My Happiness Day by Day

2011

2011-02-13T09:34:00.003-06:00

My direction this year has changed very much from the last couple of years. Let's see, first off, I'm way more concerned about my career and find myself loving it whereas a couple of years ago I was lost and quite dissatisfied with work. Secondly, I'm so at peace and don't worry about what was or will be. I just have a peace that's solid and that I have prayed for so long to find. It's a wonderful feeling to be happy and just let things be. This year, as cliche as it sounds, I'd like to think that I have grown and turned a new leaf, and I suppose not only inside but with my entire life. It's really nice to see how just those few growths help change the relationships around you. Everything's growing, and not only are the seasons about to turn into a gorgeous green, but my core feels deeply shaken and changed which I longed for. After many years of taking tiny small steps I feel like recently I've leaped into this happy little life that I've created and finally found peace and put to bed all that was.

Moving on sometimes is hard to do, it can deeply hurt and take longer than expected, but once you finally do and let go it feels so renewing.

The most wonderful time of the year!

2010-12-27T08:33:00.011-06:00

And existentially the best month worth of celebrations! Not only is Christmas (i.e. the Big Man's Birthday) celebrated in December, but so is my birthday and Polly's birthday!! So we had a whole lot of celebrating to do:
From our house to yours, we hope that you had a very Merry Christmas!!! xoxox

Fall is among us...

2010-11-02T13:42:00.006-05:00

or at least somewhat... And Fort Worth couldn't be treating me better!! Polly and I are very much at home here in our new city and have made many new friends and dogie friends!!!Even Halloween was fun this year.... Polly even got in costume and enjoyed it!!P.S. Her dress was courtesy of her sweet mom "aka me"! Handmade with love. And yes I still look forward to coming home! How could I not enjoy my sweet retreat...

Only a few seconds here...

2010-08-31T10:09:00.015-05:00

...to post photographs from the last months worth of events.

P.S. These two have it made!!
Our new home:

Exciting time...

2010-07-11T11:31:00.011-05:00

Buying new furniture surely is fun. Especially when its planned out and all ready for my big move! Check out some of my new pieces, please:

I have Ikea in Frisco to thank for a lot of my items! I went yesterday with a good friend that I work with and we went crazy and had a lot of fun together. I hadn't visited Ikea in a good year so it was fun to wake up early and make the hour long drive out to Frisco from Fort Worth. I wish every time I moved I was able to redecorate because this truly is something I would enjoy doing for a living. Maybe I missed my calling.... interior decorating! Here are a couple more mis-mosh accessories:

At this point I'm looking forward to getting it all in its proper place. Almost everything is for an extra game room that I will have. Promise to post pictures of the final product. This will just require about a wait of at least three weeks, but I promise they will follow!

Fort Worth, you found me!

2010-07-03T16:14:00.017-05:00

After an unintentional break from the blogging world....... I have returned! Last time I logged in I was living in Dallas working for a real estate law firm and pretty miserable under the circumstances! Needless to say, everything has since changed!

I am now residing in the friendly metropolitan of Fort Worth, Texas, and loving every single second of it! I've switched gears just as quickly as I have found myself and my life changing. I am moving onward in Fort Worth that is, and working with a very large firm filled with the most attractive folks. One would assume I had nothing holding me back, but don't jump to assumptions to fast! I still have a lingering lease that binds me all the way back to Dallas, Texas. The same Dallas that I was so unhappy in. So, let's see here, for the last six (count that 6!) months I have been residing in Fort Worth down the street from work all while my apartment in Dallas sits ands waits for the lease to expire! Yes that's right, I still have a lease lingering in Dallas :(

Good News is.... that nasty lease is up in August! And might I add it has been a long time coming! The train is soon to arrive and I am jumping onto the express all the way to Fort Worth, Texas!!!!!! About a month ago I put in my written notice that I obviously would not be renewing the Dallas lease, since I am working in Fort Worth. Around that time I also began my search in downtown Fort Worth for a nice, dog-friendly, loft. Now... let's stop there and I will just go ahead and warn anyone looking for a loft in Downtown Fort Worth who owns a Golden Retriever, that it is indeed almost impossible to find a place willing to accept a large dog! Which I quite frankly couldn't believe. One particular place even had the gumption to ask me if I might be able to get my dog under 30 lbs so that I may live in their building! Ha... they haven't met Polly my 80 lbs female Golden Retriever:

So I laughed and walked out knowing it might be impossible to live in a loft in downtown.

After many, many, long, long ventures out and just as many "we don't accept dogs"...... I am so excited to say that I found a loft in downtown FW! Hurray, I accomplished finding myself a nice loft and Polly a very nice home. She will be a city dog at last! Now on to the even better news.... ohhh... and just forgive me as I brag! I am counting down the days to the move and the day I can call this marvelous place home, and with no further a-du here she is:

I will go ahead and explain the layout, so to speak, its two stories with the upstairs being a loft space and the down being all of the living, eating, bathing, and sleeping space. It is a one bedroom and the bed room is located right off of the living space behind this darling metal sliding door:

Very much an industrial space and a very open layout. The front door opens directly into the kitchen which flows right into the living space:

The staircase leading to the upstairs mezzanine is also right off of the front door. The hardwoods lead from the kitchen into the living area and flow right upstairs. My bedroom has a nice berber carpet and the bath off of the bedroom will have a ceramic tile. Here's more of the amazing floors:

The upstairs as I mentioned above also has the beautiful hardwood:

I love the attention to detail, the enormous windows, the french doors off of the bedroom and living space and how it all comes together:

I can't wait to move in and call Fort Worth home for many, many years to come! I thank my lucky stars that I am "almost" out of Dallas and onto a new adventure :)

Now, if only August 6th would hurry up and get here so that we can move in and move on!!!!

Snuggles & Love

2009-11-21T16:02:00.003-06:00

October...

2009-10-22T08:49:00.013-05:00

This month in particular has flown by! Here are some random photographs taken this October:

My silly family! We had a huge family get together with all our family in New York! It was my favorite reunion to date!! It's just such a joy to see them since we only get together once a year, if that! Matter of fact every time I visit my family in New York they ask me to sing for them like I use too! I will never live this down among those yankees:

Taking time out ...

2009-09-27T10:36:00.016-05:00

from the chaos of day to day life to appreciate the small things that make me so happy, i.e.

1. Family and parties:
2. Polly and Tinkerbelle:
3. Having a cozy retreat and the cutest snuggle-bunny in the entire world:

For these few blessings, I'll consider myself lucky!!!

