Thankful for You

We love this time of year. Looking back and reflecting on life; there are so many things to appreciate and be thankful for. First we are happily in love, living a fulfilling life with our sweet dogs, our families are health, and our friends are in good spirits. Especially, in these economic hardship times we are thankful for the basic things like our great apartment, a reliable car, stress free jobs, our savings and to Black-Eye Pea for the dinner and dessert we ate a home while watching a movie cuddled on the couch. I did not cook this year or last but, I just might do a bit better next year, if we don't go to my sister's. This year was a step up compared to what we had last year, which was sloppy joes. My sister is an excellent cook and I plan on asking her for tips. plus Anthony loves her cooking and I'm a picky eater but pretty much everything she cooks I like. We couldn't be more happier with our wedding plans, staying in budget and on schedule. Also, staying within a flexible budget for Christmas gifts. This year we are planning to spend it with at sister's house. We are thankful for being a close family to know what is needed and wanted by our loved ones for Christmas and even more grateful for the time and money to purchase those things. Overall, it is God that provides love and health to friends, family and our lives and because of that we are thankful everyday. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Ready, Set, Prioritize

Our schedule is so busy nowadays. Just to know what we're doing . . . when, we've placed activities on our calendar! Even though we schedule things we still are able to be spontaneous and adventurous. Being environmentally friendly and budget conscience we share one car, pay cash for all purchases and recycle of course. Just preparing for our future we are trying to eliminate debt, add to our saving and plan for retirement. We both have a full time job and a part time one. But, Anthony owns his own real estate investment company and I'm an Associate for PPD. However, with our schedules getting more demanding we've decided we need to cut back especially because we need to put in more hours on our own businesses. Wow, planning the wedding takes a lot of research and meetings so Anthony is handing finding the DJ and I'm looking for invitations and together we're looking for a minister. But I need to prioritize more. I haven't found "the dress" I've seen several that I like but none of them are it! Anthony's mom, Patricia and I are working together on the invites for his side to the wedding and she would like to host the engagement party called a Bashment, which in Jamaica is a celebration. We are thinking of doing it sometime in March in Miami. Her birthday is in February so we'll be in Jamaica, which is cool, I'm so excited since I've never been there. Anthony is ready for a house and is on a mission to find us a home. And, I am on a mission to lose weight but February. From today to mid next year our life would be considered eventful! But we can't wait to live it!

Tribute to Love and Friendship

This past week I was informed that a very dear friend passed away during surgery. Jennifer's funeral was held in Houston at Braeswood Assembly of God church at 11am. Of course it was fast planning so Anthony could not travel with me. So we got a rental car for me Friday morning and both headed to work. That afternoon I got off work went home, packed and got on the road by 7pm. On the road, so many friends called to check up on me, Anthony, Val, Brandice, Neena, Carmen and Demi. It was so great to hear from my friends and they wanted to make sure I arrived safely. Once in Houston, I ended up at Demi's house to settled there for the night. Her gentleman friend named Anthony, AKA Tony or Art came by and entertained us for awhile. I hung out with are twins then headed to bed to get ready for the next day. It was strange waking up the next morning knowing I was there to say good bye in this lifetime to Jennifer. I left Demi's house and headed to the church. Forgetting the city I grew up in, I texted Neena and Maribel for directions as I went the wrong way and was a bit tardy for the funeral. A little nervous I went in the church and found my friends on the 4th row saving a seat for me. The funeral wasn't very long but in that hour, we hugged, held hands, prayed, cried and laughed together. It was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I attended, and I know Jennifer would be proud of her friends and family. Afterwards the long time friends, and past co-worker gathered to celebrate her life and catch up a bit. Everyone wanted to see my ring and congratulated me, it was so nice being with them. I wasn't able to attend the grave site ceremony as I needed to go to my parents house to pick up a few thing, eat and head back. So I texted Taupe, Jennifer's beloved husband's brother to let him know I wouldn't be there but to pass my love to Eno. On the way home for that first hour or so I sat in the car with the music off and windows down as it was a beautiful day. And I thanked Jennifer for gathering the Steward gang together again, I thought of my grandmother and parent and thanked God for giving such role models and wonderful mentors. I thought about Anthony and how he is not perfect and sometimes we do argue and get upset with each other, but I'm so happy we are together in love and don't dwell. But overall I reviewed my life and I've been so honored and bless to have such a great one this far and trust in God to continue to lift me and fill me with joy. My prayer is that before we leave this world we can look back and be happy and proud of what we've done here. And if we are not...change it today. Live life to the fullest, love and care for as many as you can, be happy and praise God.

Bitter Sweet

What a day, what a day! Yesterday was was very emotional for us. We woke up to a brand new work week. Happy, healthy and overall blessed. Awaiting the news of who our new president would be. Knowing that a few days earlier his grandmother passed away before learning the results. But then Monday, I was communicating with my good friend Jennifer Usanga and she told me that she would be going into surgery Tuesday morning and it would take 3-5 hours starting at 7:30am. Unfortunately yesterday I received a phone call from our mutual friend Brandice, informing me that she did not make it through surgery and passed away from a heart attack. I couldn't believe it! This just make me look at my own life and really be appreciative with where I am in life and live each day happy and with the most you have to give. I posted a note on her myspace page and to her wonderful husband Eno. Anthony and I also sent him a email just to let him know we cared and loved her and we are here for him. What a afternoon! Later that evening I spoke with several friends on the phone awaiting the presidential results and discussing life, was once again so thankful for knowing them and being able to speak with them during the exciting time. It was almost 10pm so I went to pick up Anthony from work and we turned on talk radio where we heard the results that Obama was the presidental - elect. We kissed at the traffic light and will always remember we were together with Duncan Punkin in the car when we found out the news. What a night! Remember that today is always a gift, live life to the fullest!