Being the "Tall Girl"

Hey Y'all, 

Listen, I know it's been a long time.  Way too long.  I'm well aware.  My computer is something else, and makes it quite difficult in motivating me to use it. 

I know it's a BEAUTIFUL holiday, and e'rrybody's got some plans to be somewhere, doin' something.  Or even to be nowhere, doing nothing.  Both are fantastic options 

(By the way - Happy Birthday 'Merica!) 

However, I was finally able to read a few blogs on Bloglovin, since I haven't been able to read any in quite awhile.  This post on Thought Catalog really hit the nail on the head with everything I've ever wanted to say.  So, to all y'all - please take this into consideration and just a smile will do! :)

Life As The “Tall Girl”

Jul. 3, 2013

By Leslie Cunningham

Motherfucker, if you tell me I’m too tall to be wearing these heels one more time, I am going to take off said five inch stilettos, stab them through your eye sockets and into your brain. That’s what I’m thinking, that’s what I want to say, but instead I just smile a half smile and say something along the lines of “I don’t think there’s such a thing as too tall.” I’m approximately five feet eleven inches with bare feet. When I’m strutting my stuff around town in my favorite pair of black wedges I’m a respectable six foot two. So yes, I am tall. It’s quiet obvious that I am genetically gifted in the height department yet I find that most people have the need to point it out to me on an almost daily basis. 

“Wow. You’re tall.” Says some random stranger on the street.

“Good detective work Nancy Drew let’s go meet up with the Hardy Boys at Mystery Lake,” says I. Of course I’ve never actually said anything like that before. My mother raised me too well. But I want too. It gets old. People like to point out what sets others apart from them and for me, that’s my height. I’m different from most girls in the fact that my legs are nine tenths of my body and that I’m taller than most guys. Most of the comments aren’t negative. Some are complementary, (because tall is synonymous with model I get that from time to time), but then again some aren’t necessarily flattering. People often tell me my height is intimidating. I’ve heard boys say they wouldn’t date someone as tall as me. Giraffe, giantess, Amazon, I’ve been called it all. 

Most of the time it doesn’t ruffle my feathers. I embrace my height. I wear heels whenever I damn well please despite knowing multiple people will make some snide comment. But sometimes, I wish I were petite. I see little five foot four girls being swallowed up in the big bear hugs of their boyfriends. They don’t struggle to find pants with long enough inseams. Petite girls with dimples get called cute. I get called daunting. Petite girls get asked for their numbers. I get asked if I play basketball. Which by the way, no I don’t. Mind you these thoughts are only the ones I have in my darkest hours. There are lots of things people can do to change their appearance. Height is not one of them so most of the time I simply say fuck it. I’m tall and I love it. I’ve never had to ask anyone to reach anything for me. I can always see above the crowd at concerts and you know what, at least people notice me. I am forced to stand out because I tower above everyone else. It’s made me bold. It’s helped me become comfortable in my own skin because it’s my only choice and it’s a great conversation starter. People love to ask me my height. So yes, I am tall. I am the tall girl and I am proud of it.

As Always,

AJ

Crappy Weeks are Crappy.

Hey Y'all. 

This week sucked major donkey balls.  Yes, I'm putting that the nicest way I know how.  

I don't even know where to begin.  But, it was long, it was strong, basically, got it's friction on. (please tell me you laughed.)

No really, I ended up resorting to buying some flowers at Kroger to liven up my living space, so at least that may cheer me up.  

Luckily, it worked. They're beautiful, if I do say so myself.  

Another way to try to end the week on a positive note? Whitney's "Back that Azz up Fridays". So, yes, on repeat, GO. It always, always, always works. I don't even care. I love it.

As Always,

AJ

My Bad Blogger Excuses

Hey Y'all. 

I've been a bad blogger.  But, what else is new, I guess? Another lovely blogger informed me that I need to update my blog.  So, I guess she at least reads this. Sorryboucha.

1. There's been some nasty weather around these parts.  Oklahoma and Granbury absolutely broke my heart.  It's hard to work up some motivation while also being glued to the TV and Twitter for updates on scary weather - including continuously updating the local radar to watch out for myself and my pup.

