Writers Block

I'm no good at talking

and can only show you so much

So I hope you don't mind

that I wrote down in words

how happy I am, and how you've become my world

The moment I met you

I knew you were something special.

There's a light in your eyes, a tingling in your touch,

There's a static in your kiss, and I still get shivers

when our bodies brush.

Time slows down whenever you're around,

So I want to make this last forever

Because no one makes me feel as strong, beautiful, or clever

Can you feel that magic in the air?

Must've been the way you kissed me....

Transparent Honesty...Safe For Relationships?

Women say they want brutal honesty from their partners, but do they really? I usually want to hear only the good, with the bad being more sugar-coated than a Sour Patch Kids candy. But does that make for a healthy relationship? If I ask my boyfriend if my butt looks good in a new pair of jeans, I'm not fishing for compliments I want a genuine answer. Being transparently honest with your partner will bring the two of you so much closer together. Expressing likes, dislikes, fears, and goals will not only bring you closer, but also solidify that you're both on the same life path. 

I want to be married one day. I like what a marriage stands for, the constant battle it provides, and endless joy of growing old with someone you love. I used to date a guy who doesn't believe in marriage. I tried to lie to myself, and him, saying that getting married wasn't important to me, and after for years of dating, why was I so surprised that it didn't work out?! If I had been as brutally honest with him as he was with me, I would have saved us both a lot of time. 

I am not in a relationship wherein brutal honesty is becoming an everyday part of life. If Jeremy gets hit on, I know about it. If my hair color looks awful, I'm told. It took me a while to get used to this kind of openness, but recently I have started to embrace it. If something bothers me, I let it out instead of bottling it up. If his hair gel smells funky, I certainly tell him. 

Relationships are a constant work in progress, and sometimes hearing the truth no matter what, can be painful. Those little white lies partners get so used to telling each other can end up doing more harm than good. Your significant other should be the one you can trust to tell you the good, bad, and ugly...because you'd better believe if my butt doesn't look good in my jeans, I really want to know!  

What I Miss About Being Fat

I've never been obese, but about four years ago I was headed down that path. Drinking a lot of alcohol, having the lady at Wendy's know me by name, and blaming my hectic life for lack of exercise was leading me toward an early grave. I was the fun party girl who was friendly with everyone, yet was friends with no one. I wasn't depressed, but I knew I was just wasting my life away. 

Cut to today. I have lost 50+ pounds, eat healthy, wear the smallest size of clothing I've worn since high school, and make exercise a top priority. It's actually my favorite stress reliever now. So why do I still "feel" like a fat kid? Losing the weight and making the lifestyle change were the easiest parts. Learning to to look at myself as I am, and not as I was, has been the challenge. 

So why is it when I'm shopping I start to grab a size 12 instead of a 6? And why am I more critical of my body now than I was when the scale almost topped 200 pounds? Was it because I was delirious and drunk when I was fat? No. This is actually a pretty common occurrence that specialists have dubbed "phantom fat". Psychologists and other specialists dealing with body image suspect that this happens because the brain hasn't caught up with the body. 

The fear is always in the back of my mind. I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop and feel more preoccupied with my appearance now than ever. It's a work in progress, but retraining my brain to see and accept the new me has been more powerful and rewarding than losing the actual weight. I use my fear of being fat again as a positive motivator to continue living a clean lifestyle. I'm slowly learning to love and appreciate my body, and at age 25 am finally beginning to feel like the Taylor Escobar I always envisioned myself being. 

When I was fat I thought of myself as carefree when in reality I was in denial. Sure, it'd be easier to go back to living in that state of denial, but easier is not always better. I'm happier now more than ever, and if you ask me, my smile makes me look better than my slimmer waistline. 

Can A Disney Princess Handle Divorce?

Disney made us all believe in magic and the power of love. But if looked at logically, were all these fairy tales just messing with our heads...and hearts? How many of these couples would, in reality, still be living happily ever after? 

Ariel & Eric 

 This chick had to undergo major life changes for her man. Plastic surgery and abandoning her family to the extreme. That would put strain on any normal couple, but add Ariel's affinity for hoarding, and the next neat item in her collection could be separation papers. 

