Life has been a whirlwind lately. Once again, I blinked, and we are embarking upon 2014. I am currently on my school break and soaking up every minute of it. I am doing my best to relax, recuperate, and restore some energy before the new semester starts. The holidays have come and gone and my New Years Resolutions have been written.
Fall was fairly eventful with
school and work and everything in between. The beginning of October brought the
State Fair of Texas, which is always a big hit. Go with
an empty stomach and an open wallet. We were so fortunate to have incredible
weather to visit Big Tex. I only tried a couple of fried items (fried
pulled pork sandwich and fried Nutella) and of course had to polish off a
Fletcher's Corny Dog. Our night ended with the Lion King Musical--something I
have looked forward to for years. Definitely was not disappointed...amazing
music and amazing costumes. Can't wait to go again.
Mid-October: Trip to Lake Charles!
I've been kind of a homebody lately. People keep getting married and
having babies so it's hard to stay away. I got to celebrate two friends all in the same weekend.
1. Christine and I have ties from
Baylor (where we met) and Louisiana (where we have mutual friends). I was
so happy when she decided to take a job in Texas, and we now live about an hour
apart. Her wedding weekend started out with an elegant bridal luncheon and
amazing rehearsal dinner out at the lake house and ended with a beautiful
ceremony and reception complete with the most intricate of details.
2. Jennifer and I met in 6th grade
and we have stuck together ever since. She and Cory had a baby boy on
December 9th and he is pretty much perfect. We had so much fun planning her
celebration to become a mama and I know she is savoring every minute with her
new little bundle.
The last weeks of October brought
my first Advanced Practice Provider conference, Kristina's birthday, and
Halloween. The girls and I at work dressed up as "The Disney Princesses." My mom made my Mulan costume and it turned out amazing!
November officially kicked off the holiday season, which basically means Christmas decor is out in the stores and traffic gets a million times worse no matter what time you go out. The first weekend was spent at a fun wedding at The Belmont Hotel. Such a neat spot overlooking the heart of downtown Dallas. Jessica is a fellow pediatric nurse and she happens to be one of the lucky girls that I started my job with. I'm so happy that she has found Andy and all the stars are aligning.
So...you all know how much I love the Pioneer Woman. When I found out she was visiting Dallas on her book tour, I knew meeting her was absolutely mandatory. I recruited Aren to come with me, and I'm so glad I had a friend, because we ended up standing in line for 5 hours. We got our books first, waited an hour...and then it became two....and then three...and finally we needed to go to the bathroom...so we took turns...and then we had to get pizza...and then we waited some more..and then finally....at 8:30pm....we made it! It was worth it. Ree Drummond is beautiful and gracious and funny and kind. Yes, I gathered that all in our one minute exchange where she signed my books and took a picture with me.
The next week, I had an old friend from Louisiana come visit. It was a great couple days of catching up, eating yummy food all weekend, and watching my worlds collide.
Walks with Professor & dinner on the balcony with a fun boy.
Having a heart to heart with my puppy.
And there you have it. A fast and furious recap of Fall 2013 life highlights.
