Catching Up Thanks, an Engagement, and a Birthday.

Apologies for my absence but life has been crazy busy, but awesome none the less.

Before I do some major catch-up on my 30 Days of Thanks, I want to send a BIG Congratulations out to one of my oldest and dearest friends, Ashley B.(see stars in my Sky) and her new fiancé' Colin on their engagement that happened last night. Since we became friends in our junior year of high school, we have had PLENTY of discussions of weddings, proposals, and all other things bridal and I couldn't be any happier for her that she now gets to live out all those dreams. Congratulations again to the future Mrs. Franks. :)

Also, a big Happy Birthday shout out to another long time and great friend, J.C. Can't wait to celebrate Tuesday night!

Okay so keeping up with these 30 days of Thanks has been a little more difficult that I thought. So with that being said, I am going to do a little combining on days of thanks because I want to catch up!

Day 14-17: My Job

Okay so if you know me at all, you know that I, at time, am less than pleased with my primary job. I won't elaborate much but it's definitely a glass half empty a lot of days. HOWEVER, when I step back and look at the big picture, I really am thankful for my job, especially with the Holidays coming up. Not only do I have above average in regular vacation, we also get a full week of either the week of Christmas or the week of New Year's that is not taken from our vacation. I am very thankful for that time off to spend with loved ones. I am also thankful for a job where I get a bonus around Christmas to help with the cost of presents. I am thankful that I have a really awesome boss that doesn't make coming to work absolutely miserable. November 14-17h I am very thankful that I have a job and all the positive things that come from it. I am thankful I am not unemployed and that I can pay all my bills/expenses on my own.

Day 18: Texas A&M University

I wish that Friday would have just been another day; however, it marked 12 years since the Aggie Bonfire collapsed and killed 12 Aggies. Texas A&M University is a big family. Say what you want about us being crazies with all of our traditions and cult like mentality, but there is truly a spirit that can ne'er be told. I want to share a quote from an article that was published in Texas Monthly in November of 2009, which was the 10 year anniversary of the collapse of the bonfire.

“The bonfire symbolizes two things,” reads the 1947 Texas A&M freshman handbook. “A burning desire to beat the team from the University of Texas, and the undying flame of love that every loyal Aggie carries in his heart for the school.”

This statement, along with a lot of other moments from that tragic day fill the pages of that November 2009 issue that sits on my counter. I don't ever save magazines but that one I will always keep. I recommend reading the article in full to anyone-Aggie Bonfire- Ring of Fire. It covers not only the history of Bonfire, but it also paints of vivid picture of the bravery of the Aggie students, football team, and staff/faculty that would not stop until all Aggies were recovered from the pile of wood. I cried reading the article and my heart hearts every year on November 18th, but you can bet every time I look down at this little gold ring on my right hand ring finger, my heart swells with pride. I am so honored to be a part of the Aggie family. I am proud to say that I attended and graduated from Texas A&M University and am extremely thankful that I met some of my best friends and the love of my life while I was there. I am thankful for the lessons I learned while I was there, especially the ones not in any classroom. November 18th I am thankful for Texas A&M University. I am thankful for the generations of students that came before me and helped shape and create the core values and traditions of the university. I am thankful for the future students that will keep those traditions going strong for years to come. And I am beyond thankful for the memories that I have from those 4 years in College Station, TX.

Day 19- Housewife

I have this friend, you MAY have heard me mention her (see stars in sky), she goes by Lauryn/Housewife and this girl is my best friend. Saturday after the Aggies BTHO Kansas, Trevor and I spent the rest of the evening with Lauryn and her bf Jordan (we so lovingly named them LoJo.). We really didn't do anything crazy, just dinner and a little wine after at the apartment but it totally didn't matter, still an awesome weekend. Little moments like having girl talk in her room while the boys watched, you guessed it, more football, are the reasons why I am thankful for her. She may be 2 years younger than me but don't let that fool you, she can dish out some pretty great advice. Even though I am technically an only child, a friendship like ours makes me feel like I have a sister.

November 19th, I am thankful for Lauryn W. I thank God that our paths somehow crossed and that we became friends. I am thankful for all the tough situations that each one of us has gotten the other one through, and the memories that we have made.