Aurora & Prince Phillip

This fairy tale is set way before online dating, so Aurora couldn't learn about her prince by a simple click of a button. This is a classic story of a young crazy couple getting hitched before getting to know each other. Maybe if they had gone on some dates before marriage, it would've worked out....if Aurora wasn't so busy getting her beauty sleep. 

Belle & The Beast

When we left off, The Beast went from looking like Zach Galifianakis to David Beckham. Things are perfect! ....right? Wrong. Unless he went to some Anger Management classes and those scenes ended up on the cutting room floor, he's still got that temper, honey. Not to mention, having singing, dancing pots and pans is cool every once in a while (hello holiday party!) but magical dinner theater is a pretty intense nightly affair. 

What's the lesson here? I love Disney movies, they are a great way to escape from reality, but not necessarily a place to learn about love and relationships. Every marriage has its issues, none of them are perfect...not even for a Disney princess. 

25 Things I Should Know at Age 25...and Don't.

1. Change a tire

2. Clean a room and not get distracted by random things...or starting a dance party

3. Not to go to Facebook when I'm bored

4. Walk into Target and not spend money

5. Know the difference between constructive criticism and personal attacks

6. Arrange flowers

7. Not tear up when speaking about things I'm passionate about

8. Cook a meal and have every dish ready at the same time

9. Be forceful when my dogs give me their puppy dog eyes

10. Differentiating friendliness and flirting

11. How to do my own taxes

12. To sew a button

14. How to not act nervous during interviews

15. Make fried chicken

16. Sit through one of those Sarah McLoughlin beaten puppy commercials

17. Do a load of laundry and immediately fold and put those clothes away

18. Let go of control and trust in what God has in store for me

19. Watch just one episode of Law and Order

20. Make cookies and not eat cookie dough

21. Live in the present, not dwell on the past or plan for the future

22. Bait my own hook

23. How to keep matching socks together

24. Look cool without acting like a fool

25. How not to worry 

Company Ink

Dating a co-worker definitely has its challenges. Working together and living together can sometimes seem like purgatory (he's everywhere!) but there can also be a lot of good reasons to give that hot co-worker a shot, and no, guaranteeing a raise isn't one of them! 

Ever been on a really bad, awkward first date? Ever wish there was a resume or evaluation you could get before wasting a perfectly good Saturday night? Well, if someone has made it past your HR department, at least they're sane enough to get hired! 

Working with your lover can also give you a significant insight on how he/she deals with adversity and challenges. Most couples don't have this until moving in together or if a crisis ensues. This is a great way to gauge the crazy! Do they talk to themselves, pace, or drink enormous amounts of coffee when stressed out? Expect the same at home. Is this person aggressive, goal-oriented, and always striving to "make it happen" at the office? Expect the same at home. 

Working with your honey boo boo can have its downsides, too. People tend to intertwine the both of you. You hit your monthly goals a week early? Expect both of you to be congratulated. Your boyfriend having problems with co-workers? Expect to be dragged into your manager's office for a little chat too. The biggest downside? You're always together. There when you wake up...there on your lunch break...and still there when you're falling asleep! The importance of individual hobbies and time with friends really comes into play with this situation. 

All in all dipping your pen in the company ink shouldn't be as taboo as it is or once was. You have someone who shares your passion, a built in support system, and best of all...you're guaranteed to get lucky after the company Christmas party! 

The Facebook Affect

Facebook has become an institution with so many advantages. It allows us to keep up with friends and family all over the world, and lets face it, I myself am not very good at keeping in touch with people on my own. It acts as a supplemental resume (when used correctly!), and is a community for people to feel accepted no matter what race, religion, sexual orientation, or style. But is Facebook relied on too heavily for information? It's just a website....right?

I have been with my boyfriend for almost 3 years. We live together, have two dogs together, and are just as committed to each other and our relationship now as we were 3 years ago. Is our relationship perfect? No. And anyone who claims theirs is is either in the honeymoon stage or lying to you and themselves. A real relationship has its ebbs and flows and requires work from both parties daily. 

