Count Your Blessings!

While there is much to be concerned about with the economy, the job market, the uncalled for crime in many cities, and the values of many of our youth Thanksgiving is a time to stop complaining for a moment and reflect on the GOOD in your life. For me, 2009 has been an interesting year but nonetheless, I have PLENTY to be thankful for! 


Family - my family has always been an important part of my life but a lot of that focus was on immediate family for a long time. Through Facebook I have connected with (and even met) cousins and other extended family whom I rarely ever talk to. We share event photos, talk about what's new and old in our lives and have even made plans to connect when we are in the same city. I have heard a lot of people talk about their lack of interest in Facebook and other social networking site, but I'm a believer in the connections it can provide. Then its up to you to do the work.


Friends - the Lupus walk this fall was an awesome opportunity to support my best friend of 25 years as she continues to win her battles with lupus. I reconnected with old roommates, sorority sisters I hadn't seen in years and took WAY too many girls' trips for one year! Despite the incurred debt, the memories are irreplaceable and I wouldn't trade them for the world!


Love - my relationship with "Bobby" continues to grow and we have found true love but have an even greater friendship and appreciation for each other. This year has been a bit of a struggle for us as individuals with a lot of big decisions that we've started to make together. Most of my friends would never have used the word "romantic" to describe me, but for some reason, he brings out a lot of traits that were hidden for so long.


Career - while I can't go into much detail, all I can say is I am setting myself up for bigger and better opportunities career-wise that will take me on an entirely new path in life. I have the most amazing support group and professional network!


Health - I FINALLY decided to take my health and my future more seriously and start making changes. A little at a time over the years has helped, but not enough. I am determined to change my diet to help myself and to support Sharon as I force her to do the same so we can live many, many more decades as healthy, fun women!


Life - the saying that "everyday is not guaranteed" has never been more apparent. It is so important to live your life to the fullest! There is soooo much to be thankful for but the ability to wake up and experience it one more day is a blessing in itself.


I hope you take a moment to reflect on what you are thankful for this Thursday and share it with family and friends. Let them know how much they mean to you. Oh, and one last thing, don't put the macaroni in the oven after its already done... be sure to ask first. Just had to put that disclaimer on there. (LOL)


My item of the day are these AWESOME cookies by Edith + Ethel. 

  

Not only are the fresh baked, they are HUGE and so very tasty. They make awesome and inexpensive gifts for the holiday to family, friends, coworkers and even clients or vendors! The Oatmeal Golden Raisin are my favorite, but they all taste great!!


I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!!! 
(For laughs, here's me against the turkey last year!)

Homecoming Recap

Last week had the opportunity to return to my undergraduate alma mater and spend a few days “on the yard”. The celebration also included a number of events with my line sisters as we celebrated our 10th anniversary as women of Alpha Kappa Alpha. I had an awesome time!


In a previous post I mentioned my search for the perfect part dress to wear to homecoming. I settled on the “Crush (Sweet) on You” dress by French Connection. Given the choice between black and red, I went with red, because I absolutely love to stand out! Macy’s had a sale going on that reduced the price quite significantly. Coupled with a credit from a past return, the price was right on target! I completed my ensemble with a pair of Zigi Soho Zipora ankle boots from DSW (used a few coupon codes and saved 30% off plus shipping!) Not the greatest pic of me in the dress, but it will do… LOL

 

In “The Hole” with my two “adopted big brothers” wearing their respective colors…





This is a party going on at 2PM… if you’ve never experienced an HBCU homecoming you probably can’t understand…





Hanging out with my gorgeous line sister and fellow blogger over at “OH BABY!!!”...





It was a good trip back, after 5 years away. Good to see all the changes to the campus, and most importantly, get one of those good ol’ Jefferson Street fried fish sandwiches with hot sauce and white bread…





For the Item of the day, I am researching “wedge pillows”. As a “victim” of acid reflux for many years now, I have finally decided to quit being lazy and fight back. In my search for behavioral and dietary suggestions (including NOT eating FRIED fish, on WHITE bread, with HOT sauce on it) I read numerous times that elevating the bed 6-8 inches is an easy remedy. Well, i have a fear of my bed sliding off the bricks/blocks or whatever I use to elevate it so I’ve never done it. Well, apparently wedge pillows will give the same effect. Probably takes some getting used to, sleeping in that position, but I’m willing to try it. Adding it to my Christmas list now… I‘m not sure which one to get, some look ok…





while others look downright uncomfortable…





I guess we’ll find out!

Don't do what I do, kids!

Rough day for me is entertainment for you...