the ruby Turtle hippie times

A vlog about my hair? Psssshh I would NEVER!

2012-01-26T15:21:00.000-05:00

Except really, I have every time I've vlogged here.

What can I say? I have a relationship with my hair.

Notes about this Vlog (because there always are some! And plus, I'm just trying to hold tradition, since I know y'all won't know what to do with yourself if I don't....or maybe I just feel more comfortable if I put them here.):

Video #1

The words coming out of my mouth doesn't match the sound.
I had this grand idea of doing a Hair Questionnaire Vlog right as I hit the publish button, so you get to watch me ramble in this video.

As I previously mentioned, I thought it would be fun for all of us to make a vlog about what our hair routine is. I always like to see what products everyone uses and also what the routine is for y'all too. I'm all about dropping money on my hair so it will amazing. Here are the questions...

What is your daily routine?
What do you do weekly?
What do you monthly?
What are your favorite products and why?

Video #2

HELLO DOUBLE CHIN!!! (Reason #4,274 why I'm losing weight.) Next time I record a vlog I will be lower than my computer.
I have an obsession with Mint Scented Shampoos.
I shower all 7 days of the week, but only shampoo 3-5. Just want to clarify, so y'all don't think I'm stinky/weird.
Did y'all know I wear glasses? Well I do.
I have big lips...like Angelina Jolie size lips.
In this video for some reason, I sound like a Valley Girl mixed with my Oklahoma Twang. I blame it on the fact that I'm talking about my hair.
I need to get some color. Seriously, I am so pale.

So here's the link-up! I hope everyone joins and plays along! I think this will be lots of fun.

Happy Thursday!!

Wednesday is "Vexatious" Day.

2012-01-25T22:38:00.000-05:00

Vexatious: aggravating, annoying, irritating.

When I was in junior high, I had the same Honors English teacher for 8th and 9th grade. She wore red glasses and always called us by "Miss So and So" or "Mr. So-and-So", never by our first names. If she called us by our first names, it was followed by our middle names.

She went back and forth between teacher, boss, and mom. She was always in control, no matter the role.

She was this tiny little thing with long hair that she always wore in a low ponytail with curls at the end. On my way to school, I always saw her running with her hair in a braid with pink foam curlers at the end.

She challenged us in all areas. She encouraged us to live more, to read more, to take chances more, and to know more vocabulary.

She always expected the very best from us and nothing less.

It was downright infuriating and irritating at times.

Hence, today's word. (I had it on one of her vocab tests at one point.)

She's not dead or anything, I just was thinking about her during my runs today and I ran a little harder because of it.

Her passion for kids, including me, is part of why I am where I am today. That is her impact. If you asked me which teachers were my favorites from my junior/senior high school years, she's one of three easily.

What or who pushes you or drives you when you work out/in school/in life?

Happy Wednesday!

Because ranting about the "F" word is always entertaining....

2012-01-24T13:09:00.002-05:00

No, I'm not talking about the "F dash dash dash" word. (Name that movie reference for ten cool points!)

I'm talking about the other dirty F word: Facebook.

When Facebook was released, it was made available only to persons in college/alumni.

Life was grand and glorious.

And then the powers that be decided to open the floodgates and allow anyone over the age of 13 to have an account.

Social media as we know it, in my opinion, went to hell in a handbasket.

No longer could you post about non-issues without John the Loser from your hometown or a family member that you're obligated to be friends with because otherwise it would look bad making some asinine comment that paid no attention whatsoever to your status.

Because then every decent and grammatically correct Facebook user is faced with the dilemma ....

Do we....

pull a passive aggressive -some might consider this choosing your battles wisely- and delete said asinine comment and act as if it didn't happen??

OR
respond to said comment and remind them kindly of what your status said and then politely disagree with them and subject yourself to "Facebook drama" for GASP! not having the same opinion as that specific person???

I wish I could say that I ~~pull a passive aggressive~~ choose my battles wisely and just delete it or keep my mouth shut.

Let's be honest, when have I ever kept my mouth shut about or just ignored stupidity?

I am always the person that reminds them of what my status says and then disagrees with the person.

And here's why: I think that everyone is entitled to their opinion. No matter what. Differences of opinion is why people came to this country in the first place. I further think that even though you may not agree with a person, and in fact may hate the other person's opinion, hell you might even think it's downright stupid, you still have to respect that person's opinion. Because they arrived at it for their own reasons, just like I arrive at mine.

In the case of stupid people on Facebook, I always want to make sure they know where I'm coming from even though I've given a detailed status that borders on ridiculous to the point that it should be so clear where I stand and am coming from, that they get it the first time. When it's clear they are in fact, stupid and don't pay attention, I usually respond.

BUT SERIOUSLY, FOR THE LOVE, WHY CAN'T THE PERSON READ THE STATUS AND PAY ATTENTION PUHLEEZE?????

