I think every Indian who tuned in to the Oscars felt some pride last night. When they announced "Slumdog Millionaire" won best movie, I stood and cheered as if I had written the screenplay myself!! I was especially excited to see the kids from the movie there last night....looking adorable and dressed to the nines!

I can't even imagine how excited they were to be there....One day, they were playing around in the slums of Mumbai and the next...they were at the Oscars! Just goes to show that you never know where the road to life will to take you.

Friendship, Love, and Loyalty?

The topic of today’s discussion is “loyalty.” It’s something that’s been on my brain this weekend, and I’m kind of curious how the rest of the blogosphere feels about the subject. The question is how much loyalty can you expect from your friends and love ones before you cross the line?

I have one friend who has spoiled me by her fierce loyalty. It’s the one trait in her that sets her apart from everyone else…and the one that I appreciate beyond measure. When someone has hurt me or offended me, she too takes it personally. In her mind, it doesn’t matter that the person never did anything to her…she takes offense to her friend’s offense.

There have been several million times, when I have witnessed closed friends cozy up to, exchange niceties, and befriend someone who has hurt me…and it merely re-opens the wound and pours acid in it . I try my best not to let it bother me, but for some reason, it gets the best of me every single time.

Sometimes I have to stop and ask myself if I would be the same way? Would I be overtly mean to someone who never wronged me, but wronged someone I care about? I think back to certain cases…I have definitely followed through on my instinct to be loyal…but sometimes I haven’t…I couldn’t bring myself to give the cold shoulder to someone who I didn’t feel really did anything “wrong” in the tiff with my friend. Which brings me back to the question…. how much loyalty can you expect from your friends and love ones before you cross the line?

25 random facts about me...

1. I hate can cake frosting…which is why I learned to make my own and will now never go back to the can!
2. I can’t watch movies that depict cruelty or violence against another human…(like the Pianist – I spent most of that movie sitting in another room)
3. I’m very competitive and at times, a very bad sport...I don't play often, but when I do, I play to win.
4. I am at my best when I’m planning/organizing an event.
5. I never forget a name or a face.
6. I rather feel cold than hot
7. I think doing crafts is therapeutic
8. I never carry cash, so don't bother mugging me.
9. I believe in ghosts...and have had a few ghostly interactions...believe it or not
10. Some people are scared of snakes or rats, I’m scared of prison. I can’t drive past one with out getting the shivers.
11. I have a secret singing voice that is really good, but no one’s heard it.
12. I am a recovering coca cola addict.
13. I have extra bones in both of my feet.
14. I find black head extraction fascinating
15. I have been working on thinking of 25 facts for the past 4 hours and still have 10 more to go!
16. I’m too scared to watch the show “unsolved mysteries” alone.
17. As hard as I try, I can never keep my car clean...and to be honest, I don't try all that hard either
18. I can’t drive at night with out my glasses…and sometimes I can’t even drive with my glasses! 19. My pet peeve is when people don't say they're sorry.
20. I was once interviewed for a PBS show….that I’m quite certain that no one watched…cuz even I didn’t.
21. When I have to speak in public, my lip quivers like Elvis.
22. I am pretty good at understanding conversational Spanish, but not speaking it.
23. I talk to my cousins every day....they are very amusing.
24. I love eye shadow (even though I don’t wear it very often anymore)
25. I would love to be an entrepreneur

For the Love of God....

In the month of February, love of is pretty much in our face at every turn. Whether it’s the sappy commercials for diamonds on television or the glittery hearts dangling from the ceiling of supermarkets…we are constantly reminded of the love we either do or do not possess in our lives. Although some don’t like to admit it, most humans spend a lot of their time seeking love. We yearn for functional love from our often dysfunctional families, brotherly love from our friends and peers, and romantic love from that special someone. Romantic love can sometimes be the most dangerous. We place all our expectations on another to “complete” us, which is not only impossible, but an irrational idea.

Once we find the love that we’ve sought long and hard for, we tend to do whatever it takes to keep it. We bend over backwards, make sacrifices, and sometimes put up with nonsense, although we know in the back of our minds that one mistake, one misunderstanding, one tragic circumstance could end our relationship.

And then there’s the unconditional, eternal love that most of us have grown up hearing and knowing about….the love of God. I can’t remember how many times I’ve recited John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son…” And although, most of us have knowledge of this love, we don’t seek it, we don’t understand it, and we don’t accept it.