The other day....

2009-07-29T08:48:00.006-05:00

My mom and I were out shopping and decided to pick up more stuffed animals for my Polly! Polly just loves stuffed animals so while we strolled down the "little kids toys" aisle we came across the sweetest little baby-doll (stuffed of course)! My mom talked me into buying it for my pup and I have to admit I'm so glad I did:
Polly now carries her baby-doll around all over our new house!

Oh, did I mention I moved again?! I moved over the past weekend into a cute two-story condo. I can't express how darn cute it is, so here are a few quick shots I took on my Iphone the other night.
(The stair case leading up to the bedrooms)

(Our cozy living room and Polly in her favorite spot!)(The view into the kitchen)

I haven't taken any shots on my nice new camera but plan too once I finally finish unpacking boxes! I have all but two unpacked and I still need to get my dining room furniture in (which is still in storage). For now though, it looks pretty swell. I love walking into that front door, having all the square footage, a large patio over looking the tennis courts, only having one neighbor, and a fireplace finally!!!!

I'm happy in my new home and I'm quite sure Polly is as well. My cat Tinkerbelle will move in next weekend so I'm looking forward to her arrival! I decided to wait to move her in until I got my seven month old puppy settled in her new environment. My cat is not so sure of Polly since most of the time she's bouncing off of the walls in excitement, over what.... I don't know?! That's just how Polly is and her tail never stops wagging. I tell Polly constantly that she's living the best dog's life possible, which she already is aware of!

Till next time...

Maybe...

2009-07-27T13:11:00.001-05:00

this blog should be called "My happiness month by month"!
Just saying :)

An early morning surprise

2009-07-20T14:39:00.011-05:00

Over the weekend I took my parents up on an offer to drive down to the family ranch in May, Texas. Only catch being that I had to be up and ready to go at 6:30am in order to drive west with them. Come 9:30 am (and lots of donut holes, pigs-n-blankets, coffee and orange juices later) we arrived.... but not in May at my fathers ranch, like I counted on. Instead, we arrived at my Nana and Papa's house. A somewhat impromptu (unannounced) visit.
Oh boy was I a happy grandchild to see the sweetest faces that side of Brownwood, Texas! I didn't even realize we were headed that way until I noticed (from the cramped back seat of my dad's truck) we were driving up their street!!! From that moment on my day was a bit brighter!!!
Somehow the mornings are much more beautiful at my Nana and Papa's place.I don't know what it is exactly. Maybe it's the company and the childhood memories that make it such a wonderful place!!
We stayed for a bit to visit as much as we could. Once our good-bye's were said, we loaded up and headed to my Dad's ranch! Our horses quickly greeted us at the gate with hungry bellies!!!

I helped feed the horses carrots, rode around a little and enjoyed the beautiful summer breeze in my hair!
As always I didn't want to leave and promised our horses to come back soon!
I must say, that nothing will ever replace my desire to visit May, Texas!!! My Dad has promised to leave it to me so that in the future it will be a place filled with the sweetest memories! A place which I can visit as much as I wish!!!

In between...

2009-06-22T13:29:00.006-05:00

Working,
and Moving,
I'm sad to say that I have neglected this blog!

In order to get up-to-date let me start by saying that I am no longer a "Downtown" resident. Two weeks ago I moved myself, Tinkerbelle, and Polly to the splendid City of Addison. I really love my new neighborhood and Ms. Polly is very happy to have a new backyard to play in (not to mention a fancy new dog-house)! Polly and I have bonded quite well, as this is her first time living with me and away from her mom and dad.
She loves her new environment and is very content being an inside puppy! I'm happy to report my Polly is very well behaved and just as sweet as she looks.It's such a difference between living in a loft to now living in a two-story house! I like it a lot and I needed the extra rooms! I splurged a little and now have a beautiful vanity in my bedroom, which is what I have always wanted!
It sure is hard to splurge now that I have this mouth to feed!
I'm just glad that I have a movie buddy now and one of the best cuddlers in the world!
Life sure is good!!

All the forgotten photographs.....

2009-05-31T14:51:00.025-05:00

In December I celebrated my 23rd birthday:
Addison and I went shopping:

Then had dinner at my parents:
I was surprised with a beautiful new camera:
Yipee!! Christmas was at my Nanny and Grandpa's:

Where we also celebrated my birthday with cake and more gifts:

Needless to say, we all enjoyed the Holidays:
By February Addison was starting on the Nolan Baseball team:

The freezing cold seemed to follow me with every game I attended:
March brought with it a ton of family time!
Which I thoroughly enjoyed!!!

And, today was pure fun!

Show-off!

2009-05-26T12:24:00.007-05:00

I'm sorry I just have to show her off!

Look how big she is:
Polly Pocket is just so smart, patient, loving and shy! I really couldn't of asked for a better pup!
I took her to the Dog Park in Fort Worth last week, but she's just so shy and reserved that she really didn't enjoy being around all the other doggies. She loves to go on walks so now we go to the Dog Park and walk around it, ha-ha! Luckily, she has made friends with another Golden Retriever "Chloe" who lives down the street, so every time we walk by she always looks for her. I was so happy that she made friends with Chloe after the unsuccessful trip to the Dog Park! Here's my Polly Pocket at the Dog Park: Can you tell how bad she wants to leave!!

It's just amazing how fast she has grown in the last 5 months! She has grown from being a little squirt:into a lovely lady:

Life could be so....fair let it go on and on!!!!

2009-05-01T09:14:00.004-05:00

As mother's day approaches, I would just like to give all my thanks and all my love to the most wonderful mother one could ever ask for!!!

Her heart and soul are as just as huge as that big cheesy smile!!

I only pray that I am able to be such a beautiful woman!!

Soundtrack of my life...

2009-03-26T09:03:00.003-05:00

I had some free time on my hands yesterday and had a lot of fun with this.
I thought I might share since some of these turned out pretty hilarious!!

RULES:
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag 20 friends ( I'm not a tagger).

IF SOMEONE ASKS YOU IF YOU ARE OK YOU SAY?
Pelican Bay

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Rich Women

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Charmer

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Pretty bird

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Starting now?

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Can't help falling in love.

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Complicated Situation

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
What ever happened?

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Oh, sweetheart

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
I want you.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Breakable

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Still, suspicion holds you tight

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Love Song

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Devil's waiting

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Shuffle your feet

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Hurry up let's go

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Berlin

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Breakin' Up

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Godspeed.

