state fair

What a fun weekend in Dallas! A rooftop party (where we encouraged drivers who attempted to parallel park in a tiny but do-able spot), watched the Baylor/Tech game at the Cotton Bowl, experienced the state fair for the first time and fun friends- what more could a girl ask for?
The Baylor game was great, even though we lost. It was fun running into friends who I wasn't expecting to see... just another reason why I love Baylor events so much. I also LOVED walking into the stadium and seeing all the green and gold. Yes, I am fully aware of my dorkiness- embrace it. I was very proud of the team. We have gotten so much better over the years! Come on Baylor... only 2 more wins until a BOWL GAME!

The state fair was a blast. It being my first time, I wanted to do everything right, which of course meant eat a ton of food, ride the ferris wheel and play all the games. Let me just list all the foods we had. It makes me sick just thinking about it: corny dogs, fried moon pie, caramel apples, funnel cake, hot dog, turkey leg, beer and a hurricane. UGH. TOO MUCH. Highlight of my state fair experience? The ferris wheel! While some people in the group didn't feel the need to wait in line, Brad and I felt like it was something we just had to do... the essence of the fair if you will. Totally worth the wait.

I would also like to say that I don't fit in uptown Dallas. The group went to Taco Diner one night for dinner. Compared to everyone else, we looked like trash. I was even wearing heels! (Which I hate and don't do often.) I felt like I was at prom in jeans while everyone else was in a ball gown. I am not cut out for uptown.. but I am totally fine with it. I think I will stick to Austin where everything is much more relaxed. Dear uptown, please stop judging me. Thank you.

music of the week

My top songs that may or may not be on repeat in my car these days:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn1Dgxf42PU&ob=av2e

Home by Goo Goo Dolls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPk4_XfYhjg

King of Everything by Sara Bareilles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20-5OF6M09Q&feature=fvst

Only Girl by Rihanna

hammock

I want a hammock; I've wanted one for awhile. Doesn't it look so relaxing?! We used to have one at the lake house. We would move it in and out of the sun, depending on our mood. Sadly, it got old, rusty and cob-web covered, so we had to part ways with it. (Tear.) Why we never got a new one I'll never know.

I tried to get one a few months ago. I figured 'Summer time is the season to do it! I can lay in the sun and read books every weekend! Oh what fun it will be!' But, there is no place to put it in the yard. I even tried to figure out a way to hang it INSIDE my apartment. (Yes, that's how bad I want a hammock.) However, I quickly decided against that idea due to the fact that I live in a shoebox.

One day I will live in a house with a yard, and when that day comes, I will buy a hammock! Oh, what a glorious day it will be!

Melting Pot

Melting Pot restaurant week= AMAZING!

• Cheddar Cheese fondue- aged, medium-sharp cheddar and emmenthaler swiss cheeses, lagar beer, garlic and seasonings. Bread, cauliflower, apples and others.

• Surf and Turf- marinated sirloin, white shrimp, lobster, breast of chicken and tortellini with broccoli, mushrooms and more.

• Yin Yang chocolate- half dark chocolate and half white chocolate swirled for a perfect balance of flavors. Fruits, marshmallows, cheesecake and rice-crispy treats.

• A bottle of 2006 Pinot Noir, La Crema, Sonoma Coast, California.

thank you jesus

I am so blessed to have friends who will pray for me at the drop of a hat. I am so lucky to be able to send a quick emailing asking for prayers, and within 30 minutes, my inbox is filled with responses and prayers from the sweet people in my life. It is so encouraging to know that I have friends and family to lean on when I am having a rough day or when I need extra support.

Thank you Jesus for putting these people in my life. I would be lost without them.

Texans/Cowboys

Allison hooked us up with sideline passes and great seats for the Texans/Cowboys game. It was ssaawwweeeeettt! Here are a few pictures of our football adventure.

a time to heal

My dad has Alzheimer's. Yes, it is extremely hard and sad... and hard to even admit. It took me a few years to be okay with saying it out-loud. He was diagnosed in 2007. We didn't start talking about it or accepting it until 2008. Over the past few years, I have seen how he has dealt with having this awful disease, and every day, I become more and more proud of him.

People respond to such devastating news differently- some shut down, some ignore and others prosper. My dad decided to make the most of what God has in store for him, and he decided to fight back. Over the past few years, he has gotten very involved with the Alzheimer's Association- referring to himself as the "Alz guinea pig." He spoke at a Baylor College of Medicine seminar for new doctors, participated in a photo session showcasing people who have been diagnosed with early-onset (which will be included in an exhibit in 2012) and most recently, started a blog called Alz News. The Alzheimer's Association encourages them to talk/journal about how they feel. It is a way to help them cope with the disease. They have encouraged him to start this blog as a way to raise awareness of the disease. It is an insider's view of Alzheimer's. I encourage you to read it. I struggle with reading it- let's face it- it's hard. But, it's also a way to heal and cope. It is a way for my sweet daddy to teach people about the disease.

He inspires me more then he will ever know. I am tearing up as I write this, but I am also beaming with pride as I think about how much he has taught me over the years, months and each day.

A few life lessons to keep in mind (courtesy of my dad):

• Never give up.


• Live everyday to the fullest.


• Enjoy the time you have with the people you love.


• Tell the ones you love.


• Appreciate the little things.

I could go on and on. If you haven't had the chance to meet my dad, I hope you do one day. He has and will continue to bless my life each day. He is a very special man. I love him more then words can say.

**Shameful pitch: AUSTIN MEMORY WALK is October 16. Come walk with my dad my family and others. Please call, email, facebook me- whatever- if you are interested or have any questions. You can also CLICK HERE!**