Day 20-My Dad

Yesterday, on his way home from Austin with his wife Debbie, my Dad stopped by my apartment for while just to visit. It was great seeing him and getting to actually talk face to face. It's been way to long since I have seen him. My Dad is not what you call lovey-dovey. He is more described as a "hard ass". We have had our good moments and we have had some really bad moments. But in the past couple of years, I feel like we finally got it right. My Dad was strict growing up, sometimes a little intense, but I feel like he played a huge role in shaping me into the person that I am today. Looking back now, I am thankful for the way he raised me, and for the "no room for error" tactic he used. I feel because of the way he raised/disciplined me that I have respect for others, I have manners, and I know not to walk loudly when you’re on the second floor of anything. :) I know that I need to turn off lights if I am not using them, and always do your chores, even when you don't want to. I know that you alone are responsible for your actions and blaming it on anything or anyone else just isn't acceptable.

November 20th, I am thankful for my Dad. I am thankful that he raised me the way he did. I am thankful for how hard he worked when I was young to support our family. I am thankful that we now have a great relationship and that we came back from the dark place that we went to during my parents’ divorce.

I am also thankful for short weeks! My thanksgiving break begins at 4 P.M. tomorrow and I cannot wait. Tomorrow evening is also our good friend J.C.'s birthday shindig, which is guaranteed to be a good time.

Happy Monday Dolls.

30 Days of Thanks: 11-13

Good Monday to everyone!

I do hope that everyone had as great a weekend as I did. Friday night Trevor and I had dinner with our Houston crew at the always delicious Guadalajara. After dinner we picked up a good friend that we never get to see (he lives in Canada) from the airport and spent the night "time traveling", two-stepping, and having very interesting cab rides involving Lil'Wayne and bunny ears. Saturday we stomached another stellar performance by the Aggies (sarcasm much?) and then had a movie & wine night at home. "Crazy, Stupid Love" and "Limitless" are both great movies by the way. Sunday, Trev and I had a fantastic brunch at Cyclone's in the Heights. Bottomless Mimosa=awesomesauce. Sunday finished up with football and relaxation.

So here we are with the start of another countdown until the weekend. (Lucky me today is my Tuesday).

Time to catch up with my "30 Days of Thanks"!

Day 11-Armed Services

Friday was Veteran's Day. With all of the craziness that is going on all over the world, Americans are pretty dang lucky that we typically live our lives worry free. What I mean by that is none of us walk outside every morning hoping we don't get blown up today. We don't have to hope that when we get home from work our houses will still be standing. You may not agree with our government and times may be tough for a lot of people, but we are still very blessed to live, in my opinion, the best country in the world. I firmly believe one of the biggest reasons it is the best is because of our defense. We are protected because thousands of men and women chose to put their butts on the line to save ours. I am incredibly thankful for that. I am very proud to say my grandfather, Louis O. Peveto served in the 82 airborne unit, in US Army. He, along with all other past, present, and future veterans are heroes in my book. Friday, November 11, 2011, I am incredibly thankful for all the men and women who serve, has served and will serve in the United States Military. May GOD watch over all of them and bring them home soon. May GOD also bless the families of these men and women.

Day 12-God's Grace

Saturday morning as I lay in bed, waiting to fully wake up, I was looking on my dearly beloved pinterest.com and I ran across this.

I sadly have fallen asleep mid prayer, and some nights/mornings simply did not pray. Seeing how incredible my life truly is, I feel ashamed to admit it. Thankfully though, my GOD is a forgiving and loving GOD that doesn't torch my apartment because I forgot to say thank you. How lucky are we as Christians that God DOESN'T forget? I'd say pretty darn lucky.

November 12, 2011, I am so incredibly thankful for God's grace, forgiveness, and love for without it, I would be lost. I am thankful my parents raised me to be strong in faith and to trust in God. I am thankful that God doesn't take away our blessing when we mess up, that he gives us second chances. For all of this, I am MOST thankful for.

Day 13-Trevor Davis

There isn't a single person I have ever known that I can spend days straight with but then miss them the instant they leave. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and my friends but we all know we can get under each other's skin after lengthy periods of time together. I could spend endless time with that boy and it would still not be enough. He brings out the best in me, makes me laugh every day, and makes me feel like a million bucks. On top of everything he does for me, he gets along with everyone and charms anyone he meets. He is level headed, very intelligent, and has a heart of gold. He is strong, independent, and can fix anything. (Literally cars, electronics, household items, you name it) The best thing about him is he chooses me to be his girl, best friend, and partner in crime. Every time I look at those gorgeous green eyes I feel like the luckiest girl in the universe.

