cabo because it's safer, but Playa keeps coming into the picture because the beaches are oh so purdy and it's cheaper, but my Mother thinks it's unsafe. Thoughts?

I think we are going to jet-set on a bike tour of our area this evening. Settle in with some vino. Or skip the bike ride and opt only for vino and a dinner out. I'll take the latter. :)

abc's of me.

2011-03-07T08:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday. I am not thrilled it's Monday because I am tired, but alas I am at work. Here's something fun for a Monday blog.

A-Age: 29. Wow, 30 is right around the corner.

B-Bed size: King.

C-Chore you hate: Folding the laundry. Emptying the dishwasher.

D-Dogs: Our Marley-man.

E-Essential start to your day: Hitting the snooze button a few times. Cuddle with E. Shower and Coffee.

F-Favorite Color: Black or Pink.

G-Gold or Silver: I love me some Gold, but I love two-toned jewels as well.

H-Height: 5' 7.

I-Instruments you play: Ha, that's a joke!

J-Job title: Keepin' up with Operations!

K-Kids: Would love a bebe!

L-Live: BEST city in Texas, Austin.

M-My mom's name: Jacque.

N-Nickname: Julez. Baby.

O-Overnight hospital stay: Gallbladder surgery.

P-Pet Peeve: My list is too long, but #1 is the action of "Keeping up with the Joneses." Staying in the turn lane when you aren't turning and you are the first car at the light. Drives me bonkers!

Q-Quote from a movie: I don't really watch movies...it's sad, but they make me sleep!

R-Right/Lefty: Righty.

S-Sibling: Older brother, Travis.

T-Time you wake up: Between 6:30 and 7:00.

U-Underwear: Any type as long as they are cute!

V-Veggies you dislike: I love veggies! Asparagus is my favorite. Cucumbers are up there too.

W-What makes you run late: E.

X-Xrays you've had: Broken bones, messed up knee, teeth, gallbladder.

Y-Yummy food you make: Italian food. Cupcakes. Salads.

Z-Zoo animal: Polar bears or Penguins.

Have a fabulous day! I am going to suck down more coffee.

Show us your family!

2011-03-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blogs to read is Kelly's Korner because she is as cute as a button, her daughter is even cuter and she has a true knack for being inspirational! She has linkies to Show us Your Family today and I never talk about my fam, so I thought I would do just that on this peachy Friday!

My parents are the couple on the right: J and J :)

My father is my Hero. He and I have a loving relationship that will last forever. He has taught E how to be a wonderful husband because he absolutely adores my Mom. Like ADORES, but who wouldn't because she is H.O.T.

My father has worked for the same Civil Engineering firm in the Houston area for almost 30 years! He loves his job, is a mentor to all the young-ins in the office, started using email only about a year ago, the little gals in the office LOVE him. He played football at Tarleton State University, is a Texans season ticket holder, loves all things University of Texas and loves that I married a Longhorn. He is a die-hard Republican. Lastly, he is a Godly man and you can see this not with his words, but with his daily actions.

Isn't my mom beautiful? She is my BFF. She literally cracks me up because she acts like she is about 30. She is Director of Evangelism at A HUGE church in the Houston area...like a really HUGE church. ha. I am pretty sure people want to be her because she has style, has grace, walks into a room and OWNS IT and can talk to a brick wall. She is a missionary at heart and loves to give and help. She is a loyal Mother who never gave up on my brother or I. She is a prayer warrior and I just adore her little heart!

This is my older brother: TBird

T is the same age as E. 32. E and T get along like brothers. E is the brother T never had. He is a piece of work, but I wouldn't trade this kid for the world. He is 6'4" and has legs the size of tree trunks. He had a Joe Theisman break while playing football had to have serious surgery and the surgeon said he broke multiple screws trying to get through his bones. I am pretty sure he would be playing in the NFL if he didn't quit football after High School. He is in the construction industry and is really, really good at it. He has an obsession with tennis shoes. He matches everything...IE: if he wears an orange shirt, he has to have his shoes that will match not necessarily orange, but probably all white. It cracks me up to walk into his room and see all the shoes along the wall. He survived a drive-by shooting with gun shot wounds to the head. A few months later, he survived a hit by a car driving 30 mph. To say that my brother has been through a lot is an understatement, but he lives his life with joy. He is single, but takes girls to eat sushi frequently. He loves being a bachelor because he is an independent man. He loves to hunt at the ranch and he shoots skeet as a hobby. He has 3 best friends that he has been best friends with since pre-school, none of them are married and are all successful. He is the most loyal friend I have ever heard of or have ever met...I strive to be the friend he is to his guys and gals.

That's a glimpse into my fam!

Book Club-s.

2011-03-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

I have joined TWO book clubs.

