Sublime Happiness

Wow...I'm a liar.

2011-04-21T17:24:00.000-05:00

I know I said I was going to update like two days ago...Whoops. :(

Where does the time go?! I really, really WILL update in the next few days...but, I've got school coming to an end in a few weeks, papers due, men to date and friends to hang out with....So, needless to say, it's a bit of a madhouse.

Lemme give you a quick glimpse of what has been going on...

February = Superbowl Weekend Festivities; Sports Illustrated Party with Jen Aniston, Adam Sandler, Toby Maguire, etc, etc

March = "Halloween in March" birthday party for a friend (dressed as Dorothy); St Patty's Day festivities on Greenville Avenue; Josh Turner concert

April = Trip to LA with my girls...

**throw in several Mavs and Rangers games and MANY (too many) fun nights out with friends....and you've got an idea of half of what has been going on. SEE...busy! I wasn't fibbin'!

Hugs, Kisses and Jelly Beans!

I'm sorry....SO sorry....

2011-04-18T20:49:00.000-05:00

It is now April 18th, and I haven't updated since February 4th!

What. Is. Wrong. With. Me??!! (Thanks Vera....for bringing that to my attention...haha)

SOOO much has been happening over the past few months...I guess I got caught up playing and forgot to tell you all about it!

But, right now, it's late and I just got back in town last night, so I'm exhausted! I'll post LOTS tomorrow and fill you all in on every juicy little detail.....Cross my heart!

XOXOXO

Snow, Snow...and more Snow! Wait...this is Dallas!!!

2011-02-04T13:02:00.000-06:00

This week's weather has been MADNESS!!! It all started on Monday night/Tuesday early morning when the sleet and snow moved in....Dallas has been "suffering" since.

Needless to say, we Dallasites are not used to anything white falling from the sky, so everyone goes bonkers! Tuesday through Thursday was just plain nasty because it was ALL ice! But, this morning, I woke up to THIS...

Lots of beautiful powdery snow!!! Now, keep in mind there is still a layer of slippery ice underneath this stuff...but, the snow is much prettier to look at!

Locksley had some fun in it also! It's his first snow day EVER!!!

At first, he was a little bit afraid of it....but, once he ventured out into it, he couldn't get enough! (and, I was FREEZING!!)

HAPPY SNOW DAY EVERYONE!! I now fully intend to go have a snowball fight with my neighbors....

My Pupster Baby is 10 Months Old TODAY!!!

2011-01-25T16:19:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe that my sweet Locksley is 10 months old! I've had him for 8 months (that's longer than 99% of my relationships!) He is the most amazing puppy in the world! He is stubborn and hard-headed (just like his momma), but he's also adorably loving and sweet. He is a major snuggle monkey and radiates heat, which is GREAT on cold winter days....

He sleeps in bed with me every night and is kind of a bed hog....but, we just elbow each other and it works out. He snores many nights and slobbers on the pillows a bit...(guess it's kind of like having a husband, except that I can put Lox in his cage when he is annoying me....that may not go over so well with humans)

I just can't believe that my sweet 8-week old puppy that looked like this...

.....is now getting so big and grown up.....like this...

He is just SO MUCH fun!!! He gives me lots of hugs and kisses and loves to play with his toys....but, I think the funniest and most entertaining thing about him would have to be the wonderfully weird positions he sleeps in....here are just a few pics I was able to snap before he woke up....

He's so trusting....hahaha....

HAPPY 10 MONTH BIRTHDAY SWEET LOX!!!

Two Thousand Eleven.....or, is it Twenty Eleven???

2011-01-25T15:24:00.000-06:00

I'm still sort of in shock that we are in the year 2011....it just seems so "futuristic" to me. I feel like we should have flying cars and be able to push a button to teleport wherever we want to go...but, alas....we're still stuck driving on the road...and sitting in traffic. Boo.

So, January has been pretty busy with friends and stuff...just the usual outings....LOTS of movies, brunches, happy hours and dinners....I love my friends.

For fun, my friend Eric decided to have a chili cook off at his place a few weekends ago...and asked if I wanted to compete. Umm...lemme think.....HECK YES! BRING IT!

Let me sum it up this way....with a pic...

Yep...that's me being crowned as the WINNER!!!! (I, umm...may have brought the crown myself...from home...) But, I just KNEW I was going to win, so I had to be prepared...hehe

Gosh, I can't even remember all of the movies I've seen in the past few months.....True Grit, The Fighter, etc, etc....Love them ALL!

I've had several more birthday parties for friends....great dinners and good times as always....(although the dinners/drinks are not only taking away from my pocketbook, but ADDING to my waistline...EEK!) So, I started a "cleanse" last Saturday. It's a 7-day vitamin thingy that's supposed to jump-start your body and clean out your organs, blood, and everything in between. We'll see....

Oh, and for those of you wondering how my sweet baby Lox is doing...................

He is 10 months old TODAY!!!! I think I'll dedicate an entire post to him....

Peace Out.

Jolly Jolly Christmas & Hippity Hoppity New Years!

2011-01-25T15:06:00.000-06:00

Christmas was, as always, wonderful....I spent both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at my parents' house and Santa was VERY good to me this year! :) Instead of boring you with a bunch of stories...let me cut to the chase and show you the pics....

Decorating the tree....(and being goofy, naturally)

My adorable family...

Yep...Locksley has a Santa hat...hehe

My mom's famous (and I MEAN "famous") toffee....It is scrumdidiliumptious...fo realz yo

Opening my new watch...Let's just say I was VERY happy and surprised...It rhymes with "Bolex"...LOL

Lox sporting his new fur-lined coat...Yep, I've taken things too far. There's no coming back either....

All in all...good times...good times...

Now, on to the festivities of New Years Eve. My friend Joe had a huge party at his father's house and it was spectacular! Just a few facts about the house...well, for beginners, it's 13,000 square feet and was featured in D Magazine as one of the "Most Beautiful Homes in Dallas". Yep...it is beautiful. We partied mostly in the guest house where he had a DJ and bar on the top floor. There was also a room dedicated to a photo booth...Needless to say, I may have entered that booth a time or two....or twelve.

Here are just a few pics from the night (there were TONS, but I won't bore you with all...and some are not "kid-friendly"...hehe)

Host with the most in the middle of the gals...

One of the MANY photo booth pics...this one includes me, Joe (host) and Alex...

It was a great night and everyone had a wonderful time!

The next day, we all decided to meet up at a local restaurant/bar and rehash the past nights' funness...(yes, funness) We all wore our pajamas and slippers...Hey, it was New Years Day...everyone was either hungover or still drunk, so it didn't really matter. This place allows pets also, so we decided to make a monthly event out of this and call it "Puppies & PJ's". (my idea...hehe)

OH, I almost forgot! I got my grades from my first semester back in school....4 "A"s and 1 "B"....I was REALLY bummed about the "B", but I'll just make sure to get all "A"s this semester!

Alright...that wraps up 2010....Can't believe another year has passed....

Oops...

2011-01-24T21:19:00.000-06:00

It's been over a month since I posted! YIKES!

LOTS to update!!! I'm a little tired right now, but I'll give you a nice, big, juicy post tomorrow!

Night night kiddos!

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays...

2010-12-21T22:08:00.000-06:00

YOWZA!!! December has been a wonderfully crazy month filled with birthdays, parties and fun times with friends! Now, all of this is also going along the same time I'm ending my school semester, so it's been kinda madness! But, I will say...I did AWESOME this semester in my classes and I'm very proud of how I finished up!

My friend Joe rented a suite for the Stars game (hockey) and everyone had a blast!

Afterwards, we went out to J. Blacks...

Doing a shot with the birthday boy...

Me with the birthday boy...and yes...he is wearing a shirt that reads "Captain Awesome"...hehe

Then, two of my friends rented out the Foundation Room at House of Blues and celebrated their 30th birthday in MAJOR style!!! We're talking ice sculptures, photographer, waitresses with champagne and canapes...the whole shebang! There were about 150 people there and everyone had WAY too much fun!

So...needless to say...I was not only celebrating my many friends' birthdays....but, also the end of finals. We now have 10 days left in 2010, and I'm looking forward to most of these being spent taking it easy and hanging out with friends and family.

December.....So far....

2010-12-12T11:47:00.000-06:00

December started off with a BANG! I've been spending lots of time going out with my dear friends and having a blast! Lots of great restaurants and dancing! (thankfully, my friends appreciate that I am a bit short on cash right now, and they are very generous with their funds...)

Some friends and I went to see "Burlesque" and we all really enjoyed it! There was AMAZING singing and really fun dancing...and the plot didn't stink! ;) I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did....

My Boys (aka Dallas Cowboys) are doing better and better! I'm not a "fair-weather" fan, so I always love them no matter how wonderful or terrible they are playing....but, it's definitely easier to cheer them on fervently when they are playing with full hearts!

Went out for a friend's birthday last week and had a RIDICULOUSLY great time!!

Just a few nights ago, I had a blind date....(another mom-related set-up) A coworker with my mom has a friend...yada, yada, yada....Needless to say, he was SOOO nice, but there was just no spark. Oh well...you win some, you lose some.

Then, yesterday, my momma and her friends had a bazaar to sell their hand-knitted scarves, gloves and hats! They make some REALLY cute stuff!

My mom is on the far right in all black....they had a fun time!

Of course, I snapped a pic of me in front of all the beautiful scarves...haha...

And, now...today...I'm preparing for next week.....Oh, did I not tell you what next week was????

FINALS WEEK!!!

Yep...so, I'll be holed up in my apartment studying until Thursday!!! Well, I suppose I WILL get out to actually go to my exams...but, other than that...ONLY STUDYING ALLOWED! I feel really good about all of my classes, but that doesn't mean I can slack off with the last test!

So...wish me luck!

San Francisco, Thanksgiving...Last Half of November....

2010-12-12T11:18:00.000-06:00

Around mid-November, I went to San Francisco to visit a friend....I haven't been there since I was 12 years old, so I was excited to not only see my friend, but see the city!

Naturally...VERY excited to see this wonderful site!!!

Standing on Pier 39 in front of Alcatraz....

It was a really fun trip and I'm glad I got to spend some quality girl time with my friend.....

That following week was Thanksgiving!!! I had several friends that were unable to go home for the holiday, so they joined my family! It was a FULL house! And, so much fun! As always, lots of great food and even better conversation!

(We took some pictures with my mom's camera, but she hasn't downloaded them yet....so, unfortunately...no pics of Thanksgiving...)

First Half of November....

2010-12-08T08:51:00.000-06:00

November started off with a wonderful and glorious day to celebrate! My parent's 35th anniversary! They are just as in love this year as the first day they met...It really is a beautiful thing to have witnessed my whole life..

Later that week, I volunteered at one of my favorite events of the season...Chi Omega Christmas Market!!! Being that I AM a Chi Omega, I'm naturally very excited about this....It's a BIG event with all kinds of amazing stuff! Clothing, jewelry, knick-knacks, paintings, wreaths, toys, just about anything you can think of!

That afternoon, I drove to Austin to visit a friend from college who recently moved there. Austin is really only about a 3 to 3 1/2 hour drive from Dallas, so it's an easy "get-away" when you just wanna get out of town. We had a great weekend catching up and going out...

My good friend Dave...

We went to a benefit gala Casino Night....It was LOTS of fun!!! They had an amazing dance floor with groovy smoke machines...blackjack tables, poker tables, roulette, craps...You name it, it was there!

It was a fun weekend in Austin....

Then, we celebrated my dad's 60th birthday!!! I can't believe my pops is 60!

Me Again....Month of October Updates!

2010-11-18T13:06:00.000-06:00

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy....October was a whirlwind of a month! I mean WHIRLWIND my chickys!

October 1st started it off with a bangitty bang! My friend Amy threw a birthday party for her hubby...

Me with the birthday boy!

Random group shot....

Then....DUM, DUM, DUMMMMM.....

TEXAS/OU GAME!!!

Alex and I took our boys (Locksley & Achilles) to State & Allen Lounge for lunch and to watch the game....

Lox taking a little nap in the shade....of course, wearing his UT jersey...

With my Main Man....

All decked out in my Longhorn gear....

After lunch, we walked the "boys" back home and headed over to TABC to watch the rest of the game and hang out....While there, we ended up meeting some really nice people and hung out with them the rest of the night....

Some of our new buds...Austin and Jeremy

Our future's so bright....

It ended up being a pretty crazy and fun night.....even though Texas lost... :(

The next day, Austin (one of the guys we met) called and asked me to go to Atlanta with him the next weekend for the Braves game! Pretty exciting stuff....I said "yes"...Why not after all??

Later that week, my parents and I went to the State Fair of Texas!!! We tooks lots of pics, but they were all on my mom's camera and I don't think she's downloaded them yet.....Needless to say, we stuffed our faces with corny dogs, fries, nachos, cinnamon rolls, cotton candy, ice cream, deep fried frito pie (yep...lol) and probably a few other things....ugh..I feel sick just thinking about all of the calories we ingested that day....

That night, a big group of us went out to celebrate Bel's birthday! Dinner at Gloria's, then dancing at Kismet! Very fun night of shenanigans...

That weekend...Austin and I were heading to Atlanta!!! We had a blast...

The next day...we headed out to Turner Field to cheer the Braves on!

After the game, we headed to Buckhead for a late dinner and drinks....

It was my first time to visit Atlanta and we both had a great time!

It was a very exciting time in Dallas, because our wonderful Texas Rangers were kickin' butt and taking names...So, we always gathered to watch the games....

They just opened up a new sports bar a block from my apartment, and it's the "Place to Be"....whatever that means! LOL

RANGERS IN THE WORLD SERIES!!!!! (the place was roaring with applause!)

