Ten years

While devouring dinner not too long ago and Brendon remarked on a colleague who had a very definite five year plan. It was a good one, made all kinds of sense. It was something that Brendon, in another life, would have done. But I kind of laughed and said, "Heh, plans." Because for me and us, life has a way of just doing whatever it wants. Regardless of what you have planned. And I kind of love it. So it's had me thinking. Thinking of all the plans that didn't happen, and all the great things that did instead over the past decade.

If you're like me, a person inevitably cursed with a sense of responsibility and... grown-upness? planning just kind of happens naturally for us nerds. You try to do what you're supposed to. But that being said, plans in general also stress me out. So I have a weird balance of not totally flying by the seat of my pants, but also rolling with the punches. I married a super planner. He would plan our every second of every day if he could. I roll my eyes and say, "let's just see what happens." (Or I screech out something about him being a micromanager.) I think we balance each other out well, and believe it or not, HE has added most of the chaos to me life. Lovely, sweet, fantastic chaos.

My first recollection of real life planning, or scheming, would be planning to go off to college. I wanted to be an art teacher. I picked a college "far away" (Denton is far, right?), I wanted to get out of dodge. I was wrapping up my first and only real very messy breakup (HAHAHAHA) and wanted a clean slate. Plans were made, a friend was supposed to go with me and she bailed, but I was determined to go. Alone seemed even better. But then, Brendon happened. And right before I was supposed to leave to start this great adventure and life on my own, that boy conned me into noticing him, then dating him. I was like, OKAY FINE, BUT NO PROMISES. I still went to off college on my own, and it was one of the best things I've ever done. Long distance relationships though, they suck. So after a year of riding the struggle bus, up came Brendon. I was no longer alone and there we were, going to college together. At some point the idea of being an art teacher went out the window thanks to an actual teacher who got real with me after some drawing class and told me my "talent" would be wasted. Honestly, I didn't even like kids, I would have been a terrible teacher. So I switched my major to Studio Art, and planned on going to grad school after. I was going to be an Artist. With or without Brendon. But then, I just kept falling for Brendon. And you guys, I fought it. We broke up for two seconds 1000 times. But never really, 'cause I loved that boy. And the idea of living anywhere without him, it just seemed silly. He eventually conned me again (he's such a charmer you guys, I blame the hair and those Dr. Pepper eyes) into living with him and it was to my surprise, the best. I was like, damn. I think I could do this forever. And then he proposed, and you know. We got married. Right after graduation. And he got into the best pharmacy school (you're welcome, UT) in the state and there was no hope of grad school for me there. So, I just didn't go to grad school. And I was okay with that. It didn't happen and if I had the chance now I still wouldn't go. It wasn't for me. It was what you were supposed to do as an artist, it was the next step. And I was ever the good girl, trying to follow the rules. But you guys, I have basically not painted once since graduating and I'm not mad. I think I just happened to be decent at drawing and painting, and so I got a degree in it. But I don't regret it! It taught me how to manage time, think creatively, and it taught me what I was capable of. But I think I've found my niche in sewing, for now. It makes me real happy. I'm glad I got that degree, but I don't miss painting.

ANYWAY, so off to Austin we went. The game plan was for Brendon to finish pharmacy school and then make the big bucks in Austin working for CVS. But then, he did some clinical rotations towards the end and was like, hmmm... I think I want to do that. And he timidly put forth the idea of doing a residency after graduation and I was like, "are you kidding after four years NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE." But of course, I thought about it for more than two seconds and came around. What's one more year? He'll get to do what he loves. So we did all the motions and applying and Temple was in our future. And somewhere in that last year of school, we decided to try to have kids?? Boom, pregnant.

And I have given up on planning.

When I was 17, I didn't want a boyfriend. I got one. When I was 20, all I wanted to do was go to grad school and be a successful artist. I did NOT want to get married, I didn't even want to share my one bedroom apartment. Brendon and I moved in together, got hitched, and grad school went out the window by 23. I have for most of my short adult life, not wanted kids. But a few years ago I was like, hmmm... I think I wanna try mixing up some DNA. I want to try raising a human with this man. And at 27 we will have made a kid! And I sure as hell did not want to move to Temple, TX of all places, but look where we are. And I don't even hate it!

You guys, life is a mess! You can plan all you want, but life just says, nah let's do this instead! And that is so okay. Sometimes life has better ideas. Life has taken me on the strangest adventure and I would not change a second of it. Even the bad parts. Because they make you stronger and when you look back, they're not so bad. It's all been so so so good. Nothing like I imagined. It's okay that you might not have done what you were "supposed" to do. There is no "supposed" to. Almost a year ago someone very close to me made me feel terrible about what I was doing in life, because it wasn't what I was "supposed" to do. Well, eff that! As long as you are alive, happy, and healthy, what are you doing wrong? I have everything I need, and more. I am a lucky lucky lady and I am thrilled to be where I am. A lot of chaos and hard work and LOVE got me to be where I'm not "supposed" to be.

So what I'm trying to say is, I didn't want a Brendon. But ten years ago I got one. And he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I hope he thinks likewise. ;) We have been on a rowdy adventure, but I have had the best life so far. It has been so much fun. Hard and trying, but gosh, we've had a lot of fun. Sometimes I think back on all we've been through and it feels like a dream. Some of it really sucked, but most of it has been fantastic. I have been so happy. Every year is better than the last and I just can't wait to see what weirdness awaits.

Happy ten years, Mr. Hogan. Happy ten years of crazy adventures. Happy ten years of plans going awry, of flying by the seat of our pants, even though you're a champion micromanager. Thank you for derailing plans and turning them into something so much better. Thank you for finding me and for sharing the best decade of my life. You are my favorite and I have more love for you than I ever thought possible to feel. I will follow you and us to the ends of the earth on our adventures, because it is always worth it.

