First Name: AmBeR...Last Name: FABULOUS

My life as of 8/12/2009

2009-08-12T09:52:00.003-05:00

Well a lot has happened since I went to Amsterdam. First of all, I broke up with Patrick. He is a person I thought I knew, but it turned out I knew nothing about him. I will not go into details about anything because this is out for the entire world to see, but he is beyond low to me. I have closure and I am definately happy for that. I'm just extremely grateful that God didn't allow me to continue with the relationship and be oblivous to what was really going on behind my back. I know God has his own plan for me and I am ready to keep pushing on and moving on with my life.

I have also reconnected with an old friend. I have known Erick since probably about 5th grade...or maybe before that. He moved from Willis going into High School and I never knew what happened to him. Well about 2 years ago he found me on myspace and he was serving our great country in Iraq. We have always been in contact with each other since, but lately we have gotten really close. He lives in San Antonio...the really pretty part...and I have went to see him a couple of times. He is an amazing person and maybe in the future we can see where him and I can go, but right now is not the time for us. We both have a lot going on, but the connection is definately there. I once again put my faith in God knowing that if something is suppose to happen, it will regardless of the timing.

Work is amazing like always...

My play life is definately intense. I am always on the run..I'm talking everyday of the week. Weekends are jammed pack with fun that keeps my mind off of all the stuff I have been through in the last month and a half. Ever since I broke up with Patrick, my friends and I have been going to Rayburn every other weekend and living it up you could say. I am so fortunate to have such amazing people in my life...if I didn't I have no idea how I would adjust to the life change I have been going through. Everyone was there the day everything with Patrick happened and that meant the world to me. I just can't get over how blessed I am all-around. I have realized I need to worry less and live day by day. I am not that person to live day by day. I'm a planner by nature. I want to know exactly what is going to happen today, tomorrow, a week from now, and a month from now. But I have decided that this needs to change. I realized this from Erick. He is a person who only thinks about that day, not the next. He has so much appreciation of life since he was in Iraq for 14 months and saw death everyday. Tomorrow isn't promised and neither is a week or a month from now. This also helps my anxiety. Ever since Patrick and I have broken up, I have had some really intense anxiety...when I talk intense, I mean I have lost about 20 pounds in on month because of lack of appetite. I know it's not healthy, but I have regained my appetite a little, but just eating smaller portions and healthy foods, but still feel the anxiety and still losing weight.

That is pretty much it though. A lot of change and new feelings, but I'm a very strong person because of it. I wouldn't want my life to be any other way right now..maybe not the anxiety part, but everything else is exactly how I want it right now. You could ask me tomorrow and I might tell you something else, but as right now I am utterly excited and content for what is in store for me. I know I only deserve the best because I'm a good person and God has that in mind at all times.

This weekend is Rayburn for David's birthday. It's going to get a little crazy up there for sure. I will post some pics definately...

Until next time....

-A

Amsterdam

2009-06-09T16:05:00.001-05:00

So I just got news that I'm going to Amsterdam next week. I am so excited.....I love my job.

Who's Hot?

2009-06-05T17:04:00.001-05:00

Who's hot??? Rob Pattinson of course. That's all

Oh and a Delicous Recipe

2009-04-30T10:23:00.001-05:00

SWISS STUFFING CHICKEN

4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts

6 oz. Mozerella or Swiss cheese slices

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

1/4 cup white cooking wine

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup herb-flavored crushed up Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix

1/2 stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place uncooked chicken in shallow buttered casserole dish. Layer cheese on top. Mix soup, wine, salt, pepper; pour over cheese. Sprinkle stuffing mix on top and drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 1 hour.

New House

2009-04-30T10:15:00.003-05:00

So this is our new townhouse. I just love it. It is super roomy and nice...however, yesterday when I was driving to it to show a friend, there was still standing water right in front of our driveway due to the 10+ inches of rain that fell two days ago. I don't even want to imagine what it looked like the day of the rain. I know that Cypress Creek is right down the road from our house and it is currently still over the banks. Maybe this is the reason why we have water in front of our house. But I am so excited to be moving into a house that is almost 2.5x's bigger than our current apartment. Also, William has a yard...a small yard, but it's still a yard. So that's about it for now, but I promise to post some pictures of the inside once we have everything set up. We are getting new living room furniture in a couple of weeks so I will wait until then.

