Reflection

So much has happened throughout the summer that I didn't blog about.

I needed some time to think and some time to have fun with the people I love and I'm lucky enough to have love me in return.

So I'm going to try to catch you up, but a lot has happened. And maybe none of it is important to you but it is to me.

I'm not sure what all I'll get to in this post but I'm ready to share the ups and downs of summer. We all know that Fall is my 'reflection' time so it seems only natural that I'm ready to evaluate the year just as it has started to cool down.

For starters, I feel like my life has finally started to come into focus. This seems natural since I've read time and time again that your brain doesn't really hit adulthood until 25 and I'm on my way there.

I'm not sure how to explain what my little mind has been going through but I'll try.

These are some of the things I've been struggling with lately...and the reoccurring theme seems to be the need for balance.

Technology. How do I stay true to what I believe in and what I feel is right when the whole world is racing ahead? Every time I turn around there is some new 'gadget' taking us further and further away from each other. Balance.

Things. Material things. I've told this story to a few friends about how over a week or so ago, I was sitting in my apartment and had this sudden urge to take everything off the walls and take anything that wasn't a need, throw it in huge boxes and give everything I own away. I didn't want it anymore. Erin text me and unknowingly stopped the madness, otherwise I might be living in an apartment with nothing but a blanket and a loaf of bread by now. Balance.

Culture. I have a hard time understanding and living in a nation that I don't feel is driven by values I believe in. I feel like we're a careless nation that abuses everything we can get our hands on. Unappreciative. Everything seems to be taken for granted here. Balance.

Vegetarianism. For all who have known me a while, you know that Mitzi and I gave vegetarianism a try back in 2007 and lasted around 6 months before we gave in. I have decided to give it a try again but now have legit reasons for this lifestyle and feel more passionate toward it. I'm just over the 2 month mark now and don't feel compelled at all to go back to eating meat. Meals now must always be planned out but I don't mind at all, I'm making sure what goes in my body is nutritious and healthy as opposed to just being a filler. I've felt healthier and more full of energy than I have in years. I'm also living an even more environmentally friendly lifestyle by giving up meat which helps toward my ultimate goal to lead a truly sustainable life. I'm working step by step to achieve that goal.

Judgement. I'm ashamed to say that judgement had crept into my life and left me feeling disgusting on the inside. After much prayer and working on myself I feel like I'm on the right path. I have no power within me to judge anyone, it's not my job. I find myself struggling day in and day out, but like everything worth working for I can't be changed overnight. I want a better me. I want to be a person that's openminded and ready for change which is hard to do when you live in a culture that is constantly telling you what is right and what is wrong. Balance.

Religion. I've been attending Cross Timbers in Denton for over a year now and continually felt like an hour on Sunday mornings just wasn't enough time with God and those who worship him. Yet, I still did nothing about it. I was mostly afraid of being picked apart and shown the ugliness that lays below the surface in my heart that needed to be changed. I was afraid of a breakdown. I was afraid of appearing weak. I've decided to let those walls down and allow God to really come into my heart, and not just at home where no one could ever see. I want my actions to show my devotion to Him. I want to fear the Lord. With that said, I've joined a bible study and I'm looking into more ways to become involved, including in other countries.

Travel. It's no surprise that if I'm having a hard time with the demands of our society that I'd like to go explore others. I'm very curious to see how other countries live, what they value and where they stand on moral issues. For this reason, I'm considering when I can move. I need some time away from this place. Most people see America as the greatest country in the world. Well, I've pulled back the curtain and I've began to see us for who we really are and I haven't liked a lot of what I've seen. Because I'm confined to Denton until May I will have to stick it out. That doesn't mean that I'm not exploring other options for a year from now. Which seems like eternity.

Nothing about this post was light. I know it's a heavy load. But sometimes that's the year you're dealt. It really has been a reflection. I've seen myself and others through a new pair of eyes, ones that seem to have had a veil removed. I couldn't feel happier or more blessed by the changes in my heart He is taking me to.

