o, christmas tree.

With this being our first Christmas, the mister and I have started from scratch to accumulate our much needed decor.  After getting everything arranged, I've come to one conclusion.  

I need more geeky ornaments.  

It's a shame that we look so traditional.  We are not traditional, folks.

Right now, my tree is cute.  But, most of the ornaments match.  I mean, seriously!?  Who am I?  What has happened to me?  Thankfully, I do have a few favorites that have managed to find their way.

 Just like my Texas pride, this ornament has stayed with me through it all.  This is actually #2.  The first one died in a freak accident.  Thankfully, I was able to replace it.  Hook'em Horns!

 I relish the fact that not every tree has Michelangelo hanging from its branches.  He was a gift last year from my amazing friend, Jeni, who now lives in Colorado.  I actually had the set, but they were separated in the move.  *sob*

The pickle is a tradition.  It has been on my Christmas trees ever since I moved out and had my own trees.  FACT:  Christmas just ain't Christmas without a pickle on your tree. 

 While not geeky at all, I had to share our very first ornament.  We plan to buy a new one every year. With this being our first Christmas, we thought this one would be perfect.  I love it!  Check out CharlieChalkDesigns on Etsy.  Their stuff is so stinkin' cute!

I'd love to see the geeky ornaments that adorn your Christmas tree.  Which one is your favorite?  Let me know!

dream a little dream.

Everyone at one time or another has dreamed.  I'm not talking about goals or wishes, but literal dreams as they sleep.

I often hear stories of crazy dreams that people have had in the middle of the night.  (Most of those stories come from my husband.  He has some of the oddest dreams.)

I've had my share of nightmares, but I don't really dream often.  If I do, I seldom remember what it was.  However, when I do, they are the most random yet realistic dreams ever.

I've always longed to have these amazing dreams that turn into great stories for all to hear.  Why?  I'm not so sure.  I'd at least like to remember what I do dream or have "normal" dreams, so as to have something to offer when others divulge their humorous stories.

(www.lifehacker.com.au)

Strangely enough, my last dream consisted of me driving around in a convertible with Roger Clemens.

 

I mean, what in the world?  I'm not even a Yankees fan! He DID graduate from the University of Texas, which might explain the admiration...but I digress.

I only recall one other dream that I have experienced.

The first happened while I was in high school.  I dreamed that two of the coaches (Coach Youngblood and Coach Jackson) were in a monster truck rally.  No plot.  Apparently I repeatedly watched them make high-speed laps and drive over crumpled cars.  How exciting.

Besides that, all I ever get is the infamous "I'm falling" sensation where I flail and jerk like a fish out of water, waking up the mister.

The funny thing, is I take pride in my creativity.  One would think that I would have extravagant dreams which require the utmost imagination.  Instead, I'm blank.

I hoping that I'm just a really deep sleeper at these times and fail to remember what I've dreamed the night before.  Otherwise I might just have to question my creative abilities...

Have you had any crazy dreams?  Let me know in the comments.

 

getting to know me: the mom.

I know that most people who have a good relationship with their parents usually say that they're the best.  I listen to this in total skepticism.  I believe that to them they are the best.  But they haven't met my mom.  They don't know Shannon!  Because if they did, they would understand that all they have ever known about "good parents" is simply generic.

Let me first explain that I am not a kiss-up.  If anything, I'm usually one of the most straight-forward (yet tactful) people you'll know.  But I honestly believe that I am one lucky girl to have a mom like mine.  

Our relationship is not the typical parent/child relationship, but a true friendship.  I don't roll my eyes at the fact that my mom is on Facebook.  I would honestly be more inclined to encourage her to get one if she wasn't already a pro.  I don't get embarrassed when she comes and goofs off with my friends.  Where do you think I got it?  I don't keep things from her.  I don't sigh when she asks to hang out.  I love her and I love spending time with her.  She's my best friend.  Honestly, we're too much alike.  It's scary.  Saying the same things at the same time, laughing together....we even share our road rage. ;)

We've practically been inseparable since I was born....until I moved to California.  *sigh*  It was then that I realized just how much time we spent together.  How many Saturdays we spent shopping.  How many nights we hung out in our pj's and played Guitar Hero.  I missed "Feed the Children" nights when she would have me and my brother and his family over for dinner every Saturday night.  I missed playing the drums in church and having her look over from the choir loft to make faces at me. I missed rooting on the Texas Longhorns together in our hoodies and baseball caps. I missed my mom.

