Light in the Darkroom

I am finally done cooking!!! I need a round of applause for that...I started baking Wednesday after work and just finished cooking the last item maybe an hour ago. I don't want to think about the oven, 350 degrees, or anything that needs an hour to be done. I will speak on my successes and one failure with the Thanksgiving feast this year.

In the midst of it all I have discovered what I really want for Christmas or my birthday, or a "hey just wanted to let you know you rock" gift....a Kitchenaid professional 600 series, 6 quart, bowl lift stand mixer in empire red. I LOVE this beautiful piece of machinery! Just look for yourself...

Isn't it just cherry red perfection??? But alas I think all of my hint dropping is going to fall upon deaf ears. I'll probably end up purchasing it for myself. Which is fine too, but if it were presented to me with a big bow around it...I definitely wouldn't complain!

Outside of the hoopla and grandeur of cooking fantastic goodies, I started thinking of what I am truly thankful for...and yes not just on yesterday, I do visit this topic often. I made a short list...

1. Health - it is soo important to understand and realize that life is short and with so many different diseases and ailments around, I am thankful to be well and able to do the things that I choose to do. To not have to take multiple medications in order to get out of the bed and get the day started.
2. Shelter - with the many people that have lost their homes, though some have been fortunate enough to be able to lean on family and friends, there are some who have nowhere to turn. It is their car, a shelter or the streets that they no w call home. I am thankful to have a home. Even though the neighbors SUCK...I am happy to say that I have some.
3. Friends - not associates, but true friends that I can call about whatever and whenever and just talk, cry, laugh or anything and be accepted and loved for being just who I am. I've come across many people (most this year) who can't just be themselves, it's a persona for every different group of people they come across. I am thankful for the opportunity to let my true colors shine.
4. Happiness - strange, maybe, but for me, happiness is equally important. Without a light heart, joy or laughter...many of life's tasks I would probably never complete. Being happy intimidates others who are not free to experience this emotion. They complain about everything whether it happened to them or not. I am thankful that through happiness I am able to look at things from two perspectives, getting the whole picture, and seeing the sunlight through the clouds.
5. Family - even though they drive me crazy every hour of every day, without them...I would be lost. I love them lots the craziness included. They deal with me, which is a big task, mood swings, attitudes, laughter, joy, pain, sorrow...I am still loved the same. I appreciate that sooo much.
6. Dreams - just being able to dream something and actually fight and try to achieve it. Some people don't poses the drive in life to keep going, persevere through it all and still get back up when you get knocked down. I am thankful to dream uninhibited.

I hope that you all were able to reflect on the many different things we have to be thankful for. I'm sure my list will differ from many in one way or another, but I think even just realizing that you have a lot to be thankful for is more than a 75% start.

Have a Great Weekend!!!

Til Monday.....

Boy has this week really been a whirlwind of events...I am happy to be in the comfort of my home on a Friday night (~insert the grandma jokes here~) especially with thanksgiving around the corner this will truly be one of my only nights to relax for the next week or so! I'm super excited to cook my new experimental items along with a couple of tried and true dishes in the mix. I'll be sure to post some pictures as they come out of the oven!

Firstly, I would like to extend my extreme gratitude to any and everyone who has served in the armed forces or are currently serving today. It is a great task and unbelievable selflessness that truly allows a person to put their life on hold and on the line for so many others to fight for the belief of freedom and liberty for all. I stand 110% behind all of those who serve this country with pride and dignity. I hope that you all have done something not just today, but everyday to recognize these individuals. Regardless, of your political beliefs, I hope that you support our troops.

So I can't really say that I necessarily ♥ this infomercial, but I saw it last week and it was really weird, but I watched the whole thing! And yes before you ask, how it plays below is how it plays on TV with all of the mixing included for your entertainment. At the very least you'll laugh and if not in the beginning at least at the end when someones grandma is talking and laughing. I hope I don't see this on TV again!!

Can I just say that I am LOVING Sesame Street Week on Google. Today is none other than my favorite character....Oscar the Grouch! Why the little green furry creature that lives in the garbage can makes me smile, I really can't say, but awesome to see him!!!

Welcome Friday! Not much happening this weekend. I have an exam I HAVE to study for. I pretty much know the information, but it's the minor details that I have to work out. Squirt's birthday is tomorrow and I am supposed to giving her 19 gifts for her 19th birthday and so far I have a grand total of *drumroll please*.....1!!! Round of applause people please lol. What am I doing, I have no clue. I don't know what else to get her. I really have to put my thinking cap on for this one. I wish I could just give her the one gift and $18, but I already know that's not going to fly :-)

And of course go to google! It's Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary and today google has Bert and Ernie in for the "O's". I can't help but to think about the rubber ducky song...

Go to google! It's Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary and today google has cookie monster taking a bite out of google which just happens to be a giant chocolate chip cookie!! And yes at 26 I'm still just as excited about sesame street lol!

Go to google! It's Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary and google has big bird's legs as the "l" in the logo. There's always something interesting!

Wow, November already eh? It doesn't even feel like October existed, at least to me anyway. I'm guessing it's time for me to prepare for the holidays. That means, cakes to bake, cards to write, gifts to buy, and limited rest to get. I'm pseudo looking forward to the next 2 months, but I'm going to write out a plan so that I remain stress free (or at least try to).

Today is a bittersweet day. My brother would have been 34 today. I miss him terribly, but it doesn't hurt as much anymore. It's been 8 years now and even though I may get a little teary eyed here and there, I've let go of the anger that went along with it. I can look back and remember the good times, the fights and the words he used to make up. The memories good and bad make me smile. So today while I wish him a lovingly happy 34th, I'll reflect on it all, even the mischievous times when I used to get him in trouble!