Day 365: December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!! I had a fantastic 2011 and I'm looking forward to 2012! Thanks for reading along with my Year to Remember blog. 2011 certainly was memorable. I enjoyed soaking up every moment of 2011. My theme for 2012 is Make it Count!

For New Year's Eve, I celebrated by having dinner with my mom, Darrell and Grandma at one of our favorite places. Then, I met up with one of my good girl friends, Megan, and we shared a bottle of champagne and then went to a party hosted by one of my oldest friends, Tiffany.


Handsome Frankie wearing a bow tie to celebrate NYE!

Megan and I at the NYE Party!

Tiffany and I at the NYE Party!

Day 364: December 30, 2011

I like wearing boots, listening to country music, and I love being a Texan. It suits me.

Day 363: December 29, 2011

While in PHX, I took advantage of the warm weather and ran outside, around my Grandma's community. The scenery was beautiful, there is just something about mountains that is just breathtaking.

Day 362: December 28, 2011

While traveling to both Kansas and PHX, I had plenty of time to read! I've heard many great recommendations about The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and with the movie currently in theatres, it was the perfect time to read the book, before seeing the movie.



The book was great! I'm anxious to see how it was made into a movie.

Day 361: December 27, 2011

After I got home from the Christmas trip to Kansas, I unpacked my bags and packed a suitcase for PHX to visit my Grandma Rita and Aunt Mari!


Grandma Rita and me

It was great to see them, celebrate Christmas, relax and visit with them.

Day 360: December 26, 2011

I had a WHITE Christmas!

Kansas had a beautiful blanket of snow, which made for a lovely Christmas.

Day 359: December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!

I had a very happy holiday with my family. I am so blessed.

Day 358: December 24, 2011

I love the magic of Christmas.

The Virgin birth of our Lord and Savior, the reason for the season. And, for fun, Santa, his reindeer and little elves who spread Christmas cheer. My favorite reindeer is Frankie!

Day 357: December 23, 2011

I love all of Frankie's holiday outfits. He's the most dressed up dog for Christmas, and all year round!

Day 356: December 22, 2011

Since we'll be spending Christmas Day in Kansas, my family decided to have our 'family' Christmas (and open all our presents!) before we left. Grandma made the Christmas dinner that I grew up eating: beef meatballs (I however, unknowingly grew up eating deer meat balls), mashed potatoes, gravy and corn. It was delicious!! Then, we opened presents. I am so blessed to have such a generous family.

Day 355: December 21, 2011

Tomorrow, December 22, we're celebrating our family Christmas before we leave for Kansas. Today, I wrapped my final presents. I am expecting a package to arrive (just in time) before we open presents tonight, so I had to get smart with my wrapping! I wrapped a couple boxes like they do in the movies, that way I can just throw the presents into the wrap box and put it under the tree.

Day 354: December 20, 2011

With my new Kitchen Aid Mixer, I made crescent roll dough. I LOVE Nutella, and I figured it would taste great inside the crescent rolls, so I put a little dollop and baked the rolls for less than 10 minutes and I had a delicious, sweet snack!

Day 353: December 19, 2011

With my new Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, I made Chocolate Chip Cookies! My favorite part about baking is sharing my delicious treats with friends and family.

Day 352: December 18, 2011

I really enjoy baking, so this year for Christmas, I asked for a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer! Mom and Darrell let me open up the Christmas gift early so that I could enjoy baking during my TWO weeks off work. I know I'll make many delicious treats to share using my new mixer. Thanks Mom and Darrell!

Day 351: December 17, 2011

I love the holiday season! One of my favorite things about this time of year are the parties!! This year, the firm holiday party was held at the Ritz in Dallas. I went with my girlfriends and we had a great time!

Day 349: December 16, 2011

Tonight, one of my audit engagement teams is having a Christmas party and White Elephant gift exchange. When I was in high school, I received Spam at an orchestra White Elephant gift exchange. I've been traumatized every since.

In hopes of getting a good gift, I bought a really nice gift I thought someone would enjoy... Maybe my White Elephant history will have a happier ending this time around.

Day 350: December 15, 2011

I'm quite lucky to have a window in my audit room at my client. Today, for the first time ever, I got to watch the window washers do their magic. I am not envious of their job. I think I'll stick to auditing.

Day 348: December 14, 2011

Typically, audit rooms and quiet, and quite frankly, boring. This week, my client is remodeling, and my audit room has been anything but quiet and boring!! There were times I thought the contractors were going to bust through my audit room wall with a saw. It made for an interesting work experience!

Day 347: December 13, 2011

Tonight, I hosted Girls Night at my apartment. I made Turkey burgers and sweet potato fries, and served my favorite wine. My girl friends brought the salad and dessert.

We had a great time visiting and catching up before everyone heads out of town to celebrate Christmas. I am so blessed to have amazing girl friends.

Day 346: December 12, 2011

I am FIVE days away from my Christmas vacation! I can't wait to spend the holidays with my family. My favorite Santa Frankie is going to get spoiled to pieces during my time off from work. I have quite the calendar of plans during my vacation- I can't wait!