Embarrassing photo, as you do. New Years Eve 2007, we were 19. I'd have posted an earlier one but you know, back when we got together disposable cameras were all the rage. Not too many digital versions of us in our early years. But still, even two years in we were BAAAABIES. (I still have and regularly wear that jacket. It's just so warm.)

Loved you then, love you now, love you forever, four eyes. Happy ten years of adventuring, give me some smooches.

Three Years

Three years of marriage, y'all! Threeeeee! Where has the time gone? Every day time seems to be moving faster and faster, we'll be old and wrinkly and toothless before we know it. These past three years have been the most fun and best of my life. The theme of year three of married life seemed to be FUN. We had a lot of fun this past year together. Although we're still in the throws of pharmacy school (ONE MORE YEAR) and I'm continually working my tail off, we seemed to get a hang of it this year and managed to squeeze in a whole lot of adventures when we weren't hustling our respective games.

Mr. Hogan is my favorite person in the world to embark on adventures with. Really, that's my end goal in life. Have fun with my other half. But life is BUSY and it takes a certain amount of effort and work to make time for adventures, and more importantly each other, and this past year we made it happen. I think it's what keeps us sane. Life is often messy and hectic and not so awesome, but making time for fun and love makes all the rough parts worth it and seem not so rough. I think this last year we've realized how important this is, and we've gotten pretty good at making time for each other when we can. Making sure that "married time" happens, even if you're the busiest and super stressed (erryday, y'all). It's just so crucial. Even if it's something as small as cuddling and giggling on the couch for the random 20 minutes of free time you've got, it matters. And as silly as it sounds, running together has been a huge deal. It creates time together and has been so fun. Because we take running fairly seriously and work it into our schedules, it's scheduled time together. Time to sweat and struggle and hate your legs, but time with each other, no work or school involved. It's the sweaty things, y'all. But really, making time for each other. No matter what you're doing (fun things are recommended!), it's so good.

So cheers to three wonderful years. Looking back three years ago still gives me chills. April 30, 2011 was such a wonderful, unperfectly perfect, and happy happy happy day. We were totally spoiled with love by the most lovely people. I can't say it enough, we are so fortunate to have the people in our lives that we do. They're such winners. And all so good looking! ;) I really wouldn't change a damn thing about our wedding day... except what we wore. As any girl would, I would LOVE to pick out a new wedding dress. Not that I don't love mine, because I do, but I'd get married in something light and flowy, with straps or sleeves because dancing is so much easier when you're not worried about gravity causing your dress to peace out on you and show your goodies to your nearest and dearest. And less dress is bueno when you're getting hitched in Texas heat. Also, HALF as much makeup. I mean, word? Coulda woulda shoulda.

So thank you for the best three years ever, Brendon. Married life is the bomb when you're married to you. Also, you keep getting cuter every year (there's these very few grey hairs that are appearing in Mr. Hogan's fantastic mop, y'all... ooooooo!) and that is trouble. The good kind. I love you, a lot. Year four is going to be amazing, I know it.

Can't get enough of our baby wedding faces? Here is Year One and Two, as well as "the Wedding Posts".

Eight

Enjoy this picture (oh my god) of Brendon and I at our senior prom, in honor of eight years of love and fun. We've been partners in crime for EIGHT years, and every year has been better than the last. And I think it's safe to say that our fashion sense has improved slightly.

Thank you for being the best Brendon Hogan and for picking me. I sure do love you. Your fro too. Find us a prom that we can crash to celebrate, okay?

Thoughts on "Marriage Isn't for You"

I interrupt the normal broadcast of food and projects for some actual thoughts from my head. I know that doesn't happen often around here, so forgive me and please don't take me too seriously.

If you are active on Facebook, you've probably read Seth Adam Smith's post "Marriage Isn't for You". Once you come to the realization that he is talking about marriage in a good light (this should happen relatively quickly) you find an article about a man realizing that he was being selfish in his marriage and declaring that marriage is about your partner, not yourself. It's fairly sweet and I congratulate him on becoming less selfish. However, I have all kinds of issues with this article and the fact that it has gone viral over the internet like it is telling some sort of highly classified secret of matrimony. It is not. It is not ground breaking. If you thought marriage was just for you and this article was some sort of awakening, marriage probably quite literally is NOT for you. Not yet anyway.

I have been married to Brendon for two and a half years, so I am by absolutely no means an expert on the subject. We are very young and are still, in my mind, in the "newlywed" years. And they're wonderful, may they last forever. However, Brendon and I have been together for almost eight years. We are, like the Smiths, "high school sweethearts" (did you just cringe? because I did). And thus through these eight years, we have gone through some crap together. Big things and scary things and lots of petty things. Lots of growing up. Luckily we got most of the petty nonsense out of the way before we got married. BUT we were wild and wily rebels that lived together for years before marriage so we had an opportunity more traditional couples did not. I'm assuming the Smiths are more traditional. So we cheated with a head start. We entered into marriage knowing an awful lot about each other and an awful lot about how to make us work.

And there's the difference for me, and it's really quite simple. It's about us. Marriage is not about one person, whether it be you or them. It is about two, it is about you both. I mean, clearly. Marriage binds two individuals together, publicly, legally, and spiritually. It's an agreement between two people. And goodness, to assume all marriages are the same would be such a silly thing. All marriages are not the same. And all marriages, I'm guessing, function incredibly differently. What works for one couple may not work for another. Pretty common sense stuff, everyone is different, yadda yadda. Oh and EVERYONE should be able to embark on this marriage adventure if they want to. Ahem.

But for Brendon and I, being married is about We and Us. It is for each other. It is compromise after compromise and giving and taking and loving and fighting but always agreeing to stick it out forever because it's worth it. It is knowing that you will do anything and everything for the other, but still being your own person. Brendon and I have our own individual lives that are wrapped together in a big ol' tangled mess that I never want to unravel. We put our big kid pants on and make it out there in the world on our own, but we've always got each others' back. And that makes that crazy world out there easier to navigate, knowing that we have each other. Having someone to bounce ideas off of, having someone to make those BIG decisions with, having someone to tell us it's okay when the poop hits the fan and it feels very not okay. We both have goals for ourselves and goals we want to meet together and they are ever evolving and changing because that's the adventure of life and it's never what you think it will be.

