Tricia Nae

Currently...

2012-01-26T19:25:00.003-06:00

Reading....

So far, so good. I got this book a while back, but couldn't get into it. Trying it again and I'm like it a little better. Does that ever happen to y'all?

I'm reading this book...finally. I got it when it first came out...but wasn't reading much then, I guess. I just started it the other day...but I think it is definitely going to speak to me. I have my fair share of battles with insecurity. Praying for wisdom while reading this!!!

Eating...
A lot, actually. Ha. But, mostly fruits and veggies. The other day, I had 3 (THREE!) bananas in one day. Not all at one time...but still. I asked C if that was even healthy. We agreed it was probably healthier than having 3 sodas in a day. Not that I ever did that or anything (okay okay...only on days that ended in y).

Most days I actually have a couple of points left over....and I have yet to eat all of my allowance points or activity points. Thinking that may be why I'm not losing as much every week as I had hoped...may need to actually eat more!!

But...I have found a couple of things I LOVE to snack on...and thought I would share!

Oh my gawsh, y'all. These are delish!! I have had like 4 slices of bread since January 2. And no chips or crackers. But...I needed something crunchy...in the worst way. Ta-dah! These are amazing. They have very little sodium too. In addition to calculating my points (via WW), I'm also trying to watch my sodium intake (which is astronomical in pretty much everything!) and sugar (same thing...it's in everything!). So..these work really well. They have a bunch of other flavors..but those have more sodium.

Also...

Kroger brand CARBmaster yogurt...the "white chocolate raspberry" flavor...it's so good I want to cry. Along with no chips and no bread...I've also had NO sweets...with the exception of fruit and peanut butter. At first...it wasn't so bad...but I'm not going to lie...I have been craving fro-yo or ice cream the last couple of days. This yogurt is just sweet enough to fool me into thinking I'm eating something sinful. But..the good part is...I'm not! :)

Loving....

We all know about pinterest and it's ability to stop us from completing our daily chores, but have y'all tried tumblr? I finally got an account...and started following some people. Lots of pretties on there too. Cause y'all know I needed another way to waste time, right?

Exercising...

Source: modernhepburn.tumblr.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Trying to get my work out on. Riding the bike or walking every day (missed yesterday...oops). Hoping to start adding some weights, pilates, and yoga into the mix soon. Baby steps.

Listening to...

Just love The Band Perry....her voice is amazing...kind of folksy or something. Anyway..LOVE the song "all your life"...could (and do) listen to it over and over. I'm dropping mad hints to the hubs about their concert next month. Ha. I should just buy the tickets and be done with it. The reserved seating is all sold out...but there is still general admission. Maybe a Valentine present to myself!

Watching...

My dvd's of season 1 and 2. Yes, I'm a nerd that has the dvd's. Hey...they were on sale at Target...and I LOVE the drama of it all!

I LOVE getting all cozy in bed and watching this on the dvr on Thursday nights. It's getting good this season! (I also have the first season of this on dvd...so while your judging me on my previous confession...throw that in there too!).

Looking forward to...
The weekend. C and I don't have anything huge planned. Just some errands and chores around the apartment...but I LOVE love LOVE having him home all weekend!!

My class reunion this summer. A lot of the details are being finalized. So excited to reconnect (in person instead of facebook).

Wanting....
Besides the concert tickets mentioned earlier (and a whole slew of other things)..

These shoes. how cute are they? I want to start the c25k again here in a few more lbs lost. Thinking I might reward myself with these WHEN (not if) I finish that!

Wondering...
Um, where we are going to live in 6 months. Our lease is up in May. I really don't want to move again...but I fear the rent increase. I think we are finally (FINALLY) getting serious about purchasing a home in the next 12 months...but we obviously need a place to live until then. If only they would go down on our rent! I know C is thinking...if only Tricia wasn't so picky about where she lives! Ha.

This is where I'm wanting to move...

Or, even here would do...

(both for sale down the street from me...if anyone is interested in helping a girl out!). ha. Champagne taste and a beer budget, right?!

No seriously...all the houses for rent in our town are kind of ridiculous on the rent (speaking from the ridiculously priced apartment renter). I wish we were in a position to buy right now. Who knows, maybe we are. Those pesky student loans are haunting us though.

Maybe I need to quit stalking pinterst and watching reality tv (on dvd!)...and get to work. Hmm...I might be on to something.

So there you have it.... what's going on with y'all?

weigh in tuesday

2012-01-24T23:15:00.001-06:00

I promise to start posting more than just my weight loss updates. But, in all honesty....this is really what I am focused on right now...so it feels like this is all I have to talk about. :)

I do have some more book reviews and some pictures from the stock show...maybe I will get those up later this week!

But for now....my weigh in update!

I lost 2 lbs this week. I was actually kind of surprised because I stepped on the scale at the apartment right before I left...and it had me up a couple of pounds. Moral of the story...I need to quit weighing at home...it's giving me anxiety!! Ha.

Anyway...I'm down 13.4. Still looking forward to getting that 15lb star...was hoping for it tonight...but I'm okay waiting another week!

I've gone three weeks without regular soda. I do have diet (and if I can help it, caffeine free) coke a couple of times a week...maybe 3 at the most.

I've also gone three weeks without any sweets like cookies, candy, ice cream, brownies, etc. This is HUGE for me. I have such a sweet tooth. C and I had got in a really bad habit of having treats almost every day. Now...if I want a dessert...I get an apple or banana with some reduced fat peanut butter and maybe...1/2 T nutella.

I've also started working out some more. We've walked...both on the track and in the gym... a couple of times. Mostly, I've been trying to ride my bike (stationary recumbant bike). I know that isn't the best form of cardio out there...but it's better than laying on the couch reading!

C took some more pictures of me on Saturday...I guess they are semi before/progress pictures. He took some this past summer at close to my highest weight. I need to find those and compare!

I also took my measurements today. Then I looked up celebrity measurements just to get some bearing on where I stood. Ha....do not do that!! Talk about depressing! Ha.

I have a couple more changes I am going to try and incorporate this week. Hopefully, it will be as smooth of a transition as the rest has been. All these years, I've made weight loss out to be this really difficult journey. I'm not saying it's been a walk in the park the last 3 weeks...but it is surprisingly easy. So much easier than I figured it would be!!

Which is great...because I still have quite a long road ahead of me!

weigh in tuesday

2012-01-17T22:15:00.000-06:00

I had my weekly weigh in tonight. Now, I know I shouldn't weigh myself on the scale at home everyday (or every couple of hours, as the truth may be) but, I do. I was SO bummed every time I got on the scale and didn't see it budge ALL week.

I was trying to mentally prepare myself for a maintain or even a gain this week. I mean, I had a big loss last week, so I thought maybe my body was just trying to regroup. But...I have to admit....the thought of following my plan to a T and gaining made me angry!! I kept saying, Tricia you will not cry in the meeting if you gain!!! Haha.

Luckily...it didn't come to that. I lost 1.2 lbs. Not as much as I had wished...but certainly a lot better than gaining! So, I am down a total of 11.4 pounds. I'm really hoping that this next week will be kind to me!! I've got my eye on that 15 lb star!

Anyway...after the meeting..I treated myself to Taco Bueno (my favorite fast food restaurant....that I haven't had since before Christmas). Had 3 party tacos and a diet coke. Still have over 10 points to play with for a late night snack (more than likely just having fruit and a protein shake).

I know I'm only down about 6 lbs in the last 2 weeks (which is a lot more than I normally lose)...but what is most surprising to me is how much I have changed my eating habits. Oh how I wish I would have done this 5 or 6 years ago. But...I am grateful for each day I stick with this!!

save the drama

2012-01-16T21:59:00.000-06:00

Source: imgfave.com via Jessica on Pinterest

So, my 15 year class reunion is coming up this summer. I know what y'all are thinking:

1. I can't possibly be old enough to have been out of high school for 15 years?!
(to which, I wholeheartedly agree).

and

2. Who has 15 year class reunions?

Well, apparently the planning for our 10 year kind of went crazy and it ended up just being at a local bar/grill/games place (Dave & Busters). I had something else going on...so I didn't go. Anyway...a committee was formed and planning for the 15 year get together started over the holidays.

And then....

apparently planning a high school reunion knocked some people back into high school (err, possibly middle school) mentality. There was all kinds of drama on facebook this weekend. My notifications button on the blackberry was on fire there was so much going on on the reunion group page. And, now it looks like we have 2 separate committees planning 2 separate events. I figure going to all four functions (adults night out and family function the next day for both) makes up for missing the 10th reunion. Right?

So long as the drama stays on facebook (or ceases to exist) and the events are fun...it's a win/win!

I really haven't seen most of my class since I graduated. I kept in touch with a few a couple of years, but really other than seeing people on facebook or at the grocery store, or in traffic...not much over the last 15 years. Crazy, considering I still live less than 10 miles from my high school and there were over 450 in my graduating class. Oh well...it should be fun!

Speaking of fun...here is a picture of me on graduation night with my grandfather! Love this picture of us!

52 Books, Working Out, and other Accomplishments...

2012-01-15T23:28:00.000-06:00

One of my resolutions was to read 52 books. That's one a week. Admittedly, that's a lot. Here's the thing with me though, I like to set my goals really, really high. And then fail. Ha. At least I'm honest about it, right?

Well, we are two weeks into the year, and so far...so good. I've read 2 whole books and most of another.

First up, Danielle Staub's (Real Housewives of New Jersey season 1 &2) book. I personally could not stand her in the series. But, curiosity got the best of me...and I wondered if her book would be any different than her character on the show. Yeah, not so much. But, it was interesting.

Keeping with the Real Housewives theme, I read Kyle Richards new book. It was pretty good. She was actually one of my favorite housewives, prior to this season...but that's another story. Anyway, it's a fun book with lots of relationship, beauty, and life tips and stories from her life.

I'm counting this third book as a read, because I read most of it. Ha. I got it just to read the Sookie story by Charlaine Harris. I started reading the rest of the short stories in the book, not really knowing what to expect. Turns out they were all goblin, vampire, ghost, demon related. Just wasn't my cup of tea. I have a hard time starting a book and not finishing it (one of the very few things in my life that I make myself finish what I start)...but I made the decision that it was okay this time. haha

So three books is pretty good. Of course, they weren't the hardest or most literary reads ever...but hey..whatevs.

Moving on....I worked out today! I haven't worked out since the first or second of the month (and then I started feeling bad). We just did a mile at the track at the school by us. I was so excited because normally, walking on the track would wear me out pretty quick (okay, walking on the treadmill did too...lol), but today I could have kept on walking. Yay for small victories.

AND...we got our Christmas stuff down today!!! I kept thinking I would get everything put up one day while C was at work, but I never had the energy. We just busted it out earlier (after the walk) and I am SO relieved. We also got my new cross that I got for Christmas hung above the pantry!

Now, I'm praying the accomplishments keep on keepin on this week. Especially with my emails....my inbox makes me want to cry y'all.

Weight Loss Update :)

2012-01-13T14:50:00.001-06:00

I am finally feeling a lot better and for the first time in almost two weeks, sitting at my computer in the office. Yay! I had a little bit of a health scare last week....and I decided it was time to kick things into gear for real with the healthy lifestyle that I keep saying I want.

Last Tuesday, Jan 3, was the last time I drank a full calorie coke. I've had maybe 24oz of diet coke since then (I broke down last night and got a caffeine free diet coke that I thought I was craving...it was good...but wasn't really worth it, ya know?). I've not had anything "sugary"...no cookies, cakes, ice cream, candy, etc. I have had peanut butter...but it's reduced fat...and I make myself measure out the serving size (novel concept, no?). I've also tracked (for WW) EVERY SINGLE THING I'VE ATE. I'm proud to say that when I went my ww meeting this past Tuesday, I was down 4.4 lbs for a total of:

10.2 !!! I know that doesn't seem like much (especially when you still have as much to lose as me)...BUT...I've done WW about a million times in my life and only two other times have I crossed the 10 pound mark.

I'm not quite brave enough to post before pictures or my weight...I need to find a little bit more confidence to do that. BUT...I will say that before I joined WW this time, I had lost about 5 lbs on my own, which brought my middle number down, and as of this past Tuesday, I'm down another "decade" (that is what I've heard people call it when you go from say the 140's to the 130's (don't I wish that was what I was doing this past week? Ha!).

Anyway...the weird thing is...other than coke, I'm not really craving anything (and the coke craving is nothing really...). I think being scared of having a serious weight related disease (because I was definitely having the symptoms of such) scared me into making quick, cold-turkey type changes in my diet. I think that is just what I needed...and praise GOD I am comfortable with these changes.

I always use to tell myself that I couldn't just cut out this or that cold turkey...that I needed to ease into it. I think for some, this might work. For me, it obviously didn't. It was like permission to cheat...and I never could seem to not cheat.

Obviously, I realize that I have a long way to go, and that a week and a half of eating healthy hasn't cured me of all my bad habits. BUT, I feel like for the first time EVER (no seriously...EVER)....I'm in control. In fact, yesterday I had almost all of my points left at the end of the day ... I was able to have 2T of reduced fat peanut butter (treat!) with my banana and protein shake (and still had over 10 points left for the day)...because I just don't eat as much...and I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables...which are free :) This coming from the girl that ate fast food almost every day (seriously...) is really something.

Anyway...I am excited to see how much I lose next week. I realize it probably won't be as much as this past week (though...I'm not gonna lie...hitting the 15lb mark would be amazing!).

Midweek Confessions: Pitiful Tricia Edition

2012-01-04T23:03:00.000-06:00

Good thing it's Wednesday (at least for another hour anyway)...because I've got some confessin' to do...

1. This is the first time I have turned on my computer in...oh...close to 40 hours. I've been sick (sihhh-ick y'all) and the computer has been making it worse. I won't go into details...but I'm pretty sure I experienced my first (albeit minor...but still) migraine last week. I'm still trying to feel better.

2. Nothing like the aforementioned ick to kick my bootie into gear on the diet resolutions. I'm pretty sure that today was the best eating day (and by best, I mean healthiest) I've ever had. I always manage to eat something not so good...which I did today...but it was not that bad. Yay me!

3. I lost .4 at my weigh in Tuesday night. Kind of pathetic. BUT..I'm down 5.8 and when I got on the scale this morning...I was down another 2 lbs. That is promising....hopefully it will just keep going down!

4. Christmas tree (AND decorations)...still up. Do not care (see #1).

5. I'm watching my dvd (that I purchased with my own money..haha) of Real Housewives of New Jersey (season 1). Judge away.

6. Email inbox? Out of control. I was going to attempt and manage it today via my phone...and I decided I wasn't feeling well enough to try that. I am hoping to do some serious catching up tomorrow...assuming I get a good night of sleep.

7. Speaking of sleep...pretty much all I did today.

8. The hubs stayed home today to keep an eye on me (had a bit of a scare yesterday...will discuss more later)...and I sleep SO well when he is here during the day.

9. We did watch Unstoppable today. I nearly got a headache from tensing up the entire movie. Had to keep telling myself that it would end okay...because it's a movie and that's what movies do. I just couldn't chill out! Ha. Do y'all do that in action movies?

10. I love me some Denzel, don't y'all?

New Year, New Tricia

2012-01-03T15:28:00.000-06:00

Source: mominizer.com via Tricia on Pinterest

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times....I LOVE the clean slate feeling of starting anew. And there is no better time do that then the new year. Every year I make a ton of resolutions. Some I keep, others I don't even start. Ha.

I've been thinking a lot about that the last couple of weeks, and I think I have figured out why I fail so easily: expectations. I don't set crazy goals. I basically just make a list of things of changes or accomplishments that will give me a better life. I don't aspire to learn spanish in the next six months, but I do aspire to work hard at school (or work or whatever). However...the goals I set every year with my finances, faith, and health are the ones that constantly seem to burn out before the first week of the year is complete...and I think it is because I expect myself to change completely on January 1st. It's just not realistic!!

So, this year, I am all about taking each minute as it's own. One foot in front of the other. One decision after another. Hopefully, this will lead to a different outcome (a better one!) than years past.

I wont bore you with the complete list, but I thought I would share a few of them :) (I do have them all written down for my sake...and I assure you, you will hear if I have success in any of these along the year! haha).

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Every year Ali embraces a word for the year (one little word) and every year I try to pick a word...but have a hard time....I guess I always wanted to make my word "special", instead of letting the word pick me. If that makes sense. Anyway...this year...the word came easy... HAPPY. 2010 and 2011 were years where it felt like happiness eluded me. I decided a few weeks ago that enough was enough...and that really, to be happy...I must do just that. BE HAPPY.

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Besides,

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Ha. And that is another one of my resolutions for this year (and for always)...feel better about myself. Accept who I am... fearfully and wonderfully made...and love myself for that. And, if there are bits of me I don't like...change them for crying out loud!