I mean how hard is it???

This is why Twitter will beat Facebook EVERY STINKIN' TIME.

And THAT is end of my rant about the "F" word for today. I'll be stepping off my soapbox now.

Happy (emphasis on the word "happy") Tuesday.

A Weekend in Review

2012-01-23T17:17:00.001-05:00

My weekends start on Thursdays this semester. I had quite a weekend that put me off schedule, but I got it all under control on Sunday.

Thursday

After class, I met up with a pal of mine for lunch and then we hit up Ulta and the local mall. I found a new phone case and some of the Muppets OPI collection on sale. (I'm a huge buy stuff on sale only type of girl.) After work, B came over and set up the internet for my pal and her roomie's new apartment. We stayed late and as a result, I missed my workout that day.

Friday

Woke up with some snow on the ground and off to help my pal with her car because it wouldn't start. We ran around finding a new battery. Afterwards, I went home because I had to get in a decent workout. I did TWO days worth of Couch to 5k because I really am serious about losing weight this year. I was disgusting afterwards. I then hopped into the shower and picked up our room after I got out of the shower. (Side note: Isn't it amazing what making your bed will do for your bedroom?? Maybe I should do this more often.) I thought we were going out for a date that night, but B wasn't really into it when he got home so I finished getting ready. We met up with some pals for dinner and when we went out it was snowing pretty good. I took B home and then had a girls night in. It was good to hang out and talk with each other.

Saturday

Went and got a shellac manicure, then went grocery shopping. After grocery shopping, we went out with some friends from school on a double date to our favorite MExican restaurant. It was wonderful. Seriously, I think I found my new favorite meal from there...too bad it will have to be considered a cheat meal.

Sunday

All of the fun I was having during the week caught up with me and I was exhausted.We missed church and I was feeling out of whack because I didn't get done what I normally do. So after a meeting at the school on Sunday, I headed home and cleaned the house, got caught up on my shows and made a late lunch of grilled chicken salad that was amazing! We then worked on laundry and got caught up on our shows. I read part of "One for the Money" for a bit before bed.

Monday

Today, I woke up and worked on finishing "One for the Money", ate lunch at home with B, then I started and finished my reading for tomorrow's class, and now I'm finishing up some shows and writing this post before I work out today.

What can I say? I am lame and boring. But sometimes, being lame and boring is a good thing.

Happy Monday!

Wednesday is "Sagacious" Day.

2012-01-18T22:12:00.001-05:00

Sagacious: profound, deep

I wish I had something sagacious -like that big word??? We law folks are obsessed with words-to say today on my blog. Instead, all I can think about is the fact that I need to find my Spanx and finish my reading before tomorrow morning.

Yes, I have Spanx.

Yes, I still have homework to do at 10pm the night before class. I promise my family is not shocked in the slightest. I have a history of procrastination.

I also am thinking about how proud I am for losing 4 pounds this week, but I still have a ways to go. I could legitimately be on the Biggest Loser. I would be one of the lighter ones. I would be a serious threat though because if I had time to do nothing but lose weight, I wouldn't waste it.

Speaking of Biggest Loser, I have a lot of shows from this week that I need to watch. Okay, I really don't need to watch them, but I like watching them all the same.

In other news, I am ready for winter to take a big ol' hike. I know that there are some winter lovers out there, but I am just not one of them. Honestly, living in Florida probably wouldn't be awful for me. (I know all about humidity and I think I could handle it in the summer time.)

Let's see what else is new?? Oh yeah, I got my hair cut which I mentioned on Monday. I was totally going to do a vlog about it too! Well, at least I know what my material for later this week will be!!

Now before I'm up any later than I already should be for tomorrow, I'm getting off here. I've gotta look pretty for my vlog tomorrow you know!! Oh and for school too! ;)

Happy Wednesday!

Monday Mumblings...

2012-01-16T18:50:00.000-05:00

In 2011, I mumbled a lot on Mondays. It was a thing and people got used to it.
In 2012, I'm not sure how much I'll mumble.

I think I may be the worst dog mommy ever. Pais and I were working on clipping her nails. We were doing pretty good too and then I clipped too close. It was bad. Blood was shed. Tears were shed (mine not hers) and I called B to come help me out. She's fine now, but I'm fairly certain that if there ever was a chance of a dog owning a pony, Paisley has as good a shot as anyone, I'm feeling that awful.
The Golden Globes were so-so last night. I think The Help was robbed on several accounts. Of course, I haven't seen War Horse or The Iron Lady yet so I may not be the best judge of character at this point.
One of my favorite episodes of Gilmore girls is when Lane and Zac get married.
I want to get a shellac manicure soon.
It seems like there is a strong possibility that people are going to visit this year.
I have the first Victoria Beckham haircut as of last Friday. You know the one that made inverted bobs famous again? Yes that one. I think I'm going to vlog about it later this week. I still want to go blonde again.
Speaking of hair, I wear a doo-rag when I work out. Is that ghetto or biker chick of me?
Getting mail is fun.

