new york, new york



I am counting down the days...practically the minutes until I am on a plane headed to New York!  BAM! I haven't been since May 2008 and I have some of the major loves of my life living there! After my parents graciously gave my sister and I vouchers that they received, I am on my way. I feel awful to leave B, but I am going on an extremely important mission: wedding gown shopping.

My love, Libby, is getting married in September and I am lucky enough to be her MOH :) This was the perfect time to get away. 2012 is already working one over on me so seeing Libby, Kristen and Bethany is basically medicine that no one but God himself can provide me with!

Appointments are made and plans have been set. This is one of the fastest trips ever...super lame...but we will make the most of every moment. Now we just need to say a prayer that snow does not get in the way of our gown shopping. I am fully prepared for a weekend of lace, silk, tulle and satin. BRING IT NEW YORK!

one year anniversary

One year ago today, this dust mop walked into our lives.



Changing the way we live our lives forever. After weeks of accidents and going out to potty almost every hour our little Ringo-man has emerged a slightly more behaved cuddle muffin. His accidents are now a rarity, thank goodness, and we're learning to speak each other's language. We have a routine down, that he really adheres to. His inner alarm clock is that of a rolex. He starts getting restless in his crate by 6:45 a.m. and knows when B's alarm will go off. You better be ready to get out of bed because he will not let you rest until he is walked, fed and has a pillow to snuggle up on the bed...or steals B's while he's sleeping on it too. That one's always entertaining.

I was scared to own a dog. They are so much more responsibility than a cat. Like woah. So this was a huge adjustment for me. Now, I attempt to make our schedules around Ringo, driving B crazy. He is my little one and I can't imagine starting our lives together without him, now.

He is preparing us for parenthood, I can feel it. He tries my patience, has accidents, is stubborn, barks at the most unfortunate times but shows unconditional love in return. He even tollerates my insane nicknames, which have grown since I introduced him to the blog: muskrat, pumpkin, pumpkin seed, turkey, snowball, my little christmas ornament...you see the trend, I link them to holidays. He will be my little valentine before I know it!

So, happy anniversary to our little man! I know he's just a dog but, oh, that little face makes our days THAT much better! What a blessing!

promise you won't judge

I may or may not have just taken down the Christmas decorations last night...and the clock is still set to Christmas music. I told you not to judge.

I prefer to think of my extended holiday decor as staying in the holiday spirit, not laziness. In all seriousness, we had a wonderful Christmas in Chicago. A whirlwind, to say the least. B enjoyed it and got to know the family a little better - which is always nice! We ate at Del Rio - B's new favorite tradition, too. And the last day, when everybody else had to leave super early, B and I stayed, closed up the house {possibly for the last time...tears were shed} and headed to the train station. We got to spend the afternoon with one of B's best friends who lives in the most fab condo downtown. I tell you, when its 46 degrees and he has the view he has, I'm willing to live in Chicago. But then I think of the blizzards and insanely freezing temperatures and realize what a Texas girl I truly am.

B enjoying the wine my uncle got for his birthday :) 

B & Reza in front of the bean

Our first Christmas in Chicago

I tried to get one of the three of us

We spent the next day with my in laws and got some good news..that will be shared in the future. But 2012 has proved to be a trying year already. Personally and professionally, I will be working to keep my butt in gear. It seems like the time is flying by. Mid January already? I mean, where have the days gone?

I'm not big on new year's resolutions. I think they are setting yourself up for failure. But I do like a goal. Something that, if you fall off the train, you can reset and get back on, no judgements. Its my goal to really balance this year. Family first. There are no other options. Friends are a close second and make my work performance that of a jedi master.

To think that I struggle balancing life now and we don't even have petites! Yikes! So a few things on our calendar this year are:

• Go to NYC to help Libby find a wedding gown
• Be in Houston as much as possible
• Attend and enjoy myself at all SIX weddings this year
• Have more date nights with B
• Buy a house
• Take Ringo on more walks, like everyday when its not bitterly cold
• Read more books
• Get creative with activities, decorating, cooking and organizing

Yes, some of these items sound a little stupid, I know. But hey, great or small, they are on the list! So, here's to a peaceful and prosperous 2012!!! BRING IT ON!