A 2012 recap Gripes and Gratitudes edition

Well it's safe to say 2012 treated me like I was an ugly step sister.
I'm not particularly devestated to see this year sail on by.
My gratitudes are mostly compiled of things that happened to people I love.
But Hey Jack, we can't win em all can we?
Without further introduction please allow me to do a little Gripes and Gratitudes (aka Raven Style) a 2012 recap.

Gripes

2012, why oh why did you have to be the year filled with aches and pains? Seriously. I feel like I have been sick non stop all of 2012. From colds, to kidney infections to a little self punishment called the wine flu I have had enough illness to last me clear through 2015.

Speaking of wine flu, I may have been able to avoid a few of those pesky days in bed, and by bed I mean death bed if you hadn't been such a C-U next Tuesday 2012. You trampled my love life 2012. That ole' song love is a battlefield? Yeah true story. It started with a relationship that ended with heart break and left me one bitter cold soul. Here is to hoping I find the desire to stop hating men soon.

I still live in my dad's house. When 2011 forced me into ole' Papa Chucks house I was certain come the first quarter of 2012 I would be long gone. Well 2012 has had many other plans. Ones that include me still mooching off of Papa Chuck and living in what I have turned into my bedroom. Thanks 2012 because independence from your parents isn't that great after all.

The election. From the political rants on facebook to the twitter fights by the time election day came I didn't even care who won as long as it was over. Not to say I didn't cast my vote for a certain man with a plan who was robbed but that's another story all together. Yet again I was disappointed by what 2012 had to offer.

Depression. Dear 2012 you and your BFF depression can pack your bags. You are about as welcome as a broken hip if you ask me. Get to steppin homes. Ain't nobody got time for that.

And I am tired of complaining. Let's move on shall we chicken nuggets?



Gratitudes

2012 brought to me a renewed relationship with one of my closest friends. For that I will forever be grateful. Being re-united with one of the people who knows you and understands you better than you yourself is the greatest gift. I don't know how I would have ever made it through 2012 with out my closest friends by my side. I owe so many wiped away tears, shoulders to cry on and nights of laughing until it hurts to you girls. Thank you for being by my side through it all Trashley, Delapp and Ms. Mawni!

Speaking of Trashley and Ms. Mawni! You ladies got engaged this year. I can say with an honest heart that nothing about 2012 has made me happier than hearing this news from each of you. I am truly blessed to be friends with each of you and to have had you hold my hand through the dark days and be next to my side during some of my favorite memories. I cannot wait to stand by on the day of your weddings and watch you marry the love of your lifes. My heart swells with joy every time I think about it!

Watershed, Biebs, Hunter and more. This year I spent a fair share of time concert hopping. Oh the joys.  I had such spectacular times at these concerts. I loved every single moment of singing and acting crazy. Watershed was nearly the death of me and probably gave me skin cancer but it was so worth it. Hunter will one day realize we were meant for each other it is inevitable. And Biebs, oh how the biebs can move. Thanks 2012 for being the year of rock for me.

My family, oh my sweet sweet family. I had the great pleasure of having my grandparents and aunt come visit from Nebraska this summer. I love, love, love family visits. Especially that old pair. They warm my heart. Not to mention I witnessed them drinking for the very first time in my life. Nothing like serving cocktails to grammy and gramps let me tell ya! I have a fondness for my family that grows stronger as I grow older, Lord knows they put up with my antics and that is saying something!

Adventures and roadtrips. While I didn't go on any "big" trips like I love to this year I did go on a ton of tiny baby trips. Me and my besties loaded up and cruised this state far and wide this year. I don't mind a long drive with good company and I spent my summer driving all over this state to whatever adventure came to me and I can say that it was some of the best times this year. Quality time with my favorite people and snacks yeah I'll have some.

This year in 2012 I managed to snag a job with a company. I work in the medical field and have always worked for private practice which has its perks but the benefits and the room for growth are lacking. I now work for one of the biggest medical companies on the west coast. Which means I have excellent benefits and so many great new opportunities I wouldn't have if I worked in private practice.  So thanks 2012 for at least giving me a better job.

Duck Dynasty. I am talking duck commander buddy. You can take that one to the bank. Duck Dynasty has changed my life and I love it. I never knew a gang of wild, rowdy rednecks could be so enjoyable to watch. And not only that but they do it the good ole' fashion way. No sex, no drugs, no booze, just the great outdoors and some camo. That's what I am talking about!

All in all I think I will call 2012 a wash. Here is to hoping 2013 does me some actual favors and brings joy and happiness to us all!










Peace out chicken nuggets see ya in 2013!

I wish I was a Robertson

I just don't understand why all of the Robertson boys are already married.
I mean except the young ones.

And that is just unacceptable.

I was practically hand crafted to be a rednecks wife.

I like guns.

I like to eat.

Camo??? YES PLEASE!

Not to mention I love fried food.

And I would quite like to go frog hunting.

