Animal of the Month: Bija

Hello Bija! When Bija arrived at The Maxfund she was in the ferral room, but now that she has become more social she has moved out of the ferral room so she could spend more time with people. She does prefer cats over humans, but loves to be pet as well as picked up. She is waiting for that special family to help her blossom. I believe I picked Bija this month, because she reminds me of Chicken and is so beautiful. Merry Christmas Christmas Bija! I hope the family you deserves finds you and stay out of the catnip!
*To learn more about The Maxfund please go to http://www.maxfund.org/Default.aspx.

Christmas in Denver

I would like to take this moment to thank all our new friends in Denver for making us feel so very much at home, especially at Christmas. We are truly lucky to have found such wonderful people. Merry Christmas to you!

Now on to the parties! First we had a little girl's party in which I went home with a beautiful painting of Papaya, Nicky's dog. Thanks Papaya! and also Papaya, thanks for jumping in Katie's lap 7 times, it made me laugh.

Numero Two a beautiful dinner at Sarah's house. It was a delicious, warm and laughter filled evening. I learned quite a bit about everyone that night. For instance, I didn't know Katie could 'Walk it out', I didn't know Sarah could make Apple Butter or play the guitar and I didn't know Lisa loved Coy (chicken fried something).

Hello Christmas Eve

Good Morning Christmas Eve!

With all your glory and wonder

I wait impatiently for the day of next

to rip through paper or peak around the corner

to hear the sound of coffee pouring in my cup

snuggled up to a room of love

to cry at sentiment and laugh at sillyness

I smell bacon frying and biscuits baking

I fill my belly and lay my inventory across the bed

and then curl up to A Christmas Story and fall fast asleep.

But not today, no that will not happen today

for tomorrow awaits all these things I am hoping for.

But today we will anticipate the joy of tomorrow!

Guess Who Got Adopted!

That's Right! Remember Millie? She got adopted a few weeks ago by a wonderful loving family. Merry Christmas Millie! You deserve a warm home and some love.

Not a Christmas Blog.

I almost feel bad for blogging about this at Christmas time, but it made such an impact on me that I really need to. In my slumber the night before last, I found myself in a very unfamiliar place...a war zone. It was quite scary. I was in Denver or some city in the United States and I remember people running everywhere. I could see planes crashing and I was dodging open fire and even bombs from overhead. I looked up and could see that the fire was coming directly for me and I this time I would not be able to avoid a hit.
I braced myself for the implosion. I stood as strong as I could and I knew I was about to die. But I didn't. After the smoke cleared, I knew there would now be troops on the ground and they would be hunting me, an American, the enemy. I tried to hide and still by some miracle was continuing to avoid the bullets flying past my head. But it was too late, I was captured by middle-eastern men and held hostage. I was pulled around with my hands tied together. I was pushed around and others just looked on. Somehow, I got away (maybe because they tied my hands in front and I much like Macgyver have skills in my dreams). I stayed there though, so did they. I think they were occupying what I knew to be home.
My husband loves war movies; therefore, I do too. But I have never dreamt like this before. It was real. I could hear the screams, smell the smoke and feel the fright racing through my body. I am blessed that I have never known war. If I were to ever protest something, this would be at the top of my list. I don't believe in it. I believe in peace. I am not naive, I just have faith in a better world.

What is Lost this Christmas.

Now I definitely, do not want to stink up my blog with negative things, but I feel that I can not go without stating the things that I want but will not get this year. I feel I owe it to their beauty and in publishing these things I will actually get to remember them and in that they will then become part of my Christmas this year. Let's begin:

1. I will miss The Deese Family Christmas Party (and listening to Uncle Bud pick on everyone under the sun.)

2. I will miss Mae Mae saying "I love you, babies."

3. I will miss the expression on Lyric's face when he realizes there is a Santa.

4. I will miss the after party at Dusti's house on Christmas Eve (We made this our special time. We drank champagne and had appetizers and laughed and listened to xmas music.)