Some other things on the list (some silly, some serious):
grow out hair
be more diligent about getting healthy!!!
get involved at church
read more (52 book goal)
write more (blogs, letters, journaling, that book I've always wanted to write)
finish master's degree
send cards monthly
visit grandparents more
get pregnant (THIS IS THE YEAR!!! I'M DECLARING IT BY FAITH!)
run a 5k
go dancing more
take more pictures
pray instead of worry
make more friends (and reconnect with old friends)
travel to a new state
have more fun!
pay off credit cards (those yucky things have been with me too too long)
buy a house

So there ya have it...a lot of changes..good ones...and I'm excited for what the year will bring and I pray that it will be the best ever!!

What are your resolutions?

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T23:45:00.000-06:00

I say this almost every year...but I can't believe the holidays zipped right by and the new year is already upon us. And, we are almost 1 day down in that new year!

I am pretty excited to shut the door on 2011 and see what all this new year has to offer! I pray that it brings blessing upon blessing for my family and yours!

Be back tomorrow with my resolutions! Yay!

I like big books...

2011-12-31T11:01:00.000-06:00

This is one of the first things I ever pinned on pinterest. It still cracks me up every time I think about it!

Source: bookshelfporn.com via Tricia on Pinterest

I do like books. I'm usually pretty good about reading consistently throughout the year. Although...I may go a couple of weeks or a month without reading anything but blogs and magazines. And then, I will read like 10 books the next month. I have never been one to let a book linger....I can usually finish reading in a day or two...I just can't stand to not know what happens! Ha.

Source: imgfave.com via Tricia on Pinterest

I can't remember all the books I've read this year (another thing I'm going to work on documenting for 2012). But, I thought I would share some of them with y'all!

I had read all of the Sookie Stackhouse books (what the show True Blood is based on...btw...the show is really nothing like the books...I can't handle the show...but the books are pretty good). Anyway, I had picked up the first book in the Harper Connelly series right before my wreck. Needless to say, I zipped right through these while I was laying around trying to heal. Pretty good. It's funny to think I will read books like this. I certainly don't think I'm a science fiction (vampires, wizzards, oddities) type of girl. BUT....sometimes it's a nice break from the chick lit. :)

I'll admit that I like the Kardashian's (sans the whole wedding debacle...still not sure what to think of that). C got me their book for Valentines and it's pretty good. They almost seem like down to earth "real" girls....and then you remember they are bazillionnaires. For what it's worth, Kourtney and Khloe' are my favorite. Ha.

I kept seeing this book on goodreads.com, and finally picked it up at the library. Pretty good. It's also really short (like 180 pages or something). I read it Tuesday...and it was good. Made me think A LOT. I also just realized there are more books in the series? I'm not sure if they are connected or not...but I might check those out soon.

I just discovered Mary Kay Andrews this year and read a couple of her books. They are fun reads!! Kind of mystery/suspense...but mostly just fun. There are still a few more books of hers I want to read this coming year...

I read Jen's new book this past summer. I also re-read Bitter is the New Black. That book is hilarious. There is a part in there where she lists the rules with her and her husband and I had to read them to C because they were all things I have said to him!

This is another one of those series I kept thinking I wouldn't like. The same as Harry Potter and Twilight. Wizards? Vampires? No thank you! Ha. You'd think that by now I'd recognize the fact that a good book is a good book. I read these the week before Christmas. They are really good y'all. If you haven't read them...I highly suggest it. Especially since the first book has been made into a movie (coming in March!).

So, one of my new years resolutions is to read (and track!) more. I am setting a goal of 52 books. That is one a week...and seems like a lot...but I don't seem to have a problem watching TOO much reality television. So, I'm hoping to just get as close to the goal as possible!

Here are some of the books I am looking forward to this year (some are new, others are just books I have and/or want to read).

A new Sophie Kinsella book! Coming in February!

Another Sookie book...excited!

Got this book from Caprice (in a contest) and still haven't read it!

Saw this book on Jenn Lancaster's site and want to read it. Jenn also has a new book coming out this summer! Yay!!!

I'm excited to finally read book 18...though to be honest, they are getting a little repetitive. I am excited that One for the Money (the first book in the series) has been made into a movie and comes out soon (with Katherine Heigl). Janet also has another series that is a spin off from the Stephanie Plum series. I've read the first one (Wicked Appetite) and the second one comes out this summer!

I read the girls' book and now I have mama's book! There is also a novel written by the girls. Not sure if I I'll get to that one. Ha.

I know. I admitted earlier my addiction to reality tv (mostly the Real Housewives). Even though she is kind of annoying this season...I'm still excited to read this.

I've read a couple of Beth's books. Always enjoy them.

Really excited about reading this one! I love Candace...always have. Do y'all follow her on twitter?

Okay...so clearly I'm all about quality reading. In my defense, I am planning on going back to school and finishing my masters degree, so there will be plenty of reading that doesn't also fit into the entertainment column. I will share more about that in the next week or so. I also hope to do a post or two every month reviewing the books I read that month. :)

And, finally...as if this post isn't gargantuan enough....a couple of questions.

1. Do y'all have an electronic reading device (nook, kindle, ipad)? Do you like it? I was SO against them (love books!!) But, I am starting to think I want one....just wondering what y'all think!

2. Any book suggestions? :)

2011 in Review...

2011-12-30T21:54:00.002-06:00

Every year, I think I will do some sort of year in review post on the blog...but then I never do it. Turns out...it's a lot more work than you would think. Especially if you don't blog as much as you should.

I know I am probably forgetting lots of things (reason #1 I should blog more...or at least journal somewhere!)...but here are some of the things that happened in 2011!

January: My car wreck on the 6th. Lots of snow. The stockshow with Dalton. Superbowl sight-seeing at the stadium in my hometown. Lots of cuddling and trying to stay warm.

February: Still trying to recover from the wreck. Finalized insurance issues. Lots of days spent at home without a car (not that I wanted to drive!). Miranda Lambert in concert! Even more snow and ice.

March: Dalton started soccer. Kaleb's birthday party (birthday is in February). Play dates at moms. Got my new Jeep.

April: More soccer. Easter egg preparation. Meeting baby Elly (my cousin's baby girl) for the first time. Chilling at my grandparents celebrating their retirement and move closer to us. Ranger game!

May: Soccer party and trophy! School presentation. Lounging at the casa with Aslan. My birthday. Kaleb's hockey game. Teagan growing up so quick! Dalton and I hanging out one day making art.

June: Watching the Mavericks and the DBU Patriots baseball in their playoff games. Spending time with the kids at my moms. We got a new coffee table (from craigslist) and refinished it. Started walking a lot in the neighborhood behind us. Celebrated my mom's 50th birthday.

July: Fireworks. Charlie's birthday. Got a new exercise bike from my Aunt...Aslan and I fight over it! haha. Making art faces with Dalton. Fun Dalton date night at chuck e cheese. Uncle Charlie and Dalton built a Batman cave from boxes and construction paper (it even had a working elevator in it).

August: Teagan mastered climbing the tree at the McDonalds by our apartment. Lots of McDonalds play dates! Dalton started kindergarten! We started new tradition of a movie night the week before school starts! Cole's (my cousin...baby Elly's dad) birthday. Had Sprinkles cupcakes for the first time (I know!). Got my Erin Condren planner (LOVE!). Met Kensley (my other cousin's new baby). Lila and cousins in from Dubai.

September: Started planning D's superhero birthday. Drank green monster energy shakes...a lot. Watched the kiddos while my mom & stepdad were in New Orleans (and Megan was at work all weekend). Went to the grandparents land and the boys built a front porch on their house.

October: Dalton's 6th birthday and party! The new Kroger by our house FINALLY opened! Rangers in the World Series, again (went to take pictures of all the banners at the ballpark). Met my first blog friend, Ashley, for dinner. Lots of play time with Teags and Avery. Halloween party out at Randi's. Followed by the worst allergy/sinus ick ever (I don't do outdoors, apparently). The cutest SWAT and bumble bee kids I ever saw.

November: Met SEAN LEE (love love love). Our 3 year anniversary. Celbrated Pop's (my stepdad) birthday. Went to Hometown Holiday (Southlake) for the second year. Canton for the first time since January. Lake levels really low. Thanksgiving at C's followed by a day trip out to my grandparents to spend time with the family.

December: Totally getting into the Christmas spirit. Went to Parade of Lights in Midlothian (followed by tree-lighting). Teags 2nd birthday!Went to Interlochen (amazing Christmas light tour in my hometown). Went to the Gaylord Texan to check out all the Christmas decorations. Dalton's Christmas recital. Picture time at Gammaw's with her ginormous tree. :) Aslan constantly getting into our tree at home. My Meme had surgery, and fell two days later and broke her hip, thankfully...she is healing nicely! Christmas with C's family, my dad, my mom's (twice) and at my Aunt and Uncle. Rejoined WW (and down 5lbs already!). Spending lots of time chilling and enjoying family.

So, I'm sure I missed some really big things...but that is what I get for not being better about documenting things. Anyway...it was a good year. A lot more laid back than most years...partly by choice. There are a lot of things I really enjoyed about this year....but like always, there are a lot of things I wish I could change.

I'm going to focus on the things that I can change this next year...and hopefully...2012 will be even better than 2011!

Christmas Tour 2011

2011-12-21T23:01:00.004-06:00

I wanted to share some pictures of our little apartment all fancied up for Christmas. I say fancied...but really, it's not that much. I would love to go all out...but given the lack of space (and budget!)...that isn't really an option. Last year we barely got our tree up, so I consider all of this a marked improvement!

Here is the entry. This is a little dresser that my mom picked up. It is SO old and chippy...I LOVE IT!! We added caster wheels and are in the process of adding crystal like knobs (we are having a hard time finding enough of them...sigh). It still needs some sanding to remove some of the old paint that used to be behind the old knobs. Anyway...I think it is just so fun!

Also, I have a bad habit of not putting pictures in picture frames....pay no mind to that little green one! Ha.

Our tree, in the living room. There is like NOWHERE to put this tree in the apartment. We had to move our tv stand and the tree still juts out into the walk way. Oh well...

Got the little deer ornament new this year. I'm on a deer kick this year!!

I have a bunch of word ornaments that I love. This one is probably my favorite :)

Another new ornament for this year. He is my favorite!!! C got him for me a couple of weeks ago :)

Another one of my new ornaments for this year. Love the sparkles!! Oh..and we actually got that older ball ornament this year too...at the antique mall ...it's from the year I was born (at the antique mall!!!...HEAVEN help!!!).

The tree all lit up at night. I feel so cozy at night when the lights are on. Wish I could do that all year...I'd probably get tired of it though.

The faux fireplace that the hubs built. We got some cabinet doors in Canton last year and he just put it together. SO fun to have a mantle....of course...we can't find the box with our stocking holders....

The wall of shelves.... I was so excited about this when we put them in. Now, not so much. Hard to decorate (and keep clean!).

The little Santa and Mrs Claus on my fridge. And Dalton's artwork :)

Love this little guy too. So sweet....

And of course...my most favorite decoration....a constant reminder of the true meaning of the season.

linking up with: Kelly, Erin, and The Nester

Christmas rambles...

2011-12-17T00:21:00.000-06:00

Today has been a busy busy day! Ha. I went to bed at almost 4 this morning (AGAIN!?) and woke up 11ish. Then, I read for a bit..(The Hunger Games...finally decided to start the series...so far...SO good!). Then....

I SCRAPBOOKED! For real. With bits of paper and ink and everything. I was a "scrapbooker" for almost 10 years, and then I just sort of quit when I got married. I had so much fun just playing again....I'll be sharing my layouts in the next day or two. I love them!

I meant to get my Christmas tour post up, as it was mega-link Friday. Instead, I did the above mentioned tasks and looked at everyone else's pictures instead. That's way more fun that picking up the laundry and dishes that would be in the way in my pictures. I am hoping to take some pictures this weekend though! We barely decorated last year...so I definitely want to document this year's lovelies.

My favorite is my vintage-ish Santa. He just looks vintage...but really he's from Hob Lob. I LLLLLove him!

Here's a peek at the shelves in the dining room. Well, the top of one shelf anyway. The other two shelves look pretty much the same.

And, here is our tree....sort of. We are missing the box with my wreath, stockings and a few other decorations. SO frustrating! I will show more pictures in the tour post. I love our little glitter western couple.

And, here is my tree skirt....ha. Notice the light strands that are all droopy. Crazy cat. He just can't help himself but to get in trouble ALL THE LIVELONG DAY while the tree is up. Wears me out!

Aslan would probably have a blast with this tree. It's at the Gaylord Texan hotel. It's ginormous...and it spins. There are tons and tons and tons of things to look at out there....all so beautiful. Also, there are lots and lots of people.

Speaking of lots and lots of people, the other night Dalton had his Christmas program at school. It was just kindergarten, but there were a ton of people crowded into that cafeteria. It was SO cute. Dalton was looking so handsome!!

Here we are afterwards. I'm looking.....lovely, no? Oh well. I just love this boy!!

He kept looking over at us and waving. All the kids were doing that. At one point a kid yelled "I love you grandma". Haha. It was just all so cute!!

Singin'.....

We are celebrating Christmas with my in-laws tomorrow. And, by tomorrow, I mean in 11 hours. I still have a gift to wrap, a bed to make, laundry to do...and I'm hoping sleep comes before 4 in the morning!!

Happy Weekend!

Midweek Confessions #2

2011-12-14T15:41:00.001-06:00

I'm doing it again...confession time. It's kind of cathartic...this rambling of things I probably shouldn't be sharing...haha.

1. I JUST got a brain freeze. Seriously...I was copying the html code for that button and eating my sonic ice (which I am addicted to) and BAM..brain freeze. Now, I've never given birth or had a major surgery...so my experience is limited...but brain freezes have got to be the most painful thing ever. What is that? SO.MUCH.PAIN.

2. Now that the brain freeze is gone...I am still chomping on my ice. I'm living on the edge today.

3. I have homemade vegetable soup as well as the stuff to make a pretty killer salad. What did I have for lunch today? Yeah, peanut butter and jelly (apple butter) sandwich, pretzels and a sugar free chocolate pudding. Sweet.

4. I didn't fall asleep till almost 5 this morning because someone thought she was craving a "for real" coke (calories and caffeine and cherries!) last night. Big mistake.

5. Someone slept til noon today. Shameful!

6. I have bought exactly 1 Christmas present. ONE!!

7. I have not done one day of my December daily. I've been taking pictures, and have everything to do it...I just haven't set down to start it. Story of my life, really.

8. I LOVE LOVE LOVE making New Years Resolutions. It's kind of sad, really, I enjoy making them and rarely keep them...and yet every year there is that same excitement...like this will be the year I make those changes or whatever. I suppose that's better than being a pessimist about the whole thing though, right?

9. My nails were looking so good. They were growing, I was keep them painted and all was well. Until the Cowboys game last Sunday. Sigh...now they are raggedy again....

10. I am going back to WW next week. I've done pretty good since I quit going in October. I've lost a few lbs...but I know I should be losing a lot more. So..I'm going back. The week of Christmas...which is probably crazy...but I can't put it off anymore. Also, my ww situation is a lot (A LOT) like my resolutions situation. I just keep on rejoining. BUT...one of these times...I will stick with it. And...I'm praying that this is the one!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

2011-12-13T23:52:00.000-06:00

So, every year I have the privilege (and pleasure) of designing a ton of Christmas cards for clients. And every year.... I say I'm going to design my own. This year, I finally did it! And, if we are lucky, they will actually be in the mail tomorrow! So, this is the first year I can participate in Faith's Christmas Card Carousel and use my own card instead of just one's I have designed. Yay!

We were supposed to have family pictures done the Sunday after Thanksgiving with my Grandparents and extended family. However, they had a friend pass away and his funeral was that day, so we had to reschedule. I decided to not fall back on my old "we have no pictures" excuse and just use our self-portrait from our anniversary. I would love a polished, professional shot for our Christmas card...but this year I am celebrating that there is a Christmas card! :) Baby steps y'all!

Anyway, I knew I wanted something vintagy and with my Santa from the header. Love him. I think they turned out pretty cute, considering.

I'm really hoping next year's card will have a tiny baby to feature...whether they are actually here or on their way........Did you hear that Santa??!!!! =)

Merry Christmas y'all!!

Survey Says....

2011-12-13T00:05:00.000-06:00

I saw this survey on Kenda's site and I thought it would be fun....

Eggnog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate with cinnamon and whip cream!

Colored lights on tree/house or white? Growing up we had multi-color lights on the tree and outside...but right now, I really like the look of white lights..which is what we have on our tree.

Do you hang mistletoe? Nope

When do you put your decorations up? We usually put them up early December. We pretty much got everything up last week!

What is you favorite holiday dish? Cheesy hash-browns or mashed potatoes. I love me some carbs!

Favorite holiday memory as a child? So many of them! My grandparents used to host a HUGE Christmas party on Christmas eve for all of their family and friends. Tons of people would drop in and Santa would show every year too. I would always go to that party for a while and then my Dad would pick me up and we always celebrated Christmas with his family on Christmas eve.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Well, the girls on my soccer team in 6th grade (I think) tried to tell me that he didn't exist. BUT...I'm 32 and he still shows up at my parents house every year. Explain that! :)

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? I still celebrate Christmas with my Dad and his family on Christmas Eve so we open gifts that night...but it's just because that is when we all get together.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I really like traditional colors: red/white/green...so that is what I decorate with. Plus we have some other fun ornaments...lots of sparkly ones, some metal hearts and snowflakes. And...a couple of Dallas Cowboys ornaments..

