I will remember Decembers of love-- Imogen Heap

Christmas was fabulous! I'm always more excited about the giving than the receiving. Granted, I'm human and LOVE to rip open beautiful paper to find the gift hidden inside. However, I LOVED watching everyone's expressions as they took in exactly what we'd given them.

To my niece Savannah, we gave books. One was a Precious Moments Prayer Book that had been given me by my parents when I was five, just as she is. The other was Charlotte's Web. I know it seems that that particular bit of literature may be a bit ahead of schedule, but this kid is so much like myself. Devouring books every chance she gets, and at a 4th grade level!!! She's DEFINITELY related to me. :) It really made me feel good that she ran around the room, after opening the rest of her gifts, showing everyone the books I bought for her. We made a deal that Uncle Allen and I will pretty much only buy her books, and she LOVES that.

To Trenton, my almost 15 year old nephew, we gave a Marion Barber jersey. This wasn't just some *Iron-on* jersey you get at Wal Mart. This was an authentic NFL stitched jersey, made to wear with pads. This jersey runs about $200 usually. I got it for $40. Technically, I spent $19 on the jersey and $21 on shipping from China. ^_^ I'm quite proud of this purchase! He just about flipped his lid and couldn't believe we'd gotten it for him. He won't stop showing everyone. That makes me feel good. I like when people LOVE their gifts. I made him a knit beanie for his birthday in March, and he wore it EVERY day(he even left the hand made tag on, lol).

Allen's gift was pretty cool. James, his best friend, and Jeff, our roommate, went in on a big gift with me. We purchased a $400 video card for his computer. He's a gamer, a MAJOR gamer, so we try to keep him updated on all of his stuff, as much as possible atleast. So, James also donated a 20 inch LCD monitor for Allen to play on. HE LOVES IT! We then convinced him that we were getting him a puppy, and he wasn't all that happy about it, lol. He later realised it was a ploy to divert his search. Anyway, long story short, he was speechless. He just sat there, in the blue chair at my folks house, staring. He couldn't believe it. I thought he was going to cry. He almost did, and when I asked why, he said it's because he didn't realise that he was that important to all of us. That was a heart warmer if ever I saw one. :)

My sister in law, Laura, loves to toys from her childhood. Linens N Things had a big display of old school toys. We bought her a Snoopy Sno Cone maker and she was SOoooo excited. YAY!!!

My brother Jeff got his birthday present in early September, as a birthday/Christmas combo. I took him to see Morrissey live, for the first time ever. He cried. My brother isn't the most emotional man, but he's definitely appreciative of things. He just stood there, in awe of what we were seeing. Morrissey, his favorite artist since the days of The Smiths. There are no words to describe how happy it made me feel to know he felt that good.

My parents requested we not buy them gifts, bc we need to save our money. So, we didn't but they'll be getting some post Christmas presents soon.


Allen and I really don't have a lot when it comes to money. We're struggling. We also believe that if we have an extra $10, maybe we can make someone else happy, or at least give it to them to help out a little. Too my knowledge, I've always been giving, but Allen has really taught me the meaning of helping your fellow man.

I remember, when we first started dating, it was Christmas and he got a $1000 bonus(I wish he still got those). He took that bonus, cashed it and split it into equal amounts to give to all of his techs. He kept about $60 for himself. That's the kind of person he is. If he can make someone elses day better, he will.

I'm the type of person who doesn't want to give people the things I think they'd like, like some premade soap gift basket. Instead, I like to do my own things. Like give a little girl, my favorite book of all time. Hand knit some wash cloths and throw together a mini spa including some hot cocoa, flavored coffee, handmade soap and a huge mug. That's my kind of personalised gift. My parents taught me the value of thoughtfulness. Don't just buy a gift for someone that anyone can give them. Make it special and personalised in some way shape or form.


