Welp friends, I'm back to the real world today. My vacation with Scott was wonderful, but I'm happy to be getting back into the swing of things. Starting now!
We ended up getting back a day earlier than planned, but I didn't mind too much. I love vacations, but I'm a huge homebody! I was happy to get back, get the house in order and take down our Christmas decorations. Our house is so bare now!! But nice and clean, which I am a fan of...
Now, let the vacation recapping begin!
Saturday: We drove from Austin to Angel Fire and ended up arriving around 8pm. We warmed up the condo, ordered pizza and watched Pitch Perfect. That movie is hilarious!
Sunday: Our first ski day! We drove into Taos(about an hour from AF) to take some lessons. Scott takes a specialty lesson only offered on Sundays, so I took a private two hour lesson while he was out. I love getting instructors there because they really know what they are talking about! Plus it's always good to get a refresher on your first day skiing. Although it was freezing, like in the teens freezing, I still managed to have a good time! It was quite beautiful!
Monday(New Years Eve): We drove into Taos, except it was a bit different than Sunday! It was a freakin blizzard outside! We saw that it was going to snow, but we I didn't expect it to be as bad as it was. We could barely see the road when we were driving in. It was definitely the most snow I've ever seen or skied in.
When we got back to our truck to head home, this is what we found! Snow up to my knees!! Craziness!
We eventually got out of there and had a very slow drive home. If you curious as to what we did for New Years, well we laid on the couch in our robes and watched TV until 11... We figured we'd celebrate central times zone New Years Eve. That counts right? We were so wiped from skiing in a blizzard! Tuesday(New Years Day): We celebrated a year of Engagement! I blogged about that here. I talked about the start of our chili and champagne tradition.
I decided I needed to take a break from skiing, so I stayed in and Scott went skiing in AF for a few hours. When he got back, I suited up and got ready for some sledding action! I have never been before and have always wanted to try it. We walked around for a bit, trying to find the best hill. We saw some paths that some other people had made and tried them out. Watch for yourself to see how our sledding adventure worked out!
Pretty freakin funny, right?!?! annnnnnd here are some stills for your enjoyment!
So many great times and memories... Wednesday: We stayed in AF to ski, and ah I was in heaven! I love skiing there! Ok, so the snow might not be as awesome as Taos, but I just feel much more confident there. It's less competitive, not as steep and just a wee bit warmer, like 20 degrees :). I got this really beautiful picture of some snow fluffed trees. Aren't they awesome!
The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful! Lots of relaxing, talking, eating, and watching TV. I wouldn't have had it any other way. :)
We've decided to take off for the New Year...It seems as if that's becoming the norm around this time of year.
Ever since dating Scott, I have become a huge fan of skiing. We went on our first ski trip together March of 2011. Since then we've gone two more times.
March 2011-Spring Break-Angel Fire
December 2011/January 2012-Angel Fire
March 2013-Spring Break-Angel Fire
After going back and forth on plans for skiing, we finally bit the bullet and decided to go! I can't wait to get back on the mountain. We're planning on skiing in Angel Fire, where the condo is, and Taos. We might even try skiing in wolf creek one of those days... We shall see! I plan on updating the blog while I'm away, so stay turned!
If you haven't been watching the news lately, then you're probably unaware of the big thing that happened over the weekend in the US!
Formula 1
If you're like me, then you probably don't know much about formula 1 racing. In Brooke terms, it's these itty bitty cars that zip around a winding race track, trying to fit as many laps as they can into a certain amount of time. I might add it's nothing like nascar, people.
There are formula 1 tracks all over the world! I thought of it almost like sport fútbol, or soccer, because it's so well known all over the world, with hardcore fans that travel to see their drivers hopefully win.
Austin is now another home to formula 1 racing, the only track in America. Pretty cool, huh?!
This weekend kicked off the grand opening, and of all places, it's basically in my backyard!
I'm sure you can only imagine how busy Austin was this past weekend. Circuit of the Americas brought so many people to our city. Sure some Austinites were unhappy with the crowds, traffic, and events. But for someone who experienced the "traffic," it actually wasn't bad at all! It HAD to bring a lot of revenue to our city too, so that's always a good thing.
Be sure to turn down your volume, these cars are LOUD!
I was amazed with the diehard fans, the diverse culture, the speed of the f1 cars, the amount of Ferrari's I saw at one time!, how loud the f1 cars were, and the whole set up! I seriously felt like I was in a different country. It didn't have that weird Austin feel. Lots of logo attire, cologne, and fancy clothes. It was all so different than what I've ever experienced before. Super fun to say the least!
The Ferrari's racing! My favorite part! They played dirty, and I loved it. Who woulda thought!
and two different cordless drills, and a nailer....talk about tomboy! I may have worked at home depot, but I know NOTHING about construction, building, planting, etc.
This weekend was an eye opener and I'm exhausted to say the least. This post is going to be short and sweet. Enjoy some pictures of me "being tough" and our beautiful new fence!
Yes, there is an extension cord attached. I'm not THAT B.A.