One life. That's all I've got. That's all you've got. It's getting shorter each day. I don't have time to be someone I don't like. I don't have time to put off things until tomorrow. I won't allow someone to sway my way of thinking and change what I have worked so hard to stand for. So with each day, I pray that I'm given more strength to become more humble, more compassionate and more full of wisdom. I will try to be a little quicker to listen and slower to speak and take in all that others can offer me on this all too short journey that I've been given.

I know....

I know.

I stink.

I haven't posted on this blog in too long.

And this will be a very short post too since I'm taking a small break from studying for my Infant & Toddler Development Final. BOOO for finals! Yay for infants and toddlers though!....as long as they aren't mine. ;)

Speaking of toddlers my kiddos at work are all out of the toddler era or on their way out. Yep, they're almost ALL four. It makes me sad...but they sure do say the cutest things. I thought I'd share a few recent funnies. (over the last few months)

Little Boy: "I made you a smoothie."
Me: "What kind? I only like certain smoothies."
Little Boy: "Well, you're in luck! I put lots of certains in there!!!"


Little Boy: "You can play transformers on an iPhone."
Me: "You can play hopscotch outside."
Little Boy: confused face "Huh?"


Little Girl: "One day I'm gonna be a pretty princess and you can come save me in my castle!"
Little Boy: "That sounds like too much trouble."


Little boy climbs on outside of the jungle gym.
Me: "YOU BETTER BE CAREFUL UP THERE!!!"
Little Boy: "Ninjas are always careful."

Dropping In

Just thought I'd stop in to say.....

It's SUMMER and I'm loving every single second of it.

So please don't get mad if my updates are less and less for a little while.

I'm enjoying much needed time with friends and family....sunshine & beer....fishing and gardening. And much much more.


Happy Summer my dear friends! :)

As Promised...

So as I had mentioned, my life has been very busy lately.

I had also promised to finally fill you all in. So this is going to be kind of a potluck post.

I will start with this last Friday....

My kiddos had their Christmas program at school and they were just the cutest little things I've ever seen.

They made me and Ms. Lyndsie so proud with their adorable singing antics.

Their playlist included Jingle Bell Rock and Away in a Manger.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that I'm not allowed to post pictures of them outside of school I can not let you partake in adoring their cuteness.

As they sang, it was so hard to believe that these little children were babies when I began my job two years ago. I was so happy I wanted to cry. I immediately began to realize this has to be how a parent feels when their child is growing up. Except I'm sure it's 100 times worse.

And once again I realized I'm not ready for children. I would never be able to let mine out of sight for even a second.

I hope I'm not, but probably will be the parent that tells you some lame excuse like, "I'm sorry you can't hold him because he's an anthropophobian (afraid of people)." or maybe something along the lines of, "She's allergic to everyone but me, doctor's orders."

I don't even like to leave my children at school with a sub because I'm afraid they won't take care of them like I do.

I guess I should work on having faith in others a little more.

Anyway, the children really warmed my heart Friday evening and helped me remember the importance or Christmas. They brought such youth, innocence and cheer to all of us there.

I truly did feel blessed to be a part of it all. I have to say my kiddos parents are very lucky to have such wonderful children. :)

Saturday seemed to be a whirlwind of events that left me completely exhausted come Sunday morning. Who am I kidding, I'm still exhausted now.

As I've mentioned before one of my best friends in the entire world is getting married. Yes, Ms. Princess Mitzi. She's taking the plunge with one of the sweetest guys around, Danny.

Saturday was their engagement party and I had the best time seeing old friends and catching up about old times and making new memories.

Mitzi was my roommate for three years and quickly became my best friend and long lost sister. I have to say she is by far the funnest (not a word) person that I know!

I'm so completely happy for her and I know that her and Danny will truly have a happily ever after like they deserve.