2.  My computer is wicked slow.  I think she's on her last leg.  Makes for some very long nights, and very little motivation to include links, pictures, or even pretend to be computer-savvy. 

3.  I'm trying very hard to lose weight. Sitting at a computer doesn't exactly inspire the metabolism.  Plus, I absolutey refuse to give up my favorite things in life - wine, beer, pasta, cheese. So, as you can tell, it's going really well.

4.  Work is busy, so blog reading time is restricted to after work.  And by the time I'm done reading my list, I'm exhausted and I can't focus on one particular topic.  

5.  My new iPad is killing me.  Between Candy Crush and beating the boy in Angry Birds Friends (seriously, it's the worst addiction - except for Candy Crush. ) It's the best vicious cycle ever. 

6. I started a puzzle.  Yes, I'm a nerd that still does jigsaw puzzles. And, well, it takes up the entire dining table until I finish.  So, there's not much space to do other things. So, it sits.  As it has for the past 3 weeks. I swear I'll finish it. 

7. It's the end of the TV seasons.  So, naturally, I'm starting up new TV shows on Hulu Plus - and doing massive marathons one right after another.  My days are taken up.  Sorry I'm not sorry.  Actually, I am sorry that I am not Olivia Pope.  Scandal is the best thing that's happened in a long time. I'm so mad there's only been 2 seasons.  Like, legitimately upset.  

This is just to name a few, anyways.  So, I'll do a very list-happy post, and tell you the things that have happened in my life in the past two-ish weeks! 

1. I ran a 5k! Well, more than I thought I would.  Seeing as it is my New Years Resolution to run a whole one, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and run with my running/walking group.  (Plus, the 5k offered free beer after...so, other incentives, obviously).  I finished 2 minutes under my goal.  Which, may not be saying much, but I really was very proud of myself (which I haven't been in awhile).  So, somehow I'm running/walking another one in 2 weeks.  I'm actually pretty jazzed, and it was my idea to run another one so soon.  Who knew!?

2.  My best friend had a baby.  I'm not a kid person, but when your not-by-blood sister has their first baby, something changes you.  I was so sad I couldn't be with her, and so sad I haven't met the sweet peanut yet, but I am so proud of her and her husband.  What an amazing feat! Sweet little Quinn was born 30 minutes before midnight last Monday (she seems stubborn - and I like it!).  And all I've done since then is try to figure out ways to hitchike to Philadelphia and back within a weekend to see my bestest and Quinny-the-Pooh.  Sadly no such plan has been hatched.  I'll keep you updated. 

3. The Office finale rocked my socks off.  I went there.  I promise you, I've never laughed so hard and ugly-cried at the exact same time.  It was ridiculous. Hysterics of both spectrums.  I'm not even mad. 

Sadly, that's really been the big things in the past two weeks.  The rest just fills in this ridiculous little life - and I'm very satisfied with that! 

Oh -  in anticipation of today's potential storms, a few of us acquired some glasses at work to help us out (yes, there are wipers on the glasses) (I work for a ridiculous company)

Tomorrow my department gets to take a half day and spend the afternoon at the Ballpark watching the Rangers take on Oakland.  It's dollar hot dog day and supposed to be beautiful.  I also have some pretty great co-workers, so I am pretty excited for this upcoming short week! WOOP!

  -->

As Always,

AJ

Knowing Me is Loving My Dog.

Hey Y'all, 

I'm going to tell you about the most important person in my life. That's right, I said person.  

Meet Lainey. 

I say person, because she may have four legs and a wicked piece of weaponry with her tail, but she's got the temperament of a four-year-old child. She's my baby. 

I adopted Lainey from the DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue, about a year and a half ago.  I was looking at the dogs and asked to see her outside her cage.  They opened the cage and she promptly jumped right on top of it.  I couldn't stop laughing, and she hasn't made me stop laughing in the past 19 months. The girl's got spunk.

Her favorite activities are making new friends, although mostly human ones, at the dog park. She plays fetch and returns the ball, ohhh about 45% of the time.  

 

So what really gets her tail wagging? Birds. Squirrels. Anything close in size and runs fast is her kryptonite. She's practiced and nearly perfected her sneak attack skills, although she has yet to catch anything. Sad face.

