Random Wednesday

There is something about Wednesday that gives me an extra oomph to get through the week. Yesterday I was feeling like this:

But now that I know I've only got 2 more days until the weekend, I feel like I will pull through and make it to Friday.

- I am pretty sure that I am accident-prone. Lately, everywhere I turn, I run into something, scratch or cut myself on something. Last week I was reaching into my gym bag to retrieve my shampoo and gashed my finger open on a razor. It definitely looked like I ran my finger over a cheese grater, but luckily it didn't hurt as bad as I had anticipated.

That picture above is actually from about a year ago when I stabbed myself trying to get the seed out of an avocado. The knife definitely hit bone and I just about passed out when it happened. Tip of the day: always use a spoon to remove seeds!

- A few weeks ago Raymond and I were heading into the store and as we looked up, the sky above us was completely filled with birds. Not pretty birds, but those nasty jet black parking lot birds with the pointy beaks and bulging eyes. Something about them just gives me the creeps! I felt like we were in the movie "The Birds". Anyone ever seen that movie? Acting at it's finest, for sure!

- I picked this baby up at the grocery store the other night. They were on sale for $1 from Valentines day. That's much better than the almost $6 there were priced at before! I got through about 3 slices of it before I called it quits... it was just so messy and hard to eat. The rest is camping out in the fridge until I get my paws on it!

- I am in desperate need of buying new tires. I have been putting it off for months now... real safe, I know. But they are SO freaking expensive -- as in almost $200/tire expensive. Ugh. Anyone know of any good deals out there?

- The sunsets here have been so amazing lately. Maybe I am only noticing them more because it has started to get dark earlier so I see them on my drive home, but either way, they have been beautiful!

Happy Hump Day!

Morning Breath

A few weeks ago I heard about a website (xojane.com) that was asking women to take pictures of themselves first thing in the morning. That's right, without even getting up to brush or tinkle, just roll over and snap a pic. They call it the "natural look".

My first thought was no big deal, right? I mean... sure maybe my hair would be a mess or something. And I'm pretty used to never wearing any makeup unless it's a special occasion (aka the weekend), so that wouldn't come as any shock to me.

Well.... let's just say that my best moments are not in the morning. I look like a hot mess. Actually, more like a disaster. I mean, my hair is about 400 feet long right now so when I sleep it wraps around my neck and practically chokes me out. Of course the first thing I do when this happens is just grab it all and toss it over my pillow, inevitably creating a nice nest for some rats to take shelter in. And let's not even get me started on the double chin that laying down can give ya. Let's just say that if you're going to take a photo while laying down, make sure its from above your eyes.

So, in the end... unless taking this picture was going to save someone's life, I just can't muster up the courage. And because that's not the case, and I'm definitely not getting compensated to show my amazing "natural look" to you all, I have to pass.

This is as close as you're gonna get for now:

You're welcome.



Would you post a picture of your morning look?

I Hate Everything

Hey guys and gals, hope you're all having a fantastic morning! I'm going to go ahead and apologize for my lack of posting last week, being that I was busy having a self-pity party.

I really cannot complain about my life. I have an awesome family and boyfriend, and really have everything I could ever need. Well, last week I couldn't wrap my head around that, and decided that I was so unhappy and hated everything. I guess every one needs a crap-fest every now and then, right? Sure, there are things that I definitely would like to be different, but everything that I don't like about my life can be changed and it can be done by me. I just need to find the nads to make it happen!

With that being said, I'm working on making some changes in my life and plan to be back to my regular blogging self now.

Pity party over as of...... now.

Obsessed

Hey hey hey and happy Tuesday! Today is an amazing day here in the ATX (high of 72 degrees and sunny!) and I am in a much better mood than I was yesterday.

With that being said, I thought I'd share a few of the things I have been obsessed with lately.

Kindle - Raymond got me a Kindle Fire for my birthday the other week and I cannot put the thing down. I have been wanting a Kindle since they came out a few years ago but have never had the guts to just buy the darn thing. Well, now they first version is down to $79 and I mentioned to R that I was thinking about finally getting it. Low and behold, not only did Raymond get me a Kindle, he got me the most awesomest one ever! It works just like a lap top so I can do any and everything on it and I have already read 2 and a half books. Awesome!

