Wordless Wednesday

A normal Tuesday

Today was kind of, blah.

I woke up and made myself some cereal and a bagel, along with some coffee. I love mornings that I get up early enough to just enjoy the morning.

After emptying the dishwasher and vacuuming, I headed off to my noon aerobics class (that I've taken a break from the past two weeks) and it kicked my booty! Today we did abs and arms so I'm sure I'll wake up super sore tomorrow! Then, I came home, showered, and headed off to work.

I've got something exciting happening for me in two weeks (which I'll share later on) and the past days have really validated, for me, my decision was a good one. I'm really excited and nervous about the next chapter in my life but I think it's going to be a great "move" for me.

I'm now off to bed to hopefully catch some zzz's. Happy Tuesday y'all!

Rule #9: Come Together

"Coming together is the opposite of a codependency. When you seek to come together, what matters is your wholeness. When you become someone in your own right and are no longer dependent on the labels and opinions of others, you can get a grip on the kind of lasting contentment that carries you for a long time. Together, the two wholes becomes greater than the sum of their parts. You are complete, and so is your partner, and together, you become something even more amazing."

-Bethenny Frankel, A Place of Yes-

I think figuring out what type of person we all want to become is a life long process. Like I've said in so many posts, life is about lessons. And you can change with each lesson you experience, hopefully for the better.

I think one of the best things that happened to me was finding Dave a little later in life. We got married when I was 26 (I know, I was an old hag huh?!), but if Dave and I would have met any earlier I doubt we would have made it down the aisle. He had a lot of growing up to do and I had a major life lesson to learn: being independent isn't wrong, but finding someone you can trust and love is worth so much more. I'm still a very strong-willed woman who, at times, needs to be reminded that I can still be cared for. Dave is my lobster (for all you Friends fans!). He completes me in every way possible. He is the ying to my yang. Where I am weak, he is strong. He makes me calm down when I want to loose it. I break him out of the norm when need be, I keep us grounded while he is a dreamer, and we truly enjoy each other.

I think Coming Together is virtually impossible unless the first eight steps are followed. It's hard to know where you want to be or what you want to do all the time. Working with other people is a necessity. We were made for fellowship. No matter what job you have, you will have to work with other people. It's ten times easier to work with other people when you are doing what you were made to do. Think how much happier people are and pleasant to be around when they are doing something they love to do. When you come together, it's about surrounding yourself with people who matter to you and in turn, help you to be a better person, business person, partner, daughter, friend, etc. If we could all survive on our own, we wouldn't crave social acceptance or relationships. But these things are a lot easier when you know who you are, what you want, what your goals are.

"The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime."

-Babe Ruth-

I need approval. I need it from my husband and my parents, this much I have learned about myself. But, I'm also learning that I can't strive for that. I will make choices my husband may not agree with and vise versa. But even if the approval I'm seeking isn't there, it doesn't mean what I'm doing is wrong. I can still come together with him and co-exist and be happy. It's about finding what works and doesn't work. It's about finding our "normal", not his parents and not my parents.

We need other people in our lives. I'm just glad I have a great husband, great parents, awesome sisters, and "second" family that all love me so much and encourage me to be successful and happy.

Weekly Recap

Friday was my first day off since Father's day (our busiest day ever!), so needless to say, I was slow moving. I had a few errands to run and then Dave and I had a date night! We hadn't seen each other for five nights so it was needed! We went to Primo's in Dallas and it was yumm-o!

Saturday, I had to be at work at 10 but headed over to my parents during my break. I know how to time it I guess because Jenna, Jason, and Avery showed up shortly after and Jenna made dinner. And we all spent some time watching and kissing on this cutie:

She is just growing up so fast! She loves her jumper and grinding her teeth. Eek! I couldn't listen to it, I cringed! But, I love her still.

Saturday night after work, we made it to a very late dinner at P.F. Changs. We were originally trying to make it to Top Golf but they had a an hour and a half wait. What?! We walked into the restaurant at about 15 mins. till close so I'm sure our server hated us! Ha! We took care of her though. And this was my fortune:

Today we woke up and went to watch Dave's nephew play in the "World Series" of baseball (at the age of 7). They ended up loosing and getting third place. Not too shabby.

After, we went to get Dave some new shirts for work. I don't care of what anyone says, men are much worse shopping partners. I'm in and out of the store pretty quickly so sometimes I have to remind myself that not everyone shops like I do. And we went to Marshall's, so you have to be patient in those types of stores. He'll be well dressed for tomorrow though!