I’ve seen God change the lives of several people who decided to take a chance and accept His love for them….He turned their lives from dull and lackluster to brilliant and promising…He made impossible situations possible…He replaced hearts filled with doubt and fear into hearts filled with peace and joy…and best of all, He saved their souls and offered eternal life.

As I reflected upon all of this over the weekend, I realized that I am definitely one of those people who knows of God’s love, but I don’t understand the depth of it….and then I heard this song. I typed the lyrics below for all of you…in hopes that it would minister to you as it has to me…in hopes that it would encourage you to open your heart and accept the free gift of love that God has given to you and experience the depth of it…It’s the one love that lasts forever…that knows no limits….the one love worth having.

Oh Lord You’ve searched me,
You know my way;
Even when I fail You,
I know You love me.
Your holy presenceSurrounding me
In every season,
I know You love me;
I know You love me.

Chorus: At the cross I bow my knee,
Where Your blood was shed for me,
There’s no greater love than this.
You have overcome the grave,
Your glory fills the highest place,
What can separate me now?

Verse 2:
You go before me,
You shield my way,
Your hand upholds me;
I know You love me.
And when the earth fades,
Falls from my eyes,
And You stand before me,
I know You love me;
I know You love me.

The 90’s...It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. When I think back to that era, I see myself in my mind’s eyes, driving my cherry, red Mitsubishi Eclipse, windows rolled down, frizzy head bobbin’ as KJ103 blared “Biggie, Biggie, Biggie, can’t you see? Sometimes your words just hypnotize me.” It was my song…not sure why, but it was. “Hypnotize” was the first song that moved me to the dance floor where I showcased my awkward moves in front of shocked onlookers.

I guess it was memories of the good ol’ days that inspired me to go watch “Notorious”, the movie about the life of rapper, Christopher Wallace. Oddly enough, I went to watch it alone. Matt was working…and even if he wasn’t, I didn’t think it was the type of film that would pique his interest. My nephew, Aaron would have watched it with me, but he is 3 years too young to watch Rated R….and as his aunt, I think it’s safe to say that I’d never want to watch a Rated R movie with him anyway. I went to a Friday night showing…and was a little nervous about getting capped outside on my way into the theater, so I made sure to where my East Cost paraphernalia to play it safe. Guards stood outside the auditorium checking id’s with their semi-automatics nestled safely at their hip. (I’m not sure if the guns were semi-automatics…but I’ve always wanted use that in a sentence). Nevertheless, they were intimidating and it made me a bit more nervous for my safety. Was getting capped worth watching this movie?

When a family of four walked in…with their three year old child and ten year old…I figured I was safe. But wondered if the kids were? Why do parents bring their kids to Rated R movies? Especially one like this?? Hello…Biggie had relations with Lil’ Kim!...You think they weren’t going to depict her raunchiness in aN explicit way? The R moments made me cringe so I can only imagine how the kids felt!

At the very end of the film…an old familiar song came on….”Biggie, Biggie, Biggie…can’t you see? Sometimes your words just hypnotize me…” And as the audience filtered out of the auditorium (passing the cops with their semi-automatics)….we were all singing along with the song…It was like the anthem of the 90’s!!....Afterwards, I found myself driving home, window rolled down, frizzy head bobbin’ as the radio blared my song.

Lotsa updates!

Excuse my absence...I'm still not well, but yesterday was a big day for some special people so congratulations are in order....

First, congratulations to Sunu and Aby...they were married yesterday. I swiped a picture from DM (you can find a few more there as well) of the lovely bride. She is beginning her new life with her hubby in Kuwait now...so no more round table talks or mudslide runs any time soon.

Next...I'm an aunt again!...My cousins Bobby and Neesha had a precious baby boy, Kaleb....which makes Maddicake a big sister now. Aren't they a beautiful family?

Last but not least....Happy birthday Nik! I pray that this new year of your life will be filled with many blessings and lots of joy!

It's official...he's President Obama

Well folks, we have a new president! Being at home sick sucks...but, the good thing that came of it is that I got to see the inauguration festivities! It was amazing to see the crowds in Washington, and touching to hear the stories of the people, and emotional to see the nation's first African-American being sworn in. Although this is a very difficult time for Americans, it's also an exciting time...Hopefully this will be the first of many great changes for this country!

"LISA, YOU'RE AWESOME!"

Big ups to my CCL...she ran in the Houston Marathon this weekend! It was her first marathon...and not only did she live to talk about it, but she said it was a fun and enjoyable experience!

