Met the In-Laws

We made plans for me to met Anthony's side of the family so we purchased a buddy pass for Delta. Get to the airport and wait. Of course like any buddy pass we did not make our first or second try. By this time I was getting hungry and Anthony upset. So we just knew third time was the charm. But of course it didn't happen so we walked down to Jetblue who just started flying directly to FLL so we purchased a one way ticket and was on the next flight. I called my parents to see if they had made it in because that were driving to Austin to watch our dogs. They hadn't made it but we were getting ready to board the plan so I decided to call them when we landed. Finally we get to FLL and we walk to the Delta terminal and guess what...our bags are no where to be found. They tell us their on the next flight which to me was crazy since bag normally arrive before passengers and our bag should have been our the first plane we didn't make. So I called my cousin to see if he could help. In the meantime the next flight is an hour from landing so we walk to get our rental car. Stand in line at one place to change lanes to go to another place. We end up getting a Nissan that Anthony can't straighten his legs in so he goes and stand in line again to get another car. We end up with a Camry which was very nice. We drive back thinking our bags have arrived and of course they hadn't at this time no one knows where they are. I'm so upset at this moment and Anthony's family is calling because his phone doesn't work in FL. I call my cousin again and he told me he'd find out what's going on. So we drive to his mom's place without bags. We get there and all the stress left us. He was happy to see his family and I was happy to meet the people I've talked to and seen pictures of. We order pizza, eat, and just catch up. It was nice. Then we left and drive to our hotel room which was really nice. The next morning I check my messages and my cousin leaves me a message that our bags when found! We get up eat our continental breakfast, drive to the airport get our bags...they where there however the wheel on our large luggage was missing completely missing. Of course Delta doesn't cover plastic damage. So we head back to our hotel to get ready. Today is Anthony lil sister's graduation from college. We met everyone at the corner gas station and car pool the the venue. We were a bit late but got excellent seats. After we all go to dinner which was very nice. We headed back to the hotel to hang out that night. The next morning we get up hang out then go to his mom's to discuss wedding details, looked through photo albums and eat lunch. Let there a prepared for our trip back. To no prevail we didn't make the first or second flight coming home on Delta but we made the third one...stood by in ATL, missed the first flight but made the second. Even though it was stressful we handled it well. Which just makes us more certain that no matter what we have each other and that makes it all great!

It's Beginning to Look alot like Christmas!

Yesterday 12/9 was a nice breezy day however around 5pm it got colder and very windy. By the time Anthony and I made it home it was below 30 degrees and we starting hearing what we thought was rain but guess what it was SNOW! How cool is that!?! My friend Amanda's boyfriend called her earlier and told her we might get snow but she and I didn't' believe him, well he was right and it lasted a very long time, till after midnight. You should have seen me taking Dunk and Lex out to potty it was funny and Lex was trying to eat the snow or lick it as it feel from the sky. I wasn't able to enjoy this scene with Anthony because my baby had to go to work...Make That Money Man! So, I texted him and told him all about it. Today we shouldn't get any more snow the weather channel states it will be cloudy with a average of 35 during the day but it will feel like 28! Bring on the sweaters, boots, hot coco and blankets! Even if the snow is gone it still feels like Christmas, we have our tree up, ornaments on, lights on, a few gifts already wrapped and under the tree, decorations through-out the house, holiday scented candles, stocking hung buy the fireplace, and a log ready to fire up. We love this season, Christmas is my favorite holiday and we're going to enjoy every minute of it. Starting with tomorrow we will be flighting to visit his family and my parents are staying at our place to watch the dogs. Nothing says Christmas more than spending time with family. I can't wait for the festivities to begin!

Shooting Star

Next weekend Anthony and I are visiting his family and to make sure we look great.  I made a appointment with my hairstylist to get me looking great for my first impression.  We leave Saturday evening and on our way before we get to Brenham we both see a shooting star!  We both make a wish but don't tell each other was we wished for.  I just hope it comings true!  The short visit to Houston was fun and I look great, I'm ready to meet my future family.