I came home to do some cleaning and took a much needed nap and then worked out. Days off go much faster than any others! :(

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Own It: Rule #8

"At every stage of my life, I've owned it, and owned it big. Sometimes it stung in the moment, but it was always better in the end. I've never pretended to be somebody else, denied anything I've done, or refused to admit to something I actually said, even when it might have benefited me in the short term to do otherwise. Sometimes, I've even felt as if my life depended on owning it."

-Bethenny Frankel, A Place of Yes-

I'm not super great "owning it." I make the mistake of letting other people's feelings and emotions change the way I feel at times. I think mainly because I struggle with hurting other people's feelings.

I've done a lot of changing in the past four years. I guess I've started coming from A Place of Yes awhile ago. When Dave and I first started dating, we had some major communication issues. I mean, MAJOR. His family has always sat down and discussed issues and always use the phrase "No one can make you feel a certain, you choose too." Ugh, I still hate that phrase to this day!

But, there is truth to it. We choose to let other people's actions hurt or not hurt our feelings and then we should own how we react to it. I've learned how to be a better communicator. Dave and I still have very challenging arguments because of how differently we were raised, but I guess that's what makes it interesting.

I've learned to be a better listener and try, really try, to listen. I used to have arguments that were so counter productive because I was more worried about what my response was going to be and being "right", that I wouldn't even listen to what people were saying. I've learned that we are never really what we might think we are. My aunt says that a lot, "We aren't ever really who we perceive ourselves to be." And, I think there's so much truth to that. So, being a little introspective every now and then is a good thing.

I try to own it at work. I've always have. If I do something wrong, I admit it. But, I also try to learn from it and fix it. When it comes to work, I try really hard to remember it's business. It's not personal. When I do something wrong or handle a situation incorrectly, it's about the business, not how I personally did something. It's really help me and put work into perspective for me. I used to (and still do some days) get so angry and upset at work. And, to be honest, it's just. not. worth it.

Bethenny talks about truth noise in this chapter, explaining that truth noise can be painful. It's the noise you get when you are trying to do anything else but own it. You make excuses, think of how other people contributed to the situation, and avoid owning it because it's easier to point the finger at everyone than yourself.

"Truth noise is common because owning it is so hard, but here's what you have to realize: owning it is always easier in the long run than the alternative, even if it doesn't seem like that in those first moments of coming clean. Everything comes out in the wash, and the truth will always come out eventually."

-Bethenny Frankel, A Place of Yes-

I think one of the best things she said in this whole book is this, don't pretend to be something you're not. It's not like you have to shout your problems or the truth to anyone and everyone who will listen, simply own it. Don't be someone you're not. We all have issues. EVERYONE. Even the people who blog and their lives look so glamorous and perfect. We all have noise. Body noise, relationship noise, self-esteem issues, jealousy problems, whatever. It's about being real. Own it.

Flip Flops and Golf

The past two days have been busy, busy!!!!

Mom, Kristen, and I went to McKinney trade days for a little retail therapy and we had a lot of fun!

I got these awesome camo flip flops, which I'm in love with!

We shopped in the morning and then grabbed some lunch at The Pantry and it was goooooooddddddd.

I had to get a piece of chocolate pie too. Mom and I shared so I didn't feel too guilty! ;)

*********************************

Friday afternoon we had a sister night and this little cutie came too!!!

Buddy loved Avery. Once he got used to her and her smell, he was obsessed with giving her kisses! Avery also liked C'mere, she thought he was pretty funny!

We had a great time visiting and just spending some time together. We haven't had a "sister" night since probably Jenna and Jason got married. It was long overdue and much needed.

*************************************

Today we got ready and celebrated Father's Day with my dad at:

Imagine bowling but with golf, you basically hit the balls into these holes and get points for it. It was so. much. fun. Seriously. And, I'm not even into golf. But my dad is a major golf guy!

It. was. hot. I'm so glad we are starting to do things on these types of days that involve quality time versus gift giving. I think we all enjoy spending some fun time together! For Mother's Day we did this and it's always good to be able to spend a little time together with each parent separately to celebrate them on their day!

Dad,

I couldn't say thank you enough for the everything you have done for me and Dave. I know how incredibly lucky I am to have a dad like you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and loving my husband the same. Both you and Mom have meant so much to me, especially the past few weeks. You're one of a kind!

Love,

Brooke

Rule #7: Separating from the Pack

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."

-Judy Garland-

I think this rule is good just in general, mainly because whether it be in business or with your kids or your marriage, you have to find what's right for you instead of what "society" says is normal or right.

