As the year comes to a close...

I have decided that a year in review would not be the best fit for my last post of the year since I have only been blogging for about 2 months. I really wanted to just take this time and provide an update and a list of things that I look forward to starting or completing in the year 2013. I have an extensive bucket list and would like to see some of those things come to pass in my 28th year of life.

I had a wonderful Christmas holiday with my family and friends. I was able to see my Dad's family, my brother and his girlfriend, as well as spend an ample amount of time with my mom and her family. After family time, I got to go to Texas and spend some time with my boyfriends family as well as my college 2nd family, the Herron's. I love this time of year just because of the amount of quality time I have to spend with the people I love and care for the most.



***BIG NEWS*** My dog, Zeta, was adopted by my grandparents that live in Arkansas. I was so thankful that I cried like a big baby when they told me that my grandfather wanted to keep her for good and that she would become a member of their family. I am so thankful that they surprised me and that she is going to be close to me still so I can see her when I make it home.

My sweet baby Zeta :) 

My grandparents (mom's side) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and we planned a huge surprise party and invited over 70 people. Almost all of them showed up and it remained a surprise until the day of. We were okay with the surprise being ruined some since it saved us a lot of cooking trouble but I was so happy to see them celebrate with their friends and family. I prepared a nice picture slide show/video for them and they have watched it, I swear, 20 times now. My grandfather wanted to be a cowboy growing up so I guess this is his 50th anniversary pose to live out that dream!

 My pappaw, Merchel, living out his cowboy childhood dreams ;)

Other big news -- David is officially here. We made it to our house yesterday afternoon and got all of our Christmas goodies unpacked and put away, found some room in my closet for him and gave him some dresser space as well, for his clothes. We got to see some beautiful scenery while we were in Texas - via his backyard - and on our drive to Arizona. There was lots of snow over the holiday and I am so glad I finally got to see a white Christmas (I know a white one was not as successful for those without power and for that I apologize).

David's dad took this photo of their backyard

My honey and I in a Winter Wonderland in Texas

One of the fabulous views we had on our drive back to Arizona...yes it does actually snow here :)

So moving ever forward into 2013...I have lots of plans....

Top 10 things for the upcoming year...

1. I will see the Rangers be victorious this season even though some of the power players have left the team...

2. I will attend a Cowboys football game...and take David too since they are his favorite...

3. I will apply for and start my Doctoral program at ASU.

4. I will be almost credit card debt free...college years were killer and I wasn't smart - I'm determined to be a better steward of my money.

5. I will go visit two of my favorite people - Abby will be in Colorado and Amber will be in South Carolina.

6. I will go snow skiing and actually learn how to do this since I have never gone.

7. I will attempt to attend Tri Sigma's convention this year since it is in Orlando and will be at Disney - which I have also never been to.

8. I will get a promotion/advancement at work - I'm determined to further my career and education.

9. I will become healthier - continue seeing my physical trainer at the gym and eat better.

10. I will plan a vacation and actually plan and budget for it and do something fun for me-- I've been home several times this semester and have done lots of things but don't really feel like, in 2012, I truly did anything for myself and my own personal enjoyment. I hope to do that this upcoming year.

What are some of your resolutions or goals for 2013??

Hope you have a wonderful new year! :) 

-xo

 

Before the holidays holiday

I can't believe it has been 10 days since I last posted anything on my blog -- my sincerest apologies for just now getting a free moment to post/write anything!! As you may have guessed -- I have been super swamped busy.

So...let's play catch up!

Since my last blog post, I was able to do a small Christmas dinner and gift exchange with one of my favorite families here in Phoenix. The Herrons are such a blessing to me and it is so nice to have a familiar face here in the big city!

This is the most precious 2 yr old ever!