November 13, I am incredibly thankful for Trevor Davis being in my life. I thank GOD for sending me the man I always prayed for. I thank GOD for the past 4 years and also for getting us through the tough moments. I am thankful I now know what love is.

Happy Monday Dolls.

30 Days of Thanks: 7-10

I am getting all caught up today!

Day 7-My Grandparents, Louis and Ruth

If you know me, you know that my Paw-Paw and Grandma are EXTREMELY important to me. Growing up, I didn't go to a babysitter, I went to their house. Nearly every day my Paw-Paw would come home from work, before he retired, with a chicken nugget happy meal. (I am proof McDonalds doesn't make kids fat, being lazy and sitting inside all day does) I remember the things that my grandfather taught me way more than what I was learning in school. My grandmother spoiled me more than anyone else in my life, and cooked me anything I could ever want. My grandfather taught me how to drive and told me stories from his own life that still inspires me to this day. When it came time to go to College, my grandparents decided that I needed a more reliable car than my VW beetle, and bought me a brand new Tiburon. My grandparents also paid for half of all my college tuition, more than half of rent all four years, and also gave me monthly money for groceries. When I graduated college in May of 2010 they got to the arena so early that they had the best seats in the house right by the stage, front row. In December of 2010, they traded my car in and gave me their hardly driven, practically new 2010 Camry. On top of everything above, they have always loved me, supported me, and been there for me no matter what. I don't know what I would have done without them. They truly are my heroes and I love them with every piece of my heart. November 7th, I thank GOD for blessing me with two amazing grandparents who have done so much for me in my life. I also thank GOD for their good health even with their ages. I pray that you keep the healthy, watch over them, and give them abundant blessings.

Day 8-Free gym membership

Pretty simple. Gym memberships are expensive. Mine is free because my apartment complex pays for it. After hearing what some of my friends pay for a membership, I am very thankful for my free membership at my small, home town gym, smack dab in the middle of Houston. Seeing Arian Foster and Hunter Pence at you gym is pretty cool also. :)

November 8th, I am so thankful for not having to pay to workout at a nice gym.

Day 9-My apartment

It's nothing special, and it's not luxury by any means, but it is the first place that is all mine. The first place that I am not splitting rent/bills with anyone else (except Chanel). The first place I can walk around naked! (I usually refrain from this, but I could do it if I wanted to!) I think it's quite an accomplishment to say that you have actually lived 100% on your own. I also think it's a great learning experience. 2217 has been and I am sure will continue to be a place where wonderful (first years of real life) memories are made.

November 9th, I am very thankful for my apartment that I can call home and for the memories I have made there.

Day 10-Annoynoumous Friend

Today I am thankful for my "annoynoumous friend" (See Starts in my sky). His random texts/e-mails from all hours of the day helps keep life interesting. His outlook on life really is one of the best I have ever seen. He isn't the mushy type at all, and I'll probably get taunted by him for this but he totally inspires me. He truly lives up to the phrase "live life to the fullest", and I don't think he is afraid of anything. I have spent some some of the most fun nights of my life with this crazy guy. My only complaint is he lives in Austin and not Houston. Sadly he's not a big fan of Houston, but I can't say it isn't without good reasons. I know that he will always be in my life and I can't wait to see the good times we have in the upcoming years. November 10th, I am thankful for this friend that I met 5 years ago while waiting tables in College. I am thankful for all the great memories we have and the future ones we will create. I am VERY thankful for our friendship.

Happy Thursday Dolls.

Weekend Thanks; Days 4-6

I am little behind of my 30 days of thanks, so it's time to play catch up! 

Day 4-Vacation Days from work & girlfriends

Last Friday, I was thankful for days off or vacation days from work. I feel like my life/schedule has been so crazy/busy since August, almost too busy really. Since I only too one big vacation this year (a 7-day cruise back in June) I had a week left over that I have spread out over every other Friday since October began. These Fridays off have seriously been life-savors, especially this past Friday.