Happy Monday!

A Love of Film...

2012-01-15T22:53:00.000-05:00

I don't remember the first movie I ever saw, but I do know that one of my very first memories as a child was watching a movie with my daddy in his chair.

With my Grannie passing last Spring, I find myself thinking of my time left with my dad and mom more and more each day. I know that sounds a bit morbid, but it's true.

Anyway, I have seen thousands upon thousands of movies literally because of my dad's love of motion pictures. Until I was 14 we didn't have cable and so we watched a lot of movies growing up.

And I am so thankful to my dad for that. I hope that I have the chance to and do my kids justice the way he did us.

Love you daddio. Just wanted you to know that.

Favorites on a Friday...

2012-01-13T20:37:00.000-05:00

These are my favorites this Friday...

the My Fitness Pal app
grocery shopping with my husband
the Duchess of Cambridge-Catherine is just so exquisite
checking things off of my to-do list
my nails are finally starting to grow out again
watching Gilmore girls before bed
mail that is on its way to my house

What are some things that are your favorite this Friday?

Shake Yer Groove Thang: What No One Really Says About Workout Tunes

2012-01-12T15:36:00.001-05:00

As far as the blog world and the Twitter world knows, I've always had a weight issue. But there was a time in college, where I was skinny-ish.

Now you may be sitting there dumbfounded, saying, "Self, how was Samantha so skinny-ish?"

Well, I tell you. I ran, ate right, and had good work-out music.

(Side Note: I should tell you that I will probably never be skinny because 1) I like food too much, 2) I was a softball player so it's hard for my body to shrink down when it was trained for over half my life to be a certain build and 3) I think my healthy weight isn't the same as what the traditional weight is for my height- see #2 about playing softball as the reason for why I'm this way.)

Anyway. This blog is about the type of music I think women are likely to listen to when they work out. Or at least why I listen to what I what I listen. (LANDS. Did that make a lick of sense?)

I get into trouble all the time when writing for school. My professors are constantly telling me that when I keep it concise, I make sense. They don't understand that I'm from the South and I've never met a stranger (like my momma) and I'm a story teller (like my daddy).

WHAT AM I TRYING TO SAY??

Oh yeah, I like to talk. A. LOT.

Today specifically, I'm telling you how tunes land on my running playlist. (I swear I'm getting to the point.)

Sam's Theories on What Constitutes Good Running Music:

Music That Makes you Feel Good-This really should be quite straight forward. There is just some music that makes a person feel good. But where this post is gonna get a little randy, is right here, (Family --including my future children--stop reading now!!)-because I am going to be so bold to say that one of the times in our lives that we feel best about ourselves is when we're well...doing what adults do when they are married and have a license to do. And sometimes, during that experience, there might be some music playing to help set the mood. Each person has their preference. Sometimes it is fast paced. If so, you should add it. You'll remember how you felt and part of my weight loss goal is also to include feeler hot about myself. I know my husband says that I am, but I still want to believe that I am. One way that I can believe this is by taking care of my body and being proud of it in the process and when I hear this music it will remind me of my goal.

Personal Examples: Shake Your Groove Thing by Peaches & Herb, Got To Give It Up by Marvin Gaye, Do You Wanna Touch Me by Glee Cast feat. Gweneth Paltrow, Sexy and I Know It, by LMFAO.
Angry/Frustration Music: This also should be obvious. For me, another goal of working out some days is to get a release from the frustrations/worries/stress of the day. Sometimes, you just need a good beat to help you work out that much harder.

Personal Examples: I Hate Myself for Loving You by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Only Prettier by Miranda Lambert, Piece of Me by Britney Spears, and Rip Her to Shreds by Blondie
Music Played on the radio on a day when you're having an especially good day-Typically this happens for me when I'm having a good hair day. Yes, you're free to roll your eyes. What can I say? I am a person who appreciates the small things and a good hair day is one of my favorite small things! Sometimes, I'm really fortunate to have a good hair day align with a nice day out too and when God is really gracious and blesses me with a good song on the radio too, it makes it downright spectacular. Having those on there can turn a frown upside down some days.

Personal Examples: Catch A Wave by The Beach Boys, Whip My Hair by Willow, Moves Like Mick Jagger by Adam Levine, Stacy's Mom by Fountains of Wayne, Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield, Carrie Ann by The Hollies, She's Not There by The Zombies, and Bad Romance by Lady Gaga.
Music that Motivates You-This should be obvious as well. I like music that pumps me up and reminds me why it will all be worth it to work out.