I also made a trip home to Arkansas...for a few reasons --

1. My baby brother graduated from college with his bachelor's degree!! I can not even begin to describe how proud I am of him. He has worked long and hard to get his degree and made that last stretch count! Brock and Dianna are going to be doing a little traveling over the holidays so I won't get to see them as much while I am visiting my family at home for Christmas but I got to spend a good little chunk of time with him last weekend for his graduation -- I am a super proud big sister!!



David, Dianna, Brock and I at Brock's graduation from SAU

2. My best friend got married!! I am extremely happy for the New Mr. & Mrs. Hayden Simpson. Rianne was an absolutely goregous bride and I couldn't have been more thrilled to be a part of their spectacular and beautiful day. Of course I cried like a baby when they started giving out hugs to the wedding party during the ceremony -- my 2nd family was no help either -- mom and dad sitting in the front row with tears in their eyes made me even more sentimental.

Rianne and I before the ceremony got started

The wedding was so great because it was like a Tri Sigma reunion for me. I was able to see a lot of my sisters that I don't normally get to see and some that I haven't seen in forever!!!! I was so excited to get to see these ladies and really get to reconnect with some that I haven't seen since they left SAU.

All the ladies that attended the wedding..LOVE!

 

 

3. The next day, I was able to visit my first 2nd family - The Troquilles. Abby, my best friend in high school, is married and her and her husband are expecting their first baby boy! Landon Joseph Carter will be here in April and I am so excited for Abby and Joe. They will be moving closer to me in January and I will be able to see them a lot more often. Abby got lots of great gifts at the shower and I didn't snap any photos but it was a blast and they were all able to meet David - so that was a plus.

 

4. Next on my agenda was the ASU University Housing Holiday Retreat. I was charged to plan and program for this event with the help of my co-workers and some other housing staff members. I have to say that the party was a huge success and I am so glad that all of the housing staffs here enjoyed themselves. We had a potluck of our favorite holiday dishes, a tacky sweater contest, a ton of door prize give-aways, and a recipe exchange. We also held a toy drive for the Cardon Children's Medical Center here in the Phoenix area. Lots of toys were donated and I was excited to see our staffs come together for a great cause. This event was special to me since I love organizing events but also because I was able to see a lot of my friends from other campuses.

 

 Bailey and I before the Tacky Sweater Contest

 

 I was told my sweater wasn't tacky enough - it was too pretty! :)

 



 Two of my favorite people from Tempe!

 

The best part of my weekend and this week was getting to spend some quality time with my honey. I was home for 3 days and will be returning home tomorrow - and I am beyond excited to spend the holidays with him and our families. Today I had a little "wow this is really happening moment" when I went to the housing office to pick up David's copy of the keys to our house. I can't believe he is really moving here and going to school. I am beyond excited and can't wait for our official move in date for him on December 29th. :)

 

David and I at Rianne's wedding - Mo photobombed it!

David's copy of keys to our house!

 

 

If I don't get to chat with you all again... Have a Very Merry Christmas!!

 

 

xoxo-

TV I LOVE...

I find myself in front of my television on most nights that I'm on duty and spending the evening at home alone. I have always been a huge movie buff but recently there have not been that many movies out that I was just dying to see - so to pass the time I have found myself in front of my television watching some "olidie but goodies" and some new sitcoms that I have fallen in love with.

First - the old -

Grey's Anatomy: I absolutely adore this show! The drama, the surgeries, the love stories, and the smart alec comedy are all features of this show and I love to watch it unfold season after season... Grey's is on ABC on Thursday nights

Private Practice: The spin-off show from Grey's never gets old either. They are always adding new twists and turns in the story line that keep me interested. Shonda Rhimes is a genius and created both of these. PP comes on ABC on Tuesday nights

The Ellen Show: Ellen is one of my all-time favorite talk show hosts. She is hilarious to watch and has the biggest heart! I am never bored watching all the guest stars, hilarious segments like "Bad Paid for Photos" and "Weekly Tweetly Round-Up". Contests and give aways are her speciality and she is always helping people in need which usually ends up with me tearing up or sobbing on my couch as I watch the show. I <3 Ellen!

