2011 in review

Happy end of 2011, friends! Now that we're rounding out the year, it's time to sum up the year in photos and blog posts (my good friend Lisa used to do this every year and I loved it).

[january]

The year started off amazing, with my besties Jordan and Rae inviting me over for salmon and s'mores. So good!

[february]

Nick turned 23 (I know, I'm robbin' the cradle) and we celebrated with a ton of friends and plenty of cake!

[march]

Two of my good Waco friends, Hillary and Bryan, moved away from Waco since Hillary successfully defended her PhD. The LaBouffs threw an amazing Texas-themed going away party in their honor.

[april]

Not only did I turn 25 (woot!), I also got the best teaching evaluation I will probably ever receive in my entire life.

[may]

I visited Washington while Nick was in Kenya and dyed my hair brown. Smart decision!

[june]

Nick came back to the states after six weeks in Kenya looking like Abe Lincoln. Or a monkey. Nick was also in a wedding, which was probably the highlight of our year.

[july]

We spent Independence Day with two of the most loving, hilarious people we know: the Baller Wallers.

[august]

Nick reintroduced me to mountain biking and it becomes our sport of choice. I became frequently injured.

[september]

We randomly heard about a scavenger hunt in Waco and won $300. Booyah. Dr. Drew and I also became besties.

[october]

We tried our hand at a vlog and the response we received was overwhelming. We will probably never be this awesome again.

[november]

We spent our second Baylor Homecoming together and our blog got a facelift.

[december]

I wrote a witty Christmas letter for my family and friends, RG3 won the Heisman, and Baylor made it to a Bowl game. Sic 'em!

Happy 2011 y'all! Hope your year in review was hilarious to recall as ours! What was your favorite part of 2011?

Christmas recap

Happy Wednesday, friends!

How was your Christmas? Mine was full of love and celebration with my family and Nick, which means we had a blast.

Nick and I flew on Christmas Eve, which was significantly less dramatic than I was anticipating. We brought two dozen candy canes to randomly pass out to people in the airport who seemed to have a ton of Christmas cheer (and a few people who looked like they needed more), which was a blast. Nick was hesitant to give any away, as people tended to react differently to a 6'3 man walking towards them with a candy cane than a 5'2 girl, but we loved it. My favorite was one of our flight attendants who not only commented on how much it meant to her, but who kept staring at the candy cane as if she'd never had an act random kindness done to her. Success!

The gorgeous Washington state Christmas day

We also instituted a new Christmas tradition, which I'm pretty sure is going to have to continue after this year. To read about it, check out my guest blog post on my bestie Sarah's blog, Sunlight After Rain and let me know what you think!

Happy end of 2011!

My family has always been more of a Thanksgiving fam.

We love sitting around a table, eating, sharing stories, being grateful, and just spending time with each other. And don't get me wrong, we love doing that year-round, but there's something about Thanksgiving that has always been a little bit more our holiday.

However this year, we instituted a Christmas tradition that I'm pretty sure is going to nudge the holiday into the #1 position. It kind of happened on accident, but it now must be a Christmas tradition.

What is this new tradition, you ask? We played a drinking game while watching a movie at home. (I'll put a disclaimer here that my parents aren't necessarily the drinking game type, which makes me that much more proud.)

We ended up watching Abduction, the Taylor Lautner movie where the high schooler finds out his parents aren't really his parents. It's basically The Face on the Milk Carton with a side of CIA and a lot less red-headed people.

Anyway, at the beginning of the movie, we kept joking about Taylor's Twilight experience and were guessing how many times he would take his shirt off. We then decided we should take a drink every time he took off his shirt, rode a motorcycle, or was fighting.

Sandra, my brother's girlfriend and practically my sister, had the quote of the night: "I vote we takea drink every time he cries too since it's unlikely he will take his shirt off in the forest and his motorcycle got blown up."

Yeah, my fam rocks. Best tradition ever.

To read more about my family or life in general, check out my blog here!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Team Salt Lake!

Also, small shout-out to my bestie Liz who just got engaged! Happy day!

Thursday thoughts

Only three days 'til Christmas, y'all!

{one}

I get to see my family in two days! I cannot wait; the anticipation is killing me!

{two}

Last night, I got to see Joanna and Kathy for a lovely night at a dueling piano bar in Addison (by Dallas/Fort Worth, where we're currently staying with Nick's mama). It was a blast, but alas, Nick lost his phone. Earlier that night, Jonathan (another friend of Kathy's) "lost" his phone but it turned out a drunk girl who was sitting with us had accidentally picked it up and put it in her purse thinking it was hers. We're hoping she has it (as we can't find it anywhere else) and so I keep texting and calling it hoping someone will answer it!

