TV Tuesday

Those of you who know me know that I loveeee reality TV.  A few months ago, I moved into my new house, and  I decided it would be financially wise to cut a few of my cable channels...so, no more Kardashians, Joisey Shore, Mob Wives or any of the other craziness that I used to obsess over.  Thankfully the Bachelor/Bachelorette is on primetime TV, so it hasn't been ripped out of my life! 

So now that smut TV is gone, I've been forced to watch a lot of prime time TV, the cooking channels, NatGeo, and HGTV. 

Currently, I'm obsessed with:

The Voice...Hellllooo Adam Levine!!  Adam's not the only reason I watch...I am a sucker for watching people lay it all out to make their dreams come true. For some reason, I find myself crying every time I watch it!!  There are tons of talented people this season, but of course, I'm rooting for Benjy Kuriakose!  Gotta support my fellow Malayalee!

Go On...I've always loved Mathew Perry on Friends.  I think he's done other shows since, but I never got into them.  I half-heartedly watched this show, but fell in love with it.  If you haven't watched it...give it a try...the story line is really interesting.  It's about a recent widower who is also a radio personality...His boss makes him join a grief group and he hates every minute of it...until he forges relationships with the people in the group!

That's it for now folks....my oven's beeping...which means my baked chicken and seasoned cauliflower is ready for eatin!  Until next time...

 

Weekend in Review...

This weekend wasn't a particularly exciting one...I did the usual cleaning and laundry, caught up on phone calls with the seester, mom came over for a visit, church on Sunday and I watched a lot of TV. I know it doesn't sound very productive...However I did take some time to do a little baking...

First I made a chocolate cake topped with chocolate chips for my friend Merly since she is forever complaining about me not making her enough sweet treats (apparently she thinks she's pretty special and deserves them or something)





 

And then I made a strawberry cake for one of my co-workers, Shelley.  It was her birthday and since I think she's pretty awesome...I agreed to bake her a cake.

I also started planning a party! Now usually when I plan parties...it's for someone else.  But, this time I'm hosting one at my house.  It's a little Halloween inspired "Ghoul's Night Out!"  I'm a excited about it and will share my favorite ideas for decorations and food as the party progresses!  

Birthday Shout Out to my Munchkin!

I can't believe it's been 4 years since I pulled an all nighter at the hospital waiting for you to be born.  God works in mysterious ways...NEVER did I think that I would ever move to Florida...especially in time to be with my BF on the most important day of her life...the day she became a Mom. 

Initially, we got off to a rough start...Like your cousins, you didn't like me a whole lot in the beginning.  You always had this confused look on your little face...like "Who are you?  And why are you always around?"  But, as you got older things got better...I'm not sure if it's because your mom pretty much gives you no other alternative but to love me...or because I've grown on you.

One things for sure...you have grown on me!  I think you have this natural way of capturing people's hearts...Kind of like your mom...and making me people laugh!!...kind of like your dad.  You're a perfect little mixture of the both of them...and since they are two of my most favorite people in the world...it's no wonder that you are too!  You're my little ray of sunshine...

I pray that God continues to do a great work in you.. and that you keep being the wonderful little you that you are!  Happy 4th birthday, Munchkin!

So Long Summer...

I noticed today that it's starting to get darker outside just a wee bit earlier...and the 109 degree weather has cooled off to a chilly 99....and my front yard is completed carpeted in dry leaves...all signs that the carefree days of summer are coming to an end.  Although it's been an unbearably hot one, and my AC's broken down a few times (welcome to home ownership!), this summer has been a good one, and I'm sad to see it go. 

I have absolutely no recollection of May...it was a blur because I was so busy with a wedding where I had to successfully assign 400 people to their seats for the first time in my wedding planner career!  And although I freaked out about it for weeks...everyone had a seat and the wedding (especially the bride) was quite beautiful.

After the wedding, my summer officially began!  The next day I was flying the friendly skies to sunny Florida...except it wasn't so sunny. It rained pretty much every day...but, it was ok because I got some much needed R&R...and I got to join in on the graduation festivities of my nephew, Aaron.  This weekend...he'll be off to the University of Florida...and I'm officially trading in my OU gear for Gator gear!  So proud of this kid!

