It’s official! Husband and I are going on vacation at the very beginning of March! As we’re on an extremely tight budget, I’ve been scoping out the best deals online for about a week now. By this I mean I’ve been obsessively searching for (practically page refreshing, but not quite) airline tickets on the internet. I didn’t really care where we went, as long as we found ticket prices under 200 dollars a pop. I actually loved the spontaneity and excitement of knowing we were going somewhere together soon, but not yet knowing where. Last night I finally made a decision when I found a deal I just couldn’t pass up. So Guess what, Guess what, Guess what? March 1st, I fulfill an eight year long dream of visiting California. I can’t put into words how giddy I am. But I shall try. Right now. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! <<< There you go. That’s a tiny part of my giddiness put onto a computer. I feel like a kid on Christmas right now (Or really, just me on Christmas.) San Diego, here we come!
Other giddy moments lately:
Finding and blowing/wishing on dandelions with the littles ones I nanny. Being around kids so much really helps keep in tact the magic of life.
Date night with my boy.
A fellow classmate/new friend did the sweetest thing for me yesterday. She knew I hadn’t bought my book yet and that we have an upcoming test. I planned on just studying notes and googling terms. Last night after class, she walked up to me and handed me her book. I was confused. “Won’t you need this to study?” She responded with a shrug, said she already studied and I could give it back to her on Tuesday. I gave her a hug and left the classroom feeling heart-warmed and relieved. No googling terms for me this weekend!
My friend Becca and I share a class together, and have taken to writing one another notes this week. Above you can see the page we filled up with random doodles and words. I love sharing a class with this chick. Not only does she make the time fly faster, but she has taken to bringing me random treats to class. Candy, Girl-Scout cookies and once even a whole meal. I have sweet friends.
The above picture is me trying on a pair of size 5′s. That were too big for me. I did a happy dance in the dressing room. I haven’t been in the size 3 arena since I was a teenager. I’m doing another little happy dance right now, just thinking about it.
I really like life right now. Life seems to really like me right now too. Hopefully that doesn’t change anytime soon.
Life has been getting hectic again lately. A happy hectic, but still hectic. School is back in full swing, my hours at work have gone up since last semester, and lots of fun plans,projects and adventures are already in the works for this year. Husband and I are planning a vacation for somewhere between our two birthdays (February and March), my friend Becca and I are planning a trip for May (We just made it final by virtually pinky promising) and I’m introducing husband to a slew of northern states while simultaneously visiting my best friend sometime in July. That’s three vacations in 6 months time! My friends love to tease me and inform me that I’m always going on a new vacation, but I can’t help it. I get major ants in my pants after three or more months of no traveling. I’m going on a little over three months now, and the antsy-ness has officially arrived. So I’m excited, super excited, but also a bit overwhelmed trying to get finances together while also readjusting myself to a busy day-to-day schedule. Luckily, I have a lot of lovelies in my life who melt away any little bit of stress I may have.
There is not much I adore more in this world than time with my girls. They are a constant source of inspiration, laughter, love, relaxation and joy. This past weekend was no exception. I was able to see a few of my favorite ladies for four days straight. Hot-tubbing and a sleepover at Jenn’s place. Sharing a bed with and cuddling up to my best friend Tessa, who also was sweet enough to buy me brunch the next day. (Cuddling and free food the next morning? Wouldn’t she make a perfect boyfriend?) Listening to live music, strolling through quaint book-stores and making fun of ugly ducks at the park with Melody and, again, my best friend Tessa. Drinks and giggles with Brooke and Emily for happy hour. A pizza buffet and retail therapy with my Little (of Big Brothers Big Sisters), who is growing up too fast and doing so quite gracefully. What I’m getting at is….Oh thank goodness for the ladies in my life. Sometimes I just break into smile thinking about them, our memories and how lucky I am to have stumbled across some of the most amazing chicks on the planet. How cool is it that I get to journey through life and explore the world with the greatest girls in the world?
Pictures help the words come to life:
Tessa and I were talking on Sunday, and I mentioned that I’ve always liked being an adult better than I liked being a kid. I had a really sheltered childhood, and I’ve always loved and have been completely exhilarated by the freedom of adulthood. Later that same day, my best friend wrapped my thoughts up perfectly by saying something like, “We can do whatever we want. We can do anything.” That,in a nutshell, is exactly what I find absolutely spectacular about being a grown-up.The excitement of making new experiences, meeting new people and doing these things whenever I want to. The beauty and wonder and spontaneity of endless possibilities. The fact that I get to explore these endless possibilities with amazing people by my side just makes life that much more beautiful.