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Borrowed time.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Very loud.

P.S.
Polly Pocket says hello!

Play date:

2009-03-16T09:36:00.011-05:00

It's unfortunate that Polly doesn't live with me, just yet. I still need to find a house with a large enough yard for her to run around in. My lease is up on my loft end of May so I have to start looking!! Which leaves me, for now, without my little rascal! At least she's going through her teething stage at my parents house, and not mine. Especially considering that right now she seems to think that everything belongs in her mouth! Anyhow, here are a few photos I was able take during our play date:I still can't believe how big she is getting!I'm willing to bet that she grows as big as Lenny, her Dad!
I must admit she is definitely the cutest dog I have ever laid my eyes on!!!

Baseball time..

2009-03-01T17:22:00.006-06:00

I was able to make it out to my little brother's Championship baseball game this weekend. His team didn't go home with a trophy but we managed to have a fun time together!
Since we all sat through the freezing winds during the long game we decided to fill our stomachs with warm yummy pizzas afterwards! A family friend owns the joint and Mmmmmmm, its one of my favorites!

After sitting out in the freezing wind all day I was happy to return to a warm home and be greeted by my little munchkin:

I just can't wait...

2009-02-27T11:50:00.006-06:00

...for the weekend to begin, to head home and to be greeted by my little love-muffin:

She's won my heart over! And I just can't wait to spoil her a bit more!!

My Valentine this year....

2009-02-15T12:30:00.008-06:00

...just happened to be:
1. The sweetest in all the world;

2. Quite possibly the least stressful; and

3. The most playful Valentine to date!

So, please don't be to terribly jealous!
I am sure we all enjoyed this lovely day, whomever we may have spent it with, even if that someone wasn't quite as cute as mine!!!

Cuteness at its finest

2009-02-09T12:16:00.002-06:00

How could I possibly not enjoy the weekend when I spent it with this cute face?

Polly's first walk:

Oh, how I thoroughly enjoy having the cutest puppy in the entire world!!!

Fancy seeing you in here...

2009-02-03T11:58:00.004-06:00

Sure has been a long time since I last posted/updated anything in connection with this.

I am here now to do just that:
*I recently received a puppy (golden retriever to be exact) and have named the little one Polly Pocket.* I am back to being employed, thankfully it didn't take long to find a wonderful place to work!
* Considering moving into a house with a nice size yard for Miss Polly this summer.
* Celebrated my 23rd birthday in December..... and.....

Nothing more, really everything is much the same. Even though my drive has changed considerably, I still like to think things are much the same. I am very comfortable although I feel a tad bit chilly. I have made lots of progress on the knitting front and am currently in the middle of making my mom a little something! That about sums it up.

I will leave you all with this poem (a newly found feeling this 23rd year of my life) :

Indian Summer

In youth, it was a way I had
To do my best to please,
And change, with every passing lad,
To suit his theories.

But now I know the things I know,
And do the things I do;
And if you do not like me so,
To hell, my love, with you!

Dorothy Parker

Not too pleased-

2008-12-03T16:25:00.004-06:00

With myself that is!

I have been knitting along on my first scarf and still have yet to complete it. Poor little thing is just aching to be cast off! I have just been so busy with everything else that's been going on- it sits all alone on my couch waiting for me to come home and pick it up. I haven't really been home in awhile so my plan is to finish it this week, fingers crossed!

One Correction: finish the scarf and find a nice new job! The other one just didn't quite fit me right, kind of like a really old sweater almost. It was a comfortable job but it just wasn't a nice fit. I know my hopes are high but my goals seem attainable. I already had one interview and call back but turned the job down. I know, here I am looking for a job and turning them down BUT it wasn't a good fit either. Trust me.

For now I will take a mini-vacation and enjoy my upcoming birthday and the holidays! This is by far my favorite time of year and I am so glad that we are finally starting to feel the chill in the air. My christmas tree is up and looks beautiful along with all the other decorations I was able to throw together. I really should go and finish that scarf! Till next time, keep warm!

Give a little bit...

2008-11-30T14:38:00.007-06:00

This year thanksgiving was much of the same. Lots of turkey, family, pies and relaxation. The journey out there was nice and I have to say I hated to leave! Mainly because I managed to make a new friend out at the farm:My family and I also managed to make a trip out to my Dad's ranch. We visited our horses and also had time to fit in a round of badmitten (we discovered we weren't very good at)!! But I must say, I am so very thankful to be able to spend the holidays close to all the ones I love!!!!

Christoval

2008-11-22T15:55:00.004-06:00

A magnificent place:This was one of those days that I will never forget.A day spent with my two favorite people.

Completed.

2008-11-17T13:40:00.005-06:00

Finally my first crocheted holiday scarf is all nice and complete:

I even added these adorable holiday buttons on each end:

Now I am off to finish knitting this:
I think I will keep this one :)

I've come a long way...

2008-11-12T17:21:00.006-06:00

Look at how much crocheting I was able to accomplish this weekend: My Nanny invited my mom and I on a Catholic Daughters retreat out to Christoval, Texas. I was very excited to spend the weekend with my grandparents and was really happy that I would get a lot of crocheting done during the long car trips!!! I didn't get as much done as I thought I would but that was probably do to the amount of distractions. Christoval is a beautiful place! I will add pictures soon!!! We went out there to visit a beautiful church and by beatiful I mean BEAUTIFUL!!! It was the most lovely church I have ever seen in person. It was made out of sooo much rock!! Rock which was all found on the land they built it on, I thought that was pretty neat! The sisters out there had a lab who had just had 9 puppies! Oh what cute little hairballs they were. I wanted to take every single puppy home! This one (below) in particular I wanted to keep, but unfortunately they were asking more money for the pups than I had, booo!I was ok leaving that puppy behind as I knew he would find a nice home! I also remembered that my parents golden retrievers might be having pups soon, and I have first dibs!!! After a long ride out to Christoval and back we were exhausted! It was an all day affair and once we finally made it back to my Grandmothers house, my Grandfather surprised us and took us out to a nice Mexian food restaurant. It was a nice treat :) The fajitas and margaritas hit the spot! The entire weekend was so incredibly special! Being able to vist such a lovely church, and meet the sisters there, the priest, and all the catholic daughters who are all dear friends of my Nanny's was such a wonderful/spiritual experience! As I drove back to Dallas and thought about how much I enjoyed myself, I knew the weekend was one I would always hold near to my heart!

