You Got So Much Lovin' You

Our anniversary was a hit! I am proud to announce the arrival of the first Fowler pet (I know you were thinking baby, but ahhh no! I'm still in school people and I really don't want a kid right now, I want to be an aunt who can spoil her nieces and nephew for a while longer... ok back to the present)... yes meet Jaws, our beautiful beta fish.

I like having another living thing inside our apt... it helps give me something to do when I'm not studying and missing Robert. But this was anniversary present number one! If you didn't know I'm into traditions. And I love the tradition of the traditional and contemporary wedding anniversary gifts. For the first year the contemporary is "clocks" and the traditional is "paper." So for Robert I got him a new watch (I can't remember if I already wrote this or not) and he made me these beautiful flowers out of paper.

Our anniversary celebration the weekend before was fun and complete with a fancy dinner at the Beehive restaurant, movie (Prince Caspian), and gifts. But the real fun was our trip to Ruidoso we got to take this past week. We luckily had a four day weekend for school, so we took the opportunity to pack up and head away from Abilene. We started out going to Midland, ate with Robert's parents, grandma, and two of his Aunts. Then we headed out to Carlsbad Caverns where I'm pretty sure I walked about 10 miles, but nevertheless, I loved it! I had been when I was really little, but now I can actually pay attention to the tour guide and remember what he said... But that was fun for us to get to do together. Then we headed the rest of the way to Ruidoso. On Friday, we got up and went shopping of course (didn't spend too much money, but of course we did get a few cool souvenirs) then had lunch and headed to Ruidoso Downs for the horse races. We only bet on a few horses (the pretty ones for me and the ones with the most interesting names), but none of them won. My favorite one was named Imarealrisk... I'm trying to decide on what I would name my own horse if I ever had one... I'll get back to you on that. I think Robert wanted to name his Lamborghini.

After not winning at the horse races, we got dressed up and headed to this extremely nice and small restaurant. Our waiter was awkward and took years to bring us our food, but it was worth it just to get to talk to Robert, eat the amazing food, and eavesdrop on other tables conversations. You know you all have done this... especially when the table behind you has had four bottles of wine and are having some good spirits about them... you just have to listen. Finally we went to the Inn of the Mountain gods Casino. Robert is awesome at poker and won us about $250 and then another $45 or so at Roulette, while I wasted $7 clicking buttons on the slot machines. I only used $7 because I hate watching my money just drip away under my nose (unless its playing Bingo), so I was very cautious of how much I was using. All in all- Robert made up for our expensive dinner and then some so I would say it was a successful night.

On Saturday we had to get up and pack which is never fun... but we went to a car show that had some mighty fancy cars. There was even a black mustang something or other that was for sale for only $42,000... I had to hold Robert back on that one. Lastly, we drove around and ate at some amazing places then left for Midland. Midland was our overnight stay where we had Father's Day bbq with my parents and my brother and his family... including my nephew who is now 3 and has become quite sensitive. He was a hoot let me tell ya! And my parents got a stand up pool so that was fun to make a mess of... especially when the 3 year old will not let go of your neck b/c he is terrified of the water except to splash it everywhere in your face... oh fun times.

Then Sunday we got up and headed back to Abilene. I can't even describe the amount of work that was waiting to slap me in the face when I got back, but I don't care b/c I needed those four days of not even thinking about school stuff and only thinking about the man I love. I would definitely call this trip a success. One down, and many more to go.

How do you measure a year?

Our anniversary... number one of many to come.

Yes, today was our official anniversary and while it was a bummer that we couldn't be together today, it is still the fact that one year ago I got married to the greatest man alive! We half celebrated on Saturday night by exchanging gifts, eating dinner, and going out to a movie, but our real celebration is coming up. Since the first year anniversary is paper (traditional) and clocks (contemporary) we tried to get each other something associated with these items. I got Robert a new watch since the last time we saw his was on our honeymoon... hmmm, so a card for paper and a watch for clocks. Robert wowed me with his creativity skills once again and created some paper roses for me that were absolutely beautiful! He also bought me a couple other gifts that I have pictures of, but will upload at a later time. Overall, I missed not seeing him on our actual day, but I'm thankful for what this day represents. I will elaborate later, but I'm really tired right now and must get some sleep! Too many tests and exciting things coming up soon!