The first week of 2012 has turned out to be a big one for me. I kind of thought it would be but didn’t want to jump the gun, so I kept my mouth shut for a while. A couple of weeks ago, I applied online/sent pictures to SCW Models representing The All American Bowl. The All American Bowl is like the Superbowl for high schoolers, and this Superbowl for high schoolers all over the country happens in San Antonio. Army sponsors the whole thing, and the promotional models for this gig run Army’s booths. It’s a pretty huge event that receives a lot of hype and support. I’ve expressed lately how I want to follow through on more things. How I stumble upon or seek out a lot of great opportunities, but sometimes don’t attempt finishing them. When I got a call back, a phone interview and then the job offer from SCW, I knew this was my perfect chance. So I took the job. Why wouldn’t I? The pay was great, the experience sounded amazing (and is awesome to put on a resume or portfolio) and I had a place to stay with family nearby. The only small issue was that I was slightly nervous as hell. But that’s a really silly reason not to live life, now isn’t it?
So I forced my brother to be my driver/mini road-trip buddy to San Antonio (He’s a good boy.)
Booked it to a hair institute to dye my hair a golden brown. (I’m too pale for blonde now and it makes the green in my eyes show better. I’ve only been able to show a few loved ones, but comments are super sweet so far. My best friend said she wants me to keep it forever and my husband is excited I’m a brunette again.)
Spent some much needed family time with my cousins, aunt and uncle.
And made my way to the Great American Bowl.
I worked 21 hours in two days. It was exhaustingly fantastic. Gaining this kind of experience was definitely a plus, but still just a part of the wonderful time I had.
The bonds I made in two long days were the best part. Michael and I hit it off right off the bat. As noted and respected by one boss dude, we traveled to other booths as a pair. A few asked how we knew each other. Our answer was always a tickled, “We don’t. We met a few hours ago.” We constantly giggled and would occasionally sneak off to ride the plane-life simulator, or to go find food, or to get pictures from the photo booth. Near the end of the first day we were placed in our permanent booth, which registered people for Army info and gave away free water bottles. This is where we met Mandi and Morgan, and once again, we all hit it off immediately. Despite working our booties off, we still made plenty of time to bond by dancing,singing, laughing, wandering, playing, eating and chatting about nothing and everything.
I wish I could describe in words how incredible and once-in-a-lifetime this whole experience was for me, but I really can’t. I made so many memories and met so many people that I’ll never forget. I’m still glowing from the past couple of days. I am thankful and happy to have started this promotional modeling gig and especially to have met the lovely people that I did. As completely tired as I was by the end of last night, I was still sad to leave. Luckily, my friends are all from Texas and love traveling from their respective homes to downtown Austin, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we all meet again.
As of right now, I’m feeling ready to go out there and conquer more goals. I’m feeling confident. I’m feeling like the whole world is at my fingertips. I’m feeling like the possibilities in my life are endless and awesome. I couldn’t possibly think of a better way to knock off about a handful of my newly made resolutions or to spend the first week of my 2012. And I’m feeling ready for so much more.
I’ve been procrastinating on starting my 2011 review just because it’s been such an amazing, eventful year and my organizational skills are crap. I wasn’t sure how I’d put it all together. I did a lot of debating and decided to do a monthly review, whilst ending each month with the new years resolutions I accomplished in that time frame. As I had to do this mostly by going through old blogs, I ended up feeling overwhelmingly grateful. This year has been so great,and this is mostly due to the opportunities and wonderful people I’ve been blessed with. I can only hope 2012 lives up to what my 2011 has been. The way things are looking so far and as long as the world doesn’t end (Fingers crossed!) looks like it’ll be quite the competition. I’m thankful for this year and beyond excited for the next. Well. Without further ado, here is my 2011:
January:
-Went to Louisiana for the first time. Gambled and had a romantic time with the hubby.
-Went kite-flying for the first time since childhood with a couple of my close girl-friends. Had a blast.
-Went to my first hockey game.
-Rode a mechanical bull
Resolutions accomplished:
Ride a mechanical bull,Travel,Try more outdoor activities, Discover/ Do at least 15 new things in Austin.