I think the best part about finishing the fence was that we don't have to look at the hoarding neighbors backyard anymore.
In my last post I talked about the music festival, Austin City Limits, held in the greatest of cities, AUSTIN! I wanted to share my experience throughout the weekend because it was a little different this year, than previous years.
Typically at a music festival with at least 70,000 people attending each day, you expect there to be huge crowds, parking issues, traffic, lines, and expensive festival food. Well to my surprise this year was different! Sure there was a crowd, but it wasn't overwhelming. Each day Scott and I drove down, hassle free, found a spot on West 6th and rode our bikes. Best ACL decision #1! We were in the park within 10 min. No complaints here. Also, there are ways to get around the expensive booze prices smuggle it in which will make anyone's wallet happy.
Friday kicked off the festival, including getting out of work 2.5 hours early :) Scott picked me up, and we rode over to the park. We were able to see Ben Howard right when we got in. We also saw Trampled by Turtles, Florence + the Machine, M83, and the Black Keys. Friday was a gorgeous day, hot, but gorgeous!
Saturday was a wet one! There was a 60% chance of rain, and boy did it rain! But, rain and all, it was still a great time. Scott and I were super prepared with umbrellas, rain jackets rain pants and all. We stayed relatively dry. But the ground turned into a muddy mess! Saturday was also the most music packed day for me. We saw Rufus Wainwright, gah he has a beautiful voice, little bit of Metric, Michael Kiwanuka(one of my favorites), The Roots, Bassnectar, and Jack White. We ended up leaving early from the J.W. show. Didn't bother me too much though :)
Sunday. The rain had gone, but the mud was still there. I could only imagine what the grounds were going to be like after Saturday's rain. Scott and I got up early on Sunday and headed to Academy on a mission to find rain boots. About 20 other people had the same idea. Rain boots=best ACL decision #2. They were absolutely necessary. Blue skies, packed park and hot temps...Turned out to be an alright time if you ask me!
We saw Two Door Cinema Club(another one of my favorites), The Lumineers(shit was crazy over there), little bit of Die Antwoord(worthless excuse for a music group), The Avett Brothers, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
During RHCP, a couple insisted on taking our picture because "we were too cute not to." First they asked if we had a camera and if they could take our picture...We didn't even have to ask haha too funny.
All in all a great experience. I had the most fun this year then other years. Maybe it was the music choices, maybe it was the people I ran in to. It can be very hard to meet up with people at ACL. I did get lucky and run into some friends throughout the weekend which made me happy.
Just to recap my favorite performances: Michael Kiwanuka, Ben Howard, Bassnectar, Two Door Cinema Club, and RHCP.
Oh, and yes, we are that couple that brings a chair with a chair-brella attached. We're cool like that.(Best ACL decision #3)
With the last post, I was feeling a bit stressed and overwhelmed, but things seem to have subsided for the time being. Thank you to those of you who helped encourage me. Y'alls sweet comments mean so much. It's amazing the friendships I'm already making through blogging!
This weekends forecast included rainy, windy and slightly chilly temperatures. Does that mean fall is here?! I don't know about you, but I'm pretty excited about the changes! Fall is my favorite time of the year. Boots, football, Thanksgiving, holiday breaks! BRING IT ON!
I planned on staying inside, reading and vegging out this weekend, but my to-do list kept growing and growing and I decided that it was time to get at it.
Starting off with a little bit of shopping...
I purchased some new curtains for our living room from World Market. They have really given the room a different feel. This picture is terrible. Maybe I'll give you a tour when it's closer to being finished. I will say the curtains are the exact colors of my walls in the living room and dining room, and they tie the two rooms together, which is exciting. Am I the only one that loves buying home decor?!
I'm in the market to buy a "Jackie O" style dress for one of my wedding showers later this month, and came across this beauty at Anthropologie. I was in love, but def NOT willing to throw down $187 bones. I'm checking out some vintage shops after work, wish me luck :)
In other home updates, we are getting closer and closer to our guest bedroom being finished!
This is a new addition to our dining room. I got it from my mom for my Birthday and LOVE it. She did a great job!
We purchased a new couch and loveseat. Scott makes the loveseat look so tiny, but it's my favorite seat in the house! You will see more of them in the home tour!
Got snuggle time with this precious puppy. Isn't she adorable? The sad thing, she's not mine :( But now I have the puppy fever. Scott has been talking more about our future puppy lately... Maybe he's got the fever too? :)
Yesterday we got together with my family and celebrated my Uncle's 50th Birthday! It was so much fun, and great for his "low key" request. We ate at Opal Divines, mmm! This is him with his signature silly smile. Isn't he a goof?
I hope your weekend was fabulous and your Monday isn't too hard on you.
This is my first time linking up with Social Sunday! Check out what I have to say about my childhood.
1. What do you miss most about being a kid? Going to the lake every weekend with my family. We would take the boat out to Lake Travis and spend all day there. I was definitely a water baby.
2. Did you have a nickname growing up? What was it?
Yes, I had several. Brookie, Brookester, Skipper(because I skipped everywhere I went). That one was my favorite!