5. I will miss waking up at the Crews Residence (opening presents with a cup of coffee next to the fire.)

6. I will miss watching Keelie and Lyric rip through tons of presents at Darrel and Pam's.

7. I will miss my mom singing "you better watch out"

8. I will miss spending time with The Armstrong's

9. I will miss Richard and Kim

10. I will miss my entire family.

However sad this blog is, do stay tuned for what I won't miss out on because after all...it is Christmas.

Four Girls Christmas Celebration

Quite a few years ago, I met a rasta in Jamaica that told me I had problems trusting people due to things in my past and that I needed to write more, like I use to. I guess both of these things are changing for me now. I am fulfilling my need to write through this blog and I am beginning to open up to those around me as well. Which brings me to last night's "Four Girls Christmas Celebration." It was the second year that it took place, but there were 2 different girls this time. The attendees were myself, Katie, Sarah and Lisa. We went to one of Katie's favorite places Soleil in Cherry Creek and it was delicious. Wine, appetizers and four girls with some gossip about themselves and others-my version of a good time. Afterwards, we shimmied on over to Anthropology just to have a look around and to my surprise I left with a bag.
Yet another reason I love Christmas! You get to spend a little extra time with some really awesome people; therefore, you become closer. I had a wonderful time last night. It's nice to relax and be yourself and not be judged. I look forward to our next celebration.

Favorite Christmas Memory

In the heart of Christmas, someone asked me what my favorite Christmas memory was? That is an extremely hard question to answer, especially when Christmas is such a wonderful time. How can you pick just one?!? But I remembered one this morning, as I prepared to come to work.

My favorite Christmas memory is when my Momma sang to me:

You better watch out

You better not pout

You better not cry I'm tellin' you why

cause Santa Clause is comin' to town

He's makin' a list

and checkin' it twice

He's gonna' find out who's naughty and nice.

Santa Clause is comin' to town.

I only remember this being sung once. I believe I was in 3rd grade maybe 4th or 5th. She was rocking me in her arms and singing and I was listening, really listening. And then we probably giggled and ate some candy. Nice memory for me.

The Meaning of Christmas-as I see it.

A question comes to mind, when I think of Christmas: What does it mean for me now? And I mean, now that I'm not 9 years old, checking off all the presents I've received making sure none were overlooked. I mean, now that I'm a woman. Now that I am married. Now that I have my own home to decorate and tend to. Now that I can reach the stove top. Now that I know money, nor gifts can buy my love.

It really is as simple as it seems. A time to love all those surrounding you and those far from your reach. A moment to stop and smell the cinnamon, pack a snowball and talk out your life with a loved one. It seems this Christmas means all the more for me. I, being away from my family, realize the love we share for one another and that love grows by the second. I know that no matter the presentation of the gift, none could measure up to what I already have. A home and heart filled with love.

Now Christmas does take on that season of celebration. I believe the celebration of life, the celebration of love and the celebration of humanity. In a city, that could seem so cold, hands reach out to grasp on to another and join in singing old familiar songs that have been sung for a hundred lifetimes. Lights line the street signaling that hope in the dark. Neighbors become neighborly for the first time of the year, wishing a well new year or a merry or a happy whatever. You can see a smile as far as your eye will let you see and that in turn makes your face join in as well.

Christmas is eggnog, for me(it seems no one I know enjoys it; therefore, I get to intake all 3000 calories by myself-mmm). It is a new home to add to our Christmas Village-this year it was a Central Station(a train station). It is a new Christmas movie to add to our collection-Miracle on 34th Street. We both also get a new ornament to add to our diverse collection-Tim got an owl and I got a snow globe with Santa inside. We normally indulge in a brand new pair of Christmas pajamas, but due to the economy we skipped this treat. Oh, how could I forget! Nabisco makes a special holiday Oreo only at Christmas. Imagine this an Oreo dipped in white chocolate. Can you believe it! Oh, Delicious!

Christmas has entered tradition into my family. The way we move, the things we eat, the way we live and the way we share. No one can deny the feeling about during this time. It's warm, it's fuzzy and it tastes like yummy.