February:
-Had a photo shoot with my on campus radio show, Un Poco De Todo
-Played in (Texas!) snow
-Auditioned online for a country radio show I’ve listened to since childhood. Had my radio audition played on air and was told the dj’s really liked me. Amusingly enough, I was only aware of all of this because other people heard me on the radio and informed me of it.
-Hubby, as usual, made my Valentines Day very special.
-A friend made a pasta meal for me at my house, and days later a dude coworker made me pasta and brought it to work. I felt the noodle love.
Resolutions accomplished:
-Maintain and better on campus radio show, Discover/Do at least 15 new places/things in Austin
March:
-Friend Crystal brought Ferrero Roches to my work on the same night I came home to a giant Twix bar from the hubby. I felt the chocolate love.
-Was completely and ridiculously spoiled by friends and hubby and coworkers for the entire week of my 22nd birthday. Mimosas, breakfast, chocolate-covered strawberries, flowers, clothes,cookies, cakes, birthday songs,etc….The works. Felt very loved. On birthday weekend, had reserved seating at a fabulous rooftop lounge in downtown Austin.
Resolutions accomplished:
Focus less on cultivating new relationships and more on maintaining the ones I already have.
April:
-Went to hubby’s cousin’s wedding. My first wedding to go to in adulthood besides my own. Drank too much. Danced with the in-laws. Had an amazing night.
-Left my job at Starbucks (of two+ years) to become a nanny. Had mixed feelings about this. Excited to start a new chapter. Sad to leave behind my beloved coworker buddies.
- Had a blast and made an A in my Martial Arts Class.
-Arguably took part in the most insanely amazing bowling league to ever exist.
Resolutions accomplished:
-Look into finding a better paying job, Improve skills in bowling league, Learn/Have fun in upcoming Martial Arts class.
May:
-Traveled all over New Mexico with my friend Katie. Met Indians, saw the wonder that is White Sands, played with snow in May, ate a burger with an egg on top, and visited about 343242 other places I will never ever forget. Had the time of my life and barely had to pay anything for it at all. (Thanks to amazing Katie and her wonderful grandma!)
-Made this Youtube video on my trip to New Mexico, which is by far my favorite of any video I’ve ever made. Perfectly captured the magic of said trip.:
-Hosted a jewelry party.
-Went from dark brown to light blonde and shoulder length to chin length. Loved it.
Resolutions Accomplished:
Travel, Go on a road trip.
June:
-Started nannying. Loved it even more than I thought I would.
-Parasailed
-Made sushi for the first time. It looked horrible but tasted amazing.
-Went tubing with buddies.
-Met my blogging friend (now in real life friend!) Jenny.
-Changed my blog domain and had blog ‘business’ cards made.
-Participated in a charity bikini car wash.
Resolutions Accomplished:
Help the community in multiple and creative ways, Try more outdoor activities.
July:
-Family reunioned it up in Colorado.
-Went horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains.
-Wore flip-flops while climbing up a mountain and played in the snow whilst wearing a dress. Fun? Yes. Recommended? No.
-Best friend Tessa bought me milk and cookies.
-Went and participated in my first ever nude lake. Felt brave and free and exhilarated.
-Went to Louisiana with my boy again.
Resolutions Accomplished:
Travel, Do something absolutely, spontaneously crazy.
August:
-Bought cute, matching journals with my Little (of Big Brothers Big Sisters.) This could be considered a small celebration of our one year match.
-Friend Jennifer treated me to a free sushi date.
- Received a heart-melting scrapbook and letters at the end of my summer nannying job.
- During a stressful and grumpy week of mine, Husband surprised me with a flower-filled glass swan, a new computer mouse and a sweet card. He put all of this inside a brown paper bag which he drew a bat and poop on. Inside the card he wrote, “I love you,even if you’re bat-shit crazy!”
-My best friend, who lives up north, came to visit me.
-My brother and two best girly friends took a mini-road trip and vacation to the beach.
-Rain-danced on a baseball field. It didn’t rain, but it was a pretty neat experience.
-Friend Kimber and I had a sleepover. She cooked me blueberry muffins and I found out she has a very comfy bed.
- The best dude friend and I went to our first deaf football game.
-Decided I needed to lose weight and started that journey. Three+ months later, I’ve lost almost 30 pounds.
-Partook in my first 5k. Loved it.