She specializes in stealing your seat 5 seconds after you've vacated it and tries to butter you up by cuddling (FYI, it usually works).  If needed, she'll stay close by, by walking on the top of the couch (yes, you heard right - she's a gymnast too), and perching on the most comfortable pillow.

Every morning, without a doubt, I find her army-crawling on the floor.  It's her way of stretching, but to see her army crawling from the bedroom to the living room and back, is just a riot. 

Lainey always prefers a mans lap to my own.  This weekend, she was laying in my lap, and after the boy sat down next to me, she got up and moved to his lap instead.  It was possibly the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen in my life. And unfortunately, nothing new. Sad all the same though.  

She enjoys Pupcakes, and doggie ice cream (don't worry, I swear she's not spoiled!) (HA, I kid!) 

She knows when she's being a bad pup, and is royally rewarded when she's being a good one! 

Knowing me is loving my dog.  If you don't love this sweet and insane personality, you have a much harder time getting to know me! Because, she's my person. 

 

As Always,

AJ

May Blog Thoughts (and weekend catch up!)

Hey Y'all,

Soooooo, it's Wednesday night, (CORRECTION: Blogger threw a major temper tantrum last night- so this was Wednesday when I wrote this.) which means the week just started, right? Sorry, exhaustion won the past 3 nights and I couldn't string sentences together (much like tonight, deal with it).  So, in the meantime, I've been stalking other blogs.  I mean, who isn't.  Honestly.  No? Well, agree to disagree. 

Anyways, lately, I've been thinking of taking a class on Web Design because, as phenomenal as my internetting design skills are (I mean, please reference my cut and paste blog as an example!), I really have a vested interest in learning more about it, and using my creativity for the good (I have it in there somewhere, I swear!) So, when Sarah, over at Venus Trapped In Mars (My absolute favorite blog - we'd get along SO well) put up a basic tutorial for blogging, I instantly bookmarked it for later, because, well, you know. 