With Halloween quickly approaching, there were many parties to attend and costumes to prepare!

The first party was at a friend's apartment, and I dressed as Raggedy Ann....

Rockin' the Mario 'stache!

The next morning, my parents and I walked in the Undy 5000...This walk/run benefits colon cancer research, which my mom fought and WON many years ago...So, this cause is a very important one to us!

That night, it was REAL party time! My friends and I went to a HUGE costume party and there were some amazing costumes!

I was a sailor girl....

Fun, fun....this chick's Avatar costume was rockin'!!!

Dancing, dancing...

Interesting....

Rubik's Cube...LOVE!

Alex and Matt dancing to "Thriller"....

The next day...Locksley got a chance to show off HIS costume at the West Village Dog Trot & Treats! There were sooo many puppies in cute costumes! They had all kinds of vendors out with dog treats, free photos, etc...And, they had a costume contest, but I didn't make it in time to enter Lox (he's still pretty mad at me about this)

Ok...how CUTE is he????!!!

Yep...my little Sailor Pup! LOL! Everyone just ADORED him and he made lots of puppy buddies....

Here we are together wearing our Sailor costumes...

Now, for some random Lox photos...

That pretty much covers the main things....It was a busy, busy month!

Alive and Well! (Month of September Update)

2010-11-17T22:06:00.000-06:00

Wow...just saw that my last post was on September 3rd! How does the time go by SOOO FAST?!!

I've just had so much going on that my "blogging-time" has been put on the back-burner. But, I've realized how much I really miss it....So, I'm really going to try to start up again....like...for realsies....

Ok...so, if I'm going to do this properly, I really need to fill y'all in on everything that has happened the past...ohh...2 months, right? Well....here goes!!! (and, I'll try to make it as exciting and sassy as possible!)

Well...September was filled with all kinds of fun stuff...football, retreats, parties and F-U-N!

I'll begin with pics from the church retreat out at Pine Cove Shores in East Texas. It was spectacularly beautiful out there...and very serene. I met some really quality people and shared in wonderful fellowship with them.

This dock had two levels and I would sit up on the top level each morning around 7 a.m. reading my Bible and spending time with God...my heart was completely at peace.

How cool is this bus?! Rhythm is the new "Singles Weekly Event"....

And, what would camping be without ample "S'more-Makin'"! (although, I have a confession...I accidentally used the last block of Hershey's chocolate, and tried to stuff my s'more in my face before anyone figured it out....but, I think the smudges of ooey goodness on the corners of my mouth might have given me away....)

I had a little "girl's night in" at my friend Amy's house...it pretty much involved lounging around, sipping (a.k.a. gulping) wine, eating yummy appetizers and talking about all things girlie!

Here are a few pics from that night....OH..and I took Lox over there, and he had a blast playing with her puppies!

Here...Ames is getting her dog, Colby to jump for his treat...(I just love "action" shots)

Ames hugging on Locksley....

The following week, I got to reconnect with one of my sisters over lunch and mani/pedis! Oh..perhaps I should explain for those of you scratching your heads wondering how an only child has sisters....hehe. Anytime I use the term "sister", I'm referring to a sorority sister. They are, after all, forever! (we're bound by blood....KIDDING, KIDDING...LOL....or am I???)

That evening, my girls and I went to dinner at Common Table....a new restaurant that just opened up in the area. Really cool atmosphere and FAB food!

Here are Lise and Bel primping in the loo...

Me and Alex...self pic naturally...

Me and my sweet Lise...

After dinner, we scooted over to Teddy's Lounge...one of those uber-hip dance clubby-type places (not our usual style, but we were feeling adventurous...) Plus, we had heard about a burlesque show and were a tad bit curious....

The lighting in the restrooms was really funky and cool...so, of course...we felt it absolutely necessary to take pictures....

While there, we ended up meeting a group of guys that were in town for the Cowboys/Bears game, and they had a table (a.k.a. FREE Grey Goose) so...they quickly became our best buds...hehe...

Then...almost as if she appeared out of thin air....the show began.....

Let me tell you something....this girl had some MOVES! I was impressed by her flexibility and strength! And, although...yes...she did "strip" down to her bikini...It was done in a very classy manner...I almost felt like I was in some go-go type movie from the 60's....It was a fun night....

The following week, I got to hang out with my friend Ashley and have dinner at my friend's restaurant. Later in the week, Alex's mama came into town and we all had a delish dinner at Salum.

Now, for a few random September pictures of my sweet baby Lox....

He LOVES squishing himself between cushions....

He is always falling asleep either on or holding his toys....He just plays so hard that he conks out in the middle of playing...haha

Such a good little boy...he always says his prayers before bedtime....

Pretty much his favorite place to sleep....

The answer to that question is "No". (because, I'm sure you asked, "Is there a puppy any cuter than him??"

Weekend Retreat

2010-09-03T10:41:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I am going on a fun church retreat! I will only know one person going, so it will be exciting to meet lots of new people!

From what I've heard/read, these campgrounds are fantastic and there should be LOTS to do! I'm looking forward to a fulfilling weekend of fellowship, friendship and faith!

I hope everything has a wonderful Labor Day weekend! "Talk" to you all next week!

Wait...Who is it? Oh yeah...It's SUMMER!

2010-09-01T20:16:00.000-05:00

You know....It's been a weird and different time in my life lately...and, blogging has just been the last thing on my mind.

I have been making some changes, setting some career goals and well....let's face it...Wallowing in what you may call self pity for a while....ugh.

I'm always amazed when a person such as myself has these amazing opportunities, loving and supportive family, nothing to gripe about at ALL...and yet, I somehow manage to find ways to make excuses for why my life isn't the "Picture Perfect" way I imagined it should be.

Well.....NEWS FLASH, SUMMER....IT'S ALWAYS BEEN YOUR CHOICE!!!

So, anyway...I'm taking charge once more....and I'm going back to school!

I'm LOVING IT!!!

I'll update more tomorrow!!!

Canton Fun...Brunch...Bachelorette...and Concerts...

2010-08-02T23:39:00.000-05:00

My parents and I decided to brave the heat last Saturday and head out to Canton Trade Days....and, of course, we took little Locksley!!! He loves riding in the car....

The weather channel foreboded a day with a high reaching 104 degrees!!! That's just plain silly talk!

But, thankfully....at least one of us didn't have to worry about the sun or getting too overheated....

Yes...that is a doggy stroller....haha....But...he just HAS to have it....he would get too worn out if he walked everywhere.....

After getting home...the parents and I went to lunch at Snuffers...

Sunday, my mom and I went to church here in downtown....then, I went to brunch with my friend Kat to Villa-O...

We had a fantastic time chatting and catching up....She's such a dear and sweet friend....

Finally....tonight was the "Bachelorette" finale AND "After the Final Rose"...so, my girls came over and we munched on yummy goodies and held our breath as Ali chose her LOVE!

Tomorrow, I'm going to see Aerosmith and Blue October in concert!!! I'll make sure to take lots of pics and post them asap! (I'm going to get LOTS better about my blog!!!)

I MISS YOU ALL SOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! I have a lot of reading/catching up to do....and I can't wait to hear from you, my sweets!

July Fun...

2010-07-27T13:23:00.000-05:00

It's been a fun month....I went to the Dallas Museum of Art "Late Nights" and listened to a fun reggae band. Then, I entered a drawing to win tickets...and WON! I love winning....it's pretty cool...haha. I won tickets to see Beauty & the Beast (musical) at a new performing arts center that I've been wanting to go to...so, I was pretty pumped!

I went to "Bandanaroo" with Fuel, Cowboy Mouth and Bret Michaels...and it was a really great show!!!

Me and Melissa at the concert...

Bret Michaels!!!!

He sang all the best Poison songs and even some Lynyrd Skynyrd and Sublime!!!

Then, a group of us gals went to see Beauty & the Beast and it was magical!!! Very colorful and fun...quite entertaining....

Hope all of you have had a wonderful month also....

4th Celebration

2010-07-27T13:06:00.000-05:00

Ahh...Independence Day....a day to pay homage to our men and women who serve this country...a day to be thankful for our independence....and a day to challenge your neighbors in "Fireworks Wars"....haha

Yep...my dad always has his lighter at-the-ready and his Bucket-O-Fireworks by his side....

It begins innocently with a small blackcat that the neighbor lights..."pop, pop..crackle"....Dad answers back in kind....

Then, it quickly progresses to the M-80's....back and forth...back and forth....One loud "POP" responds to the next...ugh....men....

But, it's always a fun time at my parents....

I made a fun flag cake....

My dear, sweet Edward....

2010-06-30T11:55:00.000-05:00

Last night....at 9 p.m.....my love and I were reunited once more......

I know he has missed me terribly...and pines over me day and night...(poor thing)

Alas....last night....my Edward and I were brought back together....

"Eclipse" ROCKED THE HOUSE!!!!

My friend got early screening passes to see it and we had PERFECT seats in the theatre....what an AWESOME flick! I think it may be my favourite one so far!

I may go see it again this weekend with my mom.....just because...I'm already missing dear Edward....

(yes, I'm a little crazy. No, I'm not in denial)

Hope everyone out there is having a wonderful "Twilighty" day....

So Much to Update!

2010-06-27T10:05:00.000-05:00

I guess I'll go in order to make it easier...

Back on June 5th, I went to the Vigilantes football game. This is a new arena football league that just started here in Dallas and I'm PUMPED to have ANY kind of football to watch! (I sort of go into a mild depression when football season ends...haha) I went with my parents and my adorable cousin Nick....

Nick and I cheering them on...

Then...around the 15th, Locksley had his 12 week vet appointment....12 WEEKS! Can you believe my little man is growing up so fast?! He got an A+ on his check-up! He weighed 6.7 pounds and Lox is proud to announce that his "boys" have dropped...LOL! He is becoming a man....haha

He is just about the sweetest thing in the world...but, he is also a FIRECRACKER! He definitely has a mind of his own and can be quite stubborn at times. He is incredibly smart and already knows several commands...He can "sit", "lay down" and when asked if he wants to go outside, he goes over and stares at his leash by the door!

Now...for those of you out there with dogs, I'm sure you know that having a super intelligent dog is both a blessing and a curse. Yes, he is easily trainable and very perceptive...BUT, he can also use his smarts to be a little sneakster and get into trouble! When I ask if he's hungry, he immediately goes to his food bowl and lets out a sweet little soft bark of anticipation....then, hurries over to the cabinet where his food is kept. Of course, having this knowledge of where his food is stored also leads him to wander over there during "non-feeding" times and scratch on the cabinet door...haha. Thankfully, he hasn't figured out to open it.....YET!

Here are a few more pics of my sweet baby just because.....

On the 16th, my momsie had Bunco at her house! For those of you who don't have a clue what I'm talking about...Bunco is a dice game played by a group of 12 people (usually women..haha) It's pretty much just an excuse to get together with your girlfriends once a month and drink wine, gossip, eat yummy food, win prizes and laugh! I ended up winning a cool platter!

Living in Dallas (just a block from downtown) definitely has its' perks. On the 18th, the Arts District had a Summer Block Party. This involved all of the museums and concert halls....they had street performances and special exhibits at each venue. It was a lot of fun! My friend Matt went with me and we had a lot of laughs...

This was one of the street performances....was pretty darn cool....

The staircase at the Dallas Museum of Art...

One of the fun retro exhibits...

Me standing in front of another museum...

One Arts Plaza at nighttime....everything lights up and it's just beautiful...

On the 23rd, I went to the movies to see "Letters to Juliet"....What a sweet flick!!! I really enjoyed it! Then, afterwards, I stopped next door to Paciugo and got a little Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel gelato! I just thought it made sense to get gelato after watching a movie based in Italy....LOL!

This past Friday, my friend Kat and I went to The Doobie Brothers and Chicago concert! IT ROCKED! I am a HUGE Chicago fan and I also LOVE The Doobie Brothers! We sat on the front row of the lawn and had a fantastic time!!!

While I was at the concert, my dear sweet friend (that also happens to live next door) puppy-sat for me and Locksley and her dog Achilles had a little playdate....Here are some pics from their fun night....

I think Lox wants to put a saddle on Achilles.....haha

Aww...sweet kisses...

This one, by far, is the funniest picture....I was CRACKING UP when I saw it!!!
*Caption - DON'T DO DRUGS!*

Finally...last night, my mom and I went to a wedding. The bride is the sister of my best guy friend. I've known her since she was 5 years old! She looked beautiful and the wedding was a lot of fun! I'm very happy for her and the beginning of her new life with her hubby!

So...that about brings us to present day! I'm about to head over to the 'rents for Sunday lunch (and, they use it as an excuse to see Locksley...hehe)

And, on that note...here are extraneous pictures of my baby...

Hope you all have a beautiful Sunday! Take care!

New Addition...

2010-06-02T14:36:00.000-05:00

This is one of the reasons I have been so horrible about my blogging lately....

My sweet puppy Locksley! He's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel...and he's almost 10 weeks old now. I just love him to death!

Hope everyone is having a great week....I'll update more in a few days!

Tomorrow = Special Day

2010-05-17T21:52:00.002-05:00

Oh yeah....and...just in case you didn't know.....

MY BIRTHDAY IS TOMORROW!!! MAY 18TH!!!! YIPPEE!!!

Fun in New Orleans!

2010-05-17T21:51:00.000-05:00

I know, I know....I'm just horrible about updating. Here goes...

So, our weekend trip to Nola was lots of fun! Really many beautiful buildings...the architecture is quite stunning on several streets and there is obviously loads of history....but...I have to say....it had a certain...umm....how do I put this?....Odor.

Yep...odor.

We went out on Bourbon Street both nights and walking down the streets, you are pretty much constantly catching smells of urine, sewage and a slight hint of liquor. (not even kidding...)

