So, the other day my sister and I were talking about our favorite things to do during "me time." My sister is really routined...she shops on a specific day, cooks on specific days, and even eats specific things on specific days. I'm not so routined...although I wish I could be. So anyway, she loves tea, but refrains from drinking it every day because of the caffeine and sugar. Once a week, she drinks her tea, eats a biscotti, and watches the View. It's her favorite day of the week.

I started to think about what my favorite day of the week was...The only thing I could come up with was Friday nights. Matt and I lay on the comfy red couch, and we watch Dateline together. But that's just it....we're together. It's not really me time it's we time!!

So, I started thinking about ways I could treat myself once a week....

I thought about going to B&N and reading for an hour or so...since reading more was one of my goals for the new year. But then I remembered that something about that store makes me really sleepy. And every time I go there to read, I fall asleep, and wake myself up with my snore!

So then I thought about a few hours of just turning on the music and painting my toes and maintaining my brows. But those really aren't enjoyable tasks unless you're leaning back in a comfy chair and someone else is doing it for you!

Then I thought about meeting up with a friend once a week for coffee and a great conversation, but I don't have enough friends for this to last more than 3 weeks.

So, now I'm back to Friday nights on the comfy red couch watching Dateline...maybe I'll kick Matt off of it and make him sit in the chair. =)...Unless, of course...you have any ideas!

Vappy Halentine's Day...

I think I've confessed before that I'm one of those people who on the outside....claim to hate Valentine's Day, but on the inside...love all the pink, hearts, flowers, candy, stuffed animals, sappy cards, and did I mention the pink??? But, here in the Thomas household we refuse to celebrate a holiday created by greeting card companies to sucker Americans into professing their love for one another by buying, buying, buying. Atleast, that's what Matt tells me.

However, I can't seem to let the day go by without celebrating it...just a little. So, although I'm married to a work-out fanatic and food nazi...I know that he has a weakness. And that weakness would be SWEETS. So, what does the sweetest wife on this side of the Mississippi (and yes, that would be me!!) do??? I've decided to make some chocolate covered strawberries.

I thought I'd include the recipe below for those of you procrastinators who are lookin' for a last minute gift for your sweetheart....it's easy, it's quick, it's cheap...errrr, i mean "cost" "effective."

Ingredients:
5 oz chocolate
1 pint fresh strawberries

Directions:
In a microwave-safe bowl, or in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, melt chocolate. Holding berries by the stem, dip in chocolate about three quarters of the way. Place stem side down on wax paper and refrigerate until hardened.

For extra fanciness:
Melt white chocolate and drizzle over chocolate.

Yep, it's that easy folks!! HVD!!!!

I'm a tupperware thief. I was preparing for the Sunday Scrubdown (cleaning the house), and as I was cleaning the kitchen, I opened the cupboard and stared at all the tupperware I have! Do they just multiply in there while I sleep? I never remembered having so much tupperware. But, as I looked through it I realized that half of it is not mine. Most of them belong to local mom's around OKC...Mary Varghese (my own mom)...Mary Paul (merly's mom)...Sandy Abraham (Sonia's mom). (Thank you, ladies) Although I'm sure you're not even aware of the fact that the tupperware you've been madly searching for all over your kitchen, is actually in mine. I should be a good citizen and return them all, but they're all sorta of curry stained and have worked their way into my heart. This could be why my mom own mom now sends stuff home with me in cool whip containers....cuz she knows her daughter has become a tupperware thief! She knows better than giving me the good stuff anymore!

Happy Birthday to my CCL!!!
I thought I'd bring back a fun little somethin' from the past....CHARACTER PROFILES! And, of course...this is the birthday edition!

Nicknames: Lisa, Kuriani (my sister's creation)

Character Traits: quick wit, brutal honesty, a touch of sarcasm, queen of exaggeration

Best known for: khaki pants, chocolate chip cookies, and that infamous punch in the gut

Favorite Food Items: vegetables and water

My birthday wish for her: Lis, I hope this year brings us closer....like the distance between OKC and Eulyss, Bedford. ;) Have a wonderful day...and enjoy that masala dosa!