Wow, this has become a rambling post if ever I've seen one. I meant to post an old email detailing the way Allen and I met. That'll be another day. Have a wonderful life everyone. Talk to ya later. ^_-

Moi

Oh no! Dosey doe! See you at the rodeo!

Northern State is a chick group made of Hesta Prynn(anyone know who this one is named for?? 4 points if you do) Sprout and Spero. Nice rhymes, fresh beats and truth. I like it :)

Anyway I really ought to be showering right now, getting ready for work. I go in at 3, which is a really weird time for a waitress to go in. That's because I'm not waiting tonight, I'm FOH Supervisor. That means Front of House Supervisor and it's AWESOME!!! I'm dying to get there but I'm nervous, lol. :) I love sweet talking customers out of complaining to corporate when the n00bs screw everything up, but tonight... I have access to the cash drawers, my own card for fixing everything and I get to wear khakis and an oxford. I'm down with that. :) Allen's really excited because the sooner I become a manager, the sooner he can quit his crappy job. He's great at what he does, but it's killing us both. Waking up at 3am to fix something? Calls at 6 to come in early. No bueno. I'm hoping I can get tested soon and really sail through this.

If he takes this job where one of his employees went, we'll have insurance and a little less money. If he gets that job, and I start managing, we'll be doing WAY better than we are at the moment. We'll be able to pay off our debt to my parents(cars died at the wrong time!) and my school loan. I just want us to live comfortably. We don't need new cars every 2 years or a huge house. We just need food in the fridge, time to have fun and eachother. A kid might help, but later. :) I gotta jet though, time to get ready for work!! :)

Later ya'll!

Party on Garth!!

Allen's company party was last night. MAN did we have fun or what!? :) There was a pool tourney which I actually went to the second round in. That NEVER happens. I know how to play, but I don't think the balls like me much,, lol. I was quite proud to say the least. Anyhow, Allen decided to play drinking games all night. By games I mean taking shots just for the hell of it while anyone/no one was looking. He drank several *Dead Nazi's* which consist of Jager and Goldschlagger. I tried one and wasn't too impressed. Not really the right mixture for my sensitive pallet. :) Needless to say, he was wasted by the end of the night.. oh man!!!!!


Here we are with the ever present *Myspace* picture. I used to take these all the time before Myspace...how sad it's been deemed the official pose, lol. BTW this is before any alcohol was consumed.










The winners of the pool tournament. I honestly felt cheated! Jim is a SHARK on the table!! For such a quite mild mannered man...he can really run a table! Good Grief Charlie Brown.













Oh how the mighty have fallen!! He was a bit sloshed at this point...

















The mark between his eyes is from wrestling with his boss... boys boys boys...

Plus, this happens to be my absolute favorite picture from the whole night!! He looks like a 5 year old,lol. :) SO CUTE!!












In the end, I of course love him to pieces. :) He's so cute when he slurs, and can't walk on his own.

Please note that this is not a regular occurrence.












The clubhouse where we held the party had a really nice gym that we had to walk through to get to our cars. Allen thought he needed to lift some weights. Please note his inability to stand and the fact that he's carrying my purse :) LOVE IT!











To the laymen, it seems as though I hate my husband and love to humiliate him. Quite the opposite! I love him so much and we love to humiliate each other, lol. :) Hopefully through the Holly Daze we'll be shutter happy with the camera and I'll have lots of pictures to post. My niece is so friggin' adorable! I can't wait to hang with her on Christmas Eve. YAY!!! (Does the happy 6 year old dance) Ok, well, I'll leave you on high note. **Sings a C Sharp** Night!!

The Premier

Seeing as how this is my premier blog, I guess I ought to introduce myself and gloat, or be self deprecating. Either way, you'll know a little more about me! :)


So. My name's Elizabeth, and I'm 22 (23 in February!). I was recently married on November 3rd of this year. We tied the knot and tied it tightly! His name is Allen and he's the dryer to my washer. Water to my cup. Shower curtain to my shower (I've tried showering w/o one and it's just not a pretty sight). So, you get the idea that he's pretty much the bees knees. We dated for 4 years and one month to the day, and I don't regret a single day w/ him.