Words With Friends - Yep, I've just gotten around to jumping on the bandwagon. I'm not a huge gamer, but this game is FUN! I can't help it, but my competitive side comes out... especially when I'm playing my friends. samsher46 if you want to play... hehe!

Hunger Games - I had heard about these books numerous times from friends and on the radio and decided that when I got my Kindle, there was nothing stopping me from testing them out. I read the first and second books each in 2 days, and am almost halfway through the third. I told Raymond that if he ever takes me to any other movie ever again in our entire lives, I want it to be this one. The Hunger Games comes out on March 24th and I am counting down the days.

Dancing Grandma - I just saw this video today but I have already fallen in love with it. I have a soft spot for mawmaw and pawpaw's and this just melted my heart. Hope you enjoy!

Whatcha lovin' lately?

Grumpy Butt

Not sure what's gotten into me lately, but whatever it is, it needs to remove itself from my body and mind. I have been in such a funk. Not depressed, but just bleh. Maybe it's because I can't sleep to save my life or maybe it's something else. I don't know, but whatever the reason may be, it needs to stop. Now.

Like I said above, I got awful sleep again last night. Shocker, right? Well, that has totally put me in the mood to do absolutely nothing except sulk and be a grumpy butt today, making me really have nothing fantastic to blog about.

Coming to work was on the bottom of my want to dos today, but I really am glad I did. As soon as I walked in and heard the voices of my little butt heads, I immediately got a smile on my face and felt happy inside. Sure, the boys can annoy me just as much as they can make me happy, but I would never in my life give up this wonderful opportunity I've been given to take care of them every day.

 

These little brats are a big part of my world and they make me happy beyond words, and can turn even a stinky crappy stupid day into an awesome one. Most of the time. Next time you're feeling low, spend some time with the people/things that make you the happiest!

With that being said, I'll leave you with this:

 

Happy Monday!

The Great Debate

Yesterday's post got me thinking about not just the way couples do things, but the things couples debate about. Most of them are ridiculous and really don't matter in the end, but for some reason people still seem to fuss about them!

Over or Under - You know what I'm talking about. That's right, the toilet paper. Does the roll need to be placed over or under? I personally could care less. Ray insists that it must be over, or else the TP wont tear off at his command and the entire roll will unravel over the bathroom floor and the world will come to an end. Well, I hate to break it to ya, people, but if you use two hands instead of just one, everything will work itself out. Promise. But wait, then that would require the effort of picking up another arm after you've just used all that effort doing who knows what in the bathroom. What was I thinking with such a silly suggestion!

Stubble in the Sink - I can't stand this one. If I get water on the sink after washing my face, I wipe it off. I can't count how many times I have gone into the bathroom to use the sink and there is facial hair stubble and water flooding the counter tops. Ok, maybe it's not flood bad, but it definitely makes me wonder how on earth that much water got there. Needless to say, it could use a wipe down, and I don't want to have to do it!

Rinsing off Dishes - I got lucky with this one. I grew up having to rinse and put my dishes in the dishwasher after I used them. I'm not sure if Raymond had to do the same, but he does it now. If you are someone that just throws your dishes into the sink when done, I promise you (cross my heart and everything), that if you start rinsing your dishes too, life will become a better place for you. At least the task of dishes wont be a daunting.

Leaving Wet Towels on the Floor/Bed - Call me gross, but I use my towel more than once before washing. I don't know about you, but I don't want to do 4 extra loads of laundry a week. But do I throw it on the floor or bed to dry and then reuse it? Nope. I can understand throwing it on the floor (I prefer the hamper) if you're done with it, but not if you're planning to use it again. Now that is gross. I find myself removing a damp towel from the bed at least every other day. Hmph.

I'm sure there are a million and one more things that couples debate about or do differently... but these were the top few in my book.



What does your sig. other do that drives you nuts?

