This Time I'm Serious!!!

So, I know this is now my third tribute to Casey's moving away, but this is the last one. I swear. First we had the last girl's sleepover, then the last big party at their house for all the friends, and now it's the last happy hour and dinner, because she leaves TOMORROW! :(

If you missed the first two going away events, here they are:

AMF

Altoids

Now for a few laughs, lets go back in time for some frivolous memories. These pictures start at being 2 years ago, all the way back to high school. Of course I wouldn't want to post any recent pictures, those are NOT as fun! Ohhhh yeaaaahhhh!!!

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I really try to come prepared when I know I'm going to see Casey out. I like to come with a purse stocked full of Altoids.

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This was us at a Mav's game. We had really good Platinum seats, but I promised Casey that we could get really big beers for super cheap on the third level. Off we go to buy ourselves and our dates a very large beer, only to find out that we can't get back on the elevator and bring them down to our level.

What were we supposed to do?? Call the guys to come meet us for their drink? Hell no. We sat up there in empty seats, finished off the beers ourselves and then stumbled our way back down.

The ironic thing about this picture is that Casey's shirt says 'Phoenix sucks!' Wow Casey, I hope you enjoy your move. To PHOENIX!!!

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Casey popped Allison's and my proverbial tranny cherries. She invited us to attend my first ever drag show in The Rose Room at S4. I'm going to go ahead and bet that we were on stage dancing to Footloose in this picture.

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I really wish I could remember what song we were singing karaoke to on my parent's back porch.

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Here we were hosting a beer-a-thon. With only four girls. In support of our local Mavs.

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We met up to watch Texas win the Rose Bowl. I remember this was on the night before going back to teach the spring semester, and that next day I was soooooooo hungover! Yeah, that sucked!

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Not only is she such a great friend, she's a great girlfriend/wife. This was a night out as a surprise for Brent's birthday several years ago.

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Ohhhh, how many-a-night and many-a-shot took place on this patio at Kelly's Eastside.
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I bet if Casey knew she was about to get arrested for an MIP, she wouldn't have held up that beer and posed for a picture! I also bet if she didn't have 20 drunk people yelling at the cops for her, she wouldn't have gone to jail.

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Oh no. A New Year's Eve party at The Compound. That's just a place that holds a very special place in our hearts.

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We used to have parties at my house. A LOT. My neighbors loved us!!!


WARNING: THIS IS ABOUT TO GET REALLY FUN!


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This is in 11th grade at our drill team banquet. It is all thanks to Casey for making my date be with Jimmy, a kid I had never met. She wanted Jimmy to go so he could keep company with her date, Trey (who is now Robyn's fiance.)Little did she know that the next day would begin a four and a half year relationship between Jimmy and I. {Hey asshole, if you're reading this...remember how you tried to tell me you had a golf tournament that day and couldn't go....}

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Yes, we absolutely did show up to a party in our finest black pants and matching zebra print shirts. And YES! That is also a matching zebra purse strap I have. So fancy!
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Now, this is a real special picture. This was the night before Homecoming 2000, and we all went bowling in our matching homecoming shirts. My date was Justin, who was super country, so my nickname on my shirt was Cowboy's Cutie. Casey went to homecoming with Steven, so her shirt said Stevie's Sweetie. Awwww, how cute! *GAG*

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What about these SEXY homecoming dresses?

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Oh wow, there is sooooo much to say about this picture, where do I begin? All I know is that Casey and I were sporting matching faux snakeskin cowboy hats to the Clint Black concert. We also had 99.5 The Wolf paw stickers on our butts the whole time and we thought we were totally hot!!! We were so cool! {Still to this day, I have no clue who the dudes in the overalls are.}


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And finally...the best of the best. Who would have ever predicted that night I first threw Altoids at Casey, that we would each end up having a framed 5x7 of this in our high-school rooms.

Casey, please don't kill me. This is hysterical!!!

We'll miss you lady!!!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

WWYAD?

What Would Your Arms Do?

Does anyone ever try to reposition themselves over and over and over again while trying to fall asleep, but they just can't get comfortable? What do you do with your arms?

Do you hug a pillow?

Do you cross them
Do you sleep with them above you head, under the pillow?
Do you rest your head on them?
Do you lay them right at your side?
Do you cover your face with them?
Do you tuck them between your knees?

What the hell are you supposed to do with arms when you sleep?

Sometimes I wish I could just detach these limbs from my body while I during the night, and then put them back on in the morning. They just get in the way.

However, I don't know how I'd take them off and put them on with only one or no arms, but I still would like to do it.

I know I should be thankful to have arms, and I am, but sometimes they are just such a nuisance.

