the busiest 8 days ever.

In my head this post has pictures.

In reality I am just too exhausted to sort/upload them.

It has been one crazy week.

Let's review. Shall we?

12/21- After about 3 hours of sleep I woke up at the crack of dawn drove to the airport to pick up Christie (yay!) We spent all day shopping and lunching and chatting and enjoying each other. It was heavenly! Meanwhile Natalie and Nathan were arriving in the 405.

12/22- Woke up entirely too early after not enough sleep and drove back Oklahoma to work a full day. Went home had a chili party with family saw Natalie and Nathan (yay!) and had to make a cake for Garrett's birthday. Stayed up WAY too late trying to finish the three layer cake complete with fondant.

12/23- Worked a full day. Headed down to Norman for Garrett's Birthday (yay!) dinner, and to his parentals house for celebrating. Long-late day.

12/24-Woke up to find the snow and bad roads. Was told we shouldn't risk the drive back to Grammy's wanted desperately to see Natalie and Nathan. Just couldn't make it. I was pretty upset most of the day. Made a Risky move to head to the mall. Didn't die. barely.

12/25-Decided we needed to try and get food. We had none. After hours of digging out the cars there was hope. I was going to try and head home! Got stuck in the snow, and rescued by Garrett and his Dad (yay!) Finally made it home. Exhausted.

12/26-Family Christmas finally happens! Everyone made it safe. Jack couldn't stay :( But, overall it was a sucess.

12/27-N&N were going crazy stuck in the house. My car was stuck on ice patch. The three Florida kids totally got it out! We went to the mall for a tiny bit of shopping and Sherlock Holmes. Jeffrey went too. After that I gave N&N their Christmas presents. And headed on the road to Tulsa, got there and hugged Scott (yay!)

12/28-Scott and I shopped all day long (he only shops when I'm around so once maybe twice a year) We lunched. And then dinnered with Brad, Jenny, and Kylah after dinner we played some cards. I won of coures. And then headed to QT (yay!) and to Scott's house to clean out some stuff in his childhood room. fun! Stayed up way too late soaking up some good Scott time. N&N headed back to FL (boo!)

12/29-Got up at the crack of dawn and headed to work. For a full day.

Garrett says I have horrible Dark Eye Circles and said "you look like your forty" grrreat. I've been working really hard at work trying to be able to take tomorrow off but there is just no such luck. I hope to get out of their early. To be able to watch my Sooners get a much wanted/needed win! After that I may be ringing in 2010 sleeping. Ha!

I well update more about each event when I get the pictures ready. I had a really great time seeing everyone. I just wish I could have had more time with them. It's too bad I had to fit four of my favorite people in the entire world into 8 days, along with work, and as Garrett said his regular needed quality time. ha!

(Tulsa)In tulsa visiting scott! Tried to blog yesterday from my phone and had no luck. Sadness. Soon I'll be back to regular picture bloging!

La la la la

Happy Merry Christmas

HAPPY

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!


Hope you are having a wonderful day!

still snowed in

Road conditions are still very bad here, they are suggesting no one travel, there are abandoned and wrecked cars in the middle of the highway.

Clay, Brooke, and all drove 12.5 hours yesterday to try to get here for Christmas and ended up back in Texas at home. They never even made it to Norman, from Ft. Worth.

Soon, I'll update with pictures, but for now I'll keep documenting (mostly for myself to remember, the craziest Christmas ever!)

Garrett cooked the one food item we had with the plastic top on it. So, I believe we will be eating a ton of birthday cake until we can get out!

ha!

blizzard 2009

There are at least 12 inches of the snow here.

I am stuck in Norman.

forever?

Christmas will not be happening tomorrow.

Clay tried to drive up from Ft.Worth but had to turn around because all the interstates were closed.

Kay is stuck at her home.

Sad.

We have like no food here.

I want a pizza so bad.

Garrett, Brent, and I are just hanging out.

too much fun.

I'm banished to the bedroom so G can make a phone call.

annoying.

seriously it hasn't even been a day and I am stir crazy.

.

I'm stuck in Norman.

There is a ton of snow on the ground.

ice under that.

my car door is frozen shut.

i can't get the christmas presents out.

i haven't finished shopping.

i'm not going to be ready for christmas.

cousin's presents are not finished.

no one is going to make it to christmas anyway.

nathan has like nothing for his stocking because i put it off.

garrett is annoying me and i don't want to be here any more.

i'm not hanging out with my sister and brother.

i haven't gotten scott his fruit cake.

should have gone home last night.

freaking sucks.

i.

hate.

christmas.

if you haven't read the post below this one it's much more positive so take a look.