And let me stress this point, marriage is about both of us. Which means in some ways it is about me. I love Brendon with every fiber of my being, from my multiplying wiry grey hairs, to my chipped toenails, I love that man. And I would do anything for him. But I also love me. Our marriage is very much about me in a sense because that man makes me happier than anyone in the world. So I married him and I'm not letting him go. But because he makes me happy, I want to make him happy. Because why wouldn't I? I want him to feel the same way about me that I do about him, because that feeling is real nice. I want him to want me, I want him to always want me as his wife. And that means giving. And that means making it about him. It's a cycle, y'all. It's the damn circle of life marriage. My life does not completely revolve around him and his not around me. They're more in very similar orbits that are fixed together forever by gravity because we want them to be and we just happen to love to bump into each other. We're planets now clearly.

So yes yes yes, it's about both of you. Always and forever. And it is also to some extent about your family and your friends that you build into your life, because they make you who you are. If you have children, they become a part of the Us. We are childless so I can't speak a lot about marriage with offspring, but I don't think marriage is about one person, your child included. If we have a family I still want it to be about me, Brendon, and our child(ren), all together and as individual people, working and loving and living together. Marriage is about living! Oh goodness is marriage about living. If it is not about living, I can't imagine it would be much fun. And although marriage is not always fun, fun should be the end game.

As I hope you did with Smith's article, please take all this nonsense I just spewed into the internet with a grain of salt. My marriage is not perfect, and I don't think anyone's is. I am 25 and have only seen (hopefully) a quarter of my life and have only seen a couple years of marriage. I am not all knowing when it comes to marriage and I am sure as hell not wise. I just had to get real for a moment and deal with that article. Because this is what marriage is for me, right now. It's simply about the two of us. It might not be like this in ten or twenty years, but right now, this is it. And it's good.  Really good. So forget "Marriage Isn't for You", because it is. It's just not at all just about you, and if you think it is, you'll probably have a Seth Adam Smith moment, except your partner might not be so sweet.

And to wrap it up, I leave you with this article my friend shared, on Facebook of course, that is a great example of what marriage can be. Sorry if you cry.

(And that photo of our extra cute hands up there is by J. Noel Photography.)

Two Years

Not in the mood for smooshy gooshy love? Don't read this.

Our second year of married life has been... good. So good. This past year of marriage has been all about learning and growing with Brendon and appreciating and loving him more than ever. Even though I swear I know him backwards and forwards, he never ceases to surprise me. I learn new things about and from him everyday. Going through life with him is the greatest and most fun thing in the world.

And goodness, the things this man makes me feel. So many butterflies, after seven plus years of messy life together and two years of being his wife. I fall for him more and more everyday. I am crazy about him like a school girl. It's wonderful and scary, in a good way. How can anyone love this much? My heart hurts when we're apart and when I'm with him I cannot get enough. I'm addicted, big time. I crave his touch and his glances and his words. I want everything about him. I want his thoughts, his dreams, his future. I want to make him smile, to make him laugh, to make him happier than he's ever been. There is never enough. I miss him. Life gets in the way. It sucks and it hurts being away from him, but it is that much better when we're finally together again. And being apart gives us good things to talk about and share, although even if we spent every waking second together I don't think we'd ever run out of things to say.

I don't know how this man does to me what he does, but I love it. And I love him more now than I did yesterday and less today than I will tomorrow. Forever and always. I am the luckiest girl in the world, because he picked me. He wants me and he loves me. He loves the bad and good things about me, and is patient and kind with me when I am rotten tomato of grumpiness. Being married to him is the easiest and best thing in the world. I know marriage is not supposed to be easy, but it is. Life is not easy, life is hard and tiring and mean sometimes, but being married to him is like breathing deep gulps of air after life holds you under the water. Having each other is our protection against the dark and crummy things that so often threaten to appear in our simple little lives. Even after or during the most terrible day, knowing that we still have each other makes everything okay. He is my safe place, he is my home. He is everything and he is mine. And I am his. Two years down, forever to go.

And so you don't think we're all serious business:

Holy pit stains batman!

Photos curtesy of Powerhouse Studios. More wedding goodies here .

Seven

Today marks the seventh anniversary of my husband tricking me into dating him. And thank goodness he did, because it's been seven years of awesome. Let's rewind. Shield your brain because this is smooshy-ooshy-gooshy.

I have grown up with Brendon and that is weird because I'd say that 95% of the time that doesn't work out for people. I married my high school sweetheart (CLICHE!?), that seems to almost never pan out well. In fact I have always rolled my eyes at teenage love because really, you don't know up from down when you're a teenager. I mean, I didn't. Brendon and I started dating when we were 17. And I didn't want to be in a relationship. I knew I was moving the hell out of dodge (aka, to Denton) and I didn't need anything tying me down. But Brendon had other plans. He conned me into dating him, with some sort of corny line about living in the moment like, "you could get hit by an 18 wheeler tomorrow". And even though I didn't want to I fell for the kid. Big time! And I did not want to admit it to myself. Brendon and I fought and "broke up" a whole bunch of times through our first couple years of college, because I had "commitment issues" (SO LAME). But I also couldn't bear being away from him. It was rough days for us two (and I mean "rough", because mostly it was laughing and being silly and being young). Lots of, "I think we should take a break omg don't leave why are you leaving???". Shoot me in the face, I know. Why I am I typing this out for all the internet to read? Obviously, I was an idiotic young adult.

But Brendon stuck around and put up with my crap (THANK GOD) because sometimes he's a wiser human than I. And then we hit this weird point where we both had our own apartments but he stayed at my place constantly and was basically paying rent for storage, and after a year I think he kind of gave me a choice, we're either moving in together or it's done. And it was like something just fell into place in my head and I was like, oh okay, this is it. Nothing is worth losing this. So we moved in together and then I was like dang, this is great and easy and so much fun. I loved it and I was happier than I'd ever been. I had finally admitted to myself what I knew all along, that this was it, for ever and ever. Me and Brendon. And the cats too.

