Trip Around the Sun-Chapter 24

25 and FEELING FINE! 

Hello Dolls!

August is my favorite month, tied only with December. If you know me or have read any of my posts the past 2 years, you would know that August is not only my birthday but also the month that 6 years ago I began dating my now fiancé. Yes, I know with our upcoming wedding on February 15^th, after this year, August 25^th will no longer be an “anniversary”. But for me, it will always be a date I hold in my heart. In my opinion, dating for 6 years is plenty of reason to celebrate. Heck, some marriages don’t even last that long. SAD, but TRUE!

Now even though my birthday (quarter of a century! YIKES!) is today, we celebrated my birthday this past weekend at Top Golf in Houston. Typically we celebrate the weekend after, however unless you have been living under a rock, you would know that this week is the start of college football. A&M kicks off our 2013 season on Saturday versus Rice. With all the Johnny BS I am ready for a good game! Anyways, I had about me and 18 friends at Top Golf Houston this weekend and had a great time. If you haven’t ever visited top golf I highly recommend it. It always makes you feel really special to have a large group come together to celebrate your life. I feel so blessed to call each and every one of them friends.

I enjoy reflecting back on the past year on every birthday. It’s like your own “New Year” holiday. 24 had some hard times but it also had some of the best moments of my life! So here is a look back at my trip around the sun-chapter 24. Enjoy.

Last year around this same time I was once again blessed to have a group of people come together to celebrate. I’m not one of those people that think the older you get you don’t deserve a party.  Heck in my book, you just have more money to throw better parties! I had a wonderful time last year two-steppin’ and boogying down at Rebel’s with lovely friends.

October was a crazy busy month for me in 2012! I think Trevor and I were out of town nearly never weekend for Aggie Football and also wedding festivities from my friend Heather. It was a whirlwind of a month but I wouldn't change a thing.

Last Year the Aggies made their debut in the SEC. To say people doubted our ability to be successful would be the understatement of the year. But on November 10, 2012 we showed the Crimson Tide, the SEC and the rest of College football what we were made of. I don’t think I have ever had such a high heart rate during a football game. And yes, I cried when we won. #diehardfan

December is tied with August on best month of the year in my book. This past December was no exception. Being home with family for longer than 2 days is always a blessing. We’ve been doing the same thing every Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for the past 25 years, and I absolutely love it.

To round out 2012, Trevor and I hosted our first party at our new home for New Year’s Eve. We had a lot of laughs and a lof of fun. It was a wonderful night. The only tiny damper was the corneal laceration I managed to get at the end of the night. #worstpainever

Let’s talk about weddings. It is definitely that time in my life where everyone around me is getting married. I find it wonderful that everyone is finding their match. I wish every one of these couples a lifetime of happiness and hope for them they feel the same love they felt on their wedding day, every day of their lives together.

So May has to be like the #bestmonthever of Chapter 24. My best friend, Housewife, and soul sistergot engaged to the man of her dreams. Just so happens, I did the same. I am so excited to become his wife, it’s almost unbearable. You can read all about that joyful day here. It was been such a fun experience planning our weddings together. It’s like Bride Wars…without the war.

My girls move fast. What do I mean by that? Well, I got engaged in May, had a full on “Stock the Bar” Engagement Party in June. #blessedbeyondmeasure I also move fast, and Trevor and I were taking engagement pictures in July! No time like the present.

I can’t go without sharing (even though it was in August of this year) that I was lucky enough to have David Tuttera do a show in Houston. I was even more lucky when I got to meet him. #CanYouBeMyGayBestFriend? In all seriousness this guy is a genius, and quite hilarious too.

I always like to share the same excerpt from my first birthday blog every year. It reigns true every year.

“As a huge Jimmy Buffet stalker fan I live my life inspired by many of his songs. This one in particular I always end up listening to a lot when August rolls around each year. I think it's a great message and an awesome song. If you have never heard this song, I encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to it. It's called "Trip Around the Sun"-By Jimmy Buffett featuring Martina McBride. There is a particular line that says "Only time will tell if it was time well spent" and that is kind of how I want to live my life, no regrets, not worrying about everything, because eventually time will tell you if your decision was good or not. You can't predict the future so you might as well enjoy the ride."