Snow! Love it or dread it? I like it. We rarely get snow. We usually get ice...which I'm not a big fan of.

Do you remember your favorite gift? I have lots of favorite gifts. I got a Brighton purse from C one year (plus a matching Brighton watch)...he also got me a laptop a few years ago...but I honestly think that every gift is a favorite...especially when you can tell someone put some thought into it.

What is your favorite holiday dessert? I don't think I have a favorite dessert. My grandmother makes these cookies and they are pretty yummy.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? Up until I got married, my sister and I would sit in the hallway at my parents house while all the adults (and the last few years...we were technically adults...both in our 20's) got their cameras ready and we would come into the living room together and see what all Santa brought (he didn't wrap gifts at our house). Ha. I miss that.

Candy canes: yuck or yum? They are okay. I like to put one in my hot chocolate!

Favorite Christmas movie? So many! Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, Fred Clause, The Santa Clause.

Saddest Christmas song? Merle Haggard's "If we make it through December" and the Christmas Shoes songs. Christmas music should be uplifting!! and Joyful!!

What is your favorite Christmas song? I LOVE Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas is you", I also like Taylor Swift's "Santa Baby" (it's my ringtone) and "Blue Christmas" by Elvis (although it's kinda sad...but it's Elvis!!!) and Vince Vance and the Valiants "All I want for Christmas"...

Christmas surveys are fun ... as are holiday traditions, decorations, parties, presents and food (especially the presents and food! haha). But, none of this would mean anything if it weren't for the reason for the season: Jesus! He is my favorite favorite!!

executive decision...

2011-12-09T15:41:00.000-06:00

I have decided to postpone my 30 day photo challenge until the new year. I think it will be fun to start the new year off with a photo challenge and taking more pictures is always a resolution I make.

Yeah....that sounds a lot better than "I dropped the ball on my own challenge...big time", right?

Anyway...I do want to be sure and take some great photos over the next few weeks, and I found this holiday photo checklist on pinterest, so I'm going to try and mark off as many of these as I can.

Source: rebeccacooper.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

There are some great ideas on there. You can download the full size printout here.

In other Christmas news...we pretty much have the casa decorated. However, we are missing a box with things like the tree topper, wreath, and stockings. I'm hoping we find it tonight so we can be done with everything! Although, I'm more than likely to pick up (or create) a new decoration here and there...there are some great sales already on holiday decorations!

I have been wanting to paint a Santa painting for the fireplace (my faux fireplace that C built...I'm so excited!! pictures coming soon!). I would love to buy a Santa painting...but that cuts into my gift budget...so I will try my hand at painting. I started mine this afternoon...and a painter...I AM NOT. Ha. It's a mess...but hopefully I can pull it together. Good thing I'm going for "whimsical"...I think that leaves a lot of room for flaws. Ha.

Here are some of the ones I like on pinterest:

Source: ballarddesigns.com via Tricia on Pinterest

This one is from Ballard Designs. I adore it...I think they are sold out. But...it's not like I would have bought it anyway. Cute though, right?!

Source: fourfortenberrys.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

I like this one a lot. If the one I found online to copy (which I will share when I share my painting) doesn't turn out right...I might try this one...y'all know I love the leopard!

Source: pauladeenmagazine.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Love the Santa face. (and that tree!! LOVE).

Source: twitter.com via Tricia on Pinterest

This one is kind of fun. It would look so cute in a big chunky frame above the fireplace!

Speaking of pinterest....I have been noticing the last couple of weeks that there were hardly any new pins on my home page (my feed, I guess you would call it?) and all the new ones were from like 3 people. I am following several people...so I just figured everybody had sort of quit pinning.

WELL...like two days ago one of the girls I followed LIT UP my feed with a bunch of pins that I was not interested in at all, so I went and unfollowed her (harsh, I know). And...VOILA all of my pinning buddies started showing up in my feed again. Weird, huh? Has this happened to y'all?

Happy Friday!!!

Midweek Confessions

2011-12-07T14:50:00.000-06:00

Struggling with what to post about today...but know I wanted to try and post everyday this month (I'm 2 for 6 so far...so I need to step it up!). Then, I saw E's post with her midweek confessions...and well...here we go:

1. My tree is up, but still not decorated. C wanted to help decorate it (bless him!) but he has been working at night some, and the nights he isn't working...we aren't here. Also, I want to get some mesh or burlap or something to put on first...but have been too lazy to go to the store and get it. ugh.

2. I'm pretty sure I have OCD when it comes to cleaning. But, I'm positive I also have a major case of the lazies. This makes for a pretty stressed out girl. It's not that we are messy people. I mean...it's just the two of us. But, we have a long hair cat. And lots of black furniture. Oh...and white carpet (who puts white carpet in an apartment?)!

3. I still haven't finished our Christmas cards. I can and LOVE to design them for clients...but for some reason...I just stare at the screen when I start to design ours!

4. I am still in my pjs. It's 2:45 in the afternoon. (see #2).

5. The cat is scared of the vacuum (even if it is not on)...and this is my ONLY weapon for keeping him out of the tree. Well, out of climbing it. I do let him sleep underneath it...because...well he is sleeping instead of terrorizing the house.

6. While I am SO SO happy that others are starting their families (or growing them)...my heart breaks a little (for me and C) every time a friend or family member announces they are pregnant. Also...what is in the water and where are these peeps getting it? Everyone is pregnant!

7. I cried the WHOLE time I watched Biggest Loser last night.

8. I have not bought a single Christmas present. Yikes.

9. I love working from home, but I miss interacting with people on a daily basis. I can only talk to the cat so much before it gets weird. Ha.

10. I am SO over my hair. The older I get...the curlier it gets. What is that? Drying and straightening it takes over an hour...so that is out (unless it's something special). It stays in a bun or clip pretty much all the time. I need a change!

Have a great Wednesday y'all!!

festivities

2011-12-06T20:38:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it is already the 6th of December...and the day is almost over! The days are just zipping by and ... like always ... I don't feel like I am getting everything accomplished that I would like!

This morning...I thought I was really going to be on top of things. I woke up at 5:30 and could not go back to sleep...(crazy...as I had just gone to bed about 3:30). Anyway...I cleaned the kitchen, ate breakfast, did some laundry, worked on a few designs...and made a gigantic to-do list.

And...at about 11:15, I could barely move I was tired. So, I took a nap. Ha.

I wanted to share a couple of fun things we have done lately.

Last Friday, we picked up Dalton from daycare and hung out with him for a while. We had to drive him by this house in town that is ... well, quite festive....

It's like a beacon of light in that neighborhood! Lot's and lots of stuff going on....

C and I had drove by about a week ago and noticed them putting everything out...I think there was like 5 adults wiring and setting everything up. Lots of people drive by and stop to look at it. Crazy!

They have music playing and some of the lights are set to the music. It's really kind of neat. I mean, we would probably never do anything like it...but it's fun to have a house in town that does...

I don't think Dalton was quite as fascinated by it as we were. He was like "oh yeah, cool"...and that was it! Kids! He told me tonight that he wanted to go caroling....but that instead we always go look at lights. Where does he get this stuff? Do people go caroling? I'm pretty sure nobody wants me singing at their front door!

Last night we drove out to the town our church is in (just one town over) and went to the parade of lights and tree lighting ceremony. Some of the choir from our church was singing, and we thought that would be fun.

It was SO cold. I swear it was snowing while we were out! Luckily there is a Starbucks on the way and we both found gloves in the car/purse (I still think it is hilarious that I found an old pair of my gloves in my purse...should probably clean that thing out!).

We got to the park, parked and ran across the park (in total darkness) just in time for the parade to start. It wasn't the Macy's Day Parade or anything but it was a bunch of kids from the schools/dance teams/cub scouts/etc...and the floats were all so cute. It was "Santas Workshop" theme...

Pretty hard to get any good shots when it was dark outside. Also, I was shaking so hard from cold. Looked like I was dancing....

Cute stuff!

Love the little train...

There were no people on this float. They must have abandoned ship...smart!!!

Right after the last float passed us, we ran back across the park, got in the Jeep and drove a few blocks to downtown. Just in time for the tree-lighting ceremony!

Such a fun (super cold!) time. We love the little town our church is in. The population is about 18,000, which is about 38,000 LESS than the town we currently live in...and about 350,000 LESS than my hometown. I never ever thought I would be a small town girl...but this town is definitely growing on me!

We put the tree up last night (finally!). And the cat...he has been a TERROR ... he climbs the tree, eats the branches and jacks up the lights. Ugh. He's on my last nerve today! I just know one morning we are going to come out of the bedroom and the tree is going to be laying on the ground....though I pray (for mine and the cat's sake) that doesn't happen!

Off to try and finish some more things on that to-do list...

Hello December....

2011-12-01T20:59:00.001-06:00

December!! It's finally here. Now, I'm not one for time passing by too quickly. But December is definitely one of my favorite months...so I am always SO happy to see it.

I've got lots of things I want to tackle this December. It seems like the last couple of years have been kind of drab for me as far as the holidays are concerned. I am not having that this year. I am armed with all kinds of inspiration and ideas to battle the "blahs". This year I will be trying my very best to spread Christmas cheer everyday! Starting: NOW!

First: my favorite Christmas song. I know some people can't stand it (or her)...but I love it!

Love the star and the numbers.

Source: laylekoncar.typepad.com via Tricia on Pinterest

I never know where to put all my Christmas cards each year....so...I love this idea. When we were at Canton last month we saw a TON of old shutters but they were super expensive. So, now I'm on the lookout for some inexpensive ones..or, I think you can get some shutter-like bi-fold doors at home depot for pretty cheap. I need to check this out!

Source: pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Love these trees! How easy is this? And the fabrics are gorgeous too. AND...I'm loving the poinsettias in the background. I'm always afraid Aslan will eat stuff like that if I try anything inside. Maybe fake?

Source: thecreativityexchange.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

I mention the December Daily album a couple of posts back...and I've got a few pinned on my pinterest. I'm still working on my album (the story of my life!)...but I will be doing it this year...even if I have to work on finishing my album AS I work on the contents! Anyway...I love this one. But..I love pretty much everything that Elizabeth does...

Source: elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

I have been busy working on Christmas cards and blogs. And...I've been working like crazy to finish up my site (I feel like I am always saying this). I want everything just right...and I end up sitting at the computer until my neck hurts. Ouch.

We are putting up our Christmas stuff tomorrow and I am SO excited. I'm probably just forgetting that the cat goes CRAZY at Christmas. He's for real out of control with the tree.

Source: icanhascheezburger.com via Tricia on Pinterest

We don't dress him up...but I do pick him up and dance with him any time Mariah's Christmas song comes on Pandora. Guess it's sort of the same thing to him?

It's beginning to look a lot like....

2011-11-28T01:48:00.000-06:00

CHRISTMAS!!!!

And I am just SO excited about it!! I start getting excited in July when Hobby Lobby starts moving things around for the Christmas goodies. Of course, it's pretty hard to feel too festive when it is 110 degrees outside. And, it's not that I don't love Halloween and fall decorations (or the holidays themselves)...because I do! It's just...there is something almost magical about having all your Christmas decor out and about.

To help celebrate, I had to share a little Christmas cheer on my blog. How do you like the new look?

I also LOVE getting the mail in December, don't y'all? I've always loved getting the mail..but sometimes all those boring white envelopes with people wanting money try and put a damper on my excitement (Lord help us if there is no catalog or magazine that day). BUT, in December, there is always a brightly colored envelope or two...and of course...the true treasure...cards from friends and family.

My favorite cards? PHOTO cards!! And...I love that they are getting more and more popular every year.

If you still need someone to design your photo card this holiday season, I would LOVE to work with you!

You can find out more information about the photo cards by checking out my Christmas site, here.

While your there, be sure to check out the information on getting a Christmas blog makeover of your own!

When the holiday season is over, you can always go back to your current design, or start the new year off with a new look! As a gift to you, anyone who purchases a Christmas blog will get $15 off a new blog makeover in 2012! You can read all the details (and see the designs!) here.

THREE

2011-11-23T00:18:00.000-06:00

Look at me...two posts in one day. And, since I'm using all kinds of numbers....let's celebrate THREE!!!

Because on November 22 (11-22) THREE years ago...I married my best friend!

Last year we had a pretty low key celebration and just spent some time driving around and shopping in our favorite town square. It just happened to be a big Holiday celebration with a tree lighting and everything. You can read about that here.

We thought it would be fun to do that again this year...and so we did!

First, we spent some time driving around looking at our dream houses. This particular town is fancy shmancy and there are some huge houses to dream about. Case in point:

Can you even imagine? And...it's for sale!! So if like 3 million of y'all would put in a dollar...we could all share it. There is probably room. Ha. Dream dream!

On to town square we went. We thought we were being all smart this year and getting there early. Last year we had a hard time finding parking...and this year...front row at Barnes and Noble! Sweet.

We walked around and shopped (I'll take one of everything Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, Brighton and Williams Sonoma!). We played with all the toys at Apple. We walked and shopped some more.

We sat on the curb and people watched. Then we turned around and listened to Christmas music. Which, isn't so festive when it's like 100% humidity and I'm starting to sweat. :(

We started to get bored and decided to leave. Charlie complains all the time that it gets dark so early in the winter. Well, it wasn't in a hurry on Saturday. The tree was pretty though. I'm sure it looked beautiful at night...we might just have to go back in a week or so.

We ended up trying a new Mexican food restaurant after we left. It was so yummy!

Please excuse the crummy cell phone picture. I always get so shy and nervous with my camera at a restaurant. I just feel silly snapping a picture of my food (or as is the case above, my empty plate!).

So, tonight we headed to an early dinner and then to a movie. I don't know about y'all...but I love date nights in the middle of the week!!

Here we are before we left. So hard to get a picture of the two of us when the cat wont help take the picture! Ha.

And here is a quick picture (with my camera, no less!) of my dinner. Well, pre-dinner. I only had one roll!! Between our anniversary and Thanksgiving...things could get out of control in late November!

We went and saw Tower Heist. It was pretty cute. We haven't been to the movie and forever...and the last few movies that C and I saw together were ... well ... kind of raunchy. There was some language in this one...but it was pretty cute.

I have to share this picture. The sky looked so crazy on the way to dinner. The picture doesn't really do it justice but it was SO bright right at the cloud line. Anyway... I'm always fascinated by clouds.

Something else that fascinates me? THIS:

I'm all for a good deal. And I do LOVE to shop. But, c'mon y'all. Really? Before we went to the movies there was one tent with a couple of people sitting outside. After the move, FIVE tents...and what looked like a festival outside the Best Buy. I don't get it.

Maybe if they were giving away Louboutins for $199....

Source: tumblr.com via Tricia on Pinterest

But, they aren't...so I shall take my pretty little self to my own cuddly bed and watch Biggest Loser on my tv I got on sale at Best Buy in the middle of the week. No tent required, thank you very much.

Goings On...

2011-11-22T14:21:00.000-06:00

The other day, I was going through some of my old posts, looking for something...and I was shocked at how little I have blogged!! It seems like I hit "older posts" just a few times and it took me back almost 2 years. NOT GOOD!! I want to be better about documenting and sharing things...even the trivial...and even if nobody else reads them....just so that I can maybe remember them! Lord knows that every year I get older...my memory does too!

So, starting next week, I am going to try and be better about blogging! Promise!

For now, though...I thought I would share a few updates:

30 Day Photo Challenge

Wow. My own challenge...and I can't even keep up!! I have taken several of the daily photos since the last time I posted, but I just haven't been good about getting them up. I will be taking a picture everyday and will be updating all of those on MONDAY! And..I will finish the 30 days strong!! :)

Weight Loss

I haven't posted about Weight Watchers or my journey in a while. I actually let my membership cancel about 2 months ago because I wasn't able to make it to several meetings in a row. I have been (mostly) watching what I eat and exercising every once in a while. Neither to the level that I should, obviously, but I haven't been a complete sloth. Right after my wreck in January, I weighed the HIGHEST I have ever weighed on my home scales. Talk about SHOCK. I lost a few pounds before I joined WW and maintained that loss plus about a 5lb loss at WW for months (and months and months). BUT..according to those same home scales...I am down around 15lbs since earlier this year. That is all kinds of exciting...but Lord knows it could be SO MUCH MORE.

Anyway, I am going back to the meetings next Tuesday! I will be doing weekly update posts and I am hoping to get this thing in gear...finally.

Christmas Designs

Christmas Cards and Christmas Blogs!!! I'll be taking orders for both beginning MONDAY. Stay tuned for a special offer!!

Tricia Nae Designs

Speaking of design, I have been working hard on my design site. It should be wrapped up by December 1st...and I am excited about some of the new things I will be offering!