Newer Shows --

The New Girl - This is a show for girls and for guys. The new girl, Jess, played by Zoey Deschanel, is hilarious and her three male roommates make the show full of laughs. I would recommend it to any couple as a Tuesday night show to watch.

I love singing shows so the X-Factor and the Voice are two of my favorites. This season there have been a lot of singers make it to the final rounds from the south. Dez Duron, a singer on The Voice from Shreveport, LA was amazing and I was so disappointed when he was voted off. Another Shreveport, LA native is Willie Jones on the X-Factor. He was voted off early on but had an amazing voice. These shows always touch my heart because I love to sing as well and I love seeing people make it and fulfill their dreams.

I also love ABC Family and watch most of the shows on there. I know at 27 that is kinda embarassing to admit but I love Pretty Little Liars, Switched at Birth, and Secret Life of the American Teenager.

The newest shows I love are Last Man Standing and Malibu Country. Tim Allen is the star of Last Man Standing and it has nothing to do with "Tool Time" lol :) -- Always lots of comedy coming along with Tim. Malibu Country stars Reba McIntyre and I enjoy watching her. She is southern through and through and brings it into the show. I always enjoy these on my Friday nights on duty on ABC.

MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SHOW CURRENTLY: THE VAMPIRE DIARIES
I started watching this show via Netflix when I moved to Arizona in June. A new season started a few weeks ago and I'm obsessed. I follow all the stars of this show on twitter to get any sneak peeks of upcoming episodes I can. I have to say that I am team Damon all the way and enjoy every second of this show.  It comes on the CW on Thursday nights and it is a must see!!!!

What are you watching???

My First Ornament Swap

This year I was really interested in joining in on an ornament swap and my sweet blogger/sister/friend - Ricci - helped me find one that was still open in November. I joined the swap via The Vintage Modern Wife 's blog. It took a litte while for me to find out who my partner was but when I did was I super pumped!!

Everyone meet - Jen T.! (You can follow her on twitter - @jennyburgo) We found each other on Twitter and I started learning more about her. She is from Rochester, NY and has dogs -- I knew we were a perfect match as partners for the swap! She got me one pre-made ornament and then made me two more and sent some chocolate kiss goodies with them! I love them and they go perfectly on my purple and teal peacock themed tree!

I also have had a jam packed weekend!! Thursday and Saturday our department worked with our Student Services partners to do some community service projects. Thursday we wrapped socks into packets for a local homeless shelter as well as made hygeine kits to donate to the shelters for the people that come there. Saturday we volunteered at the Special Olympics Youth Soccer Tournament. We had  a lot of our department at both events and it felt really good to give back through those projects instead of having a EOSS wide holiday party. At the Thursday event we had a little contest in which I got 2nd place. We created gold and maroon felt gingerbread people, decorated them, and then they were voted on by our co-workers. I won a ribbon and a little tin full of candy and goodies! I love being crafty so this was right up my alley.

Finally, the best thing I got to do this weekend was attend the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter's Holiday Brunch and Coffee. I have to say that this was a very festive event with all of my alumnae chapter sisters and there was amazing food and a wonderful time of fellowship. I could not have asked for a better weekend and am now the proud member of the fundraising committee for the Spring 2013 semester as well our our new team captain for the Climb to Conquer Cancer South Mountain climb in February. We need 10 members so if you are in the area and want to join our team, please let me know! You don't have to be a Sigma - you can be a friend, family member, man, woman, or even a phantom participant! I am excited about this event and even more excited to be the captain!!

The Phoenix Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma

Holiday Brunch and Coffee 12.8.12

 

I hope you all have an amazing week and I hope to get to blog a lot more often over the next few weeks.

 

I am interested in expanding and getting more exposure for my blog. Any suggestions?? Leave a comment!