Tis the Season!

The last month of 2008, WOW! This was such a wonderful blessed year for us we can't wait for all the great times and beautiful moments in store for 2009. It's going to be a historical year! So for we are GO for Christmas! All the best parts of the season are coming together. Cooler weather, CHECK! Decorations - put out December 1st, CHECK! Christmas cards signed, CHECK, Christmas cards sent, CHECK! Gifts purchased, CHECK! Gifts wrapped, Negative. Christmas music, Negative. Okay, so we have a bit to work on but that's okay we are still have counting down the 25 days of Christmas in our home. It wouldn't be fun if you had everything done the first few days. We still need to get the car's oil change before our road trip, Duncan Punkin needs an appointment with the groomer, I need to get my hair and nails done, Anthony needs a hair cut, and we both need a day at the spa! And, make fabulous plans for new years! The month started off great, it was rent and we had the money to pay! Dec 1st is my best friend, Eric (my Naim) birthday, Dec 2nd was Wanda's Bday, today Dec 3rd is Nicol's Bday, tomorrow Dec 4th is Amena's Bday and Dec 6th is Shondra's Bday. I'm so happy so many people we know are blessed to be happy and well enough to celebrate a birthday. It seems like the world is in a recession and people are stressing and not taking care of their health. The one gift I pray for is that God continues to bless all of our family and friends during this time with high spirits, hope and faith. Its the season to be jolly and I hope everyone is!

Thankful for You

We love this time of year. Looking back and reflecting on life; there are so many things to appreciate and be thankful for. First we are happily in love, living a fulfilling life with our sweet dogs, our families are health, and our friends are in good spirits. Especially, in these economic hardship times we are thankful for the basic things like our great apartment, a reliable car, stress free jobs, our savings and to Black-Eye Pea for the dinner and dessert we ate a home while watching a movie cuddled on the couch. I did not cook this year or last but, I just might do a bit better next year, if we don't go to my sister's. This year was a step up compared to what we had last year, which was sloppy joes. My sister is an excellent cook and I plan on asking her for tips. plus Anthony loves her cooking and I'm a picky eater but pretty much everything she cooks I like. We couldn't be more happier with our wedding plans, staying in budget and on schedule. Also, staying within a flexible budget for Christmas gifts. This year we are planning to spend it with at sister's house. We are thankful for being a close family to know what is needed and wanted by our loved ones for Christmas and even more grateful for the time and money to purchase those things. Overall, it is God that provides love and health to friends, family and our lives and because of that we are thankful everyday. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Ready, Set, Prioritize

Our schedule is so busy nowadays. Just to know what we're doing . . . when, we've placed activities on our calendar! Even though we schedule things we still are able to be spontaneous and adventurous. Being environmentally friendly and budget conscience we share one car, pay cash for all purchases and recycle of course. Just preparing for our future we are trying to eliminate debt, add to our saving and plan for retirement. We both have a full time job and a part time one. But, Anthony owns his own real estate investment company and I'm an Associate for PPD. However, with our schedules getting more demanding we've decided we need to cut back especially because we need to put in more hours on our own businesses. Wow, planning the wedding takes a lot of research and meetings so Anthony is handing finding the DJ and I'm looking for invitations and together we're looking for a minister. But I need to prioritize more. I haven't found "the dress" I've seen several that I like but none of them are it! Anthony's mom, Patricia and I are working together on the invites for his side to the wedding and she would like to host the engagement party called a Bashment, which in Jamaica is a celebration. We are thinking of doing it sometime in March in Miami. Her birthday is in February so we'll be in Jamaica, which is cool, I'm so excited since I've never been there. Anthony is ready for a house and is on a mission to find us a home. And, I am on a mission to lose weight but February. From today to mid next year our life would be considered eventful! But we can't wait to live it!