December Daily

This has been something I have wanted to do the last couple of years...and I am finally going to do it this year!! It's a little mini album that just documents the days leading up to Christmas starting December 1st.
Or, you could do all of December, if you wanted. I think this year, I will just stick with the 25.

You can click on the image to see Ali's site and all the info about this. And of course, there are tons of ideas on pinterest. I am still working on my album. Okay, I haven't even started...but I have the album and all the stuff...and the determination to finish it. Ha. I will be sharing the album next week, and then, hopefully, over the course of December, I will share the completed pages!

Currently, I am cleaning out my external hard drive. Talk about a mess! I have saved pretty much everything I have worked on or designed the last two years. It's crazy. I have put off cleaning it forever because it is just so daunting. But, yesterday our cable and internet was down most of the day...which pretty much eliminated all my distractions, so I sat down and knocked a bunch of it out. I'm hoping to finish it by tomorrow...and vowing to STAY organized from here on out!!! Hahaha. Cause, you know, I've never said that before!

Dancing on the Ceiling...

2011-11-11T16:50:00.001-06:00

Today has been a much better day! I haven't been on the computer much (so I've not been annoyed!) and I've also not been cleaning random parts of my home. Instead, I took a little window shopping trip to Target getting ideas for Christmas presents for the kidlets. I LOVE to shop for kids Christmas presents. SO fun. I swear I'm still a kid!!

Anyway...did y'all watch the CMA's the other night? They were pretty good.

I adore Miss Carrie, but my jealousy of her legs makes it almost impossible to watch her! I guess she probably works hard to get/keep them. I should probably try that out.

source

And did y'all see Lauren Alaina? She has lost some weight and looks so cute!

source

I saw a news interview about it and when they asked her how she lost the weight, she said with diet and exercise. Is it me, or do y'all get a little frustrated when that is ALWAYS the answer people give? LOL

Okay, I have to share my FAVORITE part of the evening:

There is just something about Lionel Richie that reminds me of my childhood. I don't listen to him much anymore...but I think that is what makes it so fun when I do hear his songs. Also, I've watched the part with him and Darius Rucker about 20 times. Looooove Hootie!!

I remember the summer I turned 7, my Grandmother took my cousin and I to Florida to visit my Aunt that was living there. My Aunt had a Lionel Richie record (remember those?) and we must have listened to it a hundred times. So hearing his music sends me back to the mid 80's fast. I love that.

C, on the other hand, informed me he never listened to him. He admitted he didn't know one song that he sang. WHAT?! So, I had a little dance party and sang for him during the CMA's the other night. Hey, that's how we did it in Florida!

Speaking of Mr. Richie and funny things:

Y'all know I can relate ANYTHING back to Friends, right? It's a gift, really.

And, finally? Haha.

Source: chrisglass.com via Emily on Pinterest

Have a great Friday everyone!! I'll be back with the photo challenge over the weekend or on Monday (yes, I'm slacking at my own challenge!).

Technically...I'm frustrated!

2011-11-10T22:45:00.000-06:00

Oh y'all....

Source: photoblog.msnbc.msn.com via Tricia on Pinterest

This picture (while HILARIOUS) pretty much sums up my day. I'm thisclose to losing it with all this technology around me.

1. Twitter and my Blackberry are not friends. Twitter gets frozen at least once a day. If I feel like it, I'll delete it and reinstall. However, here lately I question even doing that. I'm still not 100% sure I even want a twitter account. Sometimes it sort of feels like I'm just talking to myself (so does blogging for that matter....which is a whole nuther issue). And, I can talk to myself just fine without getting frustrated by a "smart phone".

2. Facebook...I've never really minded it when they make changes, except this last go around. I just can't get used to it. Also, I seriously need to clean out my facebook account. The whole page of updates are shops/tv shows and bands. Um, where did all my friends go? One of my really good friends had to go to ER the other day and a family member posted on facebook...but I never saw it because of the new timeline thing. Grrr.

3. Gmail. I don't know if y'all use gmail or not, but I have for the last few years and LOVE it. In fact, I was just texting with Kenda the other day about how I love gmail. THEN...like a day later they go and change the gmail format. First, I don't like the new look. I think it's supposed to be formatted for easier reading, but it's not. Second....it keeps crashing.

via

Clever as that little icon is...if I never see it again...I'd be a happy girl.

I haven't figured out how to run my little business without my email account. It's bad y'all.

And do you know how I know it's bad? Because I spent the better part of today cleaning my baseboards.

Not even kidding.

Tomorrow, I will try to find a solution to the technology issues.

Of course, I may end up organizing my closet.

*If you are waiting on an email from me...I will figure something out tomorrow...even if I have to do it from my phone. Unless of course gmail and my BlackBerry don't like each other....in that case, you can find me cleaning my washing machine.

Digi Kits

2011-11-09T14:03:00.000-06:00

I have been busy working on digital kits the last few weeks and I wanted to share them with y'all. These would be great for digital scrapbooks (naturally), but they are also great to print and use for other crafts!

I love everything about fall, but I wanted to do different type of fall kit. I'm loving these colors and patterns. So fun!!

The paper kit can be found here.

The coordinating elements can be found here.

And...how fun are these cupcake toppers? I'll definitely be using them for Thanksgiving treats. There is also a sheet of blank ones so that you can create your own message or use as place cards or whatever. FUN!! You can find these here.

The kit that just launched this week is called Sophia and it is just a festive, anytime kit. I am LOVING the colors of this kit too. Reminds me a lot of the colors in mi casa!

Here are the papers. Cute!!

And the elements are here.

You can find the rest of my digital goodies here.

Well....

2011-11-08T21:30:00.000-06:00

I'm here to play catch up on the photo challenge. I've done pretty good with taking the pictures...just not so good with posting them. Baby steps!

I was sick sick sick this weekend...so I'm loving feeling better finally. If I could just get my ears to unclog or whatever...I'd be a new woman! Ha.

Day 4: High Angle Shot...
This was last Friday. We went to Canton for a little shopping and fun time (how lucky am I that my hubs will take me there?!). It was cold and I was just starting to feel bad. If I were a smart girl, I probably would have stayed home (as I felt like death by the time we got home)....but I'm not and I didn't. :)

It was SO busy...I was actually kind of shocked at how many people were out there. We went last year in November on a Friday...and I don't remember it being so crowded. Was SO over people by the time we left. Love this picture though...Dippin'Dots was my first job (not at Canton...but here in town). Fun!

We hit some serious traffic coming home...which was not so fun. I guess coming home at 5:30 wasn't a smart-girl thing either. Ooops.

We were stuck on the highway at one point for like 10 minutes without moving AN INCH. That is a long time to just sit in your car. Reminded me of my days when I did that everyday. At least some of the views were decent.

Day 5: Water
This one was hard for me. I was trying to be creative....and I just couldn't think of anything clever. I blame it on the sickness!

Both of these pictures (above and below) are of different parts of the lake that is behind our apartments. I took the first one driving over the bridge. Well, C was driving while I took the picture (I'm not that stupid).

Below is from a neighborhood near the lake. Sad how low it is.

Day 6: Something Orange
After church we almost always go to Whataburger for lunch. Yum.

Day 7: Something Blue
Y'all this was taken yesterday when I thought I was dying. I was so proud that I actually remembered to take the picture (given my track record and all). Please notice it was taken via iPod. And, it may or may not have been taken from bed.

Day 8 (today!): Flowers

I stopped by my moms this evening to visit the cuties (my niece and nephew). Lucky me...Teags was sporting some super cute (floral!) capris.

We were having a dance party!! She was workin it!!

Pardon the runny nose...she takes after her Aunt NaeNae in so many ways!!

Clouds. Finally!

2011-11-02T15:03:00.002-05:00

We are back on track...there are clouds today!!! Hallelujah! Funny story, C called from work this morning to tell me there were a bunch of clouds out. I guess he was sick of me complaining about no clouds. LOVE him!!

I took this one off my balcony. LOVE the sun flare and the little rainbow orb (is that what that is called?).

I love to take pictures of clouds and I have tons of them. Maybe it's because you can't really take a bad picture of the clouds? Haha. I think they are just so calming.

Speaking of fluffy things...

Couldn't you just eat him up? Excuse the extremely long curtains. I'm in the process of making curtains for the office, and I hung the fabric to get an eye for where I wanted to cut. Aslan promptly decided that the excess made a better bed than anything else (even the box!).

Don't you just want to cuddle him? Are you dying to rub his fluffy belly? Do it. I dare you! Ha. He goes from sweet to evil in about a second if you touch him anywhere other than his head. Spoiled brat!! I tell him all the time that it's a good thing he's so cute!

30 Questions

2011-11-01T18:12:00.003-05:00

Still no clouds. What is up with that? It's like the universe is against me moving forward with my photo-challenge. Ha. If there aren't any tomorrow, I think I'm just going to skip and go to the next one!

In the mean time...I got this questionnaire in an email from a few friends a while back and thought it would make a good blog post. I've been working on it off and on for several days! Lots of questions!

1. Five ways to win your heart.
Honesty. Sense of humor. Tolerating me. Loving me. Loving my family. That's how C did it, anyway!

2. Something you feel strongly about.
My faith!

3. A book you love.
I LOVE books. Some of my all time favorites are:

4. Bullet your typical day.

5:30 am: wake up and tell C bye.
5:45-7:00 am: watch tv, read, try to fall back asleep
10:00 am: wake up
10:00 am - 4:00 pm: check emails, design, clean house, laundry, errands, work out, shower, talk on phone spend too much time at computer, constantly get on to Aslan for jumping on counters, look for houses, pay bills
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: hang out with C, watch tv, talk, go work out with C
6:00 pm - 9:30 pm: cook or go out for dinner, clean kitchen, watch television, sometimes we go see the kiddos at my mom's house
9:30 pm: C usually starts falling asleep and I watch tv that he doesn't like (Real Housewives, Vampire Diaries, etc)
10:00 pm - 2:00 am: design some more, facebook, pinterest, read blogs, read, watch tv, try to go to sleep

5. Things you want to say to an ex.
Nothing really. Maybe thank you for not being the one, because then I wouldn't have met C?

6. Your views on mainstream music.
I guess I don't really have any distinct views on mainstream music. Ha. I will admit that a lot of stuff I hear on the radio, when I listen to anything other than country or sports radio is kind of raunchy. I'm so old.

7. Five pet peeves.
People who blow their nose at a restaurant.
People who crowd me with their buggy in line at the grocery store.
People smoking outside entrances.
Bad drivers.
Student loans. Ha.

8. What you ate today.
So far? An avocado with some chips and a diet dr. pepper. Healthy, obviously.

9. How important is education?
I think an education is extremely important through high school. I also have strong feelings about a college degree and it was very important for me to get one. Although, I wouldn't say that having a college degree is the only sign of intelligence. Some of the wisest people I know have never step foot in a university. Also, I feel like education can happen everywhere...even outside the classroom.

10. Put your ipod on shuffle. What are the first 10 songs?

Dwight Yoakam: The Back of Your Hand.
Julie Roberts: Break Down Here
Elvis Presley: Can't Help Falling In Love
Bob Seger: Chances Are
Gary Stewart: An Empty Glass
Miranda Lambert: Dead Flowers
Reckless Kelly: Nobody's Girl
Randy Rogers Band: She's Actin Single
Justin Timberlake: Hallelujah
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: Somewhere Over the Rainbow

11. Your family.
Big. Crazy. Loud. LOVE!!

12. Five guys whom you find attractive.
Besides the hubs, obviously:

Also, this sort of makes me feel like a teenage girl. Ha. But...you have to admit they are pretty!

13. Your opinion about your body and how comfortable you are with it.
Not comfortable with it at all. But, working on it.

14. What you wore today.
I'm still in my pj's. (FOR SHAME!). But, here in little while I will throw on the standard daily attire:

I kid not! I wear some version of this outfit almost everyday. I have the yoga pant + jacket in several colors and patterns. Clearly...I need an intervention. I promise I dress up for church and important things!

15. Your zodiac/horoscope. Do you think it fits your personality?
I'm a Taurus. I do agree that I'm stubborn at times...but who isn't? Other than that, I don't really follow/believe that stuff.

16. Something you always think "what if..." about.
I honestly try not to do that...because it will drive a person crazy. But, occasionally I wonder things like:
What if my parent's never divorced?
What if I never met C?
What if I had lived on campus during college?

17. Something that you're proud of.
My marriage. Finishing college.

18. A problem that you have had.
My struggle with weight.

19. Five items you lust after.

I've mentioned the boots about a hundred times (2 hundred to C). Next computer will be mac (soon...as mine is dying!). I miss my mustang. I love having a little suv, but I've always had a mustang. The Louis....sigh. I just can't bring myself to buy (or really ask C to spend) that much on a purse. Same with the cake stand by Mackenzie Childs.

20. Your fears.
Never having a child of my own.

21. Your hope for your future.
To grow old with C and have a family of our own. Health and happiness for my family and friends. Also, winning the lottery wouldn't be so bad.

22. Your academics.
I have a bachelor of science in print/graphic communication with a minor in management. I'm hoping to finish my MLA next year.

23. Something you miss.
Having no bills. My best friends living in the same town as me.

24. Five words/phrases that always make you laugh.
Dontcha? (kind of like don't ya?) C and I say this if something is crazy or odd. Like if we see a man in women's clothing (which has happened more than once!) we will look at each other and say dontcha? And then I laugh.

What's her doodle? My aunt says this instead of "what's her name?" Funny.

Pivot! (Friends reference...remember when Ross was trying to get the couch up the stairs?) My mom and I always say this if something or someone is in the way.

Source: etsy.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Source: frenchbydesign.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

25. Something you are currently worrying about.
My weight. Our finances. Having a baby. Relationships with family members. Fun stuff!

26. Things you like and dislike about yourself.
I like that I'm creative. I'm supportive and loving of my friends and family. I learn things quickly. Also, I like my eyes.

I dislike pretty much everything else (physically) about myself. I dislike that I am so negative about me (when I'm generally upbeat and positive about others). I really dislike that I worry about EVERYTHING. I get on my nerves!!

27. A quote or quotes you try to live by.

28. Somewhere you'd like to move to or visit.
Ireland. Would LOVE to go there. Maybe one day.

As far as living...I'm good where I'm at (well...maybe a house instead of an apartment..but you know...).

Source: southerndarlin.tumblr.com via Tricia on Pinterest

29. Five weird things you like.
This could get awkward!
~I prefer rainy days over any other day. If I didn't love Texas so much, I would move to the pacific nw.
~I like mustard with my french fries.
~Counting things. My steps mostly. (OCD much?)
~Meatless chili-dogs. We (my mom and I) call them deserrtys. bun+mustard+relish+chili+cheese=yes please!
~Watching the telanovelas on the Spanish channels. C and I like to add our own commentary.

30. One thing you are excited for.
Short term: Canton First Monday! We are going this Friday!!
Long term: Buying a house and starting a family!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T23:39:00.005-05:00

Obviously, I'm not doing so hot with the photo challenge. I shared my day 1 (self-portrait) and below is my day 2 (what I wore)...which was taken Friday. Then, I just sort of quit. In all honesty...there have been NO clouds out the last three days so I couldn't technically take day 3 photos yet. TOMORROW!

Anyway, On Friday night, C and I went on a little date to this hole in the wall Mexican restaurant in my hometown. I've been going there as long as I can remember. It is SUPER kitschy. They have lights up (think Christmas lights) year round (indoors!) and late October they start putting up Christmas decorations. It is nothing less that gaudy and over the top. But...the chips, salsa and queso are to die for. Plus the game was on...if only we could have won...it would have been the perfect night!!

Obviously, it's also super casual. These are my most favorite shoes. They are a couple of years old and well loved (read: worn). I should probably get a new pair but they are SO comfortable. LOVE!!

Saturday night we went to a Halloween party / bonfire out at C's sisters place. I had seen these homemade turtle treats all over pinterest and blogs, so I thought I would try to make them for the party. They were SO good. Like, dangerously good.

They are really easy to make. The hardest part is unwrapping all the Rolos. We were just letting the papers pile up while we worked. It was kind of pretty.

Until the cat got a hold of a wrapper. He was acting CRAZY! Just like his momma...shiny things are distractingly fun!!

Speaking of Aslan...

C had to get a new pair of work boots so Az got a new box. He LOVES boxes. Every cat I've ever owned has liked boxes...but he is obsessed with them. I used to get a scrapbook kit in the mail every month and the box was perfect for him. He would wait on me to get my stuff out so he could sit in the box. Crazy!!

We went to my mom and stepdad's house tonight to see the kids in their costumes and I got to spend some quality time with my other favorite fur-baby: Buddy. He's my cat at my parent's house. So cute, yes?!

When we got Teags in her costume, she had a MELT DOWN. It was epic. She didn't want the tights on. She didn't want the headband on. She didn't want the wings. She didn't want the wand. All she wanted was candy and that my friends is how we eventually got the rest of her costume on her! Ha.