Since she's so shy and modest...she threatened my life if I posted a shout out...but, from past experience, I know that her bark is much worse than her bite! (Thanks for posting pics on FB cousin Alex...cuz I know she wouldn't have sent them to me in a million years!)

Lis, I'm super proud of you! You took our "Toughest Race in Texas" experience and ran with it...(literally) and me and Tee...well...maybe we'll follow suit one of these days.

Survey time!....

Taking the lead from J. Banana...

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now?
Ehh…nothing I’m proud of…junk mail, a fast food bag, and a spoon (I have no idea how it got there!)

2. What's your favorite curse word?
Asshole. It’s very descriptive, yet to the point.

3. Name 3 people who made you smile today?
Sadly, I haven’t yet smiled today.

4. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
Contemplating whether I was well enough to go to church today.

5. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Reading one of my writing projects and trying to muster up the strength to finish it.

6. What will you be doing 3 hours from now?
Maybe venturing out for some lunch…or ransacking my fridge.

7. Have you ever been to a strip club?
no, thanks…nor do I intend to.

9. What is the last thing you said aloud?
”Move it, Mousse.”

10. What is the best ice cream flavor?
I’m with Janna on this one…Lime sorbet…there’s nothing better.

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Fat free milk.

12. What was the last thing you ate?
half of a phenomenal sandwich matt ordered from a Venenzuelan resteraunt. It combined steak meat, ripened plantain, potatoe sticks and swiss cheese!

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
Yes, I know this is going to be shocking to you guys…a BLACK SWEATER! 6$ Super Target. =)

15. What's the last sporting event you watched?
A very sad college football game between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Florida. Boomer. Sooner.

16. Who is the last person you emailed?
My friend Terrence at BOC

17. Ever go camping?
Ok, I just smiled. So this answers the question to #3…Jana made me smile when I read her answer to this question. My answer is…no I haven’t but, I’d like to go to Disney’s Ft. Wilderness. I figure the wild animals out there are probably wearing costumes.

18. Do you have a tan?
My color well surpasses a tan.

19. Do you drink your soda from a straw?
Not really…I usually drink it from a glass. However, since I’m a recovering addict…I try to go easy on the soda…I only drink it socially.

20. What did your last IM say?
”I drove back to your house last night to check the door…it was locked.”

21. Are you someone's best friend?
I better be after driving 45 minutes to check her already locked front door.

22. What are you doing tomorrow?
either working or making a doctors appointment. =/

23. Where is your mom right now?
At Home….in Oklahoma
-
24. Look to your left, what do you see?
A keyboard. Apparently Matt thought it was a good idea to buy it from my nephew at his garage sale. I guess he had hopes that it would some how inspire his wife to pick up piano playing again. It hasn’t.

25. What color is your watch?
Silver.

26. What do you think of when you think of Australia ?
Jay. Whitney’s boyfriend on the City. He looks a lot like Jesus.

27. Would you consider plastic surgery?
no, but lipo intrigues me

28. What is your birthstone?
opal, I believe….and I would definitely love an opal ring…*cough, cough*

29.How many kids do you want?
Unlike Jana, I don’t think one is the lonliest number. I think it’d be just perfect for me. I can barely maintain a household with one dog and one husband…so how would I handle more than one kid? But, if I had two, I defnitely wouldn’t send one back.

30. Do you have a dog?
Yes, my beautiful girl….Mousse. The other day, a guy was driving down the road and stopped his car in traffic to ask if Mousse was girl. Apparently he had a boy lab and wanted them to “have a lil’ fun.”….because Mousse is beautiful and they’d have great pups. Uh, thanks but no thanks.

31. Last person you talked to on the phone?
my sister…to inform her that I’m not well enough to meet her at church today.

32. Have you met anyone famous?
Yes, Arjun Rampal (a bollywood actor and former model)

33. Any plans today?
I was looking forward to playing Uno with my nephew and sister…but, that was just canceled.

34. How many states have you lived in?
Illinois
Texas
Oklahoma
Florida = 4

35. Ever go to college?
Yep, University of Central Oklahoma

36. Where are you right now?
At home, upstairs, infront of my computer

37. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
I have too many to get into at the moment

38. Last song listened to?
Hypnotize-Biggie

39. Are you allergic to anything?
no known allergies

40. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
I just bought some wedge heel sandals…I think they’re going to become my new favs

41. Are you jealous of anyone?
You know, I would have never thought I would be the jealous type…but here lately…I’ve seen the green-eyed monster in me creep up.