The longest I went without seeing her, was six months.  I hated it.  If she wanted to move in with me tomorrow, she would have a room.  No questions asked. haha.  I am so glad to be back in Texas and close to her again...even if we are over an hour away.  It's soooo much better than 17,000 miles!

I am definitely my mother's daughter.  If you think I'm bad, let me introduce you to my sensei. ;)

five senses friday #4.

Five Senses Friday is were I reflect on the last week through the senses.  As usual, Fridays make me a happy girl.  The coffee in my hand helps.  TONS! 

Tasting::

Coffee on a cool morning.  Oh, coffee.  I love you.  In case you forgot, last week I was out of coffee!!  Never fear...the universe is aligned once again!  Carry on.

Feeling::

My handsome mister.

Super awesome loves for my mister.  He takes such good care of me.  I love that man!
Also, excitement for next weekend!  My little sis is coming to stay with me so we can hit up the Trades Days on Saturday!  Oooooh!!!!

Super crazy anticipation for my Loot Crate subscription that I just signed up for.  How am I supposed to be able to wait a whole month until it gets here!?!??

Seeing::

Jax sporting his burnt orange in support for our Longhorns.  

Gladly accepting donations of MORE! :)

The beginnings of my new set up of "co-workers" on my desk.  Also, the mister and I watched World War Z.  Super awesome, if you ask me.  I was all bundled up with the worried face no more than 4 minutes in.  Yesss!

Hearing::

 

He was so excited & wiggly, this was all I could get.

All of the girls at the vet "ooh" and "ahh" over Mr. Jax when I took him to get his shots.  He was such a good boy and they all wanted his puppy kisses.   

And what's this I hear about Nick Saban house-hunting in Austin!?  Don't toy with my emotions....

Smelling::

 

My favorite.  The combination of a clean house, a fall breeze and a Scentsy or two.

What were some of your experiences this week?  Feel free to play along in the comments, find me online or post your own blog!

 

five senses friday #2.

Five Senses Friday is were I reflect on the last week through the senses.  This week has been quite the whirlwind.  Whew!  I am so happy that Friday is finally here!  
Here are some things from my world lately.  

Tasting::

 

A dirty chai from my favorite barist-o -- my nephew, Aaron.

Awesome cups of coffee in my Wonder Woman mug and too much Diet Coke.  I did so well for a while by just sticking to water, tea & coffee.  Now, the Diet Coke beast is back.  No bueno.  I'm also missing my Dirty Chai from CJ's in Denison...

Feeling::

from House of Hepworths

Slightly stressed from work.  Excited about one of my favorite weekends of the year -- Texas/OU weekend!  Hook'em Horns!!  I'm a bit intense about my Longhorns.  Disappointed that I won't be at the State Fair on game day tomorrow.  Hopeful that something magical happens and we pull off a win. (We're not looking so hot this season). Anticipation for the cool, fall weather!  Texas needs to cool off!  In love with the mister.  He's truly amazing.

Seeing::

Jax and his cute little face!  Ugh.  Through puppy training frustrations, he can still make me melt with that mug of his.  Punk.  
The mister and I also watched "The Purge."  I thought the concept was pretty cool.  He wanted to see more of the concept carried out beyond the walls of the home.  Either way, we both liked it.

Hearing::

"Best Day of My Life" by American Authors.  This is my "convince myself that this day won't kill me" song.  While I may start off listening to it in the mornings with a scowl on my face, it eventually grows on me.

 

Also, my father-in-law serenading the mister and I with his new guitar when we pulled into his driveway.  

Drive-in Acoustic Serenade courtesy of THE Tommy Henry.

Smelling:: 

Ahh.  The smell of deer corn and diesel fuel while setting traps.  (Yes, we're true Texans).  Fresh, cool air while driving through the pasture.  The first day that I needed a hoodie.  Unfortunately, also the last day.  C'mon FALL! 

 

What were some of your experiences this week?  Feel free to play along in the comments, find me online or post your own blog!