Lately...

I received my Maven: Julep Nail box today and I am so excited!! I got three things of polish, a container of remover, and some cuticle oil and a free sample of pedi cream. I am really anxious to use all the colors (2 fall and 1 summer)! Check out My Maven icon on the side of my page and sign up today! It is so amazing -- like shoedazzle but for your nails!!

http://www.julep.com/

Today was my first day back at the gym in a few days and I can totally tell that I have missed a few sessions. I love my personal trainer, Amanda. She is so personable and welcoming . She definitely knows how to push me further in my workouts. If you live close to an LA Fitness -- Please check out their personal training options..it is totally worth it!!

https://www.lafitness.com/Pages/Default.aspx

Another thing that I have been working on is a wreath for my front door. I wanted to try a deco mesh wreath or a Christmas ball one but I changed my mind as I wandered through Michael's on Sunday afternoon and found all of their holiday picks on sale for 60% off. I couldn't believe all the good deals I got!! It turned out to be a great and successful trip. Hope you all like it! :)

Besides beauty products, crafting, and working out, I have been spending a lot of time on the phone with my family. If any of you are prayer partners - please say a quick prayer for my uncle (my mom's brother). He is a diabetic and went to the hospital on Sunday for pain in his feet. They admitted him and are removing his right leg from the knee down tomorrow because he has lost all circulation. He goes into surgery early in the morning and I want as many people praying as possible that it goes smoothely and that there are no complications. One reason I dislike living so far away -- not being able to be there tomorrow for him when he comes out of the operating room. Mom is going to call me in the morning and let me talk to him before he goes into surgery- which I am grateful for. So if you can, please say a prayer.

 

My uncle Bo and I in 1988

Waiting on birthday cake and ice cream together

One of my favorite shots of us

 

Until next time...

Bachelorettes and Broads

I haven't gotten to blog much this week so here is an update of what I've been doing...

 This weekend was my bestie -Rianne's- bachelorette party. I have to say that we had an absolute blast.

My bestie - Rianne and I

First - A little quick lingerie shower at the hotel after getting ready for our night out...Rianne, as I expected, got a few kinky items but several very practical items for her honeymoon! I hope that when I get married my friends are just as practical with their purchases! lol :)

Secondly - Pictures in the lobby before we jumped in our two black Escalades to head out for dinner...

Our beautiful group of party attendees

Next -- dinner at Mattito's Tex-Mex Grill was so yummy! Definitely a place I would want to eat and visit again. They have a great atmosphere, amazing drinks, and decent prices. I have to admit I was on a pretty strict budget for this little two day venture so I was relieved when I opened the menu and found lots of choices for under $10! Lots of laughs and jokes at dinner about really inappropriate things that I will not share on the blog...but if you are a female and have attended a bachelorette party before then you already know what I mean by that!

After dinner we headed to Station 4 -- this was an experience to say the least. We watched a drag show and had an amazing time - especially when Rianne and her mom, Perla were pulled onto the stage by one of the drag performers. After a very inappropriate dialouge they were let go and returned to our group. I have to admit that some of the men in the performances could have fooled me - I seriously thought two of them were really women!! I have only been to one other drag show before this one but I have to say that this bar was classy and upscale and it was a blast!

This is not a performer -- but he didn't mind posing for pics!

 

 

I am so glad that I got to attend Ri's party and visit with my 2nd mom, sister, and best friend for a quick minute. I am so ready to see them again in two weeks for the rehershal events and wedding. It will also be the weekend of my brother's graduation from college and I am extremely excited to see him walk and spend time with my family as well!!

 

Saturday lunch at Smashburger then shopping :)

 

 



 

More to come...

Post Thanksgiving Post

Well.... it's a Monday...