42. What time is it?
10:59 am

43 Do any of your friends have children?
Pretty much all of them...

44. What do you usually do during the day?
oh my days are fascinating…I process timeshare contracts…as I dream of what I’d really like to be doing.

45. Has something upset you lately?
Oh something is always upsetting me….I think I’m becoming easily upsettable

46. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
No, but I use the word “ Yo” every day. =)

47. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
the big three five

48. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Unfortunately…3 times. The first time, my cousin Shaji took me…it was an enjoyable experience because he didn’t force me to get on rollercoasters, which I HATE. The 2nd time, I went with my cousins….they promised me that I could get on the water rides IF I rode the roller coasters with them first…then they threatened to throw my favorite yankees cap off unless I kept my eyes open. So, I did…very hesitantly…and then CONVENIENTLY…the park was closing and it was too late to get on the water rides. The 3rd time…I went with the girls…I got sick and sat out on the coasters…Me and BF decided it was time for lunch and went to a place called Chubbies. The other girls came back from the coasters and began looking for us….saw Chubbies, and said…”oh they’ve got to be in there!” how rude!

Jana, where's 49-53???????????

54. How did you get one of your scars?
forehead scar…my sister was chasing me and I ran into the wall. Boy did she get her ass beat that day! Buahaha

55. What is your best personality trait?
My constant positivity! (haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa)

I’ve noticed something over the past several months. But, every time the thought enters my mind, I quickly sweep it under the rug. I choose to live in denial, I guess…and “I ain’t talkin’ about the river.” However, it’s getting to a point that denial isn’t really working for me anymore. The obvious is staring me in the face these days….

I’m losing it, my creativity, that is. Blogging used to be a daily ritual….my fifteen minutes to stand on my soap box and tell the world what I really thought of it...my one remaining link to the writer that’s buried somewhere within. As my good friend DM pointed out to me last week…I’ve been blogging since 2005. Always the encourager...he’s been this blog’s life support over the past several months. Some days…it was the sheer thought of his disappointment that kept me from calling it quits altogether.

It’s not just blogging…it’s the pictures too. I loved toting my camera with me everywhere I went…it got to a point where it was kind of embarrassing. I couldn’t simply meet up with a friend at Starbucks with out my camera nestled safely in my purse ready to pull out for an “artistic shot” or an “upshot” at any given moment. Very rarely was a special moment missed…I have a hard drive full of captured memories. Now? I have to be reminded to take the camera along…and if it actually lands in my purse, it’s rarely used.

With the price of gas creeping up again…and grocery prices being higher than I ever remember. I feel like buying a canvas is frivolous…and painting is a guilty pleasure, which I no longer partake in. Not to mention, I’ve run out of walls to put paintings on. =/

Yesterday, I was asked to help someone with a bit of wedding planning. As I made a few phone calls for the bride and put my thinking cap on to come up with ideas for centerpieces and favors, a familiar feeling came over me. It was a brief, sneak peak into the person I used to be….The person who literally got a high off when planning a shower.

What is it that they say in recovery programs? Admitting the problem is the first step to recovery? If so, maybe I’m on the long road to finding myself again….to igniting the flame that life somehow blew out. It’s disappointing, to say the least…to feel that doing the things you love to do isn’t practical…and when washing dishes and doing the laundry takes precedence over doing something that brings true satisfaction. *sigh*

It seems like just yesterday that my good friend Scooby Dooby Ruby got married, but nearly two years have passed...and now her and Abu have a new addition to their family! Baby boy David was supposed to be a 2009 baby, but he was bound and determined to make the final few days of 2008...great! Isn't he adorable?

Congrats Ruby and Abu...

Apparently I need to post a blog…I’ve been getting inquiries from far and near. Oddly enough, blogging more was one of my resolutions. Apparently I’m not doing too good with that one. I’m just at a loss for words these days…as shocking as that might be to some of you. I guess I’ll start off with wishing… the few readers I have left…a very Happy Belated New Year.

