Summer o' Fun

I started this blog a month before Piper turned 1, and she's now almost 3 1/2. If you're reading this, you know what a whirlwind of a journey it has been for me.

Piper during one of our many beach trips.

At first, I wanted to use this blog to document my daughter's cuteness. It then progressed into an outlet for me during my divorce. And then, I had every intention to use it as a diary for my house make-over. Considering I've only shown you one room so far, it's safe to say that I have failed at that goal. But, to my defense it is the only room that is blog-worthy and we are making progress, and hopefully I will return to showing the strides we have made soon.

But, for now, I want to share what an awesome summer I've had. My friend and I refer to it as the "summer o' fun." However, it wasn't all fun. At the beginning of the summer, I went through some difficult things, but am better now because of them. My 10-year high school reunion was at the end of June, and I reunited with some friends - and made new friends - that have brightened my life. They are the type of friends that sitcoms are based on. And I am so lucky that I can call them my friends. (Wow, that sounded right out of a Disney made-for-t.v. movie.)

The only picture I got at the reunion. Wine may have been a factor.

I use to be such a planner. I had to know who, what, when, where and why. And if I began running more than 10 minutes late, I was at the risk of a stroke. I didn't like spontaneity. Sometimes, I would plan my day by the hour. No lie. Some may even say OCD or Anal Retentive, and both are close to accurate.

This summer, I have learned to not make plans. Don't get me wrong, I understand that some plans are good and necessary, but as far as "what are you going to do this weekend?," my answer has been, "I don't know, I'll just play it by ear."


July 4th festivities = Fun.

Watching a dodgeball tournament in the extreme HEAT. But still had a blast.

Celebrating a friend's birthday in Houston.

Enjoying yummy Peach Chardonnay at a wine bar.

There are more unfinished projects at my house than I can count. The laundry fairy often passes my house - probably because the dish fairy told her to. And all the toys are never put up at the same time. But it's OK. It's OK because no one ever says on her deathbed, "I wish I would've done the dishes more." And I'd rather have the memories that I gained this summer than the memory of folding laundry.

3 years ago...

Three years ago on this morning, I was physically and mentally preparing to give birth to my first child.



I was scheduled for induction at 38 weeks. Two weeks prior, I started experiencing some difficulties, including high blood pressure and I was put on strict bed rest. After two weeks of ultrasounds, non-stress tests, and other unpleasant tests, it was decided it was best to induce me at 38 weeks.

On March 11, 2008, Dusty and I were at the hospital before the sun was even up. I was strapped in, given pitocin, my water was broken and I was settled in for the day. I was progressing fine and everything looked great until it wasn't. Thankfully, I opted for the epidural early, but I stopped progressing at around 6 cm, and this caused concern for my doctor.

I was given the choice to have a c-section, and took it. It was the first surgery I ever had, besides the removal of my wisdom-teeth, and it was frightening. Despite my fear, I had a perfectly healthy child at 5:58 p.m.. My health, however, was a different story. Due to my high blood pressure, I was in recovery about three times longer than usual until it lowered. Once I finally got out of the recovery room, I went to an ICU-type room where I was all alone for the night because visitors weren't allowed. It was almost 14 hours after delivering Piper that I was able to hold her.



Do you see that red spot on her left eye?...She still has that.

Three years really have gone by in a flash. We have been through so much, and she is my world, my rock, my legacy, my biggest crush and my greatest success.

Game Day!

"It's game day!!!"

This was the phrase of the day last Saturday while I was in Norman for the Sooners game.

And. it. was. AWESOME!





I had such a great time, catching up with my roommates and old friends from college. I loved seeing so much Crimson and Cream and fellow Sooner fans, which we all know is a rarity in south Texas. Driving through the streets of Norman brought back so many great memories of the carefree days of college. Before marriage, divorce, child, and career. I am so thankful I had such a great college experience - it helped make me who I am today.

The drive home was a time of reflection, as well. Eight hours in a car by myself gave me a lot of time to think. I thought about how many times I made that 500-mile drive to see Dusty. The butterflies and excitement that multiplied with each mile. I also thought about my next relationship and how it is going to be. How difficult it is going to be for me to trust again, to tear down the wall that I have quickly built. How much self-discovery I have left. It scares me and brings tears to my eyes. I was so blissfully ignorant in my relationship with Dusty - I trusted everything he did and said. Will I ever be able to faithfully trust again? I hope so.

One year

Dear Jon,

It's been a year since you left. There's not a day that goes by that you're not thought about. I hope you know how much you mean to those who know you. I hope you know how much I want to grow up to be like you. You lived every single day to the fullest, with no regrets, and I admire that so much.

I can still remember the sound of your infectious laugh. Dusty and I would laugh just at the thought of your laugh. Your honesty was invaluable and your advice was always golden. I am so blessed to know you.

May you rest in peace,
Tricia