Now, don't get me wrong...we all had a really fun time....but, I'm kind of a neat freak/germaphobe in a way....and I sort of wished I had a fanny pack just FULL of sanitizer around my hips.

But...that aside....here are some fun pics from the weekend...

My friend Chris and me at Frankie and Johnny's

Beautiful building...

Group at The Gumbo Shop

Breakfast at Muther's...AMAZING omelette!

Dinner at Crescent City Brewhouse...

Drinking our "famous" Hand Grenades...

The last night we were there, we had a "Plan of Action"....No drinking actual drinks...Only shots. ;)

We all had a lot of fun...just good friends enjoying New Orleans and each other's company...LOTS of great food and good times!

Dallas Invades NOLA!

2010-05-06T19:30:00.000-05:00

Sooo excited, because tomorrow morning at 5:30 a.m., I will be heading to the airport to embark upon my first trip to The Big Easy! I can't believe that it's taken me 30 years to get to New Orleans, but the time has finally arrived!!

There is a group of 5 of us going for the weekend and it will be a first for 3 of us! I'm ready to see the French Quarter, Jackson Square...Hear some amazing jazz....See some interesting people....and just have a grand ole time!

I'll take lots of pictures and post about my little vacay when I return (and update on everything else)

Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!!!

Here, There...Everywhere!

2010-04-20T19:10:00.000-05:00

My mind has been spinning around in circles for the past several weeks and I'm still trying to get it to slow down. I am in the process of figuring things out in my life right now.....BIG things....like, SUPER BIG things....so, it's sort of mentally draining in a way.

I need to find my new "career" path and it's quite daunting actually.....There are many things that interest me and that I love, so it's not as cut and dry as I would have thought. But, my mind and heart keep going back to the same idea....teaching. Specifically....preschool.

Ages 3-4 is (in my opinion) the absolute most wonderful age to teach kiddos and I adore children at that age. They yearn to learn (totally didn't mean to make that a rhyme..it just happened..haha)

Children that age are excited to learn and they appreciate what you teach them....they don't see learning as a chore or a negative in any way. And, not only do you get to teach them rudimentary lessons, but you have the honor of imparting the most important lessons of all....Manners, Honor and Kindness.....What a blessing!

So...that's sort of the point that I'm at now and we'll see where it leads. I don't know what my future holds....I don't even know what tomorrow has in store....but, I know that God has a plan for me....and it is greater than anything I could ever imagine.

He is Risen...

2010-04-04T22:37:00.000-05:00

I hope that everyone of you had a beautiful and glorious Easter today....

Such a miraculous and awesome day to celebrate our Lord and Savior....and His unending grace....

Blessings to you.....

Good Doctors....BAD Nurses!

2010-04-03T11:10:00.000-05:00

So, first...let me say a BIG thank you for all the sweet words and prayers for my papa and his surgery yesterday. They were very much appreciated and I love you all for being so caring and thoughtful.

Now...{ahem}...I shall step up on my lovely soapbox....(get comfy folks...grab your popcorn and prop your feet up...this may take a few minutes)

My mom takes my dad to the hospital yesterday morning and gets him all checked in and ready for surgery...Check. She gets out his MRI for the surgeon to use...Check.

Ms. Surgeon Lady looks at said MRI and says, "You've brought the wrong one....this is the one from last year and we need the new one."

Mom: #%^&*^$$% I'll just run home and get it....be back in a flash! (faking a smile at this point as to not get my dad's blood pressure up)

Mom gets on the road headed back to the house (usually about a 25-30 minute drive) WAIT...WHOA....What's with all the police cars? Do they only have one lane open? Why are there steel beems in the middle of the highway? geez.....

So...after her quick ~~two hour~~ one hour trip back to get the "correct" MRI, all is well once more.

They begin the surgery.....I meet mom at hospital.....We laugh....Mom knits....I read.....We chat.....Surgery is over and a SUCCESS! We get to the room and they bring pops in. Of course this is what I would consider the perfect time to ask for that small "loan", get it in writing and remind him of it much later this month....Mom didn't see my logic, so that plan was nixed. :(

The first nurses that dad had actually took decent care of him, although they did forget to do a few things that they should have....ugh....Mom and I went down to eat dinner in the hospital cafeteria around 6:45. Does anyone know the recipe for "Cardboard Pizza"?? Just wondering, because that's what we ended up having to eat...considering that they had closed down every other food station. Great.

The next day, mom and I head up to the hospital around 9 a.m. and walk into the room and hear this annoying beeping sound coming from one of dad's machines. We both look at one another, look at dad...and wonder just how long poor pops has had to deal with this beeping...and more importantly...WHAT IS THIS BEEPING? Finally, a nurse answers the call button and they send someone in.

Now...how to describe the nurse that was on call for my dad....hmm.....How can I do this without being incredibly rude and improper? Oh....I can't. Let me just give you a few details of her behavior to give you an idea.

My dad asks for a new gown.....after about 2 or 3 hours (yes, it must take 3 hours to get the papers signed to get someone a clean hospital gown...ugh) she brings the gown in and just throws it on the bed and walks out...I kid you NOT! So, throughout the day, we are getting mixed messages about whether or not my dad can go home. So, I go ask Nurse Negative (as we'll call her) and I very politely ask if dad can go home today, or if the doctor wants him to stay another day.

She curtly responds and says, "Well, your DAD decided this morning that he wants to stay until tomorrow."

I'm sure I looked stunned and I said, "Well, um..no, he did not decide that. You TOLD us this morning that he would have to stay."

Nurse Negative: "NO, I asked him this morning and he said he wanted to stay!"

Me: "First of all Nurse Negative, he is on morphine....Second of all, WE WERE IN THE ROOM WHEN YOU TOLD US HE WOULD HAVE TO STAY!"

Nurse Negative: "Blah, blah, blah with lots of attitude and eye-rolling"

Me: (turning away from her and talking directly to front desk nurse) "Can you please page the doctor because I will no longer be talking to this person right here. Thank you"

My heart was beating quickly, I was getting all hot...I was FURIOUS that this ignorant and rude woman was treating me (and my family) with such disrespect and indifference. Needless to say...she came into the room about 10 minutes later saying the same thing she said to me...and my dad said, "Umm...I NEVER said I wanted to stay? Are you crazy? Who, in their right mind, asks to stay at the hospital??" Then, she comes up with some bs explanation..."Oh, well...the doctors like to impower the patients these days and let you choose whether or not you get to go home." I could have strangled her....what a moron.

So, I look directly at her and say, "Why don't you go ahead and start on that discharge paperwork. Thankyouverymuch."

After she gets the IV out, we ask about getting a wheelchair......After waiting for 30 minutes, I decide to go ask the front desk nurse about how much longer she thinks it will be. She says, "Oh, I'll call down and have them bring one for you." THAT STUPID, IDIOTIC, RUDE NURSE NEVER EVEN CALLED FOR ONE! We get our wheelchair and go home.....finally!

My mom and I go up to the store to fill dad's prescriptions....I take the yellow sheet up to the pharmacy, hand it to the woman, and she says, "Oh, I'm so sorry...we need the white sheet." THAT STUPID NURSE GAVE US THE WRONG SHEET! My mom has to call and talk to her AGAIN, and it takes 30 minutes for her to fax them over to the pharmacy, so mom had to make another trip up to the store.

I think it goes without saying that this Nurse Negative will be mentioned in a very heated letter and/or phone call very soon!

SOME PEOPLE JUST SHOULDN'T BE NURSES!

Easter weekend...

2010-04-01T00:36:00.000-05:00

Yes, yes....I know. It's been forever since my last post. I apologize for my absence...it's just been kind of a weird time over the past week or so. With the whole "no job and nothing to do all day" thing going on, I sort of lost myself for a bit....

You know...At first, I went through the "trying to "find myself" and figure out what I think will make me happy, discover my passion" phase....Then, I moved in the "watch Lifetime and Hallmark movies in my snuggie whilst gaining about 5 pounds of fluff" phase....Then, I feverishly transitioned in the "feeling guilty about the fact that I actually HAVE the time to workout now, but instead I'm wallowing in self pity and self-medicating with pizza and ice cream" phase...(jeez, can't believe I just confessed all of that....it's kind of cathartic actually) So, now...I'm ready to kick butt in the world again and get active about my life...Not just my job, but everything else...No more waiting for things to happen...I am going to make them happen!

There was something ligitimate holding me back last week though...Tuesday, I had one of my world class migraines that lasts all day, and then Thursday, I got a horrible, excruciating pain in my neck that lasted from Thursday until Tuesday.....this pain made me unable to turn my head, move or do anything at all...and it also gave me a horrible headache...yep...5 days of not being able to turn my neck, wincing from pain just from moving and being pretty much entirely debilitated. It. Was. Not. Pleasant. Nope.

But, thankfully, my chiropractor helped me immensely yesterday, so now I am able to move my neck and the pain is so much lessened....It's still not entirely better, but heck...I thought I was dying it was so bad!

There's really not much to update you on from this past week....considering that 99% of it was spent on either my couch or Mister Cozy-Chair (that's what he likes to be called). But, I did get my hair done!!! Wanna see before and after pics? Huh? Do ya? Are you sure? Really? I mean...you're not just saying that you do, but you really don't? Oh....ok....if you insist......

Before

So, this is me with my blond hair....super fun and sassy...but, I have had it blond for almost 2 years...and that's just way to long for me to have the same hair color! I used to change it for every season...haha...

So...here is what I decided to to.....go just a little more brunette. It's nothing too shocking, but next time, I'll go much darker I suppose.....

It has many color dimensions to it....there is honey, caramel, still some blond and of course, my hair always picks up red tones....I'm excited about my new look! Big changes always need a new hair style...don't you think? I certainly do!

Tomorrow morning, my daddy is going in for surgery on his shoulder. Should be a simple procedure, but please keep him in your prayers....I appreciate it! This weekend, I will just be hanging out at my parent's house and taking care of pops....laughing about goofy things with momma....and as always enjoying every minute that I am blessed to spend with my amazing parents.

This weekend....Easter...is such a special time for Christians and it fills me with hope, grace and awe. I hope that all of you have beautiful memories of past Easters and make some more beautiful memories this weekend.

God Bless.

BACK ON!

2010-03-25T18:07:00.002-05:00

Vampire Diaries new season starts in just one hour! YIPPEE!

(it's the little things these days.....the little things...)

Endings Can Cause Beautiful Beginnings...

2010-03-24T21:20:00.000-05:00

Long story short.....

I got laid off on Monday......bit of a bummer, yes......but also, an opportunity. I look at this as a blessing in disguise. I have now been nudged to do something more creative....something that will actually make me happy.

I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, so I'm confident that something truly great will transpire from this sudden change.

Now, I will admit that I am a little nervous....as I'm not much of a risk taker......but, I've always been told that unless you take risks, you never gain any rewards.

Next on my list.........Figure out what makes me the happiest and how I can make money doing it!

I'm open to hearing ideas.....haha.....

Ahh...Spring in Dallas....What do you mean it's going to snow??!!

2010-03-22T13:25:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was spent relaxing at my parent's house. We're talking low key peeps....and I loved it!

The weather in Dallas was rainy all day Saturday, so we just watched movies and hung around the house all day. Dad made yummy stew (perfect cold weather food) and mom and I watched "Twilight" and "New Moon" back to back....haha!

I'm laying in bed Sunday morning and I hear my bedroom door open.....my dad slowly walks in.....opens the shutters in front of me and I can't believe my eyes!

It looked like something out of a postcard! It was beautiful! Then, I remembered....WAIT...IT'S SPRING!

Just yesterday, it was 70 degrees....and today, the earth is blanketed in snow.....Dallas weather always amazes me.

Then, last night, a friend and I went to see "Crazy Heart"....it was fantastic!

Jeff Bridges did an excellent job and totally deserved the Oscar! Funny story...the theater that we went to serves alcohol and I think one of our fellow movie-goers had been partaking in some spirits. Well, this particular person felt it necessary to make loud comments about things going on in the movie. He would yell "Bullsh**" or "Oh REALLY?!" Just totally random things.....and at first, I thought he was talking to someone with him........Nope....he was by himself....haha! It did cause quite a few giggles throughout the audience several times.....Well, that and his loud belching.

**Oh, and an update regarding my "Aussie Pal"....Because of the blizzard this past weekend (aka, 2 inches of snow), everybody stayed indoors. But, he will be in town all week, so.......

New Moon.....Target....8 a.m.

2010-03-20T10:21:00.000-05:00

For those that have read my blog for a while, you might remember my post last year about my anticipation and preparation for the Twilight dvd when it was released......Well, this morning....we had a repeat of that experience with the dvd release of New Moon.

And, once again.....I was there waiting at Target at 7:55 a.m. thinking there would be a mad dash to grab a copy of the coveted movie.....and once again....I was one of 3 cars in the parking lot....sheesh.

Once....JUST ONCE....I would like to get into some sort of hair pulling, name calling altercation with a 12 year old as she and I go for the last copy......but, alas.....I calmly grabbed the movie and walked up to the register (before they had even opened one up....ugh)

So, since today is nasty and rainy (and likely to snow this evening), there will be a viewing of Twilight and New Moon.....and I'll enjoy it as if I had to fight for it darn it.

Enjoy your Saturday dear bloggy buds....

Beware: PG-13 Content.....

2010-03-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

We've all had to deal with them at some point in our lives. Whether we're related to them, met them in school or work with them on a daily basis. They serve us our coffee at Starbucks....they check out our items at the grocery store....they drive on the roads with reckless abandon.

Folks....I'm speaking of your every day, run-of-the-mill idiot.

(by the way, I love everyone that works at Starbucks and have never had a bad experience at my grocery store...those were just examples.....please don't spit in my coffee Marty.)

