Tuesday, March 18, 2014

My Graduation Party

This weekend we finally celebrated my graduation that happened in December. Everything that could go wrong, was happening. I almost thought I'd have to cancel the party. It was planned as an outdoor event and the forecast was predicting horrible weather. Then the food wasn't ready, they didn't provide paper plates or utensils. It was windy and I didn't get to dress up.....

But then a miracle happened. The clouds parted and made way for the beautiful sun. Right in time for my party! I was happy. What I wasn't happy about was why no one was there. Party started at 2...it's now 2:30 and just me, my Parents, and my Grandma were there. Uh oh. Did people get scared of the rain? Did we order all of this food for nothing...Then the exact opposite happened. We had more people than we thought and we actually had to go back out and buy more food. It turned out to a great day. I'm so very thankful for my family, Drew's family, friends, coworkers and softball team for making it out.
















 
 
 
 
I stopped taking pictures once more people arrived. I really should have had someone else taking pictures. I just realized not one single picture has me in it. HaHa. oh well. I'll remember it!

Monday, March 17, 2014

SXSW!

This weekend was long, crazy, and very much needed! And now it's back to the daily grind.

My weekened started with my boss coming in to our area and saying "What are you all still doing here, GO HOME!!" I was of course very excited and was out of the office two seconds later. Drew and I decided to head downtown Austin and meet a friend. She was on the other end of sixth street and there was no way we were going to be able to get to where she was. So Drew and I went towards the other end sixth street. We parked right next to the The Driskill which is a haunted hotel located in downtown Austin. Somehow we lucked out with awesome, free parking. So I managed to get a beautiful picture of the hotel and you can see how crowded the streets were.


There was a lot of excitement and happiness floating in the air. It could be from the half naked women that were dancing around everywhere.

If you got it, flaunt it??
 

I asked someone to take a picture of Drew and I, and this is what happened. Before I could ask her to take another picture she was gone like the wind.
 
 
 
Earlier in the day before SXSW we went over to my parents to try out the game I bought Dad. We are all hooked...and very competitive!
 
 

My Dad looks super happy because he is pretty much the master at this game. Drew and Dad were the biggest competitors ever...of course.
 
I felt like that whole day was spent away from the house and the dogs so the next day we made sure to give them some extra attention and run them around the yard...They were pooped.
 
Sky is the big dog in the back, Rally is in the front.
 
And Kujo and D.O.G just wanted to be picked up
 
It's a transition for both Drew and I and our dogs. They are used to being inside dogs at the apartment but now that we have the house and a yard they are outside dogs. It took them a while to realize that they don't have to be in the house 24/7. They can roam free in the backyard!! I'm so happy for them
 
 
Did you do anything exciting this weekend?
 
Do you have any haunted places in your city?
 
What is your family's favorite competitive game?
 
 

Friday, March 14, 2014

Frustration and a Party

So today kinda stinks. I pull up to the convenience store in the morning and a guy drinking his coffee outside says my headlight is out.

Then I have my graduation party scheduled for tomorrow. It's outdoors....and it's going to rain all weekend and next weekend. I'm thinking I'm just canceling it. I feel like it wasn't meant to be. I felt like I had to pull strings to get it to happen. I didn't feel like anyone really wanted to celebrate...except maybe my Grandma...plus it's only an associates degree. I bet people think I was insane for trying to have a party because I got an associates degree....let me stop...

On to the fun...

At my job we have a little deli downstairs. I had ran out of food for lunches so I had to stop in to grab a bite. I ended up getting the California Wrap and it was actually pretty darn good.

Turkey, Avacado, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, with lettuce...and of course ranch
 
Remember how I told you I went on a shoe shopping adventures, well here's another pair that I bought. They are super comfy!!!!
 

Aren't those socks pretty sweet!!

I love the pink cheetah print accent!
 
Yesterday we also went out to eat at Chuy's to celebrate my Dad and my Brother's birthdays. I love the theme there and the very vibrant colors and pictures on the wall.
 
 
I ended up ordering a margarita on the rocks, a Mexican-Cobb salad with pico, grilled peppers, chicken, two different kinds of cheeses (you know I like my cheese) and avacado with a creamy jalapeno ranch, and a cup of tortilla soup. I may have also had a slice of our family favorite cake. Yellow inside, Chocolate outside.
 
 
 
 
I think my favorite part of the birthday dinner was seeing my niece! And I think her socks are super awesome! They say "Sweet like Auntie" all for me!!!
 
 




 
 
I couldn't get the best picture because she couldn't keep her feet still, she probably wanted that big bow off of her head :]...I've learned that her favorite hobby is sticking her tongue out...see above!
 