Personal Examples: Firework by Katy Perry, Fight for Your Right by The Beastie Boys, Hit Me with Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar, Soak Up The Sun by Sheryl Crow, and Lose Yourself by Eminem.
Music with a Good Beat-This is also obvious, but still worth mentioning because it will make up the bulk of your list.

Personal Examples: This is where Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, P!nk, and Beyonce do the hard work for me.

Now tell me, what are some of your favorite tunes that encourage you up while you work out or run?

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday is "Tenderhearted" Day.

2012-01-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

Tenderhearted: soft-hearted; sympathetic

Do you ever go over a hard conversation you've had with a good friend a thousand times in your head after having it?

No? I'm the only ~~crazy~~ person who analyzes a conversation over and over and over and over and over and over and over again, stopping to do homework, blog, exercise, make hair appointments, grocery shopping. Except really, I don't stop analyzing everything because it's still running in the back of my mind what all was said and the never-ending and evil cycle begins again.

And yet at the same time, if someone asked me if I would do it all over again, I would not hesitate for a moment because I said everything I wanted to say.

When I am a friend to someone, they get me and my whole heart, but when I put myself out there, I still am my worst critic and am so afraid I've done something wrong, even when I know in my heart of hearts, that I didn't say anything that I wouldn't have said if they asked me.

I let myself be vulnerable which is really hard and I don't regret it in the slightest. But at the same time, I don't want to hurt anyone.

I think it's part of my spiritual gift of discernment, I observe and read people well so easily, but at the same time, I am a huge people pleaser.

(Side note: I am the oldest child and am a major combo of my parents. Example: Dad is the discern-er/worry-wart, Mom is the people pleaser/tender-hearted.)

DOES ANY OF THIS JIBBERISH MAKE SENSE?????

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm extremely tender-hearted and sometimes it just kicks me in the pants.

How about you? Do you struggle with this issue? (SOMEONE PLEASE FOR THE LOVE SAY YES SO I FEEL NORMAL. PLEASE.)

Happy Wednesday!
P.S. Thanks for all the tips yesterday! Keep them coming!!

Today is the day.

2012-01-10T20:55:00.000-05:00

Today is the day I started working out and taking care of myself. I need to lose 70 pounds this year.

I know that is a high goal, but I have got to start taking care of myself. I started running this last summer and then it teetered off this past fall.

Now I'm back at it and I am not willing to give up this go-round. I want to look hot for my husband. I know that might be an uncomfortable thing to hear. It is certainly hard to say.

But I want to look hot for my husband.

AND I am not willing to give up at this point. I want to wear the cute clothes.

So give me your tips, whatever they are. Let's hear them!

Happy Tuesday!

Motivation.

2012-01-07T22:57:00.000-05:00

There's the short term kind...


...and the long-term/leave the boys in the dust kind.

Either way, both are working their magic on me tonight.

On Being a Total Worry-Wart...

2012-01-05T18:47:00.000-05:00

I was so proud of myself last night because I finished my reading at 11:15, then drafted out my schedule for the week and was in bed by midnight.

AND THEN...I could NOT go to sleep to save my life.(By the way, this must be the week of the "AND THEN.."

It was one of those nights where my anxiety just gets the best of me.

I worried about anything and everything.

I worried about noises I heard while I tried to sleep.
I worried about making sure I understood the cases I had to know for today's class.
I worried about paying bills.
I worried about my dad. (Ever since my Grannie died, I've been suddenly consumed with when he will pass away.)
I worried about the end of the world.
I worried about the locks on the doors being locked.
I worried about making the right impression.

I just worried.

I also worried if God would be disappointed in me for doubting Him about all of the above things.

The next thing I knew it was 1:30AM.

I have no idea when I passed out from the exhaustion of worrying about it all.

I woke up in a foul mood too.

It was a long day to say the least.

I just wanted to write this down and put it somewhere to help it get it out of my system.

Happy Thursday.

Wednesday is "Routine" Day.

2012-01-04T20:22:00.000-05:00

Routine:

a customary or regular course of procedure.
commonplace tasks, chores, or duties as must be done regularly or at specified intervals; typical or everyday activity: the routine of an office.

So, remember yesterday when I blogged about being super tired because my routine was all kinds of out of whack because I'd been reading The Hunger Game trilogy?

Yeah, well.

Because I am ~~stupid~~ hooked I stayed up again until 3 AM last night reading Mockingjay again.

When my alarm went off this morning, I have never wanted to throw my precious iPhone so bad in my entire life.

I barely kept my eyelids open during class. I'm talking I needed toothpicks for my eyes it was so bad.

And what does one do after daydreaming about a nap during class the whole time?

Read the rest of Mockingjay of course! Because that makes total sense right?????????????

RIGHT????

Then I ate a small lunch and passed out FOR THREE AND A HALF HOURS.

What am I trying to say in this second mess of a post this week?

I need a schedule people. I crave a good routine. And staying up all hours of the night and then getting up early the next morning, does not a good routine make.