Change is needed.

2008-11-12T09:25:00.003-06:00

You might want to change your diet, immediately!! Please read below:

World cancer experts have finally declared what NaturalNews.com readers learned nearly four years ago: That processed meats cause cancer, and anyone seeking to avoid cancer should avoid eating all processed meats for life.Hundreds of cancer researchers took part in a five-year project spanning more than 7,000 clinical studies and designed to document the links between diet and cancer.

Their conclusion, published in the World Cancer Research Fund's report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective (2007), has rocked the health world with a declaration that all people should immediately stop buying and eating processed meat products and that all processed meat should be avoided for life!Processed meats, the report explains, are simply too dangerous for human consumption. And why? Because they contain chemical additives that are known to greatly increase the risk of various cancers, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, brain tumors, pancreatic cancer and many more.

The report, published at this DietAndCancerReport.org website also recommends that consumers:

• Avoid all sugary soft drinks for life.

• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

• Get lean and fit, without becoming underweight.

• Limit consumption of ALL meats (even fresh meat).

• Breastfeed all infants for their first six months, avoiding infant formula.

What is "processed meat" exactly?

I've learned that many people really don't know the difference between processed meat and non-processed meat ("fresh" meat).

Here's the difference:Fresh meat usually has only one ingredient: The meat! Fresh meat is refrigerated and has a very short shelf life (just a few days, usually). It's usually packaged in simple wrappers, with no fancy logos or color printing.Processed meat has many ingredients and is usually packaged for long-term shelf life. These products almost always contain sodium nitrite, the cancer-causing chemical additive that meat companies use as a color fixer to turn their meat products a bright red "fresh-looking" color.

Processed meat products include:

• Bacon

• Sausage

• Pepperoni

• Beef jerky

• Deli slices

• Hot dogs

• Sandwich meat (including those served at restaurants)

• Ham

• Meat "gift" products like Christmas sausages

• Meat used in canned soups

• Meat used in frozen pizza

• Meat used in kid's lunch products

• Meat used in ravioli, spaghetti or Italian pasta products... and many more meat products.

Unless it says "NITRITE FREE" on the front label, you can bet it's made with cancer-causing sodium nitrite!(Hint: You will only find nitrite-free meat products in two places in the grocery store: 1) In the fresh meat section where you can buy freshly-ground hamburger, for example, and 2) In the freezer, where you can find "natural" meat products that are nitrite-free.)

What are the dangerous chemicals in processed meats?

-Sodium nitrite is one of the most dangerous chemicals added to processed meats.

Please be aware:

• You MUST read the ingredients list to find the sodium nitrite! Meat product companies do not list this ingredient on the front of the package.

• Even ORGANIC meat products and NATURAL meat products can still contain sodium nitrite. So read the labels to be sure, and avoid buying any meat product made with sodium nitrite.

• Be especially careful of food for kids!

Virtually all packaged food products containing meat and marketed to children contain sodium nitrite! (Read the ingredients to protect yourself and your children.)Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a second dangerous chemical found in virtually all processed meat products. MSG is a dangerous excitotoxin linked to neurological disorders such as migraine headaches, Alzheimer's disease, loss of appetite control, obesity and many other serious health conditions. Manufacturers use MSG to add flavor to dead-tasting processed meat products!!

Essentially, dead meat products look and taste dead (because they are), so meat companies use the following three ingredients to make them look fresh and taste interesting:

-Sodium nitrite makes the meat look red and fresh. (But it promotes cancer.)

-MSG makes the meat taste savory. (But it causes neurological disorders.)

-Processed salt makes the meat taste more interesting. (But it causes nutritional problems and high blood pressure.)

On top of these three chemical additives, processed meats also contain saturated animal fat that is often contaminated with PCBs, heavy metals, pesticide residues and other dangerous substances.

Protect yourself and your family

To protect yourself from these dangerous processed food products, here are the action steps to take:

1) Check the ingredients of all processed meat products in your refrigerator and pantry. Throw out any products containing sodium nitrite or MSG (monosodium glutamate).

2) Inform your spouse, roomates or children of what you're doing and why you're doing it. Show them the sodium nitrite right on the label of the products as you throw them out. Let them know that the World Cancer Research Fund now recommends that ALL consumers avoiding eating processed meats for life!

3) Boycott all processed meat products for life! Never buy processed meats again. That includes shopping at the grocery store, eating at a restaurant or consuming foods at a social event.

4) Spread the word. Tell others about the dangers of sodium nitrite. Print out the Honest Food Guide (www.HonestFoodGuide.com) and share it, if you want.

Please let people know that processed meats are dangerous for their health!!

Inbox

2008-11-04T13:47:00.005-06:00

This was waiting for me in my inbox this morning:

To: Stephanie C. Perkins

Subject: yay!

I’m so anxious to see the pictures!!!

Holly Hernandez
2ND Grade, Avalon Elementary

Unfortunately, editing is a long process and I am trying to hurry and get the photographs all nice and pretty-but at the same time I don't want to return anything less than perfection to her! Luckily enough for me, Holly is extremely photogenic so most of the pictures look wonderful. I took all the photographs in color and I would like to return the shots to her in black and white and color so she can decided which ones she prefers. Some how the dreaded red eyes found their way into the lovely photographs. Dangit!! I have a very basic photo editing software and it is extremely hard to take out the red eye so tonight I really need to work on figuring out how to edit those!

Today I get off of work early to take part in my right as an American, what a privilege! I just pray I am voting for the right guy!!!

After I place my vote, I am headed to find itty-bitty initials (LRK) to add on to the baby scarf I am crocheting. I am making the joy scarf for my friend Tina who is due any day now! The pictures are also below in the previous post. I haven't gotten that far along on it but I am trying to make sure I don't screw it up- especially considering this is my first project!!! Yay!!! It's so fun and relaxing to crochet and even more exciting to think about what the end product will look like. I am sure Tina and baby Luke will love it during his first "chilly" holiday season.!!!!!

Ready...Set....Go!

2008-11-03T09:30:00.008-06:00

I decided upon impulse to pick up crocheting among the thousands of other things that took place this weekend! I was busy to say the least and I really wish I had photos to post with this but I will add them on at a later time :)

Friday: Halloween/Homecoming Game Night!