I've also come to the conclusion that my family my be the worst and taking pictures. Even Drew can't take a decent picture.
 
 




 
I did tell them to get used to taking pictures, I have a blog to keep up with :)
 

 
Any tips for making your family take the best pictures every? (ha)
 
What did you have for dinner last night?
 
When you go out do you avoid the alcohol or dive in and order a drink?


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Oh yeah, I forgot I LOVE Running!

Happy Wednesday Ya'll. It's a beautiful here in Austin Texas. It's currently 50 degrees with a high of 64. This weather just makes me not want to work. I have a gorgeous window view and it's just not fair to be stuck inside.

Yesterday was a great day for me. Remember how yesterday I went on about how I don't like Salmon and thats what Heepaw was making last night...Well I ended up liking it. It was tasty. He added lemon/lime on top and baked it. It was flavored to perfection. Sorry I didn't get a picture, I ate my food like it was the last meal on earth.

After dinner, I went outside to play with the dogs. We have four staying with us right now and it's quite interesting around the house. I wanted some away time so I laced up my good ol' running shoes and went for a run. The first time in almost a year. I did two miles and I'm surprised I made it that far.





The run started off hard...really hard. I felt so heavy and I was breathing like I had just completed a marathon but was only just down the street from the house. The neighborhood is very calm and quiet, with long stretches of road and no stoplights. I loved it. When my body wanted to stop, my heart and my mind told me to keep going. Yesterday I remembered why I love running. I had control over what I did yesterday, I had the decision to either stop or push through. It felt good to get home and have a runner's high again. It felt amazing.

I went to the store and picked up a couple of items to keep me in line. I bought some green juice, epsom salt soaking solution -  Relax & Relief. I also bought a couple of kind bars. Drew loves them too, So I had to hide them from him. What!? You know you do it too. I also had to buy a cake to bake for my brother and Dad's birthdays that we're celebrating tomorrow!
 
The perfect way to end my night: Green Juice, a nice warm bath and Gone Girl.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Grocery Shopping for Work and Last Nights Treat

This morning I left the house early and decided to make a stop to Randall's. While some of their prices are a bit high, I find it easier shopping there instead of other bigger grocery stores. I also find that they offer healthier options that other big chain grocers.

Anyways here are my finds at Randall's this morning. I may have spent a little too much, but it will get eaten and way better than stopping for fast food in the mornings.



  • Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Pork Sausage Crumbles
  • Avacado
  • Chobani Tubes - Strawberry - 90 Calories
  • Egg Beaters/egg whites - Southwestern Style
  • Crystal Light Liquid - Mango Passionfruit - 0 Calories
  • Eating Right Spreadable Cheese Wedge - White Cheddar - 30/wedge
  • Eating Right Multigrain Sandwich Slenders - 100 Calories
  • Tortilla Strips
  • Multigrain English Muffins
  • Shredded Cheese - Mexican 4 cheese blend
  • Cholula - A Must
  • Low Fat Buttermilk waffles
  • Jemima's low fat syrup
  • Weight Watchers Chocolate Chip Cookie - 90 Calories
  • Better Oats- Oat Revolution Steel Cut Instant oatmeal with flax - Maple and brown sugar
 
You can eat good at work ya'll! Don't believe me, Check it out for yourself!!
 


I heated up a handful of the sausage crumbles, added the egg white southwestern, heated up some more. Stirred. Added a pinch of shredded cheese. Cut up some avacado. Heated up half of a multigrain english muffin and spread half of a cheese wedge on it. After the picture, I added lots of Cholula and a pinch of tortilla chips for some crunch. I loved this breakfast ya'll.
 
 
I think I was in such a great mood today because of the good nights sleep I had last night. It's been the first day I've been able to get in some rest since we've moved in with Drew's Grandparents. It may have a little something to do with this...
 
 
  • FlipFlop bubbly pink Moscato
  • Chocolate dipped Coconut Luna Bar
  • Buddah's Brew - Tart Cherry Melon
 
I just needed a little relaxing...okay maybe a lot. I may or may not have drank that bottle to just about the top of the label. Hey, don't judge...Drew had a sip.
 
As I was leaving the house this morning, Heepaw, Drew's grandpa, said we were having Salmon for dinner. Ummm...I'm not usually a fish eater, but I guess I'm gonna learn to like it today. We eat what they eat. I don't get to cook right now... but at least his Grandpa knows how to make a healthy dinner. 
 


 
 
 
What do you eat for breakfast at work?

What is your favorite wine?

What do you do when you don't like what someone is cooking for you?

