Educational Programming...

I stayed up till 3 am watching "The Hills" on mtv.com on our new and improved computer. I know...I know. I'm a little too old to be watching rich 20's somethings hash it out in their scripted drama...but we all have our guilty pleasures!

I realized 3 things while watching LC and her crew:
1. Most girls thrive on drama. There's just something about it that piques their interest and makes them come alive. And even better than being invovled in drama is hearing about someone else's...which is why reality TV is here to stay!!
2. Most girls can't seem to resist bad boys. When all your friends hate a guy, it should send of some warning signals in your brain...but instead, the love only intensifies...because it becomes a "against-all-odds" kinda love. A few years later, you grow up, mature, and realize...bad boys are just bad boys....and what you really need is a good man. Can I getta Amen?
3. Loyalty=trust=healthy relationship. Betrayal=no trust=no relationship.

All that being said, I think I have justified my viewing of the Hills. It's educational television, people.

I haven't shook it like this since my bachelorette party!

Clicke HERE for some comic relief

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Here it is, folks! I took your advice. After work, Matt and I went and purchased the first ever Thomas family Christmas tree. It's puny and cheap (at only $18), but it's a start. I'm going to take Julie T's advice and buy "Our First Christmas" ornament and maybe a chocolate lab ornament if I can find one...and then add to the "special" ornaments collections when rugrats are added to the Thomas family. I also hung stocking by the chimney with care!...one for me, one for Mousse, and one for Matt. ;)
At last...pictures from Thanksgiving....Here's Matt carving the turkey as my mom chuckles behind him. ;)

Cousin Les's favorite part of Turkey day...my cranberry cocktail.

All the fixins...

The kids...waitin for dessert

Doesn't this look like a fun-filled evening??

Our little family

A night with some friends and Cranium....the guys put their heads together and still couldn't come up with the answers!

Me in competive mode...Good thing my sister wasn't there to play...people wouldn't have made it out alive!!!

polkadot princesses

My boy who gets cuter by the minute...Micahji

The snugglebug sleepin on Uncle Matt

The cutest chocolate lab on this side of the Mississippi!

No Christmas Tree...No Christmas Tree...

The Thomas home is lacking Christmas cheer. I, for one, think it's due to not having a Christmas tree. Matt, on the other hand, doesn't seem to understand what all the hype is about. He thinks trees are over-priced, ornaments are unneccessary, and lights are a waste of electricity. Although, he's given me the heads up to buy one if I really find it necessary.

I initially wanted a tree for him. Since it's his first Christmas here in the States, I thought it should be replete with a tree, stockings, eggnog, fruitcake, and the whole nine. However, his lack of enthusiasm has me conviced that he doesn't really care about the whole nine.

So, I'm left to make this decision on my own. Do I really want to buy a tree this year? Due to our very strict budget, I can't buy one of those $100+ dollar ones that are pre-lit and magnificent...instead, I'd have to buy a $35-50$ one with chincy ornaments. To buy or not to buy?...that is the question!

Happiest of Happy Birthdays to my BF....She will be here in just a few short days...at which time, I will not only celebrate her birthday with her, but more importantly, I will stock her up with the annual "Fudge for the Floridians" for her trip back to Orlando. (I just hope all the fudge actually makes it back.) =)

Thanksgiving at the Thomas household went well. I do believe that my turkey was delicious...not dry, seasoned well, and cooked to perfection. Matt and I have been eating it for the past 3 days...Leftovers are officially finished!! I will post pictures of the festivities just as soon as I can convince my lazy self to upload them.

This weekend we went to the Body World exhibit. It was very interesting...to say the least. It made me realize how beautifully we have been created. I think that anyone who doubts the existence of God should go to one of these exhibits because there is no way to deny Him after seeing how intricately we are designed.

Now, it's back to work...back to the grind...untilllllllllll Christmas. =)

I've been toying with the idea of closing my blog...It seems I have nothing blogworthy to talk about. My life has been pretty hum drum lately and the most exciting thing I've been doing is unpacking boxes. The thought of closing the blog feels like pulling the plug on an old friend...and I don't like that. But, I also don't like the feeling of neglecting my old friend either. So, for now, I continue to be in limbo.

In the meantime...It's that time of year again. Thanksgiving is one of my most favored holidays...not just because food is involved...but because it's a time of reflection and gratefulness. This year I have so much to be thankful for. I am blessed to be sharing this holiday with Matt this year...and it will be interesting and fun to experience the holidays with him for the first time. I thank God for His blessings and His provisions....and most of all for His faithfulness in the midst of my faithlessness.