Chivalry Aint Dead

Tuesday night (Valentine's Day), Raymond and I continued our V-Day tradition, and headed out to a sushi dinner. It was delish, as usual. As we were waiting for our table, I was hoping that we got a table big enough where we could sit next to one another. Unfortunately it was slim pickings that evening because everyone and their lover are out for dinner also. We got stuck a tall cocktail table made for two, but luckily we were hungry enough to take what we got and get the heck out of there.

Anyway, this got me thinking about the way other couples do things in their relationship.

• Sitting next to each other - Raymond and I (if possible), always, sit next to one another when we eat. Whether it be at home or dining out, I would say 99 percent of the time we are sitting right by each other. I've heard that some people like to sit across from one another so they can see each other, but to us, sitting side by side is a sign of affection and I find myself a bit upset if I can't sit next to my honey at meal time.

• Opening the door - Since our very first day over 4 years ago, Raymond has opened doors for me. I remember him pulling into my driveway and as I was walking to open the car door, he put his index finger up, telling me to hold on. My first thought was. 'awe, he is going to give me a hello hug', which he did, but that wasn't why he made me wait. It was so that he could open the car door for me. Since that evening, he has opened my doors for me. Obviously not every single time, but 95 percent of the time, if he is there, he's got it. When we go out to eat, we watch other people around us and it really rubs us (especially Raymond) the wrong way when a guy is walking into a building and just let's the door slam in someone's face, whether it be male or female. It's just rude.

• Pulling out the chair - You got it right, yep he does that for me too. He's a sweet one, I tell ya!

• Making a plate - I will be honest, I never even thought about this one until Ray said something to me about it. We were just about to hit our one-year anniversary and we were headed to Brownwood. Time to meet his parents. I was so so so nervous. This was the first big-girl relationship that I was in and was going to meet the parents of the man I was in love with. One night we were lying in bed and Raymond was listing off things that I should take into consideration when we were there. He said that when it's time to make our plates for meals, that I should make his. Of course, he wasn't being serious, but me being so nervous and just wanting to make a good impression, I didn't pick up on the joke and thought that was true. Ever since then, I have always and always will make his plate for him. Even though I know now that he wasn't being serious, I still do it. In a sense, it makes me feel like I am taking care of my man, and that's a good feeling knowing all he does for me.

• Cuddling - I mean this while sleeping. I will be the absolute first to say that I do not want to snuggle while I'm sleeping, or even falling asleep. Before it's nighty night time let's snuggle up. But once my eyes start getting heavy and my mind drifts off... don't freaking touch me. Haha! We keep the air conditioner on all night long (big money drainer, but so worth it), a ceiling fan, and a standing fan because we like it that cold. So even just the slightest limb up against me drives me nuts.

As I was typing this all out, I started wondering if people think we're nuts. Are we insanely old fashion or is this normal? Either way, I like the way we are and where we may lack affection in some places we make up for it in others, in our own way. Each way we do things has a special meaning behind it and we do it for a reason, because it makes us happy.

Chivalry. Love it? Hate it? Could care less? Share!

Stupid Cupid

Saint Valentine's Day, often simply Valentine's Day, is a holiday observed on February 14 honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentinus. It is celebrated in countries around the world, mostly in the West, although it remains a working day in all of them.

The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines").

Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
(source)

We hear all the time, that Valentine's Day is made up by the candy, floral, and greeting card industries. Sure, maybe they are advertised a bit more, and yeah, maybe they make a crap ton more money because of the holiday... but one thing that remains true, we all give in to it.

I have seen endless status updates about people being anti-valentines day because they don't have someone to share it with. Give me a break. Why do people get so depressed because they don't have someone to buy a box of chocolates for? You don't even know what you're going to get in that surprise box. Some are filled with heavenly caramel and the others, with fruit flavored toothpaste. Would I still eat the entire box? Yes. But do I cry when I don't receive one? No.

I understand if maybe you're a little upset, or you're longing for a significant other to be in your life. That I can get. But I just don't see how not getting a bag of chalky candy hearts can make you hate and boycott life for 24 hours.