I kept it low-key and drove to Fort Worth to spend this holiday among the people I love most. Not only was it Halloween, BUT it was Addison's "BIG HOMECOMING FOOTBALL NIGHT"!!! I helped over the last week getting his date's mum all decorated and sparkly and witnessed the nervousness build as he looked forward to Spirit Day and the Homecoming Dance! SO CUTE!!!! I feel lucky to be at an age where I am able to appreciate how darling this all is! Anyhow, our plan was to drop Addison off at the Nolan Highschool foot-ball game. Then my parents and I would go home and watch a spooky movie and enjoy caramel apples all in the Halloween state of mind! But soon as Addison heard what we planned on he decided he would rather miss out on the football game and stay home nice and safe with us! My parents had a few trick-or-treaters come to the door in the midst of our spooky Halloween movie, thank Jebus for DVR's! All in all, I have to admit I haven't had such a fun Halloween yet!!!! Sure, I wasn't out with kids my own age or in the middle of the drunken debauchery that takes place at the Halloween parties- but as the years go by I am learning that scene is not my cup of tea. I suppose it is all a matter of opinion.

Friday night I promised Addison that I would return the next day to take him out for lunch and shopping before his BIG Homecoming Dance!! As promised he and I went out to grab some food and that is when I thought it would be nice to drop by Michael's and pick up all that my crocheting heart desired! Luckily- I have a very sweet brother who was excited to lend me a hand while I went through all the supplies!! I left with a basket full of lovely yarn, beautiful crocheting needles and a couple of books to help get me started. Not only did I have Addison's help but I met a sweet little old woman. She worked there and was happy to help me gather the necessities. She put a smile on my face as she helped me and spoke of her love for crocheting. She told me she also knitted but prefered crocheting. I have to agree with her!!! She made me promise to return soon to show her my pieces. After that, Addison and I were off to Best Buy because I have decided to purchase an Imac soon! Yay! We were not able to spend as much time as we wanted there. Addison had to get home and get all done up for the Homecoming Dance. He looked so handsome as we all headed to drop him off at his friends house where he met his date and had dinner before going to the dance! He had a wonderful time and said it was the best time he has ever had in his life!Again, HOW CUTE is that?! Later that night I started crocheting and picked it up quick! My Grandmother Kramer and both of my Great Grandmother's crocheted! I remember learning as a kid. I suppose our family just has a knack for it. My mom would even like for me to teach her how :)In other news-I was asked about a week ago to take Holly, Tony and baby Kendall's first family photographs on Sunday in downtown Waxahachie. So- early Sunday morning we met up and I took thousands of photos in the Towns Square. The photographs turned out wonderfully and tonight I will start the editing process so I can get it all back to them soon! I only wish I had purchased the Imac so that I could use that photo software to edit with- but I am still saving up for it so I will just have to wait till December! Darn :(

I couldn't agree more...

2008-10-31T16:40:00.002-05:00

My horoscope today (Go boldly forth and fall in love again!) couldn't be more true!!!

Sore loser...

2008-10-27T13:40:00.008-05:00

I learned this weekend that I am no good at checkers. I remember playing as a kid and winning most of the time, and now I realize that my parents just let me win all the time. Hahaha..... thanks!

I suppose I should just stick to Darts and Uno since it's only thing I am able to win without cheating! Pretty pathetic!

I also learned this weekend that I'm building up my bike riding skills! I could barely make it up any hills a couple of weeks ago, but this weekend I made it up them like a champ.

My mom and I had a lot of fun riding around her neighborhood and taking pics along the way. Which is extremely hard to do while riding! I wouldn't suggest it especially if you are prone to dropping things, as I am.

Riding around such a pretty neighborhood was a nice break from the hustle and bustle I have become quite use to.The weather was so nice I literally could of spent the entire weekend outside!

Addison and I had fun goofing around watching spooky halloween movies and entertaining ourselves:

He of course is better at checkers and playing than I. But at least I provide the good vocals! I'm very thankful for another marvelous weekend, a wonderful family and here's to another good week!!!

I love a good read!

2008-10-22T10:00:00.007-05:00

I went to visit my Nanny & Grandpa a couple of weeks ago and while I was there my Nanny asked me if I had ever read The Diary of St. Faustina. In the past she has given me many wonderful books to read, many of them strictly biographies of Saints, but this book in particular I had not laid my eyes on. I keep this in the back of my mind and hoped that by the time I made it home I wouldn't forget this suggestion. Fortunately enough I didn't forget and ordered the book online, which I received in the mail a week ago. Since I have opened this beautiful book I have found it difficult to put down. It currently rests on my nightstand so that every night I am tempted to read for a couple of hours. Reading about such a lovely soul is one of the most peaceful ways to fall asleep! So, might I suggest this book for anyone who would like to take the time. It is a very thick book, but if you are like me and up for a nice challenge it's worth it:Oh, while I am on the topic I have also been reading (very slowly) The Imitation of Christ. Another one of my Nanny's good suggestions and it's absolutely amazing! It's soooo good that I don't want to finish it. The copy I was given looks like it has been handed down through my family for decades. It's an old hard back that has been taped and re-taped together again. This is a book that you finish and can't wait to start all over again for fear you might forget a single detail.
This is all thanks to my loving Nanny Kramer!

A natural?

2008-10-17T14:19:00.002-05:00

Well not so much when it comes to my hair color.

Sure I had bleach blonde hair as a kid, but now that I am grown its not as blonde.

Actually it is a terrible dish water blonde -so I must up keep it!!!

I have gone to the same salon, along with my mom, for as long as I can remember.

I figured it was time to branch out and try a nicer salon here in Uptown.

I called and nervously made an appointment at the Kevin Charles Salon, hoping that the visit wouldn't completely empty my wallet!

Unfortunately it really did cost a lot, BUT it was really worth it! I have never had such good results from a color! Two thumbs to the Kevin Charles Salon :)

Boy was it yummy!

2008-10-13T13:45:00.005-05:00

Our office lunch-in today was a success and everything looked so delicious I just had to share some photographs: The "home-made" Carrot Cake was devoured quickly- but before it disappeared I got a picture of it iced and all pretty! The time spent making it, baking it, and icing it were well worth it. Everyone loved it sooooo much so, I thought I should share the recipe but unfortunately I don't have it with me :( Whenever I get it back from my mom's house I will definitely share the goodness! My cute little "RW" sugar cookies were also thoroughly enjoyed by those who don't really like cake. Me being one of them. It's sad to say, but I didn't even bite into the Carrot Cake! Now the cookies I thought were quite good-so good in fact I had about a hand full :)

I got a little carried away...