I've never been a follower, well, as far back as I can remember anyway. I do have leadership qualities that tend to come out when need be, but I can also be part of the Indian crowd. Somehow I do still separate from the pack when I have my Indian hat on. Separating from the pack is solely based on the idea that you do what's right for you, not anyone else. You find the qualities you have to offer that differ from everyone else and you capitalize on them. Focus on the things that make you different and use that to find success.

I see this a lot at work (mainly because everyone's really young). For example, when one person quits, the whole social circle does. Why in the world would you do that? But they do. I think you either have it in you to be a leader and know what's right for you, or you don't. Sometimes it takes people longer to figure their inner leader that allows them to separate from the pack.

"I believe that separating from the pack is the reason why my career has been so precisely my career. Each person's life unfolds in a unique way, but the best way to let that happen naturally is to take your own path, not anyone else's. It's your career, your health, your relationships, your journey, your blueprint, your life, so why should you ever act like anybody else and miss out on what could happen for you?"

-Bethenny Frankel, A Place of Yes-

All about Avery

This weekend my parents kept Avery so Jason and Jenna could have a little alone time, so we took full advantage of all the time we got to spend with Avery!

Saturday night we went to go eat at Aspen Creek (our "sister" restaurant) and had a great time! Avery did great at dinner. Mom came prepared with lots of food for her to nibble on. We had such a great time watching her.

Sunday we went back over to my parents for a day of swimming!

"I'm ready for the pool!"

I LOVE this picture. She looks like she is just thinking away.......

And then it was nap time! :)

She is such a sweet baby. It takes her a minute to get used to Dave though, but once she does, she figures out he is pretty fun!

I love you Avery Grace!

Go for Yours: Rule #6

"Going for yours is about pursuing something with such a singular focus that you put all your energy into getting there. You'll have to sacrifice some thing. It might be tough, tiring, the hardest thing you've ever had to do. But if you keep rule #6 in front of you like the proverbial carrot in front of the horse, you'll be developing a valuable skill-a skill that can bring you success."

-Bethenny Frankel, A Place of Yes-

It's funny how this part of chapter six stuck out to me above almost anything else in the book. I feel like sometimes, people (me) loose focus on what it is I want to achieve because it is hard and takes longer than I want.

The majority of successful people reached success because of hard work and dedication. Very few are successful simply because they were in the right place at the right time, although this does happen.

I think back to my college days and know that if I would have kept that goal as my number priority, I would have finished in the typical four years versus eight. That's not really here nor there but it is true. If I would have put my all as a Service Manager, who knows where'd I be today. I feel like things happen for a reason because who's to say I'd be happily married right now if I had? That's the real reason why I don't regret any of it, I could have married some guy who really wasn't meant for me and be incredibly unhappy right now.

Bethenny talks about desperation noise in this chapter too, which goes so well with going for yours, don't you think? Mainly her explanation of desperation noise is that when you go for yours, make sure to be realistic about what it is you are going for. Are you setting out to achieve the unattainable? For example, some people become so desperate to be rich they sacrifice everything for something that really won't make them rich in the first place. She does say though, if you are following the first five rules, chances are you won't be doing something that's wasting your time anyway.

"Losing is the price we pay for living. It is also the source of much of our growth and pain."

-Judith Viorst-

Life is full of all types of lessons. Marriage, patience, money, education, friendships........you name it. I always ask the kids at the work (high school kids) what they learned at school today and their response is always "nothing." Seriously?? You were in school for 7 hours and learned nothing? I think about that alot, what have I learned for today?

The quote above really makes me think, if we never do anything that allows us to live, what do we really learn?

I've learned through my recent miscarriage that it's okay to be sad. I'm typically a very private person (and I blog, I know), by private I mean, I'll talk about what is going on in my life but I try to remember that people get tired of hearing about "stuff" (good or bad). I was talking to my sister last week and we were discussing how you can get sick of reading about people's lives who seem perfect and easy, so it goes both ways I guess. I also learned that through this healing process, it didn't just effect me. Dave is still struggling with our loss, my friends and family worry about me, and I've changed. I'm becoming a much more compassionate, tolerate person. I'm seeing life in different ways I never thought possible.

I was talking to my boss today and he just kept saying "It's okay to be sad and allow others to know you're sad Brooke. You don't always have to be strong." That really stuck with me today, I guess because it came from him and it made me realize I haven't talked to anyone at work besides telling them what was going on.