Also last Friday, I was very thankful for my girlfriends, two in particular; Marina and Katie. I got a bribery e-mail from Marina early Friday saying that she would guarantee free hotel, mimosas, and bloody Mary’s if we would accompany her to a work event Saturday morning. So Friday evening around 7, we loaded up into Marina's car and headed to Austin. After several sketchy gas station stops and some lengthy jam sessions, we made it to Austin. We checked into our hotel and spent the rest of the evening on 6th street. It seriously felt like those random college road trips that we had back at A&M. Another cool part of the story is that in the midst of the T.U. vs. tech game weekend in Austin, we managed to meet two Aggie girls and hang with them rest of the night. After some A&M talk we found out one of the girls had actually been a freshman in Trevor's fish camp, Camp Pracht, SMALL FREAKIN WORLD! And even though we were all running on fumes the next day and we walked like 4 miles trying to get back to the hotel (don't ask) it was one of the most fun nights of 2011. Friday November 4th I am so incredibly thankful that GOD has blessed me with a job that allows me to recharge and rest. I also thank GOD for incredible girlfriends that make life fun, spontaneous, and beautiful.

Myself, Katie and Marina on 6th Street.

Us and our new Aggie friends, Rachel and Elisha at Moose Freckles Knuckles. ;)
 

Day 5-Music

Saturday afternoon, after our morning at Marina's work function, we rushed back to Houston because we had a concert to get to, TAYLOR SWIFT! Marina, Heather, Ashley and I bought these tickets all the way back in February and the idea of finally getting to use them was almost too much excitement to handle! So around roles 7, 8, 8:30, after the less than stellar openers finished, the beautiful and incredibly talented Taylor Swift came on stage and performed one amazing show. I have never seen an artist thank her fans more than she did and the best part about that was you could tell she actually meant it. Her show ties with the Britney Spears/Nicki Minaj concert for favorite concert ever. Saturday, November 11th I am thankful for music; Music that can up lift us, that can grab tight of our soul and make us feel something inside, that makes us dance, or helps us through a difficult time. I am thankful that GOD has blessed the music entertainers with this gift so they may share it with the rest of the world.

Taylor Swift Concert @ Minute Maid Park. Check back for more pictures tonight!

Day 6-My bed & Sleep

I have always thought of myself as a person that doesn't need a ton of sleep to function. I also would like to think of myself as a morning person, but on this particular Sunday, there isn't much I wouldn't have done to stay in bed when that work alarm clock went off at 7:45 AM. Since Friday morning I had acquired about 8 hours of sleep total for the weekend (including that "extra" hour), so you can guess I was less than "energized" for work. As I struggled to maintain the "I love football!" persona that day, I realized this may be my body's way of telling me to slow the hell down. Driving home from work that day I felt the way I use to feel after back to back all-nighters in college. As soon as I walked in the door I changed clothes, crawled into bed and was asleep in a total of 5 minutes. Then and for the next 24 hours, I realized how much I really do love sleep and that my bed is the most perfect bed you could ever lay on.

Sunday, November 6th I thank the good LORD above for blessing me with a home and a bed. A wonderful bed where I can rest, sleep, dream and pray.

Stay tuned for Days 7-9.

:)

Day 3: 30 Days of Thanks

Continuing on with my 30 Days of Thanks...

Day 3-My Health

If you know me, you know that I have a completely random skin disorder called Capillaritis or "Pigmented Purpura". Basically I have these really random spots on my left leg only that like to change colors, get bigger/smaller, and do nothing really but annoy me. They don't hurt, they don't itch, and if you were to touch my leg without looking you wouldn't feel them. To Learn more click here. 

a few of the spots on the side of my lower leg

So basically, if you read that link you see that they are asymptomatic, cause no harm, and to my delight, no known cure or cause. Super. Every time I go to the gym I get mad. I am sure that is because of the mirror covered walls that surround me because no matter where I walk, my eyes seem to be drawn down to my left leg where the C/PP has decided to create it's city. No, it is not anywhere else on my body, just the left leg. I get frustrated because no matter how many bottles of vitamins the dermatologists recommends, it doesn't make it go away. They change colors and shapes but I think there just having fun parading around their new home. I feel it's incredibly noticeable every time I wear anything that shows my leg...thank goodness winter is around the corner. Ugh.