2008-10-13T11:40:00.004-05:00

This weekend was so fun!

I traveled to Fort Worth to spend the weekend with my mom because I was in need of her help! This entire week at my firm we are celebrating Bosses Day.

I signed up to make dessert for Monday's lunch-in, so I desperately needed my mom's help making a homemade Carrot Cake and Sugar Cookies for an office FULL of people!!

Saturday we headed to the grocery store to get all the makings for home made cake and cookies.

We made it home with a Jeep packed with ingredients. But we decided not to get started making everything till after church Sunday. We had such a good time in the kitchen baking away on Sunday and Addison even felt the urge to help! The best part was icing and decorating the cookies :)

Ok-actually the best part of Sunday was purchasing a new bike! Between all the baking and making I found time to get out and purchase the bike! One that I have wanted for about a year! I was soooo excited I rode it through the store to purchase it and then out the door into the parking lot! So one could chalk it up to a GREAT weekend!!!!

It's true what they say..

2008-10-08T13:48:00.010-05:00

"Everything IS better downtown"

I recently moved (in June) to Downtown Dallas into a loft. Nothing beats downtown "city" living! I must say- it has been hard getting used to paying a mortgage every month but I'm super glad I made the decision! The view and the amazing sunsets are worth paying an arm and leg for:

I am really excited to say that after a lot of help, I am finally living in a fully furnished loft. Just like a grown-up!! Whenever I moved in I had almost everything, but still was in need of some extra items. Thanks to my parents I have beautiful new cherry wood bar stools (which my sweet mother special ordered for me), a very cool chair for my living room, my great grandmother's beautiful antique sewing table (which has the original sewing machine left in tack and working):My mom got me all the kitchen goodies any girl could dream of, and thanks to my dad (and a lot of shopping trips to hunt down my favorites) all the art pieces/canvases I wanted!!! Oh, and my favorite item, which my dad found for me and hung, is a beautiful antique shell chandelier for my living room!What once was an empty-lonely loft:

Is now a charming, warm place to come home to!

The verdict is in....

2008-10-04T13:36:00.001-05:00

At my doctor's appointment yesterday I was told that I have not one spider bite but numerous ones! That would explain my swollen feet. So I was given a shot, three prescriptions and was told if it gets any worse to go to the hospital. Get news, huh! Eventhough I had sausage feet I decided to go to Addison's football game at Nolan with my entire family. Nolan just happened to be playing my old high school and beat the socks off of them! My feet started hurting pretty bad after halftime so I called it a night and headed back home! What an eventful day! It was definately nice to get home, get off of my feet and rest!

A little scary....

2008-10-03T11:20:00.003-05:00

I'm finding myself really worried over a bite I have on my right foot!

I was out the other night sitting outside at the Stoneleigh when I felt something bite my foot while I was eating dinner.

I didnt think anything of it other than it really hurt whatever stung me.

I know it sounds silly but my entire foot has swelled up, it looks inflated and hurts miserably to walk on:(

I am now limping around, looking pretty silly with this swollen mass of a foot!

Yikes!

I called the doctor and they insisted I come in. Meanwhile I suppose I will just keep my fingers crossed it is nothing big!

The simple things in life.

2008-09-29T14:46:00.006-05:00

Thank goodness for such nice weather and a fine weekend spent at my Dad's ranch. I spent the entire weekend out in West Texas! What a treat!
It's definitely nice to spend a whole weekend without make-up, distractions and cell phones!

Time.

2008-09-23T10:26:00.005-05:00

Family time that is!
I had such a nice time out at my mom and dad’s last night!
My mom, being the sweetheart she is, fed her poor (not joking) daughter dinner!
Hahahah….
Trust me if you knew what happened last Friday you would understand why I must now pinch every penny!!

I should just get this off of my chest-
I really don’t like how I save and save and then something happens which requires me to use up my sweet savings.
Ughh..
That really turns my stomach!
Luckily- I have a “wonderful” sparkling new job, so I will just start saving again!!
But seriously why must this always happen?!
I feel like my savings is getting no where fast.

Enough of that nonsense, now back to reflecting on my wonderful evening last night!
Addison and I, for some reason, always take a look into the “free movies” that the crappy cable channels offer.
We came to an agreement and ended up watching Simone.
I don’t know if anyone else has seen this movie, but I went into the movie thinking it would be terrible since it was a freebie!
But much to my surprise it was hilarious!
It was a dumb enough comedy for a four-teen year old to enjoy and silly enough for me to laugh at!
Not to mention, Jason Schwartzman was in it! (I must admit to a tiny bit of crush!!!)
The cast was actually full of familiar faces and good, talented faces at that.
Anyhow- if you must pay a monthly cable bill for any TV, just as I MUST do, it’s in the free movie selection under-TNT. Mmmm…
I can’t forget about the “Mr. Jim’s” pizza on top of the free movie that was thoroughly enjoyed last night!
I don’t know if it is just a South Dallas thing, but I really love Mr. Jim’s pizza.
Could be just because I have enjoyed it since childhood but nonetheless it’s YUMM-O!
Thankfully my mom still works close enough to one, as I haven’t been able to find one close to me now that I live in Downtown Dallas.
I know that I have a serious weakness for pizza but last night it was particularly good.
Must have either been the good company I was enjoying or the fact that I haven’t had a good bite of Mr. Jim’s for about six months regardless Mr. Jim’s gets my thumbs up! Fun little evenings, such as those, remind me that I have a lot to be thankful for!
Give me good food, good company, a free movie and I’m particularly thankful!

Not a total wash-out...

2008-09-22T09:36:00.003-05:00

Just because I had a horrible Friday I was bound and determined not to let that slow me down!
I decided to let it go and head to Fort Worth for the weekend.
It's always nice to head home to my parents house!
I have found that visiting them really lets me return back to my calm, cool and collective self!

I spent Friday night with them and come Saturday, Addison and I were ready to experience the new (at least new to us) Fort Worth mall.
(Actually I'm not sure if the physical address is Fort Worth or North Richland Hills).
None the less, we ventured out in my car, just the two of us to explore... and man were we in for a nice treat!

Ok- I really hate to admit this, but after Friday's events I was really in the mood for retail therapy on Saturday!
So-Addison and I hit up every store that we possibly could, and we really did well for ourselves!
The mall was soooo large in size and super nice! We both had a blast!
I had some left over money that really should of stayed in savings (but SHhhhhh)!
I was in for a fun time.
Before I realized it we really did a bit of damage to my savings!
It was such a good time though, it was worth it!

