Happy New Year

Here's to a new year- new chances, new ideas, new possibilities, new love and a new outlook. Each year is an opportunity for everyone to wipe the slate clean, start anew. One of my best friends got engaged last night here in Charleston and I was so fortunate to be the first person to see their glowing faces. They are so excited about a new life together. It was a joyous opportunity to absorb some of their excitement and optimism. Heather and Mike will have many wonderful years ahead of them and I look forward to being with them in everyone. Happy New Year, blogger world. Hug your loved ones tight, raise of a glass of bubbly to a new year and a new year! Here's to 2010! PS- and with that, I am dipping out of work early today to go celebrate with Heather over a glass of wine and delicious mussels at Rue de Jean!

Merry Christmas

So, I know I have been slack the past few weeks. And, I have no excuse but laziness. Yes, I could say the hustle and bustle of the season, running around from one holiday party to another, work is kicking my butt with year end gifts, etc. etc. etc. Like I said, at the end of the day no excuse. I have been reading all of my lovely friends' blogs and have enjoyed remembering my own Christmas pasts, traditions and memories. There are so many and I am so thankful. The past four Christmases have been pretty rough on my family. There has almost been a hold your breath and wait for something bad to happen moment each one. Not to sound like a downer, but divorce, cancer, heart attack, Grandmother's death...literally one year after another. However, through it all, my family continues to grow closer and closer. No matter the circumstance, we always gather together to thank God for our blessings and to enjoy the wonderful spirit of Christmas. Christmas Eve candlelight service. Christmas breakfast at Grandma's. Christmas dinner at mom and dad's. Holding hands to give thanks. I do feel like the Grinch, Christmas after Christmas, not because of my grinchiness, but because I feel like my heart grows three sizes each year. Full of cheer and happiness and love. May you and your loved ones give thanks for every blessing you have this year. Hug your families tight and open your eyes to the tiny wonders around you. Merry Christmas to all of my friends- thank you for being a blessing in my life.

Success

Success is such an awesome feeling. Like, when you work hard and late hours, but it really pays off and you know you did it right. The kind of success where you don't need a boss to say good job or to get a bonus. The kind of success where you know your hard work paid off and just knowing it is a reward. Doesn't have to be anything big- mine isn't, just the fact that you got it right. 'The secret of success if constancy of purpose." - Benjamin Disraeli

Thanksgiving 2009

Ok, so I'm a bit behind. I blame it on being out of town. I headed to Conyers last Monday after work. Many of my friends questioned my sanity, how would I be able to stand my family for almost a full week?!? To me, it wasn't a question. Here's a little secret: I love being around my family. I am the third of three girls and the only one who lives more than 15 miles from my parents' house. Therefore, I take advantage of as much time as possible at home, catching up on family and town gossip, sleeping in my old bed, being treated to dinners and pedicures, the works. Now, this does not mean that after three or four days some tempers flare and brief arguments arise. But, we get past them and I remind myself to be thankful for the wonderful time with my family.

So, I spent Monday night and Tuesday at home in Conyers, running around town. Mom, dad and I saw "The Blind Side" on Tuesday night, which I encourage you all to see-- you will quickly become a Baltimore Ravens fan! Wednesday, we headed down to the lake for some R & R and in preparation for Thanksgiving. Me, mom, dad, Jennifer and my aunt, uncle and cousins came down to spend the night (and Ginger, my cat of course!) The next day, Julie and Brandon came down to eat before heading to the airport to fly to Michigan to see Brandon's family. We had a feast, more than a feast. We ate early, then played cards, drank some wine, watched football and enjoyed the fellowship with each other. I truly am blessed with a wonderful family.

We headed back to Conyers on Friday and participated in some Black Friday shopping. Saturday took us to the Atlanta Farmers Market to get a Christmas tree- one of the biggest my parents have ever had! That night we cheered and cheered for our GT yellow jackets, but that fell short. That's ok- I have faith that they will bounce back before the match-up with Clemson this Saturday!

All in all, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I was so thankful to have enough time saved up to take the week off. I already looking forward to Christmas so I can see more friends and do more relaxing! My post for the last ten days could say many things I am thankful for, but friends, family and health are the three most important, and what I go to bed every night thanking God for. Happy Thanksgiving to all!