{three}

Texas is weird. For a family activity, Nick, his mama, brother, sister-in-law, and niece took me to a shooting range.

{four}

Today is apparently the first day of winter. I say apparently because right now, it's 62 degrees here (and a balmy 30 in Seattle). Again, Texas is weird.

{five}

I'm seriously considering deleting my Facebook. I never get on it anymore, plus I hate that I can go back to 2005 and read the dumb things I wrote on other people's walls in college. What do you think of Timeline?

{six}

At Baylor, we have the 2011 Heisman trophy winner/AP Player of the year (among many other honors), our men's basketball team is 10-0, and our women's basketball team is 12-0. We're the only NCAA Division I school to have both our men and women's basketball programs undefeated. Sic 'em! It's truly the year of the Bear.

Happy Thursday, friends! What are you most looking forward to in the next few days? I cannot wait for mom hugs, dad jokes, and eggs benedict on Christmas morning!

Dear Monday v.13

Linking up with Meg for Mingle Monday and Megan for another round of...

Dear Monday, You're a fake Monday this week since I don't have any work obligations beyond writing. I always appreciate when you take it easy on me.

Dear Nick, We had a glorious weekend together. I love spending the majority of my time with my best friend.

Dear Date Night, You gave Nick and I a chance to start White Collar, construct/decorate a gingerbread house, and perfect our teamwork skills. Plus I only got icing on my sleeve once!

(For those who were still waiting to make their gingerbread houses, I got this for $3.99 on sale at Target!)

Dear Matt and Karenna, Thank you so much for inviting us to your wedding! The venues were beautiful, K's dress was gorgeous, and celebrating with friends is our favorite.

And, your decorations were simple but lovely!

Dear Waco Farmer's Market, You're cute! You're also small, but you have potential. Here's to handmade crepes, farm fresh eggs, grass fed beef, Texas honey, and a whole lot of hippies. Kinda feels like home!

Dear Muscles (who always gets two letters a la Todays Letters), Your determination with making the best gingerbread house ever was inspiring. Kind of like your determination with life. I'm grateful you're mine.

Happy Monday friends! I get to see my fam in 5 days! I'm psyched. How's your day thus far?

Starbucks Sunday

Happy Sunday, friends!

For my weekly Starbucks Sunday, I'm hanging out with Old Man Govatos (aka Lee) and procrastinating.

Last night, Nick and I went to Matt and Karenna's wedding. We had a blast celebrating their love with friends! Since I haven't had a picture-heavy post in a while, I figured I'd include some wedding photos for your enjoyment!

First, me and Studly McDreamyEyes before the reception started. Doesn't he look wonderful in his skinny black tie? Love it.

Bonnie, a fellow doctoral graduate student, sat at our table. I haven't seen her in a while so it was good to catch up!

Sam, my favorite wedding buddy, was also there. Nick and I left before the dancing, but I bet she cut a rug on the dance floor!

Nicholas played with his food, as usual...

And we got to play with our thumbs! I love the guest books where you use your thumb to "sign," and I loved this Up-inspired version!

Overall we had a blast. I'll put up a cell phone picture of Matt and Karenna at the altar tomorrow for Dear Monday.

Happy Sunday! My weekend is going to round out with a date night gingerbread house decorating with Nick, and I'm psyched.

How was your weekend?

Fill in the blank Friday v. 23

Link up with Lauren to do your own blanks!

{1}

My most favorite "little thing" is Hershey's Kisses with almonds. It's little in size, and little in treat, but they always make everything better.

{2}

I'd give anything for a hug from my mama. Soon! Sometimes just not soon enough though.

{3}

I can't believe that it's already the middle of December! How is it the 16th already?

{4}

The one thing I'd like to achieve today is finishing the methods and results sections for my genetics and psychopathy manuscript I've been working on. I've had a rough time tracking down the scales which the variables are from, so it's been a longer process than if I were to write an article from an experiment I actually designed. Luckily, Dr. S's former graduate student has been absolutely wonderful in helping me.

{5}

The last thing I want to do today is go outside. It's 47 degrees, but super windy (with the wind chill, it feels like 40). Sadly, I have a handful of obligations today so that's not going to happen, but still, I'd rather there be no wind!

{6}

If I were writing my own blank today, I'd write...

The best thing(s) that happened to me this week were the following: 1) I got a Starbucks gift card from Rachel and Frank, 2) I got to spend copious amounts of time with church friends, and 3) I became 7 days closer to seeing my fam. Winning!

{7}

My favorite scent is Glade's Spruce It Up. So pine fresh and so wonderful!