I am really glad to be back in Arizona in the sunshine and heat but also sad to be back and not close to my family. I really enjoyed my mini-vacation over the two day break I had for Thanksgiving. Even though my flight was delayed for 5 hours on Thanksgiving day and kept me from making to my own families lunch plans - I was able to visit with them, David's family and my brother a lot over the break and I have to say it was much needed.

Some of my family at Thanksgiving

On another note - I have been amazed at all of the deals going on online today for Christmas shopping. I am already done with my shopping since I started buying gifts in September. Sad, I know but I wanted to get done and have them all shipped home way before the holiday season started so they wouldn't get lost in transit and I could have them wrapped and delivered on time.

 Maven-Julep

I joined Julep-Maven today and I am really excited. I have noticed it on one of the blogs I follow and wanted to see what it was all about - Ricci @ A Beautiful Mess posted something about her intro box and I loved the color selections and products she showcased. I ordered mine today so I guess I will be able to write a product review really soon! If you want a blog to follow please check her out! She has an adorable puppy, a really awesome job, and always has something crafty going on. Ricci is one of my sorority sisters and one of my favorite blogs to read!!

http://www.riccialexis.com/

I have officially started my countdown to my Christmas break....

-- 25 days -- and counting...

So ready to spend the holidays with my family and it also means that it is almost time for David to move to Arizona! I absolutely cannot wait!

My final thanks...

I have so many things to be thankful for and three days does not even begin to do it justice, nor does the 30 days of November. I have been truly blessed throughout my life and am continually blessed more and more each and every day. After this post - I will be taking a short vacation from my blog in order to spend time with my family. So here they are - my final thoughts of thanks...

10. I am thankful for my health and the fact that I can afford health insurance. I know that may sound silly but I know plenty of people who do not have health insurance and can't even afford to go to the doctor when they are truly ill. This month alone I have gotten my teeth cleaned, went for wellness check up and got new glasses. I am so thankful to be healthy and able to afford the care I can be given through my local doctors.

11. I am thankful for my iPhone. This is crazy but I have had so many cell phones in the past and I am so content with my iPhone 4s. I can check my email, call/text my family, browse the web, update my blog, and browse social media sites all from this one device. I love that I can look up concert and game tickets on my phone as well so if I ever got a whim to go somewhere to a game I would access to the tickets available instantly. There are so many other things that I could say (technology wise) that I am thankful for, but having this phone has been such a blessing.

12. As my final thanks, I am going to repeat one that I wrote earlier in the week because it is so important to me. My family. I can not even begin to describe how blessed I am by my brother, Dianna, Bec, Pappaw, Poppa and Kathy, Dad, Mom and David. Plus all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides. These people make each and every day of my life more worthwhile and I miss them so much. With each passing day I get a little more homesick and then when it is almost unbearable, it's the week I have planned a visit so it never gets  that bad. I am so grateful for them and they have truly blessed and enriched my life. I love you all so much and you hold a place near and dear to my heart.

I hope that you all take a moment to think of what you are thankful for over this holiday season and just take a few minutes to say thanks to those who have made you who you are today.

What are you thankful for?


Happy Thanksgiving!

New specs :) I love them!

Some of my cousins on my Dad's side of the family

David and I at a wedding-- seems to be our place to go :)

Loads of Thanks...

Continuing my thanks for today...

7. I am thankful for my mentors while I attended SAU. Sandra Smith is the first because of her willingness to give me some leadership opportunities and stick me in Greek Life first so I could test the Student Activities waters out. Dean J Courson would be my next mentor in housing and I could not have asked for a better supervisor, mentor, or role model. He truly gave me the experience and internship of a lifetime and helped me see what my future would be like.

8. I am thankful for my 100% paid for car. I know it may sound silly but I am so grateful to not have that bill to pay and that I have a way to go. So many students and staff here don't drive and have to rely on others or share a vehicle with another family member or even take public transportation (which none of those are bad). I love being able to hop in the car and go and not have to wait on a other way. Almost gives me a sense of freedom.