The Season to Give: http://www.warrenvillage.org/

Service Source had a wonderful idea to give back to the community this Holiday Season. All of our employees choose a charity event to attend and I choose Warren Village. I did not know about the organization before I showed up on their doorstep, but was eager to learn and help. Naomi sat us down to watch a small video on the organization and it's mission. I, being the sensitive sally I am, almost cried of course especially when I found out it's main focus is on single parents.
I know a few single Moms and I know how hard it is to get by for them. Life is hard sometimes when you get beat down, not only financially, but emotionally and mentally. Warren Village is a home and support system for the single women and (2) men and their children to get a leg up.
I was raised by a single Mother and I know what we went through sometimes. If I noticed, I know my Momma did. We never had alot growing up and sometimes we even lived with family members (thanks Mamaw and Dot). Though my childhood was not perfect, I do not feel that I was left out ever.
The most important part of our survival was something I mentioned earlier a fantastic "support system". My family is quite large and I am lucky in that way. My charity work reminded me of one particular memory.
My Momma was ending a relationship with someone and we were moving out on our own again. We found a cute little house next to the ball field and right across the street from Dusti's best friends house, Kham Cummings. I'm not sure how much help we had financially moving in that house, but that's not important right now. I do know that my family threw us a Pantry Party. For those that don't know, instead of filling your house with house warming gifts, they filled our pantry, fridge and freezer with groceries. I was so excited and now I wonder how that made my Momma feel. Was she sad because she had to have help? Or was she happy that we would have food in our bellies? Did she feel blessed to have such a strong support group?
I will definitely be returning to Warren Village on a regular basis. I can't wait to get to know the people that work and live there. I almost forgot the best part. When we were done, we cut the fool with some of the women and then they prepared a plate of girl scout cookies for us. That is sweet. I don't care what you say. That felt like home-cutting the fool and eating cookies with some good women.

Lyric Meadows aka Boog

Lyric is my beautiful, dirty, rough-playing nephew and he is precious to me. I am missing some key moments in his life right now, so, I thought I would ask him a few questions just to get me up to speed.

1. What is your favorite toy? A Dinosaur.

2. I'm aware that you started day care. How is that going and who is your best friend? No. Zack.

3. What is your favorite food? Chicken.

4. What is your favorite piece of clothing? Ball Undies.

5. What is the funniest thing you have done lately? Horsey.

6. Can you spell my name? Can you say my name? No. Yes.

7. Who is your favorite aunt and uncle? Colby (his 5 year old cousin, interesting).

8. Who is your favorite jack russell? O.K.

9. What is your favorite movie? Dinosaur.

10. How much do you miss me? I want to go to her house and buy toys (wow!).

As I received these answers, I was a little confused and maybe even hurt. But these are the answers he gave. So, I have to respect him and post them. Dusti asked him the questions and this was his response. Thank you Lyric for your time, as I know you have a busy schedule. I love you so much for just being you. Now get your little butt on a plane and get out here so we can go shopping!

How could I forget!

My Dress!

I almost forgot all about it!

I loved my dress so much! It made me feel very pretty!

If you like it, check out:

White House Black Market.

No One Called Out Banana!

Service Sourcers had their annual Holiday Party at the Sherman Event Complex's Grand Ballroom (I know it sounds fancy). And now that I am a ServicSourcer, myself along with my "Potassium Partner" joined in the festivities.

We went to Anthony and Katie's to meet some friends, have some drinks and gossip and (what my Momma would call) primp before we left for the party.

On our way, Lisa Cotter said, "If anyone gets out of control, lets yell 'Banana' because I hate bananas." Apparently Lisa Cotter does not subscribe to my blog or she would know of the greatness that is The Banana. But on a good note, no one had to call out Banana.

Of course, the night was full of dancing and laughter. I have to say that was the best company sponsored party I have ever attended. Thanks Service Source.

Highlights of the Evening:

1. Loving my dress

2. Watching at least 3 people fall down

3. Dancing with Tim

4. Working the entire dance floor with John Patton (we were the only two on the floor at the time)

5. Picking up 13 free drink tickets (which I shared)

6. Watching Anthony and Katie leave the building

7. The Conga Line

So the moral of this Christmas Party Blog is:

Enjoy the people around you and take your shoes off and dance (the floor can't be that dirty-yes it can). Let loose and Have a Merry Christmas!

And Now...What We've All Been Waiting For

Christmas! The Snow's falling down. Christmas!

