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!

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

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!

Old

O hey y'all! 

How is your St Patrick's Day? I hope that you've thoroughly overdone yourselves.  Isn't that what St Patrick's Day is all about? Irish culture and the over indulgence of certain intoxifying beverages?

If you've ever been to Dallas, you'll know, that their 2 biggest party days are New Years and St Patrick's Day.  Although, some will probably argue that football season is insanity as well.  And, well, while with college football, they may have a point, I'll fight them to the death about certain pro football teams (GO PACK GO!). 

Anyways, with a certain birthday approaching in the very near future, I've had to come to the reluctant realization that I am not the young, spry gal that I once was.  Seriously.  I'm sure I'm getting a lot of eye rolls with that statement, but I'm pretty in touch with myself, and it's true. 

I'm. uh. old.

 While I try to ease into my late twenties gracefully, many of my friends are getting married, having babies and baby siblings, or doing the whole party lifestyle thing.  More power to all of them.  However, I find the eternal struggle as to what suits myself.  I'm in absolutely no way ready to even consider reproducing (this weekend helped solidify that reasoning).  However, my body has reached it's limit as to what it can handle "party-wise".  

So, what I'm getting at, is -- Yes, I'm currently in my mid-twenties quickly bordering on the very scary upper-twenties.  Yes, a full day of partying must be well thought out and planned accordingly.  And yes, unfortunately, according to HIMYM, "Nothing good," really doesn't "happen after 2am".  I mean really, if I am not in bed by midnight, I'm going to be a little crabby.  I really am not missing out on anything, right? 

Anybody want to correct me? Anybody think I have the right mindset here?  I'm serious here.  I'm willing to listen to anybody.  I feel like I'm failing as a human being! I love to have fun, and I have plenty of fun (as far as I am aware!)

That being said, Slainte!