All the bridesmaids. Erica, Alexis, Shellie, Me, Jen, Mitzi (bride), Katie, Ashley and Kristen

I didn't get pictures of the wonderful main course but here are the scrumptious cupcakes and cookies.

Mitzi and Danny opening their gift from all the bridesmaids.

Me and the Bride to be, Princess Mitzi

Our cute gift from Mitzi and Danny for throwing the shower for them. Monogrammed umbrellas.

Thank you Mitz, for being one of the best friends a girl could have. I love and cherish our friendship more than you will ever know.

After the Mitzi/Danny extravaganza I attended Ms. Lacee Lou's Christmas party. Sadly, there are no pictures since I was exhausted from the moment I got there.

It was good however to hang out with old friends and catch up. I also enjoyed seeing people in ridiculously funny Christmas attire.

I slept in Sunday to try to recover from lack of sleep. But was awoke by a phone call. I didn't mind. It was another one of my favorite people in the entire world, Ms. Jenanabelle (Jenna).

She was in Denton visiting the boy so we met up for a lunch date and discussed how wonderful we are. ;)

Then it was off to the grocery store to buy more baking stuff than one should ever buy to make Christmas cookies for the world (30 people).

I began my baking marathon at 4:30 P.M.

Seven hours and 243 cookies later they were packaged, labeled and now sit ready to be handed out to some very lucky people.

I was told that they better be good cookies for all the hours it took. (They are.)

But even if they weren't, they were made with heaping spoonfuls of love. :)

I guess I could have purchased cookies or made one huge pan of cupcakes, but we all know that's not my style.

Martha has taught me better than that.

And I would be utterly embarrassed to send out store bought goods to ANYONE, even the homeless at Christmas.

It makes me a little sick to my stomach when I see store bought cookies wrapped up individually like they are homemade, such fakes...such wannabe's.

Yes, I know.... I'm an absolute food snob.

Anyway, the small trinkets of goodness are shown below......

These are just some of the cookies....there were of course many many more.

Chocolate peppermint cookies

So this about catches everyone up.

I'm currently in the middle of finals so it's another big week.

But when it's all over I get to see the number one greatest person in my life, my Daddy!!! (Mom, don't worry you're tied)

I can't wait for that last final Friday morning!

For now though I will leave you with a few photographs, enjoy.

Me and Santa, 1991
I'm gonna have to say about 1988

I hope everyone has a great week!

M. I. A.

Has it really been almost a month since I've posted anything?

Look at me being a neglectful blogger.

Santa should just go ahead and throw some coal in my stocking.

In my defense, this time of year is very busy.

I'm too busy trying to have fun and make new memories like the ones below.....

First Christmas in College Station with my roomies.

Two years ago, Christmas party with Lacee Lou.

And then below with my ITB friend as reindeer's. :)

I can't wait to spend time with family and friends again when I head home next Friday.

I love Denton but it's lacking a few things..... family, my best friends and home :)

I love going home and feeling like I'm 16 again.

This weekend has a lot going on so I will have a lot to post about come Monday. Maybe I shouldn't commit to blogging Monday.... Finals are Mon- Fri of next week.

I do promise you will hear lots of fun stories soon.

Between my kids at work's Christmas program, my best friends engagement shower and another friends Christmas party there will be lots to chat about.

Until then let me leave you with something sweet one of my kiddos said to me today.....

Little boy: (Crying) "I want that toy!" (The toy that another little boy is playing with)
Me: "Well, maybe you can ask and he'll share with you."
Little boy: (Stares at me crying.....)
Other little boy: "Here you go, you can have it."
Me: "Oh how sweet of you to share your toy! You know, that's what makes you so special, you're such a sweet friend to share!"
Other little boy: "Ms. Tori, I just share because it makes me happy." :)

I almost cried. How sweet and unselfish he is. This is not the first time this little boy has said such sweet things but today I realized how much they are growing, growing, growing everyday. And I'm so delighted to get to be a part of it.