So, let's talk reality TV!

Sunday...
K & K take New York- I'm not really sure what Kourtney sees in Scott Disick...but it's more than obvious the girl loves the guy. She is so happy around him...despite the fact that nearly all her family hates him. I love how layed back she is...never gets riled up like her sisters do. She's just even tempered. Usually you see Khloe and Kourtney and all their shenaningans...so it's interesting seeing Kim not being uptight and just hanging with her sister.

Monday...
Oh my gosh...the Bachelor! So, can I punch Michelle? She is so PSYCHO. I seriously can't wait for the day Brad dumps her. At first glance, I thought she was pretty and possibly the one for him. Until she opened her mouth, that is. Now I see her looking a lot like a chihauaha or some kind of rat terrier breed.

Tuesday...
Teen Mom 2- I am so glad Leah and Corey both decided to grow up and and get back together. It's terribly sad that they're so young and have to deal with the obstacles that they're going to have to face about their baby's health. Now, I do agree that Janelle needs to be more mature and responsible and take care of her baby instead of "we B clubbin" but her mom is more than annoying. She needs to back off and stop doing everything for the baby and making Janelle feel like she is incapable of doing simple tasks. Something tells me that Adam is going to burn Chelsea again....I just dont' trust that kid. Out of all these girls, I feel most sorry for Kailyn. I feel like smacking her mother who has no responsibility whatsoever for her daughter. It's horrible that she has to rely on her baby daddy's family for a roof over her head. Baby daddy is a total jerk...and she has no choice but to grin and bear it and live by their rules. I agree it's weird and inappropriate for her to date another guy and still live their....I just think it's so sad she has no other place to go.

Wednesday/Thursday- American Idol- I so love the addition of J-Lo and Steven Tyler. The trio is just so funny!!! I don't remember laughing this much in the past seasons!

Thursday...Joisey Shore!-WTF?!? Ok, I soooo didn't see this coming. I was all prepared for Sammi to pack her bags and get the hellz out of their....GOOD RIDDENS!!! Boy was I shocked when Ron forgave for poppin' him in his jaw for the terrible sin of talking to Jwow!! And then, I was left feeling shocked again when Jwow made amends with Sammi at the club. It was akward...because they hated each other so fiercely...but then it was kind of a relief too because that akward tension that's been building since last season is finally squashed.

And that's my reality TV wrap up, folks!

I tried to take a picture of it, but it just went too fast. I saw a commercial and I knew I had to try it...Sonic has a new Sonic blast. It consists of red velvet cake batter ice cream and strawberry cheesecake bites. I absolutely love red velvet, so I couldn't resist trying it despite the 30 degree weather.

It was UH-mazing! I usually get burned out after a few bites of ice cream or something really sweet...but nothing was burning me out on this. It was delish...and I have to stop myself from going back to Sonic for more!

If you haven't tried it...do so...but try at your own risk! It's addictive!

And.....I'm back. I had laryngitis for three weeks, blogosphere! I guess when I was forced to stop talking...I stopped writing too. But, Friday my voice came back, and I thought it was time to blog again. A life of silence is a lonely life...I relied on texting and emailing quite a bit. My fingertips are glad my voice is back so they can get a break.

A few funny things happened during my three weeks of silence....

One day I went to my mom's house. My aunt (a nurse) called my mom and asked her how I was recovering from the flu.
'Mom: She's feeling better, but now she has meninigitis.
Aunt: What?!?!?
Me: Noooo! Laryngitis!!
Mom: (who can't understand my hoarse voice) Yah, she has meningitis.
Aunt: What?!?
Me: Laryngitis!!!
Mom: Meningitis!!!
Aunt: What's wrong with her???
Mom: Sue, here talk to her.
Me: I can't talk!!!
Mom: She can't talk. She has no voice.
Aunt: Ohhhhh. Laryngitis. *** Sigh of relief***