Day 345: December 11, 2011

After reading the Holiday Book List 2011 (book recommendations from one of my favorite blogs, Eat Live Run), I ordered How to Love an American Man: A True Story. This is the perfect time of year for reading, before the rush of busy season in January!

Day 344: December 10, 2011

After a couple weeks of cold, chilly, and rainy weather, Saturday the sun was out and it got to over 50 degrees!! I took advantage of the weather and went for a run outside, rather than running on a treadmill at the gym. I'm training for The Big D Climb in January and my FOURTH half marathon in March. Nothing warms my spirit up as much as a good run outside.

Day 343: December 9, 2011

One of my favorite things about Dallas is the variety of restaurants! We have so many awesome places to eat!! On Friday, I went to The Cedars Social with my Mom and Darrell and a few family friends for a lovely dinner. Good food, good drinks, good company.

Day 342: December 8, 2011

Some days I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day.

Day 341: December 7, 2011

Grandma to the rescue!

I got ready for work this morning, piled on my winter coat and gloves and hurried to my car, because it was a chilly 26 degrees out this morning. (If it is going to be that cold, could mother nature at least reward us with snow and a snow day?!) I put the key in my ignition, and my car would not even turn over. The battery was as dead as a door nail, as my grandma would say. With Darrell out of town and Mom on her way downtown on the DART train, it was Grandma to the rescue! She quickly hurried over to my apartment so that I could jump my car. Before we knew it, the jumper cables were hooked up and my car was running! Thanks, Grandma for saving the day!

Day 340: December 6, 2011

After nearly a year and a half of living in the 'stone' ages, I finally got internet today!!!

I'm glad to be living in the 21st century again, with a new LED TV, a blu ray player and internet!

Day 339: December 5, 2011

Post race, I am enjoying a day of rest. Luckily this time, no ice bags are needed for my knees!



I won't rest for long, as this week I'm starting to train for my FOURTH half marathon. I'm looking forward to running the Dallas Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon on March 25, 2012.

Day 338: December 4, 2011

Today is race day!!! Someone must have forgot to tell mother nature, because she made it a cold, wet, windy, and rainy day to run! By the time I finished my 5 mile leg, I wasn't sure if I ran or swam, and my leg (leg 2) was all up hill!! My mom is such a trooper, she came to watch me start and finish my leg, while braving the traffic and the weather. She's the best cheerleader ever.

White Rock Marathon Relay Course

Elevation Chart



Relay Medal


Medal Collection

It was fun to participate in my first relay. I'm looking forward to my next big race in March 2012!

Day 337: December 3, 2011

The White Rock Marathon Relay race is tomorrow! The projected high is 46 degrees, with the chance of rain of 80%. At least I have a cute running outfit!

*Not pictured- rain poncho suit

Day 336: December 2, 2011

The White Rock Marathon Relay is just two days away. So that makes today my 'Last Chance Workout'. Bob and Jillian would be so proud. I ran 4 miles and I think I'm ready for my 5 mile leg on Sunday.

I don't watch The Biggest Loser religiously, however I do try to catch a few episodes a season. It is inspiring watching people change their lives, for the better. I'm known for tearing up during almost every episode. It is truly amazing watching someone who once thought running was impossible run and FINISH a marathon.

Day 335: December 1, 2011

WoW! Three hundred and thirty four days ago I started this blog, as a way to remember the year. I've had fun chronicling and documenting this year. I hope you've enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to look back on this blog years from now and realize that 2011 was a year to remember. With one month to go, now I have to figure out what my 2012 resolution will be. I'm open to ideas. :)

Day 334: November 30, 2011

I am thankful for my apartment. A nice space that I can call my own. I have the best roommate, Frankie! I look forward to coming home after a long day of work to my apartment. It is comfortable, and fits us well. I even decorated for Christmas this year! I have a small tree and hung a few strings of lights.

Day 333: November 29, 2011

I am thankful that I started this blog. 2011 sure has been the year to remember. Although I am not quite sure what my 2012 resolution will be, I can only hope it is a memorable as 2011.

Day 332: November 28, 2011

I'm thankful that I live in a close proximity to Starbucks! I'm quite the coffee drinker, and this time of year, I can't get enough of Starbucks holiday drinks! Thankfully, one is never too far away from Starbucks, so even while traveling, I can get my Starbucks kick.

Day 331: November 27, 2011

I'm thankful for other blogers! I've learned so many things about fashion, cooking/baking, and life from other bloggers. These are a few of my favorite blogs that I read:

J's Everyday Fashion
Eat Live Run
Confessions of a 20 Something
The Pioneer Woman

Reading other people's blogs inspired me to start this blog!

Day 330: November 26, 2011

I am thankful for the opportunity to share my passion of biking riding with Darrell. He started training for the 2012 Bike MS ride with me this summer, and I've enjoyed every ride with him. It is nice to have a riding buddy. And we've had some good conversations and made some good memories on the road. I'm looking forward to many more!

Day 329: November 25, 2011

I am thankful for the financial stability which allows me to be able to shop for fun things on Black Friday. I am thankful that even my family braved the crowds with me to shop during the craziest shopping day of the year!

