Full Steam Ahead

Wow January 29th already... time really does fly.  I thought I'd do a little catch up informative post just to notate all that I've been up to and a few random things.

~ School started back January 13th which is the LAST semester of my undergrad although I'm driving to Commerce one night a week and the next night drive to downtown Dallas plus one online class there is a definite end in sight and it really gives me that push I need.  I plan on starting my graduate program in June during the Summer 1 semester.
~ I'm officially being nickeled and dimed $30 and $40ed out for fees- graduation fee, grad school application fee, parking ticket WHOMP, parking permit, parking garage fees when I'm downtown and the list is really never ending
~ I went duck hunting with Hendik this past weekend.  It was a cool experience but I can't see myself becoming a dedicated duck hunter it's a bit hit or miss
~ We are having a super bowl party and so I'm hurriedly building a fun, different, snack menu for game day
~ I haven't been very good at taking pics but I do have good intentions....does this make it better? LOL
~ I'm trying to get into a fitness routine, we've been eating healthier which entails pretty much cutting out fast food and going out to eat out all together and I've started making us breakfast smoothies.  So far I've lost 5 lbs of my goal weight loss I hope to know out the rest real soon and if I meet me goal I'm getting new swim suite for a vacay and for the upcoming summer.  I plan on being on the boat and water as much as possible and it's not like any girl NEEDS a new swim suite but you always HAVE to get a new one. Didn't you know they are like collectibles. LOL
~ Work the past month has been crazy with OT being thrown in which I never complain about and when I'm not working at work I'm reading school books on my lunch hour!!!


Overall that's all I got plus some of my favorite picks for my swim purchase that I hope to make after I shed the LBs!

I love the black and white, the blossoms in blue are way different than any suite I currently have and I think it brings a nice feminine flare that softens me. LOL  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sequin bottom and turquoise top..I think it is probably my top pick and then that awesome fun back and printed bottom on the bottom is also great.  The back of that suite is what really attracted me.  I'll be sure to post which one IF any I get!

 http://www.swimwear360.com/p-7597-dia1048b-dia2027 

http://www.swimwear360.com/p-7462-sb02 

http://www.theorchidboutique.com/chloe-celestial.html 

http://www.theorchidboutique.com/kenya-geometric-bikini.html 

Jungle Fever

I'm so excited to say that in just 5 short weeks I'll be enjoying a plane ride to 7 glorious days in Costa Rica with the love of my life. 

This vacation is going to be a dream come true in many ways.  Not only are Hendrik and I taking a once in a lifetime trip together it's going to be the beginning of such wonderful adventures around the world for us. 

I searched the Internet high and low the first couple weeks in January after it was announced to me over a New Year's Day dinner that we needed to vacation in March while I was on spring break from school. 

Hey do you know who you're talking too....you had me at vacation! 

But after trying to please this picky an open minded honey of mine I needed a vacation from planning our vacation. LOL  I searched all over Airbnb because we both really wanted a beach house but I couldn't find one that had everything Hendrik was looking for.  I searched other countries...I search and searched and searched...oh and did I mention I searched. 

I came across the best deal ever but before he made up his mind it was snatched up and booked for our dates.  We both really wanted a vacation that we could have the freedom to really see the real Costa Rica and I was totally against an all inclusive resort type vacation because in my opinion you just can't get real culture and a travel experience out of that... hence the house search. 

 

I was down to the end of my patients (they aren't long to start with) and so I turned to Groupon.  I logged in to see what they had to offer and found an awesome deal...after searching the web for reviews and such I discovered the travel agency putting on this great deal sucked but it gave me the idea and foundation I needed....I was off to the races.

I took their itinerary and fixed it to our liking.  Hendrik finally approved of my doings and we booked it a couple Monday's ago.

Here's what we got:

**Flying in to San Jose Costa Rica
**Hop into our mini economy rental (read mini economy, yes love or anger will be in the air) LOL
**Drive north about 2 hours
**Arrive at our hotel in the jungle for a 3 night stay

Hotel Rio Celeste Hideaway

With things like waterfalls, blue lagoons, hanging bridges over the forest canopy, and volcanoes all within the area I think these three days are going to be the adventure part of our trip.

After our 3rd night we check out and drive West to the coast and stay at a beach resort near nightlife, sun, drinks, lots of sand, and relaxation in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica for 3 nights for the relaxation portion of our program.

Playa Flamingo Beach Resort

After our jungle hikes and beach relaxation we check out and drive back into San Jose for a day and night of city exploring before our flight out the following day.

Hotel Presidente downtown San Jose

Bring on the culture, the reading of maps, lots of laughs, and many adventures! 

 

I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful, giving, and loving man in my life who adores me and our relationship just as much as I do. OH and it helps he loves traveling and doesn't shy away from new experiences just as much as I do!!!

Don't worry I'll be sure to give you every detail and photo dump overload when we return.

December Wrapped Up

The last half of December was awesome!

Starting with my birthday week. 

Monday, my birthday, started and ended with a bang and it really couldn't have been any better. 

Tuesday and really the rest of the week I was on cloud 9. 

My happiness and good things just kept on happening.  Tuesday I found out that I PASSED both my classes and was set to FINALLY graduate in the Spring!!!

Can I get an amen? 

This is only a baby step but by passing my classes that were really hard allows me to finish up my degree and stay within my financial aid budget...even allowing me a bit of money back. 

That's two scores...

Wednesday my last birthday present from Hendrik finally arrived in the mail and I think I'm even more in love with the man LOL. 

 

 

He got me a Fossil purse from their new line and I love it so much. 

Thursday I found out a got another huge raise which carried me onto Friday

and

well Fridays are just born awesome. 

Needless to say I had an amazing week.

In other news of December:

We visited the North Pole of East Texas and drove through the Christmas light display.  It was so pretty and a nice wrap up to a Saturday night.

Went on two different sushi date nights

Celebrated several different Christmases with family and racked up with this little buddy.  The mint robot sweeper and mopper.  I love him and have put him to good use a couple times already.  I didn't do well on pictures. Whomp!

On the 27th my house officially went on the market

and I ended the last day of the year by officially selling my little camper, Peggy Sue.  An old man bought her for his wife as a surprise it was so sweet!

December was awesome and Hendrik and I have a fun date night planned tonight for Texarkana to start 2014 the right way!

Hello...2014!

2013 has been a split down the middle year.  During the first half of the year I worked and schooled A LOT, was in an unhappy relationship, yearned for a change, travel, and a passionate love.

During the summer many things changed...I went on vacation, had a break-up and finally gave into a love that has been building for years and ended the year in the arms of the love of my life!

The last half of the year has been a whirlwind of happiness, school, work, love, laughs, family dinners and just all around awesomeness.

If 2014 is anything like the latter half of 13 then I'm in for a ride.  I can't wait to see what is in store for me, my heart, and my life.  I'm by far the happiest I've ever been and I'm going to keep on making myself happy!

Plans for 2014

• Work out A LOT
• Finish my degree
• Love deeper
• Be an all around better person
• Do a lot of projects
• Go on a road trip
• Go on a tropical vacation with Hendrik
• Take a girls trip
• Budget better
• Eat out less
• Take a couples weekend in Oklahoma during the summer
• LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

As for the book that's going to help me track and plan these resolutions....

My 2014 Plum Paper Designs planner.  I usually get an Erin Condren planner but given my funds are limited I decided on a cheaper but equally awesome version.  I love how I was able to personalize the inside.  I guess we will see how I like this planner over the coming year!

Happy New Year!