Miraculously, I was enlightened today by a website that will alleviate some of this frustration with aforementioned idiots...mostly in the area of "bad drivers/parker". I'll let you explore and get as much pleasure out of it as I did. (I've already printed out about 30 pages....hehe)

http://youparklikeanasshole.com/

Please excuse the vulgar languange in the title....but....it is fitting, dontcha' think?

Enjoy giving out your citations!!!

Am I Dreaming???!!!! Is this FOR REAL?!

2010-03-17T09:21:00.000-05:00

So....I totally am being set up with a guy on Saturday who happens to be an attractive, Christian, conservative, Bush-loving, Obama-disliking, intelligent AND witty guy!!!

Wanna hear the best part? Huh? Do ya? Do YA?!!!!

He. Is. AUSSIE!!!!! Talk to me, you sweet hunk-of-a-man.....

A hunky, republican Austrailian!!! BRING IT ON BABY! (only downside...he apparently just moved to LA....and, let's face it.....there are lots of pretty girls in LA.....but, according to his friend, he is super nice and laid back...Not the "player" type at all....hmm.....we'll see. Am I kidding myself???)

Guess we'll find out on Saturday........{giggle....tehehe.....fidget, fidget....}

Baking for Happiness...

2010-03-16T10:25:00.000-05:00

To say that I love to bake is probably the understatement of the YEAR! I ADORE baking! And, it's not that I love eating sweets or even have a sweet tooth. I just really enjoy creating something that makes people smile.

You add a little butter....sugar....eggs.....vanilla...a dash of this, a dash of that....and POOF! Magically you have constructed a little taste of happiness.

Last night, I decided to try out a recipe that I've been eyeing for about a week now. I knew it wouldn't be hard, but just a bit time consuming. Here is the result....

Lacey Oatmeal-Chocolate Crisps

They look pretty yummy, don't they?

Yeah...these are definitely NOT on my diet. But, again...I don't bake for me. I bake because I love it. :)

(Mom....I know you're reading...Yes, I acquired this beautiful obsession from you and your generous nature to share, make people happy.....oh yeah, and "baking makes people like you"! LOL!)

Mama Needs a New Do...

2010-03-15T21:14:00.000-05:00

My hair is getting borrrrrrrrrrrrrrring! I need a change...like....soon. I want to keep it long, but need something to jazz it up. Color? Layers? Ideas? Anyone? ANYONE?!

I haven't been a brunette in quite a long time, and that is my natural hair color....so, hmmm.....I have an appointment to see my dear friend and hairstylist next Saturday, so I've got a few weeks to ponder this pressing dilemma. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.....Thanks!

THIS MEANS WAR!!!

2010-03-12T15:38:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I think I'm pretty safe writing about work and work-related issues here on my blog...and I REALLY need to vent right now! (if anyone I work with is reading this....it's not about you. And, if it is about you...TAKE A HINT FOOL!)

So, we're having a mini-war at work right now. Let me give you the short story....

I work in the "Executive Wing" in my office....The offices of the CEO, CFO, COO and CLO are in this wing. For obvious reasons, this area should remain relatively quiet and professional. They have many meetings which can be quite important for the company. For the past 5 or 6 months, it has become a growing problem that certain people would traipse through this hallway talking VERY loudly, cursing...Pretty much just showing no respect for anyone who happens to be working. {ahem...ME!}

So, after discussing this issue with the people working in this hallway, they decided to de-activate the key cards for people below VP level. This would keep the "disrepectful people" out of this hallway....for the most part.

WELL....let me just tell you.....That didn't go over so well with these people who feel entitled to whatever they want (everyone in the company abhors this entire group of people...they're all smug, self-righteous jerk faces) But...let me tell you how I really feel! LOL!

Needless to say, those of us in this hallway are fighting tooth and nail to keep them OUT! We'll see what happens, but we're not going down without a fight.....

WHEW! I feel a little better after venting that.....

So...anyone out there have to work with people that make you want to stick sharpened pencils in your open eyeballs? Or, is it just me?

Fabulous, Good, Sort of Alright Friday...

2010-03-12T11:52:00.000-06:00

Even though I think Saturday is probably my favorite day of the week....and Sunday is my second most favorite....Friday is most definitely third! (wow, I just totally trashed Friday....sorry dude)

It is always fun to build up the anticipation of the "Two Days of Bliss" (aka, the weekend)...and plan out activities for your free time, but I still have to work 8 hours today...so, it doesn't win 1st in my book.

For example: Tomorrow, I fully intend to sit on a patio at one of the many amazing restaurants near my home and enjoy the beautiful weather we are supposed to have....most likely sipping on a delish, fruity beverage of some sort. Sunday, I will be trying out a new church (not that I'm unhappy with my current, but I want to give it a shot) and then headed to my parents for quality time (aka, doing laundry and getting quizzed about "why are you still single?" and "when will you give us grandchildren?") I kid, I kid..........sort of.

Hope all of you enjoy your weekend and I look forward to starting my new Blog Adventure with ya'll on Monday!

Spring has sprung!

2010-03-11T10:50:00.000-06:00

Now, I know that spring doesn't officially begin until March 20th...but, lemme tell ya folks...The weather here in Dallas has shifted and I feel it in the air! Everyone seems to be smiling more and walking with some pep in their step!

Of course, along with this beautiful weather, I seem to be getting some kind of silly cold. Ugh. Of course. But, I just downed some Emergen-C, so hopefully it'll karate chop all that nonsense away!

I have officially created my new blog and will begin adding posts on Monday! If you haven't already told me, please let me know if you would like to be invited. My blog will be titled Summer Won't "Weight"...

I will blog about everything from tasty and healthy recipes, exercises that do/don't work for me, struggles that I am going through...and, of course, the dreaded weigh-ins and before/after pictures. EEEP!

Happy Blogging!

New Blog Idea...but, Only for Friends....Thoughts?

2010-03-09T02:19:00.003-06:00

So, I've started yoga...I've tried changing my eating habits...and all in the name of getting healthy and in shape. I am setting realistic goals for myself so that I don't let myself down and actually feel like I'm accomplishing something.

The thing is...I want to take weekly pictures of myself to document my weight loss and really don't want to share that with the entire public, ya feelin' me?

So, I thought about starting up a private (invite only) blog about my weight loss journey, fun exercises, yummy and healthy recipes and just everything that I'm going through on this journey.

Would it be boring? Cause, as I'm writing this, it sounds like it may be boring to everyone except me...BHAHAHA!

Let me know what you think...or ideas you may have...I'm open to suggestions.

Sleep? What's that?

2010-03-09T01:58:00.003-06:00

So...here I am...up and TOTALLY awake at 2 a.m. And, let's face it folks...I have to be at work at 8 this morning...So, I figured I would write and ramble here.

I've been neglecting my blogging duties lately and didn't realize how much I would miss it...I'm talkin' like a child misses their blanket....yep...that much.

I just finished watching "Hoarders". Has anyone seen this? Oh. My. Goodness!

I cannot imagine living in such chaos and filth...and, I do realize that it's a mental illness, so I have sympathy for these people. But, my inner "Monica" also just wants to knock on their door with a broom, mop and bucket and say "GET OUTTA MY WAY AND LEMME DO MY THANG!"

I think I would like to marry a man with an English or Australian accent.....

(ok...wow, random...I guess that's what happens when you type what pops into your head without filtering)

It may be a good idea for me to stop blogging before I say something from which I cannot easily recover...BHAHAHA! (why did I find that so funny?)

Perhaps it's finally time for Bedfordshire now...G'night, Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite, I've never been to New York....OY, there I go again!

Ok...must. stop. typing. now.

Yoga-licious!

2010-03-03T14:43:00.002-06:00

Attention Fellow Bloggers!!!

Could I please get some advice on yoga mats? I just started my yoga practice back up on Monday and want to get a good yoga mat, but I'm not sure which one to get...There are soooo many options!

HELP!

(By the way...after just 2 days of yoga, my arms, legs and booty are so sore that it almost hurts just to think. Yep...that's pretty sore....)

Namaste my lovelies....

Miss you...

2010-02-26T15:26:00.004-06:00

It's been a crazy time the past few weeks my friends...

Sorry that I haven't been updating my blog as I should. (I've already been reprimanded by my mom who says she "uses it to spy on me") Umm...mom...I gave you the URL...I'm pretty sure I'm aware that you are reading this...just sayin'.

I will do my best to update more often...Hope you all have a blessed day!

Checking In...

2010-02-17T16:49:00.002-06:00

First of all...mom came home last Thursday! She's doing alright and feeling much better! Amen! Thank you so much for all of your prayers. It means more than you know...

And, thank you to all of you who said such sweet, kind, caring and supportive words about my last post. I usually don't open up on my blog like that, but I guess I just felt I had to get it out there. You all really lifted my spirits and I feel such love out there in Blogland (yes, it's a place...haha)

I'll update tomorrow on what has been going on over the past week...but, for now...I'm over at my parent's house...my dad is out of town....and mom and I are having a girls night!!! Chick flicks, wine and girl talk! Doesn't get much better than that! I love getting this time with my mom...

BIIIIIIG HUG to all of you....I never knew that I would make such wonderful friends through this blog! I love you!

I am a selfish person...

2010-02-11T09:43:00.002-06:00

So...they finally did the CT scan on momma yesterday evening, but I don't know any of the results yet.

Because of being sick, I have not gone up to see momma at the hospital. She's been there almost 3 days now....But, I'm on antibiotics now and I know that I'm not contagious...so, it shouldn't be a problem now.

Here's my dilemma...I'm scared folks...I don't like her being sick. I try to block it out of my head and go to a happy place. I try to pretend that everything is ok and suppress any feelings of sadness, worry, fear...everything. I fill my days with anything and everything to keep myself busy. I smear a smile across my face, make plans with friends, self-medicate with chocolate (dark chocolate is good for you though, right?) I pray nonstop for God to heal her...but, I feel like I'm not being a good enough daughter. I should be there right now with my dad. He won't leave her side at the hospital...is most likely exhausted going from the house to hospital, hospital to house...My dad has his own health issues to worry about (that's a totally different post altogether) and I should be helping. But, I'm scared.

Friends...the thing that scares me more than anything...is that I will be a totally different person when one of my parents goes to Heaven.

Totally. Different.

And, it scares me to think of who I will be...what changes I will make...if I'll lose friends because of my change. My parents are everything to me. Everything. What will I do without them? Who am I without them? I am nobody...nothing...they made me who I am. They have always supported me without fail, loved me unconditionally without question and been there for me every second of every day.

So I shouldn't be feeling this way. I shouldn't feel like I will disappear when they leave this world....but, I fear I will.

Am I crazy? Am I the only person that is terrified of this? And, when I use the word "terrified", I mean it with every fiber of my being. Terrified

I'm trembling now as I'm typing this....holding back tears of panic. This is why I don't think about it...I just don't think I'm strong enough to handle it.

Who am I without my mommily and papa bear?

Do you WANT to get slapped?

2010-02-10T08:42:00.004-06:00

Do you know what bothers me more than being in a bad mood?

When someone asks me "What's wrong?" (and then, they sort of pout their lips out in a childish way)

{cue the theme music to "Jaws" because it's about to get ugly}

If I'm in a crappy mood, asking me what is wrong will NOT...I repeat NOT, help the situation! It only irritates me even more that you're asking me! Because, for the most part, I usually have no idea why I'm in the bad mood to begin with...

It could be hormones...it could be that someone looked at me the wrong way last week...it could be something I ate the night before...I DON'T KNOW!!

That's the point! It bothers ME when I'm in a bad mood, so for someone else to blatantly point it out turns me into a ~~vicious monster~~ not nice person!

Ok...that's my rant for today...{deep breath}

I actually feel better.....

There IS power in it.....

2010-02-09T10:45:00.003-06:00

I'm speaking of prayer, folks.....simple, beautiful prayer.

Dear, sweet, caring, beautiful, genuine, downright AMAZING Shirley (aka, my momma) is heading to the hospital again as we speak...not sure exactly what's going on, but you know what I would absolutely adore?

Your wonderful and powerful prayers for her....please.

It works....

Thank you...

Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance, Dancin' Machine...

2010-02-08T16:14:00.003-06:00

Friday night's "Girls Night Out" was a SUCCESS!!! (sorry for the grainy pics...took them with my phone)

Although...technically...we had some guy friends also meet us out...

Bel and Me...

Let's just let the pictures speak for themselves....(mostly because after a bottle of sake at dinner, things might have gotten a little blurry...)

My purdy girlies...

It was definitely a fun fun night! There was lots of dancing...lots of flirting...and I plead the fifth on the rest! (I kid, I kid...)

Then, Saturday night...my girl Alex and I went out to help a buddy celebrate his birthday...(we eventually ended up at the same place from the previous night and more dancing ensued...hehe)

Oh Yes, It's Ladies Night....

2010-02-05T14:39:00.008-06:00

and the feeling's right....Oh yes, it's Ladies Night, oh what a night...
{in a deep voice} Ohh, what a night....

That's right, Dallas! WATCH OUT! Because my Purdy Posse will be out on the town tonight!

We'll be starting our evening with some delish sushi here...

Maybe hanging out in their lounge area for a cocktail...

before we dive into their wonderful assortment of sushi goodness...

Then...we'll be heading down the street to this fun little establishment...

Where we will be doing a LOT of this...

And, maybe I'll end the evening with this classic performance...

You never know what could happen with Girls Night Out..........

'Cause I'm Cool Like Dat....I'm Cool like dat...

2010-02-04T09:49:00.005-06:00

{Ring, ring, ring}

Me: Hey mom...what's up? (we have caller ID...I'm not a psychic)

Mom: Hey sugar...do you want to go to the Mavs game tonight? Seats right behind the players and VIP lounge tickets?