I love you Robert!

My fingers are sticky

This past weekend I got to share in the wonderful union of my friend Marlena to her new husband Andy. The wedding was gorgeous and I was glad to get to see her and spend time with her since they moved to North Carolina- waaaaayyy far away! So congrats guys!
The wedding only made me more excited about my anniversary... which is MONDAY!!! Robert is on his way home from Graham right now and even though we aren't exactly celebrating this weekend, I'm still excited! (We ARE celebrating, but it will be in two more weeks when we get a long break from school, so stay tuned for that posting). I just made us a Dr. Pepper cake and I could seriously eat the whole thing right now! For those of you who just said "Dr. Pepper cake?" let me explain, a few weeks ago we went to Dallas with Robert's parents. On our way we stopped at some random... I mean very random... gas station that had this cool little shop behind it. The first thing they said when we walked in was that we had to try their Dr. Pepper cake. Robert and I love cake so of course we did and let me tell you... its amazing! So his parent's bought us some of the mix (complete with two bottles of Dublin Dr. Pepper) and we headed out for our trip. So I have been meaning to make this cake for a long time, but not until this weekend did I have all the ingredients with me and an afternoon to make it.
I know you are all jealous of our cake, but don't worry I have another half of the cake mix to go! If you would like some just say the word!

Got to finish cleaning this disaster of an apartment- absolutely and totally all my fault... my stuff seems to accumulate in certain places... and there are these random little spiders that keep crawling out of nowhere... it's definitely summer time.

Melt my heart

I'm having a major craving for ice cream right now. But I am actually, for once in my life, doing well to follow a diet plan. "A diet?" you say... yes, well more like a healthier lifestyle plan. Weight Watchers has a core plan you can follow if counting points is not exactly your cup of tea (2pts)... and well I have better things to do than count everything that goes into my mouth. So I'm trying to follow this core plan diet and I must say I'm doing quite well. It basically consists of being able to eat however much I want (well within portion size reason of course) as long as its off the core plan of foods: whole wheats, whole grains, fruits, veggies, milk, oils, etc. Then on top of this you get 35 points from which to eat whatever else you want... and for me those points go to about the same things each week: ketchup (can't live without it), salad dressing (specifically ceaser), and ice cream. I admit that I don't really keep track of my extraneous points, but I try not to exceed 4 a day and 6 each on the weekend. This is working me down in portions and making me more aware of how much I eat b/c I'm bored... especially in class...although I realized today that the real reason I eat while in class is to stay awake! I don't really know why I just explained to you my diet plan, but now if you see me you can be my accountability that I'm not eating something I'm not supposed to.

Oh I would love to give a shout-out (who am I a radio DJ haha) to my friends who are having anniversaries today, so Happy Anniversary Clardys and Chambers! I can't wait for mine and Robert's 1st anniversary! I can't believe it is just 2 weeks away either! But congrats you guys and be sure and pull out the cake!

And for the rest of this week its work, work, work till I drop basically because Thursday I'm making the trip to Midland for Marlena's wedding fun that begins that night. I'm glad Robert will be able to come to Midland on Saturday so I can have my date for the wedding :) I miss him. But this weekend will be fun b/c it is also my nephew's birthday (3!) and my dad's is right after his so its sure to be an exciting time. Yes of course I will post pictures if I remember! Ok, now I'm really going to eat an ice cream bar (don't worry its a weight watchers chocolate bar that is only 1 point... see I'm good)

Really...

Ok so just because its hot outside doesn't give people, specifically elderly aged gentlemen, a free ticket to take off their shirts to go running/walking in public. Really... it wasn't that hot today and really... I don't want to see that! I campaign for wearing shirts while running... at all times!
ok I'm done with that, but really!