9. I am also very thankful for my job. I have met amazing people, have awesome supervisors, got to see so many new things, and have learned so much and I've only been here a short time. I know working at ASU I will have more independent experience over any other person who has done the same job at another institution. I love housing work!

More thanks to come....

Still thankful....

Today I will be continuing my blog from yesterday. I am giving the next few days a dedication to things/people/etc. that I am thankful for. I will be posting two more of these after today then taking a break from blogging to enjoy my family while I am at home for a few short days.

5. I am so thankful for my education. I was blessed with a dad and grandfather that contributed heavily to my education financially. If it wasn't for their support in that manner, I don't know that I would have ever finished graduate school. I am also thankful for SAU - the university I attended for my bachelors degree and my master's program. I gained a lot of experience there as well as constructive feedback for my future careers. Without these things I would not have landed an amazing job after graduation.

6. I am also very thankful for modern technology. It keeps me in touch with my family, friends, and colleagues across the nation. I am also thankful to be blogging. It really helps me de-stress somedays and I am very proud of myself for not going off on a tangent yet!

7. Finally for today, I am thankful for my 2nd families. I had one through high school and another through college and I know that they may not be my blood relatives but they sure do treat me like one of their own. The Troquille's and the Herron's are some of my closest friends and make a point to include me in their families at every turn. I am so blessed to have some amazing people, like them, in my life.

One of my first 2nd family members...Abby

More thanks tomorrow...

Thankfulness

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I should do a little post about the things that I am most thankful for. To keep my readers from getting bored - I will do these in a series for the next three days so that I don't write one super long post but a couple of shorter ones.

So here we go...

1. I am truly thankful that I have a Savior. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 8 years old and have never once doubted his plan for my life, his love for me, or his ability to show me grace and mercy and forgive me for my sins. I know He is my one true love and that I will praise and worship him everyday for the rest of my life.

2. My family is a huge part of my life and I am so ready to be home with them for the holidays (that even includes all of my other family members - our dogs). I know Thanksgiving day my grandmother will have her restaurant open and we will be busy bees preparing so many other families thanksgiving dinners until after lunch-- then it will be our turn to eat and visit with each other. This year, I won't get to see my dad or his family on Thanksgiving day but I will be able to see them before I leave to head back to Arizona. I'll be spending one night with my family, one night with David's family, and one night at my brothers. I look forward to the night at Brock's house just because we always have a great time visiting and catching up while I'm in town. I am so grateful for each and every one of them and can always count on them for love and support.

3. I am so thankful that I have been blessed with an amazing boyfriend. David and I have been together almost 7 months now and I couldn't be any happier. Recent news ( a few blog posts ago)-- he will be moving here to Arizona to live with me and go to school here right after Christmas. I am so excited to have him here with me. Not only will it release the strain of distance on our relationship, it will also help me out and keep me from being lonely here in Arizona. He is such a blessing to and when you know- you know...December can't come fast enough!

4. Finally, for today's post - I am thankful for my sorority sisters. Young and old, new and experienced - I appreciate each and everyone of them. Tri Sigma is a huge part of my life. It was the reason, in college, that I broke out of my shell, got to know more people, and really developed the leadership skills that I would need for my future. As an alumnae, I joined the chapter in Phoenix and am so excited about all of the events and sister time I get to have with them. There are only a few members that are close to my age in the alumnae chapter, but I feel extremely confident being one of the younger members. The women in the chapter have taken me in and under their wing as one of their own immediately upon me joining. I love our outings, they keep me laughing and are always willing to help me out with new things around the area. Tri Sigma develops women with strong character, friendships that last a lifetime and strong ethical conduct and values. I am so proud to be one of those women and extremely excited to see those women in my home collegiate chapter grow in the same manner.

More thanks to come ...




#TBT Thanksgiving a few years ago- Brock and I visiting our Great Grandmother

My Collegiate Tri Sigma Chapter at the Annual Homecoming Mulegate

The love of my life -- David and I being goofy during my last visit home

In my next life...