Fast forward through college, a wedding, a big move, and lots of adventures and here we are, happier than ever. Seven years down the road from two crazy teenagers, we are happily married high school sweethearts. I think honestly we just lucked out. I think often when you grow up, you change, and you find that you're not the same and no longer love or want the same things. However, we just so happen to have changed into people that are still crazy about each other. And we are no where near done growing up, that's for sure. I'm so excited to keep growing with Brendon. I have loved watching him evolve into the man he is today. And I love him more today than I've ever loved him. It's weird, and disgustingly corny, but I feel like I am constantly falling for this ridiculous boy. He does things everyday that catch me off guard and I'm like damnit, I have a crush on this kid. How can you feel like this after seven years? I hope it never stops. Because it's great. And wonderful. And being in love is the best.

So here's to seven years of love. To seven years of life with the most interesting man in the world (to me). Seven isn't nearly enough. I plan on spending many many more laughing, living, and loving with my husband. Happy anniversary of togetherness, Brendon. Thanks for being patient with me and always knowing that you and I were matching pieces. I'm sorry I was a slow on the uptake, but I'll spend forever making it up to you. I loved you then, I love you now, and I'll love you always.

Support

As I'm sure you've gathered (as I have been saying incessantly), life has been busy lately. Mostly because of work. I previously said I've never worked so hard, ever, and that's the truth! The past three weeks have been intense. I've never been so tired. But it was all worth it and I feel very accomplished. I love working hard. Actually I don't know how to do anything else really!

Anyways, throughout all of this, my dear Mr. Hogan has been nothing but absolutely supportive and wonderful (with only very minor whining once or twice ;)). He was there to tell me I was doing a good job and that it was okay for me to be a big whiner. He didn't complain when I was constantly sleepy, when I passed out during every movie we watched and on the shortest car rides to and from dinner (and once at 7:30 in the evening). He told me he missed me and he wished I was home more, but he was never angry or short with me. I could tell he was grumpy (now he knows I how I feel when he's in school!), but he did such wonderful job of keeping his cool. And he did all kinds of dishes, cooked all kinds of meals (!!), and cleaned our little home. I should be crazy busy more often!

I don't know what I'd do without Brendon. He's my rock, my happy place, and my home. He is also hilarious and adorable which doesn't hurt.

Thankfully life has returned to normal this week. We have a few more weeks of summer until pharmacy school steals my husband away again. How is it already that time again? How it is August? June and July where did you go? Come back! I said at the beginning of the summer that I was anxious about this summer since last summer was a rough one, but I had a feeling this one would be better. And goodness has it been! It's been such a wonderful summer. Everything a summer should be, lots of sun, lots of fun! It's a good thing fall is my favorite season, or I'd really not want to let this one go.

Two cats and their human

 
It has been too long since these furry babies have graced my blog. I've said it before (possibly a gazillion times) and I'll say it again, I don't know what I'd do without Sophie and Greg. These two, man. They are too wonderful.

Greg is much more photogenic than his grey sister. When I take pictures of him, he looks like this:

And when I take pictures of Sophie, she looks like this:

Seriously. 90% of the pictures I take of her, she has the "ghost head" as Brendon and I have taken to calling it. She wont stay still for crap. I think it has to do with the fact that she is way too cool to have her picture taken. She's too cool for a lot of things. Like cuddles, most of the time. But she can act tough all she wants, she's a big softy. She is the first to greet me at the door when I come home and usually the first to wander sleepy eyed with me into the bathroom when I wake up (even at 3:30am). And she always loses her cool when we are gone for long periods of time. She is a big fan of us, she just doesn't like to admit it. Little tough sweet baby, what would I do without you?

Greg on the other hand is always about the love. He is the most affectionate cat, probably on the planet. Also perhaps the weirdest.

I have felt bad lately, because I've hardly been home to hang out with these guys. So today since I had free time after work, we had a cuddle party on the floor. Which is pretty much their favorite thing ever. You want these cats to love you? Lay on the floor.

Greg basically lost his mind with happiness.

The whole time I was taking pictures with Greg, Sophie was directly behind the camera, looking like this:

Classic bitch face. She's not Greg's biggest fan. And she turns into the green eyed (literally) monster whenever he gets attention.

But of course she got some love too:

But it didn't last long, because she's a brat like that and had to escape asap. Unlike Greg, she is not a fan of kisses or hugs.

Cat love. It's endless. And I'll leave you with this lovely image:

Greg looking incredibly special. Surprise!

Being kind and growing up (I'm talking to you America)

As a foreward, I would like to mention that this is not your normal reading material on my blog. But it is something I care about so suck it up. I may or may not delete it as it doesn't quite mesh with the usual tone of my blog. Whatev, allow me to step onto my little soap box, I apologize for the length.

These days there are whole lot of bad vibes floating around. A whole lot of hatred. It's an election year, so of course the accusations and mud slinging is rampant, as usual. It brings out the worst in people. Sad, but not surprising.

At the moment, I would like to discuss one thing specifically, as it has been mentioned practically everywhere recently. The Chick-fil-a situation. You know what I'm talking about. And let's be real, it is honestly embarrassing.

I am not religious. I grew up without religion and I am just fine without it now. That doesn't mean that I feel negatively towards religion, in fact I feel the opposite. Religion is a powerful thing and, for the most part, a very good thing. It brings people together, it makes people happy, and it gives them direction in life. In some ways I am envious of those who have religion in their lives. I am envious of their faith and their trust in such a big idea. It truly must be comforting. But to me it is all a bunch of lovely ideas, not something I can believe in. And that's okay. I am open and tolerant to pretty much everything. I may not agree with something, but I try to see things from their perspective, try to understand how and why people feel one way (thank you anthropology!), even if it is not so nice. And I certainly do not go spouting off telling people how they should act. I respect everyone's beliefs, regardless of whether I agree with them. They are your thoughts and it is your life, not mine.

