You are my color

And my color is MAROON

Not sure if I made a big enough splash about my graduation from Texas A&M University back in December. But after long ass semesters of commuting, reading, cramming, thinking harder than I've had to think in years, and staying up until 2am while running a real estate investment office, I finally GRADUATED FROM THE BEST D*MN UNIVERSITY IN THE WORLD.

I know I'm not the only Aggie Alum that feels this way. And I would like to think that anyone that has an alma mater feels this passionately about the school that provided them with years of education, culture, good football (hopefully) and comradery that will last forever. Granted my time at A&M was staggered, and in my earlier years I didn't appreciate it the way I do now. But now this little piece of gold on my finger is priceless and it shines bright every day. We are loyal and faithful to a fault, we have an unconditional love for Johnny Manziel, and November 10, 2012 will forever be remembered. I know football season hasn't started yet, but I sport my MAROON year-round, and I couldn't be prouder to be a part of such an indescribable community.

Love note

Dear Hannah/Neal/Carlie/Summer/Jake/Quinn,

My apologies for the multiple names. You see, you're still too far away to even be a twinkle in my eye, but I'm a female so of course I've named all of you hypothetical angels in my head already. I'm writing this to let you know how much I love you, cherish you, care for you, pray for you and obviously constantly think about you even waay back when your momma was only 27 years old. I hope this will one day find it's way to you in some shape or form. I'm not sure if blogging will still be around when you're old enough to appreciate this, but a gal can hope.

At this point in my <young> life, most of my friends have babies. And that means that I've had a lot of time to watch and practice before you came along. Heck, I'm even babysitting in Paris next month. I can fold up any stroller, know the words to every single nursery rhyme, and can burp em with the best of em. But I know all of that goes out the window the day I bring you home. We'll start a journey that's just me + you and you'll teach me more than I ever knew existed. I know I'm not perfect, but I can promise you right now that I will work my hardest every day to make sure I take care of you. And to make sure you are happy. Your happiness is my happiness. And I will share with you the wisdom and knowledge I've gained through my unique experiences.

Few quick things to note...

• I'm sorry that I'm a horrible mom and won't let you charge your smart phone in your room after bedtime. And I know I suck for not allowing a TV to exist in your bedroom. Ain't gonna happen, dumpling. I never had one and I turned out just fine. Maybe when you're 16 and drive a (flying?) car we can talk about it. By the way, I'm sure I've told you this 100 times, but I didn't get my cell phone until I was SIXTEEN! Can you even imagine?!
• I'm also sorry for all of the Law & Order that I watch. By now I've probably seen every single episode 25 times, yet I keep comin' back for more. Oh geez, is this how my mother felt about Matlock?!
• I hope I have given you an impossibly dorky nickname. I'm pretty good at those.
• One more thing- DUCK LIPS... DON'T DO IT. Whatever the future version of Instagram is when you're digitally active, avoid the duck lips at all costs. It's not cute, sweetie, I don't care what your friends say. And yes, mommy will make fun of you.

Anyway, my future-non-existent-muppet, I love you. Be silly. Be smart. Be safe.

Please remember how special you are. Please know that you always have a home.

With love,
Your-dork-of-a-mother-who-is-probably-embarrassing-you-as-we-speak


PS- Go call your Grandma & Grandpa right now!

Motivate Me Monday

Yeah yeah, another fitness post. Don't worry, I'm chubbier than you and this isn't one of those. Although I actually DID work out today (pats self on back), this post is mainly to showcase this incredibly fantastic work out video clip that will quite possibly have you in tears of laughter.

I am dying. I just cannot deal... too hilarious for me.

In all seriousness though... Work out a little. At least be active. For your heath's sake, since we aren't 21 anymore with endless stomach pits and sky high metabolism. Do it for your 40-year-old self.

CHEERS TO SWEAT MUSTACHES & CUTE LEGGINGS!

Jose with an H

Jose with an H

We were on a break!