I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving...For those of you who have a 4 day weekend, I envy you....please think of me on Friday while you're shopping and I'm toiling away at work. =/ This weekend, Matt, me and the Furball will be checking out the Body exhibit....I can hardly wait! Pictures from all the Turkey day festivities and weekend fun are soon to follow!!!

happy weekend!

Picture this...me Susan V...err, I mean T...(the girl who has trouble driving her pint size Honda Fit) will be picking up a U-Haul this evening. Yes, I will be driving a 14 foot truck around Oklahoma City. God help me and my fellow-commuters. We were going to begin taking stuff over to the house this evening. But our Landlord says Friday isn't an auspicious day...so he will only give us our keys on Saturday morning. Matt and I stayed up till 2:00 am packing. It's amazing all the things you acquire in a year! I came to that apartment with nothing. And I'm leaving with everythingggggggggggg.

Well, I think I've finally joined the thousands of Americans who are currently addicted to Facebook. I've recently re-met an old nemesis from high school. I swear, life ALWAYS comes full circle. He was the thorn in my side...the pain in my ass...etc, etc...but now, apparently he's grown up and become a respectable, civilized man. We're pen pals...who woulda thunk it?

In other news...My BF will be back in town in just 2 short weeks....let the countdown begin!

I had a lovely 3 days to enjoy this weekend, and boy was it nice. Not that I did anything special...just shopped for appliances and the like...preparing for our move on Saturday.

I did, however, get to catch up on some reading in between shopping and packing. I finally finished "The Kite Runner." If you haven't read it yet, you should. I would say it's the best book I have read in a very long time. Khaled Houseinni does a spectacular job in engaging the reader's interest by telling the emotional story of two young boys growing up in Afghanistan while incorporating the history of the country's political turmoil.

I've never been one to watch the news. Quite honestly, I'm oblivious about what is going in the world and what has gone on in the past. But, as I read, I felt an interest arise, and suddenly I was asking Matt a lot of questions about the things occuring in the Middle East. This book really opened my eyes to the suffering going on in the world...and I realized how blessed I am.

I admire Houseinni's ability to write a novel that note only tugs at your heart strings, but leaves you with more of an understanding of a country...its culture, its people, and its struggles. I'm not sure if I have the skill to be a profound storyteller like Houseinni...but I will die trying. ;)

A New Glove...

I left my little humble abode as Susan Varghese this morning. But after 2.5 hours at the Social SecurityOffice, I will officially return home as Susan Thomas. It's a strange feeling. In my younger days, I hated my last name. The first day of school was a nightmare. I'd listen to the teacher call roll and get tongue tied as she'd stumble over my last name. Junior High and High School were worse because by then, the kids already made up nicknames for me...like BarGrease or Vargoose.

By the time I reached adulthood, I learned to accept my name. Yes, it was irritating as all hell to spell it out for everyone...."V as in victor. A-R....." But, it fit me...I had grown into my name and SusanV/SueVee fit me l ike a glove. And then came Matt....

When he first told me his last name I was elated. I'd finally have a prononceable last name with no spelling complications...I was excited. Until 10:30 this morning, when Varghese was scooted up to become my middle name, pushing Abraham completely out of my name...and leaving Thomas to fill in the blank at the end.

I know, I know...this doesn't mean I'm a new identity...I'm still the same ol' SueVee...Tee. But, I'm a changed identity...it's no longer me but we. It's not a bad thing...it's a different thing. A thing that will take some getting used to...Just like hearing someone call me Mrs. Thomas or having to sign my name. In a matter of months/years...It will fit me like a glove....just like being single SusanV did.

Okc through Sibil's eyes...

For the past two night Scorps has been telling me that Oklahoma isn't THAT bad. She's here from New York on business and staying at the newly remodeled Skirvin Hotel. I tend to think that the fancy digs where she's staying and the fact that she's only here for 3 days and then gets to go back to the great state of New York might be the reason as to why she hasn't found this place as repulsive as most people do.

It's been interesting seeing Oklahoma through Scorp's eyes and listening to her point out positive aspects of the City:
1. The people are friendly- I only realize how friendly Oklahomans are when I find myself ordering coffee from Starbucks in the middle of Manhattan. No one stops to chitchat...they take your order, bark the amount you owe, and yell out that your order's ready. Only then do I take the time to appreciate my neighborhood barrista who greets me with a smile and a warm "hello."
2. It's a quaint city- I've never thought of OKC as being quaint. Small, yes. Boring, definitely. Dead, at times. But, quaint...never.