This year I spent the last few minutes of 2008 at Magic Kingdom. I thought it was a very Orlando-ish thing to do. Mickey and his friends celebrated by a grand firework show in front of Cinderella’s palace….a very enjoyable experience, I must say. Christmas, on the other hand was not quite so festive. Matt was working, so I went to my sister’s for Christmas Brunch. Afterwards, we went to watch 7 Pounds, the new Will Smith movie. It was fabulous…despite the fact that my sister fell asleep for the first half. (I filled her in on what she missed…and some of what she didn’t…I decided to add a few of my own characters and plot for fun…so all was well). Then, I took Matt some Christmas food (a quarter pounder meal) for lunch and sat with him at work until he left. I tried to make a traditional Christmas dinner for the 2 of us…Cornish hens, stuffing, potatoes, and a pie. It was a very low-key, uneventful Christmas. My favorite gift this year was the Dirt Devil Broom Vac my sister bought me. For those of you who have no clue what that is…it’s a broom and a vacuum in one…so you never need a dust pan again! It’s fabulous!

So, I think that’s gotten you all caught up with what’s been going on this with me this holiday season. I think this includes enough information to be a post….so yeah me!!...the first post of 2009…(and hopefully not the last). I will leave you with some pictures for your viewing pleasure...

My neighbors house....Nearly every house on my street was decorated with lights...and then there was my house. It looked like it belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Scrooge. =/

Cinderella's castle on NYE....Madison and her uncle Matt. They were doing a bit of a role reversal that day...He smiled like she normally does...and she didn't...like he normally doesn't. =)
Me, Matt, and Maddicake...she's wearing her home pants...I just love her home pants!

So, the red beans turned out good. But, I don’t think I’ll be making it again. It takes too long to soak, boil, and cook. It’s way too much work for beans. But thank you to those of you who left suggestions and emailed me recipes. It was much appreciated.

In other news, Saturday evening was spent with my friend DM, who was kind enough to take our Christmas pictures. I had such expectations….after seeing his recent shoots with some of my friends. However, I think the Thomas family was his greatest challenge yet. Our four legged, furry child was not cooperating in the least. She wouldn’t stay still for a millisecond and insisted on letting her tongue hang out for the entire photo shoot. Not to mention the fact that Matt and I are not “picture people”…but for some reason, I had a glimmer of hope for my little family to take a good picture. The photography was great…but the subjects need a lil’ help.

Beans, Beans...the magical fruit! The more you eat...the more you....

A few months ago, three large bags of dry beans appeared in my pantry closet. After closely inspecting them with disgust, I discovered the bags consisted of chick peas, lentils, and red beans. Matt had officially decided that we would incorporate beans into our diet….cuz well, they’re apparently chalked full of proteins and necessary nutrients. Bleh.

I put it off for a long time….and ignored his pleas to attempt to try to make something with these beans. He officially got tired of waiting and took it upon himself to try a recipe with the dried chick peas. Much to my surprise, they were actually edible…and quite good. The next day, I went to work and my quad-buddy, told me that she ate beans all the time…cuz well, they’re chalked full of proteins and very good for you.

For some reason, when SHE said it, it sparked my interest. I went around the office asking for recipes for red beans. Since a lot of my co-workers are Hispanic, they had lots of recipes for red beans…since it’s staple food for them. But, most of them suggested re-fried beans with canned beans. No one knew anything about DRIED beans.

So, I decided I was going to take on the challenge and figure out how in the world to make red beans and rice with dried beans. I soaked them for a day and half…and the dumb beans still weren’t tender. I cut up onions, bell pepper, and chunks of ham…threw it all in a crock pot overnight…and they STLL weren’t tender. Matt suggested we boil the whole concoction on the stove for a while…so we did that…for 45 minutes and the beans finally softened. I threw it back in the crockpot and they’ve been cooking with all the rest of the goodies all day long.

I’m anxious to see what it looks like once I get home. And, if it’s any good…I’ll share the recipe in the next blog. Here’s to hopin’ it turns out good cuz if not, I haven’t a clue as to what I’m going to do with the rest of this 3 pound bag of dried red beans!

Encouraging word of the day:
O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8

I decided to change up the word of the day a little bit. In my office we have a memo board hanging in my quad. As of late, the air in the office has been full of negativity and people's spirits have been very low...including mine. So, I took it upon myself to use the memo board to write encouraging quotes. Now, my quad buddies take it upon themselves to find quotes as well and we all use it as a tool to mutually encourage each other in not-so encouraging circumstances. So, I thought I'd try doing the same thing on my blog.

God knows these are HARD times. I'm sure lots of you are dealing with the economic crunch and other personal issues that plague our mind with worry and lives with stress. So, I figured we could all use a little encouragement...a little reminder of where our hope lays.