I mean, how am I going to read TWO books in one month?

If I get preggers, I am sure there are quite a few books I will want to read, so how will I fit those in?

One book club = An excuse to drink.

The other book club = A group of young professionals that will sit in a circle in literally chat about the book.

The two books we are reading are:

I am going to love the two different groups and these two books are supposed to be amazzzzing, but I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around all that reading; Especially because I fall asleep reading. Pathetic, ladies...just pathetic.

What Im Loving Wednesday.

2011-03-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

Visit Jamie's blog to see everyone who linked up this week!

Im loving these new pillows we bought from World Market. We bought a third, but it was on clearance, so there isn't a picture. We have completely re-decorated our living, dining and kitchen. I love it! It's a more neutral palette with bold, deep colors like spice, green, yellow and brown.

Im loving planning our next vacation! This time of the year seems to "get to me." I begin to make negative comments about my job and life in general. It's a perfect time to get away! E and I met on a cruise to Mexico and we haven't been back. I think we are going to try out Cabo...it's the safest place in Mexico right now and it's affordable (Double bonus). I am going to show E a couple of places tonight and we will make our decision. Take me where the boats leave from, where there is pretty water and cabana boys, STAT!

Im loving these sweet girls! I don't have a large group of girlfriends, but the ones I do have are my strength. They give me advice on life and are pulling me through the months of negative pregnancy tests! Love them oh so much.

Im loving that one of my dearest gals does hair cuz I am going to change this mop! I want something fun and bright. I think I am just going to add some golden-ish highlights around my face. This dark hair and pale skin isn't cuttin' it and will be perfect for Spring\Summer!

Im loving my Marley and my E! I am quite sure I couldn't get through my dramas without these two. And yes, I realize I am talking about my dog. ha.

BEST cupcakes, Chocolate Cookie Dough Cupcakes.

2011-02-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

So, I don't lose the recipe or forget this idea when I need a cupcake. I am going to post it...and of course, a girl friend of mine asked for it.
I followed this recipe step-by-step, but I used cream cheese icing. I am sure the icing on these are amazing, but I just love, love, love cream cheese icing. The cookie dough isn't cooked, however, it doesn't use eggs. This was one of my favorite things about the recipe. The recipe says 18-20 minute bake time, but our oven cooked them in about 14 minutes. These were a huge hit and just gorgeous inside when a bite was taken!

Recipe from: Here.

For the cupcakes:
3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or bittersweet)

For the filling:
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 tbsp. light brown sugar, packed
1 cup plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
7 oz. sweetened condensed milk
½ tsp. vanilla extract
¼ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

For the frosting:
3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
3½ cups confectioners’ sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ tsp. salt
3 tbsp. milk
2½ tsp. vanilla extract

For decoration:
Tiny chocolate chip cookies
Mini chocolate chips
To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350° F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners (24 total). In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and brown sugar. Beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir together to blend. Add the dry ingredients to the mixer bowl on low speed, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition just until incorporated. Blend in the vanilla. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the cookie dough filling, combine the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the flour, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla until incorporated and smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the mixture has firmed up a bit, about an hour.

To fill the cupcakes, cut a cone-shaped portion out of the center of each cupcake. Fill each hole with a chunk of the chilled cookie dough mixture.

To make the frosting, beat together the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until creamy. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Beat in the flour and salt. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.

Frost the filled cupcakes as desired, sprinkling with mini chocolate chips and topping with mini chocolate chip cookies for decoration.

Yields: 24 cupcakes

Im old and Happy Monday.

2011-02-28T10:48:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt in my mind that we are old. We are totally incapable of staying out into the wee hours of the morning and bouncing back from it in a quick fashion.

I threw one of my good friends a lingerie shower on Saturday night. I was an absolute blast! It was a girls night filled with delicious chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes, champagne and wine. 18 bottles of champagne and wine to be exact. We were up having way too much fun until 4am. Sunday was a tad bit rough, but I still managed to finish the laundry, take a bike ride, go to the gym and the grocery store.

Good times! I can't wait for her bachelorette party this Saturday. Here's to Tiffany!

Rough week. & Something About Marriage.

2011-02-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

It's been a ROUGH week...with all capital letters. I am not going to delve into it, but being told I need to change and not be an emotional person has me down. Hopefully, a fun-filled weekend with my girls and my hubby will cure me and my tears.

Moving on...

A gentlemen around the office is a recent divorcee. His wife hasn't worked a day in her life and they have a 12 year old daughter. Long story short, he is giving this ex a lot of money as well as a lot of money to his daughter (which is understandable, however, I feel most of the time the mom and in some cases father pocket the money). He makes REALLY good money, has a house that is paid off, has a great savings account and 401k and she is getting half of it all and the whole house. This makes me say...E, you are stuck with me FOR-EVA. ha.