So, I'm currently working on a new name for this piece of work, and learning, little by little.  So, I apologize in advance for any crazy changes, and more importantly, any crazy things that just don't work and look awful.  It's a work in process (much like myself!) and I, of course, welcome any helpful hints, advice, and criticism!

~~~~~~~

So Austin happened this weekend, didn't it?  Sure did.  All kinds of adventures went on.  Friends were seen, digestive systems were tested, words made up, and drinks were drank.  So, it sure was a success in my book!

 The Gaslight Anthem Concert

 Goofin' around the State Capitol

 The Salt Lick (Apparently it's a big deal)

 Patio Games and Drankin'

"Orangey"

6th Street Shenanigans

This post may have been the death of me, but it's up.  And blonde hair don't care.  I'm ready for this weekend already.  Big 3-0 birthday plans for the boy!

As Always,

AJ

T.G.I.F. Austin

Hey Ya'll,

Guys, I'm super pumped for this weekend. We are heading down to Austin to celebrate the boy's birthday and go to a concert. It's time to ship off the pooch to the daycare,(don't worry, she likes it there more than she likes me!) and begin the carefree weekend!!

So 6th Street - WATCH OUT. I'm very excited to see you again,  and all the er - liberalness - Austin offers.  It's nice being in a college town that reminds me of home - but about 50 degrees warmer!

So in honor of my butt that won't stop wiggling in it's seat today - I'm linking up with Whitney for #backthatazzup Friday.  Get Excited. 

So, in honor of the concert I'm going to tonight...

The Gaslight Anthem '45'

 from Pulse Films

on Vimeo.

Happy Weekend, Ya'll!

Love you Like a Love Song

Hey Ya'll, 

Sorry so quiet.  It's been a non-eventful, eventful week.  Let's just say my checkbook is currently wrapped up in an insurance love affair.  (That sounds nicer than the jackhole who hit my car on Friday, coming out of the STRIP CLUB parking lot!!) (It was 12:30 in the afternoon on a Friday) (I'm not bitter, it's ok) (parenthesis) (they get more fun as they happen, right?) :)

Anyways, I don't want to delve into that fun scenario for this post, because I don't quite have the correct words to convey the message I'd like to get across.  It'll come, I swear.  I've been pretty (awesomely) busy at work the past week - learning some new and fun things, and I am really really loving it! So, my sincerest apologies for not blogging sooner.  Sorry, I'm not sorry.  

Anyways, this week has been keeping me busy working out.  On a healthkick here for the last three days, guys.  It's getting to be swimsuit season - a girl has gotta WORK! Here's my current obsession. I can't help it. It's so stupid quick and stupid easy. I'll do it 2-3 times a night. 

 Also, having done this, and not being as incredibly in-shape as I truly think I am, I haven't walked straight in two days.  That's right folks, I'm totally gimping down hallways. It's so freaking worth it though.  Doing this workout with your normal cardio, is just something that should be done.  Take my word for it.  I believe!!! 

Also, this song has been helping.  (Sorry for how late I am getting to this song - I'm really not sorry, I still love it!) 

Have a fabulous Thursday!

25th (ok, 2nd anniversary of...) Birthday Shenanigans!!!!

Hey Ya'll! 

Time is ripe for some happiness? Yeah? 

Well, my 2nd Anniversary of turning 25 was absolutely glorious.  (25 was a pretty killer year for me, so I'm sticking with it for awhile, deal with it) Now, I had a pretty normal birthDAY, went to work, did work things (let's just assume it was a productive work day, ok?).  But, the boy wanted to surprise me with my birthday present that night.  I'm relatively easy going in that sense, so I was excited. 

He started driving.  All of a sudden, I was notsomuch a fan of surprises anymore.  I'd been guiltlessly bugging him for the last 2 weeks about the gift.  I didn't get a peep out of him.  OR my mother.  Ahem. 

So we ended up at the mall.  Where I then received my birthday card finally.  Apparently, he and my mother had co-bought me an Apple Gift Card, so I could finally get an iPad - to play Angry Birds on a much larger screen than my phone.  Aren't they wonderful? (Don't worry, I've found other games to play on it too!)

So, yes. That's where I've been the past few days.  Head stuffed in that cute little machine.  

Moving on.  

We went out for sushi and drinks with 2 of my girlfriends from home, which was a sweet little gathering.  It had been awhile, and it's always good to catch up and have some girl time! Friday night, he made reservations at one of my favorite Italian restaurants, Mi Piaci.  It's fancy, but its fun to be fancy once in awhile!  Saturday, was just a beautiful day.  It ended up about 80-85 degrees, and sunny.  Is there more perfect weather? So, naturally, it was Mani/Pedi time.  Once that was out of the system (Seriously, if you're in Dallas, message me, twas one of the best pedicures I've ever had!), I wanted to head to the park with the pup.  

 

We went to Klyde Warren Park, which happens to be a park built over a major highway in Dallas.  Basically, it connects both up- and down-town.  It's amazing.  It has Food Trucks, a baby dog park, and so many activities.  I love it.  We then decided to walk through uptown (my old stomping grounds) and patio hop.  It was way too nice to sit inside anywhere in Dallas.  

Later Saturday, I got my first surprise party ever! The boy got my friends together, and we chowed on some delicious cow meat, and went two-steppin'! Listen guys, this guy took me dancing.  I think I'll keep him around.  There was so much redneck ridiculousness - I was in high heaven! 

