It's A Wrap

The holidays have a way of either bringing out the best or worst in people. This year, I am happy to report that the best was brought out of my people. For the last 5 days, I have had the most fun with my family. Literally the most fun, I have had with them in forever. There is something about being around folks who really know and accept you for who you are. My holidays have been filled with nothing but laughter. Hope the same goes for anyone who reads this.

If you have never been to New Orleans, then a daiquiri is a must. It is happiness in a cup. This was Cajun Eggnog with an extra shot of rum. It definitely made my holidays cheery. I do not drink the way I used to. I cannot. I'm sure it has to do with age. But, a daiquiri has never hurt me. So, I've had a few over the holidays. And, yes, my name is on my cup. No, I didn't write it though. There was a house full of people drinking so names on cups was a must.

We played a lot of Spades. It is a past-time that my family regularly partakes in. My cousin & I won. We were the "us" playing against her husband and my brother-in-law. We won one round, they won the next round. I love to play spades because I like to talk sh*t. I am very good at that lol. We are all very good at it. Great time was had by all. Another shot below of the on-going card game. This is the way I ended my Christmas night: playing cards with the people I love. The holidays are almost wrapped up. They have been more than I could have ever asked for. Sometimes life just gives you a moment when you least expect it. My Christmas memories have always been surrounded by my Grandmother's house. I haven't ever spent a Christmas any where else. I don't even know what that would feel like. Happy Holidays to everyone!!

*In the pic above, it's me in the grey jacket, my BIL in the white, my little brother in the red holding my niece and my cousin in the corner playing spades.*

**This is my 800th post. That is a huge deal for me. I am proud that I've stuck to it. Thank you guys for reading my blog.

Attitude of Gratitude

Life is a precious gift from God. In living, I take too much for granted. I get so caught up in my own everyday-ness, nothingness that I forgot how blessed I am. Forget to give thanks all the time. Life has a way of doing that to you. It's easy to get caught up in the materialistic things that life has to offer. So easy. Or to get so involved in the drama/comedy that is my life. So this is me taking just a moment to say "thank you God." I've said repeatedly that I'm not an overly religious woman. But, I am spiritual and I do have a relationship with God. I do think I know a lot, but not everything. I know that my life has a reason, purpose. Even if I haven't totally captured it yet. I know that He knows his plan better than I ever could.

I am always so humbled by the fragility of life. We treat it so cavalier as if it is guaranteed. It is not. We are all here for a short time. It's up to us to make that time count. I've been really reflective over the last few days. That had caused me to be severely emotional when I didn't need to be., hey I am who I am. A woman a week away from her 33rd birthday who is finding her way to her destiny. I do not have any of it figured out. That scares me. Prayer calms me. I have to remember to be thankful in the good times as well as the bad. They all shape me. The holidays always have this affect on me. I'm in my head more than normal during this month. Just thinking. Wondering. Hoping. And, most of all praying. Just trying to display an attitude of gratitude. Hoping that the next year narrows my focus more than ever before. Happy Holidays, Readers!!!

Happy "Whisper I Love You" Day

I love when I find out about "holidays" that I didn't know of. As I was perusing www.123greetings.com for e-cards, I came across one of those such holidays. Today is National "Whisper I Love You" Day. As soon as I saw this, the romantic in me smiled. I love the meaning of the day. It's all about letting your sweetheart or loved one know how much you love them. The key is you are to whisper those three words. How sweet is that?? Make sure you whisper I love you to your special someone today. I sure did :)