So I'm working on a good routine now for this semester since it slightly alters each semester.

Because I need routine.

And now that I've said routine 3,672 times in this post, I'll close to go wrap up homework.

Happy Wednesday.

Intentions and the like...

2012-01-03T23:51:00.048-05:00

So on Monday I had a plan to read for class, blog, read the remainder of Catching Fire, organize my last binder and I was even going to work on planning some posts for this week.

And then, I sat down to read Catching Fire and well, the next thing I knew I was up until 1AM last night doing homework. Then because I'd finished Catching Fire and maybe rewarded myself by reading a chapter of Mockingjay in between chunks of reading for class, I continued to read Mockingjay some more. The next thing I knew it was 3AM.

The best laid plans...

Then today, I needed a nap bad after class. Class by the way was interesting and I think I'm really going to like my professor. After lunch, I took a nap, then got up and made some mashed potatoes and salad for dinner. Some friends offered to bring over steaks. And since we're not ones who are inclined to say no to a good ribeye, we said yes. They were delicious. When I asked what they wanted, one told me that whatever I made was sure to be wonderful.

They were. (TOOT. TOOT.)

What can I say? I'M KIND OF A BIG DEAL.

AND THEN, we watched the Michigan/Virginia Tech game for a bit while I organized my binder for tomorrow's class and finished reading the material.

So here I am completely behind on blogs, homework done and almost finished with Mockingjay (BTW-Team Peeta) and I will most likely be in need of another nap after class tomorrow.

I have to finish the Hunger Games series now because I won't have time for them later in the semester. Plus, they're really easy reads. I have lots of thoughts on them and maybe I'll put them on this old blog.

But I doubt it.

I also want to read "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich before the movie comes out at the end of the month. My interest was peaked highly by the trailers produced for both series. What does that say about me that it took a movie trailer to send me over the edge to finally read a book after two years of debate?

ARE YOU NOT JUST ABSOLUTELY RIVETED AT THIS POINT??????

Anyway.

This post is supposed to be my intentions for the week. So yeah, basically I planned to write some decent blog posts, get my homework done at a reasonable hour and read The Hunger Games series on the side.

But we all know that the road to hell is paved with good intentions...

You can just call me a bus driver because what I intended and what happened are two very different things.

In short, I read almost the entire series and then decided I should do some homework. I got it done, but had to lose some precious beauty sleep in the process.

The result of which, is this little gem of a post you may (or may not!) have just finished reading.

Happy Tuesday!

The post where I resolve to take care of myself.

2012-01-01T14:20:00.000-05:00

I have found in my time in law school, that if I want something to stick or resonate with me, I have to write it down so I won't forget it.

So I'm writing down my resolutions this year because I want these to stick. (And also, because this summer is my husband's 10 year high school reunion and the next summer is mine. Yes, I'm going to look better than the girls and guy who made high school a living hell for me.)

See? I mean business.

To further prove I mean business, these bad boys are on their way to me.

What are your New Year's resolutions? Happy New Year to y'all!

We've lived here from the beginning to the end of 2011. That is wild I tell ya. W.I.L.D.

2011-12-30T14:36:00.000-05:00

It is absolutely wild to me that we've lived here for a year straight. Hence, the blog title. So I thought I'd do a little blog recap.

In January, we discovered that Paisley has really weird and sometimes gross habits. It was an excellent way to start the year. Classy even.
In February, Paisley was sick of the snow and I revealed some of my study habits.
In March, I met the some awesome gals for Blogger Convench.
In April, my Grannie passed away.
In May, my sister graduated from The University of Oklahoma!!!!
In June, I talked about whipping my hair yet again.
In July, Brandon was let go from his job.
In August, we road-tripped to Oklahoma and Paisley met Peaches.
In September, I went brunette, explained why I went and did the unthinkable, and we were broke as a joke.
In October, I talked about my hair again. It's a bit of an obsession.
In November, Brandon landed his first big kid job!!
In December, I gushed about Brandon and I got what I wanted for Christmas.

In this middle of all of this, I was still in law school. We only have a year and a half left here in Michigan. It is so crazy to think that we'll be back in Oklahoma in the amount of time we've already spent here.

2011 has been filled with highs and lows. But it has been a good year for Brandon and I am so happy about that.

Happy Friday!

Wednesday is "A Good Shot in the Arm" Day.

2011-12-28T23:44:00.000-05:00

A Good Shot in the Arm: a stimulus

Well kids we've reached my least favorite time of the year. The period between January-May where I deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

In short and simple terms, winter is not nice to me. In the past few years, I had figured out to cope with it. However, this last year I really felt the difference of living somewhere that has a hard winter.

It was not easy.

The following list of symptoms were all checked off in my book.