The past year has been a whirlwind of different experiences. I learned a lot, struggled though some crap, grew in my faith, moved up in my career, found a new (and bonus HEALTHY) obsession- Les Mills Body Pump, GOT ENGAGED, and made some new friends. All in all it was a good year, but I am so excited for what the next year will bring! 

Cheers to my last birthday as a “MISS”.

 Now to get through this workday and start my new “trip around the sun” off with good food and company tonight! 

Trip Around the Sun-Chapter 23

Hello Dolls!

I hope that you are all having a wonderful week thus far. For me, it’s pretty much impossible to catch me without a smile. Not only is this a 4 day week for me, it’s also Trevor and I’s 5 year anniversary and my birthday party weekend. (Actually birthday next Tuesday).

I will say though...I am having the absolute hardest time finding a new dress for this weekend and I live in the 4th largest city in America...WTH is wrong with me? If you have any suggestions on where to look, excluding the Galleria, and Memorial City mall, I am all ears.

Last year I wrote a blog about the past year and with my actual birthday exactly a week away, I found it fitting to do the same again. You can see last year’s blog here. I found it extremely interesting and entertaining to reflect back on the previous year. Some things have changed, and others, not one bit. One thing that did change is my job. I left the the job that I started my post grad career in for something more fitting for me. So far it’s been great, and definitely a learning experience. I hope that I continue to advance here and gain valuable experience that I will use in my career.

I moved out of the tiny 1 bedroom, 1 study, 1 bathroom (it shouldn’t have counted at a 2/3 bathroom for how small it was) apartment and moved into a house! A house with a yard, garage, guest bedroom and all that jazz! I wouldn’t take back the time I spent in my first place I paid for all on my own but I would NEVER go back. J

Made new friends and also decided I didn’t need some old friends in my life anymore. You only live once and life is too short to have people around who aren’t honest with you or spend their time talking behind your back. I left high school 6 years ago anyways. More importantly though, is that my real friends haven't changed a bit and no matter how far apart we are/how often we actually get to see each other, nothing changes. :) I love all you girls like sisters (You know who you are).

With that little recap of my past year, here are some photos of some of my favorite moments. I do want to thank you all for taking time out of your day to read my blog. Whether it’s your first time or your 30^th time, I appreciate it so much.

 August 2011-This was Trevor and I celebrating our anniversary last year at Vic and Anthony's Steakhouse. A year later we are getting ready to do it all over again. :)

July 2012-3rd Annual River Trip! 3 days worth of sun, fun, lots of a few drinks, and some of the best friends a girl could ever find.

 October 2011- Superman and Superwoman. :) We had an awesome time celebrating with some great friends. Even if I did get attacked my Snow White...

 November 2011- As sad, upset, and angry as I was that we lost this game, the t.u. vs Aggie game this year was some of the best tailgating of the year. I am very excited for the upcoming season!

 February 2012- LESSE BON TEMP ROULER! Mardi Gras Galveston was once again an absolute blast! Even with the 30 degree weather and biting wind, we still had an incredible night out.

 March 2012- This little guy was running from rising water in SETX, had no home, and no one wanted him. We couldn't bare the thought of him getting put down so Trevor and I met my Mom halfway between Houston and Bridge City to bring him to a shelter in Houston. Yeahhhhh, about that...5 months later he is now part of our family. He has grown from a scared, tired, sad looking stray to a loving, playful, calm puppy that everyone wants to take home with them.

 (Picture on top is the day he was found, the picture on the bottom is present day.)

  

 

June 2012- Jimmy Buffett Concert at the Woodlands Pavilion. Seriously one of the best concerts I have ever been to. It was awesome spending the day with my Dad listening to the music I grew up jamming out to with him.

 June 2012- NEW HOUSE! Left the apartment life for the house life and never looked back. Love.