Me: Umm..let me think about this {no pause} HECK YES!

It just so happens that I had already made plans to have dinner with this guy, so I call him up and ask if he would rather go to a game....(he's a dude...it's basketball...what do you think he's going to say?)

We had amazing seats just a few rows back from the floor...

Plus, we had VIP Lounge tickets to this super special lounge that I've never even heard of...we had to walk down on the floor, go through the tunnel and down a hallway. They had a yummy buffet set up with all kinds of delicious food and a bartender serving up the drinky poos. Swanky I tell you...swanky...

(please pay no attention to how puffy and pale I look here....ick)

We had a great time and the Mavs won! And, the dude and I really hit it off...super sweet, witty and fun...and he's around 6'7! Even with my 4 inch heels, the guy still has a foot on me! LOL!

Grammys-n-Jammies

2010-02-03T10:13:00.003-06:00

This past Sunday, I decided to have a little get-together to watch the Grammys AND to celebrate my 21-day fast being over!!! I can't believe I made it that long...I really surprised myself!

So, I had a cheese plate, made hummus, meatballs and yummy iced sugar cookies (in the shapes of guitars and music notes) for my "Grammys-n-Jammies" party! I had two friends come over and we had a grand ole time.

Me and Alex in our jammies...

Thursday Ramble Jamble....

2010-01-28T12:17:00.003-06:00

I truly have nothing to really say today, but I haven't blogged in like FOREVER, so I thought I would just start typing and see what my little digits decided to tippy tap out on the keyboard.

My guitar lessons are going great so far! This dude (who actually plays in a band in town) is my teacher and his teaching methods really work well! I'm looking forward to getting good and rockin' out soon!

So, last night, my friend and I drove to the movie theatre because we had screening passes to see "Dear John" (I'm a member of a website that gives you free movie passes before the movies come out)

Well, little did we know that it was going to be PACKED! I'm talking sardines here! And, we weren't even guaranteed a seat! Mind you, we got there a full HOUR before the show was supposed to start. Needless to say, we waited about 3 minutes and 27 seconds, looked at one another and walked out of the theater. No words even needed to be said..haha...We can afford to go to a movie now and then...We did not, however, feel like waiting for an hour for a movie that we might not even get into....Thanksbutnothanks!

Today, the weather is gloomy and rainy here in Dallas...and I think some storms are moving in for this afternoon and evening. So, that means my couch will get some major "Summer Booty" time! (hehe..get it..cause I'll be sitting on my couch..and the couch......oh, nevermind)

Welp...that's about all I've got today blogaroonies!

Happy Friday!

2010-01-22T16:42:00.002-06:00

I would like to send out joyous wishes to everyone in bloggyland! Hope you all have a spectacular weekend!

I will be spending tomorrow with my grandparents, asking them questions and hearing all about their interesting lives (before I was around...haha) I always love going over to their house and visiting with them. I hear stories about my Dad-dad in World War II.....how my Me-ma was sent off to an orphanage during the Great Depression because her family just couldn't afford to keep her at home at that time.

So many things that always amaze me and make me realize how fortunate my generation truly is and how we should be so incredibly thankful for what we have.

So....I'm off to start my weekend now! I love you all and best wishes!

"Here baby, there momma, everywhere daddy daddy"

2010-01-21T12:40:00.003-06:00

Ahhh....Hair.....

A woman's unique fashion accessory...and, sometimes, a woman's arch nemesis.

So, last night, I was trying on some new clothes that I bought online (don't you love receiving packages!) I was trying one shirt...then, the next...then, I felt something fall as I was changing. The tag slowly dropped to the ground and I thought nothing of it at first. Then, I realized that each tag was secured to the clothing by a small, itty, bitty gold safety pin.

Umm....Hmm....Well, there's the tag....but, I don't see a safety pin anywhere...hmm..

{light bulb goes off and I freeze into place}

That tiny little menace was caught somewhere in my carpet and I was sure to find it (most likely with the bottom of my tender tootsie) So, I slowly and carefully felt around on the ground for about 5 minutes until I finally just resigned myself to the fact that I would most likely step on it during one of my 4 a.m. bathroom trips, half asleep, probably fall as a result, bump my head on the wall and end up just laying on the floor curled up into a ball.

I go about the rest of my evening...watch a bit of tv...practice my guitar and then go into my bathroom to wash my face, brush my teeth and hop into beddy-bye.

As I'm finishing up, I decide to brush my hair to get out a few tangles and as I am, I hear something "ping" on the ground. I look down and lo and behold....the Phantom Safety Pin! I had been sporting that lovely gold hunk-o-metal in my hair the entire time.....nice.

Makes me think that in no time at all, I'll end up looking like this lady...

Wordless Wednesday - My beauty

2010-01-20T14:22:00.003-06:00

(I'll be a rock star in no time....)

Slide, Slide, Slippity-Slide....

2010-01-15T11:08:00.002-06:00

Sorry Coolio fans, but this is no "Fantastic Voyage".... ;)

Yesterday afternoon, I got home and immediately went to my neighbors house to check on her cat (I'm cat-sitting while she's away). I filled up the food bowl, gave him fresh water, loved up on him and then went to the dirty task of cleaning out the litter box. Ahhh yes...everyone's favorite....{blech}

So, after finished my tasks and giving the sweet feline one last pet and receiving one last purrrr of thanks, I picked up the ~~hazardous waste~~ bag of "used" litter and walked out, down the hall and out the gate to take it downstairs to the trashcan.

Well, it's been drizzling lately and we have polished concrete in the breezeways outside our apartments. (let's all keep in mind that I'm still wearing my 3 1/2 inch pointy toe boots) So, as I'm walking out of the gate and just a few feet from the stairs, my left foot slips out from under me and starts wildly sliding underneath my right leg, until it's completely bent underneath me and I'm on my bottom! OOOOOUUUUCH!

I landed hard on my knee and my lovely pointy boot is bent up underneath my bum! Another OUCH! Of course, one of the first things I did was quickly look around to see who might have witnessed this graceful tumble, but saw nobody in sight. {whew!} I carefully slid my left leg out and put both of my feet on the first step and just sat there on the cold, wet pavement for about 2 minutes quietly whimpering and trying hard not to let a few lonely tears escape.

After overdoing it in the suffering department ("Family Guy" style), I finally got up and hobbled down to finally dispose of the ~~stupid reason I fell in the first place!~~ bag of refuse.

I walked into my apartment, changed into my pajamas, took some Advil, made myself a hot cup of passion fruit tea, turned on one of my Lifetime movies and securely fastened my snuggie around me.

...then....quietly to myself....I giggled for about an hour....OH how I wish I could've seen that fall! HAHAHAHA!!!

Fasting for clarity and health...

2010-01-12T14:39:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I started a 21-day fast that my church is participating in called the Daniel Fast. We started with a 24 hour liquid fast, then moved into the Daniel Fast.

Here's a little info if you are curious...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Fast

It pretty much cuts out all meats, poultry, fish, dairy, bread, caffeine, sweeteners, refined and processed foods, fried foods and alcohol. And, I'm allowed to eat all fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, water, herbal tea and fruit juice (100% fruit).

We are asked to choose a specific prayer for this time of fasting. My prayer is to heal my dad and keep my mom healthy and strong.

I hope that during this time, I also pick up my bible more, pray more and feel an even closer bond to my Heavenly Father.

(When the fast ends on February 1st, you better believe that I will be enjoying a HUGE steak, glass of red wine and chocolate molten cake for dessert! Just sayin'!)

So Proud of My Boys!!!

2010-01-11T09:50:00.003-06:00

Get ready for Sunday, Vikings.....

YOU'RE GOING DOWN!!!

New Years in Colorado...

2010-01-08T15:41:00.004-06:00

Instead of spending New Years Eve here in Dallas, 2 of my girlfriends and I decided to head out to Vail, Colorado and celebrate 2010 surrounded by beautiful snow!

We flew into Denver the morning of the 31st and then drove to Vail...

Everything was so picturesque and breathtaking...

This is where we stayed...

For New Years Eve, we headed into Vail Village and had dinner at Terra Bistro with two of our guy friends that were staying there in Vail.

It was COLD folks....I mean C.O.L.D! We parked in a parking garage and began walking to the restaurant (maybe one block away). I made the super duper intelligent decision of wearing open toe heels......(this will come back to bite me in the bum)

So, we're walking down some stairs...I've taken maybe all of 15 steps so far...and I realize just how frigid it really is. My teeth start clacking...my shoulders start shaking...and there is nothing I can do about it! Then...that's when it happens...my poor, exposed, precious little "piggies" start burning. We keep walking....they start burning more....I was practically running (on ice) to get to the restaurant because I felt as though I may lose my toes if I was out there much longer. I've never felt such pain from the cold in ALL MY LIFE!

We finally make it inside the restaurant and I'm practically going into convulsions! We sit down and the hostess comes over, looks at us like we've lost our minds and says, "Did you wear those shoes out there?" Everything in me wanted to slap her into next week for such a remark, but I could barely keep my breathing steady....much less, plan an attack on ill-mannered restaurant staff.

(come to find out, people actually wear their heavy-duty boots, carry their "pretty" shoes and then check their boots when they arrive places.....Yeah...like we were supposed to know that! Sheesh!)

Once our feet went from numb, back to burning, then finally back to normal...We were able to enjoy the festive decorations in the restaurant. It was brimming with colorful streamers, balloons and confetti!

We had a wonderful dinner, great wine and toasted one another with some bubbly when the clock struck twelve.

The next day, we all slept in and got massages at the spa in our hotel. It was a great way to start the new year! That evening, we snuck out to the hot tub...

This was the view from our balcony...

We all had a wonderful time relaxing and ringing in the new year!

Christmas Festivities...

2010-01-08T14:52:00.003-06:00

Once again, Christmas was wonderful, glorious and filled with lots of laughter and love. I adore this time of year...celebrating the birth of Jesus and gathering with people I love.

I love my Mema and Dad-dad....

Yep...that's right folks. The time has arrived. I finally have a snuggie!

(it was a gift, so technically, I didn't give into the hype)

My momma made this stocking for me when I was just a baby and I love looking at it every year at Christmas. It's so special to me...

My parents are just about the most adorable people in the world!

Now, you can see why I'm holding out for Mr. Right! I want to have a relationship like my parents have with one another....It's such a special and inspiring thing to behold....

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families and friends...

TEXAS....FIGHT!

2010-01-07T12:58:00.002-06:00

This evening is gonna be exciting!!!

GOOOOOO LONGHORNS!!!!!

San Diego Adventure...

2010-01-05T16:12:00.006-06:00

My weekend trip out to San Diego was lots of fun! I went to visit my friend Troy...

The first night there, we had dinner at the Coronado Hotel...this was their beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby...it was HUGE!

The next day, we hop in his car (amazingly beautiful Aston Martin) and start driving. He told me that it's a surprise location that he's taking me to....we're driving down the 5....and I'm totally clueless.....until....

I see this sign!!!!

I was SOOOOO excited!!! I LOVE Disney! And, I've never been to Disneyland, so I was soooo stoked! Everything was so colorful and whimsical...AND, to make things like a BAZILLION times cooler...Everything was covered with Christmas decorations! Two of my favorite things in the world....Disney...and Christmas...all wrapped up into one! I was in Heaven!

I know that the entire time we were walking around, I just had a goofy smile smeared across my face and wide child-like eyes!

When I saw this stand with the colorful lollipops...I just knew I had to get one!

Oh...and Christmas Minnie ears, too...hehe

When I was about 7 years old, my parents took me to Disney World in Orlando (this was back when Epcot Center was brand spankin' new...yes...a LONG time ago..haha) I really enjoyed it, but don't remember a lot of it because it was so long ago. One thing I DO remember was riding Space Mountain. Why, you ask, do I remember riding this coaster? Well, I was a wee-little one at that age, but determined to do everything my parents did...So, they sort of "smuggled" me onto the ride (even though I wasn't really tall enough) My feet didn't touch the bottom of the coaster car....Normally, this would not be an issue, but for those of you who know this ride, you know that it is COMPLETELY. IN. THE. PITCH. DARK.

So...needless to say....my little chicken legs were swingin' and a-swayin' and I had no idea if they were going to be chopped off at any moment (seeing as how I couldn't see a thing) Therefore...I ~~balled and screamed like a banshee~~ whimpered a bit.

*sidenote: I did not lose any limbs that day*

So, I decided to conquer this beast once and for all!

And, I had a BLAST riding it this time around!!!

Another ride that I had anticipated as a youngster at Disney World was Pirates of the Caribbean...but, that particular ride was closed the day we were there...bummer.

But...FEAR NOT! 23 years later, I am able to ride it!!!!

Disneyland at nighttime was probably my absolute fave! Everything just sparkled like diamonds!

Why look! There is my future house!

The next day, we drove out to La Jolla (this time taking his Lamborghini..yes, he likes flashy cars..haha) We went to the Children's Pool out there...

We watched the seals...

The view was really pretty...

I had a fun time in sunny California and look forward to heading back out that way again soon!

Vacations, Christmas, New Years.....

2010-01-04T10:47:00.000-06:00

I will post about ALL of my fun adventures very soon....promise! But, today...is "Play Catch-Up at Work" day....so, it will have to wait just a bit...

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

California, Here I Come!!!

2009-12-18T10:59:00.003-06:00

In just a few hours, I will be heading out to San Diego! Just another weekend trip to visit a friend...

Should be nice to be enjoy a weekend of warmth and sunshine!

Happy Friday my dear bloggy friends!

Paris, Je t'aime....A LOT!