Happy Friday friends! What are your plans for this weekend?

Thursday thoughts

[one]

Sarah is back blogging, y'all! It's a Christmas miracle.

[two]

I can't stop listening to Eminem, most specifically The Real Slim Shady. I have no idea why I love this song so much; I'm aware it's horrible and yet I can't stop listening. Don't judge.

[three]

Ever have one of those days where you just really need a mom hug? I miss my parents. Is it time to go home yet? We're now into single-digits so at least I'm getting closer...

[four]

At my young adults (or those who are young at heart) church group Christmas party, we had a white elephant gift exchange. I brought Jesus, the "action" figure that I acquired last Christmas at the same party (I figured I could share His love). I almost left with some awesome Jesus bandaids but my pastor stole them from me (The "Free toy!" was a mini Jesus action figure. Totally serious.). Still, it was a hilarious time. I love my church fam.

[five]

Saturday is Matt and Karenna's wedding, which will be exciting for multiple reasons. I'm excited to see another First Pres wedding, plus weddings always make me happy. And, this is 2011 Wedding Extravaganza #5! Crazy.

[six]

I love how chill campus has gotten, considering the term is over. There's something peaceful about being in a massive building and seemingly being the only one around. Cross your fingers for more productivity.

Happy Thursday! How are you feeling today? It's rainy and wet, which makes me miss home even more!

Dear Monday v.12

Linking up with Megan for another round of...

Dear Monday, Let's be productive, eh? Thanks.

Dear Nick, On Saturday, we couldn't figure out why I had vertigo for no apparent reason. You made sure I was hydrated and full of food. I love having my own personal doctor, but when you're a "real" doctor, try not to kiss all your patients on your forehead.

Dear 8am Students, I'm so proud of you. You rocked your exam. However the seven (7!) people who write "IVAF11" as your test number, you deserve to fail.

Dear Robert Griffin III, Sic 'em! Having a Baylor Bear win the Heisman was awesome, but your story is even more inspiring. I just read that there's a semi-joking campaign called Whiff for Griff in Seattle for the Seahawks to lose games so that they can get a better draft pick and get RG3. Hilariously awesome.

Dear Friends, Apples to Apples and drinks with you are pure joy. Let's do this more often.

Dear First Pres Soup and Caroling, You're one of my favorite Christmas traditions! We have a potluck soup dinner before going to carol for members in hospice. Plus I love that all the kids think it's called "Stupid Caroling."

Dear Nicholas (who always gets two letters a la Today's Letters), You're my favorite person to spend time with. I'm lucky you're mine; I'm grateful for you every day.

Happy Monday friends! What are your plans for today?

Starbucks Sunday: Rachel and Frank edition

(All cats lie like that, right? You gotta admit, although suspicious-looking, she's the cutest kitty ever.)

Happy Sunday, friends!

You probably remember Rachel and Frank as the third wedding I attended this summer, which was full of love, celebration, and plenty of cake! Yesterday, I received a Christmas card from Rachel with a sweet message on the back about enjoying the next Starbucks Sunday on her, and in the envelope was a Starbucks gift card!

Super sweet, right?!

So this is Starbucks Sunday, the Rachel and Frank edition!

First, a picture of the four of us...

Then the obligatory silly face picture!

Other plans for the day include reading a handful of articles, making an outline of the introduction of my psychopathy/genetics paper, and trying to convince my First Pres friends to go to Soup and Caroling (the best December tradition ever).

What are your plans this Sunday? Happy celebrating yourself, friends!

Fill in the blank Friday v. 22 (Team Salt Lake edition)

Linking up with Lauren at the little things we do for anothe round of...

Since it's Lauren's 4-year anniversary with her husband, all the blanks are love-related. Thus, I figured I'd give you both mine and Nick's answers as a treat!

Team Salt Lake's blanks:

[one]

Love is...

Sar: Wonderful, fulfilling, tough, necessary, passionate, thoughtful, caring, hard work, and compassionate.

Nick: Patient, kind, envyless, boastless... (in reference to 1 Corinthians)

[two]

Being in love feels like...

Sar: Opportunity. It feels like you have the whole world at your fingers, anticipating what great thing will come next.

Nick: An electric blanket.

[three]

My favorite quote about love is...

Sar: "All you need is love; all you need is love; all you need is love, love; love is all you need." -The Beatles

Nick: "What's love got to do with it?" Isn't that a song?

[four]

The most important thing in a relationship is...

Sar: Trust. Following through with what you say you're going to do. The quality of the hugs.

Nick: Support or positivity. No, support.