However this is the limit; when you hurt people. When you are mean. When you are intolerant to the point of hate (or unfortunately as often the case, violence). This happens across the board, across the world, between believers and nonbelievers of all sorts of things, and of course between believers of different ideas. Differences happen (that's what makes our world so interesting!) and you may disagree with what someone else is doing, but if it isn't hurting you or anyone else, do you have to open your mouth? Are you making the world a better place by telling them that what they are doing is wrong? That they are perhaps, damned? How cheerful! I personally feel that is unnecessary and usually downright rude. As my momma always said, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". TRUTH, y'all.

What we are discussing specifically of course, is Dan Cathy's rather public comments on same-sex marriage and the response to it. I think it is understood that I am all for anyone marrying anyone. If it makes you happy, do it. I am all for love of any kind, love is a good thing. Same-sex-marriage, bring it on (I mean really, it's about time)! BUT, although I don't agree, I understand why some people are against it. It's ingrained in their religion and lives, it is all they know. And that's fine. You don't have to agree with it. But why butt into other peoples lives? Why does it matter? If they're happy, then the world is a brighter place. Even if you believe they're going to hell.  More room for you in heaven then, eh?

I don't think that Chick-fil-a has officially said much about Cathy's statement, other than they are keeping personal beliefs out of business (obviously not) or something via facebook. And then they held a Chick-fil-a appreciation day. Chick-fil-a, really? You are a business. You sell chicken sandwiches. I know that you are baptist to the core and all, and I actually think it's lovely that you are closed on Sundays to give your employees a day to worship and rest, but you're out to make money. Not to take a stance on social issues. I mean, right?

It's disheartening. Although I'm no expert on their business (or anything about them really) I was very impressed by how they seemed to run their company previously. They have an excellent product (I mean, that nonsense is pretty yummy), excellent customer service, and it seemed like they took care of their employees. They were booming. You've seen the drive thru lines at lunch, that place is not hurting for business. They are thriving. So why get personal issues mixed up in the business world and possibly hurt your business? Or your guests? Or your employees? Just to be mean? To share your beliefs with the world? Trust me, we knew all knew your stance on things before you publicly made an ass out of yourself.

I mean seriously, it's a fried chicken place. It's fast food. Get real. Also, it is just one (rather close minded) dude's opinion. From a personal perspective, I think it's mean and really just unnecessary. From a business perspective I think it's idiotic. CHICK-FIL-A, YOU FOOLS (well, I guess Dan Cathy specifically), YOU HAD A GOOD THING GOING. And I'm sure it will continue. After all this settles down they may have lost a few thousand customers, but they will be just fine. They will continue on making yummy food, cute cow ads, and lots of money. But hopefully they can keep their personal beliefs out of the economic sphere from here on out and others (individuals and businesses) will learn from this situation.

And because I can never ever say it enough,  BE NICE Y'ALL. I have seen some not nice things coming from a lot of people lately (on the ol' facebook particularly) that made me seriously question my respect for them. How is it so hard to be kind to one another? Even if you believe different things. This goes both ways. There has been hatred on both sides of this situation, and neither are productive. Just be nice. Treat others as you would like to be treated. It is so much easier that way.

Also, as a broad statement to all the naysayers and negative nancies out there, raining on peoples' parades, this is America, "the land of the free". It's 2012, not 1950, shouldn't we be beyond this issue by now? Everyone deserves happiness. If it's not your life butt out of it. I mean why not? Why shouldn't anyone be able to marry anyone? How does it affect you if two men marry each other? Two women? A man and a woman? We are all human and we should all have the same rights. What is the difference to you, how does it affect your daily life? It doesn't. Why are you so upset? Love is a good thing. Marriage is a good thing. Relax America. Please get it together and stop acting like a bunch of grade school kids, bulling your classmates. Show some tolerance. Show some love. And for the love of fried chicken, show some brains. Because I'm afraid the world is laughing at us.

Love for my momma

My mom is an amazing woman. She is one of the kindest souls in the world, incredibly hard working, and hilarious. I love her to death and I owe her so much. Like for starters, my life.

Thank you for being so great, mom. Seriously. I am so thankful for everything you've taught and done for me. You have always been there no matter what and have always supported me in everything I do. I would not be who I am today without you. You are such a good person. The values you instilled in me have shaped who I am, and I am forever grateful. Thank you for being so loving and giving my sister and I such a wonderful and fun childhood.

My beautiful momma and a chubby baby-me at what I can only assume is a tex-mex restaurant, knowing our taste.

Also, a huge thank you mom for giving me such a great environment growing up for creativity. I have been creating "stuff" since I can remember and you have always encouraged me. You taught me that the sky was the limit, I can do anything if I put my mind to it (or I can at least try) and I have taken that and ran with it. It fuels my life, making things makes me happy. And of course thank you for teaching me to sew and cook! Brendon thanks you for the cooking as well. You were, are, and always will be, the best mom ever. Happy mother's day!

And happy mother's day to all you other momma's out there who did not give birth to me! A special shout out to a few of my favorite mom's; my sweet step-momma Lynne, my mom-in-law Deb, and my bestest friend Kristy. You are wonderful and I love you all!

Anniversary Celebration!

Yesterday was a very good day filled with love and cuddles and calling everything "the anniversary (whatever)". For instance, I sat in "the anniversary traffic", took "the anniversary nap", and we found "the anniversary awesome parking spot downtown". Just kidding about that last part, not sure if we actually said that, but we did find LEGIT parking downtown. Like steps from the restaurant, while fools were paying $8 to valet park their Mercedes. RICH PEOPLE.

