close to my heart

I haven't been a very good little blogger lately but like I said in my last post, a lot has been going on. A few things that I wasn't ready to share yet, but now I am because I know now that everything is okay.

Before I was born my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy and has been a cancer survivor since. She was 35 when she was diagnosed, 36 when she was cleared, 37 when she got pregnant with me and 38 when I was born. Due to this fact, I have spent a majority of my life having doctors tell me how high my chances are and how I need to start getting mammograms in my mid-20's. 

Recently, I switched to a new doctor who suggested that I get my first mammogram done now so they can have my records and when I begin to get them yearly they will be able to tell more easily if things ever change with my body. So I went to get my first mammogram just about two weeks ago and it came back unusual. This was probably the scariest thing that I've ever even gone through. They scheduled me for an ultrasound and another mammogram which also came back unusual but after my second opinion I am waiting another month for another ultrasound but doctor #2 thinks I am just fine. All the while that I'm dealing with this, my mom finds a spot on her breast. After doing a mammogram and an MRI on her, they found that her implants had ruptured and that's great news because that's fixable and she's still cancer free (although, it still sucks that she has to get those re-done but much better than the alternative)!

We also have been talking to many doctors about the genetic testing process and found out that although it probably isn't smart for me to get the test done (due to insurance policies), it would be okay for my mom to get it done. If she doesn't have the cancer gene (BRCA) then I don't have it either and my chances of getting breast cancer are just like everyone else's. She had the test done last Monday and we found out yesterday that she has no mutations! I can't even tell you how much all of this has been weighing heavy on my mind and heart the last few weeks, and knowing that both her & I are okay and also that I don't have the gene makes me feel unbelievably relieved!  I just continue to thank the Lord every day for blessing both my mom & I so much. I want all of you to know if you don't already how very important it is to check yourself regularly and pay close attention to your body! But that's all the preaching you'll get from me today.

I hope all of you have a WONDERFUL weekend, I will be in Phoenix, AZ for a sorority sister's wedding and don't you worry, I'll post tons of pics when I get back!!

Blessed beyond belief.

Work, friends, family, life... all of it has been crazy busy lately. Which leaves little time for blogging. Or I have entirely too much to say and don't know how to narrow it all down. BUT, my birthday was Wednesday, my birthday party was Friday and it was a wonderful birthday week.

It reminds me how lucky I am to have such wonderful people in my life.

my mom

They made my office smell SO good. I want flowers every day.

roomie

So cute right??

boyfriend

He knows how much I love getting cards apparently...

work

An OU cake... because I went to OSU and it's our rival. I swear they like me at work.

BF and BFF got me maybe the best present that I've ever gotten. A Margaritaville margarita maker. I have wanted one forever and never asked for it, just because it's so dang expensive but definitely worth it. And yes, we've already used it! 

My mom got me the grill that I've been wanting and my grandmother got me lots of dresses (that I have to return because they look like her, not me).

My brother got me the Daisy perfume that I've been wanting and I LOVE it. It smells so so so good. Now my bff wants it too, copycat.

I took the day off on Friday and went with the BF's mom to get massages and whatnot. Her birthday is the day after mine so we decided to have a relaxing day before we went out Friday night. About this time is when I decided that I must marry rich so I can get massages daily and not have to work. Great plan, huh?

Friday night we went to a restaurant/bar called Bricktown Brewery and had dinner with a group of about 50. This included my very best friends, BF's parents & their friends, along with BF's best friend (whose bday was the 23rd) and some of their friends. After that, we went to the Piano Bar which is just my favorite place to go! It's always such a good time.

All and all, this birthday was the best that I've had in years! I got to see so many people that I love and haven't seen in awhile and spend time with so many people who are important to me! It truly reminded me how blessed I am.

dirt road on repeat

Last weekend we went to the lake and it was a fun, relaxing weekend with some of my favorite people. We got some sun, slept a little and ate a lot... it was wonderful. I forgot how nice it was to be normal like everyone else and get away from work for a whole weekend.

I definitely needed that.  

My new obsession is Jason Aldean's song Dirt Road Anthem and I'm just going to be completely honest with you guys (don't tell BF) but I created a playlist with like 20 songs and put this song on it multiple times. He kept asking why that song was playing so much... damn shuffle is messing up I guess. HAH.

It's just SOOOO good, right?

We spent a good deal of time out on the boat because the weather was just so nice! Yet, the only pictures that I have from this weekend are of the dogs. Typical.

Buddy, being his lazy self.

Bodee spending time with his dad.