Ok. so far she's only pointed out 2 things. Tonight I take her to Bricktown...so maybe she'll muster up a few more positive things to add to the list. I'll report back tomorrow with pictures!

cutest little dragon in all the kingdom....

Pictures from Halloween night and my visit from the cutest lil' dragon I've ever seen....LandonTee

Landon: "yah, yah, I know I'm cute...just take the damn picture."

Landon: "Hey dog."
Landon and Mousse staring into each other's eyes

Landon's parents...Val in her Halloween colors and Billy was Midget Mac from the "I love New York" show....uh, but he didn't need a costume. HA!

Landon: "I'm bored...Let's get the goods and blow this joint."

Landon: "Come onnnnnnnnn! Let's goooooooooooo!"

*yawnnnn*....oh. so. tired.

Wasn't it just yesterday that I was complaining that September 15th would just neverrrrrrr come? and here we are...November 1st. Gone are the hot days of summer when the sun was shining until 8pm. Now, there's a chill in the air and the sun is no where to be seen by 6 pm.
I'm not complaining, I enjoy the cooler months...but there's something about the fall/winter that makes you want to get home and stay home. Shopping trips become laborious...visits with friends/family are put off till the weekends and then inevitably never happen...and going to the gym is just plain put off. =/

I don't want to hibernate like a bear this winter. I have lots to do this month...ie, moving. and my buttons are becoming increasingly more difficult to button, which means putting off the gym is not even an option. Somehow, I'm going to have to muster up some strength/enthusiasm/pep to get myself GOING.

Does anyone know if those energy jolly rancher jelly beans really work?!?

Happy H-ween!!!

I think the funnest thing about Halloween is seeing kids in their adorable costumes!! Here's CCL's cute wittle ones...Lola (Lauren) and Ethan!!

Tonight one of my favorite little goblins (Landon) will be visiting me...and I can hardly wait to see him in his costume!! Stay tuned for pictures of that tomorrow!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Back to Creativity

I spent Saturday with my neighbor, a few tubes of paint, and 3 canvases. We are on a mission to get our creative juices flowing, so we decided to take on a new project: completing 3 paintings for the new townhouse. Below is the result of our mission:
Sunday was Valerie's birthday...when I called her to see how she was spending her day, she said that her, Billy, and Landon were on their way home to do a family tradition...carve pumpkin. So, I decided to make it a Thomas tradition as well. Matt and I carved a pumpkin for the first time ever! And we baked the seeds and all...Meet our pumpkin...Harvey!

Meanwhile...our dog, Moussolini was being as cute as ever. I put a little Halloween handkerchief around her neck....and look what she did during family prayer!!...

such a good little pentecostal puppy!

Bonding with her father afterwards...

So this is what happens when you invite guys over for dinner...pictures of Shines and D from last weekend. I'm sure I'll be spending a lot more evenings like this since I'm moving into Shines's neighborhood. Let the good times begin. =/

Where my Girls at?

There was a time that I would sing that song with a car full of girls singing along with me....now, i sing it solo. =/ I do have fun with Matt when we hang out on the weekends...and I do have fun with the guys when I hang out with them and Matt on the weekends...but I do miss my girls. Guy humor is sometimes hard to follow...It especially bites when I go shopping and desperately need a girl's opinion on important things like rug colors and matching accessories.

Husbands are wonderful...but good girlfriends are irreplacable. BF and Sunu will be home in a few weeks....I'm counting down the days. =)

Rules have changed...

The rules have changed now that the Varghese house has become the Thomas house....Mousse used to be restricted from the bed and WHITE couch. But now that her dad is with her all day while I'm at work, he has seemed to bend the rules. Sure, she gets a lot more beat downs than she ever did with me...but somehow she has managed to steal his heart and sway his vote on things that I was a stickler about. I guess I can't blame her...If I was this cute, I'd use my cuteness to get my way too!!

The Definition of Insanity...

My friend Billz celebrated his 33rd birthday yesterday. It's hard to believe he is 33...3, maybe...but 33, no way!! He was nice enough to invite me and Matt to his family's birthday celebration at his parents' home. The following pictures reflect his true madness...Billy and his Mommy. How she's put up with this boy for 33 years, I'll never know.
I wanted to take a decent picture of the two of us...but, Billy is incapable of decency.