Growing up I had a boyfriend on ONE Valentine's Day my entire life. All the other years, sure I wished I had a boyfriend. But not because I wanted presents, but because I was a teenage girl!

My point is that we, as grown adults, should not be posting depressed statuses about today being the worst day ever invented. Let's leave that for the 14 year olds.

With that being said, I actually don't have an opinion toward the holiday at all. If I get some flowers and a teddy bear, woo-hoo for me! If the day went away forever, that'd be alright too.

What do you think of the Holiday? Hate it or love it?

White Chicken Enchiladas

What's not to love? Sour Cream, cheese, chicken, and tortillas. I don't think it can get much better than that. Oh yeah, there's cream, too. I made these enchiladas a while back after seeing them on TPW. I think that I even posted about them on my old blog, but I definitely feel the need to share them again.

**********

White Chicken Enchiladas

(Adapted from The Pioneer Woman)

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2-½ cups cooked, shredded Chicken
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 T canola oil
• 10 flour tortillas
• 3- 4 oz cans green chilies, diced
• 1 t paprika
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 T butter
• 2 T flour
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2-½ cups monterey jack cheese, grated
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, half of the green chilies, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Stir together. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and stir. Add cream and stir, allowing mixture to bubble and get hot. Turn off heat and set aside.

 

In a separate large skillet, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk together and cook over medium heat for one minute. Pour in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Whisk together and cook for another minute or two. Stir in the other half of the chilies. Reduce heat, then stir in sour cream. Add 1 1/2 cups grated cheese and stir to melt. Add 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Check seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed.

 

To assemble, spoon chicken mixture on top of tortillas, one by one. Top with plenty of cheese and roll up. Place seam side down in a 9 x 13 casserole dish.

 

Pour sour cream sauce all over the top of the tortillas. Top with extra cheese if you’d like, then bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

**********

 

 

Birthday Recap

Woo-hoo it's Friday! I could not be more thrilled about it!

Birthday Recap

As I mentioned yesterday, it was my 23rd birthday. I know, I'm turning into hag material. Kidding, I still feel like I'm 21. I feel like when I hit 25, I will finally feel different, but that's what I've thought all these other years, so I suppose we will just have to wait and see!

Yesterday started off with work (luckily I love my job), where I was greeted with 2 little stinky babies 2 year olds telling me "Happy Birfday Party SamSam!" Well, it was more like one of them said it and the other one yelled "birthday!" and ran off. Either way, it was probably the cutest thing I have ever seen and will melt my heart forever. Can't wait 'til I can torture them with it when they are teenagers!

I also walked in to see this on my "things to do" board:

Best way to start the work day, ever!

After work my sugar took me to dinner at the ol' Red Lobster! I actually have been a little bit turned off from the place ever since I had a $15 dollar plate of pasta that was not good at all, but I had been seeing commericals for a "4-course" dinner option and everything looked really good. Something sparked a craving in me, so that's where we headed! I didn't end up getting the 4-course thing, but my food was actually really good and I could hardly finish any of it. We've got leftovers for days, though! I didn't snap any photos because 1) I'm sure you all know what fried fish and shrimp look like and 2) I totally forgot. Please forgive me.

Although I was 100 percent stuffed to the brim and felt like I was about to explode, I insisted that I needed frozen yogurt. Well, there wasn't a shop near us, but there was a Maggie Moo's Ice Cream. I figured Raymond would be sharing with me, so we got a large cup of Thin Mint (tasted like mint chocolate chip and was totally lacking the actual cookies), Red Velvet Cake (my favorite flavor of cake but tasted way too strong and sweet), and Mexican Vanilla (the best of the three, but not nearly as good as Amy's). Raymond took one bite of each flavor and said he didn't want anymore, so I was left with a huge cup of not-worth-it frozen sugar. Not to mention it was $7. SEVEN dollars. Pretty much the whole thing went into the trash can.

In the end, my day was perfectly mellow and normal, it was just what I wanted. Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday through the blog, email, text, or Facebook! You all made me feel extra special and I love you all for it!