Symptoms usually build up slowly in the late autumn and winter months. Symptoms are usually the same as with depression:

Increased appetite with weight gain (weight loss is more common with other forms of depression)
Increased sleep and daytime sleepiness (too little sleep is more common with other forms of depression)
Less energy and ability to concentrate in the afternoon
Loss of interest in work or other activities
Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
Social withdrawal
Unhappiness and irritability

I know that depression or any sort of mental illness seems to be taboo to discuss in the blog world and in the world in general for that matter.

But you know what I've found out to be one of the truest things in life. If you don't talk about it, it only makes things worse. (I learned this the hard way when I had a panic attack my sophomore year of college.)

Part of my New Years resolution is to get healthy. I need to lose some weight. But I also need to feel good about myself. Working out, specifically running helps me let go of the stress and anxiety that too often I hold onto for no reason. So I'm going to start running January 2nd. My momma got me some awesome workout clothes and I'm going to put them to good use.

I also am going to tan. I know that this is a sensitive subject because people have been affected by melanoma. I know people too, but I've got to do something to get some extra light in my life.

I'm looking for that good shot in the arm to help avoid being SAD at all possible turns.

So where do y'all come into play blog world? Well I need your thoughts on what you do to beat the SAD and also if you're a runner or a trainer or have any other fun ideas for New Years Resolutions throw them at me.

After all, I'm willing to bet we all need a good shot in the arm to beat off the Post-Christmas Funk and Winter Blues with a rubber mallet.

Happy Wednesday!

What I Got for Christmas...

2011-12-26T22:36:00.001-05:00

This year when asked, I replied that I wanted to see family for Christmas. If I got nothing else, I would be completely and totally happy.

Thursday afternoon, I got just that.

I went to bed Wednesday night knowing that my Christmas present would be here the next day. We texted one another through the night. I found out that my parents joined the iPhone nation earlier that week and it was ten times funner (yes I know it's not a word) with mom (She's still a pointer finger typer at this point. It's cute.) I hardly slept a wink and when I woke up at 7:30 wide eyed and bushy tailed, I found out that my family still had a ways to go before they would get here.

Their delay actually worked out to my favor because I still had some clothes to finish running through the wash. I also got lunch going. Right before they arrived we received our gifts from B's family. (I got a new Pandora charm with a necklace chain, a fleece blanket, a Wizard of Oz calendar, a Vera change pouch, a manicure set, and some fun local goodies that I shared with B!)

I put lunch in the oven and sat down to watch the last of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. (BTW, still not a fan of Taylor.)

AND THEN...the doorbell rang and Christmas walked through the door.

I was so happy to see my family. I cannot say that enough.

I was happy to see my family.

Seriously.

It was like Oklahoma walked through the door and I was at peace.

I know that might seem corny, but it's absolutely true.

We gave out hugs and then it was time to unload Barb the Burb. They brought in presents and soon our living room was crowded. Then they brought in bags and pillows and blankets and dogs and then the whole place was hopping!

Lunch was ready so we chowed down while people hit the showers or took cat naps. We then caught up on the latest gossip on the town and family which is always a good time. Then it was time to make dinner. We spent the rest of the evening watching movies and just hanging out. We all hit the hay and slept in for a decent amount of time.

We all had some shopping that we needed to do. We've been last minute shoppers in the recent years and so we hit up Wal-Mart, the mall, and the Harley Davidson store. It was very busy and very crowded, but still super fun. The girls went in one direction and the boys in another. We grabbed some pizza for dinner and then headed home. We made a meal plan for the rest of the weekend and headed back to the grocery store for a few last things. Then we started a game of dominos called Chicken Tracks that went up to fifteens on the dominos.

Loren let me play dress-up with her as much as 15 year old would let me. I tried to tell her that she should totally buy this hat, but she wasn't having it. We then decided that when Jessi gets married we want to wear hair pieces like the Royals and Brits do for weddings. The jury is still out on that one.

I got to snuggle with the famous Peaches. She got so excited when we she saw me. Her whole body shook from excitement because she was wagging her tail so hard. B even said that he wants one now. (YESSSS!!!!!)

On Christmas Eve, we slept in a bit again and then ate lunch. Mom needed to run out for some last things and the boys went with her. So my sisters and I got some good time on the couch just snuggling. We made cookies and watched all the good Christmas movies we wanted to watch. They came back from their trip. I worked on organizing mom's iPhone and passwords since she was a complete and total Apple virgin. We soon got her set up and she also got her Pinterest account invite that day. I also had to clean our her email that was a hot mess, but now that it is easily accessed to her phone, I think she will no longer have an issue with it. We then played dominos again and still were not done with what would soon seem to be the game that never ended. We were up pretty late, so late that Dad fell asleep so we had to wake him to read The Night Before Christmas and the Christmas Story from Luke 2. Then all five of us and all three dogs camped out in our bedroom as per our usual Christmas tradition. Mom and Dad got to sleep without dogs. Will and Loren were up at 6, but we dozed back off til 7. And then we saw what Santa brought us. Well we had to unwrap it because apparently Santa wrapped this year.