So here I am going on about this skin condition that I am clearly so fond of and I am sure you are wondering where the whole "thankful for my health" thing is coming into play...Well here's the low down on that. I was doing my usually lunch time stalking skimming on facebook and I noticed someone who I knew threw a student organization several years ago. This person has, since I last saw them, found out they had a brain tumor and is now battling cancer. Wow. Snaps my ass back to reality real quick. This person is in their early 20's. While most early 20 something year olds are worrying about when they're going to use their work vacation, this person is battling for their life. Finding this out quickly brought me back to 5th grade when my own mom found out she had a brain tumor. We were all pretty terrified, but through the grace of GOD, it was removed and she is currently living a very healthy and happy life. When I was in high school, my parents had CT scans done of me to check for any brain tumors (since they said my mom had probably had it since she was 16)...Nothing. Healthy as a horse. *Blessed*

Through my life I have had 2 health issues, the Capillaritis/Pigmented Purpura and a minor lumpectomy(non cancerous). That's it. I would have to say I am blessed beyond measure. When I see cases like the facebook friend or my mom it really brings me back down to Earth. If pigminted purpura is the only health issue I deal with my whole life I will be totally okay with that. There are people out their fighting for their life and sometimes I think those of us dealing with life's everyday stress forget how incredibly lucky we are to be in good health.

So today, on the third day of November, I thank GOD for my health, for letting pigminta purpura being the biggest health issue concern I have. I thank God for helping my mom get through brain surgery and that she can be here living a wonderful and healthly life. I ask that GOD please watch over all those fighting horrible health issues & diseases and give them the strength to continue on and to beat it.

30 Days of Thanks

Hello friends!

Glad to see we have all made it halfway through the week!

I have been seeing on facebook this trend of people that are updating their status every day of November with something that they are thankful for. I think it's a great idea, kudos to whoever originally thought of it. I have decided instead to take my "30 Days of Thank"s to True Blonde Ambition instead of facebook. So without further adue I give you (in no particular order) my "30 Days of Thanks".Since I missed a day yesterday (which will happen from time to time) I will give 2 things today.

Day 1- Chanel

As we drove to our very good friends, Heather and Henry's house that Sunday in August last year I knew I was going to be picking out a new puppy, but little did I know just how in love I would fall with her. This half full/half mini Australian Shepherd stole my heart the first time I held her in my lap.

She opened her little eyes and looked at me, and that was it. Over the past year and 5 months she has brought me more joy (and let's face it, a good amount of stress too) that I could not have possibly imagined. Even though we have had our moments with those puppy frustrations, and of course her diva like attitude, all of that is nothing compared to the complete happiness I experience when I come home every day to that black and white ball of fluff. Chanel has the biggest personality of any dog I have ever met. She is incredibly hard headed, extremely smart, and I am quite positive she has Trevor and I more trained that we have her. The unconditional love that I feel from her every night when she cuddles up next me is impossible to explain in words. So today I thank God for sending me this little Angel that turns my dark skies blue and melts my heart with every wet nosed, puppy kiss.

Day 2-Veterinarians

Confused yet? Allow me to explain. Yesterday morning at around 4 AM (yes, AM) Chanel began to get sick. After about an hour (and 30 minutes of clean up), she was running around wanting me to play "ball" with her, so I relaxed and went into work. When I made it home yesterday, judging by what was on my floor, she had gotten sick several times that day while I was gone, but again appeared to be acting fine. Now, as from my post above, you can see how much that dog means to me, so I immediately begin to panic/think the worse. I grab her, jump in the Camry, and run to Chanel's regular vet only to find out from the overly chipper receptionist that Doctor ---- is not in but I could bring her back in the morning. *steam pours out of ears* "I don't have TIME to wait for the morning lady! And by the way, this is the last time you will see me here, since this is the THIRD time Dr.--- is not here when my dog needs her VET!!!". I then speed over to another vet office Chanel's new vet office where we only waited a few minutes. (If you are looking for a reliable, friendly, fair in price veterinarian office inside the loop in Houston, look no further, Heights Vet Clinic.) The vet (who just happened to be an Aggie, WHOOP!) gave Chanel an examination and let me know she had no serious issues besides her little stomach bug. The vet informed that she would be fine and gave Chanel a shot along with some medicine. So today, I am so incredibly thankful for those people that spend their time (and all that money for Vet school) taking care of the patients that can't tell you whats wrong, the patients that sometimes bite, and the patients that make their families complete. I thank God for creating these wonderful people who love animals so much they want to spend their lives helping them live a healthy and happy life.