Resolutions Accomplished:
Help the community in multiple, creative ways; Focus less on cultivating new relationships and more on maintaining the ones I already have, Try more outdoor activities.
October:
-Husband and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary.
-Bonded with my girlies at Chelsea’s awesome bachelorette party. Wore a very sparkly dress.
-Went on a field trip with my Intro to Counseling class and discovered the benefits of Equinox (horse) therapy.
-Road-tripped it to Little Rock,Arkansas with the husband. Stayed at my first Bed and Breakfast, and was pleasantly surprised at what an incredible,beautiful state Arkansas turned out to be.
-Attended Chelsea and Jake’s wedding, which was also my first ever open-bar wedding. Had a wonderful night celebrating love and happiness and tipsiness with some of my closest friends.
-Discovered the joy and therapy of soup-making.
-The best girlfriend and I went to the Gypsy Picnic, a scrumptious food-trailer festival in downtown Austin. Ate and Hula-Hooped. Fun and Yum.
-Celebrated a great Halloween with some of the amigos.
Resolutions Accomplished:
Travel, Go to at least 3 Austin events (I’m pretty sure I ended up way surpassing this one),Discover/Do at least 15 new places/things in Austin.(and that one)
November:
- With a couple of tech-savvy dude friends, started up a project for my first ever web show (Coming in 2012) & finished the video intro.
-Met my first celebrity, the twelve year old Chandler Riggs of The Walking Dead. Was completely starstruck and acted like a ten year old girl.
-Hung out with a monkey in my sign language class.
-My friend Samm spoiled me by bringing me cookies and Starbucks in the same week.
-Spent Thanksgiving with my in-laws. Wasn’t prepared for the all day drinking and had a little too much fun. (Puked in the in-laws toilet)
Resolutions Accomplished:
Meet a famous person,Discover/Do at least 15 new places/things in Austin.
December:
-Met two of the members of the youtube sensation, Dude Perfect.
-Tried moonshine for the first time.
-Had a great semester at school. Four A’s, and one B, which brought my overall gpa to 3.55.
-Was video-taped while role-playing a counseling session in Intro to Counseling. Reviewing myself later kind of reaffirmed that I should really consider counseling as a future profession.
-Went on a train ride with the in-laws and Santa.
-Went to a fabulous Christmas party and had a small,cozy one of my own.
-Caught up with friends and family and felt spoiled with lots of gifts and love and giggles.
-Speaking of giggles. Yesterday my best guy friend came over and he started cracking me up with his dance moves. Between my fits of laughter, he informed me, “I don’t show anyone else this. That’s how comfortable I am around you.” Awesome.
Among the 5 that I didn’t accomplish, I’m probably most irked with the, “Be more financially responsible.” (Just a total fail on my part) and the “Make only A’s and B’s (I made one C . In Old Testament. A required course at my university that I really just didn’t care about. Grumble. Still, over a year period I’ve made 6 A’s, 3 B’s and one C. I suppose I’m still okay with that.) Among the 19 that I did accomplish, I’m probably most amazed that I didn’t break my phone. I never thought I’d accomplish that one. I break everything I touch. Of course, I still have a couple of days to go on this one….
More than anything, I am just blown away by what a near perfect year this has been. I knew it had been a great one, but upon review, it is still amazing all that’s been accomplished and how spoiled with love I am. At the end of 2011, I’m feeling grateful and proud and content. 2012 is already promising to be another wonderful year with so many projects, opportunities and adventures in the works. Not to mention the people who have helped make this year so splendid are following me over into the next one too. Still, 2012 has a hell of a lot to live up to.
2011, I love you. 2012….You’re looking good over there.
I had a lovely, special, enchanting, festive, warm, cuddly, magical Christmas this year. I really hope you did too!
Some favorite moments:
My friend Priscilla presented me with my Christmas present last Friday. Beautiful Steven Madden shoes with about 343243 inch heels. I was equal parts grateful and terrified. I don’t do high heels. I can’t walk in them without falling all over the place every five seconds. 343243 inch heels are especially frightening. Along with my gift and much to my amusement, Priscilla presented me with two conditions.
1. “You have to throw away those black strappy things.” I have these pair of wedges that aren’t the cutest but I wear out because they were super cheap and are comfortable. We came to the agreement that I didn’t have to throw them away, but could only wear them twice a year. Or when she wasn’t around.
2. “I have to teach you how to walk in them. We will have lessons later.” Deal.