Dalton is a pro at this. A few weeks ago my mom took him to pick out a costume and he got a zombie! We were all shocked. Apparently he ended up being scared of it, so he got a S.W.A.T. costume instead. Much better!!

Teagan and Uncle Charlie. She was all smiles once she started getting candy. Little ham.

On the move....

Trick or Treat!!!!

LOVE the tights!!

Sassy sister!!

Handsome Bubbie.

I CAN NOT wait till I have my own little kidlets to dress up and show off to all the neighbors (I mean take trick or treating!). I always think "this time next year...things will be different". I certainly hope that is the case and I am trying real hard to be patient and trust in God's timing.

In the mean time.......I LOVE BEING AN AUNT!

LOVELY Friday!!

2011-10-28T13:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, it FINALLY got cold here in North Texas. In fact, my ac has not kicked on in over 24hrs. I can almost see the money I'm saving. While I should probably be setting it aside for next summer's absurd electric bills, I can't quit looking at boots. I'm almost positive the boots will win this battle.

These are my favorites so far. The difference between August's electric bill and the current one would almost buy any of these. This is both wonderful....and so so sad. NEVER get an apartment that sits above garages only. Those things get hot. Heat rises. Not good.

Source: thefryecompany.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Source: blissfulbblog.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Corral boots may just be my most favorite boots right now. I think I've probably shared this boot before, but I have dreams about it! Ha. My little sister has the black pair...and she is lucky that her foot is bigger than mine and that we don't live together. I'm pretty sure I would go klepto on her. Kidding. Sort of.

Source: bootcity.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Boots are a good third anniversary gift, right? I mean they do have a heart on them...

Speaking of hearts. Mine is seriously broken. I just knew we had the World Series in the bag last night. I should know better than to get all arrogant about things I technically have no control over...but I've always heard it's better to be confident. Sad times at the casa last night.

Oh well, it's better to win the World Series on a Friday night anyway. Right?

source

Last night wasn't a complete wash though. I got to meet these two sweet girls.

photo from Ashley's blog

I stumbled on Ashley's blog several years ago (I was still planning my wedding) and realized we had a lot in common. We finally go to meet last night (after too long) and it was so much fun! Emmalee Caroline is seriously the sweetest baby. She was just so laid back and happy the whole time. I joked that she is better behaved and (way) sweeter than my baby (the cat). Ha. And Ashley is just as sweet as I had anticipated. Good times!!

I'll be back later today with Day 2 of the photo challenge. You know, once I finally get out of my pj's. Sad!!

Lessons I've Learned - 30 day photo challenge, DAY 1

2011-10-27T23:03:00.000-05:00

I've already learned SO much from my 30 day photo challenge.

1. I'm such a procrastinator. Clearly I didn't start yesterday like I had planned. Oops. AND...I almost forgot to take a picture today, thus the in car photo shoot.

2. I'm not so good at the self-portrait. I only took about a hundred...and I wasn't smiling AND looking at the camera in one of them! Ha.

We'll just call this my serious look. Maybe things will get better by day 30! Haha.

Tuesday Randoms and a Photo Challenge

2011-10-25T19:14:00.001-05:00

I have been spending too much time on pinterest lately. I know I'm not the only one because some of the people that I follow bombard my home page. Also, I'm not sure how I ended up following some of these people...because a page full of scary tattoos is not my idea of inspiration! Never fear...I spend enough time on there to find plenty of miscellaneous inspiring things.

I always get wistful about not having a traditional home (read: backyard, freedom to paint, etc) during the fall and winter months. I know it's just a small stage that we are going through and we will one day have our own home...but seriously...apartment living is starting to get to me!

One of the things I really can't wait for is having a yard. We have a patio/balcony...but it overlooks the trash (lovely!) and a parking lot. Also, I always feel weird sitting out there because everyone driving by can see me. Not so relaxing!

That is why I'm obsessing over this little cozy area. Would LOVE to curl up with a book and some hot chocolate and read. LOVE the twinkle lights. Maybe if I put those on the patio it would cozy it up?

Source: None via Tricia on Pinterest

I'm dying over this picture. How cute is this little diva? If I could pull it off I would totally attempt this for Halloween. Sadly, I can not. Maybe one day I will have a little girl of my own to dress up like this. I fear it will be an everyday occurrence though!

Source: etsy.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Oh how this is something I need to do!! I have always been more of a thinker/day dreamer than a doer...but here lately I seem to over think EVERYTHING. It applies to my weight loss, my to-do list, my goals for the future, even just random crafts I would like to try. I'm getting on my own nerves!

Source: google.nl via Tricia on Pinterest

I LOVE this little bookmark. How cute!!!! Of course, I haven't read a book in over a month...so it's not like a bookmark would do me any good. BUT it might look cute on a coffee table book...a witch at Halloween, pilgrim shoes at Thanksgiving, and maybe elf shoes at Christmas? Add that to the to-do list. Ha.

Source: None via Tricia on Pinterest

Okay, I have been in a SERIOUS fashion rut. I'm not even going to pretend fashion is a part of my vocabulary. Once upon a time I used to be obsessed with clothes and jewelry (but mostly shoes and bags). Now, not so much. I mean I wear yoga pants and t-shirts almost everyday. If you see me at church or a fancy restaurant in my workout clothes...for the love of all things good...please intervene!!

I would love to be able to pull something like this off. I love the look of boots and tights...I just fear that I will look stumpy. I already have a height disadvantage...I'm scared of chopping up my legs with boots. Also, I'm just not sure I would feel "clothed" enough in leggings. Ya know?

Source: None via Tricia on Pinterest

See, this is cute. I think I might even be able to pull this off as I have pretty much everything (save for the boots...which are probably an important part of the look...ha) in my closet for this.

Source: None via Tricia on Pinterest

Okay, another rut I've been in: my hair. I chopped about 11" off earlier this year for locks of love. Now, I'm just desperately waiting for it to grow back out. I wear it in a semi pony-bun everyday. HOWEVER, I found this one blog (via pinterest, of course) and she does some of the cutest things with her hair...which is about the same length as mine. Y'all have to check her blog out.

Source: thesmallthingsblog.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Speaking of ruts...my blog has been in one for a long time. Pretty much the last year or so. Sadness!! So, I found a bunch of photography challenges on pinterest and thought it would be fun to do one of my own. I compiled a list of some of the things and made my own 30 day challenge. Hopefully, it will get me more inspired to get the camera out and of course, to blog more often!!

I'll be starting tomorrow!! If you want to join in...feel free!! :)

Texas Girl

2011-10-24T13:16:00.000-05:00

I had wanted to go out of town last week, but things didn't work out quite like I planned. So, Friday night C and I decided to have a little date night.

While I would have LOVED (no, seriously...LOVED) to have bought tickets to a game (the WORLD SERIES..being played in my hometown)..that silly little budget won in the end. We did want to go by the stadium and take pictures of all the signs and banners though. We didn't think anyone would be out there Friday night because the first game here wasn't until Saturday night.

Um, we were wrong! There were people everywhere...but that made it all the more fun. It was like when we went to check out Cowboys stadium before the Superbowl this year. Lots of media setting up and doing news broadcasts and tons of people milling around. SO fun!

I grew up watching baseball...far more than any other sport. And, with the ballpark being down the street, I also had the privilege to go to a ton of games. I LOVE to go to the ballpark...it always reminds me of my childhood! Sidenote: While I adore baseball games live (so much better than on tv), I all out refuse to go during the summer.

We didn't go take any pictures last year when we went to the World Series. It was being played here for the first time. That is still so fun to think about. The RANGERS in the WS TWO years in a row. WOW! Anyway, I'm a little sad we didn't get any pictures of last year, but grateful to have some from this year. And next year, when we go for the 3rd year in a row (yeah, I'm calling it)...I will have pictures from the inside. Budget-shmudget!

LOVE LOVE LOVE. This picture was taken from the parking lot we normally park in when we go to games.

I think the stadium is so pretty. It's so TEXAS-Y. My step-father actually worked at the stadium when they were building it. They did all the lighting. We got to go up there several times during the construction process. It's hard to believe that was like 18 years ago.

This is a picture from the parking lot of the convention center (where my high school graduation took place!).

Two beautiful stadiums!

Yesterday afternoon the Cowboys beat the ST. Louis Rams and then the Rangers beat the St. Louis Cardinals last night. Good day to be a Texas girl!!

Also, how cute are these shoes? They are from a cute little boutique by my mom's house! Another good reason to be a Texas girl. Must acquire!!

Source: facebook.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Tick Tock...

2011-10-18T21:40:00.000-05:00

So, C had to work late tonight and despite not feeling all that well (have been icky since Saturday morning...no bueno)....I knew I felt good enough to not cook! So I left the house for the first time since Friday (save for the trip to the fro-yo shop behind our building...where we were trying to find some solace after the Cowboys loss).

Normally, I listen to sports talk in my car. But, sometimes it gets a little 'too manly' for my liking...such was the case this evening....so I had to change the channel. All the presets were on commercial (is it me, or do they all go on commercial at the same time?). So I was just sort of randomly going through all the other stations...and It Takes Two by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock came on right when I hit this one channel. SWEET! I rolled the windows down and jammed (the weather is PERFECT today!). Then, Plush by Stone Temple Pilots came on..LOVE! And, as I was pulling back into my garage Hard to Handle by the Black Crowes came on. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? It was like a tribute to my high school (and junior high) days. A station made JUST FOR ME.

What is this station?

Turns out...they play the hits from the 70's, 80's and 90's.

And...I knew all the songs that came on during tonight's car ride....

Are we really grouping the 70's with the 90's now?

And, did you know that a kid born in 1990 turned 21 this year?

WHAT??? When did this happen?

Source: artpixie.tumblr.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Catch Up

2011-10-14T16:12:00.000-05:00

First...our new Kroger FINALLY opened last week. It is so close that I can see it from our neighborhood. I've always lived "in town" but I have never lived so close to a store...I could (but wont) walk there!

It is tres fancy. Also...it is tres busy. I guess I'm not the only person excited about the new shopping digs. The employees have to park down the highway at a church...and there is STILL NO PARKING at night and on the weekend. You have to follow people from the door to their car. Sad that I was considering driving to the old Kroger so I didn't have to deal with "the crowds". Also...this whole diatribe just tells me I'm getting old!!

In other news...I am about to take a temporary break from designing. I've taken breaks before...to get caught up or to rest after my wreck. But...this one is going to be longer...and I'm totally revamping my site and services offered during the break. I'm excited...but also a little scared. Not a big fan of change...but it is needed!

When I started blogging over 6 years ago...I knew nothing about graphic design or html. But, I wanted to change up the look of my blog...so I figured things out. I ended up getting my degree in Print/Graphic Communication. After a pit-stop in scrapbook product design and between semesters of grad school, I started a little blog and print design business. Though I never expected to do it as my "full time" job for this long, it has been a huge blessing and I've enjoyed (almost) every second of it.

I've been designing for clients for about 4 years now and it has been a learning experience from day 1. I continue to learn new things about graphic and web design. I think the hardest part of it all has been the business end though. Through trial and error and A LOT of note taking along the way plus the upcoming projects C and I are doing...I've come up with some fun and hopefully better for everyone changes for TND. I'm excited to get to work on my site and show y'all what I've been working on!!

The first part of next week will be spent cleaning off my hard drives though (both on my laptop and my external). Before the lovely Pinterest, I would just right click and save anything I wanted to remember. After a couple of years (and my obsession with home decor + craft blogs) my system is a little (read: a lot) bogged down.

Seriously, I have a couple of programs running right now (Photoshop being the main one) and I can not even explain to you how slow things are running. It is SO difficult to design when it's like this. Especially because I have a tendency to do a lot of things out of habit...so I get ahead of myself with actions and shortcuts....which I think only slows down things even more. It's sad. What's even more sad is that the new computer I want is more than 2 months rent. SO...I need to make this little guy work a little better a little longer!!

Not much going on this weekend...so excited to watch the Rangers AND the Cowboys play this weekend!!!

TV Time

2011-10-06T00:45:00.000-05:00

Okay...so I'm not that much of a tv girl. Well, I've not been that much of a tv girl in a while. I LOVED Friends (still do)...and will watch that anytime. I also LOVED Gilmore Girls and miss it like crazy.

And, I've been known to watch a reality show here and there (mostly on Bravo!).

BUT...this Fall, I have turned into a tv monster. There are seriously SO many good shows on right now. Our DVR is out of control!! We will probably end up dropping some...but I just can't imagine which. Good thing is a few of them are going to end in a couple of weeks...so that frees up some precious hours on the dvr! LOL...yes, we are kind of sad.

Anyway...I thought I would share the lineup. Get comfy!! Ha.

Monday

Mike & Molly. Such a cute show. I love Melissa McCarthy (who was on Gilmore Girls, after all). We laugh a lot at her sister on the show. Funny stuff!

Hart of Dixie. We only watched the first episode (the second is on the dvr waiting on us)...but we really liked it!! Anytime I do one of those "who's your celebrity twin" type photo things....Rachel Bilson is always one of the matches. Charlie agrees....but I just don't see it. Maybe if I lost half my body weight! Ha.

The Lying Game. This is SUCH a good show. I still can't believe C watches it with me. It was sort of a fluke how we got to watching it. I was sick one day and started watching it on demand...and thought I would wait and watch the rest of it with him that night. We ended up watching like 4 episodes in one night and haven't missed one since. This season ends in a week or two...we are already bummed about it!

The Playboy Club...I was a little nervous it would be tacky...but so far I really like it!! I always wish I could have lived in the 60's ... maybe not as a bunny ... but I love the fashion and music. Silly thing: can hardly stand Eddy Cibrian in the show (the guy in picture above). Two reasons: 1...he cheated on his wife with Leann Rimes (whom I also can't stand) and 2. He reminds me of Tony Romo...

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I watch all the Housewives shows. Except Miami...didn't like that one. My least favorites are OC and Atlanta (though I still watch them...which is even more pathetic...haha!). The thing is...I have to fast forward through the awkward parts...I just get all nervous...and it's too much for me! LOL...so I end up ff though half (or more!) of the show. This is also why I quit watching Bachelor and those types of shows. Can't handle it!! Last season Lisa was my favorite (I love British peeps!) but I can't stand her so far this season....but I like Camille a lot this season and had to ff through all of her segments last season. Go figure! Also...Eddy Cibrian's (see above) ex wife is one of the new housewives this season. So far...not a big fan of her either.

This (and all the other shows on Bravo) are watched without the hubs. He's so lame!

Also on Bravo....Most Eligible Dallas. Y'all... I LOVE this show!! It ends in a couple of weeks also...really hoping it gets picked up for another season.

Love Watch What Happens Live. This comes on Sunday and Monday. I usually laugh SO hard while watching this.

Tuesday

Biggest Loser. Love this new season....love both of the new trainers...and Bob, of course. C hardly ever watches this with me....I usually end up watching the dvr'd episode after he goes to bed.

Wednesday

We have always been big fans of Law & Order and Law & Order SVU. So sad that this is really the only one on ... but it's probably our favorite....so that works out nicely. We miss Stabler already!! Hope they bring him back.

Modern Family. We only started watching this last year...and only a couple of episodes at that. Sometimes we laugh A LOT...and sometimes...not so much. We have several of these in the dvr..not sure if it's going to make the cut.

Revenge. We really like this show. In fact...it (and the Lying Game) are the only ones we routinely watch the same night they come on. This is one of those shows I want to sit and watch the whole series at one time....not good with waiting on what's next!

Thursday

The Big Bang Theory. Again, we just started watching this last season. Unlike Modern Family....I ALWAYS crack up while watching this show. Perhaps I'm too intellectual! Ha (now you should be cracking up!). LOVE LOVE LOVE. And..this past Monday, Simon (on the far right) was on WWHL (see above)... he's just as funny in real life as on the show.

Project Runway. I'm not that much of a fashionista. I could NEVER wear anything that is created by the designers...but I'm always intrigued by the show...and the drama. I'm amazed at how fast they work. I totally watch this without C.

Speaking of shows I watch without the hubs... Vampire Diaries is definitely one of them. Talk about major eye rolls if I try to watch it with him. I think he's just jealous of the guys in the picture! Ha. True story...I usually watch this at night, after C has gone to sleep (cause he is such a stick in the mud!). BUT...I have to watch something light and funny after...or I wont go to sleep. I'm chicken like that.

Love to watch this every fall. I always wanted to be a DCC. Not enough to give up chocolate and peanut butter, mind you. It's nice to live vicariously through these girls. The new season starts in a couple of weeks!

Saturday

LOVE any Sarah Richardson show. I always dvr any of her series...and keep them stocked up on the dvr until I just don't have room to save them. She has the cutest personality (and her cohort Tommy reminds me of Leonard from Big Bang...anyone else?). Yeah, I watch these alone!

We actually watch The Pioneer Woman together. And, it usually ends up inspiring C to cook something! BONUS! So far my favorites have been the pancakes and the egg in a hole. Yummie!!