Now that you have the back story... people have started to put too much stock into Facebook lately, in my opinion. Recently my relationship status changed from "in a relationship" to "in an open relationship", and it was like the flood gates were opened! Nothing in my relationship has changed. No one is cheating, no one is seeking or wanting to change any part of our partnership. We are both as committed today as we were yesterday, and nothing has changed. Yet, with one click of the button I was getting texts, phone calls, and (ironically) Facebook notifications with dozens of questions, comments, and concerns over said relationship status. While I appreciated the love and concern, nothing had changed in real life...and in the cyber world. 

Can Facebook cause relationship issues? Proclaiming your love too much, not proclaiming it enough, monitoring new friends, even taking a trip down memory lane and looking at old pictures of your significant other before you were together...all can trigger pretty big, and very unnecessary fights. Does Facebook do more harm than good? Divorce attorneys frequently cite Facebook flirtations and other social media in their cases. There's even a Facebook group called "I wonder how many relationships Facebook ruins a year"...with 100,000 "likes". 

It's a great way to keep in touch, to show off a new hairdo, or show potential employers a side of you your resume can't...but it's also a place that can breed jealousy, anger, and problems that may not have been there before. Social media has a ton of advantages, but the key to making sure your relationship stays strong and healthy is effective communication...and taking Facebook with a grain of salt. Live your life for yourself and don't take things on the internet too seriously, it's not worth it.  

Keep Your Head, Heels, and Standards High

Growing up in the family that I did, I always have had a passion for fashion. I am not saying that I'm the best dressed person ever, but I have my own style that I definitely rock! Working in a restaurant I get to see some of the best and worst that Dallas fashion has to offer, and I'm scared. Here are some friendly tips on outfits I never want to see again, or I'll have to scratch my eyes out...

1. Leggings As Pants:
 This is only acceptable when wearing a tunic...or working out. When did the camel toe become the newest fashion accessory?! Plus leggings show every imperfection a girls' body has. Not a good look.

2. Uggs and Shorts:
Why? WHy? WHY? Because some bitches worse this on The Hills circa 2005 doesn't mean this is an acceptable outfit in 2012. In fact, unless it's snowing...unless there is a BLIZZARD, just keep the Uggs inside from now on. Please. 

3. Mixing Prints: 
So you watched an episode or two of "What Not To Wear" and now you're feeling bold. This is great, but mixing patterns is very tricky. Items with bold prints can be mixed with things that have very subtle patterns. Polka dot top with a herringbone skirt? No thank you...leave those things to Vogue. 

4. Bracelets to Your Elbows:
 Bracelets, watches, and wraps mixed together in different patterns and textures can be cute, when done in moderation. But if you can't bend your arm because you have so many bracelets on? Overkill dude. Your vibe went from hippie chic to "I just stole all these bitches" in no time flat. 

Everyone has their own style and that's what great about fashion. It allows people's personalities to be showcased without saying a word. Just choose your outfits wisely or else you could end up looking like a big pile of "hot mess crazy", and that is never on trend. 

Single Girls Guide

I am lucky enough to have a boyfriend that is a true gentleman. But we are not always together, so in situations that he cannot accompany me I have to use what little focus and common sense that I have. 

Instances like walking to my car after work, going to and from the gym, even going to get gas alone puts me on high alert. Most of the time I am off in my own little world of thoughts but suddenly become acutely aware of everything when I'm alone. What happened to being an independent woman Creepy guys, that's what happened. 

Men, please understand that if a woman is alone (and sober) she's probably a little more guarded than usual. Standing by yourself in the gym with the lights off? Creepy. Asking a stranger when she's off of work so you can "walk her to her car"? Really creepy. Seeing a girl checked in somewhere on Four Square and causally running into her that? Uber creepy. 

So ladies be smart and be safe. If you're alone be aware of your surroundings, creepy guys can sense a single girl like a bloodhound. If worse comes to worse there's always pepper spray or a taser!