Ode to Pookie

Garrett you are my BEST friend
And I’ll be around until the end!
Or until you find a wife,
That tells me to get the heck out of your life.
Before you were born my life was real dreary.
But, at 9 days old it got super cheery.
It took us 19 years to meet.
But it was friends at first sight, because we both like to eat?
You laugh because I never know the movie or song.
When I just KNOW I’m right, you prove me wrong.
Someday I’ll learn to say how instead of why.
Cause you never know why! You’re oh so sly.
You drive me mad when you poke at my fat.
But, you’ve never once called me a dingbat.
When I cook for you I get so much praise.
And you think I’m the best at navigating freeways!
You jump higher than anyone I ever saw,
Even our hero Bob Stoops would be in awe!
You never want kids and I want many,
Don’t worry; when you’re old mine will visit you plenty.
I got you an A in Zoology and helped you pass the CPA
I hope this means our friendship will never be passé.
The thing you love most is popcorn.
Sometimes you’re so helpless I think you’re a newborn.
You won’t let me touch your head because of the flow.
You’re the best nap taker that I know.
You are only imagining my Pain-Body.
I hardly ever tell you, but I think you’re a hottie!
We’re so awesome at changing a headlight.
The two of us together are quite bright!
Sometimes you’re a World of Warcraft geek.
Your mouth oftentimes looks like a beak.
Sometimes you make me mad and I have to use the word hate.
But, I want the Universe to know I think you’re really super great!!

Happy Birthday!

27 years and 9 days ago I was born, but I was one sad baby.

All I did was cry. I was pretty much miserable.

I was very new to this world but I knew something was missing, I just didn't know what. Then on the ninth day of my existence I felt a peace come over me (I remember it like it was yesterday). I knew that December 23, 1982 would forever be the happiest day of my life.

Garrett had finally been born!*

* the only thing that would make this post better was if I had a video of telling Garrett how sad I had been before he was born, and that his birth was the best day of my life in a restaurant with my most serious face and sincerest tone. I have known him for a VERY long time and I don't think I've seen the look of shock that I did on his face that day. It was PRICELESS!

Happy Birthday Pookie!

Christie!

It's been a crazy 24 hours, and it's not going to get much better for the next week. I don't mind it one little bit. I just wish I didn't have to do do everything so quickly.

After getting very, very little sleep on Sunday night I woke up bright and early and headed to the Dallas Airport to pick up Christie!!!!

Her flight landed early, but they were holding her prisoner on the plane. I was getting VERY anxious! When she finally got off we waited, and waited, and waited for her bag. There was no one left from her plane and we decided we should maybe check and see if it was lost. How do you lose a bag when you only fly on one plane? Ask American Airlines because they did it!

We left the airport and tried to decided on some lunch (Christie's choice since she is the one that hasn't had American food in forever!) and she decided on some El Fenix. I think she was very happy with her Tex-Mex! We chatted and chatted and it was so nice not to worry about cell phone minutes or time differences!

After lunch we shopped and shopped and shopped. It was a ton of fun to be able to hang out with my bestie! Except for we didn't take any pictures!!! I for one looked horrible. But, it's no excuse, I don't know why you didn't remind me Christie!!

Then back to Liz's (C's sister's house) for chatting, and dog petting, a quick glimpse of Scott, and finally bed.

This morning I left very, very, very early to make it into work. :( I really wish I had more time to hang out with Christie. I miss her already!

But, while she was leaving Florida so were Natalie and Nathan. I will see them in a few hours! It's been too long since I last laid eyes on my sweetest, small siblings! We are having a chili party to let some family see them tonight (and I look like death)!

dallas

headed out to see Christie! yay!

nothing new

Today, I did nothing. I played a computer game. all. day. long.

I know you are jealous!


Tomorrow I head for the BIG D!!!!!!

a first

Wednesday Garrett called and asked if I wanted to go to Victoria's for dinner to celebrate. I did of course! (even though I had it Monday for my birthday and leftovers Tuesday) ya I have no idea what we were celebrating either. I love me some pesto.

When I got to his house he asked me if when I said yes to Victoria's I really meant Charleston's, and I said that would be fine (it was my second Birthday choice anyway). We hadn't been to Charleston's in a really long time (for awhile we were eating there a couple of times a week) So, I thought it was a good idea.