Seeing the above baby and her family. I nannied for them all last summer but hadn’t seen them in about four months. On Friday, I was finally reunited with three of my favorite little ladies. I was sort of afraid Poppy wouldn’t remember me. Four months is so long in baby time. After her mom warned me that she had been especially clingy and wouldn’t even go to her mother-in-law, she actually reached for me to hold her. Gah. For someone who doesn’t want kids til she’s 85, I still sure do love the ones that don’t belong to me.
I must note a couple of the gifts I received within a 24 hour period. Husband put lottery tickets and wine in my stocking, and Gwen gifted me coffee and beverage mugs. Gambling, alcohol and caffeine for Christmas. People knowing me too well is really making me look like such a well-rounded individual,eh?!
Christmas text messages between the best dude friend and I. See above. The way we address each other tickles me.
Spending Christmas day with my hubby and the in-laws. The whole day was perfect. It’s completely true that marrying someone means you marry their whole family too. And I am so thankful for that. I couldn’t have found better than my man and the Boudreaux clan that came along with him.
So. Much. Food.
Pretty lights.
Eating out with my lovely family. To make a great evening even better, my aunt and uncle paid for Robby and I as part of our Christmas present. Made my heart and tummy full.
Maybe I love this time of year because of all the bright and shiny things. Maybe it’s because it always reminds me how very loved I am, and how many special people I have in my life. Maybe it’s the cold weather and getting all warm snuggled up with my boy. Maybe it’s being surrounded by friends and family. Maybe it’s that everyone just seems just a little bit more cheerful. Maybe it’s tales of Santa Claus and watching cheesy made-for-tv Christmas movies. Maybe it’s being around little ones that stirs up and finds the magic my little kid self felt for this season. Maybe it’s all of the surprises and gifts and get-togethers and food. Maybe and probably it’s a mix of all of these things and so much more.But I won’t over-think it. I’m sitting next to my husband and he’s saying sweet things to me and I believe it’s time for some more cuddling now.
Wednesday night was spent with three of my best girlfriends, chatting and laughing (a lot) and eating and drinking and being merry. Tessa gifted me a Half-Price books gift card and two beautiful bracelets. She knew I’d love the gift card, but was worried about buying me jewelry. She knows I only wear accessories if they mean something super special to me. Anything from this girl is something special, and this means I’ve officially added two pieces to my jewelry collection. The whole night left me heading home with my heart feeling completely full. It only became that much more full when decorating the tree with my hubby, whilst also sneaking in lots of kisses and slow-dancing to Christmas music in our living room. The entire evening felt…magical. Yes. That’s the perfect word.
The next day, Melody, a friend I haven’t seen in years came over to my house. She arrived around 2:30 for our planned “reading date.” We didn’t read. At all. We talked. And talked. And talked. About everything and nothing, for what seemed like maybe an hour and a half. It was 9pm by the time Melody finally made her way to the door. We chatted for almost 7 hours straight. The time kind of just slipped right past us, and in that time I feel we created a friendship much closer than the casual one we had before.
The people in my life continuously amaze me. They’re just so great. They make me feel and think and laugh and just be more. They make me better, and their openness always inspires me to want to be more open too. This year so far, I’ve really made leaps and bounds in opening up to those closest to me. I’m more vulnerable than I’ve ever been. But I realize where I’m at now is not enough. The other day, it randomly dawned on me that I really am holding myself back. I still keep people, and even at times opportunities, at arms length. I make friends easily. I stumble into or seek out opportunities fairly often. Because of these things, this past year has been filled with so much love and so many conquered goals that I am proud to have accomplished. (But that’s for another blog.)
But there’s so much more I’m not letting myself get to. I can feel it. I’m not letting my relationships get as close as they could and as often as I jump into things, I don’t always fulfill them. And I know this is because I’m scared. The closer I get to something/someone, the more likely it is that that something/someone could hurt me. I hate giving that power to anyone else but myself. But I have to. I have to allow myself to go farther. To get closer in relationships. To have more seven hour conversations that leave me feeling more alive. To let others see me cry, and hope that they don’t laugh. To fail horribly. To be rejected. To give others the time and honesty they’ve always given me. To say how I really feel, when I’m feeling it. To tell others what I want. To let myself know what I want, crazy and impossible as it may seem, and to go for it. If I allow myself to break through my own self-given inhibitors, no telling where this might take me.