2009-12-15T14:26:00.014-06:00

Oh my my....Where to begin....well, Paris was AMAZING!!! It was more beautiful, more romantic, more majestic than I could have EVER imagined (and believe me folks...I've been imagining Paris for decades now!)

I studied French for 4 years in high school...then, studied it another 4 in college. I LOVE the language and history...it's always fascinated me!

So, when he asked me to join him on a weekend trip to Paris...it took me all of 3 hours of deliberating to finally tell him YES! (I actually decided about 3 seconds after he asked me, but I couldn't let him think it was that easy to get me to go to another country with him)

Our plane left on Thursday at 5 p.m. I sat by the window, he sat on the aisle. I giggled and smiled and fidgeted almost the entire 8 1/2 hour plane ride. You would have thought it was my very first time on a plane! I just couldn't believe that I was headed to Paris. This feeling of utter elation and joy would rush over me in an instant and I would just shiver with anticipation...acting much like a 5 year old on Christmas morning running up to the tree to see what Santa left...I felt like a child. It was a pure and innocent jubilance.

Our plane touched down in Paris...There were no mere butterflies in my tummy, but a tumultuous storm and whirling tornado of new, exciting emotions. I can't completely articulate what and how I was feeling....this was new...it was excitement laced with anxiety. Would Paris be what I thought? Would I be let down? Will this love that I've had for this place still remain once I've experienced it first hand?

After about 30 minutes of confusion trying to figure out how to buy tickets for the train...we decided to grab a cab to our hotel..haha. May be more expensive, but we were just done with waiting around.

As we're driving through Paris, leaving Charles de Gaulle airport, I realize that Paris doesn't look much different than a lot of cities at this point. There were modern type buildings, a downtown area with high rises and such.

Then....it happened....we turned a corner.......we're driving along.....and all of a sudden....I see....THIS!

IT WAS REAL!!! I'M REALLY HERE! I think I nearly fainted when I saw the beautiful L'Arc de Triomphe. I have a painting on a wall in my apartment that I can see when I am laying in bed...it's a painting of L'Arc de Triomphe...I stare and stare at it...night after night...dreaming...wishing...hoping....and now...here I am. Unreal.

We have some time before checking into the hotel, so we decide to grab a bite to eat off the Champs Elysees. We stop at a place called Cafe Georges V..and it was ADORABLE!!!

I had a ham and cheese sandwich and TWO glasses of Chablis (hey..I know it was only 11 a.m., but IT'S PARIS! It would have been wrong not to drink wine with every meal...haha)

We check into the hotel and get settled....

This was the inside of the hotel elevator...

This was the view from my room...it was unbelievable...I could see the Eiffel Tower and all of Paris...I was in heaven!

And...this store was right next door....hehe...

Am I really here?

Why, yes.....Yes I am!

We made the ~~idiotic~~ time-saving decision to walk up the Eiffel Tower instead of waiting in line for the elevator for over an hour. I will admit that it was sort of my idea to walk up...After about 200 steps, I realized what an absolute numbskull I am. I was huffing and puffing...goodness, you would have thought I was running a marathon. And, of course, Joe (being the hiker that he is) isn't one bit out of breath...{punk}

I would have to stop about every 10 steps or so and just lean over, taking in deep breaths, praying for ~~the whole thing to just collapse on me and end my suffering~~ the energy to go on. When we finally made it to the first level, I felt VICTORIOUS! That is...until I looked up and saw that we still have about 4 miles to go....ugh.....And, as I was dragging myself up to the second level, there would be some sassy teenagers giggling and running up the stairs playing tag and not ONE. BIT. OUT. OF. BREATH! (I had already made up my mind I was going to trip the next one that swooshed past me, but because of my motor skills being slowed down by lack of oxygen, I wasn't able to wreak any havoc...lucky kids...)

Needless to say...we walked up as far as they would let us walk and I acted very disappointed and let down that they wouldn't let us walk up to the very top. {I don't think Joe was buying it though}

Check out this unbelievable view!

We stopped in their little cafe and had some hot chocolate...it was SOOO GOOD!

Our day of walking led us to the Louvre!!!

Isn't it beautiful?!

Outside the entrance to the Louvre!

I cannot begin to describe to you how massive and beautiful each and every room in the Louvre truly is...if you've been, you know what I'm talking about. It's like a dream...each room leads into yet another magical room, into another, and another. And, every room is more beautiful than the last. And, I'm not even talking about the art!!! Just the architecture of the building itself is incredible!

It's massive and neverending....and the ceilings....OHHH the ceilings!!!

Of course, we had to stop in and say a quick "Bonjour" to Mona....

And good ole Venus de Milo...

It would be quite easy to spend 2 or 3 full days just walking around the Louvre looking at everything and really soaking it up. But, being that we were on a bit of a time crunch, we saw everything in less than 3 hours.

We continued our walking tour of Paris and ran into the Luxembourg Gardens and Palace....massive and captivating in its allure. So grandiose...

We marched on over to see Cathedrale Notre Dame...I was consumed by its exquisite architecture and intricate details flowing and trickling down each side of the structure...the gargoyles peering down at me...wise sentries guarding their illusive and mysterious past.

We happened upon the Hunchback himself!!!

The Parthenon...

Street vendors on La Seine...

We walked and walked for hours around Paris just absorbing every detail we could...every smell of pastries wafting through the ancient streets...every glorious stone that made up the buildings...It was bewitching....

I couldn't help but snap a quick pic as we were passing this store.....

I guess "Victoria" just couldn't cut it here in Paris...haha

This patisserie (sweets shop) was ALL BLUE! I kid you not! ALL BLUE! It was enchanting! I've never seen anything like it before and I was in awe!

There were book stores absolutely EVERYWHERE! Around every corner, down every street...there were dozens...

We stumbled upon this quaint little shop and upon entering were overtaken by the magnificent bouquet of rich chocolate. I can smell it now....mmmm....

Yep...that's a chocolate mountain....

We decided to take the riverboat cruise on La Seine and it was well worth it....

Every night, the Eiffel Tower lights up and is really dazzling with it's brilliancy!

Walking back to the hotel, I noticed this beauty....all lit up...Well, hello there my lovely....Don't mind if I do....

I have left out so many things, but know that I've probably lost 90% of you wonderful readers already with my verbose telling of my trip...I was just overloaded with happiness and contentment...and I was definitely not ready to leave....

Paris has seduced me with its intoxicating beauty...it has hypnotized me into submission and there is no looking back. I must go back...it must be soon...and it MUST be for at least a week (or a year)

Paris, Here I Come!!!

2009-12-10T09:42:00.002-06:00

In 7 hours, I will be on a plane heading to Paris!!!! I just can't begin to describe how completely excited I am!!! And, I'm really looking forward to spending time with "New Guy" also...He's super duper sweet and we have a lot in common...we'll see! :)

I totally just downloaded an Edith Piaf ringtone....hehe.....

I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M GOING TO PARIS!!!!

Weekend jaunt.....

2009-12-07T10:13:00.002-06:00

So...I have a second date with "New Guy"...(that's what we'll call him)

He's taking me to Paris for the weekend......

And...no...not Paris, TX

Thoughts??? :)

Fashion Show Fun...

2009-12-03T09:24:00.004-06:00

(**side note - my date went well and we will be going out again...feel free to email me for more deets, but I like to keep things a little on the DL here on the bloggy poo**)

So, last night...some friends and I went to a fashion show/charity event. We actually went because the guy I went on a date with bought us a table even though he was out of town (very nice!)

The band Boss Level performed and they were good...

I just don't get fashion sometimes...some of these outfits were WAY out there!

Me and my girl Alex...

It was a fun night! Because we had a table, we also had bottle service (aka: a bottle of liquor) Well, there were four of us at the table, but two of the girls weren't partaking in the adult beverage....so, that left me and Alex to polish off an entire bottle of vodka. (they don't "allow" you to take what's left home with you) Obviously, two petite girls cannot drink an entire bottle of vodka (not that we would even want to), so we decided to smuggle the bottle out in Alex's coat...haha. I was in charge of creating a distraction, so that Alex could slyly place the bottle in her coat. IT WORKED!!! VICTORY IS OURS!!!

We get back to the apartment (she lives right across the hall from me) and I realize that I left my coat at the bar....ugh....You win some, you lose some....

Back in the Saddle Again.....

2009-12-01T16:34:00.002-06:00

So...umm....I sort of....umm.....have a date tonight.

{insert girly giggle}

I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow...

Now...what to wear, what to wear????

Thanksgiving Festivities....

2009-12-01T13:29:00.004-06:00

Yowza! Where does the time go?! I can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone...and now, we are only 24 short days away from my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE HOLIDAY OF ALL TIME!!!!

~ CHRISTMAS ~

Everything about Christmas just makes me soooo happy! But, before I dive into my "Christmas Hysteria"....here are pics from Thanksgiving...

Last minute preparations...

Table of desserts...(and believe me, this wasn't all of them...)

My wonderful parents

Me and my beautiful Mema

Me and my friend Alex

The boys...

The girls...

Everyone had a great time! And, my Cowboys WON!!! WOOO-HOOO!

Mommily Updates....

2009-11-24T10:41:00.003-06:00

First of all...thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts! It means so much to me to have such awesome bloggy friends out there!

Mom is HOME! They released her last night, and she is resting at home as we speak (or, as I type...hehe)

Everything seems to be alright, so we are very happy about that.

Thanks again and BIG hugs and kisses to all of you!!!

Prayers needed....

2009-11-22T14:24:00.003-06:00

Hello my dear blog friends....I have an earnest request...

Please pray for my momma....She's in the hospital and doing alright...but, we're not exactly sure what is going on. I would greatly appreciate your prayers and thoughts...

Thanks from the bottom of my heart....

My Love Affair.....with New Moon (no spoilers)

2009-11-20T08:52:00.004-06:00

Thursday, November 19 (morning): IT'S HERE! THE DAY HAS FINALLY ARRIVED! YIPPEE!

(noon): Sheesh...will this day EVER be over so I can leave work and get to the movie?!

(12:01 p.m.): WHAT?! It's only been ONE minute since I looked at the clock?! {patience Summer...patience}

(3:30 p.m.): Alright...I'm outta here! I just can't take it any longer!

(7:30 p.m.): Arrive at mall (where theatre is located) to do a little shopping before meeting my friends at a restaurant around 9ish.

WHOA NELLY! There's already a LINE?!!!! Umm...do I get in line? They won't be here until later....oh goodness...what to do, what to do? I want good seats....can I really sit here for nearly 5 hours waiting...sitting on hard, cold concrete??

.........Yes....Yes, I can.....For Edward, I can endure ANYTHING!!!!

So, here I am...at 7:45 p.m....already in line for a movie that won't start until 12:30 a.m. Umm...how do I keep from getting bored? Ugh...should have thought about this beforehand...Well, at least there's some VERY INTERESTING people watching. (do these kids look in a mirror before leaving their house? honestly...)

(8:45 p.m.): What is WITH all of these screaming tweeners?! I'm getting a twitch from all the high pitched squeals! Seriously little girls! Is that REALLY necessary?! Mr. Pattinson is NOT here...neither is Taylor....so, what is with the yelping??!!

(10:30 p.m.): First friend finally arrives! Hooray!!! A buddy! OOOH...and she brought me Starbucks!!! Alright, friend...you're forgiven for being so late.

(11:00 p.m.): Second friend arrives! Yippee! Now, we're all here and can get all giddy!

By this time, I am having to shift about every 30 seconds because my bottom hurts, my feet are cramping up...my back is aching...(I think I'm too old for this)

(12:15 a.m.): THEY'RE LETTING US IN!!!!! (ahh...more screaming...lovely)

We ~~push and shove~~ carefully make our way to the theatre, and find PERFECT seats! Ahhhh...comfy, plush theatre seats....

NEW MOON BEGINS!!!!!

I won't spoil anything for those of you who haven't seen it yet...but, I WILL say that I was very pleased with the movie and thought it followed the book REALLY well!

Was is worth waiting in line for 5 hours around ~~annoying~~ innocent teens and tweens?

That would be a big...

YES!

Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight.....HOT DANG TONIGHT!

2009-11-19T09:45:00.002-06:00

I just don't think I can hold it in much longer....in just a little over 14 hours, I will be engrossed in Edward, Bella and Jake's lives as if they were my own! (do I need to seek professional help??)

I haven't decided which Twi-shirt to wear yet...hmmm.....decisions, decisions.....

You better believe that I will be blogging about it tomorrow...but, I'll make sure to alert you of spoilers! No worries there folks!

the countdown has begun.....

10....9......8.....7.....6.....5.....4.....3.....2....1......

NEW MOON!!!

Palpitating Heart.....

2009-11-17T12:30:00.002-06:00

So...you see that little "New Moon" countdown there on the right side of my blog....see...right there ----->

Well, it has me SOOOO pumped...because it's getting soooo close! So close....

I hope I don't faint.....

Blank...

2009-11-13T12:55:00.003-06:00

Seriously...I've just been totally blank lately when I think about what I want to write....it's like my creativity has taken a vacation and I don't know when it will return.

On another note...I totally put up all of my Christmas decorations already!! Ok, ok...I KNOW I'm getting some major stern looks out there (I used to be one of you)...but, I have a good reason for putting it up so early.

I. Am. Never. Home! I mean NEVER! (it seems that way anyway) And, Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year! So, I wanted to be able to enjoy the colors, lights and smells for more than just a few days here and there. This way, I'll get to see my festive bits and bobs and actually enjoy them!

I love that I keep a full calendar, but sometimes just looking at it wears me out...haha. I don't have a free weekend until after the first of the year! And, during the week, there seems to be something almost every night! Don't get me wrong...every single thing is FUN stuff...parties, bible studies, dinners, sorority alumni events, etc. But, it IS nice every now and then to just go home...sit on my comfy couch...and just stretch out with a glass of wine in one hand, book in the other and just relaxxxxxxx......