Addison came out well with a nice lunch with me, a new 360 game and a new UT cell phone cover for his Blackberry.
Although we never did find the Apple Store, which was the entire reason for our visit, we still came out with more than we had planned on.
I was only on a mission for new work attire and ended up leaving with more clothes than I could carry, lots of new jewlrey and some pretty lip gloss.

We both were excited to get back home and show off our new goodies to my mom!
She was pretty amazed with how much loot we had!
I headed back home with a trunk full of all my nice new treats and started calculating all that I had spent and couldn't believe the "round-about" figure I came up with :/
YIKES!

Sunday- I wasn't as adventurous.
I stayed at home in my loft, just cleaning and being a bum.
My mom came over and we had dinner together and talked about what the hell to do with Dorothy, the new kitten I have.

It's really sad to say, but my two little kitt-cats are just not getting along.
The poor kitten is getting beat up on all day by my larger cat.
I am pretty sure I need to find a nicer home for the kitten which makes me super sad but there is nothing else I can do.
Time will tell what happens with Dorothy.
I do hope I can find her a nice and loving home!!!

2008-09-12T18:10:00.011-05:00

Peace be with you!

2008-09-11T12:40:00.005-05:00

All too often peace and all the definitions of this very important word are left out of our lives.
I would like to keep myself mindful of peace and it's importance in my day to day life!
For “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

Dictionary.com defines the word:

PEACE as a (Noun)

1. stillness or silence
2. absence of mental anxiety: peace of mind
3. absence of war
4. harmony between people or groups
5. a treaty marking the end of a war
6. law and order within a state: a breach of the peace
7. at peace
a. dead: the old lady is at peace now
b. in a state of harmony or serenity
8. hold or keep one's peace to keep silent

The world and everyone in this place could use more peace.

“Peace begins with a smile.”

Change is perhaps the only constant we can count on in life.

2008-09-10T13:21:00.004-05:00

These are my thoughts- being this exactly-

Along the way in life, we witness the joys of birth, the sadness of death and all the stages in between. There are no escaping life's ups and downs.

I think it is good for us to just “Let go from the get-go”!!!
Some things actually most things are beyond our power to control.

It is always good to be “Prepared for the expected”.
Forgiving is definately necessary and will accomplish more than just wishing for a situation to change.

We should all “Bend, and not break”.
We all need to be more flexible.
Sometimes you don't want to invest time and maybe you think you don’t have time, but once we give time we just might like the outcome.

We should not let ourselves “lose perspective”! EVER!
We should all try to think long term.
Eliminating the discontent tied to situations between things may make us feel happier down the road.

We should try when necessary to “Team up to help handle stress”.
One is the loneliest number!

We all should invest a little time learning how to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally so that we are able to handle life’s challenges.

Always lovely to see you!

2008-09-07T22:42:00.000-05:00

Just as planned my mother came over for the weekend. I was one happy and excited lady awaiting her arrival!! Just as soon as I heared the knock on the door I was running! She was greeted with a nice, huge and cheesy smile slung across my happy little face! Once we were able to put her things down, I grabbed a huge hug, I finished getting ready to go out on town, and off the two of us went! We both jumped into my car excited and anxious wondering what exactly the day would bring us! But-we both knew one thing- we were STARVING!

First- we needed to fill our hunger so we stopped for a yummy lunch. A lunch which could of possibly fed an army! Neither of us could finish our meals but we made a damn good effort! It was quite hilarious even attempting to eat all of the food on our plates! We had a good laugh! And I even had a good drink with mine! We did take notice of the interesting art surrounding us and I even went to the extent to take photos. Why I felt this urge to take so many photos, I have no clue! I'm sure, most likely, just because it was the two of us girls having a silly time together and I also had one margarita in my tummy! One VERY good margarita at that! At least we managed to have one very delightful lunch together! After lunch we felt the urge to cross the street and visit Central Market. I suppose just because my mom had never been!! But, unfortunately we went just as everyone else in Dallas decided to go. We made the quick decision to run in and grab some good food and run as fast as we could out of that mad house! There were no empty seats or carts to be had and parking was a nightmare. I almost wished it was empty so that we could of had a good experience! But I must say, at least during our lunch together the seats were all empty! That was nice, very NICE!

We made it home with the left-overs from lunch, and the goodies we were able to grab from Central Market and then decided to try the Farmer's Market. Considering it was just a quick drive away, I figured it would be a fun little venture! BUT, who would of guessed it-I ended up getting us lost! Luckily, we turned around just in time! And we found our way into what is a well-known landmark, "The Dallas Farmer's Market"! This was only my third visit and my mom's second - so as silly as it may sound - we felt SUPER excited to be there! As we parked and walked our way past the beautiful flowers and smelled the juicy goodness we couldn't help but smile!

I could of taken home every fragile and beautiful flower with me, but knew that would of been impossible and quite dumb! So- we decided to head towards the fresh fruits! What a wonderful place to be! Fresh fruit, free samples and sweet local people! I tasted all that I could (for free) and ended up taking home some peaches and what lovely peaches they were! With my bag in hand and my sweet mother beside me, we decided to make our way back home! What a wonderful day we both shared! I haven't had such a good day in a very long time! Once we managed to park,take the elevator to the top floor and enter my place we were lovingly greeted by my two gray little fur balls! I poured us some chilled white wine to help us cool off from the walk around the Market. We managed to gather enough energy to make dinner and crash on my comfy sofa! Oh how nice it was to finally sit down together and appreciate the wonderful day we had just shared! I know I enjoy my mother's company more than she will ever know! I'm very lucky to have a mother sweet enough to come visit and stay the weekend! Sitting on my sofa together - I again felt like her little girl! I still am her little girl, just a little taller, and a little older but other than that I will always feel like her little girl! I loved all over my two little love bugs and then ended up falling asleep in my mommy's lap as she watched tv. I eventually made it to my bed and called it a day! A VERY WONDERFUL DAY, at that!!!!!!!!!

*Below* A few out-takes from our fun day, enjoy:

My little ones...

2008-09-07T22:19:00.001-05:00

The two (Tinkerbelle & Dorothy) are starting to become well adjusted! This weekend I was able to devote a lot of time to the two of them and get a few darling photos!