Ode To Myself

Welp, today is the day. 23 years ago my parents blessed this here earth with my amazing soul. Just kidding, I'm sure there are plenty of people that can't wait 'til I'm outta here! But either way, today is in fact my birthday and so far, it has been great (and YES I am even at work)! So just for your pleasure, I thought I'd bless you with a small montage of my face throughout the years.You're welcome.


Head Bitch

 
Side Note: I seriously was a hot mess for a 2 year old. WTH is wrong with me? ^^^

3-ish?



Sophomore Year

 

Prom 2006

Since I have turned 20, every birthday has pretty much felt the same. Like it's just another day in the life. I look back and think I've had a great life, and although I may act a fool some times... Case in point:




Age 19



Age 21


I spend my days taking care of incredible little boys, that are already more than half my height...



Halloween 2011

...and my evenings trying to become a better woman for him...

ACL 2011

...and every moment in between trying to become a better daughter, niece, cousin, sister, grandchild, and friend to all of you!



These days


I hope that I'm blessed with AT LEAST 23 more years (God, please don't screw me over) and that I get to spend it making a million more memories with the ones I love! After all, these first 23 years would be nothing without them!
**end sappy post now**

Internet Sensations

Alright, we're all familiar with what an Internet sensation is, right? I would have to say the biggest would probably be the ol' Beibs himself. There are so many people on YouTube these days, that there is bound to be a million and one hilarious videos out there, I'm sure.

Raymond plays guitar and has asked me on numerous occasions to sing with him, and every time I have said no. I just cannot muster up the courage, I'm a bit shy! I will be totally honest though, I have the voice of a male angel... going through puberty. Ok, so maybe it's not that bad but I'm not a fan of myself. Raymond begs me and says that we can start a YouTube Channel and be Internet sensations. Eh.. I think I will leave it to these guys:

I'm always looking for a good laugh and have found some of my best belly laughs come from these videos. If you haven't seen these, then you're welcome! And if you have... then you're welcome for showing them to you again!

Note: If you're offended by bad words, please don't watch videos 1 and 5!

• Jenna Marbles

• Single Ladies

• Ultimate Dog Tease

• Talking Twins

• My Drunk Kitchen

• Belly Laughs

Obviously I have a slight obsession with babies and raunchy speaking women... but really, can you blame me? This stuff is hysterical!

1. So tell me, what am I missing out on? Any videos/sites that are just the greatest thing you've come across lately? Please share with me!
2. Do you have a YouTube channel?

Book Recommendations

Growing up I really wasn't really into reading so much. The last couple years have definitely changed that! As long as the book pulls me in quickly, I am down to read, and am not afraid to stay in on a Saturday night to finish the book I started 3 days before. Nerd Alert!

Below I've listed a couple of books I have read recently that are really great and would definitely recommend to anyone.

• The Help - No joke, my favorite book of all time. I actually read this book about 2 years ago, and I'm sure many of you have already read it or have even seen the movie, but I have to gush about it. If you haven't read the it, and have only seen the movie stop what you are doing right now, and go get this book. You hear all this praise for the movie... well it AINT nothin' like the book. As much as I wanted to be in love with the movie, I couldn't help but be upset. The movie cannot even compare to the way the actual book made me feel. I beg you to read this book.

• Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore - This book was recommended to me by one of my great friends Rachel, when I put out a call for suggestions on FB a few years ago. It truly is inspiring and makes you want to help others that don't have the same privileges as others do.

• Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts - Looking back on this book, I didn't know that it was written by Nora Roberts (author of the two books below). I am not typically the biggest fiction reader, but since coming across her novels, I have totally opened up to them. This particular book was so difficult for me to put down, I found myself wanting to know more and more as it went on.

• The Calhouns: Catherine, Amanda, Lilah by Nora Roberts - I wasn't quite sure how I would feel about a mystery/romance novel, but just like her other books, I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next!

• The Calhouns: Suzanna, Megan by Nora Roberts - Sequel to above book.

• My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler - Hysterical, disturbing, raunchy, amazing. Enough said.

I am in desperate need of some new recommendations and would love to hear what your faves are. Please do share!