Over the holiday season and throughout our vacation- I’ve done a lot of cooking for a lot of people and also bought some new treats that I haven’t seen before. I love discovering new products and was thrilled when I came across chimes ginger chews, not only for myself (because I’m a huge ginger fan) but also for mom and diddy, since I know how much they love ginger as well. I’ve got that on the list for the next ‘gift’ for them and I can’t wait to surprise them. I love little surprise gifties.
January 21, 2013
Home in Two Places
I spent the day in the company of friends and family yesterday- as I have much every day the past couple of weeks. It makes me smile- and warms my heart beyond words at how much love I feel from the people in my life. I know that when I leave here I’m leaving one home- but I’m going back to another, where I’ll be greeted with open arms and again, much love and acceptance.
Is it hard to leave? Yes and no. Bittersweet is the best way I can describe it. I’ve so missed our home, our family and friends at home and of course, the fabulous JJ and Mister M. I can’t wait to get settled back in to work and life at home, but I’m going to miss this one.
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January 9, 2013
New Year
Wow- It’s hard to believe that it’s been two weeks since I last wrote in this space or in any blogging capacity- but things have been ‘hopping’ around here. Right after Christmas we went to the mountains as a complete family and had a fantastic time. We stayed in a chalet there and it was fun to have us all together on a vacation since my brother and I were teens. (That’s a LONG time ago!)
Once we got back- it was time to ring in the new year- which we did right here at mom and diddy’s surrounded by friends, and with an adventure of hiking in the swamp on New Year’s Day. Yes, that ended up being more than an adventure, since I fell in the mud. It was hilarious though and made for a good laugh, but my first lesson of the year was never go hiking the swamps in Mary Jane shoes.
This year is shaping up to be a good one. I’m so grateful for the doors that have opened up to me over the last year and look forward to seeing good things happening this year. I’ve been blessed with so many ‘real’ and wonderful friends and I look forward to those friendships growing even more this year.
I feel grateful for the lessons learned last year- even the ones that came through painful experiences. I am a firm believer that all things happen for a reason, and even though some things I didn’t necessarily understand at the time- later on, I realized that only by letting go and accepting that I don’t have to understand- that it opened the doors for many other blessings that I may have missed had I been looking and focusing on what was.
I don’t take anything for granted because I do know that nothing at all is promised. The only thing I know for sure is that I have this moment, and I’m loving each and every one I’m given.
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Fun and Photo Sessions
This past weekend I went downtown for a Senior portrait photo shoot with a very sweet friend. She had asked me before we ever came, if I would mind doing her graduation photos- and I was more than happy to give it a go. While downtown we came across a beautiful st francis statue for garden and took a few shots near it. At the end of the session I ended up with close to 500 photos. Some were obviously not great, but some ended up really good. I’ve got to finish going through them and get the proofs onto a cd for her soon. It won’t be long now before we head back home- and I need to have them done before we fly out.
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December 24, 2012
Happy Christmas Eve!
After waking up to the sound of rain falling- I’m peering outside as I type this and see that the sun has made an appearance. Mom says that it’s really humid out- with mild temps, but tapping on the heels of all that is yet another cold front, so cooler weather is yet again on its way. I’d forgotten how crazy Southern Mississippi weather can be this time of the year, but it’s a lot milder than years past- or at least that’s how I am remembering it anyway.
It’s hard for me to believe that it’s Christmas Eve. Tomorrow, Christmas Day. Tonight we will spend the evening with people I love dearly, and tomorrow we’re having a relaxing and laid back Christmas- with our festivities happening for supper instead of the late lunch that it has traditionally been. We’re also having soup- which I love the idea of- plus Christmas breakfast- something I don’t think we’ve ever done since we always eat so early.
What are you doing for Christmas? Whatever it is- I hope you find yourself surrounded by much love and joy!
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December 21, 2012
Gratitude
I love my family! I have been excited about being here, but because of all the things that had happened (shootings etc.) I’d really been struggling to feel anything but sadness at the loss by so many this time of the year, but finally- two days ago- in the midst of cupcake baking- it hit me.
I’m grateful- for the silly cats that make me laugh on a daily basis- for my mom, diddy and Matt- for Marcel and for my absolutely fantastic friends. The ones that have VIP ringside seats to the inner circle- who love me for who I am- imperfections and all. For the email I received yesterday saying that my cupcakes are the best this person had ever eaten- for the reason of this season CHRISTmas. I’m grateful- for the pain and frustrations that have taught me life lessons… for letting go and moving forward and not allowing anyone to drag me into the darkness and out of the light- for not feeling bad for being who I am- and for not sinking away and being less just because some aren’t comfortable with me being me- for gallon people and for each breath that I take- for LIFE~
I am blessed and I’m SO grateful!
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December 13, 2012
Can’t get Enough of Coupon Codes
Coupon codes- I love them. Seriously, they probably rank at the top of my list of favorite things. If I am planning a shopping trip- I first look for online coupons before I go. I print them out and take them with me. (Trust me when I say Google is your friend on this.)
When I shop online- if I don’t have coupon codes in my email, I Google the retailer and see if I can find something. Funny thing is- 9 out of 10 times I find something.
Case and point- EVERYTHING I ordered online this Christmas season had a coupon code of some sort. Earlier this week- went shopping in town and had coupons- additional 30% off everything- including sale items… PLUS had a 10.00 off the total coupon. I ended up spending 50.49 and my total savings- 91.00!!!! So I saved twice as much as I actually ended up spending. Yep Yep- that kind of stuff makes me HAPPY!
So before you buy- do your research and it could save you plenty of moolah this holiday season and EVERY day!
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December 8, 2012
Home Alone
I spent the day out shopping with my sis and when I got home- Marcel, mom and diddy were gone. They’d gone to a dinner, so that gave me a little time to myself to just take care of a few things that “I” wanted to do.
It has been good to be able to do that- to have a time out of all the hustle and bustle of vacation time and just relax and breathe. They are on their way home, so I didn’t have as much time as I would have liked, but at least I had some and hopefully they’re bringing me some dinner, because I’m hungry.
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Cooking
I’ve officially started my Christmas baking. Two days ago I baked a Dutch apple tart- a sour cream pound cake, plus an apple, spice cranberry-nut cake. The first two have made it to their homes and the last one will be delivered tomorrow evening. Aside from that, I have a LOT of cookies and other recipes in the mix so I can whip up Christmas trays to give to busy people who don’t have time to do holiday baking.
I love this time of the year.
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Making a List
Most of you who know me- know that as much as I wish he didn’t, my darling husband smokes. I’m allergic to smoke of any type- so he doesn’t do it around me, but he does do it. It’s a habit that he is hoping to kick sometime in the near future, or so he says- but I still caught him looking at xikar lighters online the other day. I thought he was searching for Christmas gifts- but maybe he has that in mind for himself. I’m not sure since he didn’t mention it, but he did make sure I saw it- so I guess it’s possible.
I guess we’ll have to see what Santa leaves under the tree.
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