Aaron wasn't the only nephew I hung out with this summer...my nephew Andrew and my niece, Marissa were in town to hang out as well!  I know OKC isn't the most thrilling place to spend your summer vacay, but I tried my best to keep them entertained.  Andrew's one lucky kid...he starts school two weeks after his sister...so although she had to take an earlier flight home...he's still chillin' at his granny's with his cousin Mousse...And I discovered that we both love boba smoothies, so I'm sure we'll be spending the remainder of the summer sippin' on those.

When Andrew and Marissa were bored...the one person that could bring some excitement to their lives (other than me) was my little munchkin, Madison.  She and her Momma were here visiting from Florida and we had way too much fun planning her 4th birthday party. They were here for a month...but the time went by way toooooooo fast! 

One by one...the visitors are all leaving and no more vacations are on the calendar...and I've become painfully aware that soon it will be time to brush off the dust on my cardigans.  (wait...they're not dusty...i've been wearing them in 109 degree weather!) ...Fall is on its way! 

There are things to look forward to...the state fair, caramel apples, halloween, raking leaves (anyone want to help?), thanksgiving (my first time hosting in my own house!), etc, etc.  But...parting from summer fun is always such sweet sorrow!

Speaking of...

Speaking of going to the Thunder Play Off games...Here's me and the Duer living it up in our club level seats...enjoying the buffet and drizanks...

Thunder Up!

So proud of the Thunder boys for winning game 2 against the Lakers...I gotta say...this is getting pretty exciting! I was able to go to a play off game against the Mavs...and there's nothing like sitting in the stadium.  The energy is like none other.  I'm so glad that OKC has an NBA team now...it has given us something to get excited over and be proud of....and finally put us on the map for something positive. Thunder up!  

A star is born...

So I "borrowed" these pictures of Tessa from her Momma's (NC's) facebook...She had her very first ballet recital the other night, and I'm sure you'll agree that she was absolutely adorable!  I didn't get to go to the recital, but she's showed me how masterfully she can point her toes as she practiced in my living room...so I'm quite sure she was a superstar that night!...as always!

all this beautiful long hair is AFTER a hair cut!

Me and my all time favorite person...

25 years have passed...and you've been missed and remembered every single day.

I think I've managed to swipe all the family photos from my mom's house...I had great intentions when I did this...I thought I would put them in nice, new albums...but somehow that task became overwhelming since there are approximately a jabillion pictures.  Instead, they've managed to sit in a huge bin for a few years now.  I do look through them on the occasion...and keep telling myself that I need to buy some albums and sort through the pics when I'm not busy...but, I'm not sure when I'll be "not busy" in this lifetime.

So, I decided that maybe I'd post one every once in a while...Here's the one that made me smile today.

Me and my sister, circa 1977-ish.  It's funny how you can remember certain things about your childhood...I remember that bed sheet we're sitting on...I used to think it was so pretty...now, I realize it's pretty hideous.  I also remember the necklace I was wearing...it had a white butterfly pendant on it, but my sister's hand is blocking it so you can take my word for it.  I also remember loving to wear tights and dresses around the house...which is pretty hilarious because I still love wearing tights!!

Shout Outs...

First and foremost, Happy Mother's Day to my Mom. I've learned over the years, that people walk in and out of your life...very few stick around to celebrate with you through the good, wipe your tears through the bad, and help you stand when you don't have the strength during the ugly.  And that's why I'm so thankful for my Mom.  She loves me...with out a doubt...more than anyone else on this planet does.

Annnddd, Happy Birthday to my buddy my pal...Merly Mathew.  I'm thankful for Merly because she keeps me awake every day at work with her emails...she makes me strive to improve my sense of fashion with her oh-so-funny jokes about my cardigans, and she's just an all around good advice giver and great conversationalist.  My life has been pretty boring and empty since last summer when she decided to leave me for a year and move to Utah.  Merly...I can't wait till you're back so life can resume back to normal! 