Somewhere Down in Texas

I've been planning a trip to Austin since I saw these entertaining people about a month ago.

This past weekend I jumped in the ole red wagon and left for Austin excited about the events ahead of me.

I envisioned all kinds of fun which would include some stylish Austin bars, the Aggie football game, some tailgating and lots and lots of laughs.

I have to say I was a little bit wrong. The weekend turned out a tad different.

It actually turned out better than I had planned.

When I got to Austin Friday night Erin, Tyler and I had dinner at an old favorite.

Erin and I met at Cheddar's the end of my first semester of college in 2004. She became a fast favorite of mine and continues to be five years later.

Many of our days at Cheddar's were spent complaining about rude and obnoxious customers who seemed to think you were inhuman and could treat you any way they please. We also spent many a day goofing off in the back. Some of our favorite things to keep us from actually dealing with our customers included: making liquid cocaine (the best iced tea ever) and hiding it behind the squirrel, stealing croissants and dipping them in fudge, and of course who can forget situations like this?

Overall, the near 3 years I spent working as a waitress at Cheddar's really did make me realize that I'd rather die than be a waitress again. But then again in those 3 years I met the most ridiculously amazing people possible. And even though we spent 50% of the time complaining about our job (if not more) I believe that secretly we enjoyed every second of it because we were there together.

So anyway, we ate a few old favorites at the local Austin Cheddar's. We of course judged our wait staff on how we would have handled everything differently. Ending of course in a rude comment slipping off Erin's tongue. It wasn't her fault, the waitress seemed to show all signs of being incompetent.

After our flashback dinner we decided to head back to Riley and Tyler's house and play a classic.

Although we decided to shake things up a little by playing the Dog Edition.

It was indeed a swell choice.

We allowed Tyler to fulfill his dreams of owning a miniature schnauzer which definitely made his night.

We woke up Saturday morning and headed toward College Station.

I haven't been back to College Station since the day I hitched the U-haul to the truck over 2 years ago. I was a little excited to say the least.

But there was one thing that I had to be initiated into before reaching our destination. I'm now proud to say that I have officially been down Old Potato road. I'm not going to explain it because you just couldn't understand. ;)

Once we made it to College Station we headed to Northgate for a little pre-game festivities.

Erin and I had the privilege of spending all weekend with this guy.

Don't know him? Well, you will. His name is Riley xSladek (silent x) and he's the biggest thing in Mexican blockbusters since greased back ponytails.

So proud to say I've known him since way before his Latin stardom.

We then decided to celebrate with a few shots at Dry Bean, this is my favorite shot bar.

We tried to capture the moment but we just couldn't get it together.

But I promise despite the lack of smiles in the photo we all enjoyed our "pissed off Japanese minnow farmer" shot.

After that we started our walk to Kyle Field. Where the walk up to the third level seemed to take hours.

But we finally found our seats.

It started off a little warm but ended up being pretty nice by the middle of the game.

We were thrilled to see the Ags BTHO Iowa State but we were exhausted and decided to head back to Austin after the game. I believe we all took naps on the way back minus Derek, the driver.

Back in Austin Erin, Riley, Tyler and I headed out for dinner at Baby A's where we experienced our only taste of Halloween '09. It came in the form of the Baby A's wait staff. My favorite happened to be a mummy who obviously forgot to make a flap in his masking tape costume for bathroom breaks.

While eating we tried to figure out what the rest of the evening would entail. Tyler brought up his current NetFlix's selection of Transformers 2. Someone mentioned laying on the couch and blankie's and we were all convinced that was the only way we wanted to spend our Halloween night.

Halfway into the movie we decided finishing it would be ridiculous when we could just go to sleep.

Yes, we were in bed by about 11 on Halloween.

Sunday I woke up fully refreshed from my 10 hour slumber to find everyone already downstairs drinking coffee watching TV. So I snuggled up with my blankie and joined the Sunday fun.