The bulldogs made pals and even napped together under the kitchen table.

Told you Santa wrapped this year.

Santa brought cologne, Toms, a sewing machine, riding boots and a first baseman's glove to B, me, Jessi, Loren and Will respectively. Then it was time to open presents from each other. Let's just say that we did really well this year. (I got new Vera, new workout clothes, a Berenstain Bears book, a Lady Antebellum cd, a "Home Sweet 'Homa t-shirt, CareBear socks, Bath and Body stuff, stocking stuffers, two pairs of boots, house shoes, new pjs, and a head band. I told you it was ridiculous.) We then got ready for church. My family got to see the church that has loved on us from even before we got here. We then had chicken enchiladas, a taco ring, queso, sausage dip, and cookies for dessert. We then settled into the very last of our dominos game. Brandon ~~cheated~~ won and I came in second place.

We decided to get out of the house and go see lights and maybe grab dinner somewhere. Well, we saw lights. We decided that we wanted some fast food for dinner and thought surely that Mickey D's would be open. We thought wrong. It was a ghost town here and a ghost town in our neighboring towns too, but we had a good time once again laughing together. We came home and got everyone packed up and organized as best we could. We stayed up late because we knew what the next day would hold.

This morning we rose for breakfast and then my family headed back to Oklahoma. It was hard saying good bye as usual, but I am so glad that they got to come. Seriously, I cannot say that enough.

I got my family for Christmas and I couldn't be happier about it.

I. LOVE. MY. FAMILY.

Dogs included. ;)

Hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine.

Merry Christmas y'all.

A Few Shots of Our Christmas Decorations...iPhone style!

2011-12-24T20:19:00.000-05:00

This picture took no less than 20 attempts. That is not an exaggeration.

Tree #1

Our stockings

Tree #2

I hope this finds y'all well and enjoying your families this Christmas season!

Happy Saturday and Happy Christmas Eve!

Four Years and Counting.

2011-12-22T19:25:00.002-05:00

At exactly 6:25pm CST today, my love and I will have been married for 4 years. I can't believe that it is already four years and how far and wide our journey has been.

In our four years....

I started my first "Big Kid" job.
We got our first baby Pais.
B graduated.
We moved across the country so I could go to law school.
B went back to get his MBA.
B got his first "Big Kid" job.

...and all the adventures in between.

Baby, I love you and I can't wait to see what the next year holds for us! I know that I'm glad you're with me through it all.

Happy Thursday and Merry Christmas and Happy Anniversary sweetheart!

WednesdaY is "Peaches" Day.

2011-12-21T23:53:00.000-05:00

Peaches:

plural form of the subacid, juicy, drupaceous fruit of a tree, Prunus persica, of the rose family.
Informal, a person or thing that is especially attractive, liked, or enjoyed.
a Boxer bulldog owned by my Uncle Will

I'll give you three guesses as to who I'm talking about and the first two don't count.

Mom has been singing "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" to me recently to get me to behave.

Between you and me, I've been trying her patience.

Then yesterday, out of no where, she lowered the boom on me.

As usual, she sang, "You better watch out. You better not cry. Better not pout, I'm tellin' you why... PEACHES and Herc are comin' to town."

I stopped dead in my tracks and turned around...

PEACHES. IS. COMING. TO. TOWN.

That's right. It's Paisley talking.

The last time I saw this dog, she was a pup. She's still a pup, but now she's bigger.

MUCH bigger.

.

And mom thinks she's the cutest thing since sliced bread.

So I did what any self-respecting dog would do...I started snuggling big time.

The dog snuggles are hard to fight.

Let's hope Momma remembers those dog snuggles tomorrow morning when Peaches rolls into town.

Happy Wednesday and Merry Christmas!

Monday Mumblings...

2011-12-19T12:55:00.000-05:00

I mumble on Mondays. It's a thing. You get used to it.

I have some serious cleaning to get to today. I'm determined to make a serious dent into our laundry. DETERMINED.
Since I basically haven't been able to enjoy the holiday season until Friday at noon, it looks like we'll be sending out a New Year's card. I know I'm a slacker.
It is 11:36 am as I type this and my dog is still in bed asleep. You'd think she was the one who took finals last week from the way she's been sleeping this weekend.
I hope it's not too early to talk about New Year's Resolutions. If it is, I don't care. One of my goals is to be more an intentional blogger next year. By intentional, I mean to just write whatever I want to write about, after all this is for me and my family. It is our own little "How I Met Your Mother" in the form of "How Mommy and Daddy Lived Before Kids Came Along." No we aren't having kids and they're not on the radar for a bit, but I still want this place to be here for them to see.
I need to organize my binders from school and get them ready for this next semester. I know I sound like a freak considering I just finished finals, but this is one less thing I have to do before the semester begins. Plus, it lets me see what kind of supplies I need.
I'm so excited to take my family to my church here in Michigan. This church body has taken us in as their own this past year and I know my family wants to see that in action.
I wish I had some sunflower seeds.