Mommy Dearest

I do not have any children yet, but I do have two dogs and if they are any indication of how my future children will end up...I'm screwed. My dogs are spoiled rotten attention whores, and that's putting it lightly. Is it my fault? When I wake up in the morning and before I go to bed at night each doggie gets a kiss and told how cute they are and how much mommy loves them. The same goes when I leave and come home...a little excessive, I know. 


Jameson is our oldest dog, she is a 2 year old lab-bulldog mix that we adopted. At about 75 pounds it's a little difficult to get a great nights sleep with her sprawled out in our bed. If she's hungry she taps on her food bowl until she's fed, and if it's bedtime she just goes ahead and climbs in bed and waits for us to follow suit. She fits her name perfectly being that she's as feisty as someone is after a few shots of James....she is the epitome of a doggie princess.


With one super high-maintenance dog the next logical step was to get another one! Jack is an English Bulldog that was my Christmas gift from Jeremy. He was 7 weeks old when we got him, cute as can be...and he knew it! Jack has to have his folds cleaned twice a day, has a more sensitive digestive system than me, (and I'm lactose intolerant) and demands to be pet or cuddled with at all times. He also has an affinity for high heels and expensive glasses. Bye bye Burberry and Louboutin! 


With weekly trips to the pond and dog park as well as monthly trips to the pet store for toys and treats, I might have created two little spoiled monsters! Maybe they were born that way, but I have a sneaky suspicion this is all my fault. It's a good thing I am practicing this "mommy" role now before I am responsible for molding an actual little human because if my kids turn out anything like my dogs I am going to be broke...very, very broke. 

Chik-Fil-Gay

Recently the already heated subject of marriage equality reached new extremes because of chicken. Chik-Fil-A "Appreciation" day polarized the nation pitting neighbor on neighbor. But it definitely got a dialog started. Let me go ahead and get my opinion out of the way: I am a strong supporter of the LBGT community and believe in marriage equality, but my reasoning may surprise you. I am not writing this to "convince" any one or shove my opinions or beliefs down anyone's throats. I try to think about everything that's political from a logical standpoint.


From what I remember about History class, which admittedly isn't much, didn't the early settlers flee Europe to get away from religious persecution? America was founded on the idea of separating church and state. That's my biggest issue, that religion has become so intertwined in this debate. Whether or not you believe homosexuality is a sin or un-Godly, or whatever, shouldn't prevent two people who love each other from proclaiming that love openly...and officially. 


"But it would ruin the sanctity of marriage!" Unfortunately, straight people have already done that. With countless marriages for money, for green cards, or for fame, a lot of the time entering into a commitment like marriage is gone into too lightly. After all, if it doesn't work out, there's always divorce. These days a divorce can take less time than getting a Big Mac. 


Well there's my opinion in a very condensed nutshell. Maybe appealing to logic instead of religion will make some people at least see the other point of view. I am not trying to sway anybody though, because consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others. 

Ode to Siblings

For six magical years I was an only child. All the toys, all the clothes, and all the attention was mine...until August 1, 1993. That's when my little sister Alexa was born. I was so excited because I had visions of us braiding each other's hair like they did during the opening credits of Full House, but it didn't quite work out that way. Fool cried....a lot. Like, more than an episode of General Hospital and 90210 put together. Let me preface this by saying...my sister is gorgeous, she came out of the womb looking like a perfect porcelain doll, but this girl has the ugliest crying face I have ever seen! It's the only time she's not attractive. By the age of 2 Alexa had perfected the art of crying on command, something I have yet to master. Her constant tears moved mountains because a family motto was quickly adopted: "what Alexa wants, Alexa gets!" I wasn't jealous because I knew this was coming, it goes with the territory when you're no longer an only child. 


Through the years a lot has changed: hair colors, fashion aesthetics,who is taller, but one thing has never changed...she's still one hell of an ugly crier. More importantly though, our love, friendship, and admiration for each other hasn't changed either! Sure if I didn't have my siblings I would have more toys, clothes, and attention, but I wouldn't trade the love of my brother and sister for anything.