OH...in other news...I've got my New Years Eve plans locked down and I am SUPER STOKED!!! Me and 3 of my girlfriends will be traveling to Vail, Colorado for 3 days of skiing, shopping and relaxing!!!

Here is where we are staying!!!!

(unreal, right?!)

Austin Weekend Fun......

2009-11-09T16:09:00.004-06:00

Here are some pics from my little jaunt to Austin last weekend....

At the bar in Hilton before going out...

Out at J. Blacks

Saturday, we went to the UT game...and, of course TEXAS WON!! HOOK 'EM!!

Getting ready to start our night..

Before dinner at Kenichi

Girls at Lanai

Fun weekend with good friends...

It DEFINITELY didn't help my cold, though.... ;)

'Cause I get a 1000 hugs...From 10,000 lightning bugs...

2009-11-06T12:17:00.003-06:00

(That title has NOTHING to do with this post, but that song just makes me SO happy..haha)

So, I've had a nasty cold the past several days and I'm hoping it sort of goes away within the next few hours, because some girlfriends and I are driving down to Austin for the UT game! I LOVE college football! There's just so much energy and excitement in the air...and everyone is pumped up and positive! It's always a good time!

TEXAS! FIGHT!!!!

Hope everyone has a super-dee-duper weekend!!! Sending out hugs, smooches and laughter to all of you!

"Undy 5000" - 2009

2009-11-04T09:12:00.003-06:00

This past Saturday, my parents and I walked in the Undy 5000 benefiting Colon Cancer Awareness! We raised quite a bit of money and I'm soooo thankful to everyone who gave so generously!

Here are my parents and I at the finish line...

I'm so proud of both of my parents and love them dearly. Thanks to all of my blog friends who constantly listen to me gush about them...I'm sure it must get old..haha....but, I sincerely cannot wait to pass on the legacy to my children one day that my parents have passed on to me.

Halloween.....through the years.....(Warning!! Picture Overload!!)

2009-11-03T14:22:00.012-06:00

Yes, yes...this post is a little late...but, I thought it would still be fun!

I don't know if my parents were trying to hint at something...but, my first costumes were a witch and a devil...haha

With my beautiful momma...

She still makes me smile like that...

HEY! Where ya goin'??

Spooky witch...

(don't you just love the orange shag carpet...haha)

With my puppy, Beaumont...loved that dog...

As Raggedy Ann...umm...can you tell I knew what to do when the camera was on??

Already a little diva....sheesh...

Ballerina...

I LOVED Raggedy Ann SOO much, that I had to dress as her again...and I wore one of my doll's outfits..haha

Again....with the posing....

Yep...that's right folks...She Ra, Princess of Power!!!

This was 8th grade...I was attempting to be all sexy and grown up..haha

Now, that you experienced my blast from the past...here is this past weekend's festivities....

The Fashion Industry Gallery hosted a party called "Fright Fete" and it was LOTS of fun!!! There were some pretty outrageous and fun costumes that night...(remember, I live in a downtown area and there are ALL sorts of characters...haha)

With my girls...

This dude was dressed as Edward Cullen (he looked NOTHING like Edward, but I let him pretend-bite me anyway....lol!)

Me and my girl, Alex

I dressed as a Candy Corn Witch, by the way...

Halloween is always such a fun night! But, I've decided that next year...I'm skipping out on the party and going Trick-or-Treating instead....

I MISS HAVING BUCKETS OF CANDY!!! ;)

For my mom....

2009-10-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

Several years ago, when I was just a kiddo, we got the news.

Now, this is not the "jump up and down-so excited-pee your pants" sort of news....nope, this was very real and hard for me to understand. My parents came to me...sat me down and told me....

Dad: "Summer...mom is sick. She has cancer."
Me: "Well...is she going to be ok?"
Dad: "Yes, she'll be fine."
Me: "Oh...well, ok then."

Even at the age of 12, I had absolute, unwavering faith in my parent's "force" (as I'll call it). This "force" that I speak of is something all of you know about. You know when you're a child, you think that your parents can DO anything, BE anything, HAVE anything...that they are ALL-Powerful and sort of rule the earth...Well, I still felt that my parents had this "force" at age 12. (I lived a sheltered life...haha)

So, when my dad told me that mom was going to be fine....I believed him. I truly don't remember worrying that much about it.

-Even when my mom had to have surgery (several times)...and my dad wouldn't leave her side at the hospital...and I stayed with my grandparents....It never entered my mind that anything bad could happen.

-Even when my mom had to have chemotherapy...and she was constantly sick...My parents reassured me..."Everything will be fine, Summer." -----I believed.

-Even when my mom had radiation therapy....and lost all of her hair....We made it a "fun shopping trip" to pick out wigs....Still didn't worry.

-Even when my dad threw my mom the BIGGEST Christmas party they've EVER had inviting ALL of her friends (because he thought it may be her last)......It didn't enter my mind.

It has been around 16 or 17 years since my mom has been in remission (Thank you God)

I remember when it hit me.....when I realized that my parents had sheltered me from the fear of losing her....when I realized that my mom was only breaths away from being forever out of my life. I remember feeling like I had been punched in the stomach, because of how carefree I had treated the situation. I remember feeling sharp pangs of guilt and deep feelings of remorse for not being worried or sad. I felt incredibly selfish and inconsiderate....

I couldn't understand why my parents had hidden how serious it was from me. I didn't know why I had been so ignorant and blind to the fact that she was slipping away right in front of my eyes....and I....I was completely unaware.

I felt like the worst daughter in the world.

Tomorrow morning, my parents and I are walking in a 5K called the Undy 5000 (hehe...LOVE the name). It benefits Colon Cancer Awareness, and is obviously very important to me. My mom, AKA The Most Amazing, Beautiful, Strong, Generous and Loving person, means more to me than I think she realizes...and I love her more every single day.

My mom is my best friend....my confidante...my shoulder to cry on...my inspiration...my role model....

She is everything to me....and I love her.

Love you mommily!

It's the end of the world as we know it...

2009-10-29T11:48:00.003-05:00

This weekend, our church is starting a new series called "The End of the World". I am extremely excited about this message and interested to see what verses and topics our pastor focuses on.

Like I'm sure all of you out there in Blogland, I have definitely thought about what "The End" will be like, when it will be, etc, etc....There are a myriad of movies out there that depict different "end of the world" scenarios.....Most with intense and spectacular effects, and it's almost always a very terrifying end result.

Now, I obviously have no idea what the end will look like...when it will be...how long it will take....but, I do know that as Christians, we shouldn't be afraid of it. This battle has already been won....and WE are the victors!!!

I look forward to sharing the message with you Monday, and hope you are all having a wonderful Thursday!!!

Ramblings....

2009-10-28T10:55:00.004-05:00

Ok, first thing's first.

drum roll, please.........

I

Bought

My

Ticket

To

See

New

Moon!

WHOOPIE!! THAT'S RIGHT BABY!!! Going to the 12:30 a.m. showing on November 20th! Soooo pumped!

Ok....deep breaths....whew....deep breaths.....alright..I think I'm better now.

AHHHHHHH! NEW MOON, NEW MOON!!! EDWARD!!! JACOB!!!

{wheeze} ok...feeling faint again....breathe Summer....breathe....

_________________________________________

** Ok, moving on....(reluctantly)**

Now, to all my ladies watching So You Think You Can Dance....HOW AWESOME IS THIS SEASON GOING TO BE, RIGHT??!!!! These dancers might just be the best group YET! Although I'm not really that fond of the tap dancers (not hatin' on tap...it's just not my favorite type of dancing to watch)

I'm stoked to see what this group of dancers is capable of....will be an exciting season!!!

_________________________________________

Tonight, I'm going to a sorority alumni event called "Fashion with a Passion" and am looking forward to bonding time with sisters. I have been trying to get more involved with my alumni group and look forward to more of the events we have coming up this season!

Happy Blogging my sweets!

Face of the Earth...

2009-10-27T09:00:00.002-05:00

No...I haven't fallen off of it.... ;)

I've got some posts coming up...promise!

SENDING OUT BLOGGY LOVE TO YOU ALL!!!

Super Fun weekend!!!

2009-10-19T11:08:00.007-05:00

It has been crazy busy for me lately! I feel like I've been going, going, going and not really slowing down much. And, the thing is...I don't think it WILL be slowing down anytime soon..haha....Oh well, I love it!

Saturday morning, I walked in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure which benefits breast cancer awareness....This means a lot to me because both my Me-ma and great aunt Ruth fought this disease. My Me-ma won her battle, but my aunt did not...

I've done this race many years now, and every year I am astonished at the number of people involved...I believe they said that somewhere around 25-35 thousand are out there!!!! How awesome is THAT?!

I participated in the 5K and ran some, walked some...I love seeing how many people are out there dressed in their pink!

I DID IT!!!

After wearing myself out, I went home and immediately started getting ready for the BIG GAME!!! What game is that, you ask? Only the biggest game OF. THE. YEAR!

TEXAS VS. OU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went over to a house party to watch the game and had a blast!

Gotta love this cake!!!

Emily (the hostess) and me....and her hubby trying to jump into the pic...

My dear friend Lise!

The game was really not all that great, but the end result was what really matters...and....

TEXAS WON!!!!!!!!!! HOOK 'EM!

After the game ended, we decided to play a friendly game of football ourselves...

Of course, I take things very seriously and was NOT about to let this chick score!

I did get many a high fives for this superb tackle if I do say so myself...

It was such a beautiful day outside and we all had a blast just enjoying the perfect weather!

Howdy Folks!

2009-10-16T10:05:00.006-05:00

It's that time of year again! The State Fair of Texas has come!!! YIPPEE! I always get giddy when it's "Fair-time"...I look forward to it year round with sheer anticipation! Not sure if you knew, but our state fair is the largest state fair in the United States (measured by attendance!!) Pretty cool, huh?

Every year, they concoct new "fried" foods...and this year was no exception. Here are a few of the new foods they introduced this year:

*Fried butter (yep, you heard that right...fried butter...haha)
*Deep fried peanuts
*Deep fried pizza (this one sort of makes me giggle)
*Chocolate jalapeno
*Fried apple and peanut butter on a stick...this one, I actually tried and let me tell you....YUMMMMMMY!

Here I am enjoying this tasty treat...

You've got a large wedge of apple, wrapped in peanut butter, deep fried, then dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with caramel....mmmm...my mouth is watering just thinking about how delectable it was......

Of course, we had to visit with Big Tex and get our picture with him...

My sweet mom and pops....

And, then...they start getting goofy (and this was early in the day...haha)

Yes...I'm posing by the mammoth...WHAT?! You would do it too....

Showing off my Elvis purse next to an Elvis doll...

I love my daddy...

This was actually called the "Baby Corral"....so, umm..yeah...do people actually leave their babies here? Like, Really?! ...interesting...

Me and my beautiful momma...

Ahhhh....the Midway....where all the fun happens....

It's a tradition that every year, dad and I ride this silly haunted house ride. Seriously...it's darn silly...but, HEY...Tradition IS Tradition!!!

And, of course...me and mom had to ride OUR traditional ride...the wonderful swings!!!

I always feel like I'm flying....

I could seriously ride this one over and over and over...

For those of you who don't know...our ferris wheel is GINORMOUS!!! It is the biggest ferris wheel in the nation! Everything is bigger in Texas!!!

Stars game

2009-10-15T08:21:00.003-05:00

Last night, I went to a Dallas Stars game! I love going to any sports event (although my absolute ALL-TIME fave is football!!!)

The Stars played REALLY well and scored 4 points in the first quarter!!!

We ended up winning 6-0! Gotta love shutouts!

U2 Rockin' the House!

2009-10-13T15:47:00.004-05:00

Last night, my friends and I went to the U2 concert! Muse opened up for them and they really rocked! If you don't know, Muse had several songs on the Twilight CD, so when I heard those, I just. about. died!!! The concert was in the new Cowboys Stadium and that things is massive! A VERY cool place to say the least.

We had pretty good seats...

U2 put on a great show and played all of our favorite songs!

Afterwards, traffic was HORRIBLE getting out of there, but well worth the show....

Making s'mores and Reconnecting with God

2009-10-12T13:23:00.007-05:00

This past weekend's retreat was truly refreshing! My friend and I drove out to East Texas Friday afternoon and arrived at our destination just after 8 p.m.

Me all excited about driving out to camp...

Here we are walking up to camp...

The scenery really is beautiful and serene out there...

Our cabins were very nice and had huge porches with lots of rocking chairs and benches....

Taking pictures of myself inside our cabin...we both took top bunks (regretted it later...ugh!)

That night, after orientation and getting all settled into our cabins....We headed to the campfire pit and made some s'mores!

The next morning, we had a yummy breakfast and had our first worship session. Really great message that hit home! After that, we had lunch, then started out our fun day full of activities!

The camp has a really amazing and HUGE waterpark during the summertime. Unfortunately, because of the colder temperatures, it was closed down...we hope that they hold an "adult retreat" next summer so we can have some waterpark fun, too!

(I'm always snapping random pictures of myself....)

This is the zip line tower that we jumped off of!

Here we are all "harnessed" into our gear and ready to ZIP!

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

That afternoon, we went horseback riding....My horse's name was Titan!

That evening, we had a wonderful dinner and began worship session 2...

The first thing we did was play "Battle of the Sexes"!!!

The worship session that night was sooooo fantastic and had me completely convicted and refreshed. I sometimes have to clear the cobwebs in my mind to remember how important my relationship with God really is...and this past weekend really reignited that flame!

That night, we once again headed down to the campfire to make s'mores (you can't go camping without making s'more EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT!)