Tribute to Love and Friendship

This past week I was informed that a very dear friend passed away during surgery. Jennifer's funeral was held in Houston at Braeswood Assembly of God church at 11am. Of course it was fast planning so Anthony could not travel with me. So we got a rental car for me Friday morning and both headed to work. That afternoon I got off work went home, packed and got on the road by 7pm. On the road, so many friends called to check up on me, Anthony, Val, Brandice, Neena, Carmen and Demi. It was so great to hear from my friends and they wanted to make sure I arrived safely. Once in Houston, I ended up at Demi's house to settled there for the night. Her gentleman friend named Anthony, AKA Tony or Art came by and entertained us for awhile. I hung out with are twins then headed to bed to get ready for the next day. It was strange waking up the next morning knowing I was there to say good bye in this lifetime to Jennifer. I left Demi's house and headed to the church. Forgetting the city I grew up in, I texted Neena and Maribel for directions as I went the wrong way and was a bit tardy for the funeral. A little nervous I went in the church and found my friends on the 4th row saving a seat for me. The funeral wasn't very long but in that hour, we hugged, held hands, prayed, cried and laughed together. It was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I attended, and I know Jennifer would be proud of her friends and family. Afterwards the long time friends, and past co-worker gathered to celebrate her life and catch up a bit. Everyone wanted to see my ring and congratulated me, it was so nice being with them. I wasn't able to attend the grave site ceremony as I needed to go to my parents house to pick up a few thing, eat and head back. So I texted Taupe, Jennifer's beloved husband's brother to let him know I wouldn't be there but to pass my love to Eno. On the way home for that first hour or so I sat in the car with the music off and windows down as it was a beautiful day. And I thanked Jennifer for gathering the Steward gang together again, I thought of my grandmother and parent and thanked God for giving such role models and wonderful mentors. I thought about Anthony and how he is not perfect and sometimes we do argue and get upset with each other, but I'm so happy we are together in love and don't dwell. But overall I reviewed my life and I've been so honored and bless to have such a great one this far and trust in God to continue to lift me and fill me with joy. My prayer is that before we leave this world we can look back and be happy and proud of what we've done here. And if we are not...change it today. Live life to the fullest, love and care for as many as you can, be happy and praise God.

Bitter Sweet

What a day, what a day! Yesterday was was very emotional for us. We woke up to a brand new work week. Happy, healthy and overall blessed. Awaiting the news of who our new president would be. Knowing that a few days earlier his grandmother passed away before learning the results. But then Monday, I was communicating with my good friend Jennifer Usanga and she told me that she would be going into surgery Tuesday morning and it would take 3-5 hours starting at 7:30am. Unfortunately yesterday I received a phone call from our mutual friend Brandice, informing me that she did not make it through surgery and passed away from a heart attack. I couldn't believe it! This just make me look at my own life and really be appreciative with where I am in life and live each day happy and with the most you have to give. I posted a note on her myspace page and to her wonderful husband Eno. Anthony and I also sent him a email just to let him know we cared and loved her and we are here for him. What a afternoon! Later that evening I spoke with several friends on the phone awaiting the presidential results and discussing life, was once again so thankful for knowing them and being able to speak with them during the exciting time. It was almost 10pm so I went to pick up Anthony from work and we turned on talk radio where we heard the results that Obama was the presidental - elect. We kissed at the traffic light and will always remember we were together with Duncan Punkin in the car when we found out the news. What a night! Remember that today is always a gift, live life to the fullest!