After dinner, Billy's bro put in some old videos of all of us when we were kids...way back when in 1984. I can't believe I've been friends with this kid since then...As nuts as he often is, I wouldn't trade him in for anything!

oh the injustice!

I know I'm moving out in a few weeks...and I really shouldn't complain about the apartments when I don't have very much longer to put up with them...But, I'm going to complain anyway! I've totally had it. It's one thing putting up with insane neighbors...


*like exconvict, who sports Paris Hilton glasses and an acid washed handbag...and totes around a pestering poodle that has little dog syndrome.


* like mr. obsessive compulsive who stands at his car for 10 minutes checking to see if the front door is locked, back door is locked, front door is locked, back door is locked, front door is locked, back door is locked....etc


*like "Gary Jerry George," who has nothing in his apartment except plastic crates, and walks in twice a day with 2 briefcases and walks out precisely half an hour later.


I can actually deal with them...it's management I can't deal with! So, nevermind the fact that there is trash strewn on the lawns...and that if something is broken, it'll never get fixed...Today...they pushed me to my limit.


It started last night when Matt and I were doing laundry. We noticed the new sign on the door..."Laundry closes at 10 pm and re-opens at 8 am" I didn't think I'd have a problem with this new time schedule...But, I also didn't know that about an hour later, my husband would cram two loads of wash into ONE dryer. So there we were, at 9:45...half of the clothes were still wet. I was okay with that. I figured it could dry overnight, and I'd pick it up in the morning before work. Suddenly "bluff creek laundry patrol" shows up, telling me to hurry cuz it was 5 minutes until 10. Really? how's that possible when I just checked and saw. ...9:45. I turned to Matt and made my hand signal for "gimme change." He stuck his hand into his empty pocket and then told me he left it at home. *GREAT* Instead of offering to let him go run and get it, the Bluff Creek Patrol came up with another brilliant suggestion..."why don't you lay your clothes on the floor at home and let it dry." Wow...what a genious idea to lay my CLEAN clothes on the floor to dry. I was beyond irked at this point...and opted to leave my half-dry clothes...wet in the dryer over night. At 8:15 am...I hurried to the laundry with 75 cents in hand to dry my clothes. The door to the room was LOCKED. At 8:30 am...the door was LOCKED again! So, now i'm ticked...why post a sign with times and then not open or close them at the right time?!? whyyyyyyy?

*breathe...inhale...exhale*

Weekend update...

Matt and I spent the weekend doing a little bit of nothing. We packed up the awesome picnic basket that Miss Cookie got us for our wedding gift and headed downtown to the gardens for a leisurely picnic. It was nice...the weather was beautiful and the food was good!I was trying to catch some zzz's...but Matt wouldn't let me.
a fun upshot...

Friday night, I met our photographer at the gardens to pick up our cd of engagment pictures. He took about 17...and of those, I liked less than half. Here's the ones that turned out decent.

In other news...I put a deposit down on a townhouse. We're moving next month!!

Pictures From San Antonio...BooYah!

I had a fabulous time in San Antonio with SusanTee and her tribe...especially with this lil' one, "JP." He kept me entertained by his raspy little voice, his squealy laugh, his too-big flipflops with his tiny foot indentions, etc.etc...I could go on for days. Apparently he learned the word "BooYah" from a tv show his daddy watches and officially dubbed me and Matt as BooYah Aunty and BooYah Uncle. I have a million nicknames...I guess JP made it a million and one.SueTee and me at the Riverwalk
Will the real SusanTee please stand up?

Riverwalk fun with Matt

Matt trying to be HeMan and JP along for the ride

I'm the only one who pays attention in this family

Me and Matt at Sea World

Suex2 at Sea World

JP was in a trance by one of the shows...

JP and Mommy on Pirate ship

Just when you thought the wedding pictures were over....they're not!!!

Sue and Sonia

Andrew, Missy, Beenz, and Mom

5 fabulous guys

He walked me down the aisle...My dad's oldest and most favored cousin/brother

Cousin Faith singingVows...he whispered his...I shouted mine

The Illustrious Finuji...the prettiest guest book attendent I ever did see!

Sang *just had twins and is still as cute as ever* and Sunu

My sweet BF

Suave Sujith

My wedding singer, Jason J

Derrick

Us...he's smiling!

Matt and I
Rick, Me, and Sonia with the date covering her grill...ha!

That's all folks