We watched a wide range of television favorites including Full House (I forgot how hot Uncle Jesse was), THIS SHOW (which made me want to throw up), and a show on animal planet which showcased an anaconda hunt by a team of idiots.

After a light lunch it was time to say bye to old friends and head back to Denton which I'd started to miss.

Oh course I had to stop @ IKEA since it was on the way.

I wanted it all but ended leaving there with only these items...

And at only $16.25 for all of it I'd say it was a pretty good pit stop.

So I'm finally back home not happy that tomorrow is Monday but very grateful for this past weekend.

Thanks for making me laugh until my stomach and cheeks hurt Erin, Riley and Tyler! Can't wait for next time where I hope to see the dangerous game of STUMP played and perhaps Riley's Mexican movie premiere party.

Randomness of the Past Month

After almost a month of not blogging I'm not quite sure where to begin.

I guess I'll just pick up where I left off....

So a couple of weekends ago I headed to Arlington to meet up with a few old College Station friends that I so dearly have missed. It was indeed one of the best reunions of all time. Mostly, because of this lady , she rocks my socks off. (far right, Ms. Erin Tobin)

I had forgotten how wonderful our friendship was until I had the opportunity to spend hours and hours which lasted until wee hours of the morning with her.

It was in fact so wonderful that after I had been with her, Tyler, Riley, Jenna, Tom and so on for about an hour I asked, "So when can we do this again?" I was so anxious to see them again even though we still had a whole night of madness ahead of us.

We decided on the A&M vs. Iowa State game on the 31st. So as you might suspect, I'm so anxious for next weekend I almost can't contain myself. Not to mention, two of my favorite people in the world moved to Austin area recently (Mr. Adams and his lady Ms. Candace and this is where I'll be meeting Erin). I can only imagine the shenanigans to be had.


So you might be wondering what shenanigans came of our recent reunion. Well after a quick catch up.... A few of our favorite brews (see below)



And a couple rounds of these.....

The night offered much crazy fun such as a jersey contest (See Erin's photo), wrestling and other ridiculousness that cannot be explained to those that were not present. So you can see why I'm eager to be with these loonies once again. :)

In other news, domestic news that is....

I've found a new favorite treat. Thanks to The Bonnie Hunt Show I've now fallen in love. What is it you ask? Nutella spread and bananas (original recipe calls for peanut butter, but Nutella makes it much better)

How do you make it?

Take one banana. Cut in half. Spread Nutella inside. Close banana with other half. Put in freezer. After frozen cut in small pieces. Enjoy! I love this new healthy candy.

Also in domestic news, sewing excursions are still in full swing. Below is a make-up bag I made in about an hour a couple of weeks ago. It was my first zipper and lining project and I love it!!!!! It matches perfectly with my newly decorated bathroom.

UNT homecoming was this past weekend and I decided to try to step it up a notch with my sewing and it went pretty well. I didn't have a pattern. I used a sketch and this is how the end result turned out. (below) I got many compliments and I'm now contemplating making one for the A&M game at the end of the month.

This past weekend these two lovely ladies joined me in the homecoming festivities that are known as tailgating (eatin' and drinkin') and football (watching UNT lose).

We obviously had fun as shown in mine and Tom's picture below.

And of course I always have fun when this little lady is present.

So that is what's been going on in these parts lately.

It's been really busy and it shall continue through the next month or so but I really am enjoying every little second of this crazy whirlwind fall.

What are a few of my current projects that I am trying to finish up? Well, I'm working on re-vamping my old shower curtain to match the newly decorated bathroom, I'm recovering a glider rocker and pillows, I'm becoming a breadmaker (I'm still trying to tweak the recipe), I'm also redecorating the whole house with a look of natural and earthy colors (go figure).

And lastly, in true Wednesday fashion......

What Can YOU Do Wednesday?