Happy Monday and Happy Christmas!

"Everybody loves him. Babies love him. Old ladies love him. Everybody loves him."

2011-12-17T12:07:00.001-05:00

Last night B and I went out to celebrate the end of the semester with my friends from school. They all have met him numerous times before and B knows them well enough to know who they are when I say their names. (Side note: Isn't it funny how you have to describe a person to guys a little bit before they remember who you're talking about until they have been around the person for an extended period of time? I also thinks this goes to their character. When a guy remembers your name it is because he wants to know you.)

Anyway.

We're at the point where now they are not just my friends, but his friends as well.

In fact, I was told on more than one occasion that next semester and until we've all graduated that I should just expect to not see my husband on a regular basis because he will be spending lots of time shooting-Yes, as in a real gun. I've told y'all he's an NRA member before right? We're almost polar opposites politically speaking.-playing COD-MW and just going out with the boys in general.

It is an all out bro-mance.

What can I say? He really is my better half. (Oh yes this is a big husband gush post! It is exactly where this is headed.)

And person after person came up to me last night to tell me that he was wonderful and they think he's just great. And I totally and completely agree. In fact, I told them the title of my post in response. Really, I almost get a little jealous when I've met a person first and they later meet B because I know that I'll lose the person to him because he really is just that great.

It isn't that I've taken how much he loves me and supports me and encourages me and is in my corner and is my protector for granted. He is my angel and constant miracle.

It's just nice to have that feeling of falling in love all over again with the one you love. I will be honest and say that I've been praying for that very thing recently. Like I said, it wasn't that I ever stopped loving him or had fallen out of love, I just wanted that little butterfly absolutely exhilarating feeling of knowing that I am in love with the most wonderful person in the world and he is in love with me back and always will be.

You know most of the time I hate that we got married so close to Christmas because our gifts do usually wind up getting combined.

But when we get to the time of year that our actual anniversary falls. I love it all over again because this really is my favorite time of year and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The break I had from blogging this week was wonderful because even though I was stressed and absolutely exhausted from studying, it was nice not having to be tied to this world.

But I'm back and I just wanted to write this post for myself today, so that I would have a physical place to remember how I felt and feel about my wonderful, amazing, and absolutely brilliant husband.

Like the Frank Sinatra song, The Christmas Waltz says, "It's that time of year, when the world falls in love. Every song you hear, seems to say, Merry Christmas. May your New Year dreams come true. And this song of mine, in three-quarter time, wishes you and yours, the same thing too."

They all love him. That has been a prayer of mine, that not only that I would have friends here too, but that he would especially. I think that is on its way to happening.

The great part is that I get to take the guy home with me.

Happy Saturday. Merry Christmas. It looks like God delivered my Christmas miracle just in time. I got the reminder that I needed and prayers answered in the fullest. Funny how that God guy always delivers when we least expect it and need it the most. And then again it's not. It just shows how faithful He is.

Okay I'm really done now. Hope this finds you well and enjoying the season with your family.

Hello, my name is Samantha and I am in law school.

2011-12-11T12:53:00.001-05:00

This has been my dream since I was 17 years old. That dream is 10 years old as of this fall.

Some people in law school don't know why or can't trace their dream of being an attorney to a specific moment in time.

I am NOT one of those people.

I was paging in the House of Representatives for my state representatives and I had the opportunity to go through mock legislation. I was the author of the bill and it was a daunting task to say the least. I also remember taking it very seriously. While presenting it to committee, I realized that I wanted to be a lawmaker some day.

Frankly, I don't come from money. So I knew then that I would have to do things the old fashioned way-the American Dream way- and get my education and earn my way there.

I never looked back. Most of you have the calling to be a mommy. I have that calling too. I also had the calling to be a bride some day.

I have never been able to tell anyone what my dreams of being a wife and (mommy someday) would look like, but I could always tell you what it would look like for me to be an attorney.

And here I sit, in law school. Getting here is not what I had imagined at all.

But the point is that I am here.

This semester has been off-kilter for many reasons, but this morning, I got the shot in the arm that I needed to remind me why all these long hours are worth it.

Some day, I will get to say, "Hi, my name is Samantha _________-____ and I am a DOCTOR of JURISPRUDENCE.

I can't take the fact that God brought me here for granted. He has given me this opportunity and to squander it would be an act of disobedience on my part.

So please honor my dream and pray for me as I have prayed so many times and still am praying for you to get yours.

I hope this finds you well.

Happy Sunday and Happy Christmas.