3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess?
I loved playing on the monkey bars until my hands were raw. Do you
remember that? Ugh, it was the worst, yet I still continued to play on
them.
4. What did you want to be when you grew up? For one assignment, I wrote that I wanted to be a mom! Still working towards that dream of mine :)
5. What was your favorite toy?
My bike, Barbies, or easy bake oven.
6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still remind you about? I played hide N seek....by myself. My parents couldn't find me for what seemed like hours. They were calling out my name, calling neighbors, yet I still stayed in my hiding place. My grandpa eventually found me hiding in my hamper. Oh, it was sooo evil, funny, but evil.
I find myself singing this song all day long. It really hits home with everything going on in my life lately.
"But if I hold on tight, is it true? Would You take care of all that I do? Oh Lord, I'm getting ready to believe."
Life
Stress has overcome my life at the moment. Family drama is happening all around me. So-and-so not getting along with whats-her-face, disagreements on decisions we've made about the wedding, costs of the wedding (Eeeeks), the guest list... it's overwhelming.
Friendships
Within the months of August through October, I will have lost two friends to two different states, and one friend to a different city... What's wrong with this picture?...I know people grow up and life happens, but it still makes me sad. Of course I won't be losing them forever, they just won't be here physically. I'm actually VERY excited for all three of them. They are following their hearts and goals in life. I definitely support their decisions. Oh, remember this girl, yeah, she's one of them. :'(
Health/Body
I have always had the worst teeth as a child and now as an adult. I can brush and brush and brush, but they just don't get stronger. I am one of the few people that still has their wisdom teeth too :( and now they are finally deciding to grow in and cause me pain. Hair loss is another issue, blaming stress for that. I've also been experiencing tummy aches and pains too, to where alka seltzer has become a close friend.
Just received these as a gift.
I have viewed all these things as negative, but God knew what he was doing when he decided to bombard me with these things all at once. He wouldn't throw something at me if I couldn't handle it, right? He's already made a clear difference in my life... All of those bad things have had something good come out of it. I prayed about them and he listened.
People have started respecting our decisions corresponding to the wedding.
I've reconnected with some old friends. I've joined a book club with one group, and a small group with another. Such a huge blessing to be connecting with new and old faces. Where there is loss, there is gain. This was part of the plan.
My dental insurance just kicked in at a perfect time. I'm grateful to
have such great coverage and affordable co-pays, if any at all.
I've started developing a relationship with God. I've been praying on my own. Spent time alone, just Him and I. I'm currently working on being still and listening to what He's telling me.
I believe that there is good in everything, you just have to ask for it sometimes. The song helps me realize this. It's easy to walk away and give up. The way I see "I'm getting ready" is a way to keep going, and believing no matter what is put in front of you, good or bad.
I'm putting all my faith in God, and he's listening to me. It's a great feeling to get a reaction, and so quickly. The timing on everything is just unbelievable. It's definitely a #Godthing.... ;)
and for your listening pleasure
A song that I hear and makes me think about my friends that are moving/have moved.
This weekend was a great big party. We kicked it off by celebrating my maw maw's 75th Birthday with a party on Saturday. My grandma and I are very much a like, maybe because we're both Virgos? It was so great to see her smiling and so happy that day.
I sure do love my sweet maw maw! Sharing time with her is a blessing in itself.
Then Sunday was my Birthday, which I wrote about here. I was surprised with a Birthday party with some of my closest friends. Sadly, some couldn't make it, but my mom did a really great job planning the party and not having me find out about it. We just loaded our pictures on the computer from the weekend, so here are the rest...
When I arrived, I was greeted and was told to wear this hat. I was all smiles.
Bailey's mom and sister, Natalie and Janie, and my mom and me. \
Such a pretty set up with beautiful gladiolas!
My mom and Dan
Jonathan and me. Jonny is Scott's version of Bailey aka his long time best friend. So happy he was able to come!
...more cake! mmm
I was loving all the balloons! They were such a cute touch to the decorations. So grateful for all my mom did in preparation for the party.
Such a special memory for me...
I said I would list everything I ate over the weekend. Are you ready for this?
-cake
-hot dogs
-round rock donuts
-Long John Silvers(please don't unfollow me, it's a guilty pleasure y'all)
-mexican food, enchiladas to be exact. chips, queso, rice, beans. The works, man!
-more cake
-ice cream
Pretty intense right? It was pretty bad. Oh well, you only turn 24 once! :)
To sum up my Birthday, a group of friends and I went to the skating rink last night and had a BLAST!!! I was so surprised with the turn out and all the positive feedback. Friends were saying they were going to plan their next Birthday there, ha! I loved that the friends that weren't able to make it to the party, were able to make it out to the rink. It was the best ending to my Birthday celebration. SADLY, I didn't take one picture. I was having too much fun! It was a wheely great time! (see what I just did there? :)) hahahah
The best quote of the night: Lady at the door:"y'all brought a half eaten cake?" ...The look on her face was priceless. haha No shame here! What, I was trying to get rid of it ha!