Melody said a couple of things last night that really made me think. She first flattered me by saying that I inspired her. I don’t think I got around to saying it, but I feel the same about her. She’s the actress I wanted to be as a teenager but just wasn’t. (Because, um, I couldn’t act.) I was then admitting to her how awful I was at anything arts-and-crafts related and she just laughed and said,
“Well, you have pretty much everything else going for you.”
I guess it’s about time I use that to my full advantage.
My goal for 2012? To stop holding myself back. To allow myself.
Hey. Guess what? ONE more final left until I am free for three and a half weeks! It’s been a pretty intense week thus far, but all of the little and wonderful moments from the past days are keeping me quite happy. Would you like to know what moments I speak of? I’ll take your silence as a yes.
These moments:
Train ride including my wonderful husband and in-laws, homemade sugar cookies, hot chocolate and SANTA CLAUS! Mrs. Claus handed out whistles to all of the kids on the train AFTER giving them their sugar cookies. I think Mr. Claus and his wife should get together and have a friendly marital discussion about the timing of their presents.
Celebrating my friend Chelsea’s birthday party and my friend Katie graduating from dental assisting school (So proud of her!) all in one night.
Cuddling with two of my favorite girls. (I adore the below picture)
My signature dishes from this past weekend: Peanut butter pie and bacon/almond/pineapple/egg fried rice. The pie was by far the best dessert I’ve ever made and the fried rice was super scrumptious too. The only way you can really get me to eat anything fruit related is if it’s mixed with something super salty or unhealthy. Such as bacon.
When it comes to grades, I usually end up freaking myself out over nothing. This semester, I was most worried about my Communication Technology final, which I was sort of sure I did miserable on. I hesitantly looked a few minutes ago to see that I made 19.20 out of 20 possible points. Huge sigh of relief. I have ONE more final to go. Wish me luck!
I was sitting on the couch a couple of days ago when my hubby announced from the kitchen, “I have such an amazing wife.” I laughed and asked him where that came from. He’s always saying sweet,adorable things but this one was especially random. His reply to my question? “Because. There’s peanut butter.” I’m glad he’s so easily pleased.
I have some endearing and often amusing moments with the four year old boy I nanny. This morning, his parents were getting ready to leave when he excitedly told me, “I have something for you.” I thought it would be a drawing or something so I just somewhat absentmindedly said okay. He then runs into his parent’s bedroom which causes them to ask what he thinks he is doing. I was washing out his little sister’s cereal bowl when I hear the following conversation:
Little dude: I’m going to get Christina her present!
His parents in quiet voices: No, not yet….
Little dude in a not so quiet voice: But I want to give her her BRACELET!
His parents still in quiet voices: No…..it’s not Christmas yet!
He eventually gave up and I pretended to be oblivious to this entire conversation. Still, I couldn’t help but smile. Later, we made a giant Christmas card and I taught him how to draw a Christmas tree. When we were outside waiting on the bus to arrive, he looked up at me and out of nowhere said, “You look beautiful.” My heart melted a little bit.
I know that one day when I look back to this time in my life, I won’t be thinking about all of the stress from my finals, but moments like these. It’s those kind of moments that make it to memories.
My weekend revolved mostly around studying. And papers. And projects. And more studying. Luckily, I was able to work some refreshing and wonderful breaks into the mix, involving people I love, food, fun, and Christmas festivities. Thanks to these things, I’m feeling rejuvenated and ready for the madness now. Bring the next two weeks on. I got this.
My study breaks:
Friday:
Husband and I were startled by an obnoxiously loud knock on the door Friday around 10:30 pm. Who obnoxiously bangs on doors past 10pm without at least making plans to do so first? Rude! I should have figured then that it would be some dude in my life. (The last time this happened it was my best guy friend, surprising me by coming over to apologize for something around midnight. The boys in my world seem to like making unnecessarily big gestures.) Husband looks through the peep hole (I instructed him to do so, just in case a serial killer was on the run or something.) and I think we were both equally taken aback when he announced, “It’s your brother.” My reaction was an honestly and completely surprised, “Really?!?!” Brother and I hadn’t been speaking for about a month. Well, he hadn’t been speaking to me. To make a really long story super short, we were both put in the middle of some familial issues when we shouldn’t have been. It just put us in a bad place. I had been bugging him for a while to just talk to me, but eventually gave up and let him be. I figured he would come around when he was ready. This is another characteristic of the most important boys in my world. Still. I missed him. He’s one of my best friends, and I think I almost cried seeing that silly kid show up with that dumb grin on his face. We gave each other a big hug before he left, and I felt a little broken piece of me mend back together again. Siblings may drive you crazy and forgiveness may be hard, but they are more than worth the insanity and the pride you sometimes have to swallow.