-Amber

I love this

2009-03-30T14:32:00.001-05:00

I just bought this at amazon.com and I can't wait to use it. It's called the smart shopper and you say the items you need at the store and it makes categories based on the items you need and prints out a list. How cool is this and it's under $30. Word to your mother!!! I love organization!

Amber Renee'

Menu Planning

2009-03-30T13:15:00.003-05:00

My friend Denise has been doing this for awhile, so I decided I would too. I always plan my meals throughout the month. I go grocery shopping about 2 times a month and spend about $300 a month on food. I came to realize after years of eating out, that you can save so much more money when you make food at home instead of going out. Don't get me wrong, we still go out about once a week, but Patrick and I both prefer some home-cookin over some greasy, fatty foods at restaurants. This is what I came up with:

-Flank Steak, veggies, and mac/cheese

-Cube Steak (Shout out to Denise for this recipe..using the crockpot)

-Orange Juice Chicken (Crockpot)

-Beef Enchiladas (http://kellyskornerrecipes.blogspot.com/)

-Swiss Stuffed Chicken (http://kellyskornerrecipes.blogspot.com/)

-Cheesy Brat Stew (Crockpot-allrecipes.com)

-Chicken Supreme (http://kellyskornerrecipes.blogspot.com/)

Since it's only me and Patrick, this list is probably going to last at least a week and a half because of leftovers from the night before. I will definitely let ya'll know which ones I love and which ones I don't. I might even take pictures of the final product and upload them on here. I hope everyone has a great week. I can't believe it's almost Easter!!!

Amber Renee'

Recession Clothing...

2009-03-13T14:20:00.012-05:00

So I follow a lot of blogs, but I absolutely love this blog:

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/

If you haven't read her blog, you sure are missing out. She is so inspirational and just so cute. Two days ago she did a post on recession clothing on a budget and I was tagged to do the same. Kelly dresses so cute and mostly shops only at Walmart, Target, and TJ Max. So here is my spin on recession clothing on a budget...

This is a adorable dress I saw at American Eagle. I would totally wear this during the summer months for sure and it's under 40 dollars. Totally worth it. I shop a lot at American Eagle and they tend to keep up with the ever changing trends. I would probably pair this with some super cute earrings and sandals/flats like these:

The shoes are from Old Navy for under $20 and the earrings are from Drugstore.com for under $30. The good things about purchasing accessories like these are that they can go with many outfits not just one or two. I also like this dress:

I think this dress is at American Eagle also. I would definately wear some sort of undershirt under this because I need a little extra coverage up top if you know what I mean. It has lots of fun colors to play with so you can pretty much dress it up with any accessory. Lastly..the dreaded bathing suit:

I love this bathing suit. I will probably buy it this year. It is from American Eagle and is under $40. The back is cut out and has a pin-up style feel to it.

Well that's all for now. It is raining here in Houston and so dark and gloomy. One of my best friend's turn 21 on Monday and was going to have a crawfish boil at her house on Saturday, but it got cancelled due to the 70% chance of rain for tomorrow. So this weekend looks to be kinda boring. Next week, I'm going to see Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, and maybe Brooks and Dunn at the Rodeo. I am so excited to see Keith Urban...he is super sexy. Until next week....

Wet and Over the Rain,

Amber

Random Photo Wednesday!

2009-03-04T15:03:00.003-06:00

Isn't it just beautiful? Note to self- Must visit Ireland in the next 5 years!

Jason Mesnick-The Stupid Bachelor

2009-03-03T14:56:00.005-06:00

I can not even explain the way my feelings have changed for this man. I watched some of the Bachelorette last season and I loved Jason from day one. When ABC announced that Jason would be the new Bachelor, I was so excited for him and hoped that the "Bachelor" curse would be broken. Boy how was I wrong.

From day one of the show, I loved Melissa and Jillian. As I watched the show more and more, I started to dislike Melissa more and like Molly, but I still loved Jillian the most. When he picked Melissa over Jillian, I knew something was up. He acted so interested in Jillian. Well after last night, when he let Molly go and asked Melissa to stay, I thought that was weird too. He kept saying, "When I look into Molly's eyes, I never want to stop." Who says that?