It's a travesty.

I cry at the thought that I will never be a part of that family.

I know I belong.

Some people like to tell me I wouldn't "like" Louisianna but I think they are crazy.
What's not to like as long as you have a redneck water park and a sweet gem like Phil to lead you in prayer at family dinner?

All I wanted for Christmas was to become a Robertson.

Eff you Santa.

Respect

A Christmas tree and a Wolverine

This weekend I went with my brother, sister in law and my nephews to get a Christmas tree.
It's become a bit of a tradition.
I love spending time with my nephews and doing something special.
Especially now that Hudson is 1 1/2 so he has totally taken on this personality.
He is wild.
The description of it.
Fearless.
This kid literally flips table jersy housewife style.
This kid literally dives head first off of tables and chairs onto a giant pillow pet.
It's insane.
He also tries to pee on me most of the times I have changed his diaper.
Then grins afterwards.

Anyway, it has always been a mystery to me why people love fake trees so much.

I hate it.

I despise it.

There is in fact a fake christmas tree in my living room and I am outraged about it.
But thus is the life of a 26 year old who still lives at home.
I have no say.

That is neither here nor there however because regardless of the life that is or is not in my christmas tree I head off to the farm every Christmas with my brother in search of a real beaut.

Then he saws that beast down and throws it in the truck.

Mostly I am just there to provide moral support and encourage all parties not to get frustrated.

Christmas tree picking can be very difficult.

However it can also be quite amazing when you have a wolverine in your company.

On another note I started shaving Bella for the winter. She let me get halfway through and then she wasn't having it. So I have a half shaved pup. Great huh? Little does she know tonight we shall be shaving the other side.

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. A recipe!

So it is Thursday again and that means another day of linking up with Steph and Katie and sharing a delicious recipe I found on Pinterest you know that website we spend hours of precious time on!
I have had a few successful pinterest endeavors in my day but I think my most successful thus far is this little gem!

Crock Pot Potato Soup

Original pin here

The ingredients are:

1 30oz. bag of frozen, shredded hash browns {I used Ore Ida}

3 14oz. cans of chicken broth

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/4 tsp. ground pepper

2 cloves fresh garlic mushed in a garlic press or finely chopped

1 pkg. cream cheese {don’t use fat free.  It WON’T melt!!!}

What to do:

Basically throw all the ingredients in your ole' crockpot except your cream cheese and let that baby simmer away for 6-8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving whisk in the cream cheese. I like to cut it into little cubes so it melts faster. The soup will look weird at first chunky almost but once you start whisking that baby will look delicious!

I usually top mine with some tasty bacon crumbles, cheddar cheese, and of course some fresh chives!

I like my soup extra thick and noticed that mine was a little less thick than desired so I poured a little (about half cup) instant potatoes in that bad boy and viola thick as gravy. Literally which is my favorite!

I have now made this two times and each time it has been a huge hit!

My step sister literally licked her bowl clean!

Now feast your eyes on the finished product:

Now everyone run to the store and go home and try this recipe for yourself!

Date a girl...

Today I have been bored as a hound dog on a hot summer day.
I don't even know what that means.
However it has allowed me much time to stalk blogs.
I got a new follower the other day and have been stalking her blog.
Her name is Millie and she blogs over at Little Miss Sunshine.
She is an over-sharer much like me.
She rambles on.
Today I read a post she wrote and I couldn't help but do my own version.
Please go read her version because it was beautiful.

Date a girl...

Date a girl who believes in honesty. Date a girl who understands that the truth is better than a lie. Date a girl who understands that the truth might hurt but anything but the truth is heartbreaking. Be with a girl who will only make promises she knows she can keep. Be with a girl who respects you enough to be real, transparent, and ground alteringly honest about everything; always with you no matter the cost.

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Date a girl who has failed. Date a girl who has chased her dreams and fallen short. Date a girl who has believed in something and fought to have it. Date a girl who understands that dreams and reality differ. Date a girl who will push you to chase your own dreams no matter the cost. Be with a girl who values hard work and understand the pains of failure. Be with this girl because she will be by your side if you fail and she will pick you up and push you towards the finish line. She will understand your deep disappointment and she will be your strength because she understands.

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Date a girl who smiles when she cries. Date a girl who can see the joy in the pain she is experiencing. Date a girl who can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Date a girl who understands that no one is a pretty crier. Date a girl who can make a rainbow when its raining. Be with a girl who never loses hope even in her times of despair, if she can do this for herself imagine what she can do for the ones she loves.

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 Date a girl who enjoys to cook. Be with a girl who finds happiness in enjoying and creating food. Be with a girl who actually wants to cook for you. Date a girl who likes to share dinner, snacks and dessert. Be with a woman who wants to sit down at the table with you and relax in your company as you eat a meal together. Find a woman who enjoys this simple task.