Busy, Budget, Counting Down

We can't believe today is the last day of October. This has been a very busy month of us, and we've been able to check a few items off our wedding planning list (which is very long)! I'm happy to write that we have a good budget and I believe we're staying within that number. This month we interviewed and signed a florist, spoke with a few officiants and DJs and of course VOTED! How exciting this time is in our lives. All I can say is I need a nap and we're tired. So far I have no complaints or had bridezilla moments. We have the same ideals for our special day so like the venue, photographer and florist. I believe all other decisions will go smoothly. I think what helps is I make a list of the things I like and give Anthony a few options and we go with the one he chooses. Okay I know the base of our wedding color is like a mango, coral or papaya but that's about all I got. Not sure on my dress or the bridesmaides. By the way we've already asked our wedding party. I do believe we know that style of cake we want. Cakes by Vickie is our baker she's a close family friend and like a sister to me. Anthony will select the filling, since I don't care for cake and he loves it! And, I think we know what our save the dates are doing to look like, invitations and programs, we've even settled on what we'll have as favors. We have considered a lot of things already so I think we're pretty much on schedule and budget. We plan to pay cash of our wedding and not have any debt from it. Only having nine months left till the wedding we have to make these decision because we have a busy fall coming, Thanksgiving, going to Florida for his sister's college graduation, buying Christmas gifts and traveling all these places. I need to lose some weight by February so I can look fabulous on my engagement pictures. Anthony doesn't need to do a damn thing in that department as he is so fine to me. So we welcome November, just a little closer to your wedding day.

Work, Travel, Dance & Run

Anthony proposed on July 1st and my family reunion was July 3rd. He couldn't make it because I had decided to go last minute. So, he didn't have the pleasure of meeting my beautiful grandmother, wonderful aunts & uncles and crazy cousins. But, my cousin go married this weekend and it was like a reunion all over again (just not in the country). Of course not everyone could attend but it was so great to be around family again to celebrate a lovely occasion. The weekend started off busy. Anthony had worked his night job so I go up at 7am to pack us, walk and feed the dogs so we would be ready to go at 8am, as he arrives home about 7:30ish. We're pretty much on time, leaving Austin at 8am to drive to Houston which is about 170 miles or 2.5 hours travel time. I stopped by my hair stylish to have her curly my hair, put false eyelashes on (first time) and get some beauty products. During that 30-35 minutes Anthony goes running as he has a 10K the next morning. Its 11:30ish I'm beautified and Anthony's back from running so we go to my parent's house. We arrived and were hugged tightly by my mom. She has a bit of separation anxiety but she doing better, my dad is okay and greets us with a hug and hand shakes. My big sister and husband were upstairs but quickly came down when they heard our voices and smelled my mom's superb gumbo. So we all sat down to eat and hear a knock at the door. It's my favorite uncle and wife. The reunion begins! We eat and start getting dressed but got a little late so as I was coming down the stairs in a hurry I totally fell, like missing two steps. Poor Anthony had to come pick me up, (my hero) I was okay, no limp, thank goodness...because I want to dance at the reception. So, we head to the church and see all the family, sit down and attend the wedding mass. An hour later we head to the reception site and the good times start. I introduce Anthony, we eat hors d'oeuvres and sit at the bar as the guest had to wait for all the pictures to be taken. Around 7pm we eat, the cake is cut and the dancing is on. We had such a great time! Everyone asked us how our wedding plan are going and we tell them it's great but we have such busy schedules ahead of us. We just can't wait for our day to arrive! We left the wedding around 11pm and drove back home. I was so tired I tried to stay up and keep Anthony company but failed. We got home safely, let the dogs out and went to sleep. Just to get up at 7:30am Sunday morning, to rush to his 10K at IBM. My baby finished in less than 45 minutes. You Go Boy! Life is good and we are so thankful!