Day 328: November 24, 2011

I am thankful that I get to spend Thanksgiving with my wonderful family. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, it is the perfect reason to gather with family-



eat delicious food-


and watch football!

Day 327: November 23, 2011

I am thankful for a healthy, and perfect pup- Frankie! He's pretty darn cute too!

Day 326: November 22, 2011

I am thankful for a my engagement team. As an auditor, I work very closely with coworkers, in a conference room, where we spend a lot of time together. I've been very blessed to have met some of my best friends at the firm. I work with very smart and talented coworkers, who challenge me and encourage me, especially during busy season. I have learned many valuable lessons through my coworkers and I am grateful for everything they have taught me.

Day 325: November 21, 2011

I am thankful for my generous PTO (paid time off) that I earn at the firm I work at. I'm looking forward to have FIVE days off, Wednesday-Sunday, to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family.

Day 324: November 20, 2011

I am thankful for the car that I drive. It gets me from point A to B very comfortably. And this time of year, I get to use my favorite feature of the car, HEATED SEATS. There is nothing better on a cold morning than having a warm tush.

Day 323: November 19, 2011

As Texas A&M's Big XII days are numbered with the conference move to the SEC, I am thankful that I was able to return home to Aggieland for one last game. And I'm even more thankful that I got to see Texas A&M beat the hell outta ku! It was a beautiful day in College Station, and it was a great game, with a final score of 61-7.

Day 322: November 18, 2011

I am thankful for the traditions of Texas A&M University, the school I grew to love during my 4.5 years on campus.

Today marks the 12th anniversary of the Bonfire Collapse. In 1999, I wasn't even in high school yet, and I didn't even know I was going to be an Aggie. The Texas A&M family lost 12 precious members. When I was a freshman, I attended the dedication of the Bonfire Memorial, on campus, to mark the 5th anniversary of the collapse, it was a moving experience that I will never forget. The Aggie family gathered at the site of the collapse, at 2:42am, the time of the collapse, at the memorial built to honor and remember the 12 we lost. Now, 12 years later, the Aggie family still mourns the loss of those 12. We will always remember. 11/18/1999.


There's a spirit can ne'er be told... It's the spirit of Aggieland.

Day 321: November 17, 2011

I am thankful for teachers I had in high school and college professors, who even after graduation, continue to teach me.

Day 320: November 16, 2011

I am thankful for all of the opportunities that I've had to travel. A few of the places I've visited just in this past year are: Phoenix, Jamaica, Minnesota, Iowa, Indianapolis, and Boston. Later in the year, I'll be spending Christmas in Kansas and then going to Phoenix again for my last trip of 2011.

Day 319: November 15, 2011

I am thankful that I am healthy, and able to enjoy running and riding my bike. It is not only a great way to get exercise, but fun to do with family and friends!

Day 318: November 14, 2011

I am thankful that as a child, my mom taught me the love of reading! As an adult, I love nothing more than getting so engrossed in a book that I can almost feel apart of the book, get to 'know' the characters, and feel a sense of sadness when I finish reading the book. This year, since I bought my Kindle I've read so many amazing books. It's hard to pick out a favorite... but I'll try!

Favorite Series: The Hunger Games
Favorite Jamaica Vacation Book: Water For Elephants
Favorite Book Turned Movie: The Help
Overall Favorite: Redeeming Love

Day 317: November 13, 2011

I am thankful for Texas Summers!! I might not have said that back in July and August when it was so hot for me to even think. But now that it is a 'chilly' 40 degrees, I want summer back! I miss reading my Kindle in the pool, sun tanning, summer dresses and warm weather.

Day 316: November 12, 2011

I'm thankful for my faith, and my belief that Heaven is real.



I recently finished the book Heaven is for Real. It was an amazing story about one little boy's trip to Heaven, and his life on earth. Because I know The Creator, I know Heaven will be more glorious than I could ever imagine.

Day 315: November 11, 2011

I am thankful for all of the Veterans who have served the United States, the land of the free and home of the brave. No one is more brave than those who put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms of us. I do not fully understand the sacrifice they made, or their family made, to protect the freedoms I enjoy everyday, but I am forever grateful.

Day 314: November 10, 2011

I am thankful for my Grandma Ann. She moved to Texas from Minnesota a couple years ago, and having her living close has been such a blessing to me and my family. I have gotten the opportunity to see her on a regular basis, rather than just on holidays and special occasions. Grandma is also Frankie's doggie nanny. I couldn't have a dog and work as much as I do without Grandma's help. Everyday, she goes over to my apartment and spend a 'happy hour' (or sometimes more!) with Frankie. Frankie and GiGi share a special bond. I'm so blessed to have her as my Grandma.

Day 313: November 9, 2011

I am thankful for the ability to forgive people and the opportunity to accept forgiveness from others. Holding on to hatred, grudges and hard feelings is a heavy burden and carries a high price. Although forgiveness sometimes takes time, the feeling of peace is worth every bit of pain.

Day 312: November 8, 2011

Today is Election Day, where citizens have the opportunity to vote for people to represent them in the city, county, state and national government. I am thankful that I live in country where democracy is the functioning form of government. This is the land of the free and the home of the brave.