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Date a girl who is spontaneous. Date a girl who can go out on a whim. Date a girl who is eager for adventure. Date a girl who does not fear the unknown but instead embraces it. Be with a girl who will go any where and do anything at least once.

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Date a girl who has experienced heart break. Be with a girl who knows how it feels to love and lose. Be with a girl who can relate to pain and emptiness. Be with a girl who knows how to fight for love. Be with a girl who understands that the heart is fragile. Be with a girl who will love with reckless abandon but knows of the pain that she is at risk to experience. Be with a girl who will be aware of the pain heartbreak can inflict upon someone. Be with a girl who knows of loss so that she will be aware of what you are risking. Be with this girl because she will be cautious not to break your heart.


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Date a girl who has a hunger for travel. Date a girl who wants to see the world. Date a girl who is not satisfied with being idle. Date a girl who has wanderlust. Date a girl who wants to know all the world has to offer. Who is not in fear of new places or people. Be with a girl who is eager to explore. Be with a girl who challenges the unknowns. Be with a girl who understands that travel and experience enriches the soul. 

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Date a girl who has expectations. Be with a girl who expects more from herself. Date a girl who expects more from you. Be with a girl who wont settle for ok. Be with a girl who expects greatness from life and from you. She will push you to be more, she will push herself to be more for you. Be with this girl so that the two of you can go on a journey that will lead you into unknowns and be each others rock, partner and truth along this journey. 

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Date a girl who trusts you. Be with a girl who has the strength to place her heart in your hands. Be with this girl because if she can trust you with her fears, her failures, her tears, her heart, her happiness; she will love you deeply. If this girl trusts you she will give the world to you. She will fight for you. She will be your advocate. She will protect you, she will nurture you. She will be your light on dark days.
Date a girl who can act like a guy. Be with a girl who can enjoy sports and beer. Be with a girl who feels comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt. Be with a girl who can enjoy the things you enjoy. Be with a girl who doesn't have to be dolled up all the time. Be with a girl who knows how to use at least one power tool. Be with a girl who doesn't feel like she "needs" a man to do everything for her. Be with this girl and teach her how to fix the leaky sink. Be with this girl because she has a desire to be independent and at ease. Be with this girl because she will appreciate you all the more.

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Date a girl who can take a compliment. Only a woman who has true confidence can take a compliment with dignity and grace. Be with this girl. This means that she loves herself therefore you can love her too. Be with a girl who radiates when you do simple things to make her smile. Be with a girl who gets butterflies when you tell her she is beautiful. That glows when you tickle her. Be with a girl who accepts the simple gestures like bringing her coffee, not using all the hot water, or refilling her drink when it is gone. Be with this girl because she understands the chaos that is life and while she has expectations she knows its the small things that count.

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Date a girl who builds you up. Be with a girl who frequently lets it be known that you are the man she adores. Be with this girl who constantly has wonderful and uplifting things to say to you and about you. Date a girl who brags about you. Date a girl who wants the whole world to know how proud she is to be with you. Date a girl who goes out of her way to show you she cares. Date a girl who sees the good in you and that it out ways your faults. Be with a girl who accepts you as you are embraces your faults and those funny little quirks that make you who you are. Be with a girl who wants to point out your accomplishments far more than your weaknesses.

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Date this girl. If you find her cherish her. Don't lie to her. Don't tear her down. Build her up and treat her like she is the queen of your world. I promise you that if you date this girl, if you treat her with dignity, respect and love she will hand you the world. Be honest and real with this girl, even if you may hurt her. Give her the world and expect it back. Honor her the way God expects you too. Don't hurt her, or lie to her or disprespect her. Show her that nice guys don't finish last. Give her hope that not all the good ones are gone. Don't be like the ones before you who have stolen her heart and left her in tears. Be the man she has dreamed of because if you find this girl she will be all of this and more for you.

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Ornament swap a little late

So I participated in the lovely Erin at Living in Yellow's ornament swap. I love christmas trees so very much. And on top of that I love getting mail even more. So what a perfect swap. Not to mention it seemed like a fancy way to get to know a couple new bloggers!

I had the pleasure of sending an ornament to a fellow Ashley! Ashley and her sister just moved from Texas to the big city. As in New York. Crazy. Go check out her post to see the Texas themed ornament I shipped her way. Please note that I had intended to include a super bad ass Big Ben ornament but when I aggressively tried to smush it into the box I may or may not have broke it into a million pieces. Oops.

I received an ornament from Antonia over at Lovefullys! She has an adorable blog and she did such a wonderful job of finding a perfect ornament for me! What do you guys think?

Yeah she couldn't of done a better job if she had taken me with her! I failed at being a successful blogger because when I saw that beautifully wrapped box my hunger games instincts kicked in and I ripped that thing apart. Thus no pictures of the beautifully wrapped and packaged ornament. I love love love my ornament and couldn't be happier. I screamed with delight when I opened that sucker up! Thank you to Erin for hosting such a great link up/swap and thank you to my two delightful partners!!