For real though, yesterday was wonderful and once again Brendon spoiled me rotten with his awesome-husband skills. Even though we agreed NO PRESENTS, Brendon was bad (wonderful) and got me beautiful aquamarine (my birthstone y'all!) earrings and a necklace to match a ring he got me a few years back. I love them! He is too good to me! So for my gift, since Mr. H has been hankering for another tattoo, I agreed to fund it for him whenever we finalize his idea and find a good tattoo artist (know of any in Austin? holla atcha girl!). He wins in the gift giving department obviously. Slacker wife!

After relaxing and chillin' (and napping on my part) all afternoon yesterday we headed downtown to grub! We ate at Eddy V's and it was amazing. It's a fancy sea food and steak place. Pricey, but everything was so good. And I love, love, love seafood. The service was great, the food was phenomenal, and we had fun pretending we were fancy pants people. We got a giant crab cake as an appetizer, then Brendon got the sword fish, and I got ahi tuna. Oh and we had parmesan french fries and truffled macaroni and cheese on the side. It was all delicious. I consider myself a connoisseur of ahi tuna (HA) and that's seriously the best I have ever had, not to mention the biggest ahi tuna steak I've ever seen. And the dessert menu! Oh my goodness. I want to go there and just feast on desserts. They had so many good choices. We settled on the chocolate mousse because it is literally, my favorite food. It was divine. Seriously eat there if you ever get a chance (they are in Dallas and Ft. Worth too, northern friends!). I told Brendon last night he should have never taken me there because now it's my favorite place to eat ever. I am drooling now after typing all that. End food rave.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE! How sweet is that? Our server was so nice! We even got a card that a bunch of the staff signed. I want to go back. Right now.

After dinner we wandered a block over to 6th street. We wanted to go to this bar called Darwin's that we had seen last time we wandering around there. We are big geeks and fans of Charles Darwin, so of course we wanted to check it out.

Turns out that place has absolutely nothing to do with Mr. Darwin and was just a grungy bar like all the others on 6th. We were really let down, we were expecting pictures of finches! Too nerdy for you? Props if you understood that. So we had one beer and watched some extremely drunk older people act a fool. And then peaced out.

Jim Beam dude as decor? Not Darwin-esque at all. Also, my cute husband.

Awkward there-are-wasted-old-ladies-dancing-behind-me face.

After leaving the un-naturalist inspired bar, we wandered around and people watched for a while. I think that is the only value 6th street holds for us. People watching. There are just sooo many weirdos (some of them a tad on the scary side). There was this lady walking around with grocery bags on her feet and around her neck while she was carrying her shoes. Whaaa?

Handsome husband! Oh how I love you! At the "Darwin" bar he untucked his shirt, rolled up his sleeves, and said "it just got casual". Endless love for this ever entertaining man.

And I'd like to take this moment to take a short break from our anniversary recap to introduce you to my latest sewing creation, the purple anniversary dress:

It's made of a super comfy and pretty purple linen. I'd say by far this is the most "well made" dress I've made so far. It's super tailored and I tried it on a gazillion times while making it to make sure it fit perfectly. I can't tell you how many times I restitched the waistline and back stitches to make sure it was perfect and everything was lined up. And there are pockets!

I used the same pattern as my holiday dress, just went with a different skirt and sleeve style. I added the collar just for fun. I made up my own pattern for it and everything! Can you tell I'm proud? Even Brendon said it was the best thing I've made! Yay!

And here's my handsome husband again:

Thanks for letting me take pictures of you, even if you make the fake smile.

When we got home we had some of our wedding cake! We (my dad and Lynne, as we were skipping off merrily (not soberly) into our limo post-wedding) saved the top tier so we could eat it on our one year anniversary because I guess that's what you do?

Mostly it tasted like freezer. It was delicious a year ago, but last night it was pretty gross. We ate enough so we have good luck, or whatever it's supposed to mean, and then chunked it. I think it probably would have tasted better if it was in some sort of air tight container, but it was just in the cake box freezin' all year. Word to the wise if you're getting hitched soon, invest in a big tupperware for your cake!

So that was our evening! We ended it by watching a movie and cuddling. We even stayed up until midnight! Not quite the wild night we had a year ago, but it was perfect. Brendon spoils me so badly! He wonders why I have a princess complex. I am so in love with my husband! One year of goodness down, bring on another!

Side note: after walking all night in heels (and eating 800lbs of food) my run this morning was brutal. My ankles said no, no, no! I guess maybe I should walk in heels more, because apparently my legs are out of practice.

One Year

One year ago today, my sweet husband and I tied the knot! We did the damn thing and made our love official. It was hands down the best day ever. I wish I could relive that day over and over and over. And over. And the honeymoon too please! We haven't been on a vacation since and I think we are both in need of one.

Our first year of marriage has been a wild one! Nothing either of us could have predicted that's for sure. We were young, crazy, and a little naive (still are all of those things), starting out on a new little life together. We had no idea what we were in for. After coming home from the best honeymoon ever, we packed up our lives and moved to Austin. And thus began the wildness. We hit a few bumps along the way (some bigger than others) but here we are today, together in one happy little married piece.

And although this last year was definitely was not easy, being married to Brendon was a piece of cake. Loving him and being his wife is so easy. It's like breathing. I have never loved him more and I am crazier about him every day. I have no idea how that's possible after all these years, but I dig it. Yes, I want to punch him in the face sometimes (who doesn't? Kidding babe! ...kinda), and I'm sure he feels the same about me. I know I can be a bee-otch fosho! But everyday is an adventure and even at our grumpiest I am happier than ever. No matter what life throws at us, we've got each other and that makes everything seem a whole lot easier.

Thank you Brendon Hogan, for being a wonderful husband for one wonderful year. Thank you for loving me and all my craziness. For putting up with me on my bad days and loving me no matter what. Thank you for making me laugh and laughing with me everyday. You are so much fun. You are as weird as I am (if not weirder) and can handle even my oddest quirks and habits. On that note, thank you for being patient with me. I know I can be am a mess. Thank you for being adorable and handsome and such a cute little nerd. I swear you get better looking everyday (not fair!). Thank you for inspiring me to be a better person. You work so hard at everything you do, I am envious of your determination and endless supply of motivation! And your charm! How you work your magic on people blows my mind. Thank you for always supporting me in everything, seriously. You have no idea how important that is to me. My life has changed so radically this past year, I am doing things I never thought I was capable of. And I highly doubt I would have been able to do any of it without you.