Yep, that was a funny conversation...but even funnier was when my cousin SueTee called. To preface this story...I must tell you that I don't have a very emotional family. The most love I get from them are side hugs. Never do they utter those three sweet little words...and I do mean never....especially after that one time one cousin said "i love you" to another cousin on her wedding day and she punched him in the gut for showing too much emotion! So back to my story....
SueTee called. Matt picked up the phone. He told her I was still out of commission but if she wanted to say something to me she could....and then he proceeded to hand me my phone.

me: Hmm (Hi)
SueTee: Still no voice??
me: Mmmhmmm
SueTee: Well, ok I just wanted to know if you got your voice back yet. I'll let you go...
me: hmmhmmm (okay)
SueTee: I love you!
me: Hmmm???? (What the hell did you just say?!?!)
SueTee: laughing hysterically

After I hung up, I thought to myself....she only told me she loved me because I was struck mute and couldn't share the story with the rest of the cousins and reveal her moment of emotional weakness!!! Thus, I'm sharing the story with the blogosphere!....I'm sure I'll get a punch in the gut for this one!

Been out of commission, blogosphere. I was bitten by the flu bug last week. I've had the flu before...it's always nasty. But this time it was particularly nasty....even my scalp was in pain! I'm feeling much better, but I lost my voice and it's not back yet. I've tried everything...drinking hot things...resting my vocal cords...garling salt water...but nothing has worked. Going to work without a voice is not a possibility...so, I need it to come back quickly!!! If you have any tips for me on how to get it back...please let me know!

I'm not one to jump on the wagon of the latest fashion trends...but there's one that I just can't escape this winter!! Boots over jeans! Every time I go out, I see the entire town in them...no joke...atleast 98% of the female population! I tried to explain this to my sister before she came out to OKC for a visit, but she didn't get it until she got here. And then the next thing I knew, she was even wearing her damn boots over her jeans!!

So, seeing all these boot wearing folks made me want a pair too. Of course, I had some major obstacles to deal with. A. my almighty calves. B. my jeans are all baggy and excessively long, which makes it pretty challenging to fit in a boot with the almighty calves! So, I set out on my search...which took approximately 24 days. I searched high and searched low for the perfect boot. I can't get the almighty calves into a pair with a zipper, they just don't zip all the way. I don't like any with metal buckles cuz they look a little too rockerish for me. Uggs are cute on others but the whole round toe thing doesn't float my boat. And pointy toes don't either. Boots that are too long look a little hookerish. Boots with furry stuff on them just aren't me. And boots with heels are a hazard to my health because I know I'd be flat on my face in approximately 2.5 seconds.

I finally found the perfect pair in the most unexpected place at the most unexpected time. I was getting a few final Christmas goodies at Walmart on Christmas Eve morning...and lo and behold I found the perfect faux-suede, flat heeled, boots. They had a tinge of elastic at the top which made me smile because I knew it was exactly the little stretch I needed to get over my calves. I scooped them up. I was so happy!!

And then I came home. They are nothing but a pain in the posterior! It's an act of God getting them on. Unfortunately, my leg and the 10 yards of extra denim in my jeans makes it virtually impossible! I took the boots with me to my mom's on Christmas and asked my sister and cousins for advice. Cousin Les suggested jeggings. At first I scoffed...skin tight legging/jeans aren't exactly the best look on me. But then my sister and I went shopping the next day...our goal was to find ankle boots to solve the calf/jean leg problem...but no dice. So next, we looked for jeggings.

I gotta say...they're uh-mazing! I mean, they're almost as great as the elastic pants I wore when I was 8...And the best thing about them is they're not baggy so I can wear them with my boots. So, I've resigned to the fact that I bought shoes that only go with one pair of pants in my closet. I'm not happy about it...but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do for fashion!

I've had my eye on an ebelskiver pan since early November, and when Williams-Sonoma had them on sale for just $19.99, I jumped at the chance to buy one. I knew it would be a perfect treat for Christmas breakfast. Most the time I say "ebelskiver"...no one has a clue of what I'm talking about, so I thought I'd post a picture to explain...