Anniversary Story of Us

Monday, October 13th was our one year anniversary of dating. My honey, Anthony, sent me to the spa for a 60 minute massage, mani, pedi and took me out to eat. We both can't believe how the time has passed by. But they say time flies when you are having fun . . . and we have fun, lots of fun together. So much that we haven't updated our blog. Okay, so this is how the love story started. I've had my heart broken in this life, but I'd never given up on the perfect man, God made for me. Up until the age of 29 I had made some great accomplishments in my life. I finished high school in Houston, college, traveled, found great job, purchased my first brand new home, and changed jobs for career advancement and more money. Not all that in order but it happened. Shy of my 30th birthday, I was contently laid-off and single. I thought there was a need for a change because I had lived in my birth city all my life and something was calling me away from it. Two months after my birthday I started a new job, with a flexible career with room for advancement. But before I stared my job I attended a women only triathlon in Austin with Valerie. The locals called it ATX, I thought that was interesting, as I had hope to one day move to Atlanta, ATL. Later that month I was offered the opportunity to pilot our company in Austin. Wow right!?! I took the job, found an apartment, meet my new colleagues and started my new life with Duncan Punkin in late September. I had meet Anthony on January 2, 2007 via MySpace. He told me he was from Florida by way of Jamaica he finished high school in Miami, college, Marines, traveled and relocated to Austin a year before to launch his investment company with dog, Alexis, and in hopes to find is lost rib. When I told him I was moving, we found out that my apartment was less than 5 miles away from his place. So, we made plans to hang out on my second night in the city. We meet at the Alamo Draft house but he was a little late so we missed the movie. We drove down the street to the mall and caught the next showing of Rush Hour 3, both having a great sense of humor we were laughing the loudest in the theater. After that we saw each other pretty much everyday. He asked me to be his girlfriend October 13, 2007. We moved in together March '08, engaged July '08 and plan to be married 08/29/09 and that's our story.

The Extravaganza

WOW, Can you say house party!  Valerie had plans to come up the weekend for the Bridal Extranganza which was Sunday, September 14th.  Well, Hurricane Ike had plans to come to Houston durning the same time so Val asked if she could bring her babies, Binki and Milo (the cats).  My parent evacuated for the hurricane and make it to Austin on Thursday morning with my sister's dog Buster (bunny ears).  My friends Patience, Tameka and Greg with their family's told me that they would be making it up to Austin due to the circumstances as well.  So, Valerie made it Friday night.  A trip that should have taken 2 1/2 hours took almost 6.  My parents, Val, uncle Nat, Tameka, her husband and sons were over Saturday and we rented movies, barbecued, got beer and watched the football game.  It was a party!  Plus I got my "hair did" while Tameka was here too.  I should have seen us looking in Austin for a black hair care store.  But we found one on the East side near downtown.  Okay, so it's Sunday.  My mom, Val and I attended the Bridal Extravaganza and we had a blast.  My stomach was a little upset but Val and Mom ate enough cake, gelato, appetizers and punch for everyone.  And, I'm happy to say I got out of the show what I wanted which was to find a florist!  Well, our company stayed for a week as Hurricane Ike took out must for the power in Houston.  Thank God when the return everyone's house was still standing however had wind and rain damage.  That is what insurance is for and we enjoyed the mini vacation!  We miss you all!

Picture Perfect

Yet again!  Okay one of the first things the wedding budgets and planners say is the set your wedding date and book a venue and photographer.  So, once again I'm on the internet looking a websites, checking ratings and comments.  I even got a few quotes and spoke with several on the phone.  My method for finding a photographer was exactly the same as how we found our venue. I would find three then Anthony and I would set up an appointment and make our decision.  So after speaking with a few I set up some appointments.  I had spoken with Valerie, she and her husband are a duo and I really like her personally over the phone so I set up an appointment for us to meet her on Wednesday, August 6th.  This was going to be a busy day as I had a second appointment for a Saturday job at a boutique and my sister had a lay-over here so we three planned to have dinner.  The day was here I started my morning at work and at 4pm I was in my second interview.  I was so excited I got the job!  Next, Anthony and I went to our 6:30pm appointment.  Arrived on time, we met Valerie, I like her from the start she shares the name with my BFF.  Her husband did not join us and he didn't need to.  We were so inpressed with the work they had done, the website, blog, DVD, photographs, albums and posters.  So much to choose from!  Crazy enough we wanted to sign right then and there but we had to think about it plus leave to pick up my sister from the airport.  I advised Valerie that we would make a decision and let her know on Friday.  So we make our way to Central Austin to meet my sister at her hotel.  She was running late but that was okay.  Anthony and I went to Krispy Kreme to get some donuts, cholocate milk for me and discuss the packages Valerie had to offer.  Plus, she had given us a few bridal and wedding magazines to the looked over, which came in time as we waited from sister.  We finally get the call from my sister so we pick her up and head to Chilli's. We shared an appetizer and had some drinks.  I was so nice to see her, I was able to get her updated on our wedding plans.  Unfortunately, we had to cut dinner short as Anthony has to go to work that evening.  A few days later I informed Valerie that we wanted to work with her. Once, again the first and only option was the one for us.  She was so excited!  It was finalized on Wednesday, August 20th! That's 2 for 2!