So thank you for being you, Mr. Hogan. I love you more than anything and I can't wait to spend a gazillion more years married to you.

 

 Post ceremony victory dance across the lawn!

Photo cred to the amazing Breanna at Powerhouse Studios.

Recap of our wedding here, here, and here. Honeymoon part one, two, three, four, five, six. Yes there are six parts. It was an awesome honeymoon OKAY?

Husband love

Honeymoonin' in Alaska.

This man is good. He is my rock and my home and my happiness. I love him more everyday and today I miss him terribly. After this wonderful weekend, Monday was a lame trip back to reality. Back to no more husband and wife time. Back to work for me and school for Brendon. It's not fair. There is no measure of time together that would be enough for me. Boo for reality. Boo for work and school. Why can't we just be on vacation all the time? Why can't we just hang out all day everyday? Someone call the whambulance, because I'm being a whiny baby today.

I guess the good thing about not getting a lot of time together is that it makes our time together more special. Last night I forced Brendon to stay up with me after I got home from work. Just hanging out. Just laughing and cuddling and being stupid. It's my favorite. Even if it is just a half an hour of us-time, it gets me through the next day of no-Brendon-time.

I am thankful for this wonderful man. Thankful that I get sleep next to him (and two fat cats) every night. Thankful for his silly text messages throughout the day when we're apart. Thankful for his patience with me. Thankful that he is hilarious and as weird as I am. Thankful that after all these years we have never run out of things to talk about. Thankful that we have each other to go on this great big adventure with.

So sorry if you just died from "lovey-dovey-ness" overload. but I love my husband and since he's not here you all have to suffer my rantings.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy love day to all you lovers (and haters) out there! I love Valentine's Day! Mr. H is spending the majority of the day at school, but will be home later this evening so we'll have a little low key celebration at home before he has to get back to studying.

So far today has been really wonderful. Because Valentine's Day is about celebrating all the people you love, this morning I drove down to NB with some flowers to surprise my momma at work. And I think I was pretty successful! I love surprising people, surprises are the best! I took her out to lunch and we had some yummy Mexican food! It was super relaxing and fun and exactly what I needed after a rough week/weekend. Hanging out with my mom is the bomb. We went to the Adobe which was my favorite tex-mex restaurant back in the day. It is still pretty damn good. I needed a siesta afterwards, I was so full.

Once my mom went back to work I headed a little farther south and surprised my dad at work! He gave me a little tour of their new warehouse/offices and I've got to say, they're pretty dang fancy. It is the biggest Sysco in the entire world. Literally. It was neat to see it all put together. We went to the ground breaking ceremony in 2010 and this past spring we meandered around while it was being built. It opened this December and they're finishing up combining the San Antonio and Austin offices this week. I'm happy for Sysco! Plus now the trucks I see in Austin will have come from my dad's work!

Ground breaking. My dad's the goon in plaid. Can't you tell we're related?

All finished!

I was pretty impressed. And all the fork lifts they use in the warehouse run on hydrogen. They have like a little hydrogen pump where they all fill up. How cool is that?

Back on topic, today is the day of love! So let's talk about my sweet man. This is the point where you navigate away from the page if you are not a fan of mushy-love stuff. Jk, it won't be that bad.

He left this sweet card on my computer for me to find when I woke up (I like how he knows where I go immediately in the morning).

If you've ever used construction paper you'll recognize those little stencils. He might not be much of an artist, but I love his cards. They are hilarious as well as adorably wonky. And of course sweet as hell. AND as always, our cats are involved in everything.

I love this man a lot. He is the weirdest person I know, and also the best. He treats me like a princess and 99% of the time I don't deserve it. Even if I feel like crap, am in a bitchy mood, and refuse to decide what to eat (erryday y'all), he is always patient with me and endlessly kind. I can't imagine being married to me, but I'm sure it's frustrating constantly at times. I am beyond thankful for Brendon and so glad he wandered into my little world. Life without him by my side would be lame. Not only would I be even more of a hot mess, it would be hella boring. Being married to him is a blast. Everyday is an adventure and we are laughing all the way, mostly at fart jokes (kidding...or am I?). So thanks Mr. H, for yet another Valentine's Day together, our first as husband and wife. Can't wait until you're done with your test tonight. And although I am very grateful for it being in our lives, pharmacy school is not on my love list.

6 years y'all!

This Saturday was Brendon and my six year anniversary of being together! This is now our "little" anniversary, as we have a more official one to celebrate in April. But regardless, we celebrated because way back in 2005 little 17-year-old-Brendon refused to let little 17-year-old-me get into my car until I agreed to date him. It was cold outside so I was like, "okay fine". Kidding! Really though, I am so glad I agreed. I cannot imagine my life had I not. It would surely be boring and not nearly as filled with goodness and love. Every year with Brendon is better than the last and I look forward to infinitely many more.

We spent our anniversary eating yummy food, relaxing, and having a Harry Potter movie marathon (because we got our TV back! Samsung is amazing!). Brendon took the day off studying, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Oh and we took our holiday photos! I got to wear my festive holiday dress I made and Brendon sported a matching bow tie. Corny? Yes. But cute? We think so, and that's what matters. I'm sure I'll share the Christmas photos later, but since they're on our holiday cards, I don't want to ruin the surprise. HA. Kidding. A little.

So I tried to get Brendon to take some pictures of the dress, but after our little holiday photoshoot we were hit with a fit of the giggles and were acting ridiculous so there's basically not one decent photo apart from the holiday shots. So you'll just have to make due with these, you can blame Brendon.