ATFR aired last night my mouth was just wide open. Why would he bring Melissa on this show to break up with her? Why didn't he respect her a little more to not totally embarrass her in front of millions of viewers? Then he and Molly had the nerve to get back together and make out 5 minutes after he ended not only his relationship but his engagement also...who does that? I got totally offended by the way he treated Melissa and the situation. Melissa is right, he should of never proposed to her because she thought of being engaged as a one time thing and he took that away from her. He didn't even fight to make the relationship work with Melissa..what makes Molly think he isn't going to give up on her like he did Melissa?? Also, I think he totally exploited his son Ty....that's wrong in so many ways! A lot of the entertainment news sites are claiming that ABC thought of this scheme from the beginning and that Jason knew he loved Molly when 5 girls were left standing, but they wanted to up their ratings so they told Jason to choose Melissa and make a big announcement during ATFR. So they made this scheme to stir things up. I personally think this is true because of the way Jason was acting...just ridiculous!!!!

So confusing. I guess I will have to watch the 2nd part to ATFR tonight. I have heard rumors that Melissa is back with her ex-boyfriend and Molly is pregnant..but who knows??

I'm just so over the Bachelor. The only way I will ever watch it again is if they bring Jillian back to be the Bachelorette.

-Amber

I promise...

2009-02-16T15:01:00.001-06:00

...to post some pictures tonight. I just never seem to have time to download them to my computer. To be continued...

25 Things about Me...I promise to keep this blog up!

2009-02-04T10:48:00.002-06:00

1. I am in love with the best guy on the planet....he is amazing.

2. I am terrified and excited to have a baby in the next 10 years. I am not even close to wanting a baby right now, but I am totally freaked out when I think about how much my life is going to change when I bring a baby into the world.

3. When I have pets, I tend to give them pet names. I'm not talking one or two, I'm talking lots of pet names. For example, when my sweet cat Caroline was alive, I called her "Carolweiner", Caroline Elizabeth..which lead to the infamous name "Lizard/Lizardbeth Howell". The list goes on. Weird I know..

4. I work for the largest oil company in the world...but I still worry I'm going to get laid off daily.

5. My mom is my all time best friend. I tell her pretty much everything and I always go to her for advice because she is right about 95% of the time.

6. I have an older sister who is completely opposite of me. Some people don't even know I have sister because we don't get along that well..It's life right?

7. I went to college at UT Tyler. I secluded myself from all the partying so I could focus on my studies. However, I did come to Houston up to 2 times a month so I could hang out with friends and family.

8. I would love to work in oil spill or something to do with protecting the enviroment.

9. I am a perfectionist in all aspects of my life. When things aren't perfect or don't go perfect, I sometimes feel as if I have failed..

10. My niece is like my little sister. I love her so much even though she's a spoiled brat.

11. I always tell my boyfriend, "My husband is on TV tonight!" And this is his response," Patrick Dempsey is not your husband."

12. I am still best friends with the girls I grew up with since 3rd grade. Tiffany will be my maid of honor one day and Sierra will be right along with her. I love them like they are family. I can't imagine my life without either one of them.

13. When I'm at work, I love reading blogs. It makes the day go by so fast. I even look forward to coming into work on Mondays just to read newly updated blogs.

14. My favorite all time vacation I took was to Las Vegas when I was 15 for my birthday. I loved it. I can't wait to go back.

15. I can't wait to plan my wedding with my mom. It is going to one of the best experiences in my life.

16. Lately, I have really been thinking about starting to go to church on Sundays. I am not a very religious person, but I want to reconnect with God.

17. My dream vacation would be a 2 week stay in Fiji...or Santorini, Greece.

18. My doggie William is absolutely the best dog ever. He makes me smile everyday when I get home from work.

19. I visit New Orleans at least once a year. NOLA holds such a special place in my heart. It's absolutely beautiful in my eyes. The music, food, and atmosphere is to die for.