They are perfect little golden, crispy pancake balls stuffed with your favorite filling and sprinkled with powdered sugar. So far I've made them with nutella (house favorite), caramel, and raspberry perserves. Williams-Sonoma has the recipe for the batter from scratch but to save time, I use regular ol' Aunt Jemima or Hungry Jack, and they're just as delightful!

So, if you're looking for something new to add to your brunch menu....try an ebelskiver!

I had work at 7 am, which is not really how I wanted to spend the first morning of the year. But it was a slow and painless work day, so I can't complain. After church, we had a most delicious New Year's meal at the maternal unit's and then headed off to church to meet a friend for New Year's service.

I love the first sermon of the year...it's always full of hope and leaves me feeling like I have a sense of spiritual direction for the next 365 days to come. This particular sermon was about "First"...seeking God first, in particular, and how everything will be added to you. Not just seeking Him at the beginning of the year...but at the beginning of every day in prayer and scripture reading...at the beginning of every week with corporate worship...and the beginning of every month with tithes.

It was a particularly a spiritually charged night for me because the friend we met at church tonight was not Christian. She's Hindu...and she's seeking the true God in her life. I feel like I've been on this journey with her since early summer and it's been really interesting to see how God is working in her life...to see the way He speaks to her...how He's revealing Himself to her. At times, I've been jealous, in a way. I see these little spiritual revelations happening in her life, and I've thought...Hey, I want that! But then I realize that it's the way in which she's pursuing Him...the passionate way she's seeking Him. And I realized that I need to seek the truth in the same manor...instead of taking for granted I was raised knowing the truth. I need to do more than just know it...I need to experience it.

So, in short, my verse for the year is ...."Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, Then all these things shall be added unto you."

What's your verse for the year?

It's the last night of 2010!!! How are you spending the night?? I made a special dinner...lasagna and blackberry cobbler...the hubs and I are ringing in the New Year watching the ball drop in NYC as we lay on our comfy red couch! I know, I sound like an old fogie...but, it's so cold out tonight and we have work at 7 am tomorrow morning! So, we thought this was the perfect way to spend the evening.

Today I asked a few people how they felt about 2010. The last day of the year always brings out the reflective side of me. It was encouraging to hear that most people felt that 2010 was a good year for them. By God's grace it was a good year for me too. I think I truly learned to trust and rely on God this year. That's a lot coming from someone who has spent a lifetime struggling with "faith." This was definitely a growing year...and I realized that I can't control many aspects of my life, but there is someone who is always in control. Although, there's been so many times that I've asked God, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING??!" I learned that His ways are definitely not my ways...but it's always the right way.

I enter 2011 with lots of hope...It's nice to have a fresh start, new goals and aspirations, and 365 days of possibilities. I don't have any resolutions this year...because I find that when I resolute to do things, it often leads to failure. But, there are lots of things I would like to accomplish. I hope 2011 brings all of you lots of joy, and that God will bless you and surround you with His love! Happy New Year, Blogosphere!

Christmas was great this year! My sister and fam were in Okc...and it's been years since we've been together for the holidays. My brother-in-law came in on a later flight and was supposed to fly in on Christmas Eve, but due to some technical difficulties with the airplane, had to take a later flight and came home Christmas morning just in time for breakfast! It was definitely a Christmas miracle....because we were all PRAYING he'd make it in time.

Mom, sister, aunt and cuzzies...

the guys...

a sibling pic...I usually insist on being in the middle, but this time I thought we should be in birth order...and I thought I'd let my sister have the honors of sitting with my brother. =) I think the last time we took a sibling picture was back in 1979...we were all a lot cuter back then!

I thought we'd do things a little different this year and play Dirty Santa instead of Secret Santa. I thought the family could use a little fun-filled game. The whole concept was a little foreign to them and it didn't go over very well...at. all. Next time, we'll stick to the same ol' tradition.

This year I really didn't reflect on presents...I mean, I love giving presents...so I did pick things out carefully and enjoyed doing so. But, I didn't think about what I was getting or care about what I was getting. I tried to mentally put Christ back into Christmas and think about His gift as the ultimate gift! Although I enforced the "don't care" attitude...I got awesome gifts!! My sister got me an electronic book reader, which totally blew my gasket! I didn't see that one coming at all!! My brother got me a digital frame (courtesy my wonderful niece Marissa who picked it out for me), which I've been wanting forever! And then....let me tell you what my BF did for me!!