Don't mind my stupid face. Or Sophie creepin'. But check out the pockets. YES, pockets. I am such a fan of pockets. Who isn't? You can put stuff in them! Like your hands!

Back view. Obviously I had to add a ribbon! You know I'm partial to bows. That particular ribbon was a pain in the butt to track down. Everyone was sold out of green satin ribbon in that width. I finally found some by the yard and snatched it up. Apparently it's a hot commodity. Also, that zipper in the back was a huge pain to sew in. I said a lot of bad words.

This photo is semi-normal but I have no legs. Again. This dress is probably one of my favorite things I've made so far. It's kinda retro. I love the pleats in the front and the cute little collar. Plus did I mention it has pockets?

And I leave you with this. It's blurry but it makes me happy because it reminds me that we are both truly ridiculous and very fortunate to find a fellow weirdo to stumble through life with. Well in reality, I'm the one stumbling and Brendon keeps me from falling/walking into things. Or laughs at me and then helps me up. Regardless, I'm so happy to have him by my side in every aspect. Team Hogan por vida.

Keeping that chin up

If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, I'm sure you're aware that lately life has been a little less than perfect lately. We moved to Austin weeks after returning from our honeymoon, and basically exhausted all our resources between the honeymoon, moving, and paying deposits on the new place. Then I had the hardest time ever finding a job. I decided to not transfer to Hooters down here in Austin because I badly wanted to depart from the company. Now, I see that as something kind of selfish and reckless of me. Although I was very ready to be done working there, it would have been a good income right away and we would not be in the situation we're in now (although Hooters is a black hole and I know I'd get sucked in for a while which is exactly why I didn't transfer). So I was unemployed for a month that I like to think of as my month of housewifery. And then I got pneumonia, which was stupid expensive. Thankfully I got the job at Coffee Bean, which has helped, but I'm not getting the hours I need and the pay is significantly less than what I was making at the hoot. Now that our new store is open I am hoping to get more hours.

Through all this Brendon has been unbelievably supportive and wonderful and just the best ever. He is amazing and I am so thankful for him. He is behind me no matter what, telling me it will be okay. And it will, I know it will. This is just a rough spot, we'll get through it and be stronger for it. And smarter.

We had it made in Denton, we just didn't know it. We blew money like crazy, going out all the time, shopping, doing god knows what else but definitely not saving. This was a reality check for sure. We've had to make major changes. We basically don't go out if it requires spending money. And if we do, we're smart about it. A matinee movie is our favorite date. We've found free things to do around Austin, unfortunately many of them are outside and it's hot as hades out there, but they're fun and help us to get to know our new city. We've gotten creative with cooking, and in the process have found some pretty dang good recipes to add to our repertoire. We spend a lot of time watching movies, hanging out on the couch, playing domino's or cards, etc. It's definitely not an exciting lifestyle, but I don't care. It's me, Brendon, and the cats. And we have fun. Sometimes we get down, but not for long. We're good at cheering each other up, if one of us is especially pouty the other will set them straight. We really have no room to gripe. We have a roof over our heads, food on the table, jobs, and each other. That's a lot more than so many people have. These past months have been eye opening and I think we're infinitely better for it. Live and learn y'all.

And since that was a little on the down side, I'll leave you with this photo that always makes me smile and laugh and be so grateful for this amazing life we lead.

Yep. Bringing it back. Dancing with Brendon is my favorite. We're both terrible dancers (if you were at the wedding, you know and I apologize for sorrily busted moves), but we have a blast doing it. I am thankful for this. Thankful for Brendon. Thankful for this crazy good life we have together and everyone who is a part of it. And thankful for the fantastic Led Zeppelin that I am listening to.

Half a decade of sexyness

You know how facebook will have those little random pictures on the side of whoever's page you're on? You know what I'm talking about. Well today these two pictures popped up on Brendon's page today and I just thought they were a lovely, and ironic, juxtaposition. Kinda creepy how facebook works sometimes.

The picture on the right is from our senior prom in 2006. LOOK AT THAT HAIR. And that pinstriped suit! What a little stallion. The one on the left is Brendon this year buying his suit for our wedding. Mind you he's making weird faces in both (what's new), but drastic change much? Needless to say, I think he's aging very well and I do not miss the afro. I was crazy about him then and I am crazier about him now. I'm sure I'll be totally bonkers by the time he hits 50, bring on that distinguished gray hair!

Thank you facebook for this walk down memory lane.

Rehearsal Fiesta Recap

Instead of having a traditional rehearsal "dinner", we just had a big fiesta in my dad's back yard. Since almost everyone was coming from out of town we thought it was silly to just invite the wedding party, so everyone was invited! It was fiesta themed in honor of San Antonio and the week of fiesta that occurs annually in SA. We had some truly fantastic Mexican food made by a friend of Bren's mom. I'm drooling just thinking of it... the beans, the fajitas! So good. And of course too much cerveza was consumed, but that's just how it is in my family. And when we're all together we're pretty unstoppable.

Calm before the storm

My dad surprised us with these AWESOME koozies, on one side it says "Marie & Brendon" and has brushes and paint for me...

and on the other it says "Brendon & Marie" and it has a pharmacy, Rx thingy for Brendon!

Of course there were animals aplenty. My step mom's mini-donkeys were loving all the attention.

The newest additions to the Brooks-farm, baby turkeys!

The long horned neighbors stopped by

Our fiesta hats!

Bren and little bro AJ

My sister and my neice!

Pinata time! Yes, that is our officiant, and very good friend, Derek waiting in line for a chance to smack the pinata.

Derek didn't stand a chance, AJ knocked that sucker out.

Brendon got dunked in the pool with help from his friends and a little assistance from me.

So of course, I was next.

No better way to end the night than with a little pre-wedding man love.

In other news, we have been back home for almost a week and things are just starting to feel normal, but it wont be for long! Our living room is full of boxes waiting to be packed. Booo packing is the worst. Not looking forward to it, but it needs to be done. We move two weeks from tomorrow, ahhhh! Exciting stuff!