I was born in Forth Worth, Texas. I grew up in Everman and met the greatest chick ever! Her name's Huong (pronounced Hong) and she's been my best friend since the last day of 3rd grade when we met. I remember the days that we would talk on the phone. I'm talking literal days. We would wake up, call eachother, talk ALL day, eat all 3 meals as well as snacks, take potty breaks, fall asleep talking and the wake up to talk more. We were inseperable! We've grown up and separation is eminent but we deal. She was the Maid of Honour in my wedding.

I technically have 6 brothers and 1 sister, all older. I say technically bc I'm only blood with 3 boys and the sister. Carrie was always my hero, she's kind of faded from the lime light as of late. That's another story for another day. She's 34, married and has a daughter, Anna Sophia.
Jeff (blood) is my hero. If it weren't for his constant pushing, I wouldn't have made it through high school. I was dealing with a lot of family drama. He's 34 as well. Married to Laura, and has 2 amazing kids, Trenton (almost 15) and Savannah (almost 6). I love this family so much and would wither and die if there was a falling out between us.
Joey(blood) is 30 and hates me, or so it would seem, so I really don't know what's going on with him.
Robert(blood) is 30(if he's alive) and an addict. Well, he was an addict when I last saw him, but that's been about 2 years, after we kicked him out. He was stealing from us, lying to us. In other words, he was being an addict. I'm really sad to not know him anymore.
Mickey (step) is my Fathers Wifes son. I've met him twice and he and his wife are awesome. Very down to earth people, but that's about all I know.
Dave(step) is my Dad's son. He's about, 35 I believe and amazing. He's a Master Sgt. in the Air Force, as well as Assistant Fire Chief. He's married to Kathy and they have a 17 year old son, Vance. They live in Florida and we all hate it! I can't wait for him to retire in 2 and a half years so they can move close again! He's my brother. Unless giving the technical details, I say he's my brother... period. Ever since he met me, he's called me his little sister. I LOVE THAT!!
Jack (step) is Dave's 31 year old brother. He's cool, and nice. Has 2 kids, Riley and Colton and is married to Kristine. Otherwise, I know very little about him. He's on his 3rd marriage and I really hope this one sticks. It would be nice.

I love music. Growing up, music and books were my life. I wish I were kidding. I've been a singer since I could talk and I have no shame! My life goal was to study Opera at UNT and go on to be some big famous Opera Singer. My tiny goal is still to sing (even it's to myself) on the stage of the Bass Hall in Downtown Fort Worth. I never did go to UNT or sing Opera. I'm a loser. I throw up at auditions. 'Nuff Said. I currently listen to all music. At this particular minute I'm listening to The Black Eyed Peas, a minute ago it was John Mayer. Earlier in the post I was on Ella Fitzgerald, then it moved to Death Cab for Cutie and All Time Low. I'm all over the place. Allen's a rap boy, but I must admit, his Ipod has thoroughly shocked me.

I cook. I went to Culinary School in Denver. The main reason I chose that particular school was the trip. We lived in France for a month. Ever since I was about 5 years old and saw my first black and white film, based in Paris, it has been my goal to go. I made it there. School was the hardest thing I've been through. My emotions, brain, and self worth were tested every day at that school. Chef Andy knew how to rip you into a million pieces. There were more than several occasions that I almost quit. I stuck with it though and excelled in France. I took 4 years of French. I've been training for this my whole life! The first 3 days were spent in Paris, and I probably walked 20 miles or more in 2 of those days. Some of the guys and I decided to thoroughly explore, and boy did we!! I also got drunk for my very first time there. It was quite an experience. Not to mention the fact that I spoke better French when drunk... weird! :) The next 2 weeks were spent living in apartments with 1 or 2 other people. We lived in Avignon, in the Provencal region. I was in love. I lived in the most BEAUTIFUL apartment with Kimberly and Jill. They were both 35 and 40. I was a youngster compared to them!! We went to school Tuesday through Saturday at L'Universite du Vin. Chef Michel Recerveux was our teacher, and I was in AWE! He's in his 60's and considered a Master Chef. After those 2 weeks were all sent to our Stage (Stah-zhe) where we worked for 2 weeks. I worked with Chef Jon Chiri at Chateau de Masillon. It was a castle from the 1400's that had been converted into a hotel. I picked fresh herbs daily and helped to create the evenings menu. I was his pastry chef for the most part and that really made me love pastry even more. If I hadn't been with Allen, I would have given up on school and stayed there. The ladies who owned the apartments told me I could stay for free if I wanted to stay. The apartment, by the way, was a converted Servents Quarters above some stables. The stables had been converted to apartments as well. This building has been in their family since the 1500's. It was haunted, too. :)