What an amazing way to spend my weekend....good friends, good times and remembering my passion for the Lord!

Retreat for the Soul

2009-10-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend, my friend and I are going on a singles retreat with my church! We are heading out to East Texas after work today to embark upon a weekend of camping and amazing fellowship!

Here is where we will be staying...I feel so blessed to be a part of such a great church family!

We'll sing songs and make s'mores...

We're going horseback riding...

Zip lines...(yes...zip lines...I KNOW!)

There are so many wonderful things that this camp has to offer. They have paintball, kayaking, canoeing...the list goes on and on! Plus, during the summertime, they have a GIANT waterpark!

Most importantly...this will be a weekend of fellowship and prayer...

(there is no cell phone service out at the camp and we're encouraged to not bring electronic devices...which makes sense...but, I truly don't know what I'll do without my phone...haha)

Hope you all have a beautiful and blessed weekend!

May I present.....The Boots!

2009-10-09T08:20:00.000-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen...today is the first day of "Boot Season" for me, and I couldn't be happier! It is pouring down in Dallas today (and kind of has been all week), but today is much different than yesterday.

Yesterday, as I walked out of my door, I was smacked in the face with muggy, hot and humid air. This morning, I opened my door and was greeted by a burst of refreshing chill and a certain crispness that I have a hard time explaining in words. It was just......well......wonderful.

I much prefer cooler temperatures to the scorching heat of Dallas summertime...The fall is when Dallas starts going outside and coming alive! I LOVE IT!

Plus, for some reason, I adore winter clothes SO much more than summer clothes. You've got the layering, plush fabrics, cozy sweaters and....most importantly....BOOTS!!!

My 200th Post! And, I got an award!!

2009-10-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful way to celebrate my 200th post!

Molly @ Stilettos and Diapers has given me the Kreativ Blogger award! Thanks, Molls!

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they've been nominated.

You may not know:

1. I work on the 37th floor of a building in downtown...love the view, but hate that my ears pop every single time I ride the elevator!
2. My parents will celebrate their 34th anniversary in November. They are the shining example of a true and wonderful marriage.
3. I dream of becoming a famous singer someday.
4. I want a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel SOOOO bad!!! But, I'm enjoying the "single life" right now and like to be able to travel on a whim and not worry about anything like that.
5. When I'm on a flight by myself, I spend about 60% of the time talking to God.
6. I've decided to travel to Europe next year for at least 2 weeks!
7. I really, truly hate disappointing people...especially my parents and dear friends.

My Kreativ Bloggers are:

1. Lauren @ Sanity Sold Separately
2. Emily @ Powell Power
3. Brooke @ Oofa Luffa Le
4. Kelly @ Joyful Adorations
5. Vera @ Then Sings My Soul
6. Joye @ The Joyeful Journey
7. Melissa @ Living and Loving Life

There are so many others...and I'll do another award soon, because I love all of you!

Beautiful weather and Great Causes....

2009-10-04T16:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was one of the most BEAUTIFUL days this year! The weather was absolutely perfect! So, my parents and I went out to Canton Trade Days to shop til we dropped!

And, I think that everyone else in Texas decided it was the perfect day to be out there too...because it was JAM PACKED!!!

I don't think I've ever seen so many people out there before! But, amidst all the craziness, we got some cuuuute things and had bunches of fun (like we always do!)

Last evening, I attended an art auction benefiting breast cancer awareness. My friend's sister had donated a piece of artwork in the auction, and it brought in a LOT of money for the cause!

Here is her painting...very colorful!!! Ended up going for $600!!

Me and Jules at the gallery...

Because this was benefiting breast cancer research...they had made up these adorable little "boobie" cupcakes! hehe...Aren't they just too funny?

I ended up coming home with two original pieces and am SOOO stoked about them both!

They are both made of iron! And, I'm happy that all of the proceeds went to such a worth while cause!

Country Fried Fun!

2009-10-02T16:42:00.000-05:00

So, tonight, I'm going to see the Zac Brown Band in concert!!!

A girl that my mom works with has been a fan of this band for the past 5 years...So, tonight, she and her husband are bringing a friend and invited me to go along also! Should be a fun time!

(oh..and I just realized that I'm almost at my 200th post!!!! FUN!)

Photo Shoot Fun...

2009-10-01T12:05:00.000-05:00

So, last night, I had a BLAST doing a photo shoot! It's really sort of for fun, but I'm trying to get together my portfolio for acting/catalogue work, etc....Heck, any extra money helps, right? haha....

Let me know what you think.....and be honest...I can take it...(ok, but...don't be mean...anything but mean...)

True Story Tuesday....How much do I cost?

2009-09-29T09:16:00.000-05:00

So, if you read my post from yesterday, you are aware that I spent last week in the lovely (aka..tiny) town of Victoria, Texas. While there, I met some nice locals who I hung out with several nights there. One particular night, I had met up with some of these new friends at the "upscale" bar in town. (now, I must tell you...their idea of "upscale" is a little bit different than Dallas...but, amusing nonetheless)

We are all sitting there enjoying a drink, and I excuse myself to go to the ladies room. As I'm walking through the bar, I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around to see this "Bluto-type" character with a goofy grin across his hairy face. I smile politely and continue on my merry way.....uh..yeah....not getting away that easy.

He grabs my arm and says, "WOW...you're so beautiful. What's your name? Why don't I buy you a drink!"

Me: "Umm...well, that's very sweet of you, but I'm actually heading to the ladies room right now...so..." (I begin walking away once more...)

Bluto: "Wait, wait, wait! You can't just walk away! I think you should marry me!" (yes, he actually said this)

Me: (staring in shock and slight amusement) "Well, now...that IS quite the offer, but I REALLY need to go to the restroom now....so...." (by this point, my bladder is beginning to scream at me and my "sweet little southern girl demeanor" is wearing thin)

Bluto: "Seriously! We just HAVE to be together...come on...."

Me: (walking briskly to restroom and duck inside the door.....WHEW! Safe!)

I'm walking into the big stall (oh, come on...you know you use the big stall sometimes even if the others are available)...I'm about to close the door....and who do I see?

Me: "BLUTO! Err..umm..I mean...DUDE...WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THE LADIES RESTROOM?"

That's right folks....he followed me into the restroom.

Bluto: "But, I just think we should talk..."

Me: "GET OUT OF HERE.....NOW!"

Thankfully, at this point, some other unsuspecting girl walks in and gives me this "What in the world is this dude doing in the ladies restroom" look, and I know my eyes were pleading with her to help me. We both look at him and at the same time say, "GET OUT!" He stumbles out....thank. goodness!

Of course, this girl is now my instant BFF (for the next 5 minutes at least)...you know how we girls are....we bond over things like this. As we're walking out of the restroom, we are already concocting our plan of what to do if crazed-bathroom-intruder decides to pursue me again. I make it back to my friends without running into him, and all is well once again.

A short time later, we hear a small commotion over at the bar, not far from us...we look over and see Bluto and another dude hitting each other...this dude is just one class act. Turns out, the guy is his brother! Yep...his brother. Ahhh...small towns. So, they take it outside and OF COURSE, the whole bar practically files out automatically to see the action. (yes, me too...COME ON...it's a fight!)

By the time I walk out there, they're already hugging. I wanted to scream, "WHAT KIND OF A FIGHT IS THAT?! WHERE'S THE ACTION?!" But, I contained my WWF tendencies.

As Bluto is walking back into the bar, he spots me. UGH...here we go again....

Bluto: "I think you should hang out with me and my friends for the rest of the night."

Me: "Umm..thanks, but no thanks. I'm hanging out with these guys." (thankfully, my friends were standing right there!)

Bluto: "Ok...here is 100 dollars to hang out with us." (he actually gets a 100 dollar bill from his wallet and tries to hand it to me)

Me: (total look of shock on my face) "Are you kidding me?!"

Bluto: "Alright...$200!" (he gets out another 100 dollar bill)

Me: (mouth gaping open with total disgust)

Bluto: "Ok, Ok....$300...final offer." (he is handing me $300)

At this point, my friend (who, by the way, was thoroughly amused watching this whole thing go down) walks up and says, "Yeah...she's with us, and we're leaving now. Bye"

He leads me away and I'm still in total disbelief. My friend says, "You should have just taken the money and run! HAHA!" Looking back, I really should have.... ;)

So, I guess that's what I am worth? $300? Huh....always thought I was at least worth $475.50......oh well.

Latest News in Summerworld...

2009-09-28T12:32:00.000-05:00

WOW! What a busy, crazy week! Sorry to be so MIA for so long, but I haven't had ANY time to myself! I flew into Austin on Saturday morning and went to the UT/Tech game...tailgating was out of control fun!

I was getting my "Hook 'Em" sign ready, but not fast enough...haha

I stayed in Austin that night, and drove to Victoria, Texas Sunday afternoon. It's a short 2 1/2 hour drive and it was kind of nice to look at the countryside. I checked into my hotel when I arrived and just relaxed in my room. I explored a little bit that evening and watched the Cowboy game that night (let's not talk about that...ugh)

My class started on Monday....alright...let's learn about compressors!!! I was the ONLY girl in the class, but it was a lot of fun. That evening, I decided to try out the only sushi place in town (I know, I know...probably not the smartest decision, but I just had to give it a shot) As I was waiting on my to-go order, a guy at the bar strikes up a conversation with me and we chit chat for a bit. He proceeds to tell me that I should go up to this place called "The Scoreboard" to watch the game (some college football game). So, I tell him I might make it up there and to give me a ring.

I'm sitting in my room enjoying my sushi (not bad, might I add) and my phone rings...it's the dude from the restaurant and he says,"So...do you want to play in a Texas Hold'em tournament?"

I say,"Sure...when?"
He says,"Right now! It's free!"
Me,"Why not! I'll be right up there!"

So, I make my way up to The Scoreboard and sit at my designated table for the tournament. We begin.....HEY, I won a hand...cool. HEY...I won another hand...awesome! I'm doing a pretty good job! Fast forward about 2 hours and I'm sitting at the "Winner's Table" with 4 other guys...LOL!

I ended up winning 2nd place! And, as a prize, I got a $15 gift card to Scoreboard...not sure when I will use it, but HEY..it's something!

Afterwards, I was sitting at the bar and this table full of people invited me to sit with them. They ended up being really sweet and we hung out the rest of the night...

So, one day of class was spent out in the field looking at actual compressors! This one that I'm standing on wasn't running, so I thought it would be cool to get my picture taken.....you know...as proof...haha

That day after class, I just couldn't hold out any longer...I bought myself some boots and Wrangler jeans! LOL! And that evening, I went to a restaurant called Lu Roq's and ate dinner....and they had a band playing that night. The band was actually quite impressive!

Overall, it was a fun week of learning and living the "slow-paced" country life. Around 10, I started out on the road towards San Antonio. Along the way, I passed through some of the cutest towns...this one caught my eye because of the name..hehe

I got into San Antonio around noon and decided to eat lunch on the Riverwalk...

Afterwards, I walked around the city and stopped by the Alamo for a visit. It was a really nice day outside, so walking around was so nice.

I flew back to Dallas that afternoon, and went to a Ranger game with some friends.

We had great seats (my friend's firm has these season tickets and they rock!)

Saturday, I went to lunch with some friends and we walked over to the Uptown Festival. They had cooking demonstrations, booths with jewelry and clothing...live music...all sorts of fun stuff.

Then, Saturday night, I celebrated my friend's brothers birthday...

Trace and me at Cadillac Ranch...

It was a fun-filled week and I was pure exhausted yesterday! I'm really not slowing down much this week either, but I'm going to try and get as much rest as possible when I can....

Hope everyone is doing wonderfully!

Crazy week coming up!

2009-09-17T08:48:00.000-05:00

I'm really pumped about my busy weekend/week coming up! Tomorrow morning, I fly to Austin where my friends and I are going to the UT/Tech game!!! I bought some cute little UT shirts to wear and show my support!

This one is just TOO adorable and I will probably wear it to the game. It's sort of a long, fitted tank and has a thick white band on the bottom...

This one is super cute, too....and you can't really see all of its' "cuteness" in this pic....but, there is a longhorn on the front and it reads "Texas" on the back.

I took a poll on my facebook page to see which one my friends thought I should wear, and the majority picked the tank...so, that's the one I'm going with this time! (although I may take the advice of some and change at halftime...hehe)

So, we're going to tailgate all day Saturday, go to the game at 7 and then go out on 6th street afterwards. Then, Sunday morning, I'm picking up a rental car and driving to good ol' Victoria, Texas! I'm doing a week long training for my company there and will be there until Friday...WHAT, WHAT!!!

I'm taking my trusty laptop, so I will continue blogging while I'm there....

Happy Friday!!!

Enough with the rain already!!!!!

2009-09-15T11:29:00.000-05:00

Seriously, I am just D.O.N.E. with this rain in Dallas! It is NOT helping my mood at ALL! Now, I love rain every now and then, and can appreciate a good hearty thunderstorm from time to time......but, this constant, nagging drizzle and mist is starting to get to me.

I really don't know how people in Washington deal with this all the time!!! (unless, of course, you have Edward Cullen around)

I'm just plain ready to have my Dallas sunshine back! I'm ready for autumn to move in and get those cooler temperatures....because, nothing goes better with football than cool fall breezes and hot, yummy chili!!! Mmmmmmm......

In a daze....

2009-09-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

Just haven't felt like blogging lately....this past weekend, I spent lots of time with my dear friend, Tracey. We had a "movie night" at her place one night, then went out on the town the other night. It's been SOOOO rainy for the past 4 days and I think I'm just about ready for it to clear up.

Got a busy week this week....lots going on....I'll get into deets later.

For now, I'm going to look out the window and daydream.....it's what I do best.. :)