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...