I personally didn't think that Netflix could get any better. I was proven wrong yet again when they added the ENTIRE SERIES OF FRIENDS. I'll never be bored again! I don't think a single episode ever gets old or less funny. If anything, the characters get even more hilarious and I learn even more life lessons from these people that are *what the what* supposed to be MY AGE.

Exhales

What a year! .....exhale. Kids, people aren't lyin when they say years speed up as you get older. Not that I'm calling myself OLD because I've decided one thing I'm going to do better at this year is not calling myself old. Although oftentimes my body feels old, my soul feels old, and my eyes that can't stay open past 9:30 feel old, but my mind and my spirit certainly aren't old. And I'm going to quit using it as an excuse for... well, for pretty much everything. NO MORE! Only person I want to hear that from is my 81-year-old grandmother, and even she was dancing to Beyonce at Christmas.

Few things I'm going to focus on as I exit a fantastic year of growing, learning, succeeding, crying, celebrating, and transforming and begin a brand new one filled with relationships, travel, focus, energy, and hope:

• Try something new.
• Leave the past in the past.
• Hug my elders. 
• Baby steps.
• Be content.
• Compliment someone.
• Journaling (best thing I've ever done).

HAPPY HAPPY 2015, DEAR FRIENDS!

10 Life Lesson from Buddy the Elf

Lesson #1: Spread cheer (Christmas and otherwise).  
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."
I know it’s not always easy to be cheerful, but you can tone it down on the Grinch-y attitude and embrace the beautiful lights,

Lesson #2: Make smiling your favorite. 
"I just like to smile! Smiling's my favorite."
For real, people. How much effort does it take to smile? I know “resting bitch face” is kind of a thing now, but get over yourself and smile at a stranger. You very well could make their day. And according to a health blog I read the other day, apparently it only takes 26 muscles to smile vs. 62 to frown.

Lesson #3: Be yourself, even when it's hard to know who you are. 
"Actually, I'm a human, but I was raised by elves."
Never shy away from who you are. Being genuine is one of the best things you could ever do for yourself and those around you.  

Lesson #4: Give out compliments freely.
"Deb, you have such a pretty face. You should be on a Christmas card!" 
As a huge fan of giving compliments, I wish wish wish more people would do it. I know you THINK them, so tell that girl in the elevator that you like her dress. Or tell that guy that parked next to you that his truck looks nice. Just do it!

Lesson #5: Take risks.
"Papa says my real father lives in a magical place far away... but the thing is, I've never left the North Pole."
Want good things to happen to you? You have to take risks. Doing something different -- breaking out of your comfort zone -- is a great way to find new and exciting outlets for positivity in your life.

Lesson #6: Don't give up.
"I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel."
Perseverance… I realize it’s easier said than done. But how rewarding when you’ve accomplished that ever-so-daunting task. #worthit

Lesson #7: Speak your mind. 
"If you can sing alone, you can sing in front of other people. There's no difference."
Speaking the truth without hesitation is something most are afraid to do (myself absolutely included). I definitely commend people for standing up for themselves and for others.

Lesson #8: Let life excite you. 
"Good news! I saw a dog today!"
We all could benefit from recognizing the little joys in our life each day. Let life excite you! Buddy inspired me to take another look around and see the wonder that really is all around me. Too often we get caught up on what all we have to get done and we forget to stop and really be present and enjoy the moment.

Lesson #9: Show affection. 
"Does somebody need a hug?"
How often do you show affection to the ones you love? I do what I can to be affectionate, but I can honestly say I'm no match for the ever-affectionate Buddy, who is always giving hugs and spouting words of love. Showing affection in whatever way you are comfortable is a great way to connect with others and make their lives -- and yours! -- more positive.

Lesson #10: Do what you love. 
"First we'll make snow angels for a two hours, then we'll go ice skating, then we'll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can, and then we'll snuggle."
If there's one lesson to be taken away from the film, it's this: do what you love. Life is too short and too precious to not be living a life that you love.