[five]

A "dealbreaker" for me in a relationship is...

Sar: Thoughtlessness.

Nick: Meanness.

[six]

The way I show love in my relationships is...

Sar: Praise, words of love, and TruthMonster attacks.

Nick: Hugs. And backrubs.

[seven]

I love...

Sar: Nick. Nicholas. Studly McDreamyEyes. The man of my dreams.

Nick: Sarah.

Happy Friday, friends! What does your weekend have in store?

Thursday thoughts

Happy Thursday, friends!

Today will be full of cuddling up under a blanket with a sweet kitty, 'cuz it's cold! The frost in the picture above is from 8am yesterday, but today is similar. The "high" is 54, but it's mostly mid-40s and windy with little cloud coverage, which means it's frigid. I know I'm complaining, and I'll try to shut up about it, but I miss Washington!

Speaking of, we fly to Washington in 16 days (not that I'm counting). I can't wait! On the 29th of December, Baylor will be playing UW in the Alamo Bowl (sadly in Texas, so we can't go support). Since my fam are huge UW fans and Nick and I both have degrees from Baylor, we're on both sides. We've decided that we're going to layer our Baylor and UW shirts so that when one scores, we'll take off the top shirt (or put it back on) to support the scoring team. Um, awesome.

Yesterday at happy hour, our favorite bartender told us he needed to try out the new shot glasses and gave us a 007 shot with our margaritas. Yet another reason why we don't mind tipping 250% on a $2.25 bill.

On Tuesday, Jessica and I went to watch our favorite bassoon player (bassoonist?) Sarah play in the Waco Community Band for their annual Christmas concert and sing-along. The only part I didn't like? A section of the sing-along contained the song "I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In." How have I never heard this song? I blame my mother for lack of proper Christmas song education when I was younger.

In other news, my gratitude attitude for today is for Studly McDreamyEyes, who is currently sitting at the same table in Starbucks, studying for his finals. I'm lucky he puts up with me.

If you missed it, you can check out my 2011 Christmas letter here!

Happy Thursday! How is your day thus far?

Christmas letter 2011

Every year, I have a fun (let's face it, I prefer "witty") Christmas letter that I send with my Christmas cards.

In my first year of graduate school, it was a menu.

My second year of graduate school (and after 1.5+ years of teaching), it was a multiple choice test [all the answers were D) All of the above].

Last year (after a year of doing assessments for the local homeless coalition), I wrote it as a psychological evaluation. Apparently this is only funny to clinicians.

This year, I called to my blogger friends to help me with ideas for this year's letter. Bethany from Rinse. Repeat. (if you haven't seen her blog, go check it out immediately, it's fantastic!) told me about her sister's letter last year that was Mad Libs-inspired. I thought this was a genius idea and tried my hardest to come up with a witty Sarah Mad Libs to send out to my family and friends. I love how it turned out!

(To see a larger version, click HERE and zoom.)

(The crazy face in between "Mad" and "Libs" is inspired by the real Mad Libs face; thank you, Photoshop!)

So far, I've had a blast hearing my family and friends call with their responses. Shauna and Tim even blogged their answers, which were absolutely hysterical!

Do you send out a yearly Christmas letter to your friends and family? What style do you send your letter as?

Dear Monday v.11

Linking up with Megan for another round of...

Dear Monday, You started off freezing--literally. At 30 degrees, I'd appreciate a balmy 45 degrees with no wind. I take back what I said about CenTX not feeling like fall.

Dear Nick, You've been super busy lately but I'm so glad you're back in the same city as me. Plus only you will Blue Steel it with me in the middle of Target.

Dear Mom, The wreath you sent is gorgeous and makes the whole common area smell like Christmas. Thank you for your everlasting support and generosity.

Dear Baylor Bears Football, So excited you're playing the UW Huskies for the Alamo Bowl this year! Also excited that I get to watch both my favorite teams at the same time! Sic 'em Bears and go Dawgs!

Dear First Pres Waco's Cider/Coffee House Open Mic Night, We had a blast listening to members share their musical/comedic talents, and we loved decorating the gingerbread people! I made my gingerbread woman with a gumdrop purse. She's also a psychopath, as she ate Nick's gingerbread man's head. The smile on her face says it all.

Dear Robert Griffin III, You deserve the Heisman trophy. Baylor knows it, ESPN knows it, and NCAA knows it. Sic 'em, RG3! Get it.

Dear Nicholas, You had two medical school interviews the past week and yet you didn't send me a photo of you in your suit. Thus, you did a fashion show for me Saturday to make up for it. You're a stud. I'm lucky you're mine.

Happy Monday, friends! How's your day?