Well, with all this decorating and sewing that I've been doing I've definitely learned the importance or reusing and recycling EVERYTHING! All fabrics especially. So it's simple and to the point. Before you go out and purchase anything new check around the house for something that can be transformed into what you're looking for. I will post pictures of all my projects I've been doing with reusable materials very soon.


That's it for now.... Happy Wednesday!

I Swear....

I swear (well, if I swore than I'd swear)... so umm... I'm super flippin' serious that it's not my fault for not being a good blogger this time. Hear me out.

I work 8 to 6 five days a week now and I just moved into my new place and I haven't had the opportunity to even call the internet company thing-a-ma-jigger people.

I'm currently plopped down in the local Panera listening to completely awful elevator music but I was thoroughly determined today to get some updates done. So.. I hauled my over sized laptop to Starbucks first and got everything set up tried to connect to internet and realized it's not free anymore. WHAT THE FLIP-FLOP?????? Not free anymore. I was so irate I could have stomped right up to the barista and demanded an answer! I had it all worked out in my head. I'd walk right up to him and give him a piece of my mind....

It would start this way, "Do you know how much money a year I donate to your water, electric and overpriced coffee bill? Do you realize that you've gotten this poor innocent utterly broke college girl addicted to liquid heaven?"

He'd of course say, " Ma'am I apologize for the inconvenience (as they all say, this is normally followed up with something along the lines of this.....) but there just isn't anything I personally can do about it. Would you like to try our new iced latte today?"

So to save myself much embarrassment by causing a seen at a Starbucks that I would most likely be coming back to as early as tomorrow I decided to back up my huge computer and jump back in ole Red Wagon and search for a place to blog...

I somehow ended up at Panera and think it will be my new 'Get Away' spot from now on each Sunday.

Busy Busy!!!!

Alright.

I'm busy.

Really flippin' busy. I've had no time to update really. Well, I have time I guess but it'd be cutting into my sleeping time and we all know I love my sleep.

Anyway...

I do plan to start up writing again soon.

Here are some subjects I hope to touch base on real soon.

• Fun kid stories of course.
• The awful truth about people in this world... half of them anyway.
• Homemade cleaning products and my efforts to green up my life.
• Organization.
• Beautiful Boy and Tweak (The new books I'm reading)
• Newly discovered beautiful music.
• Audreycaroline.blogspot.com (a tragically beautiful story)
• Blackberry! Yum! (The phone that is)
• The wonderful truth about people in this world... the other half of them.
• Kill 'em with kindness and love ;)

Ok ok so I have a lot of stuff I really want to touch base on. And I do have every intention of getting to it. Be patient and encouraging. I'm just so busy working with my little angels everyday that I'm completely exhausted each evening.

Check back soon loves!

I Am Having Blogging Withdrawls!

Hi friends,

I am itching to write about the last week of my life, especially this weekend! But thanks to homework, I am having to postpone my entries until I have a little more time.

This is what's in the works. The new posts coming up :)

- A wonderful tale of a princess named Mitzi! ha ha (wonder who that one's for)
- Family Weekend '07! Go MEAN GREEN!
- Failure.
- Understanding others points of view.
- and... something that has been on my mind a lot.. Greatness, and who achieves it.
(the last three might get rolled up into one.. )

Just a few things that cross my mind during the day!
I hope that everyone has a blessed Monday!

Victoria

New FUN Posts Coming Soon! I Promise!

Hi Guys!

I have been really busy lately. I have been traveling like crazy! Between homecoming last week, a job interview in Plano, and visiting my bestie in Dallas I have been all over! Not to mention I had two tests this week. But it has all been worth it, I have had the best week and really enjoyed myself. I promise to tell you all about it once I get back to Denton and get settled in right before I start another crazy week. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I got a job!!! I am so excited about it! I have been job searching for the past two months and I have turned down a few part time jobs because I knew that wasn't where I needed to be. But this job seems perfect and I can't wait to start! I hope everyone is having a blessed week, I will fill you in on all the details soon!

With Love,
Victoria :)