-Sidenote Garrett gets really excited about one food/restaurant and we eat it all the time. Most recently it was Pineapple fried rice (so yummy) We probably ate it at the very least twice a week for two or so months.-

So, anyway we head to Charleston's at about 7:00 (on a Wednesday, remember) and the parking lot was packed. No spots. I have never seen it that busy, not even on a weekend. There were people driving around looking for parking spots waiting for someone to leave. So, Garrett decided to head to Victoria's after all.

We drove about a mile away and Garrett did a U-turn in the middle of the road and headed back to Charleston's. This time we found a parking spot, went inside waited the 5-10 minutes and got seated. The nice waitress Lizzie took our drink orders and told us she'd be right back. I was looking over the menu trying to figure out what I wanted. But, I just couldn't decide. I kept asking Garrett what he was getting (so I could eat off his plate and get whatever I got as well). He kept telling me he didn't know yet. Lizzie came back over and asked if we needed a minute, and I did (which I never do at Charleston's). There was nothing I wanted/too much that I wanted.

Garrett finally said We could just leave. I laughed. And said, if only we had cash so we could leave her a little bit of a tip. I had a dollar, but was he brave enough to do it and uh was I? Garrett looked and he had a dollar too! So, he went and got Lizzie and gave her the two dollars told her nothing looked good so we were gonna go ahead and leave. And we walked out, it was the first time I have ever done anything like that. So scary!

We headed to Victoria's laughed at all the signs that told us to go their in the first place. Ate some yummy, yummy pesto and laughed at how funny it was to get up and leave a restaurant. (I had left over pesto last night for dinner) Think I can get some tonight and make it 5 nights in a row? ha!

jealous?

How jealous are you that this isn't YOUR bathroom?!?

Happy Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today is Kuddle's 4th birthday! (in human years)
This means she has officially become older than me 28 (in dog years).
She is without a doubt the best present I have ever gotten!

She has so many friends. ha!

She loves bath time!

she's so small when she's wet!

and she sure loves drinking out of cups

she's the sweetest cuddliest pup!

and oh man does she love being in the car!

27.

I had a good birthday. I did not, however, take any pictures. sad.

I had to work, but Grammy met me for lunch at Mimi's. My choice. So, yummy.

Then I went to Garrett's house and we went to Victoria's for dinner. My choice. We got the mushroom caps. so yummy! and I had the pesto. I love pesto!

Then Garrett wanted to take me to 747 for the cheese cake (his favorite) and it was just as good as he told me it would be. my goal is to recreate it.

Then we watched Pride and Prejudice. I know we are too exciting. :)

But, it was just how I wanted it. No big birthday hoopla. Just a nice fun normal night!

A Birthday Story.

In honor of My birthday.

I don't remember a lot of my birthday presents from when I was younger. It's not that I didn't get Birthday presents, I did. My mom always wrapped them in Birthday wrapping paper (thanks Mom!) It's not that I didn't get great remember worthy birthday presents, I did. It's just my birthday is 11 days before Christmas and it's sometimes hard to remember what I received for my birthday and what I received for Christmas.

There is one birthday that will forever stand out in my mind, I will always remember what I got. I don't remember how old I was but it was BN (before Natalie). There was something I wanted more than anything in the whole world...a My Buddy Doll. I loved that commercial.

My Buddy, My Buddy, My Buddy, My Buddy
Where I goooo. Heeee goes.
My Buddy, My Buddy, My Buddy, My Buddy
My Buddy and meeeee.

Right off the bat looking at my presents I could tell that one was the perfect size and shape to be my hearts desire. Being the kid I was I slowly opened the other presents and saved that one for last. The anticipation made it so sweet. It finally came time to open that last one and I remember everything about that present the size, the wrapping paper, it had no bow. What I don't remember if I was singing about My Buddy and me when I was opening the present, but I think I was.

I opened it.

And much to my horror, it was not a My Buddy.

It was Kid Sister, My Buddy's after thought of doll to give to girls. I remember that she was introduced later than My Buddy. I remember being annoyed when they added her to his commercial.

I didn't want Mom to feel bad for getting me the absolute wrong present (I've never returned a present and can't imagine that I ever will). I remember trying to be excited. Trying to act happy. I did not want to hurt my Mom's feelings. She always tried so hard to get me what I wanted to make every present special. I played with that Kid Sister. I let her meet my other dolls and stuffed animals. I was nice to her. But, she was a girl.

Either I was a bad hider of my disappointment and my Mom felt bad or Santa just had an extra My Buddy laying around, but 11 days later I got My Buddy and I could have not been happier.