 October 2011- Myself, Katie, and Marina decided (literally an hour before) that we were taking a road trip to Austin. Hands down one of the most fun nights of the year. From meeting fellow Aggies in Longhorn Land, Marina becoming a bar tender, Katie getting me free pizza, and the delicious hot chocolate that may or may not ended up on the bed, it was a night to remember.

December 2011/January 2012-New Year's Eve Celebrations! What a fun group we had! One of the best NYE celebrations to date.



December 2011-This Christmas was wonderful. Being home for an entire week and spending time with family was perfect. I truly am blessed with an amazing family back home and also a wonderful man who loves my family just as much as I do.

 August 2011- WOW, I can't believe this was already a year ago. This shot is about half the group from my birthday last year in front of the hummer limo my amazing, awesome, super friend Reeves rented for me. One of the best birthdays ever. I can't wait to try and top it this year!

I'm taking a paragraph from last years blog because it's just too good not to share again with the birthday only a week away...As a huge Jimmy Buffet stalker fan I live my life inspired by many of his songs. This one in particular I always end up listening to a lot when August rolls around each year. I think it's a great message and an awesome song. If you have never heard this song, I encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to it. It's called "Trip Around the Sun"-By Jimmy Buffett featuring Martina McBride. There is a particular line that says "Only time will tell if it was time well spent" and that is kind of how I want to live my life, no regrets, not worrying about everything, because eventually time will tell you if your decision was good or not. You can't predict the future so you might as well enjoy the ride.

As I close on Chapter 23, I am beyond excited what Chapter 24 is going to bring! I like even numbers so I've got a good feeling 24 is going to bring me good luck. Who knows what this year will throw my way, but with God's blessings and my friends, family, fur-babies, and amazing boyfriend by my side, I know it's going to be a good year.

Until next time dolls, have a great day.

Friday Favorites & A Stroll Down Memory Lane.

Hello dolls! Friday has graciously graced us with her presence again and it is time for another round of  linking up with Carlie at The Duplechin Daily for Friday Favorites. :)

What I am loving...

OUR NEW PLACE!

So it's not the greatest picture but this was me pulling out of my garage on Wednesday morning.

I am so in love with our new place, it's roomy, I don't have neighbors sharing walls with me, and the dogs have a backyard to play in. Even though we slept on a mattress in the dining room the first night, it has still been perfect. :)

Oh and I L-O-V-E my bathtub...LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! 

Jimmy Buffet last Saturday
Jimmy Buffett last Saturday quite possibly tied with Brittany Spears for the most fun concert I have ever been to. It was so much fun getting to hang out with Dad all day and listen to the music I grew up listening to with him. If you are a Jimmy Buffett fan and haven't seen him in concert, I HIGHLY recommend going to one ASAP.

 Tailgating time. Parrot Heads take this stuff seriously! (That's my Dad in the hat with the red ice chest)

 Trevor and I on the way!

 We got a prime spot on the lawn.

This place was packed and he put on an AMAZING show! Love JB!

Finding old things that make you smile.

(To the artist, thanks for this. :) You know who you are)

As much is packing is the work of Satan, it is pretty awesome when you are going through all the worthless stuff you can't seem to remember why you kept, and then you stumble upon something that just makes you smile. I seriously threw away so much crap, but I did find some old notes, papers and pictures that I am glad I kept. :)

Roadtrippin' tomorrow with the Housewife for HC's lingerie shower!

So let's take a stroll down memory lane shall we....

A little over two years ago HC, Housewife, and I were all getting ready to go to Ring Dance. Ring Dance is the Aggie senior dance they have at the end of every year.

 Little to HC know that her fiance had big plans for the night, and I was in on it. :) Long story short, before the dance started we went to take pictures, and I said I really wanted pictures at the back of the Dixie Chicken since my friend Marina had done some bridals there and they turned out so cute! (so that was a bit of a lie, her bridals were cute, but that was not the main motive). Anyways, HC bought it and we headed up there. Right as we were about to pull up I got a text from HC saying "This would be the perfect place for Henry to propose, with us all dressed up and everyone here. :(", I responded with "I'm sure when he does it will be perfect." Little did she know her dream was about to become a reality.