20. Ther person I respect the most in my life is my dad.

21. I love designer purses. I would rather buy 1 purse for 2 grand than buy 5 pairs of designer shoes.

22. I try to save as much money as possible. I am a super control freak when it comes to my money.

23. My favorite show of all time is Grey's Anatomy..why you ask?? Because my husband is in it..Ha

24. My favorite flowers are tulips and orchids....therefore, what season will my wedding be in?? Why Spring of course!

25. I blessed beyond belief. I am so grateful for everything I have been able to give and receive throughout my life.

Too Busy

2008-12-08T14:22:00.001-06:00

I promise a new post in the next few days. Alot has been going on lately with work and life in general. I am just gearing up for Christmas. To be continued....

Amber Renee'

Found my Camera

2008-11-21T11:26:00.001-06:00

Found my camera this morning. It was in Patrick's jacket pocket all this time:)

Grateful,

Amber

Lost Camera

2008-11-20T13:10:00.003-06:00

Oregon was beautiful..but super rainy. I got there on Wednesday and by the next morning, some of the local rivers were flooded. I am not talking a couple of inches flooded...more like a foot for one day of rain. I guess since everything up there is super green, the plants require a lot of water. Also, the trees are yellow, orange, and red. We never see trees change to those colors with such intensity in Texas...absolutely breathtaking. This past weekend was fun as well. Friday, I just went and saw some of my friends and drank a couple of beers. Good times with friends. Saturday, we all got together(probably about 25-35 people) and shot some guns. You name the gun and we had it. I totally felt like I was a total hick:)

About the camera...Friday, Sierra was in a random mood and wanted to take 5000 pictures. You should see some of these...much less the video recordings of Mallory and Preston. That is classic. Well after that night of many smiles and sometimes tears shed from laughing so hard, the camera is MIA. I thought I brought it back to our apartment after we left my parents house, but Patrick nor I can find it. I am still looking though. Please pray for the safe return of my poor camera. Ok so I'm going to leave yall with this(got it from Denise)....

1. I've come to realize that my boobs...….are huge melons...seriously I feel like this

2. I've come to realize that my job...….is absolutely amazing and I am so blessed to be doing something I have passion for.

3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving...….I need to slow down and pay more attention to the road

4. I've come to realize that I need...….to find my camera

5. I've come to realize that my heart...….has so much love for my Patrick, friends, and family

6. I've come to realize that I hate it when...….Patrick doesn't pick up after himself

7. I've come to realize that when I'm drunk...….I usually really drunk...never in between

8. I've come to realize that money...….makes me super happy..so happy that I spend all of it on shopping and not on bills

9. I've come to realize that certain people...….just use you.

10. I've come to realize that I'll never be...….perfect

11. I've come to realize drugs are...….crazy and cause crazy situations to arise

12. I've come to realize that my best friends...….are the best ever

13. I've come to realize that my cell phone...…is also known as a crackberry

14. I've come to realize when i woke up this morning...….I thought to myself, "Is it really 4:30AM?" Lame

15. I've come to realize that last night before i went to sleep...….I had a horrible headache and Patrick was trying to love on me

16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking about...….THANKSGIVING

17. I've come to realize that when I get on Myspace...…I always looks at the same people's pages everyday

18. I've come to realize that yesterday...….was way too long at work

19. I've come to realize that today...….I am super tired and never knew a conference call could last 3.5 hours

20. I've come to realize that tonight......I am going to lay around and do nothing but watch my shows on TV

21. I have come to realize that tomorrow...….is Friday..Yipee

22. I've come to realize that I really want to...….work on myself from the inside out

23. I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this...….is gonna enjoy feeling it out like I did.

24. I've come to realize that I love...….everyone close to me

25. I've come to realize that this weekend...….will be super fun like always

26. I've realized the best music to listen to when i am upset...….Jack Johnson because his music always makes me happy

27. I've come to realize that some friends...….really have your best interests at heart

28. I've come to realize that this year...….has blessed me more than I ever thought it would. I am so excited to see how 2009 turns out.

Oregon

2008-11-11T15:54:00.002-06:00

So I am going to Portland, Oregon tomorrow on business. The last time I was there was in August and it was so beautiful, green, and cool(for it being summer). Now I am going in winter, which is going to be cold and blistering...Hopefully it won't be as cold and rainy as I think it's going to be. I will take lots of pics:)

-A

Post Halloween/Election

2008-11-05T12:39:00.002-06:00

So....Let me first start off by saying that I do not like the road this country is going down. I personally don't think that Obama has enough experience to lead this country. McCain has, hands down, more experience than Obama and could handle the pressure that ruling this great country requires. So Post-election...I still say McCain is the best man for the job...McCain still rules in my book.