**PS - Once again, my two girls, Megan & Jillian on The Bachelor got another rose last night. I look forward to seeing them next week. *Shannon, Erica, Melissa, Nikki - I really dislike y'all. A Lot!*

Number Eleven

Last week, Kacy sent me an email titled Top 21. She's seen it before; I've seen it before; we've all seen it before, but sometimes it's a nice reminder to see it again. I scanned down the list, seeing if anything really grabbed my attention this time for any particular reason, and of course, there was one thing that made me think.

1) Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2) Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
3) Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
4) When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.
5) When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.
6) Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
7) Believe in love at first sight.
8) Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
9) Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
10) In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11) Don't judge people by their relatives.
12) Talk slowly but think quickly.
13) When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'
14) Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
15) Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
16) When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
17) Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
18) Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
19) When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
20) Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
21) Spend some time alone.

So I begin thinking of all the times I've probably judged someone by their relatives. Then, I started thinking Oh.My.God! {Cholesterol}, people probably judge ME by MY relatives. Oh shit!

Now, we all have that one crazy aunt or uncle. It's just how life works. Uncle Jack {RIP} was by far the title holder on my dad's side of the family, and most of my friends have heard at least 500 stories about Uncle Jack.

Realizing that one day my siblings and I will be old enough to be considered that 'crazy aunt on my dad's side' or something of the like, had me thinking of who could possibly be deemed the nuttiest of them all. This could really go any way.

Molly may just turn out to be that weird, liberal, feminist, outspoken lawyer. Or she could be completely normal. Who knows?

Mark could be the irrational, impulsive, asshole. Or he could be completely normal. Who knows?

Scott could continue to make up retarded songs and after a career as a circus clown, be admitted to a loony-bin. Or he could be completely normal. Who knows?

I could be ... NO, it WON'T be me!!!

That Special Man In My Life

There is no man more important to me than my daddy. May sound weird, but I want to marry someone exactly like him (well, they don't have to look like him, because yikes - that'd be real strange,) but I want someone with his personality, his humor, his smarts.

While most people think "Wow, how lucky is Mike to have Leslie!?!" which I believe to be true as well, I also think "Wow, how lucky is mom to have dad!?!"

Today marks a very special day for him and our family. Today he turns 58, and for the first time in countless years, not only will he be home on his birthday, but he will have all his kids at home with him. He usually travels All.The.Time, and if he has been home for any of the last several years, he was lucky to have even just two of his kids in the same place for his birthday. I sure hope this marks a memorable celebration for him.

I tried my hand at cake decorating again, but all I can say is Do.Not.Judge.Me!!! I wasn't as patient as I was before when decorating the camo cake, and I didn't have the energy to squeeze tiny stars all over the cake, so I took a shortcut. It began pretty smoothly, but for some reason, my icing started to get runny and I quickly became pissy. So, I tried to fill in some white stripes on the side, but that wasn't working so I had to fix it (which you can still see a tiny blemish, but whatever - I'm over it.) We all know what a phenomenal artist I am, so the free-handed Fleur-de-lis??? A little rough! Also, DUH LANE! I forgot to leave room on the actual cake carrier to write a message, so it's disgustingly sloppy, but again - I. AM. OVER. IT!!!

Whatever the case, I think he'll appreciate his cake. I mean, I'm not trying to be a professional here, and it's far better than the typical box cake with funfetti icing, left in the baking dish with 6 forks sticking out of it.

Happy Happy Birthday to the man I love. Make it a good one! :)

PS - Elvis, Happy Birthday to you, too!

Pass the Cheese, Please

I am usually so far from your typical girl, in the fact that I don't really get into reality shows, don't follow celebrity gossip, could give two shits about what brand of shoes you're wearing, etc...

But, for some reason, I do love the phenomenon that is The Bachelor. I realize that it is totally staged, unbelievable fake and dramatic, but I still do enjoy watching such catty women. BUUUUUTTTT, OMG Cholesterol - how hot is Jason!?!?! I'm just sayin' I wouldn't mind making babies with that fine specimen. That's all.

It is no secret {well maybe it is to some of you} that I despise Dallas. Or, better yet, I despise what is perceived as 'Dallas.' I am appalled with the two girls chosen to represent D-Town, and really hope my 'hometown hottie' is given a Texas-sized boot. STAT!

And, Praise Jesus! Hallelujah! Amen! that THIS is already gone!!!
I'm not quite sure if I have a favorite so far, but I actually do like the girl, Megan, that most the others 'voted off.' I'm so glad she actually ended up staying.

Oh, and I like the hot dog girl, Jillian.

AMF

In the words of my father:

AMF Casey & Brent!

or

Adios MuthaFukkas!!!

Saturday night, we bid our final farewell to Casey and Brent before they make the big move to Phoenix. We gathered at their house for one last tap of the kegerator, one last visit to Oak Cliff {The Real OC}, and most importantly, one last late night of sitting on that patio listening to gun shots.