Dorothy just can't get enough of me. I suppose only because half of the time she is running away from Tinkerbelle scared to death! But Tinkerbelle is starting to show some signs of kindness, which I couldn't be more thankful for! Little Dorothy has become quite the poser and I can't stop taking pictures of her cute little poses!

Don't think for a second that Tinkerbelle has stopped receiving any love from me! Don't you dare :) Tinkerbelle has been and always will be a photo hog and a beauty to photograph! I'm now lucky if I can even find her though. Tinkerbelle seems to be going up in places she shouldn't be! I am sure only to get away from innocent little Dorothy! Here see this- Now she KNOWS better! I don't think it is safe for her to be up that high, but once she is up I can't get her down. So be it!Luckily enough for me, Dorothy is not able to follow suit and I am quite sure she will not be able too for awhile. Dorothy is still much to petite to be as daring as her larger counter-part Tinkerbelle! Still though- the battle for my little darlings to fall in love with one another continues!

Incoming news....

2008-09-05T17:14:00.000-05:00

My weekend plans have been finalized!

My sweetheart mother is coming to spend the weekend with me. She is arriving tomorrow early morning and I think we will then take a trip over to Farmer's Market! I am so seriously excited I can not wait! We can do all the girly things mom's and daughter's do. Mostly doing things we are not able to do whenever the boys (my dad and brother) are around! I'm very happy to have a mother close enough to come spend time with whenever! Can you even imagine those whom live thousands of miles away and miss out on all the time with their mothers and fathers! Thank goodness for my life, my family and my job which allows me to stay close to home!

Choices..

2008-09-05T09:19:00.000-05:00

As I sit here sipping on my warm cup of Starbucks coffee(which my firm kindly provides, no need to be jealous!) I am puzzled as to what to actually do this weekend. I have many options. Some of which invovle going out of town for the weekend, the other staying in town and the other well is still up in the air.

I am a planner just by nature and having too many choices and no actual firm plans makes me feel a bit anxious! I suppose I should stay home with my family and finish reading a good book that I have been breaking in slowly. I definately NEED to clean the loft and possibly do some fun shopping.

You know-Even though the weekend would be spent alone, Im finding that I actually prefer time spent alone. The pressure of having no one else to please relieves me! Surely is refreshing to awaken to a day full of possibilities of which I will personally choose to do.

Oh, and sure I may be a tad bit selffish but you know what, I can be. I sure have heard enough mean snickers regarding whether others are selffish, vain, egotistical, etc. I would prefer to just be the way that I am. Let other say and judge the way they will and know that at the end of the day it's truely none of my business.

A new thing...

2008-09-04T12:58:00.000-05:00

I have got to get over buying flowers on a daily basis!

I love them but seriously I am wasting money and time on this new craze of mine!

Currently I have 5 full vases!

Enough already!

I must say...

2008-09-03T12:08:00.000-05:00

It's only Wednesday and already so many things have taken place!

Yesterday, once I got off of work I got the sudden urge to make a visit to Whole Foods. There I created a beautiful bouquet of flowers just because! Below is a "bad" snap shot I was able to take while traveling home. This picture does not pay the flowers any justice! For some reason, I recently decided that I would make it a habit to always have fresh flowers in my loft. You know, it was just one of those silly personal decision I made. I suppose I will see how long that lasts!

(Oh, I also should mention that I have also decided to become a vegetarian. Which is also another good reason to visit Whole Foods! Changing my diet was suggested by my doctor and I don't think this will be too hard for me to do considering I rarely eat meat. So again, I will have to see how this goes!)

Just a little weekend update on my family (meaning Tinkerbelle and Dorothy) of course!

Tinker seems to finally be tolerating Dorothy! Praise the heavens! Dorothy on the other hand tries so hard to love and play with Tinker but up to this point Tinkerbelle is not having it. I feel sorry for the kitten but I think in due time Tinkerbelle will come around! While I was sitting eating lunch on Sat. I noticed the two of them pretty close together. I was able to quickly grab my blackberry and capture this moment (see to the left) of the two of them closer than I had ever seen then before. This moment, of course, didn't last long!

Come Monday it was nice to have the day off and see that they were acting a little more nice to one another. Tinker still hisses at Dorothy way too often for my liking, but come evening I sat my butt down on the sofa to watch trash t.v. Go figure both Dorothy and Tinker wanted to sit near me and so they did! I was very surprised to see them sharing space on the couch just to sit next to me! Luckily I again had my blackberry close by to get this on film!

The value of living well

2008-09-01T17:40:00.000-05:00

If you create beauty for your own life, if you create beauty for other people's lives, you will live a long, healthy, happy life.

My new addition...

2008-08-30T19:51:00.001-05:00

Here's my new little hairball, Dorothy!

Become fully present....

2008-08-29T13:45:00.000-05:00

1. The good things of life are not to be had singly, but to come to us with a mixture.
2. I will go into the sunshine and be happy with what I see.
3.Give me books, fruit, french wine and fine weather and a little music out of doors, played by someone I do not know.
4. No matter what I am doing, I keep the undercurrent of happiness. I have learned to be secretly happy within my heart in spite of all circumstances.
5. Character is the basis of happiness and happiness is the sanction of character.
6. Do anything and everything to make your day precious!

Setting the scene

2008-08-29T10:23:00.000-05:00

I have never created a blog so here goes nothing!

Recently I received a surprising offer to work with a large firm which I gladly accepted!
Finally got all settled into my new loft, which is starting to feel more like home day by day.
I have changed direction quite a bit.

My mother, father and little brother moved too far away from me :(
Leaving me in Dallas to fend for myself.
They decided to buy a large "fixer-upper" in Fort Worth and I'm seeing less and less of them.
My brother started High School and I can not believe what a cute little gentleman he has become! We have started having movie dates and dinner dates once a week so that we can all see one another!
My mom and dad have helped me so much with my move into the loft and starting my life on my own. I don't think I would be quite the lady I am without them.

My family has grown too, last Monday I adopted a new kitten whom I named Dorothy.
I rushed to pick her up after work and brought her home to meet my cat (Tinkerbelle) whom I have had for the last five years. Turns out my cat (Tinkerbele) would like to kill the new kitten.
So poor little Dorothy has made a cozy home in my bathroom for now.
Hopefully Tinkerbelle can find it in her heart to be nice to the new kitten soon!

This past week has indeed been very interesting.
And the last couple of months have been even more surprising then I had planned on.
But then again, I am now realizing I shouldn't plan on anything.