Saturday:
Saturday night, husband, my lovely friend Katie and myself headed to our friend Deesh’s place. Other buddies were already there to greet us when we arrived. There was also moonshine and homemade beer waiting. Deesh got drunk for the first time in all of the years that I’ve known him. I believe we got home that night after 5 in the morning. What I’m saying is, it was exactly the good time I was needing after a full day of studying. Pictures do this night more justice than I can with words.
The next morning:
Sunday:
This cold weather is making it really feel like the holiday season. Drowning in homework or not, this puts me in a super cheerful mood. Husband and I purchased a Christmas tree, which we plan on decorating tonight. (My study break for Monday! Hot chocolate will be included.) Later, I began my baking and cooking projects for the day. I’ve recently come to love cooking. I find it therapeutic and fun to create something and then eat it. This was bound to happen someday, as my whole immediate family loves to either cook or bake. I just thought maybe the gene skipped me.Thankfully, it didn’t. I’ve actually gotten pretty good at this whole making food thing lately. Almost all of what I make is edible now. Sunday may have been my most scrumptiously edible cooking day yet. After browsing the web for recipes, I decided on Honey and Pecan glazed pork-chops for dinner and Nutella Cheesecake for dessert. Before yesterday, I had never ever tried Nutella. I always thought sticky chocolate found in the peanut butter aisle would be rather gross. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more wrong about anything in my entire life. I wanted to eat the whole thing straight out of the can. But I managed to leave enough to make the cheesecake. Oh my goodness. SEX cheesecake. This should be the name. And the honey-pecan glazed pork-chops? Orgasmic pork. I’ve never made two recipes that tasted so decadently wonderful or that I was so proud of. And they were surprisingly easy to make! Also, husband loved them both. I don’t know why I ever hated cooking.
After dinner, husband and I were getting warm and cozy on the couch while watching a little tv. I decided to play one of my little games with him. This one is self-entitled the, “Would-you-rather-do-this-or-leave-me-if-you-had-to-pick-game.” It’s fun. I ask him something completely outlandish, strange or ridiculous that he would absolutely never want to do, and then end my scenario with something like, “So would you rather do that or leave me and not have to do it…. if you had to pick no matter what?” Last night I gave him an especially crazy scene. He thought for only a second and then replied matter-of-factly with, “Yeah. I’d do it.” I was shocked. “Really?! But…that’s crazy!” He replied with, “Baby, you should know by now that there’s not much I wouldn’t do for you.” This is something I know. He usually shows me with actions more than he does with words, so hearing it out loud still stunned me a little bit. Because it’s so true. He’s just so different. It’s not some gimmick he uses to get laid, or meaningless words used out of the giddiness of a new relationship, or something used to impress anyone else. This is just Robby. It’s who he is. It’s how he loves. It’s how much he loves me. I take this for granted. Having this man who loves me so completely that he would honestly cross the world and back just to see me happy. Hearing it out loud reminded me not to take something so rare and special for granted. To appreciate it, and him, with my whole heart. And I do. Goodness gracious I am a lucky, happy girl.
My study breaks are the best. They leave me feeling loved, blessed, content and ready to kick ass on these upcoming finals.
Because there’s two more weeks left until my much longer Christmas break.
Because I’ve almost finished a 7 page paper for Comm Tech and a 10 page paper for Intro to Counseling.
Because my university account has been on hold for the past few months, due to the fact that we were struggling to pay my college tuition this semester. Thanks to some amazing and giving people in my life and an extremely helpful front desk lady, the hold was taken off last night. I’m all registered for next semester. Huge sigh of relief and happiness goes here.
Because I’m taking Theatrical Performance next semester. I miss being theatrical.
Because I have a hot (and loving) husband.
Because I’m completely engrossed and fascinated with a non-fiction book right now. My mind is opening up to different genres!
Because I might be drinking a glass of wine at 2:30 pm on a Wednesday.