The Date is Set!

Okay, so let's get updated! I had researched venues on line and I picked out the top three that I liked and would visit them with Anthony to decide which one we would be our marriage site. You wouldn't believe me when I tell you that we loved the first placed we toured on Friday, July 25th. This place had the view of the water that Anthony wanted, has an ceremony and reception site (even an outdoor ceremony) which is what I wanted, guest accommodations, just a beautiful and unique location that could handle our guest count. We were so excited that we where going to sign right then and there, but we both knew it was the excitement and needed to go home, think about it and sleep on it. The next day we canceled the other venue appointments and called up our "to-be" coordinator and asked her to fax over the contact, and she did that day. We had our attorney review it, informed and talked it over with our parents and signed a few days later. Our wedding date will be Saturday, August 29, 2009 at sunset. Fabulous!

Show and Tell

Unfortunately, we were not together for the 4^th of July, but talked everyday. I decided last week that I would attend a family reunion in La; however Anthony could not be there as he had to work. Knowing that this would be the first time I got to show my beautiful ring to family and tell the romantic story of our engagement I was bummed that my new fiancée would not be there for this family gathering or spend time together for our first holiday as an engaged couple. The reunion was three days of fun filled days getting back in connection with extended family. I meet new cousins, even found out I had some relatives right here in Austin and as close as Dallas. There was even more new of engagement for two of my cousins and they all wanted the details about my ring that Anthony picked out. Everyone adored my ring and can’t wait to meet my husband to be. Especially, my sister and mother, who I think is adjusting that her youngest daughter is getting married. The love story and engagement just confirmed that he and I are meant to be; no one that heard the story didn’t consider us to be faith, and we can’t agree more! Exhausted from eating, cleaning, playing cards and getting ate up by mosquitoes, I was so ready to come back home. My uncle dropped me off and there I see Anthony walking our dogs. I was so excited to be back. Little did I know that he had found an article of Austin’s best restaurants, places to see the sunset and for wedding venues. Sounds like he’s ready to start planning! How Fun!

We're engaged

Wow, where do we begin?!?!? Okay, ok....yesterday afternoon I decided to go get lunch as Anthony was sleeping late because he worked the night before. It was Tuesday around 1:30pm so I took the dogs and left for Sonic to get two strawberry limeades, and then headed to Popeye's for the special. I got back home around 3pm, took the dogs off their leashes and put the food and drinks down. I looked upstairs and Anthony was sitting at the computer desk...just smiling. So I walked upstairs to give him a kiss and he gets up. Hmmm? So, I followed him into the room and he got on one knee. Oh my goodness, I said and started to sweat everywhere from my nervousness! He started telling me how happy he was and he wanted to make me that happy, he wanted me to be his wife and mother of his children. I started to cry. Then he opened the ring box (BLING, BLING) and asked me to marry him. How could I say anything but Hell Yeah, yes, yes, of course I will and it was sealed with a kiss and a big hug. We spent the rest of that afternoon informing friends and family. Later we ate dinner; Anthony played basketball and went to the movies to see Hancock. So far the best day of our lives!