Home Sweet Home

It's sad to say that I haven't posted on my blog in SO long that I forgot the password and had to do a reset.  I could give you a 1,000 excuses as to why I've been MIA, but I really don't have any.  Every day seems busier than the next, yet, I still can't come up with anything interesting to write about!  I did however make a little purchase since I last posted....no, not new junk jewlery...

This is what I've been up to for the past few months...house hunting, purchasing, moving, and decorating...and now, Casa del Sue is finally complete.  After too many years of apartment living...I've got to say I know why they came up with that phrase "home sweet home!"

Tired of staring at my pudgy hand?  Well, I was...I got into this phase where every Sunday I would paint my nails a different color and polka dot them.  I started becoming quite good at it and was totally helping with my nail biting problem.  But then some time around Valentine's Day, I started getting very nervous about being in a time crunch!  I had a party due, and had lost my thunder along the way...so cutting and gluing was the last thing I really wanted to do.  I was so nervous about not finishing the party in time...and the next thing I knew...my nicely manicured and polka dotted finger nails were all gone.  And there you have it!

I haven't been up to much lately...I'm currently breathing through half of one nostril.  I've got an annoying head cold that's got me stuffed up.  I suppose I should be grateful that I can't really smell because about three weeks ago, I woke up in the wee hours of the morning with the case of the throw ups.  Now, since I started the Daniel Fast in January...I have completely altered my diet.  I only eat veggies, fruits, skim milk, and fish...and read all labels to be sure that I'm not sneaking in any sugar.  So, I was under the impression that eating good, healthy food would prevent such fits from occuring in the wee hours of the morning.  Apparently not.  Anyway, little did I know it, but I was lying on my couch (the most comfortable spot in my house) throwing up in a plastic bag that had a hole in it.  I didn't discover that until I was feeling better.

Although I cleaned it immediately, I can't get the stench out of my couch...and it seems to be wafting through the air around here.  I feel like I've got plugins in every socket.  I've tried everything to clean the couch...baking soda, vinegar, carpet fresh, resolve, resolve foam cleaner, Boric Acid...Seriously, I probably should have just burned it and bought a new couch with all the time and money I've spent trying to clean it.  But, it's so comfy and I just can't give it up.  I peeled of the fabric and soaked it and Boric Acid and left it out on the patio to dry.  I think it smells better...of course, my nose isn't working quite properly though.  So tonight I put the cushion out on the patio and poured Baking Soda, water, and detergent on it and i'm letting it soak over night and dry tomorrow.  Cross your fingers...because if this doesn't work...I'm having a bonfire tomorrow night!

Dots!

I couldn't sleep last night so I got creative with my nails! Ya'll know I love me some polka dots!

Beef...that's what's NOT for dinner

So, ever year...at the beginning of the year...my church does the Daniel Fast.  Basically put, you partake in a vegan lifestlye for 21 days as you draw closer to Christ.  I thought this was a good option for me...Growing up in the Indian church, they always did "no food" fasts...and I never had the will power in to partake in that.  This seemed like a happy medium...even for a carnivore like me!

I have survived my first week.  I thought food would be the big challenge...but it's not.  Things like vegetable curries & veggie burgers have been my saving grace.  But even more difficult than dealing with the lack of meat and dairy...has been the new conviction that God has given me to stop watching REALITY TV!!  If you know me, you know that it is my guilty pleasure...and i'm a junkie.  But in this week, God has shown me that it's a waste of time, and spending time with him is more important and beneficial than spending time lounging on my couch watching TV.  This is especially difficult since my boy Pauly D is on a new season of Jersey shore!!

If you happen to know any great vegan recipes...please let me know!!  Oh, and I'm up to read some good books now too...since I've got some time!

My new bling...