Tonight, I browsed on Pinterest for over 2 hours looking at cute puppies, home decor items, DIY crafts/decor, and other randomness. TWO hours...2 hours... I can't believe how long I can sit and look through things that I would love to see in my home or love to try out but probably never will. I now have like 12 pin boards - one for each holiday, one for DIY, one for my house, one on saving money, and so on.

It's amazing how I can spend 2 hours browsing and can barely pay attention during a staff meeting for more than a couple of minutes. Oh well! I have to say though my favorite part of my browsing session tonight was the food and drink recipes that I found. Each month I have events with the Phoenix Alumnae chapter of Tri Sigma and we have a housing staff potluck (themed differently each month) on our campus. I like trying new things and seeing if I can create some of the really creative artistic looking cakes and cupcakes I find.

I think that in my next life I want to go to culinary school and become a pastry chef. I LOVE BAKING! It's actually pretty ridiculous the amount of cupcake and cake deocrating, icing utensils, etc. that I own and keep in a tote in my dish closet. Even though I am no expert currently, I would love to learn and have been considering taking those classes at one of the local craft stores close to my house.

My grandparents are in the resturaunt business. My grandmother is an AMAZING cook and she is even more creative recipe creator. She comes up with additions to recipes she finds to make things even tastier and anyone who has ever eaten any of her food knows how awesome she really is at cooking. I give her all the credit for everything that I have ever learned about cooking. She learned from her mom and I learned from her. I always joke with her about opening my own bakery one day and she swears to me that even though it would be fun, it is not the kind of work I want to sign myself up for.

Who knows - maybe one day - a girl can dream right?? I hope that my recipes I picked out for the potluck next week go over well. I have included the pictures of them here... check them out on Pinterest and taste them for yourself!



My grandmother and my aunt working at Country Vittles - Old Location

Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Marshmellow Frosting-- I've made these before and they are excellent!

You can search these on Pinterest as "Crack Potatoes"-- I hope they are good!

It's Official

Just a quick note for the blog today...

This afternoon it became official - David is moving to Arizona to live here with me and go to school here. I cannot even begin to describe how happy, excited, anxious, etc. that I am. There are so many things I need to do before he comes; I started last weekend cleaning out my drawers and making some space just in case he was able to move here.

Like I mentioned in the "love story" previously, the distance has been our biggest obstacle to overcome and I know that we haven't been together all that long but when it's right, it's right and you just have to keep on going and moving forward.

David's parents were the deciding factor. I had my doubts because I know he is so precious to them and I was afraid they were going to disagree with him transferring here but they were very open minded to the idea and took time to think it over before they let him know their final decision. I appreciate their optimism because we, as a couple, didn't want to make this huge transition without their input and support.

That's really all I have time for today but I was so excited I just couldn't hold it in any longer!! Yay for big changes and new adventures!

David and I at the 2012 Homecoming Mulegate

It's a love story...

Throughout my undergraduate college career - I didn't date - not because I didn't want to but I really enjoyed the freedom of having a million friends and being able to come and go as I pleased. My family was always asking me why I didn't have a boyfriend and I always had the same answer...I didn't have time for one. After I graduated, I thought it may be a good idea to start trying to casually date and just see how it went. I had a few boyfriends through graduate school but I never felt like they were in any way going to be long term. My last year of graduate school I started working in University Housing as a hall director. I didn't date that year until the end....and this is my love story.....

Over the year I worked as a hall director I was extremely busy. I met David when he moved in but only knew him in casual passing when he and some of the other guys were hanging out in the lobby. Over the next 8 months our friendship developed slowly. At a housing event, he agreed to attend this absolutely boring induction ceremony I had to be at as my "stand-in family" for the night since mine was unable to attend. When he showed up I was really shocked to say the least. It sparked my interest and I decided that maybe I should consider getting to know him better before the end of the year.