Even though Trevor hates the picture because he looks like a woman with his hand over his mouth, I love it because you just see HC look at me and she knew I knew. :) Henry proposed right there in HC's ideal place and of course she said yes.

Back to present day, 2 years later, we have finally reached the wedding festivities! (HC and Henry decided to have a long engagement for several reasons.) This weekend is the lingerie shower and I am sure with us 3 all back together, good times will be had. As you can see below that usually happens with us.

 HC, myself and Housewife the night of Ring Dance.

Halloween 2010

Spring Break 2010

 Random Night in College Station

Sake Bombs!

Hot Tubbing anyone? lol

Have a fun and fabulous weekend dolls!

1/30

So a towards the beginning of the year I pinned a pin from Pinterest (Say thay 5 times fast
) with the caption "30 questions to ask each other on a date even if you're already married...this would be fun for a road trip! ". I finally decided to click on it and found myself at cherishing hopes and dreams and I just had to link up!

THE LIST:1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

 I am going to attempt to do at least one a week. :) Grab the button and join in!

1/30-List 20 Random Facts about Yourself.

(I apologize to those who know me, I'm sure most of this is old news)

1. I was the first person in my family to graduate college. Gig'Em.:)

2. The number 8 is my lucky number. My birthday is 8/28/88. The month of August is my favorite month, and it just also happens to be the month Trevor and I started dating.

3. I absolutely CANNOT STAND the sound of Velcro. For me, it's like nails on a chalkboard for everyone else.

4. I have this super fun  completely pointless skin disorder called Pigmented Purpura. It does nothing, has no symptoms, and you can't feel it. Basically I have this lovely little spots all over my left leg (you heard right, just the left one) that kind of look like bruises. It's dumb. But if that's my only health issue in life. I'll take it.

5. I have one tattoo. It's an aTm with "Aggies" written across it.

6. I'm obsessed with Kobe Bryant...sue me.

7. I HATE baseball. So boring! And it takes away SO much of my boyfriends attention for 1/3 of the year.

8. I am an only child.

9. I have two fur babies, Chanel and Shep both Australian Shepherds. We bought Chanel from some close friends of ours and have raised her since she was 10 weeks old. She's like my first baby. :) Shep sort of just fell into our laps. He was lost and scared in SETX and no one would take him. Trevor and I, being the animal lovers we are, decided to meet my Mom halfway from Houston and SETX to bring him to a shelter in Houston. You see how well that worked out.

10. I hate chocolate ice cream/shakes/sundaes.

11. I am a Parrot Head. Jimmy Buffett's music can make me happy on even the most terrible of days.

12. I am NOT a kid person. Yes, I want kids of my own one day (like 20 years from now) but I see kids now and immediately tense up. Unless it's Mackenzie, she's an exception, but I am still afraid to hold her.

13. Trevor and I have A&M football season tickets with about 10 of our other friends. Whoop!

14. I can't go a whole day without Diet Coke.

15. My new obsession is Step Class at the gym. I was actually AWFUL the first time I went, but now I've gotten pretty good.

16. If I could go on a cruise every month I totally would. I love cruises. So far I have been on 3.

17. I have only flown twice in my life. To and from NYC. I am extremely nervous to fly in September for work by myself. Prayers appreciated that my life doesn't turn into a particular "Grey's Anatomy" season finale.

18. When I finally get married (when elephants fly) I will most likely have no less that 8 bridesmaids. I have lots of wonderful friends. Being an OC (Only Child) makes me appreciate my friendships a hella lot.

19. I always LOVED the name Trevor but had never met anyone with that name. Then, one night my freshman year at college, I met a Trevor at a "Pimps and Hoes" party. Little did I know that this particular "Trevor" would change my life as I know it. Nearly 5 years later, he still gives me butterflies.

20. I am a very proud Christian/Catholic and believe that the only reason I have made it this far is from the love and blessings of God and Jesus Christ.

So there is is ladies and gentlemen, the start of my 30 things. :)