 

Monday, March 10, 2014

Moving, a birthday, and new shoes

This weekend was really different. There was no softball at all. I really didn't know what to do with myself. We finished moving on Saturday and it may have been one of the happiest days of my life. I think D.O.G and Kujo were a little nervous about the whole moving thing after living there for 3 1/2 years.


 
After we finished moving, Drew and I attempted to make our own Martini's. Don't ever use to much olive juice. DISGUSTING. After a couple more attempts, we created the perfect martini. I'll put the recipe up later. Drew after all was the mastermind behind the measurements.
 
Saturday was also my mom's birthday. We celebrated by going bowling and going out to eat at Serrano's, where I may or may not have had another martini.
 
Doesn't that chocolate cake look absolutely incredible. It was double chocolate fudge cake. They only sell it at Randall's.

Drew and my mom completely ignoring the fact that I'm up to bowl
 
As you can see from all the new pictures, I did get a new camera. I decided it was time to splurge. I also went shopping yesterday and accidentally bought 4 pairs of shoes...I also bought a new bathing suit top, a dress, new jeans, and probably some other crap I can't think of right now.
 
But check out these shoes...I'm in love.
They are not for running, more for casual purposes. I found myself wearing my running shoes too often, and not for the purpose of running. So I bought these beauties.

I also couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy this lovely camera case. Who doesn't love chevron.

Now that we are moved and getting settled in, it's time to get back in the groove of things. I'm gonna go out running today in the new neighborhood. I'm kind of excited about it because it's a new to me area. Instead of thinking I'm running today, it'll be more exciting because I feel like I'll be exploring. I also feel super safe and for once there are no traffic lights that I need to stop at. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm definitely not going out for the first time back running with the mindset that I'm gonna kill it. I'll do my best though and not get frustrated for how I let myself stop running/working out.


What is your favorite thing you've bought recently?

What is your favorite cake?

Any tips for starting to run again after a long break?

 


Thursday, March 6, 2014

Softball = Love

When I was younger I played softball. I also played every other sport imaginable and I was really good at them all. Except softball. It was my weakness. It was the one sport that I wasn't one of the best on the team. So after a couple of years of playing I quit. I didn't want to suck at anything. And now thinking about it, it seems I just wanted everything to come easy. I didn't practice and I didn't put any effort into becoming a better player. Until recently...

Drew played baseball his entire childhood. He has many pictures, trophies, and more baseball hats than I can count on my fingers. He was the real deal! An Allstar. So when the opportunity to play softball on a coed team came up, Drew and I were all over it. Except I was a little nervous because it's not my best sport. But I decided to join and have fun. We also got my Mom to join as well as Jacki's step-mom. Our team is the most diverse team out there; ages ranging from 20-50's.



These people have become some of my best friends. I look forward to every weekend because I know I'll be seeing my team. I think because of the fact that we go out to have fun and have positive attitudes we end up winning! We've made it to playoff's for the past two seasons and we are on the right track again. Check out our ranking so far for the season. We are team Battle Tested.





Aren't some of those team names hilarious?
 
Anyways, the main thing I'm getting out of being part of this team is that just because you are not good at something doesn't mean you should quit. Since joining the team, Drew and I have been going to batting and fielding practice to work on getting better. I'm not doing this because I want to win so bad, I'm doing this to prove to myself that if you just put a little effort, time, and practice into something, you can accomplish anything. You WILL get better. Don't give up.
 
 
WORK HARD. PLAY HARD

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Moving Time!!

Drew and I have been at our current apartments for over 3 years and I am so happy to say that we are finally moving.

We are moving into his grandparents place for a couple of months to save up money for a down payment and first months rent at our new place. We are looking for a duplex with a backyard. This is SUPER important because my dogs need a yard, bad. I feel so awful when we leave them couped up in the house while we are at work.

So as you can imagine we have been very busy moving. Did I mention we live on the 3rd floor. I have made numerous up and down trips trying to get everything out of the apartment. Although I haven't worked out, my legs definitely have gotten a good workout. I'd assume my arms as well. We have a lot of heavy stuff.

While cleaning we realized that we have way to much junk; things we thought we'd use but forgot about once we hid it in the closets. We have already gathered two large trash bags worth of clothes to give to Goodwill. Very nice clothes might I add.

With all of this packing and moving and crazy Texas weather, Drew and I both found ourselves sick this week. We'd go from inside in the warm to outside in the freezing cold again, and again, and again. So we have the sniffles, headaches and runny noses.

 
 
What was your favorite thing you found while moving that you forgot you had?
 
Anyone else experiencing crazy weather?