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. 

Exhaustion

Hey Y'all. 

It's been a rowdy weekend. It's going to be an even rowdier (roll with it) week ahead.  

I took a 3 day weekend and went to the Texas Ranger's Home Opener this Friday, enjoyed the sunny 80 degree weather on Saturday, and made not one, but two trips to Ikea today (Sunday).  I'm absolutely wiped, and can't even begin to wrap my words into single sentences. 

On top of all of this, it's BIRTHDAY WEEK! I have a week full of activities, apparently, so I'm using tonight to rest, relax, and enjoy my glass of wine.  Tomorrow will be a better day, and will have more pictures uploaded so you can see the fun. 

There's no better day than this.  80 degrees, sunny, baseball, beer, good friends, and no work?  Come on now..

Have a WONDERFUL Monday!

Deep Dark Secrets of Purses

Hey Ya'll

I'm still trying to figure this whole blog business out.  So, I'm finally going to attempt this business of "linking up".  Roll with it folks. 

So, Lauren, over at Pink on the Cheek is doing a very relatable post for Thursday.  "What's in Your Purse?".  God, and the rest of civilization should know, I have a million and a half purses, and considering what is in said purses, is may possibly be the best kept secret in the world. Best kept, just that nobody really actually cares.  I'm ok with either possibility.  

My PURSE! (Currently overused, and in need of a serious upgrade)

Steve Madden presents:

Isn't she a beaut? My favorite parts are the ribbon, and the fact that I can elbow the purse, or sling it!

I kid you not. There are 2 full-to-the-edge pictures of the shit in my purse.  Sorry, but it's true. 

Pic 1:

Wallet - Part of my Xmas present from the boy.  Thought it may be too big.  Turns out, it may just be too perfect-sized for my OCD.

Keys - House keys only. Key chains make it easy to grab from the deep dark pits of the purse. Standard baseball, bottle opener, champagne bottle in the stash.  Leather heart key chain is from my adopt-a-family in England.  It's a British cultural standard, instead of keys for my 21st birthday, you get a key chain.  It was awesome.  The Eiffel Tower key chain is a souvenir from Paris from the boy's trip in October! Silver with PINK rhinestones. He knows me well. 

Tampon - Obvs. 

Lip glosses, Perfumes, Lotion, and Compact - Because you always need it! 

Bottle Opener - It was free at BWW during the Superbowl.  I mean, I'm not going to say no...

Headphones - Just in case I need extras at work! 

Babes Business Card - I keep little mementos of dates and moments with the boy, this was one of them.  Haven't transferred it to the "bag o fun" yet!

Starbucks Gift Card - I don't even know if there's money on it.  But at least I have it, just in case? 

Pic 2:

Rings - Suppose I feel a little extra jazzy one day? Voila! 

Work ID - Turned over for obvious reasons, but I'd like to get in the building every morning, so I must! 

Donkey Kong - OLD Gameboy game. One of my favorites! My gameboy was left back in Wisconsin during Christmas, so I am not sure why I'm still carrying this around...

Wine Sparkled Purse Holder - Xmas present from my mama! It's surprisingly resilient.  I love it to pieces and tend to annoy those around me, every time I use it. And guess what? Blonde hair don't care. 

Yumilicious Gift Card - Because Free Fro-Yo, yo!

Make up bag - This opens an entirely different blog post.  It's filled with make up for retouching.  Let's just leave it at that. 

Keys - Car Keys. Yes, 2 different sets of keys.  Sometimes, especially when I switch to a different purse, I need only 1 set of keys.  Why use up space? In case I lose my purse (heaven forbid, I've done it enough times!) I should only lose 1 set of keys, not my entire life!

Hair Binders - I had no idea.  But I counted. Eight. There's eight of them. I rarely have any.  I will lose them all by Monday. Just you wait. 

Eyedrops - After Lasik Surgery, you never know when you will get dry eyes. 

Bottle Cap - Free Magazines! Free Movie Tickets! Since I drink Diet Coke like it's my job, why not help get something out of it?

Neosporin - I've been in a bad karmic place.  I tend to cut open anything and everything on my body. It's really a necessity. 

Batteries - I have Hearing Aids.  *Fun Fact*.  Each one dies every week.  If you've ever had the joy of really getting to know me, you know they die in the most inconvenient of places.  So I try to keep them on hand so we're not including a wild game of "who's on first" with our fun evening! 

Conclusion: YES I keep a lot in my purse.  But it's not a scary adventure.  It's really pretty tame.  Guys really should not be scared of wading around in it.  It's harmless.  Although, from one woman's perspective, it's pretty entertaining.  

Think my purse says a lot about me? (Over prepared for any scenario?) What about yours?

Cabbage should be eaten raw, in fact that's Cole's Law.

Hey Ya'll! 

Food puns are the best, and you know it.  (If you didn't get it, read it again - I got it the third time!) Admit it, you at least rolled your eyes!!! 

I had to take a mega break from Pinterest after my Guacamole "incident". I may never slice an avocado again, I'm pretty traumatized. But I'm very ok with it.  Store-bought guac for the win!But I digress. 

Unfortunately, to succeed in life, I had to bite the bullet at attempt to cook again. Cooking also keeps me busy.  So if I have something on my mind, that's driving me bananas, I truly enjoy cooking.  Keeps my brain and hands occupied. It's therapeutic, even. 

I wanted something simple and light, in my (halfhearted) attempt to eat healthy and lose a few lbs. So, back to the Pinterest drawing board.

Roasted Cabbage it is! I've had some kick butt success with roasting zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans.  Plus, it's insanely and ridiculously easy.  So naturally, I was excited to give it a go! 

1. Slice up a head of cabbage, about 1" thick. (But be cautious of that knife!)

2. Lay the slices on a baking sheet with a light layer of olive oil underneath.  

3.  Put a small amount of olive oil on each cabbage slice.  Salt, pepper, as you'd like, for a bit of flavor (We all know cabbage isn't naturally zesty). 

4. Stick 'er in the oven for 40 minutes, and voila! Delicious. 

Who knew? It's eighty-five different kinds of healthy for you (I'm rounding that number), and super easy and light - perfect for a summer addition to your bbq! 

Also, I had to show off my new purchase. I'm pretty pumped. Glass cutting board and matching trivet? Such a domestic nerd.

Have a wonderful rest of your week! At least Monday's over, right?