Today at school was good, just a typical day except that we got to come at 9 instead of 8- yippee! Its the small things in life we have to look forward to in this program. I'm still missing two books from B&N that I ordered a week ago and I kind of need them to start reading.... they are for a very difficult class and I would like to have them around to make me think that I will start reading them... haha. I miss Robert quite alot right now although its been only 3 something days since I've seen him, but really... I just want to see him! But please keep him in your prayers as he finalizes what to do about this job... Update (I guess I didn't write this): They will only be stationed at this current wind farm site for another few months and then they could move anywhere....as in anywhere. If they stay in Texas that could be good and he could potentially stay with the company seeing as I will be traveling quite abit in the months to come for clinicals... but if they don't stay in Texas then its off to find another job that will be close to home. Isn't real life fun! Thats all for me, I'm working on a bajillion assignments so I can cross them off my to do list early. Much to accomplish this summer!

On the school bus again...

School has started for the summer. I'm so glad that we don't follow the regular school calendar and start as soon as everyone else is finishing and enjoying their summer breaks... boo... But at least this year we still get Fridays off (apparently this was not the trend in past summer sessions). I die without Fridays off... and when I say off I in no way imply that I am not at the school, b/c really there is a multitude of things to be done plus clinics we must visit on this day. And did I mention we have a research project going on that won't be completed till next February... whew! Bring on the negative attitude again and the endless hours of reading textbook after textbook only to realize that I haven't learned a thing.

Away from reality for a moment: This last week was absolutely wonderful and I was spoiled to have Robert home since Tuesday night. I had asked off so we could be together in peace before I started the madness again and because his cousin was graduating in Dallas and we wanted to go visit everyone. I forgot how fun it is to spend days doing nothing with him but lying around, walking around the mall, making dinner, and going out for afternoon treats to Sonic and who knows where else! Yep I miss that extremely, but if thats all we did everyday we would be pretty boring and very broke people, so I think I'll just try to enjoy having a life for a little bit more knowing that the end of school is near and the start of my real career and life passion is soon to be upon me.

Oh and to clarify...I don't ride school bus although I am going to be carpooling to school since the gas prices are taking what little loan money I can spare. And we did think about renting a little short bus just for the fun of it... haha that would have been hilarious!

Hola, Hola!

I'm back from Mexico and other traveling experiences this break and I am tired. Just exhausted and ready to sleep in and watch tv will I can't stand it anymore before I have to return to my chair and sit from 8-5 for the summer. I have one more week to relax and I am ready! But I will recap on my trips:
Mexico- awesome, humbling, and fun. We worked at this orphanage for disabled children doing PT for the kids, painting, painting, and did I say we painted? Yes we painted all the walls around the complex and even put up a border of animals in the kids rooms. I've filled my painting quota for the next year for sure! We also spent the evenings delivering meals to families that live in the lowest of income housing you ever saw... it reminded me alot of my trip to Guatemala a few years ago... the kids, the families, the culture, I miss that place. We were in Mexico for 4 days, but I enjoyed all the things we got to see/experience. And I learned how to play Rock/Paper/Scissors in spanish!

College Station- after returning from Mexico on Wednesday, I drove to College Station on Thursday and I can't even begin to say how much I miss that place! I love A&M and being in that town surrounded by thousands of Aggies... its great! The purpose for my trip was to see my friends who are graduating in a few weeks (congrats guys!). It was a short trip (I returned on Friday), but it was worth it to see everyone. This is a picture my ASSIST committee (the Quails) at Mr G's pizza... its kind of a tradition for us to eat there. ASSIST was an organization I was in at A&M (obviously). I also helped my dear friend Ashley pack up her apartment and repaint her walls (yes I did more painting). Then before I left town I visited the bookstore on campus and bought overpriced t-shirts and some cute things for my nephew and future niece/nephew per request of my brother. Once again, I just love A&M!

Midland- To finish off the week, Robert and I drove on Saturday to Midland. We were helping the church there lead worship to give their worship team a break since some of them went out of town. I absolutely have always wanted to sing with Robert at church and lead music so this was exciting for us to do it together with just the the two of us. Everything went great too, Robert played the guitar and we both sang. While not every note was perfect the Spirit was there and it could not have been a more beautiful moment. I definitely hope God uses us more in this manner.

We returned Sunday night and once again I kissed Robert goodbye for the week. But really its just for two days since he has off Wed-Sun so we will have lots of hang out time at our home together before the bustle of summer returns... and soon to come is our 1st wedding anniversary yay!

Well thats all for now. I don't have pictures from Mexico yet b/c I took a disposable, but I will get those up asap. For now here are some with our cute nieces!