Some girls are obsessed with shoes, purses, diamonds, rubies...and I'm obsessed with junk jewlery.  Please note the fabulous ring on my finger in the picture below (although I know my super cute mouse pad is probably distracting you.)  My mom told me the other day that I wear the ugliest rings...and I told her "Thank you." If my mom thinks something is ugly...it's almost guaranteed that it's actually pretty cute!  I like unusual rings...and I found this one at one of my all time favorite accessory shopping stores...Forever 21. Now..if I could only grow my finger nails so my hand wouldn't look like a little Indian boy who has a bow ring on his finger!

Sometimes I think this dogs of mine knows things.  She didn't sleep all night last night because she knew something was up...Marissa & Andrew were packing their suitcases last night to go home this morning.  They had to catch an early flight back...and Mousse was restless all night.  Her lack of sleep last night made me lose sleep...so although it's only 8 pm, we're both ready for some zzzz's!

It's been so nice to have an extra day off from work today... My shoulders and neck have been so tense lately that I find myself getting migraines a lot.  While my nephew has been in town, I've been having him walk on my back.  But, it hasn't been doing the trick...so I went to the mall today for a massage by one of the Asian guys who stand in the middle of the mall and do chair massages.  The dude beat the living shiz out of my shoulders and back...but it felt uh-mazing!  It was the best twenty bucks I've spent in a long time.  (even though I have a bruise on my back from the dude's elbow!)  Afterwards...I went to the bookstore...I've been looking for a good Christian book to dive into...I chose Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  So far...it's pretty excellent.  I'll review it more once I'm finished...so stay tuned!

Happy 2012!

I spent the last night of 2011 getting pummeled by my nephew, Andrew while playing the Wii game...Just Dance.  Who was I kidding to think I could dance, anyway?  After getting slaughtered, we all watched the ball rise in OKC (yah, I know...most balls drop.  We do everything backwards!)  and popped poppers to ring in the new year! 

And now here we are...2012!  I refuse to use the word "resolution"...because I feel like resolutions are made to be broken.  However, I do have several goals that I've set for myself year.  They are quite lofty...and as I work on them...I'll talk about it here.

Yes, here...I plan to use this space more often than I did in 2011. It may not always be interesting...but there will be something here for those of you who have stuck with me since 05!  Happy New Year, Blogosphere!

I always new that my munchkin, Madison was born to be a SUPERSTAR...

and apparently the producers of the daytime talk show, The Doctors agree.  Her video of her cochlear activation was discovered by them on youtube, and they thought it was just as special as we did!  So they decided to air a clip from it on their show on Monday, November 14th!  Check your local listing...to check out the little Superstar in her first debut!



All Shook Up...Literally!

I was just sitting down to write this post when I heard a rumble outside...not uncommon during a thunderstorm.  But then I felt the rumble under my feet, I knew it was happening again...another earthquake.  I've spent the majority of my life in Oklahoma City...which means I'm used to things like tornados, ice storms, and in recent years...blizzards.  I never in a zillion years would think I'd need to worry about earthquakes! 
But Friday night...I woke up to one.  I thought it was Moussey scratching her neck while she lay in bed...but Moussey wasn't in bed.  She was standing near my bed staring at me...if she could talk, I'm most positive that she'd be saying, "WTF?!"  My vision was wobbly for a good two minutes...as my head wobbled...but, I was half asleep and told myself that I'd check on line in the morning to see if OKC had an earthquake.  The next morning I checked facebook..and sure enough it was confirmed. 4.7

The next night...round two.  This time, it was only 11 pm.  People were awake...in fact they were running out of their apartments yelling.  Me and Moussey stared at each other...and again...her face had it written all over it..."WTF?!"  I gotta admit...that one really shoook me up...no pun intended.  It scared the beejeeezus out of me.  And the neighbors running around outside didn't calm my nerves a bit.  This one was bigger...5.6.

So here we are...Monday night.  I thought the earthquakes were now a thing of the past...on to the next set of worries...tornado warnings all over the state.  I sat down to write about my earth quake experience...and whaddaya know!...round three.  This time, I'm certain this building swayed.

I think I'm finished freaking out about this...I'm going to go to bed...but not before a prayer....
Now I lay me down to sleep...
I pray the Lord my soul to keep...
If I should die before I wake...
I pray the Lord my soul to take...