I'm also learning that this is my time. Go for mine. Seize the moment. God uses certain circumstances to allow for growth. I truly believe that, maybe I wouldn't have ever gotten another to chance to chase my dreams/goals. So, to sum it up..........I'm going for mine. :)

Aren't babies the best?!

Remember when I told y'all about my dear friend Amanda? I got to go see her today and visit sweet little Maddox Cooper!

Maddox was born very early Tuesday morning. He is such a precious little baby and looks just like his brother (who is a spitting image of his dad)!

Amanda is doing well too but ready to get home and out of the hospital.

I also got to visit my friend Heather and Landon yesterday! Landon is just adorable and looks like his daddy in my opinion. Funny how moms carry the babies but somehow they turn out looking like their dads!

I'm glad we are so close to them because I can visit whenever I want!

I'm glad I have so many friends with babies to cure my baby fix! :)

Good read for today

I know the majority of you read There's No Place Like Home, but make sure you read her post today.

I've never quite thought about miscarriage in that way. Maybe that's why God gives glimpses of heaven to certain people, so they can share their experiences with us!

There's not a day that goes by I don't think about it. When I see a pregnant lady I think about what I would have looked like 9 months pregnant, how far along I'd be every week, when I hold newborns and think about how that would've been me in December.

But, time is healing my wounds and with lots of prayer, I'm seeing the positives about all those things. I get to get my hair done again, I'm not gaining weight, I get to drink a Skinny Girl Margarita every now and then, and when I hold all my friend's babies, I get to give them back. LOL.

Find the silver lining. There's always something to be thankful for. :)

All Roads Lead to Rome. Rule #5

"There's no getting around it. Sometimes, in life, if you take risks, if you go big, you're going to screw up. You're going to do the wrong thing. And the beauty is that sometimes, the wrong thing can lead you straight to what's right, even when you think there's no hope, or that you're going completely in the wrong direction."

-Bethenny Frankel, A Place of Yes

I have had many times in my life that I took the long road. The much more challenging journey opposed to the straight and narrow. My biggest example of this would have to be the 8 year journey to finish my college degree. It was a long lesson and one that I am proud of because it was something I needed to learn on my own. It took several years of hard work and a meaningless job that got me back on the road to "Rome" in order to finish my degree. But, I'm incredibly happy I did it. And I did it on my own. It was difficult. And challenging. And rewarding.

I think there is something to this chapter, about how even if you do take the longer road, eventually you will get where you are suppose to be.

Bethenny enrolled in culinary school mainly to avoid her fiance at the time and give her something to do. She had always loved cooking and so she thought this would be a good way to {one} pass the time {two} learn more about something she was interested in. Did she ever think she would end up making a career out of healthy living and eating well? Absolutely not.

Bethenny shares her rise and fall of Bethenny Bakes, a cookie company she ran solely by herself and how her great idea failed. She worked hard to make healthy cookies by renting out the kitchen of a near by restaurant, packing and delivering them (in a $500 Blazer), along with marketing them to some big name/mom and pop stores in the business. She put her all in this business but evidently she couldn't keep up with the physical demand of it all or the inability to make a profit. Her problem? Bethenny says she never had a plan, wasn't able to move on to a bigger market or hire a real crew.

But she eventually found her great idea. And eventually made it. The point is, she found her "Rome" and learned alot along the way. And while she took the longer road, she still somehow ended up where she needed to be. With a little bit of extra knowledge too.

This makes me feel a little better about my road to Rome.

"Winning isn't everything, but the will to win is everything."

-Vince Lombardi-

I am learning that if you don't give it your all, if you don't go for your's, if you sit on the sidelines and wait for good things in life to happen to you, you might possibly be waiting your whole life. You may miss out on so many opportunities and lovely mistakes that your family and friends will remind you of forever, but isn't that what makes life interesting? :)

Our. Weekend.

{Friday}

Headed up to the Roadhouse in McKinney to do a Teacher Appreciation luncheon and afterward met up with my sister and Avery for a little dinner action.

How cute is this little girl?!!!

I got home to find our neighbors having a party and a parking lot in front of our house. Boo.

{Saturday}

We woke up and had some yummy french toast and then went to watch my nephew play some baseball. It. was. hot. We then had to hurry home and get ready for a wedding! But not before eating the best hamburger in the world!

We also got to meet Erin! She is Corey's new girlfriend and is also getting her graduate degree from Texas Tech. She is very smart.

{Sunday}

Went over to my parents for some parental time and a little pool action!

**this is Leslie by the way. LOL!*

All in all, a really good weekend!!!!!

What did you do this weekend?!