Last but not least - Sunday was low key, saw a movie and not a whole lot else.  BUT I do have to make a point that we got to the mall early, and after a very long, and eventful weekend, we splurged.  

Guys. We sat in the massage chairs that sit in the middle of the walkways. $5 and 12.5 minutes of leg, back, shoulder and ass massaging? It may have been my favorite part of the weekend. That's why I felt the need to mention it.  Sometimes its fun to splurge on ridiculous things. Everybody wins.

Anyways. Longest post ever. I know. Blonde hair don't care. Onto the pictures:

Opened up the package to find my presents gift wrapped.  She knows me too well!

 Victoria's Secret Baseball gifts!

Card from my Ma

Quite possibly the cutest card in the world.  I had to blow on the candles for it to sing to me.

Sushi and Wine with my girls

I don't know how to photoshop double chins.  Deal with it AJ.

Got all these amazing cards in the mail -- the day after my birthday! (I love extending the day!)

Dressed up to go to my favorite place - Mi Piaci.  (Ok, I lied. This is after dinner. I forgot to take a picture, and made him put his nice dress shirt back on again. I'm a fraud!)

Best pasta in the world - Spaghettini Neri

The boy's diablo pasta.  The Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels were really fantastic (After my tongue regained feeling 10 minutes after tasting - so SPICY!)

 

Resting in the Shade at the park.  Someone was in heaven!

 Park, Sunshine, Cold beer.  This is the perfectest of perfect days.

 So happy.

 My dog thinks she's a human and deserves human seating. Obvs.

 Spin Art Dip and Craft beers, oh, and sunshine still? Yuuuuup.

You'd think it was her birthday....

Also, she loves beer.  She will do anything to get her hands on it. 

Thanks for skimming the post.  Next time will be shorter, and more worthy of reading.  BUT, it was fun, and I had to share the wonderfulness of some people in the world. It's the little bits that really make an argument for the good in this world. Friends and Family - they are what counts!

-AJ

In Lieu of Birthday Shenanigans

Hey Ya'll, 

I've been searching for the right words, the right sentiment for a post tonight.  I really was pumped about sharing my birthday festivities from the past weekend - because it was truly one of the most fun weekends ever.  However, I just don't find it to even matter, or compare to the gravity of today's Boston Marathon bombings.

There are some things that affect me more than some - it doesn't seem like any rhyme or reason as to which things truly take over my emotions.  But the attacks in Boston today really hit me, for some reason.  I don't know anybody who lives there, but know people who do have loved ones.  I'm not great with truly voicing my emotions, and thoughts, but writing has always been the best way to speak my mind. You've all been in my mind all afternoon and evening. I promise.

So, forgive me, I'll try my best to post birthday festivities tomorrow, in hopes that we're able to piece together some of the details of today's events.  Ever the optimist, I truly hope we're able to grieve as a nation and pull together more than ever.  Ever the pacifist, as much as I can't even start to forgive what seems to us, a senseless act of violence, I can only hope for lighter days ahead.  

Hug your loved ones tight tonight! I wish I could! (Well, aside from the panting furball!)

AJ

Rangers Home Opener

Hey Y'all!

This is for my good friend Helene.  She's wonderful. And awesome. And absolutely ridiculous.  I think the latter is my favorite part about her. Seeing as I've known her for about 2.5 years, I can tell you that her blog is absolutely spot on with who she is.  Friendly, Random, and beyond hilarious. It's a great read, I laugh every day.  I'll participate more in her Travel Tuesdays link up (since traveling is my absolute favorite!) when I find time to recap my favorite adventures... in the meantime...

As promised - a recap of my superfun Friday. 

I love baseball.  It's probably my favorite sport to watch - live anyways.  That atmosphere is something else.  The smells, the people, and the baseball players in their little baseball pants!

So, sure enough, I got up at the break of freaking dawn. Granted it was a half hour later than I would normally be at work, but it's all for the cause, right? Good thing it was in the forties and I was wearing shorts. After being called numerous names (like crazy, and absolutely out of my mind),  we were on our merry way! 

Hellooooooo Baseball! 

(Yes, that is the sun still rising...)

Enjoying our day off

We weren't the only ones

We were prepared.

 But still managed to forget a flipper for the burgers on the grill, and put the grill plate on upside down.  Plastic forks work surprisingly well! (I think, I wasn't in charge of the grilling!)

 Having some fun in my sunglasses.  Maybe a little to much fun..

We had to stop on the way into the game and buy Mumford and Sons tickets.

  

 We may have created a traffic jam trying to get the full wifi signal...

We weren't the only ones at the game, apparently

Enjoyin' the show

Jack Ingram singing to 'merica

Pomp and Circumstance

The BEST thing about the ballpark - Garlic Fries!!

Opening Day #2 (We have this exact same picture from last year)

The whole group!

It was a long exhausting day, and I fell asleep, no joke, 30 seconds after I got home.  Forgot to let the dog out and everything (She was not happy).  But, was so much fun, wouldn't change it for anything.  It's ok to be jealous. I would be.

Actually, the only regret I have is that my hair is out of control.  According to these pictures, I need a cut and color baaaaaaaad.