A few weeks ago, I had her look at the Vera Bradley website. For those of you who don't know what that is...It's a brand of quilted bags, purses, totes, wallets, etc. I absolutely love quilts... (can't help it...it's the country girl in me!) and fell in love with these quilted bags when I saw them. Of course the pattern I loved the most was out of stock and so I thought I'd seek Sonia's opinion on the second best. I wasn't in love with the second best...but still asked Matt if I could get one for myself. He thought I was absolutely nuts... he thought they were way too country...and he just bought me a really nice bag for our anniversary...not to mention, he thought someone in India could make it for 2 bucks. So I put aside my dream of having a Vera Bradley....

When I picked my sister up from the airport, she opened her suitcase to get her coat out. And I saw this familiar pattern. My eyes bulged out of my head! "You got a Vera Bradley bag?!?" I exclaimed! She told me to calm down because it was mine... and that my BF & Sheryl got it for me and sent it with her from Florida! I was ecstatic and haven't put it down since I've gotten it. It's a little big to carry as a purse but I don't care. I've gotten lots of complements on it too...sure the women who complement me are in their 60's...one actually told me to keep my eye on it cuz she wanted to steal it!!! Sometimes I wonder if the fact that 60 year olds want my bag should tell me a lil' somethin' about my sense of style...but I don't care!

What has Christmas turned into in this country?? I went to the mall thinking it's still early...there shouldn't be a crazed Christmas rush yet...I mean there's still 10 days until Christmas. Boy, was I wrong. Watching people shop during this season is extremely disheartening. It's supposed to be this joyous season of good will towards men. But, people are walking around looking all pissed off and grumpy about either spending too much money or not knowing what to buy or waiting in lines or being man-handled as they shove their way through crowds or driving aimlessly looking for parking spots that are somewhat near the stores. There's just nothing joyous about it. It's like we've completely lost our focus...people are more concerned about the perfect tree, the perfect presents, perfect gift wrapping, perfect Christmas meals, perfectly golden Christmas cookies...and we've completely lost sight of the real reason for the season. Jesus. I sometimes wonder how He feels about it when He gazes down upon us lovingly from heaven....His children who He died for thinking more about the greatness of Santa Clause (who doesn't exist) than Him. This Christmas...I challenge you...my faithful readers...to put Christ back in Christmas...

I have very few "favorite" people in the world...but this is girl is definitely one of them. Suetee,

my most favorite double cousin. My cousins and I don't get to see each other very much...once a year if we're lucky or at family weddings...which seem to be few and far between lately. But, it doesn't really matter because we talk on the phone incessantly (thus my unlimited minutes on my cell phone).,,,and we just have this special bond. I know if either of them are reading this they're probably gagging or rolling their eyes...or just feeling plum embarrassed because I'm "over emotional"...which is the kinder/more politically correct word than what they would use. But it's true...we do have a special bond. I sometimes wondered if we'd be friends if we weren't cousins...and the answer is... I highly doubt it. We are polar opposites in every sense of the word, but our family bond makes us accept each others quirky ways, stay close, and love each other (there! I said the L word too!) beyond measure. Happy birthday to my cousin, my friend...and one of my most favorite people in the whole wide world!

S is for SECRET keeper...because she's the best!

O is for OBSERVANT ... she notices everything!

N is for NICEST person I know.

I is for IMPECCABLE taste in purses and shoes!

A is for ABSOLUTELY AWESOME...that's what kind of friend she is!

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, BF!

Why I Love Thanksgiving

A Short Essay by Suevee

There are many reasons why I love Thanksgiving. I love that it falls on a Thursday, which assures the majority of folks a day off. I love it because I love turkey...white meat to be exact....the drier the better. Who am I kidding? I love stuffing and grean bean casserole and honey butter too. I love Thanksgiving because it's the one day of the year that you can stuff yourself shamelessly because it's expected of you. I love it because it's a lazy day...and it's okay to take a nap right after eating because turkeys have tryptophan and tryptophan makes you sleepy. I love Thanksgiving because it's the one day that forces you to dig deep or not so deep...and think about the positive aspects in your life and be grateful. In short, I LOVE Thanksgiving.

