The month of February

This month has been crazy busy for David and I. I feel like, before today, that I have not blogged in months but it has truly only been since January 16th - which is still way too long! I posted on twitter a few days ago that I wish I was a more dedicated blogger. I am good about reading other blogs via twitter or Facebook but actually logging on to write my own posts just has not happened as often as I'd like as of late.

I can mark off another thing on my list of resolutions for the year -- I applied for the doctoral program here at ASU. If all goes as planned (I'll find out the selection committee's decision in mid-March) I will begin my doctoral program in Leadership and Innovation working towards obtaining my Educational Doctorate degree this summer. It is a 3 year program and I am so excited about it. I have put it all in the Lord's hands - so if I get in this go around- wonderful...if not then I will try again next year.

I got a little craft around Valentine's Day -- I made a new wreath for our front door. I love wreaths and they are super easy to make. I know one of my blogging friends opened her own etsy shop to sell her wreaths but I don't think I'm on that level yet. I also got some gorgeous flowers, a precious card, and some awesome cookies from my honey on Valentine's Day. I am so blessed!!



David got two jobs here. He is working full time (with 2 part time jobs) and going to school full time. I am so proud of him for staying on top of his school work since he is staying so busy with work. When he is not at work, we try to go and do some fun things. We have been to several ASU basketball games and went to one of the wrestling matches this weekend. We went to Devilpalooza and rode some rides, I got a t-shirt made, and we got to see Carolina Liar and Scotty McCreery in concert. We were impressed with young Scotty. Obviously, he won American Idol and we knew he could sing but he actually put on pretty great live show.

Super Bowl Sunday was a great day for us. We were able to stay at home and we cooked snack/tailgate foods for ourselves to have during the game. It was nice to just spend time together and enjoy the game.

February is only half way over and we still have lots of things happening. I promise to keep things more updated! Until next time...

xoxo

My First Foster

David and I took a class in January at the Arizona Humane Society Sunny Slope location in North Phoenix. The class taught us how to become foster parents for dogs and cats living in the shelter. All the animals there, of course, were adorable and it was hard to just walk by and not love on all the animals there. At the end of the class, we were told that we would be notified by the end of the week about our potential first foster animal.

Well around 3 weeks went by and the Foster department finally called. We picked up our first foster dog at the end of the first week of February and we fell in love!

Everyone meet Taj

Our first foster dog is Taj. She is a 2 year old Chihuahua mix - David and I are convinced she has some  rat terrier as well as weenie dog in her because she's long and skinny and has rat terrier coloring. Taj was suffering from a urinary track infection and had to be administered antibiotics twice daily. Most of the animals going into foster care are either sick, recovering from surgery, or just need some extra love if they seem to not be adjusting or stressing from life in a kennel.

We will be returning Taj on Friday so that the veterinarian can test her and be sure she is well and can return to the shelter to get adopted. I know it won't take long for Taj to find a new home. She is a little skiddish from apparent previous abuse but she is so loving, loves to cuddle, is an excellent bed partner and the best part is that she is house broken-almost. She uses a puppy pad well and does not really care to go outside to use the bathroom but does like to walk on a leash around the yard. She is super lazy and laid back, loves to sleep, and eats well. She's gained a little weight at our house, which she needed!

I am excited for our next foster animal - but I know I will be sad to take Taj back on Friday. No other dog will be as close to us as she has been. 

If you live in the Phoenix area and want to adopt Taj - please stop by the Sunny Slope Animal Shelter and ask about her! I'll be sure to check up on her from time to time to ensure she goes to a great home!

So precious :)

Beating Resloutions

So it is already January 16th and I am severly slacking in my blogging but have been kicking butt at some of my resolutions for the year.

L.A. Fitness became my home away from home again this week. I am seeing my trainer for the second time today and according to my scale I have dropped 4 lbs. since my last visit there. I'm hoping I can make some huge strides with my eating healthy and getting in shape resolution. It is not the most important thing to me but definitely in my top five!

I also have started the application process for my Doctoral program at ASU. I am super pumped about it and ready to face the challenges that going back to school brings. I only see one set back to starting the program this year - it says it begins in the summer and I really want to start in the fall semester - so I'm going to do some checking and make sure I can still apply for a fall start date.

On another good note - my grandmother let me know the other day that Zeta is adjusting just fine to her new home and that makes me extremely happy. I know that it took a lot for them to agree to keep her but my grandmother says my pappaw will barely leave the house without her...so surprising!

Short and sweet update - I will be posting more often - promise! Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

xo- Haley

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!