As for Halloween, it was okay. It started off a mess(Halloween Eve-> Not going into detail), but it ended with a wonderful Halloween party over at Scooter's house with lots of friends that I love. This weekend we might be going to Ren. Fest with some friends since the weather is going to be great. Other than that nothing to report...GOD is good.

Walters/Cotlow Wedding

2008-10-27T10:02:00.003-05:00

So this weekend was fun and relaxed. I had to work this Friday, so come 3:30 I was beat. Also, I think I did something to the top of my foot. I workout 3-4 times a week and I guess my foot doesn't like all the constant activity. I am making an appointment with my regular doctor to get a referral to a specialist. Saturday, Patrick worked until 3:30 and we had a wedding to go to at 7:30. That is when the church service started.... I don't think I have every went to a wedding that late in the evening. The bride is my boss' daughter and she is absolutely beautiful. They wedding consisted of italian dancing, wine, amazing food, and an aggie alum dance (Didn't know there was such a thing). It's always great to get people together from around the country for such a special occassion. Do I need to mention again that the wine was fantastic. Also...DRUM ROLL....Patrick caught the guarder...you know what that means??? He is going to be getting married next...I was blushing like no belief after my mom said Patrick just caught the guarder. My boss walked over to me and said, "Dear, it looks like you are next..." Maybe...Hopefully, I mean. I can't wait to plan a wedding and commit myself to Patrick. He is amazing. Sorry I didn't take any pictures...we were running late and we forgot the camera.

Sunday we just layed around until about 1 and then we went to a late lunch to On the Border..I love that place. Then we went to Linens N' Things since they are going out of business. I love kitchen gadgets so I stocked up on things I just wanted not necessarily needed...like yankee candles, wall art, a cutting board, and a super soft blanket for the couch.

So this week is just work Monday-Thursday and then off Friday-Sunday. Friday I am going (hopefully) to the doctor and early vote since it's the last day. Don't think I am going to do much this Halloween..maybe hang out with my peeps if they don't go to Austin...oh and watch tons of scarry movies:)

Much Love,

Amber

The start of the rest of my life....

2008-10-22T12:56:00.002-05:00

So I have been debating for the last couple of months on if I should really make a blog and put my life out there for all the world to read about. Well I decided that there is not better time than now....So here I am. I am mostly doing this to keep a record of what I did, who I was, and where I went before marriage, children, and old age. I hope I can look back on these journal entries as a mini timeline of my life. How cool would it be to read a book of blogs I wrote at the age of 24 when I am 85...(Now that is what I call a reflection of life!!)

Professionally....I am working at a company I love. When I graduated from college, I thought I wanted a life in some kind of medical sales since I graduated with a Biology degree. After a couple of months of interviews that went no where, I got a phone call from my old boss who said that they had a huge project coming up and they wanted to know if I want a job. I said YES immediately. The company I work for deals mostly with oil, which has nothing to do with my degree, but I absolutely wouldn't want to work anywhere else. After a couple of months and a raise in pay, they decided to keep me on as a regular (not just a person that is doing a project).

Romantically...Patrick and I have been together for almost 3 years(It will be 3 years on Valentines Day). I just love him so much. He is always there when I need him even when he is pretending to listen to me just so I feel better when I'm not having that great of a day. He is my rock and that pretty much sums up who Patrick is. He is amazing and I am super grateful that I found that person to love me regardless of everything crazy life throws at you.

Socially...I just love my friends. They are the most amazing, supportive, and caring people I know. When I think about some of them...they have made me the person I am today. I have known Sierra and Tiffany since the age of 8. To this day, they are my best friends. When I get married, they will be standing right next to me. I have meet a lot of people that have became a staple in my life. Heather is one of those people. She first started out as a girl who was dating my best guy friend, but now she is my best friend. I am still best friends with the guy she dated briefly, but I see her more than I see him...(which we laugh about still to this day).

Wow this post turned out to be a semi-long one...okay hopefully I will keep this updated at least once a week if not more...

Stay Classy,

- A