Oh, how we will miss those days...
Oh, how we will miss you guys...

{Yikes!!! Maybe we should have taken this picture at the beginning of the night. Just a thought...}

I'm sad...

*Side story* - Since the girls had already had their special night with Casey before she moved, the dudes felt they needed to do something special for Brent too. As it was getting late, some of the fellas began exploring opportunities advertised on Craig's List. Within no time at all, Sapphire {ItS UnReAl}, the 300 pound black stripper, was returning their call on what address she needed to visit and what time... FABULOUS!!!

Guess What Time It Is...

It's Carnival Time!!!

Now, after listening to that, you can not possibly tell me that doesn't get you in a jolly mood.

Well, the beginning of the year marks not only new starts, but also the beginning of Carnival Season, leading up to the one and the only Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

I'm so pumped, I just arranged my trip so that I will be visiting for Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras ANNNNNDDDDD the same weekend that Hayden & Ben will be there too. Oh man - I can't even wait for this!!!

Hopefully I won't get into as much trouble as I did last year. Does anyone remember me getting on my flight at 6:00 am on Monday morning, exactly like this? Or does anyone remember my Irish friend (also pictured?) Of course, I had to dress up the blog to match my festive spirit. Don't worry, I've also decorated my house for the season as well. Pics to come, of course!!!

Now Introducing

Madelyn Claire Robbins

January 2, 2009 ~ 7:42 PM

7 lbs 12 oz ~ 20 inches

Wow, what a surreal moment I had the pleasure of experiencing today. I have been friends with Jessica since we were 3 years old, when we met at preschool, and now nearly 22 years later, I got to see her precious baby girl. I've had plenty friends have babies, but they all have a few years on me, so to see my first friend my age become a mother - it was such a special moment. It's really weird to think about, but I'm super happy for her. Now, I can't wait to watch this little one grow up over the next 22 years...and more!!!

Congratulations Jessica and Matt on your amazing little angel!!

Happy New Year!!!

As I promised, I dedicated some time to figuring out how to best improve my life in 2009. There are many little resolutions that can be summed up into one big title: EMBRACING MYSELF.

My differences.

My similarities.

My achievements.

My failures.

My experiences.

My future.

EMBRACING MY LIFE!!!

I may get a little too deep into my 'closet of skeletons' here, but I'm am a guilty party when it comes to compromising myself for others, just to be able to fit in. I've always stood out from the crowd, but I haven't really stood up for myself all that much.

While I appreciate that I have vast differences from many of my life-long friends, I've always secretly wanted to be more like them so I would have a place that fit. So I could be inside that house, instead of looking in through the window.

As I get older, as does anyone, I learn that things change, people change and move on, but then again, so does life. Lately, I've done some thinking, soul-searching if you will, and this year I am not just going to passively say that it's okay I'm different, but then desire something else.

I'm going to live it.

Not just to be 'okay' with it, but love it.

Appreciate it.

Value what I have done so far.
Look forward to what I have yet to experience.

I'm still the same person, just maybe a little more outspoken about it. Not as willing to hide my honest thoughts and feelings. Not afraid to be myself anymore. This is my biggest resolution for the new year. I think it can be a resolution that fits everyone, so I encourage you to try.

Skeletons in the Closet

As the year comes to an end, many of us are pondering all that has happened over the past year.

What good have we done?
What have we been blessed with?
What are we going to resolve to change?
How is this next year going to be even better than the last?

Some of us even have to face some very scary skeletons that we have hanging in the closet. Or what's behind the bricks in the walls we've built around us.


A few days ago, I was putting Christmas wrapping away in my downstairs coat closet, when I was forced to face some skeletons myself. Some extremely frightening skeletons.

What the hell is that about?
Why the crap do I have three pregnant plastic mannequins stored in my closet?
Where did they come from?
Am I dreaming?
Did I take a few bumps of blow?
I don't get it.

Roomie, can you please explain this?!?!? (When I get an answer, I will let you all know.)

But fo realz, I have taken a deep look into the past year and have started making a list of my resolutions. And ones that I'm going to keep too! Nothing like cutting out coke and fatty foods. That's what Lent is for. 40 days I can handle. 365 days - you're out of your mind!!!

I hope you all have safe adventures as you ring in the new year, and I can't wait to see who posts some resolutions!

Bring on the 2009!

Let Me Upgrade You

I'VE BEEN UPGRADED!

Does that Beyonce commercial annoy anyone else? The commercial that vomited glitter and gold all over the screen... It's for Direct TV and their new HD channels...

Last night, the 'rents came over to help me set up my new TV and I found myself singing that damn song. But, yay for new HD channels!!!

Out with the old...