In thinking about divorce and marriage, I have wanted to put down the key points of what E and I do daily, which seems to make our marriage work and be really strong:

I take care of all the finances. E used to take care of this, however, he built houses for 7 years and was extremely stressed during those years. Getting online, checking the mail, seeing our money go out the door seemed to get to his blood pressure MOST months. One day I couldn't handle it and said, let me take care of this. I have internet access ALL DAY-5 days a week, so it's easy for me to manage our finances. This works perfectly because E never, ever gets stressed about money (me on the other hand...we won't go there).

I do all the laundry. I separate, wash, hang or fold all the clothes every week. I think this is more of a control thing! I don't mind the firsts-separate and wash, but boy do I hate folding clothes. I hate it, but I don't want E to do it because I am fearful he will ruin everything (sorry, but it's true). I have done our laundry for 10 years and will continue to do so for the next 60!

I clean the coffee pot every night. He makes the coffee every morning. For some reason, E's coffee making skills are 100times better than mine, therefore, I let him do what he is good at: Poor cinnamon and half&half into my coffee mug every morning (I don't use artificial sweetener or sugar in my coffee...I stopped when I was told I was borderline Type 2 Diabetic two years ago).

I cook, I clean the dishes. E cooks, I clean the dishes. E ALWAYS empties the dishwasher. It works for us and again I love to have control of my dishes going into the dishwasher and the way my pots and pans are cleaned. Yea, it's a sickness.

I vacummn every Saturday.

We both do the yard.

We say Good Morning every single morning.

We say good night every single night.

On Saturdays, I call E into the bedroom to snuggle. E absolutely loves to cuddle...like lives for it! It's cute, so every Saturday when I wake up I make sure to let him know I love to cuddle with him too. :)

We say I Love You often.

Did you know that one of the top reasons for cause of divorce above adultery is division of labor? That's why division of labor is so important to me. I don't want to argue about "you didn't take the trash out or the clothes need to be washed, yadayadayada."

E and I will be celebrating our 6 year wedding anniversary on April 2nd. We have been together for 10 years. No day is the same day in our marriage. We argue. There are days where we cannot stand eachother, but every day I look at my wedding rings and look into his eyes and remember my vows and that we said, Forever.

Lately.

2011-02-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

We have been busy little bees lately, which I will not complain about because I loathe being bored, ha.

I work half days on Friday, yea---Be jealous, so I have my typical Friday afternoon filled with shopping, eating, resting and hanging with the Marley-man. But, Friday I decided to visit E at Rita's and take him to grab a beer and a burger at Crown and Anchor. Love, Love, Love this place...it's old and has the BEST beer selection on West Campus. I love outings with E, especially when it's not at night. Friday night we went to the dreaded Waterloo because we couldn't figure out what to eat...we are the world's worst people when it comes to picking out restaurants. This is the typical conversation btwn E and I:

E: "What do you want for dinner?"

J: "I don't care. What do you want?"

E: "I asked you first."

J: "Well, I asked you second."

J: "What type of food do you want?"

E: "I don't really care."

J: "THERE IS NOTHING YOU ARE CRAVING?"

E: "Not really, Italian, but we ate that last night. Mexican, but we can't eat that because it's only Tuesday."

AND THIS GOES ON FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES! And finally, we end up going to the same ole, same ole restaurant. It's a daunting task I tell ya. I wish I had the motivation to cook every single night, but come Thursday I am ready for my chips and salsa.

Saturdays E has to work {of course}, so I typically use the day to do chores around the house and put in an extra long workout at the gym. Typically, by the time he comes home I have the house cleaned up, the laundry washed and ~~folded~~, kitchen cleaned, house vacuumed, myself-showered, perfumed, make-up'd and am hanging out on the couch. This past Saturday, we went out to celebrate this guy's birthday...

This guy LOVES to partay! Like seriously lives to hang out with friends, dance and drink. Love him! We went to Roaring Fork and grabbed burgers, went to Fado (Great Irish pub) and then went to Qua. Let me tell you: WE ARE OLD. E and I were pretty much ready to shoot ourselves at Qua. Don't get me wrong, Qua is beautiful, the DJ plays great music, but it's loud, crowded and dark. I have to be ~~drunk~~ in the mood to get down and boogie and Saturday was just not it. ha. Possibly because my head was going to explode from congestion. It was a fun-filled night with great peeps, but E and I are total chillax people and prefer Fado and chillax bars that are not ridden with 21 year olds humping their boyfriends against poles...I digress.

This week is busy at work because it's end of month, which is good because as I stated I don't like being bored. I won't talk about work that much on here, but I am praying the military budget doesn't get cut and the CR is signed STAT...I need a job and so do 199 other people. Come on Obama!