The End

The news that made my day...

When Maddicakes was here a few weeks ago, Sonia tried to teach her how to say my name. Instead of calling me "Sue Aunty"...Sonia has decided to teach her that my name is "Sueny." This is a name my niece, Priya used to call me when she was a baby and couldn't pronounce my name. I thought it was so cute...and I guess Sonia did too.

Maddi couldn't seem to learn to say "Sueny" when she was here. So when she saw me, she'd point at me and smile...which let me know that she knew who I was and was glad to see me. That made me happy enough. She calls her other aunts "Aunty"...but she didn't call me that either. So, I guess she knew that my name was something else, but couldn't remember what.

Well, today she was looking at pictures on her own, and her daddy heard her say "Sueny!"...He went to look at whose picture she was looking at because he had no idea who she was talking about. And when he looked...it was MEEEE! She finally learned my name! All on her own! What a little genius! Sonia made sure to call me and let me know the good news....I told her it made my day! Heck....it made my entire week!

Five years ago, I made the best investment that I've ever made in my life. My dear friend, the Illustrious Finuji told me that her co-worker had some labrador puppies for sale. I had always had my heart set on having a lab, an SUV, and 4 kids...in no particular order. So, I told Fin that I wanted to see the pups. I always wanted a blonde lab...and had pre-picked the name "Brooklyn." (This was obviously in my I LOVE NY phase). (Some might argue that I'm still in that phase)

The little puppies were all snuggled together in a huge wooden crate. Among the black and blonde pups...I saw a little chocolate one with a white patch of fur on its' chest that looked like a touch of whip cream. It was pretty much love at first sight. She reminded me of the chocolate mousse with whip cream on top that I had at Serendipity Cafe in NYC just a few weeks before. I instantly named her Mousse...and waited patiently for a few weeks for her to be weaned.

The day I brought her home...she was so sweet and quiet. Then, there was day 2. She definitely had an ornery streak. She made it very evident that she was my new #1 priority...and in case I forgot that fact, she'd make sure to have newspapers shred all over my apartment to remind me....Or, even better she'd gnaw the heels off of my leather shoes. There was a time or two that I wondered if I could possibly get my money back!! But, I didn't give on her...and she didn't give up on me.
She had really bad habits....like jumping all over people as soon as they walked through the door, sleeping on the bed, sleeping on the couch, and demanding attention. Actually now that I think about it...she still has lots of these bad habits...but they're not as annoying anymore. I had bad habits too though...I neglected to walk her and didn't realize how important it was for her to release some of her ENERGY. She spent a lot of time in lock up...while I researched how to train a dog online and in books.

I have to be honest...it wasn't until Matt joined our little family that Mousse was officially trained. He practiced "spare the rod...spoil the child." It didn't take Mousse long to understand that bad behavior was no longer appreciated or tolerated. And now, there's no doubt that she's our #1 priority.
People don't really realize how much you can love a pet. It almost seems so silly. But they have character and rely on you completely, so it's really easy to fall in love with them. Mousse is way more than just my pet....she's the apple of my eye, my pwecious pwincess, and my BFFL. Happy 5th Birthday to my Moussey...

Now, isn't that a scary sight?? Matt and I toured our local Halloween superstore...and I forced him to try on a few masks.

This one was my favorite.

Our Halloween was pretty uneventful....we didn't have any trick or treaters...not a one! Cousin Les came over and we watched "Get Him to the Greek"...which is a comedy...not a horror movie. But, all the raunchiness horrified me!

I did record the movie "The Strangers," but I convinced Matt that we should watch it during the day and not at night so I wouldn't be so scared. But, I tried it to watch it today in broad daylight...and I was still too scared. =/

Now, November is upon us....I'm looking for new and delicous Thanksgiving recipes, so if you have one...please do send it my way!