Currently, I'm a waitress at a restaurant called Black Eyed Pea. I worked there during High School and loved it. I came back 7 months ago and am now looking to get into management. One of the managers is currently giving me a glimpse of everything by teaching me how to close the store. I can't wait. I'm hoping to manager here for atleast a year, mayber 2 then move on to somewhere more high end, then somewhere higher. Then, I would love to climb the company ladder.


I'm a part time knitter and sewer. I've taught my self some embroidery and looking to teach myself how to use my sewing machine. I'm dying to make my own pillows and skirts, etc. Luckily, my mother instilled in me an appreciation for things made by hand with love. My Aunt makes quilts. A quilt from her was the only present I actually wanted for my wedding. I could have done w/o the place settings and gift cards because I had her quilt. Sadly, the few hand made things I've given away have been met with lukewarm thanks. Though, Trenton's beanie was a huge hit! Allen's and my first Christmas while dating, I turned a pen for him on the wood lathe at my moms house. The second Christmas, I made him a blanket. He cherishes both. :) In fact, because he's a wuss, he's sleeping with a sheet, The Quilt(yes, in capitals!) and his blanket. I on the other hand sleep under the sheet and half under The Quilt. I'm too hot blooded.

Alright, I have to admit, I LOVE children!! I'm hooked on children. I've loved babies since I was a wee one myself! I worked in a day care in Denver and it was AMAZING. If it weren't for the cheap wages, I'd have made it my life's work. Now, I just live vicariously through others who have children. Plus, as a waitress, I get to spoil kids all the time. Though, I must admit, I'm really only partial to well behaved children. My mom raised 5 kids to be good in a restaurant. Sure, we'd play, but there was no running around the table, throwing food, yelling and screaming or being rude to the server. Those children make me sad, bc that means they have parents who don't care what kind of person they grow up to be. Well, that's my opinion at least. Anyway, to sum it all up.. I have BABY FEVER!!! I kid you not. Especially since the wedding, there has not been a day that passes w/o me wishing for a child. Funny thing about that though, I don't want a kid yet. Physically I'm dying for one. Mentally and emotionally, I'm NOT ready. Allen and I have lived together for 2 years now, yes, we're settled but we've JUST gotten married. I want to be newlyweds for awhile. I want to share married firsts before we share family firsts. Plus, I want to get some experience under my belt, before I get knocked up. (I'm southern, shoot me) I know Allen's going to be an amazing dad. He's such a goofball, but so loving and attentive. Our kid is going to be so lucky to be related to that man.

Ok, so I've pretty much written a short story here. I've skipped several parts of my life, such as Jr High (Central JH) and High School (First Trinity(My dream school) then Brewer(my nightmare)), but I'll get to those later.

I'll leave you all with this little bit of wisdom:
Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.

— Peter Ustinov

He's definitely my endless habit. But PLEASE, don't think I'm one of those sad women who can't do anything w/o her man in tow. I love him, he loves me. We complete each other. We have our own lives. I have my friends, he has his and we have ours. I'm just really hooked on him. :)