For your viewing pleasure:



Happy Birthday to Me!

What's the best/worst birthday present you ever got?

christmas.

Everyone has been asking me what I want for Christmas. I really don't want anything. Not one thing I can think of. Until now, from now on I'm going to tell everyone that asks that I want a......

Tamagotchi!

You know your jealous you didn't think of it first!

all things mini

First let me say that I realize yesterday's post hardly counted as a post. But, I was planning to blog when we returned home from our movie and we ended up going to the late movie which would put me in to today. So, I blogged from my pocket during the movie. *grin*

Brothers was not nearly as good as I had anticipated. It could have been done much better. But, sometimes that happens. Next weekend Lovely Bones starts and I cannot wait. The book is in my top five favorite books of all time, it may even be the number one. It has a lot to live up to but I'm excited for Natalie to get here so we can watch it together!

Here are the deserts that I made for Thanksgiving, I tested and tested to find out what pie crust was the best. I used four different from scratch recipes and tried them against all-ready-made crust (which got a unanimous not good vote).

There was Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie (neither of which I eat, so I didn't even try one of them. I tested the crust (which I don't like) and the filling (which I don't like). So, I had to trust my tasters (Garrett, Brent, and Grammy) to tell me if they were good or not. I got nothing but praise. Well, except when Garrett told me my pumpkin pie filling was not as good as his Mom's (don't worry I fixed it and used her exact recipe.) And, of course cupcakes with my secret frosting. I did white cake with vanilla frosting, white cake with chocolate frosting, chocolate cake with white frosting, chocolate with chocolate frosting. Garrett says I make the very best cake he has ever tasted, and the best frosting. I have the best plan for his birthday cake. shhhh don't tell him. I think it should be AMAZING!

I made so many mini deserts that if I never make another one it might be too soon. Rolling out the dough and cutting the smallest pie crusts ever and then repeating was a ton of work. By Thanksgiving my arms were so sore from all the rolling. Here is a better idea of how many I made.

If you want the recipe for Mini Pumpkin Pies or Mini Pecan Pies let me know. I'm sorry, but I won't share my cupcake or frosting recipe, I worked super hard to perfect it. But, I'd love to make you some!!

Watching brothers. Didn't want tomiss a day

la baguette

I love La Baguette!

Their cakes are so Yummy!

So, is their weekend Brunch.

UPS

The UPS man stopped by today, I had been crying a bit, I was reading a blog and I've been an emotional wreck the last few days, so the blog was making me bawl. I wasn't crying when he walked in, but I'm sure my eyes were red and puffy.

He asked if I would take a package for my neighbor, I asked which one because the one to the left doesn't like it when they leave them with us (I think because we aren't here as often as the people across the hall) it was the lady to the right. I said sure.

I was standing up, because I'm still having issues with the proper etiquette on collecting mail. He was training another guy, so he was talking through everything he was going to do. "I'm going to leave her a note on her door so she knows where to get the package" he says.

Then he says

"you're sweet"

and I didn't know what to say because I mean I was just taking the package no big deal right? or maybe he meant because I'm always so nice and polite? or maybe he felt bad for me because my eyes were all puffy? so, I was stammering trying to think of what to say to this nice guy when he looked at me and said...


"uh what suite are you in?"

Oh, I felt like an idiot. I'm so glad I did not manage to form words together that would indicate what I thought he meant....

Court part 2

I drove to court this morning, in the outfit I picked out last night. Thinking positive thoughts and having imaginary conversations with the judge, (I always wanted to be a judge, it's just the Socratic Method of law school terrifies me). It was raining and freezing (literally) so I had to drive very slowly.

I slept fine after watching Legally Blonde (like my oh so very brave, much younger sister suggested) but I woke up at 4:30am in anticipation.

I decided where to park, walked through the metal detector and sent my purse through the scanner, then I read the sign that said you did not need to see the judge if you were pleading guilty or no contest. So, I asked the information lady about it, she informed me that they don't reduce tickets that aren't going on your record, and I couldn't see the judge unless I wanted more time to pay the ticket.

So, I paid it.

and left. and paid $1.00 to park. that's right it cost me an extra dollar to do all of this.

got to work WAY early.

I was pretty disappointed because I was ready for the challenge and I was going to get my ticket reduced! yay!

not so much.

I blame Garrett.

he owes me a dollar!

At least I did a grown up thing that I would have normally never even thought about.

court.