A couple of gals and myself are hosting a lingerie shower for T this Saturday and I am thrilled! We are hosting at our house and it's all things black, white and pink! I am making cupcakes and a spread of treats. I am definitely going to be taking many pictures the next few weeks as her couples' shower and bachelorette party are to follow next weekend. Good times!

ps-if i get pregnant this month, our due date would be...get ready...11-11-11. How fun is that? :)

Parents' lessons.

2011-02-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

Growing up there was one thing my parents didn't talk about with T and I or anyone else for that matter: MONEY! They never talked about how much they made, what their retirement fund looked like, how much was in their checking account, how much was in their savings account...it just didn't happen. For that I am grateful because I learned from them. I rarely ever talk about finances with other people. I never will tell someone how much money a bonus was or how much my pay check is every two weeks. It will not happen. If someone asks, I will say "enough." I tend to believe it's no one's business. It doesn't matter if I make six figures, three figures, or five figures...it's none of your business. (i must add UNLESS someone is trying to negotiate a new salary or needs advice...I might give a range to help them out.)

Owning a business is tough and being a working woman is tough too. I cannot tell you how many times in the past year I have been asked, "So, how did y'all pay for the franchises?" Really? I do believe that isn't your business. Another, "How much was the total cost of the franchises and the amount of your lease and the amount of construction of the site?" Really? I believe that isn't your business. I think when you spill your guts and give all this information it leads to resentment and jealousy. This world is filled with so much jealousy it makes my stomach spin at 100mph. Why can we not be happy for one another? Why can we not celebrate in the sheer joy that someone is ABLE to spend money on Valentine's? What about..."must be nice to have your life." Well, honey if you get off your ass, look for a real job, venture out, be more driven and more career oriented, PERHAPS you could have a nice outing as well, but DO NOT be jealous and resent my husband and I because we work hard and save money and do special things every once in a while. I digress...

When we redid our kitchen, some of our best friends came over and they were elated with the outcome of the kitchen. They knew (especially, K) that it was exactly what we wanted and how happy we were that it was finally finished. Just their reaction made me happy. They put down new floors in their home and E and I are\were elated for them because it made them so happy to be able to accomplish such a thing. I think that's true friendship. The people that don't ask questions of "how the hell did you afford that?" It's none of your business. We can and might say..."Wow, that's awesome...did you get a good deal?" or "You want to buy floors for our house?" That's more like it. Giving advice or asking advice is different than trying to receive information to compare yourselves to another.

I think people have the keepin' up with the jones' mentality far too much in today's society...some things just need to be left unsaid.

Thanks Mom and Pops!

two in one day. what im loving wednesday.

2011-02-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

Linking up to Jamie for WILW!

I'm loving that my bosses are away for the next two days and I am not swamped with emails and to-dos. In other words...I can slack off for a couple of days. (not that I would EVER do that)

I'm loving Scentsy. I had heard about the craze and all things Scentsy a few years ago, but I never acknowledged it. One of my best friends bought E and I a Scentsy burner for Christmas and I am addicted. I love when I walk into our home and it smells like a bakery...I mean, best thing ever. I am pretty sure I am going to jump on the band wagon of selling this stuff when I need a little extra income...who wouldn't want to sell something that doesn't really needs selling because it's just that amazing.

I'm loving that I will be receiving an iphone 4! I have always and will always be on a Verizon wireless account because I think they have the best service and selection of phones. At this time, my company pays for my phone because of my obligations to respond to emails immediately. Anyhoos, I am fortunate to be a fav of our IT dept because they called me a couple of weeks ago and said, "do you want a new phone? what about the iphone?" I mean, why even ask...this girl is ready to have another addiction.

Random things.

2011-02-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's and a celebration of finishing the kitchen, I wanted to do something special for E. I knew since Cupid's day was on Monday I wanted to celebrate on Saturday. I booked a couple's massage at Milk+Honey on 2nd street. Let me tell ya...AMAZING place, AMAZING massages. We were seriously in HEAVEN on EARTH! After the massages, we walked over to La Traviata to have an Italian dinner. I love this little place with half my heart. It has the BEST Carbonara one has ever eaten. It's quaint, romantic and perfect! After dinner we walked over to a Lounge called Qua. This place is legit. One of my brother's best friends is the GM there, so we chatted and had a couple of drinks to top the night off right. It was a fabulous evening filled with love, laughter and joy. E was surprised the whole entire time and that made my heart skip a beat! E surprised me with a huge bouquet of flowers...IE: I filled three vases with flowers! ha. Mostly bright pink tulips...my favorite right now.

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day this year...We are blessed and of course grateful!

(i am a little irritated with myself that i didn't take one picture. whatevs.)