Sweet babies playing

Last Monday was my dad's birthday, or would have been... however you say it. BF reminded me how to celebrate instead of being sad by sending me cupcakes for my dad's birthday. He has absolutely no idea how sweet this was, and it completely changed the mood of the day. 

They got a little messed up on the way to my office but man, they were delish!

And no- I didn't eat them all. I shared. Promise : )

you say it's your birthday, and it is.

I decided to link up with Michelle at A Little Bit of This & That for an AWESOME if I do say so myself birthday post

First off, my birthday is just around the corner... as in 13 days away.

via

Yep, that's rrrrright, my birthday is 4-20. Which is pretty ironic seeing as how I've never done a drug in my life. 

Anyway, more about my birthday. Well, I will be 23. I'm looking forward to it actually. If you've read some of my earlier posts you would know that this last year was a roller coaster for me and so far 2011 has been nothing but amazing so I'm hoping that this will continue on to my entire 23rd year of life.

Sorry about the language, it just made me laugh.

The birthday I'm looking forward to most is actually 25. Working so high up in my profession is really difficult being so young. People look at me like I haven't had enough life experience to be anyone's boss, when that isn't really the case and I feel like around the time you hit 25 you just automatically are looked at as more of an adult. 

I've never had really really great birthday celebrations, just because it's a busy time of year for most people and my birthday tends to slip by. Except for my 16th birthday, that was a big deal and my mom had a surprise dinner for me. She's so sneakyyyy, love her.

For my birthday this year, in 13 days need I remind you, I have complied a little birthday list that I may or may not have emailed to my mother for her to disperse among the other wonderful people who love me. I'll share with all of you what was on it, just in case you are feeling extra generous...

Perfume. I've been trying to find a new scent and so far I really like Daisy, but I am very open to suggestions. I also like Juicy and Burberry Sheer (that's what I already wear).

A kindle. I also asked for this for Christmas so I feel like it's pretttty doubtful that I'm getting this.

A grill. I asked my grandmother for this and she thought I was crazy. But I love food grilled, and it's almost summer and I want a dang grill. Anyway, now I think I will ask my brother for this.

Ice cream cake from Baskin Robins. duh.

What are you all asking for your birthdays?? I would love more suggestions, I'm sure there are many many many more people who would like to buy me presents than I have a list for!! (enter sarcasm here)

I will leave you with these weird facts about my day of birth:

April 20, 1889 Hilter was born

National Weed Smoking Day (again, doesn't apply to me)

Carmen Electra's Birthday

wee bit wednesday

Join here

{one} what is one food that, as an adult you love, but as a child you said you’d never touch?Hmmmm... onion rings maybe. I have always kind of liked the same things.
{two} did you go to college? if yes, what was your major?I did go to college. When I started college, my major was pre-physcial therapy and I graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. Talk about a 180.
{three} what’s the most wild animal you’ve seen in real life (not counting the zoo)?I saw an elephant at the circus a few weeks ago. I was obsessed. They are so awesome.

They are so huuuuge!

{four} have you ever been to a fortune teller?No but I would really love to. I would be very scarce in my answers/responses to test them.
{five} can you juggle?Probably not, I'm very very very clumsy.
{six} hardwood floors or carpet?Hardwood. SO pretty. 
{seven} is it called “soda” or “pop”?Coke. Everything is coke.
{eight} what was your first car?A 2004 Blue Jeep Liberty. I loved that thing...until I got in a wreck with that teacher. Oops.
{nine} what is the most decadent dessert you’ve ever eaten?Probably the molten lava cake at Chili's. It's seriously so rich. (Not to mention about 1200 calories)
{ten} how often do you rearrange your furniture?Not very often. If we're being honest, I'm not great at decorating so once it looks good, I'm not about to change it.

Tail Wagging Tueday

For those of you who love your fur baby more than just about anything, you have got to link up to this! So fun!

Today is the first Tuesday and the theme is to post your most favorite or treasured picture of your pet.

Bodee baby

This is one of my all time favorite pictures of him because when we first got Bodee from the Humane Society, he was still a little hesitant about things and a tad skittish. He wouldn't even go into my bathroom at all but after having him for 3 days, I went to take a bath and he walks right into the bathroom and sits down and now he won't leave me aloneeeee! 

Such a momma's boy : )

And just to amuse you all, another picture of him. Always wanting to be the little helper...

I was going through old magazines and asked him to get in the box and he actually did. Mind you, Bodee is a lot bigger than he looks, I have no idea how he curled himself up like this. 

That picture gets me every time. 

Now link up and show us your favorite pictures of your baby!