Donna Decorates Dallas is another show I watch (alone) and it's a little (okay...a lot) over the top. Her style reminds me of the Parade and Kaleidoscope of Homes that we tour (million dollar model homes). And, I'm not ashamed to admit that I LOVE IT!

K, this one is a little crazy. It's called Princess and it comes on cnbc (I think). It's about girls that run up a bunch of debt on hair, makeup, nails, clothes, shoes, etc. And this Gail lady buts them in a financial bootcamp. It's pretty good and it reminds me to stay on track with our finances. I wouldn't mind being a princess...but I certainly don't want this chick showing up at my house to dethrone me!

Sunday

Fox NFL Sunday. We dvr this and watch it before the game(s). The guys crack me up...and I always want to see who they pick....and what they have to say about the Cowboys.

We ALWAYS watch the Cowboys if they play on Sunday (or Monday). It's not always pretty. I don't always enjoy it. But...I wouldn't miss it!!

We set up the dvr to record PanAm...and we watched the first episode and really liked it. We haven't gotten around to the second one yet...do y'all watch this? What do you think? Again....love the style!!

And, finally...RHONJ. This used to be my FAVORITE of the franchise. Even though Danielle got the fast forward (could NOT stand her!!)...I loved the rest of the girls. This season...ehhh. I'm SO over Teresa. I think she is just TOO much...and not in a good way. I can't really handle Melissa either....and I get all squeamish when her and her husband are on together...I'm nervous it's going to get raunchy! Ha. I do like Kathy...and Jacqueline...and I adore Caroline...so, of course I'll keep watching.

Side note: I miss Dina SO much. I was so excited about her HGTV show...but I watched a few of them...and was not impressed. Sad!!

So, there ya have it. Seems like a lot...BECAUSE IT IS. We don't watch all the shows every week. I have several on the dvr that are waiting on a lazy day. Also, what did we do before dvr? I LOVE zooming through those commercials. You can watch tv so fast!!

Right Now...

2011-10-03T17:33:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've blogged...so I thought it would just be best to do an overall type of update.

Right Now:

1. There is a HUGE chemical fire in Waxahachie. It's two towns over (about 20 miles). A plant had an explosion this morning and it has been burning all day. I had to go run some errands earlier and caught these photos. It's a little deceiving because the smoke is actually pretty dark. These were taken about 3 hours after the explosion and about 20 miles away. Crazy!!

2. I'm still disappointed by the Cowboys loss yesterday. It was bad. I'm disgusted.

source

Don't get me wrong. I'll be a Cowboys fan forever and ever. But, I've never been a Tony Romo fan. I did vow a year ago to quit talking bad about him...for fear my bad attitude was in some way jeopardizing the team (I'm nothing if not dramatic). Now, I fear lack of talent and or lack of heart on #9's behalf may be the real reason we crumble in the second half.

I'm one of those people that is never really middle of the road on something. I'm either completely indifferent or overly passionate about things. I honest to goodness look forward to football ALL week. And while I don't know that much about plays and statistics....I'm pretty sure throwing the ball when your up by 20 something points in the 4th quarter is a bad idea. It got us 3 interceptions and a loss. Painful.

3. In happier news....the new Kroger by my apartment is opening this Friday. I am TOO excited about having a grocery store that I can see from mi casa! It's a fancy shmancy Kroger too. Yay!

4. And this adorable little monster is turning SIX tomorrow!! SIX!!! I can't believe it!!

We are having a big birthday bash this Saturday and I've been working on invites, address labels and some other things. Pinterest has been my friend the last few weeks gathering ideas for Super Dalton's super hero party!!

5. I've been really busy designing blogs and stationary for the last few weeks. I would go to bed at night with a crick in my neck and back from staring at the computer all day (must get new office chair!). But...I am starting to feel caught up. In fact, I am finally going to be working on my business site..with new packages, products and other fun things. Hoping to finish that up in the next week or so.

6. Speaking of business. C and I have something we have been working on for a few weeks...and we are hoping to debut that by November 1st. I am BEYOND excited about this new adventure we are taking...and I will be sharing more about that in the coming weeks!! Yay!!

7. Fall. It's finally here. I think it is going to be in the 80's everyday this week. We actually had 100 degree temps last week...but hopefully that was the last of those for a while. And, one of my favorite things about fall (beyond the clothes, cooler temps, football and pumpkin spice fraps of course) is the return of my favorite shows.

We've actually never been big tv watchers. We had like a show or two that we liked and we spent a lot of time watching re-runs of law and order or movies. In fact, we even talked about canceling our cable because we thought it was a waste of money! Not now...we are some dvr-ing peeps these days. SO many good new shows this year. I will have to do a post about all our new faves.

8. Weight loss. Le Sigh... Always such a struggle. I have made some changes that have been really good for me...but like always, I feel like I take 2 steps forward and 1 (or 1.5) backwards. Talk about frustrating. More coming on this in another post.

9. Yesterday, after the game, C and I had some anger/frustration issues we needed to deal with (ha!). So we went downstairs and cleaned out our cars. I'm ashamed to admit this...but I hadn't washed or cleaned out the inside of my car since before summer. It was just TOO hot!!

Love that it is all shiny and clean on the inside now. Maybe that will motivate me to take it to the car wash and give the outside a bath!

10. This is turning into the longest blog post ever. I guess that is what happens when you quit blogging! That is definitely something I want to work on. I used to blog ALL THE TIME. It's fun to go back through the archives of my first blog and read all the things I was going through. I'm sad that I haven't kept up with things here, because lets face it....my memory isn't going to cut it without a little help from journaling or scrapbooking or blogging. SOMETHING!!

11. Speaking of working on things, I have some projects in the wings for the apartment. Earlier this year I finally finished unpacking and decorating. But...now I'm ready to mix some things up. I started talking to C about some of my plans...and he was not sharing in my excitement. Moving furniture around isn't the funnest thing to do in your free time...I'm guessing. We'll see. Again...Pinterest has been my friend as I plot out the changes!!

12. K, last one...just wanted to share some pictures of my sweet boy. He is my shadow everyday. He makes me so frustrated. He makes me laugh. He makes me crazy. He makes me grateful. LOVE him!!

Have a great one!

Lets Talk about Boys...

2011-09-15T13:39:00.000-05:00

Have y'all heard Pistol Annie's song Boys from the South? I can not quit listening to it!! Sooo good!!

So, I thought I would share some pics of my favorite (just some...because there are way to many) boys from the south.

Interesting that they are mostly football players and musicians. I wonder if that says anything about me? Ha.

Drew Brees.

Darius Rucker.

Demarcus Ware. (LOVE)

Jason Aldean.

Jason Boland. (I LOVE me some Jason!!)

Matthew.

Mr. Pat Green. Still a favorite!!

Stoney Larue!!

King George.

Willie!!

And, of course....my favorite boy from the south....

Maybe he's in Texas, maybe this town
Maybe Oklahoma plowin' up some ground
Southern Carolina, somewhere on the coast
Maybe Alabama drivin' through Montgomery
Right now, there's somethin' 'bout a boy from the South.

Maybe he's in Florida, somewhere in the pines
Maybe on the delta throwin' out a line
Maybe he's in Georgia, starin' at the stars
Maybe Tennessee pickin' on a guitar
Right now, there's somethin' 'bout a boy from the south

Yea, the first time I felt it I was only 16,
And he kissed me underneath the chinaberry tree.
Said "Goodnight darlin," with a sweet southern drawl.
Man, I think I might just have to love them all –
The boys from the South.
[From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/p/pistol-annies-lyrics/boys-from-the-south-lyrics.html ]

Yeah, yeah, yeah

Maybe in Kentucky, workin' in the mines
Maybe down in Little Rock, just to pass the time
Maybe he's somewhere in New Orleans,
Livin' it up in the Big Easy
Right now, there's somethin' 'bout a boy from the South

Yea, the first time I felt it I was only 16,
And he kissed me underneath the chinaberry tree.
Said "Goodnight darlin," with a sweet southern drawl.
Man, I think I might just have to love them all –
the boys from the South

Yeah, yeah, yeah

Maybe he's in Texas, maybe this town.
My boys from the South

Pinterest Funnies....

2011-09-09T01:53:00.000-05:00

Not that I was ever all that productive before, but I swear my productivity level has significantly decreased since I stumbled upon pinterest. Seriously, I need an intervention.

But...it's SO much fun, no?!!! I've got lots of crafts, outfits, hairstyles, home decor ideas and recipes to try out....you know...as soon as I get off the silly computer!!

Anyway...I also find lots of little things that make me laugh out loud. I thought I would share some of my recent faves!

Source: icanrelate.info via Tricia on Pinterest

(I totally do this!!!)

Source: google.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Source: lolsnaps.com via Tricia on Pinterest

I'm pretty sure Aslan and I have had this argument LOTS of times. Or, I have asked (then yelled) for him to do something...and he makes THAT EXACT FACE!!

Source: cf2.polyvoreimg.com via Tricia on Pinterest

If you party with me...you will totally get a red SOLO cup...and a sharpie to tag your cup with!

Source: icanrelate.info via Tricia on Pinterest

SO what I do!!

Source: someecards.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Just another one of my pet peeves. I have a friend, and a family member who over use the word literally ... and most of the time...it's misused. Drives me crazy!!

Source: markomyword.tumblr.com via Tricia on Pinterest

The notes on this one says "the ultimate curse" which made it all the more funny....only cause it's TRUE!

Source: None via Tricia on Pinterest

FUNNY stuff!!

Have you found any funny things on pinterest (or anywhere else) lately? DO share!!

About me..A to Z

2011-08-31T22:28:00.000-05:00

In an attempt to blog more regularly, I've opted for borrowing topics from other people. Today's fun little do-hickey is from my friend Nichole. Just some random facts about me....cause y'all know how interesting I am. Haha.

{a} age :: 32.

{b} bed size :: queen

{c} chore you hate :: doing the dishes. hate hate hate!!

{d} dogs :: we have a really fancy dog named aslan. he is so fancy...he masquerades as a big fluffy cat :)

{e} essential start to your day :: brush teeth, stretch, big glass of water

{f} favorite color :: pink, brown, silver and black...especially for clothing

{g} gold or silver :: silver

{h} height :: 5'3 ish (more like 5'2 and some change..)

{i} instruments you play :: I used to play the cello. NERD!!

{j} job title :: graphic designer. though, that is about to change...

{k} kids :: just aslan, for now. got baby fever though...pretty bad

{l} live :: outside of Dallas/Fort Worth

{m} maiden name :: croft

{n} nicknames :: nae-nae, tricia-nae (duh), punkin

{o} overnight hospital stays :: never...well the first couple of nights after I was born

{p} pet peeve :: people smoking outside the entrance to a store, and people blowing their nose in public (GROSS!!)

{q} quote :: not all those who wander are lost

{r} righty or lefty :: righty.

{s} siblings :: sisters: Megan (25) and Kori (19) and brother: Kaleb (14) and 4 sisters n law: Doxie, Patricia, Johnnie and Randi.

{t} time you wake up :: about 11am...in my defense...I don't usually fall asleep before 4am

{u} university attended :: Dallas Baptist University (GO PATRIOTS!)

{v} vegetables you dislike :: i don't mind veggies....i just prefer chocolate. ha.

{w} what makes you run late :: picking out what to wear.

{x} x-rays you’ve had :: feet, teeth

{y} yummy food :: chips & salsa, potato soup, bread, chocolate chip cookies (clearly, i'm a healthy girl).

{z} zoo animal favorite :: elephants!!

where ya been?

2011-08-31T00:52:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last posted. I kept thinking "I'll post tomorrow...." and then the tomorrows kept adding up (story of my life!) and now... well, here I am.

It would probably be an additional month of tomorrows before I posted again, because I just don't have much to say. I take that back. I have a lot to say, it just doesn't need to be said here.

Instead, I thought I'd share the most exciting thing that has happened in the last week. Lucky y'all!!

So, we live in an apartment. They are new, and pretty nice. We could for sure rent a house (or have a mortgage) for really close to what we pay in rent....but this just seems the easiest route while we try to pay off our debt. And, for the most part, I haven't minded apartment living (especially where we live) over the last few years. Until....last week.

Early last week, we got a letter on our door advising us of major "safety" inspections on all the units taking place....at the end of the week. Odd, considering we just had the fire alarms, sprinklers and detectors tested earlier this summer and because of the list of other things mentioned on the paper that will be inspected (in addition to the fire safety elements above). Oh, the list. There were several (SEVERAL) things on the list that they would be checking (many of which really had nothing to do with safety) and, on top of that... there was a whole different list of things we could do to prepare for the inspection. Basically, just make the place really presentable...for safety's sake, of course. I'm pretty sure our inspection had nothing to do with safety and everything to do with selling the property...but that is neither here nor there.

My favorite part of the letter was the open ended span of days when the inspection could take place. I'm going to go ahead and admit that I'm a little particular about strangers coming into my home. I wish I could be more hospitable...but I'm just not. I'm really uncomfortable with people I don't know looking all around where I live...when I'm here. Don't even get me started on the idea of it happening when I'm not here. So...I basically felt like this was a prison sentence to stay home until the inspection was done...whenever that may be.

But....the real fun part is how (out of nowhere..as this is VERY out of my character)....I decided that a thorough inspection of the apartment might include my baseboards, air vents, windows, ceiling fans and refrigerator drawers. So, I went on a cleaning rampage for two days straight. Which was fun. Especially when the temps hit 110 degrees in the afternoon and our ac just couldn't keep up. Ha.

Of course, I'm not conditioned for that kind of hard labor...so I had to keep taking breaks. Naturally, these were centered on Pinterest. So, if you follow me...I apologize now for the onslaught of pins by me last week.

I've decided that now that my apartment is super clean (and well inspected....which is a joke...more on that later)....I would like to have long hair again. I chopped off about 11" this spring for locks of love, and while I think that is a great cause....I definitely miss the hair.

Source: None via Tricia on Pinterest

Luckily...I found a couple of short hair ideas, hoping to try this out this weekend. Cute, right?!

Source: itsthesmallthingsblog.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

In the cleaning spree, I also color coordinated my side of the closet....I would have done C's...but I have long given up hope that he would maintain it. It's bad....but I have to tell him to hang up his clothes "pretty" or it's a crazy mess in there. I don't know where the man finds them...but he keeps hanging things up with wire hangers...and I have to get all Mommy Dearest on him.

Anyway....could you just die over the rainbow chucks? I love me some converse...and the leopard ones in the middle?....yes please!!!

Source: weheartit.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Speaking of...check out D's new school shoes... He is SO my nephew!! I got him his first pair when he was a year old...and couple of pairs since then. He was so excited to show them off to me!!

So, the inspection came and went (on the first day even...PTL!). I kid you not it took all of 3 and a half minutes. He did not look at a single air vent, sprinkler, or the radiator. He didn't check the water pressure or look under the sinks. He certainly didn't check for dust on top of the shelving or make sure under the bed was vacuumed. No, he basically came in and turned on all the lights in each room, and then left. I could have cried.

That's all I got. For now, anyway!

TWO?!

2011-08-03T15:41:00.000-05:00

I haven't updated on my weight loss in a while. Mostly because there hasn't been much to update.

I lost a pound. Gained a pound. Lost part of a pound, then found most of it. Then I missed a couple of meetings....then I started my 3 week loss of .6 (POINT SIX!!!) each week. So, all this to say is that in two months....I am down exactly TWO pounds.

Great.

At this rate, we will have flying cars before I hit goal weight. ugh.

I don't suppose my lack of exercise or failure to actually track my points most days of the week has anything to do with the slow progress. I mean, surely not. Right?

But, just in case...I'm tracking my points this week. And, I'm setting a goal of 3 dates with the gym.

It couldn't hurt.

I mean, I may even lose .8 next week. :)

CELEBRATE!!!!

2011-07-29T00:18:00.000-05:00

I've hinted at it , and I've avoided blogging because of it...but the last few weeks....well, they've blown.

BUT...this week is full of ALL KINDS OF CELEBRATION!!!!

source

My hubs birthday on Friday. We are celebrating with family and friends on Sunday. Can't wait!!

oreo cake? yes please!

Our 11 year anniversary of our first date on Thursday.

Two of my oldest (time wise, not age wise) friends are in town. Saw one of them today!!

Down 1.4 lbs.

not that I know what skinny feels like, but still...

My grandmother made it through her 8hr surgery on Tuesday and is headed home on Friday...and she is doing so good!!!

I won (me...I never win anything!!) a new book on one of my favorite author's blog. (Umm, how fancy do I feel that Jen typed my name?~ Hahaha)

And....in case you haven't heard....

source

The LOCKOUT is finally over!!! There may have been tears of joy....as I was starting to seriously panic. Now all is right in the world.

At least for this week anyway!

Eleven Years: I found him!

2011-07-28T13:07:00.000-05:00

At about this time eleven years ago, I was finishing up lunch at my first "real" job. By real, I mean I had to wear a dress to work instead of gym clothes (when I worked at the gym) or a baseball cap (when I worked at the ice cream shop). I was a nervous wreck waiting for the last few hours of the day to hurry it up. I raced home and began the process of getting ready for yet another first date.

