Pre-Birthday Night Out

So, I had a "pre-birthday" Birthday celebration Friday night. After hearing a friend had a great time @ Vudu Lounge, in the city, I decided I'd have my party there, as well. It isn't too far down, so I knew location would be great for anyone who chose to come along. I have to say that this year's night out is up there in the 'best' book.
During the day, I wasn't so excited about going out. I suppose the celebrations of the past few years were consuming my thoughts, and while they were great, I just wasn't sure I was up for the usual dancing night out. Well, lots of convincing & many 'where and what time' text messages later, I got out of my head and went for it! Goodness, so many people came to hang out! It was wonderful to see those who were able to make it! I definitely missed my sister, and the other few friends who couldn't be there, but I understood why. xoxo. For those of us that were there, oh my goodness....we danced ALL NIGHT. All night! All night. The music was jumpin, the crowd was good, polite~no drama~and everyone had a ball! Whether they were drinking or dancing, everyone was having a great time. I have to say, I think everyone did dance! Usually, our crowd spends a good amount of time at the bar..well, not me...I'm ALWAYS dancing! ha! I'm glad that everyone had such a good time & got home safely! I wished my hair hadn't gotten flat by the end of the night, but dancing, sweating~what did I really expect? ha! Thanks to everyone that made it out! It meant a lot! The pictures are displayed a little awkwardly...but, enjoy them!

Tree Trimming '08

This is the time of year that I do two important things...#1, I decorate my Christmas tree, and #2, I celebrate my birthday. Well, the birthday celebration isn't exactly important...it's just part of the weekend. Last year's tree trimming wasn't quite right since I didn't have a tree. Actually, I thought the tree was in my closet, but it just wasn't. Not there, not at my mom's house, nowhere. So, we had the party...just w/o the tree. Ah! This year, I made sure I got one, and a true tree trimming was had! At first, getting the artificial tree to look full and not like the Charlie Brown one I had last year was quite a task. However, with a little patience and love from my sister and my friend, Eddie, it turned out to be simply perfect. My nephew, Barbara's girls and Lisa's girls all trimmed the tree with my growing assortment of ornaments, bows and candy canes! I think they ate some of those candy canes as they hung them ; ) As each of my friends came & brought me a new ornament, I had them place it where they chose on the tree. Thank you all for the ornaments and for sharing in this special day! It was wonderful having everyone over. I hope you enjoyed yourselves! For those that were unable to make it, we truly missed you.

Decorated with love.













Marisel put the tree up, and Justyn helped to decorate it...










As did Zoe and Kelly!










Barbara, Lisa and Jordan were truly exhausted from all the trimming they did! ha!









And Caitlyn was ready for her candy!









Eddie did the lights...and brought us chairs! Thanks so much!

Thanksgiving 2008

This year, Thanksgiving was spent at my aunt, Mildred's house. Boy did we eat! Goodness! I am not sure what I enjoyed most...the dinner or the dessert. My lunch crew could say probably the dessert because I ALWAYS eat it before my lunch! ha! Unfortunately, Uncle Joe was dissatisfied with ANY of the dessert choices, but that's okay...he ate them all, regardless. ha! My personal favorite was the pastele! Yuuum! As usual, we laughed the entire time we were together. Thankfully, Mari did not get asthma from laughing, and the kid's allergies from the cat held up!

Unfortunately, I didn't get spend time w/ my mom and Nat. They were missed, though. We spoke a few times that day, but it wasn't the same as actually being together. Right now, I'm missing my mom a lot.

I suppose saying I'm thankful for all that I have in my life sounds like the obvious thing one would say. However, I truly mean it. With each day that passes, something always stands out that I'm thankful for. Of course, since I'm thoroughly exhausted from some UNRULY students, I can't give specific examples of what I'm trying to say. However, know this...without my family, I'd be nothing. Each one of them is a part of who I am. They are all amazing and I'm blessed to have these wonderful people in my life. My truest friends, my rocks, my confidants, help make my days & stresses a little easier, and for that I'm thankful. I'm blessed in many ways, and I try to make sure I thank God for the things & people I'm surrounded by.

Marisel, Dad, Me, Grandma










Crespo Girls, Marisel, Me, Titi Mildred










Mom (from last year's Thanksgiving!ha!)










NEM!!!! We missed you, too!










Justyn, Sierra, Brendan, and Seanie










Our newest cousin, Maya.