Category Archives: Memories

Memorial Day at DFW National Cemetery

 

Memorial-Day, U.S.-Military, Heros, USAThis past Memorial Day, I made one of the smartest choices I could possibly make on such a day. I visited the Dallas – Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Memorial-Day, U.S.-Military, Heros, USA

Each year, many American’s spend Memorial Day celebrating the day off of work, with loved ones, grilling, jumping in the pool or lake or even taking a trip. Many forget the importance of this day. The day that is pays specific tribute to those who have fallen, those who have fought and are no longer with us. This day is in memory of those who dedicated their lives or even a part of their lives protecting not just their loved ones but complete strangers. Helping to grant them, freedom.

Memorial-Day, U.S.-Military, Heros, USA

Visiting the cemetery on Monday was astounding. It’s sad but it’s also something to be proud of. Each of the headstones and plaques represented someone. Someone who has dedicated a part of their life to all of us. They have seen and experienced things that most of us probably wouldn’t want to, they have witnessed history. Most importantly, they are our history. Each of these people has a story. They help to make up what this country is.

Next year, please dedicate a few minutes of your time to visit a local cemetery or memorial paying tribute to those who have enlisted. Thank them. They are someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter. You wouldn’t live the life you live without them.

Memorial-Day, U.S.-Military, Heros, USA

 

 

Just a Girl and Her Christmas Tree

Christmas time is the best time. I love it. One of my favorite things is decorating the Christmas tree. Growing up, we would always have a real tree. We would either go out back onto our land and cut one down or my dad and/or brother would find one elsewhere.

Christmas 2013Down here in Texas, things are a little different. Christmas tree farms are scarce. I actually have no idea where there is a Christmas tree farm. My “Texas Christmas Tree Farm” – well, I refer to it as Lowe’s. My experience is a little different.

My selection are those which are already pre-cut…

Christmas 2013I pick the lucky tree and place it on my “Texas Sleigh”….

Christmas 2013A nice employee bounds my tree and loads it into my car (just another reason why I love my Subaru)…

Christmas 2013I arrive home. Lug this tree up the stairs (this girl has muscles), attempts to put the tree into the tree stand only to find the bottom branches need to be trimmed. Good thing I’m a country girl and have a hand saw handy. Took care of that!

Christmas 2013Finally, tree is decorated, my apartment smells BEYOND fantastic and Christmas is officially here! And as far as ornaments go, I’m a random, throw everything on there kind of decorator. Each ornament represents something so it’s really nice to be able to reminisce on the years and events past!

Christmas 2013What’s your preference? Real or fake?

The Year in Review – 2013

Nicole from Three 31 has introduced me to this questionnaire. Here’s my take on this past year!

2013 Year in Review

What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?
Got my own apartment, took a self defense class and went on a solo vacation. (Read more about my vacation here, here and here.)
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
If I did, I have no idea what it was…
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, there’s a few new babies in this world. Actually, quite a few. The closest is my new niece! Plus, Chalifoux, McCullough, be-here-any-day Deuel babies to name a few.
Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
What countries did you visit?
Canada
What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
More determination, stronger will, a new job, greater sense of purpose, bigger adventures and a partner in crime (would be nice).
What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory?
November 7th – The date my second niece was born.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
May 2013 – The rights of one of my photographs was purchased to use by a large corporation.
What was your biggest failure?
Letting what others say, think and believe get to me.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
No.
What was the best thing you bought?
Flights home to visit family, friends and to witness my friends wedding pretty much tops the list.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
All of my friends who “put up with me” during those difficult moments, haha. Seriously – I love y’all.
Where did most of your money go?
Besides bills – Live concerts and beer (they go hand in hand and there were quite a few) and gas… this girl likes to travel.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going home for two weeks, spending time with family, friends and seeing one of my oldest friends get married.
What song will always remind you of 2013?
Put the radio on a Texas Country station and I will tell you stories all day.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder? Definitely happier.
Thinner or fatter? Same?
Richer or poorer? Richer by experience.
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Speaking my mind – saying how I feel.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Being scared, hesitant or nervous.
How will you be spending Christmas?
In Vermont with the family!
Did you fall in love in 2013?
Sure did – with my niece that I haven’t even met yet. I probably fell in love with Texas a little bit more too.
How many one-night stands?
No.
Who were your best friends?
I have some pretty ridiculously awesome folks in my life. I’m not going to list them all but there’s Heather, Callie, Kasey, Margo, Chris, Lisa – my top guns.
What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?
I think you’d have to ask them!
What were your favorite TV programs?
HIMYM, Big Bang Theory, Mom, New Girl, Mike and Molly. I’ve gotten into football. I can’t keep it a secret anymore.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
What was the best book you read in 2013?
The Bible. I haven’t had a lot of time to read this year otherwise Texas Monthly is always top notch on my list, does that count?
What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Giving Tree Band. Right place, right time.
What did you want and get?
In hind sight, I think I got everything that I needed.
What did you want but did NOT get?
Good question, there were some things… maybe it’s about timing.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Seriously, I watched very few movies… I can’t even think of any right now. Ask and I’ll let you know if I’ve seen it.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 29. On my actual birthday, I worked and then went for a run.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Unlimited vacation with a personal shopper / assistant so I could travel the world and tell all of you fine folks about it, encourage you to go out there and check it all out for yourselves!
What kept you sane?
God, friends, family, running, driving my Subaru and music.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Jimmy Fallon. Melissa McCarthy. I’m not a huge celebrity person but they can definitely make me laugh and seem so confident.
What political issue stirred you the most?
The government strike. Voters should be able to fire as well as elect, let’s just keep it at that.
Who did you miss?
I miss my family and friends who are not nearby everyday.
Who was the best new person you met this year?
I met some really awesome people this year and developed closer relationships to those who were already introduced into my life.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
Everything happens for a reason, quit fighting life and just go with it.
Quote that sums up your year:
Oh there’s so many…
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