Because, in a couple of hours, hubby and I and our two mutts are heading out to Robby’s hometown of Port Neches, Texas. We’re attempting to miss the Houston traffic, so we won’t leave until around 6 or so. Perhaps giving me time to drink another glass of wine. Or two.
Because I’m lookin’ and feelin’ good.
Because, when I tell my friends that I simply miss them, I get a reply text message full of sweet compliments and perhaps slightly inappropriate inside jokes. See below.
Because I’m going to attempt to convince my mommy-in-law to go Black Friday shopping with me. I’ve been working the past two years of Black Friday (Not something I ever recommend doing. Ever.) and am so very excited to not be one of those poor ringer-uppers this year.
Because, for the next 5 days, I’ll be completely surrounded by friends and family and food. Is there anything better?
“I love this crazy,tragic,sometimes almost magic,awful,beautiful life”
My Thursday:
8:30 am: Kiss my husband goodbye. Off to school.
8:45 am: I officially reached my goal weight this morning. What do I do? Treat myself to Mcdonalds, of course!
9:10 am- 10:45am: Because of a wreck, my 15 minute drive to school turned into an hour and a half one. Completely missed my first class. Luckily, my happy belly is keeping the rest of me cheerful too. And now it’s almost lunchtime!
11:30 am-1pm: Lunchtime and girl-talk time with Becca and Samm.
1pm: Sign Language. There was a monkey in class. No really. There was.
Did you notice how creepy that middle picture is?
2:00 pm: I finally get a chance to sit down with an adviser, and she informs me that I can graduate in THREE more semesters if I stay on top of my game. This seems so soon. I kind of imagined myself graduating at 80, or at least 25, so this is wonderfully awesome news for me.
4:00 pm: Three classes down, one more to go. (Plus my online course, but I won’t count that here.) I forgot the professor promised pizza for everyone today. Also? My friend Samm brought me a Peppermint Mocha to class. I’m super spoiled and I am stuffing my face. I enjoy both of those things a bunch.
5:30 pm: Shina and Priscilla and I take pictures around the Christmas tree. Concordia has been festively decorated since mid-October, which is something the students love to tease the university about. I take part in the teasing, but secretly love it. This time of year makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. The sooner we celebrate warm and fuzzy feelings, the better!
6:30 pm- At the grocery store. I’m exhausted and my night isn’t over but I plan on making dinner and dessert for the hubby.
7:30 pm: Hubby makes me dinner. I do not make dessert.
8:30-9:30- A little bit of homework. A little bit of cuddling.
10:00 pm: Time to be the news girl for the comedy podcast I take part in. One of the boys is sick today, so I’m asked to be on-air the whole time. The boys on podcast and in the chat-rooms usually tease me, which I’m fine with. It’s out of love, for the most part. But today there is one relentless dude who is really pissing me off. More or less, he’s saying I’m unintelligent because I’m cute. Dude doesn’t even know me. I am rather tempted to ask chat-room boy if he’d like to compare gpas and scholarships, but I somehow refrain. But I’m irritated and it’s that time of the month (sorry, guys), so I end up being bitchy and argumentative throughout the entire podcast. (I’m usually super bubbly and giggly.) Luckily, the boys took this in stride and with amusement. When the show was over, I announced that ______ in the chat-room was a “Total dick.” Turns out, ______ in the chat room was a female. This irked me even more. A fellow dude podcast member chalked it down to her jealousy. Sigh. I’ve had it up to HERE with that emotion and women, because it’s such a cop-out. It’s not that I’ve never been envious of a chick in my entire life, because I have. But when I am, I try to quickly turn it into something positive. Like bettering myself. I don’t take it out on some girl I’ve never even met. That’s all I’m saying.
11:00 pm: I hung out with David, a friend who lives with the podcast boys. He’s one of those dudes who is just like a girlfriend, but somehow still straight. Some of the boys in the chat-room were still online, and we began playing around with the microphones and camera. At one point, David was recording me, while I was obliviously sitting down and minding my own business. I began reading things in the chatroom such as: ”Cute as a button.” and “She used to be cute, now she’s pretty.” (Um…thank-you???) and I still had no idea what was going on. I finally noticed the camera pointing directly at me, in which I ran around the apartment looking like an idiot. David then followed me with said camera. As I ran around the apartment looking like an idiot. It was quite a scene, I’m sure.
12:00 am: Home. Bedtime with the boy. Need some sleep for work and play and life for the next day.