David and I before the induction ceremony

The induction ceremony turned into 2 nights of hanging out and my date to the RHA banquet. Those 2 nights became a sweet note left for me. I had harrassed him for leaving to go home for the weekend since I was on duty and knew I would be extremely bored being in Magnolia. That note became an entire weekend of texts and confessions. I was completely overwhelmed by the feelings I had for him within the first few days. It was strange only because it felt so right and I had never felt like that before.

At the RHA Banquet



The note he left me when he went home...

I had so much fun hanging out with David. We would laugh, talk, and joke about things which is something I never really had in any othe relationship.






Statics I have heard of say that a person will know within the first 3 weeks of a relationship if it is going to be long term and that they will be able to tell within the first 2 months if this is the last relationship they will be in because that person is the one and only for them. I have to admit I knew within 5 days that we would be together longer than a fling and I knew by the end of the first month that we were each others soul mates. The feeling of assuredness is crazy and can be overwhelming almost.
Since I worked for the university when we first started to get to know each other and David was an undergraduate student, we made sure that things were more private. The day after I graduated he attended a wedding with me as my date and two days later I was his girl friend. We have been together ever since and the past 6 months have flown by. I fall more and more in love with him each and every day.

At Laura and Jerred's Wedding

Being 22 hours away from each other has been extremely difficult and proven not positive sometimes over these past 6 months. We have made it work and I have been able to travel home 2 times and David has visited Arizona about 4-5 times now. When I go home at Thanksgiving this month, it will be almost exactly a month since we have seen each other and I know that it is going to be bittersweet reunion. David is trying to transfer to Arizona to finish school and I am absolutely estatic about that. It will be so nice for him to be here with me and will definitely be a positive change for our relationship. I am so happy to have him as a part of my life and I know that our life together is going to be amazing. December 28th can't get here fast enough...two days of driving later we will be in the same house, same city, and able to be together.

Love is not something that I take lightly, nor do I claim to know everything there is about being in relationships. I love hearing about how people met and how they ended up in their lives where they are. So, that is why I decided to share my story. A glimpse of my love story...one that I pray grows stronger and stronger and lasts a lifetime.

On Duty Weekend...Ugh..:)

This Veteran's Day weekend I am spending at home doing some much needed work since I am on call for Housing. I love my job and have learned to appreciate being "on duty" on weekend days 1) so I can truly be lazy unless I get a call 2)I can catch up on all of my many TV shows that I DVR throughout the week and 3) I get to do laundry and clean my house. I love weekends like these!

This weekend is extra special because I started getting my Christmas decorations out and put them up. I have one tree up so far and feel that for my tiny living room it is the perfect size. I love the color purple, not only because my sorority's colors are royal purple and white, but also because I have been in love with the color since I was a child. So in light of that tidbit of information about myself, my living room Christmas tree is non-traditional and colored in peacock colors (purples, teals, silvers, and lime greens). I have been working on this tree for a few years now and have picked up a few pieces for it here and there (Pier One, Wal-Mart, Target, World Market, etc.) to use on it. I want to collect enough to have to buy a larger and fuller tree to use it all on. I do not think I will ever get tired of these decorations for my main Christmas tree.

My other tree is going to be in my kitchen/dining area. It will be more traditional with reds, greens, silvers, etc. colors as the decorative pieces for it. I'm not sure why I have two Christmas trees, let alone why I want to decorate two, but I love Christmas time and love for my home to be overly festive. Most people say it is way too early to start putting up decorations but working in Housing, I am not home enough to truly enjoy it and plus I will only be present in my home for about 2 1/2 weeks of December and want to have time to enjoy all the beauty of my trees and the decorative items I have around my home.

So there is my rant about decorating. Hopefully it was a little insight to my decorating habits for this time of year. I love to learn how to make new things so if you have any creative ideas for Christmas decor...please share!!