All that being said...Today is BF's first day back to work after maternity leave. I'm quite sure she'll be too busy answering questions about Madison to check out the blog today...but just in case she tunes in today....I hope you're having a great day, Sonia...and I hope it goes by fast for ya! Rest assured that Maddicake is in good hands...and she'll be squealing in delight when she sees you when you get home! (like she always does!)

The other day I read a blog post by my blogger-buddy, Sibil. In her post, she admitted that she’s in a weird place with her blog. She longs to write the unadulterated truth, but fears how her readers might react to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth…so help her God.

I’ve felt the same way many times. I’m not sure my feelings about posting the truth are the same feelings that Sib has about posting the truth.... My feelings are based on one simple question…How much is too much? Often times, I’ve found myself becoming a backsliding blogger just because the things that were going on in my head…and in my life…didn’t consist of blog appropriate material. It seems weird to censor yourself on your own site. Sometimes, you just want to say it like it is. We put ourselves “out there”…but how much is too much?

It’s both nice AND weird to know that there are people out there who tune into my blog that I don’t know on a personal level. On one hand, it’s kinda cool to know that someone thinks my writing is entertaining enough to come back and check me out again. On the other hand, it’s kind of scary to know that just by the things I write on this blog, perfect strangers have opinions about who I am, what I say, and what I do.

I think blogs like “DOOCE” are so hugely popular because professional blogger, Heather Armstrong keeps it real…and her REAL is really entertaining. This is also why reality TV has become so big over the years as well. People like to watch other dysfunctional people because it’s nice to know they’re not the only ones with dysfunction.

I’m not sure I’ll ever come to a point where I will let it all hang out. But, I do promise to continue to write as much as I can about the day in the life of SueVee.

A Week of Thankfulness-Part 3

I'm thankful for...
Thanksgiving dinner leftovers. I won't be cooking for at least a week and a 1/2! Yeehaw! What did we have for dinner?

1 ten pound turkey
Boston Butt...aka pork shoulder
sage sausage stuffing
sweet potatoe casserole
cranberry conserve
corn casserole
green bean casserole
rolls
mac n' cheese
rum cake
apple cinnamon cake
cupcake cupcake birthday cake
candybar brownies

If you're craving any of the above...come on over. I've got more!

A Week of Thankfulness~ Part 2

I'm thankful for....

my BF, who just so happens to be a birthday girl today! Happy 30th Birthday, Sonia! I'm excited to actually be in the same state with you on your birthday and look forward to celebrating with you tomorrow!

A Week of Thankfulness~ Part 1

WOTD:
litany • \LIH-tuh-nee\ • noun
1 : a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation
2 a : a resonant or repetitive chant
*b : a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration
c : a sizable series or set
Sentence: When I came home, I heard a litany of excuses as to why the dishes were not washed.

I'm thankful....

* that although I'm far from home, I will have a house full of fellow Okies over for Thanksgiving dinner.

*that in this time of economic crisis, I have a job and a roof over my head.

*that after six months at the job, I finally have two friends!!!

*that although I heard some very bad news over the weekend....God is in control over the situation...and with Him there's always hope.

*for the friends I have back home. Over the past six months, I've learned who really values friendship in the same way I do. I am blessed to have friends who don't feel that I'm out of mind because I'm out of sight. They still pick up the phone and call me...they return my calls...and they email to see how I'm doing. I don't have to give shout outs to them...because they know who they are.

*for a husband who never complains about what I feed him....

*for the most beautiful dog in the world!

*for my new TV!

gravid • \GRAV-id\ • adjective
*1 : pregnant
2 : distended with or full of eggs

There seems to be an abundance of gravid women among my circle of friends.

My friend, Fin emailed me the other day...and listed a few of the interesting things on her mind. I thought a random listing of random thoughts might be a good blog post for those days when I have very little going on and even less to say.

So here we go...the thoughts floating around in my brain:
*Remember to wish Julie Tee gone Vee a very happy birthday on Facebook .
*Cherry Coke Zero is a diabetic's best friend.
*There's no reality TV on Thursday nights.
*I need to make my Thanksgiving dinner shopping list and drag myself to the evil walmart.
*The new mommies must be called this weekend to see how they're faring.
*What's up with the word "swagger?" I never heard it before and now Brittney's saying, MIA is saying it, T Pain is saying it, Mario Lopez is saying it! What exactly is it?!?
*Speaking of T Pain, his song "chopped and skrewed" has me convinced that I could seriously have a future as a hip hop singer if only I had a voice box machine.

And finally, Thank the Lord Jehovah it's Friday!