I had only had a few first dates...and even fewer of those really ever amounted to anything. I was nervous because I really knew nothing about the guy. He was 13 years (14 the next day) older than me. I worked with him. And on and on. Little did I know this date would be my last first date.

I saw this quote on Pinterest the other day and immediately loved it. I was looking through the site last night, and stumbled upon it again. I read it to C and he laughed...because most of these things happened yesterday.

via

So glad I found him!

Happy 11 year anniversary of our first date. I still can't believe it!! That is 1/3 of my life...and I can't wait to spend the rest of it with you!!!

(not our first date, but a couple of years later)

Also...did the little Romeo have a date with a different girl....the very next night (his birthday). YES!! I believe he did. Well, I guess we know who won that one!!

Must love books. And Texas.

2011-07-19T22:30:00.000-05:00

I'm not gonna lie. The last week or two has been TRYING. I have just been in a funk. Lots of ick going on around here...and my little ole heart can't take it!! SO...I've been spending more time reading than I ought to, but it's been good for the soul. Maybe.

Anyway. I FINALLY read Jen Lancaster's If You Were Here. Just like I thought it would be...it was fabulous. You must read it...assuming you haven't already. Have y'all read her memoirs? I swear we are kindred spirits. I laugh out loud a lot during her books...because I have totally thought, said, or done something (lots of things) she is writing about. Hilariousness.

I also read The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews. This is the first one of her books I have read. Pretty cute.

For my birthday, my mom got me the book, 20 Years Younger by Bob Greene. Now. I don't really need (or want) to look/feel 20 years younger. I mean, 12 was a great year and all...but I'd settle for just good maintenance on the looks/feeling from here on out. I've read a lot of the book, and it's pretty interesting. Lots of science, but still interesting (did I just say science and interesting in the same sentence?)!

Obviously, two of the key components to aging well are exercise and nutrition. Both...I fail at miserably. But, things are getting better. I even drug myself to WW tonight and celebrated a tiny (TINY) victory. So much better than celebrating a tiny gain. Right?!

When my eyes get tired from reading...I have been watching lots of quality tv. I do love my Real Housewives...and have lots of those dvr'd for when I get bored (do y'all watch shows over and over?).

BUT....did you know that there are TWO reality shows featuring girls (women?) in my neck of the woods? My love of scripted reality is quite deep...but when you add in places I have been and people I have seen? SOLD! C finds this incredibly annoying and I thus I have to watch "that trash" when he is at work. Ha.

CMT is airing a show called Texas Women.

And Style has a show called Big Rich Texas.

They are kind of silly...and not at all (well, not completely anyway) an accurate depiction of any women I have met in Dallas/Fort Worth. But, I can't help myself!!

oh good gracious...

2011-07-07T16:29:00.000-05:00

It's hot y'all. I'll admit...I'm not a big fan of the summertime. I hate mosquitos and I hate to sweat. Texas does both of these things pretty well. Ick.

I have been spending a lot of time indoors. Yesterday, I got out to run errands...pretty early in the day...and that was the temperature. Get this girl a Sonic drink and some air conditioning. I'm really starting to be a whippin'...even to myself. Ha.

I just LOVE fall. Don't you? I mean, we don't really have "fall" here in north Texas...but I suppose I like the idea of it. School supplies, boots and sweaters, pumpkin spice frapps, cooler temps, and um....most importantly....FOOTBALL!!

I seriously can not wait. I have become quite the football fanatic the last few years. This whole lock out thing is nearly making me sick. I mean...don't make me come down there and settle this whole CBA thing. I think there are like 66 days until the first regular season game. CAN NOT WAIT!!

On my list of things to do this year is make at least one game at the new stadium. I've already got my outfit ready.....just need to grow out my hair, lose 20lbs and buy a Louis. (Hey, at least I've got a plan!).

While I wait, I listen to my favorite station as I work.

I paint my nails almost daily.

And I hang out with this little cutie (and her brother) whenever I get the chance.

Are y'all ready for fall? Please tell me I'm not the only one!!

A girl can dream....

2011-07-07T00:02:00.000-05:00

source

Pretty quiet around here lately. I didn't expect to take a week+ off from blogging. But, I really haven't had much to say. I've been trying to keep busy with orders, hoping to get completely caught up by the end of the month...as I have big plans (hopefully!!) in store. Plans that are very much inspired by this quote. A quote that I adore. If only I put it into practice more often!!

I'm telling you, pretty much every area of my life needs this quote painted (in these happy colors too!!) all over it. I've spent a lot of the last few weeks really wrapped up in my thoughts, and I'm sick of just dreaming!!

Don't get me wrong...I love, love, LOVE to daydream. That is something that C and I have always enjoyed. BUT...let's be honest. Seeing those dreams come to fruition is always so much better, yes?! So it's time to start making plans and chasing those bad boys down! That is really the purpose of this blog, afterall.

So, I will of course be sharing more of these along the way.

But for now...I will leave you with two of the most extremely important items on the list:

1. To acquire these legs.

Seriously though, how is this fair? Oh yeah, she is a strict vegetarian and probably makes it to the gym more than once a week. Touche'.

2. And, I need to find some Gypsy Soule shoes, that I wont have to finance.

source

Oh, how I love flip flops + bling. They are all but a Texas girl's summer necessity. And this site is sort of like heaven, even miss Miranda (y'all know how I adore her) wears them. I remember finding them on another site a while back and miss read the price. I thought they were $35. Umm, no. Not unless you were putting a tenth down. UGH.

So, my dreams of looking like a country music singer are falling a little short these days. Better get to planning!

It's Friday, Friday...

2011-06-24T16:45:00.001-05:00

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Does anyone else get that Rebecca Black song stuck in their head on Friday? Ha.

So, when you work from home....Friday's really aren't that big of a deal. Not for me anyway. I mean...I'm excited the hubs will be home the next two days. But, I usually end up working some over the weekend...and it's not like Saturdays are all that different from Tuesdays for me, ya know? Don't hate me!! I actually miss that euphoric feeling on Fridays in the office. Ha. Somebody write that down!!

Anyway...this week...has been probably the most unproductive one yet. I can't believe how little I got done!! You know what the problem is? I didn't write one single to-do list this week. I'm not sure what I was thinking...I don't operate without one. Seriously. I will just wander around aimlessly without one. Which is pretty much what my week looked like.

But...given a list....fairly certain I could rule the world.

Also...my computer had an attitude this week. Which makes my work a tiny bit difficult. I can't tell you how many times I had to restart Photoshop or reboot the whole kit and kaboodle.

So, if you are waiting on an email from me. Or anything from me, really...I apologize!!! I am working on my to-do list for the next couple of days as we speak!!

My weigh in was on Tuesday, y'all might remember me mentioning. Let me back up and say that I didn't make it to last weeks weigh in. I totally forgot it was Tuesday that afternoon (see above, my days really run together). I remembered about 30 minutes after my meeting time. Anyway, I was already to go this week and when I got to the church (our meetings are at a local church) the parking lot was packed...like no parking available. Apparently, if I would have gone last week, I would have got the memo about VBS being this week at the church...and our meeting had been cancelled? Oops.

So...I will be going on Tuesday. It's on the list. And...in related news....I worked out TWICE this week. So, it wasn't a complete waste of productivity this week, right?! C and I went for a walk (and it was only 800 degrees outside) and then I went to the gym yesterday. Woot Woot! I nearly died both times. It's kind of amazing how fast your body gets out of shape, or routine I should say. Sad times.

Going to my in-laws tonight for a birthday get together for C's mom. I will not be eating any cake. I will not be eating any cake. I will not...

Cause...we are going to Babe's tomorrow night with my mom's family (my MeMe is in town!!). Good ole southern food.

I'll need to go ahead and add "spend all of Sunday in the gym" to that list of mine.

I just smile and say God Bless...

2011-06-22T16:20:00.000-05:00

I just realized I never shared one of the funnest things I've done this year. That's what happens when your bloggin' goes on hiatus for a couple of months, I guess.

January...total sucky month. You know, totaling your car and dealing with an insurance settlement will do that.

But...February was a little better. There was the Super Bowl in my town, epic snow/ice for North Texas, Valentines Day, and a concert....

I love, love, love Miranda Lambert. She is a girl after my own heart. And yet, I'd never seen her live before this year.

My MeMe (grandmother) loves her too, so they came in town and went with me and C (and my Aunt and her boyfriend). So much fun!

She played two nights at Billy Bobs, and both were sold out. I bought tickets the minute they went on sale, and still couldn't get six together. So, C and I sat by ourselves a few tables away from my family.

Such a good show. Love her. And her pink guitar.

She sang all my favorite songs. That's always the sign of a good concert. Hate it when you go to a concert and they sing all new stuff...that you have never heard.

I remember watching her compete (and cheering for her...she's a Texas girl, afterall) on the first season of Nashville Star. Did y'all ever watch that show?

She has a winery in her hometown, about an hour and a half from here. I've been wanting to go...maybe that is something we can do this summer. All her wines are named after songs or something personal to her.

Anyway, totally recommend her show if she is near you.

And...I'll leave ya with some of my favorites..

Around Here...

2011-06-21T15:49:00.000-05:00

I'm in a bit of funk here lately. I just can't seem to snap out of it. I think it's the heat and being inside all day (I don't do 100+ degrees outside). I don't know...lots going on in my little head.

Or, maybe it has something to do with the fact that I didn't magically lose all my weight overnight. I swear I think the emotional weight of of being fat is sometimes harder to carry around than the extra pounds. I have my weigh in this evening. I'm not expecting a monumental loss. I haven't worked out much, and while I've made some food changes...I still have some pretty bad habits to break.

But...I did finally take my before pictures the other day. And...let me tell you they are GOOD before pictures. Which, naturally means...they are HORRIBLE. Ha. I told C that at least my self esteem is better than I thought it was...because even when I look in the mirror I don't see quite what was captured on film (or digitally). Wow. It was bad.

While I was waiting on the hubs to take the pictures of me (and the mess I've gotten myself into), I wandered around the apartment taking pictures of my domestic mess. Something about living in an apartment (for us) seems so temporary. I know that one day (and SOON...God willing) we will have a house. And, I guess that knowledge has sort of paralyzed me from really making this our home.

But...it is our home. We love & live here. I need to get better about embracing the right now...making it pretty and comfortable and loved. With the apartment....and me. It's okay to love the in-progress and temporaries in our life.

My office:

Empty picture frame. Files. Magazines & catalogs. Books and paperwork. My life.

Love my old microwave turned printer stand. So does all my junk. My desk is one C made for me before we got married. LOVE it.

Was a bit bored waiting on C to come take my pics. I took a picture of the fan. Maybe my favorite.

Kitchen:

Love Dalton's artwork on the fridge. Love that he loves to see it when he comes over.

This wall is looking kind of bare in the picture. And my chalkboard stand needs a different ribbon. And, we need paper towels. Ha.

Messy! I have a love of dish towels. I could load up the oven with tons of them. C...he hates them. Always knocking them off...and USING them to clean stuff up!! Um...those are for pretties!!

Bathroom:

It is nearly impossible to get a decent picture in the bathroom. No windows and icky lighting. BUT...I do love my cross wall.

Bedroom (sort of):

Clearly, the room that needs the most help. That is why you can only see the top of the bed (that C made) and the only things that have made it on the wall (besides the curtains). Ha.

Here's to works in progress!

Show Us Your Life - What You Make

2011-06-16T22:13:00.000-05:00

I'm participating in Kelly's SUYL this week, it's "show us what you make".

I know most of y'all know that I do custom blog design and stationary. I've mentioned my digital scrapbook kits on 2peas. BUT...I wanted to take a second to share a fun new product I'm offering!!

Wallpaper!!!

How fun are these? They can be customized with your initial(s) or name. Or, if you have a something else in mind (maybe to match your office/room, etc) I can make one completely custom for you!

Love the polka dots!!

And....these are only $2.50 !!!!

This is the one I have on my computer. Love the houndstooth and pink/green/brown combo.

See:

(Excuse the bad lighting)

Anyway...here's another one.

LOVE them! Don't You???!!! $2.50 If you are interested in one, just email me!! (tricianae AT gmail DOT com).

Thought I would show some of my latest designs too.

Blogs!!!

You can find more information about my blog designs HERE.

Digital Scrapbook Papers!!!

I am so honored to be able to sell my digital scrapbook kits at 2peas. I haven't been designing as much as I'd like. BUT...that is about to change!! Got lots of ideas for new stuff in the works!!

You can see all of my designs (and other fabulous designers...as well as traditional scrapbook products) at 2peas. My stuff can be found HERE.

Custom Photo Cards!!!

I love to do custom Christmas cards, Invitations, Birth Announcements and more.

Here is one of my favorite recent designs. (It's not so much the design as it is the sweet girl featured on it!).

And, the invite I did for my Mom and Uncle's 50th birthday bash last weekend.

Stationary!!!

I've done some notecards, address labels and stickers. I've also done lots of business or calling cards. Here is my friend Elizabeth's.

I really love designing...and feel so blessed that I am able to do that for a living right now. If you are looking for a design now, or in the future...be sure to email me. I would be honored to work with you!

I can't in good conscience discuss what I do for a living without showing off my partner in crime. He keeps me company all day. Love him!!

Also, does anyone else's cat lay like this? It cracks me up!

He's pretty cute though...
When he's not being a total terror, that is.

Which is pretty much always.

ONE

2011-06-08T16:44:00.000-05:00

I weighed in last night. Now let me preface this by saying that normally, I weigh in everyday....at home. I've been known to get obsessive about it. Which is crazy...because it is ALWAYS depressing!! But, last week, I decided to really limit the amount of stepping on the scale that I did. I didn't go wild and hide the thing, but I did manage to ignore it most of the week.

I wrote last weeks post at what felt like a really low point for me. It was a really low point, actually. And, writing it helped. I think I have a tendency to let all my thoughts roll around in my head and snowball out of control. It was definitely time to sort of spit out some of what was weighing me down. Of course, like I mentioned before...it wasn't a magical post. I didn't wake up the next day craving egg whites and grapefruit (though, I do love grapefruit). I didn't rush to the gym. In fact, I didn't work out at all (had hurt my leg the previous week...trying to let it heal).

But....I was definitely more aware. I even managed to track my food several days. I'm doing the Weight Watcher program. I've done it SEVERAL times before. But what I really mean by that is that I've paid Weight Watchers SEVERAL times before. I didn't actually do anything. All I have is a bunch of excuses...but I can't seem to get that tracking thing down. I'll do really good for breakfast and lunch...and then forget to track (or, if we are being honest...pay any attention to) dinner's points.

But...I did take a tiny step in the right direction last week.

Tiny.

And...I lost a tiny bit of weight.

Tiny.

That's right. I lost 1 pound exactly. Which, normally would depress me. I've got to lose lots of "1 pounds" to get to my goal.

BUT...this is about a new me. And, I know why I only lost a pound. I figure you are only going to get out of it what you put into it. I put in about a pounds worth of effort...

AND...because this is about more than just losing weight...it's about changing me, starting now, I will not be attaching the word ONLY to ANY weight loss. It discredits me....and I'm done with tearing me down!!

Besides...

via

If this is true about running, it is certainly true about weight loss. It doesn't matter if I lose 1 pound a week for my entire journey (though, I sincerely hope that isn't the case), I'm running circles around those who aren't losing any!

And...if gaining all this weight has taught me ANYTHING at all...

Those 1 pounds add up quick!!

Random Bits Bout Me

2011-06-02T22:46:00.000-05:00

First, I want to thank each and every one of you for your comments, emails, tweets or messages about my post the other day. I can not even begin to express how much your kind words mean to me. I'll be responding to you all (if I haven't already) over the next few days. :)

It was a difficult post to write. But I felt like I needed to sort of purge a lot of what was cluttering my heart and head over the last few months. It does feel good to put it out there... almost like a weight off of my shoulders.

Of course, it didn't magically make everything better. A lot of those feelings are still hanging around...I'm sure they wont be that easy to rid myself of. I know it's a day by day process....and it will change for the better...if I continually make the choice to move in the right direction.

I know I haven't been the best blogger in the last year or so. But I'm making a real effort to post more and more.

So, I thought it would be fun to do a list of ten completely random things about me. I always love reading those from others!

1. I always have to be on the right side of my husband. Like, I sleep on the right side of the bed. I sit on the right side of the couch, or at the movies, or at church. Especially when we are walking...I have be on the right and him on the left. It's just weird to me if we are the other way around. Messes with my equilibrium or something!!

2. I took french all throughout high school and and even in college. I remember SO very little. I can tell you my name and where I'm from. I can understand a little...if you talk really, really slow. But that's about it. I hate that I didn't keep at it. Of course, there aren't a ton of french speaking people in my day to day life.

3. I listen to sports talk radio in the car. ALL THE TIME...but especially in football season. I just prefer it over most music on the stereo. My favorite show is Rage on 105.3 the Fan. I usually wait to run all my errands till 2pm during the week so I can listen in the car. Nerd alert!