That's right, it is! Two wonderful things 1) It's Christmas and 2) It's snowing (finally).

There truly is nothing better than shopping for new Christmas decorations while driving in the falling snow. Nope...I don't think there is anything better than that for me anyway. So this year, on account of my lint filled pockets and some inspiration that has apparently reigned down on me recently (thanks nienie and wyoming-that's another post all together) I have gone Suzie homemaker on Christmas this year. I made a Christmas Wreath and I am quite proud of it. What do you think? There is garland all over the house and yes we are back to creating our little Christmas village. We have started the tradition to buy one every Christmas. We started with the one my Momma passed on to me. It is small now, but that is how great things begin. So, happy decorating, shopping and baking and eating to you and your loved ones for now.

This is Jean George playing the french horn. I think he is playing "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas".

Thanksgiving with The Greens (not collards though, just folks)

Happy Thanksgiving from Denver!
Well, this was a different Thanksgiving for Tim and I. We were away from our families, but not completely. We got to share a very important day with some wonderful people, who just so happen to be adopted family...Anthony and Katie Green. I want to first thank both of them for sharing their home with us on this day. Secondly, I have to get into the ridiculous menu we created and the hands that created these recipes.




Ready, here we go:

Turkey-Anthony

Cornbread Dressing-Aunt Renee

Squash Casserole-Ann Crews

Sweet Potato Casserole-Ann Crews

Corn Pudding-Thank Martha

Pinto Beans-Anthony

Macaroni and Cheese-Paula Dean

Deviled Eggs-Lisa

Million Dollar Pie-Rachel Bentley

Pumpkin Pie-again Martha

My thoughts exactly. Everything was absolutely delicious.

If you'll notice Tim is nowhere in sight during the cleanup.

As I said before, this Thanksgiving was different (not better, not worse just different and in a very good way). We gave thanks at our table. We started with Anthony, then Katie (by this time my eyes were already welling up), next was me and then Tim. I couldn't even get what I was thankful for out without bursting into tears of joy.

Let me say this comprehensively:

I am thankful for my HEALTH, my HUSBAND, my FAMILY (as they have grown over time), my FRIENDS, and this MOVE. And I can't say that loud enough for anyone to understand how thankful I truly am for those things I've been blessed with.

Now back to the festivities. After eating entirely too much food, I retired to the over sized chair conveniently located right next to the Christmas Tree. I watched my favorite National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation while gazing at the Tree every now and then. I took a break between movies to graze back over the food (nibbling turkey and mac and cheese) and Katie woke up. Then we proceeded to watch The Family Stone while partaking in some Pumpkin Pie and Million Dollar Pie (and yes that's exactly what it tastes like).

When it was time to go home, I didn't want to. Mainly because I knew I had to lug all that stuff back home and I was comfy right there, but Loretta needed me as I needed her too. When we were driving home, Tim and I had to let those Greens know how special they are to us one more time (and you are).

Of course, this was bittersweet without our family which we are so desperately missing (especially during the holidays). We spoke to all of you and I hope you all know that you were greatly missed and we set a place at the table in our hearts for you. And that place will always be saved for you and no one can ever seat in your seat but you (unlike at the Crew's house when Mandy always gets my seat j/k). All that being said, how was your Thanksgiving and what are you thankful for? I really would like to know.

The Making of Soulful Food

As promised, I woke up at the crack of dawn to gather my supplies for the grand feast of Giving Thanks. November 26th was a great start to a semi-vacation. Christmas music and dancin' in the kitchen all day long. I thought about where the recipes I was cooking came from, how many times they have been prepared, who would be eating them and who would not be eating at all. I even considered that perhaps our menu was too large, maybe, but I strode on and finished the last deviled egg. This is one of the very reasons I have to be thankful...I am not hungry...ever. At the end of the day (night), my back hurt, my feet were swollen and I was crippin' like an worn out woman. Tim asked me "Why do you have a chair in the kitchen?" Wrong question, buster. Now, I 'm all set for the big day! Can't hardly wait to eat or sleep!

Me taking a seat in kitchen to rest my poor

tired feet or peeling potatoes (which reminded me of stringing peas with Mamaw).

This is the making of love.