Remember my ticket? I'm going to court tomorrow to see if I can get it reduced. This is so far outside of my comfort zone that I don't even think I'll even be able to see my comfort zone from the court house. I guess I'm going to ask for leniency I'm told the worst that can happen is that I'll be told I'll have to pay for the whole ticket. Did I mention I am going alone. I'm so nervous. But, I was told it was going to be good for me. We'll see. I'm sure it will teach me NEVER to speed so I don't have to do this again. EVER.

My leaf!

I found this leaf on a walk in Norman, it was like 2:00am and it was so big and symmetrical I had to bring it home! ha!



We were walking to the Red Box because I wanted a movie and needed some exercise!

I wish I had taken a picture where you could tell how big it really was!

Are there leaves like this in Florida? I don't remember them.

so yummy!

I didn't do much today, I had a very lazy day. Watching football. Sadly, not my beloved SOONERS. But, it was still a good relaxing day. Before the Big XII Championship game started I ran out to get some Pilsbury Savorings. They are so good! I am a big fan of them! My favorite are the Buffalo Style Chicken. I'm sure they are terrible for you, but I just didn't look because I've been right on track all week and really had the calories to spare today.
On another note I have to say I was not sad to see Florida lose to Alabama. I really couldn't believe that Tim Tebow was crying on tv AGAIN. really? That guy just really gets under my skin. ESPN does not help the matter with their daily Tebow love fests. ugh. oh well. I'm really ready to get to next football season. ha! When a bunch of FSU friends will be coming up to watch some OU v. fsu football!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Christie!


I hope you have a super great birthday!

I cannot wait to see you in 17 days!

gemma correll

Thanksgiving 09

Last Thanksgiving was hard, but not as hard as the Thanksgiving before that. Thanksgiving 2009 was good. And for that I am so very thankful. There was WAY more food than any 25 people could eat. But, we are getting it figured out and it isn't so bad! Aunt Marie brought popcorn balls. Be Still My Heart. And I was taken back to being 5 and on the farm. It was a good time with my family.

After all of the festivities ended I went to see The Road with Garrett and it was really good. But, oh so sad. I cried and cried, not the pretty kind either. The blubbering messy kind of crying. The movie stated at 12:35am and there were four of us in there. I was the only girl. I don't think anyone else cried.

Here are some pictures I got, my camera was dying and I couldn't for the life of me find batteries. So, this was what I got. enjoy!

Jordan loves it when I take his picture!

I could gobble this kid up!


How often do the grown ups make it in my pictures?


Every picture I have of this uncle, is sleeping!


These two had sooo much fun!


Blake was begging me to go black friday shopping with him.
"It will be Ashlee Blake bonding time"


The "kids"


The girls


The boys


As Thanksgiving 2009 started to come to a close, I announced that I am so very thankful my family doesn't go around the table and say what we are thankful for.

Macy!

O got a new puppy!

So here we are with our pups!

house keeping

Happy December!!

I missed National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) you are encouraged to blog everyday and in November there are even cool prizes! so fun!

I was a little bit sad, because I had self-committed to participate months ago then some how it was like November 3 before I remembered that It was NaBloPoMo so I re-self-committed to participate in December.

December is way more fun in my life than November anyway, so I'm going to give it a whirl. Plus it completes one of the items on my list which I am still doing even though I have yet to update it on here. Dang it.

Also, new this month I have jumped back on to the trying to lose the rest of this weight wagon. Right in time for the holiday season! I am hoping/committing to lose about 30lbs before I take a trip this spring. Since I quit Weight Watchers because it (much to my dismay) sucks in Oklahoma. I have been struggling with motivation.

So, here's my plan (I'm going to do this in 3 day increments, because anyone can do anything for 3 days I'm sure of it!) I am aiming for 1100-1400 calories a day and 30 minutes of exercise a day. I will be journaling all the food I eat as well as Calories, Fat, and Fiber. I haven't come up with a reward for myself because food rewards are out and at this point I don't really have money to be wasting. So, any ideas are welcome!

Wish me luck, maybe I'll keep you updated. But, I'm not committing to that too!

I think I have decided to just go ahead and pay for my ticket and not go to court, even though the idea of saving money sounds great! The anticipation of court makes me feel ill and G might still have company in town and if he can't go with me there is no way I'm going!

I had a list of things I wanted to update/mention but the list no longer makes sense to me. It's just words. dang it! So, I guess this it for now.

And a picture because all words are never any fun!

Seriously want this guy to be my pet!!