4. I love, love, LOVE to drive around neighborhoods with new construction. We love to peek into the houses that are left open. It's fun to think how I would decorate or if I would have put that wall there or whatever.

5. Speaking of decorating. I have always loved home decor. I used to go home with my grandmother (she was the school librarian) after school and would rush to get her HOME magazine or Spiegel catalog and go about pretend decorating homes for her and my mom. I was in the third or fourth grade!!!

6. One time, C and I went for a walk in a park in town. They had some off the beaten paths and we took a few. It was getting dark so we thought we better head back to the main road....when we came across a couple of wild hogs. SCARY. C wanted me to climb a tree (I nearly died laughing when he suggested it). Ask me how many times I've walked, even in a lit neighborhood, near dusk since then.

7. When C and I very first started dating, he asked me if I wanted to go on a road trip for the DAY. I was still living at home (and fairly young) so I got it approved by my parents...and we went on our merry way. He ended up taking me to Mexico ... and we were gone for 2 days. I thought my Mom was going to kill him!!! I think she was just relieved he didn't kill me!! Ha. It was fun though.

8. I can not stand feet. Gross!

9. I graduated with a guy that went on to play MLB. He played for the Blue Jays for several years, but now plays for the Angels.

10. I LOVE 80's/90's hair bands. Poison? Guns N Roses? Warrant? YES PLEASE!!

"That's not how it happened on Law & Order"

2011-06-02T01:09:00.000-05:00

Way back in the early days of dating my husband, I was plugging away at my undergrad degree at the community college down the street. And, like any conniving girlfriend would, I convinced him to take a geology class with me. I figured sitting through this class some six hours a week would be a lot more entertaining with the love of my life next to me. Yes, it was a required class. And, No, he wasn’t in school at the time. But, like any loving boyfriend would, he agreed.

We had lab the first hour or so of the evening block, followed by a ninety minute lecture. About fifteen minutes into the first lab of the semester, I turned to C, pointed to the girl at the next table over and whispered “She is grating my nerves, BAD”.

We’d been dating a little over a year at this time, so my “flare for the dramatics” was not entirely unknown to C. He, far more calm and reserved than I, asked me to be nice, and quiet. Then, before changing classrooms, I got a little lecture on judging others, and not being open to different types of people and on and on. The nerve!!

Maybe geology-dating wasn’t such a good idea after all.

Fast forward a few weeks into the semester. We are walking to the truck after class when C opens the door for me and apologizes.

“For?” I ask.

“For lecturing you on jumping to conclusions about others”.

“Umm, okay. Well, thank you.” I say. “What changed your mind?”

“Cause, if Katie* asks one more question, I’m going to kill her**.”

I knew it! I have a knack for assessing situations pretty quick. A talent, if you will. It’s not that I go around making assumptions based on the way a person looks, or where they come from or how they talk. I’m not shallow, un-fair, or prejudice by any means. I love you all!

Unless, of course, you are flat out annoying.

But, if you asked me about my talents, I might be hesitant to share this one. I’m perceptive enough to realize it makes me come across less than sweet and demure, which I totally am. You all know this though, right?

So, maybe I would mention how observant I am in general. C says I’m nosey. But I consider life a classroom, and people the books. C will tell me a story about some new guy at work. I will ask if he’s married. C will ask me how he’s supposed to know. I’ll say “did he have a ring?”. C will say “I don’t know, I didn’t look”, and so on. Men!

No, I’d probably tell you how I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue. I mean, that takes skill. But then I’d remember how C thinks this is an entirely inappropriate thing to say (or do) in public.

I’ve got it. My memory. It’s SO good. Of course, I really only apply it to impractical things like memorizing scenes from FRIENDS, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Law & Order, and the like. This kind of gets on my husbands nerves as well. It’s not so much that I know most of the words. It‘s more that I apply scenes from the shows to real life. I can’t help it that it’s all so realistic.

Clearly, my true talent is finding the man of my dreams. He is far more kind, accepting, loving and let’s be honest….patient, than I deserve.

*Totally her name. Katie, if you are reading this. TOO many questions girlfriend. TOO many.

**My husband would never kill anyone for being annoying. Clearly. I mean, I’m still here.

Heavy.

2011-05-31T17:02:00.000-05:00

I feel I’ve been in a bit of blog slump this last year. I want to sit down and write, to be clever, to connect with my readers, to share parts of my life, and to document these times for myself and my family. And yet, more often than not, I struggle with the blank screen in front of me.

I don’t want my blog to be a negative place anymore than I want my life to be a negative place. The problem, however, is that I AM in a bit of a negative season right now. Short of all out faking it, I can’t bring myself to write a happy, cheerful post every day. And, as much as I don’t want to be negative, I don’t want to be fake either.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my life. I adore my husband. Most (haha) of my family is amazing. I’m blessed with FAR more than I deserve. I certainly don’t mope around all day, everyday. I am a fully (well, almost fully) functioning person.

There’s just this one thing.

One very big thing.

Me.

If you’ve read my blog at all in the past, you have no doubt read of my weight loss struggles. I’ve joined this program, or re-joined that one (more than once). I’ve gone to the gym, done certain training programs, walked many miles in the neighborhoods behind our apartment. All with little to no success. And yet, I keep starting over. Keep on blogging, pretending I haven’t failed over and over and over again.

I’ve struggled with how much of this to share. There is definitely a safety net of being on the internet…nobody can see the real you. In fact, to some extent…you can be whoever you want to be online. I’ve never intended to be anyone other than myself. But, let’s be honest….It’s much, much easier to just share the pretty.

And that is why I am writing these words today. I’m finding it harder and harder to share the pretty, cause I’m finding it more and more difficult to recognize it.

Like I mentioned before, I’ve not shied away from sharing or hinting at my weight struggles. But, I haven’t been fully honest about them either.

I don’t have a little weight to lose. I have a lot to lose. A lot.

The shame of this has all but paralyzed me.

I’ve always been a little chubby. After high school, I lost about 50 lbs and gained about 100 lbs of confidence. I was still a tiny bit overweight, but was the thinnest I’d ever been. I was never really lacking confidence before this, but I was busting at the seams with it after the weight loss.

It’s sometimes hard for me to imagine that girl. She seems like a totally different person. And, I guess, she is. The girl I am now is nothing like her. Or maybe, I’m everything like her…but trapped by all this weight.

Trapped.

That just about defines who I am right now. I feel like I’m stuck in a bad dream. A Ground Hog Day (remember that movie?) type dream. I can not think of one area of my life that my weight hasn’t affected. I want nothing more than to wake up with a new day ahead of me, and still, I feel stuck in this same nightmare.

Having children right now is out of the question. While I’ve not been medically advised not to, I’m 100% convinced it wouldn’t be a good decision…if, of course, I could even get pregnant. Those of you that struggle with weight and infertility can surely understand. Except for those few years of an exceptionally confident, slimmer Tricia, I’ve been overweight my whole life. I’ve been a fat kid, a fat teenager, the fat girl in the classroom, the fattest sibling, the fat bride and the fat adult. I REFUSE to be the fat mother. I’m 32, and the fact that I don’t have as many healthy child bearing years ahead of me as I do behind me scares me more than anything. I can’t imagine not being a mother.

Beyond the medical and obviously physical effects (the aches and pains, being uncomfortable, etc) brought on by being overweight, the insecurity I have felt is overwhelming.

I can’t help but think back on my twenties with such a sense of regret. I’ve missed out on SO much because of my insecurity. I didn’t apply myself in school, I didn’t reach out to new people in college. I didn’t seek the jobs I wanted. I didn’t stay in touch with people from school and work.

I swore that my thirties would bring about a change. And yet, a few weeks post 32nd birthday, I see that nothing, NOTHING has changed.

I shy away from family events. I all out refuse any event that involves a room full of strangers. I sabotage jobs and other great opportunities. I put off meeting up with great blog friends. I’ve even missed out on meeting up with really, really good friends who live out of town. All because of the shame of who I am. And the fear that others will think about me the way I do.

And that bothers me. It bothers me when other women have no confidence. I’ve always wanted to build others up. I can’t believe I have let myself get so knocked down. It makes me sad. And angry. Really, really, REALLY angry.

I don’t want this weight to define me anymore. I don’t want it to confine me. I don’t want it to rob me of another day of my life.

I know that half of the battle is physical. I’ve obviously got to lose the weight. I know if I was reading these words from someone else, I would think “well than, just lose the weight”. I so wish it was that easy. I suppose it would be if it weren’t for the second half of the battle.

The other half of the fight is mental. I’ve got to find me again. I’ve got to quit quitting when things get difficult or uncomfortable. I’ve got to stop running away from life (and start running …RUNNING…towards it). I’ve got to quit denying the facts, and I’ve got to quit lying to myself that I’ll start tomorrow. Or next week, or that the number on the scale doesn’t matter. It does. Maybe it isn’t everything. But, it matters. And it’s got to change.

NOW.

Me. Me. Me.

2011-05-26T14:43:00.000-05:00

I'm in a bit of a blog rut these days. So, when I saw this on Lindsay's blog...I thought it would be interesting to do!

I am...Tricia, a Texas girl married to her best friend.

I want...to be a mommy....so bad!!

I have...an amazing husband and a super cute cat!

I wish...all my wishes came true!

I hate...Texas summers...and dieting.

I fear...never having children. Also, that there wont be football this fall.

I hear...the ceiling fan in the office. Other than that..it's pretty quiet here.

I search...for homes on the internet all the time. Can't wait to have one of our own...soon!

I wonder...why things don't always work out as planned.

I regret...too much. Taking a break from school, letting friendships grow apart, not sticking to my diet.

I love...my Jesus, my husband, my family & friends, cherry coke, magazines, rainy days and DALLAS COWBOYS football!

I ache...more than I would if I lost weight...or was 10 years younger. ha.

I always...have a bag of Sonic ice in the freezer. Having a cup of it right now!

I usually...go to bed way too late. Like 2 or 3 am...sometimes later.

I am not...looking forward to the hotter weather. I always stress about it....it's HOT in Texas in the summer.

I dance...not as much as I would like. C and I used to go dancing ALL them time when we first started dating.

I sing...really great....in my car...alone. Ha.

I never...eat breakfast. I'm not usually up in the "breakfast hours", and I just don't like breakfast foods.

I sometimes...think about moving way out to the country.

I cry...when I'm angry. Which I hate.

I am not always...confident. I hate that I have so many insecurities that I struggle with.

I lose...weight VERY slowly. So frustrating.

I am confused...about the future. What I'll be doing, where we will live, when we will start our family.

I need...to start working out more diligently. C and I have been going for 1mile walks several nights a week, but I need more cardio!!

I should...get back to work. So easily distracted!!!

Pinterest: A Little Tutorial...Part 2

2011-05-20T16:58:00.000-05:00

So yesterday, I introduced y'all to the wonderful world of pinning.

Now that I know you are all hooked (cause you are, right?!)...I will show y'all how to do it and some other information for happy pinning.

Okay...first...obviously you need to be a member.

If you aren't a member already, you will need an invite. So get one of your buddies to send you one...or...you can befriend me (yay!) and I will get one to you. Just email me (tricianae at gmail dot com). I'm not sure if there is a limit to the number of invites you can send...but I will send as many as I can!

Anyway...once you are all signed up...it's time to get inspired!

There are two ways to play: Pinning and Re-pinning.

First: Pinning

To do this...you will need to install the pin-it button to your toolbar. This is what it looks like on mine.

For instructions on how to do this for your browser, click here. (I use Chrome).

Once you have your button installed, you are good to go on your pinning adventures.

So say you are reading a blog or pursuing your favorite website and something strikes your fancy. Maybe it's a recipe or a beautifully decorated bedroom, or the most perfect outfit. Just click on your pin-it button.

This little screen will pop up showing all the images that coordinate to that specific url. Somtimes it's just one, sometime's it's a bunch.

Find the one you love and click it!

Next, this little screen will pop up with a list of all your boards you created. Just scroll through the list to find the board you want to pin this image to. Or, you can create a new board at this point if you need to. (you will also have to add a description to your pin...I usually just use the word love. ha.).

Click "pin-it" and voila....image pinned to your specified board.

Once you do this...your pins are showcased on your profile and boards. This is great...because they are shared with all your followers...which is equally great...because all their pins are shared with you!!

Re-pinning.

Once you have several people you are following (you can search for them, invite friends of your own, follow people you discover through pinning and/or the site offers suggestions often of people you may know).

Anyway...re-pinning is probably the way I get most of my pins!. It's pretty easy.

When you sign in to the site, the home screen features the pins of all the people you follow. Just scroll through there and if anything catches your eye (which I'm sure it will...sometimes the whole page catches my eye!), scroll over the specific image and a little menu will pop-up hovering over the image.

You can re-pin, click, or like.

To re-pin, just click that little button. Then this little screen will pop up.

Just click the right board, (or create a new one), and pin.

You can also search the Pinterest site if you are looking for something specific. This will search through all the images that have been pinned or re-pinned by others. This is another way to find people to follow...if you see someone who shares similar interests (i.e. you love everything on their boards).

So that's it. The basics for pinning and re-pinning. Repeat as necessary.

I'll be back tomorrow to share some other information, as well as some things to consider while pinning!

Pinterest: A Little Tutorial...Part 1

2011-05-19T23:19:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago, I kept seeing tweets and facebook updates about "pinning" and "pinterest". I had NO clue what people were talking about...and I hate to be out of the loop!! After doing a little research, I found the site...and a sweet friend sent me an invite.

And still....I could not figure out what all the talk was about!! But...people kept raving about the site, so I knew there must be something to it (I'm impressionable like that). Sure enough...after a few minutes (or maybe hours?) browsing the site....I "got" it. Totally hooked!! I shall never waste time without the site again!!

I know several of you have asked me about it, or declared your confusion to the hype...and I feel ya. BUT....I can not..in good conscience...let y'all continue on without the beauty that is Pinterest!!

So...what is it?

To answer, let me show you what it looks like once I sign in:

It's basically a series of digital inspiration boards. And, instead of tacking something up to a "for real" board in your home...you "pin" it to your specified board online. If you are anything like me...this is complete brilliance. One of those "why didn't I think of that"' type inventions. I am forever saving links to blogs or sites that spark an interest, and I love to tear out pages from magazines and catalogs...so this is perfect for me to organize all the chaos and clutter into one, oh so fun place.

So, once you sign up, you are given a standard list of boards. You can keep these as is, or you can edit the names, how many boards, etc.

I have a board for hair I want....

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I have a board for style inspiration....

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Another board for homes that make me want to redecorate...

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One for nurseries and little kid spaces...

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Which is fun, because I also have a board that speaks strictly to my intense baby fever...

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Another full of fun, witty words....

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That often features words that stop me in my tracks...

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There is inspiration for food ideas...

DIY inspirations...

And party ideas...

Even tattoos...

I also have a board for holiday inspirations, craft rooms, scrapbook projects, quilts I love, all Marilyn Monroe and of course.... A board full of miscellaneous things I love...

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Are you in love yet?!!

Now that you know what it is, come back tomorrow to find out how to use it!

If you have any questions...feel free to leave a comment or email me!!

Ranger Game

2011-05-12T12:45:00.000-05:00

I started my birthday list about a month before my actual birthday...knowing I may need the extra month to either come up with more items or get a head start.

One of the first things I wrote down was to go to a Texas Rangers game and a Cowboys game. I've been to games before but I hadn't been to a Rangers game in a few years and I've yet to go to a Cowboys game in the new stadium.

I kid you not, about a day after I wrote that goal down...my mom's neighbor offered us some free tickets to a Rangers game! Umm...yes please!! Her company has season tickets and she just happened to get the tickets on a night she couldn't go. We were so grateful she thought of us!! Especially when we saw how great the seats were AND the free parking pass didn't hurt anything!!

We were a little worried because it was the week that the storms were so bad here. It was raining everywhere in the metroplex...just not at the stadium. The sky was amazing and it cooled things off. Given my love of clouds + my lack of love for heat....I was a happy girl!!

I used to go to baseball games ALL the time growing up. It's nice when the stadium is in your hometown. In fact, my stepdad actually did some work on the ballpark when it was being built...and we got to visit the construction site several times. They have a plaque with the names of all the guys that worked on the stadium...and his name is on there!! That's always fun to go check out.

Bummed that the game wasn't as nice as the seats and weather. You win some, you lose some...

We still managed to have a pretty good time though. Definitely makes me want to go back to more games...if only I didn't have an aversion to outdoor events in 100 degree weather!!

Funny story... we decided we wanted to split a pretzel. So, we went to the little concession stand near our seats and stood in line forever. We ordered a pretzel, and she hands us one without salt. We ask if she can put some salt on it (because who eats pretzels dry?) and she got the biggest attitude. A second or two later, she hands us the pretzel that looks like it has been covered in icing!! There was seriously SO much salt on it. A good 1/3 cup...no joke! I spent like 20 minutes scrubbing most of the salt off when we got back to our seats. I'm still finding salt in my purse!

A view from our parking lot: #18 and the next half of #7 awaits.