In with the new...
I also decided to bust out my new fun bath toys that my lovely sister got me for Christmas. I am such a bath junkie, and am constantly looking for more things to make bath time more fun. Unfortunately, they don't sale hot bachelors at Bed, Bath & Beyond, so it looks like I have to settle for some other items. However, I do love my new bath pillow (I've gone through so many of those) and my fancy bath caddy that combines three of my favorite things: reading, wine and baths!
Doesn't that look so cozy, relaxing and romantic? Well, if I'm involved - there is bound to be some disaster.

Of course I arranged all that to take a picture for you, but then getting in the bath required me turning myself into some sort of contortionist and maneuvering underneath the bath caddy. Then, as I'm sitting there reading, my knee bumps the damn thing and the wiggles the candle holder. Pretty sure I unintentionally waxed my knee last night. Although my knee was burning, it at least smelled of warm cinnamon sugar. Then, my book mark falls through and into the water. DAMMIT! What about trying to dunk my head in the water? Impossible with that thing hovering over my chest. Getting out? Better stretch for that one...

So, I guess I shouldn't actually plan on having to do any sort of bathing while using my new caddy...just sitting there reading is about all I'm allowed to do.

I still love my new bath accessories though. Thanks sister!!! :)

I'm Baaaaaccckkkk!!!

I finally returned to work this morning. Good thing too, I've got lots of things piling up on my to-do list. My blogging to-do list, that is. I've got to stalk all of my blog friends back to before Christmas and post all my updates. Not that I've really had anything to do on my time off, but I decided to wait until I returned to work to re-enter my Blogosphere.

Here's what you've missed...

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Twas the Nights Before Christmas
Egg Shells

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Chirstmas

So much for the "much smaller Christmas" that my mom promises us each year. Does it look like we drew names for one gift each??? Yeah, didn't think so. This year though, we had to do things a bit differently. The tree was moved to a new location, for the first time ever, and so we had to haul the presents from under the tree to the common living area to be opened. We don't usually pile gifts on a coffee table!

Of course, not only did we provide gifts for each other, so did Santa. We woke up in the morning to realize that not only had Santa come, he she was still at the house. Claire's stocking had lots of fun things for her to grow into...including her new bow!

We all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas morning together as a family. How we didn't get dad in any of the pictures, I don't know???

We each got one big special present from Santa and then really little things like gift cards and such, but we all made out pretty well. I was so dang excited to get my food processor. I've been wanting one {a good one} since I moved in my house, and my mom got it for my last Christmas, but never gave it to me. Finally, I got it! Mark & Maegan got a cool new touch-screen camcorder to record Claire's cutest moments. Molly will be enjoying herself in her former home, Washington DC, for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration and she couldn't be more thrilled for such a gift. Scott & Abby got....{drumroll please}....new tires!!! May not seem that exciting to y'all, but trust me - when running on bald rubber, that's very exciting!!!

My parents had one special surprise left for me, and I had absolutely no idea I was going to get anything else. They brought in a huge box and I wondered if it was my dad's gift to my mom because it didn't have a name on it. I couldn't figure out what it could have possibly been, but the only thing I could think of was a bookshelf. Seriously though, I've been looking at different cool bookshelves to put upstairs in my hallway - so I figured maybe my mom got me one I had pointed out when I was with her. I started unwrapping, caught a glimpse of half the picture and looked back at my parents stunned.

Are they freaking serious??? Yes. Yes, they were!

Aren't Mike & Leslie the absolute greatest? I had noooo clue, much less I hadn't even asked for anything other than my food processor.

After gift opening, we cleaned up the mess, prepared our fabulous dinner and celebrated the season with our tradition Friends & Family meal. Chris & Danette, along with Danette's parents and her brother's family come for Christmas each year and it always turns into a pretty fun and long night. Several rounds of Aggravation and games of pool, and many many glasses of wine later, I was definitely ready to hit the sack. But not before we had dessert and exchanged our cross-family gifts.

During this time, the-ever-competitive twins decided to have a weigh-off and to see who had lost more weight. My brothers aren't even close to being considered tall, but they both have quite the stocky build, with a little fat thrown in there for good measure.

So out comes the scale and Mark steps on.
Now, it's Scott's turn. "I should be under 190, I've been doing good. I've lost over 20 pounds and last year at this time, I was 212."

"219!!!" This shit is wrong! Let me try again."

"220!!! No fucking way!!! This is bullshit!
{Poor poor Scotty, had no idea his sweet little wife was behind him adding pressure to the scale. Good one, Abby!}
"Okay, let's try this ONE more time. Abby, you stay over there."
I don't know any other family that has a weight competition during the holidays, especially after eating a huge meal, but what would a Stanga Family Christmas be without a little misery?

Once again, another great season spent with the ones I love most. Now it's time to work on my New Year's Resolutions. I've got a few good ones in mind.