26 posts tagged “2007”
2007 was bittersweet for me. I have had tons of ups and downs.
After taking time off from school, it was rough the first couple of months. It was a real struggle to find a great job that would pay me what i needed. Thank the lord for the great job i finally stumbled upon, which i am still at. I started on March 19th. Work has been good and bad, like with most jobs, but i believe it is where i need to be right now.
Starting off 2007 was really rough. I say this because i had started talking to Chris in October 2006 a ton through my Facebook account. It was hard because starting a relationship back up that ended so hurtful was going to be a big
Family life has been tested on so many scales. I have had an extremely rough time living with my aunt and uncle. it just seems that the smallest thing can take my uncle to a point where he is violent. I have had him throw things at me, come close to hitting me (as well as my aunt trying that on me), i have had nights where it would have been easier to just leave (and some night when i actually did leave). It has not been easy. Not by any means. The entire family part of 2007 was so bad. Those memories i wish to leave behind in 2007, while hoping for better ones in 2008. Overall, i believe this summer may be the time when i have to finally move out on my own. Regardless if i go out there blind or not. I have to. I cannot take another year of the same treatment.
I have had some personal growth. I have seen how far i can be pushed and how willing i am to go out on a limb for something i want. I have no fear in things that most people my age have. I guess that may be because i was not raised the same way as most kids. Most kids have loving families. I did not even live with my family. I had foster parents. And, although i do not see them anymore, i think that experience was the best for me. It made me rely on myself. My independence is further than most people i know. My experiences of having adulthood thrusted upon me is what make me a stronger person. 2007 was a time of growth for me. It showed me how i can come out of something bad, and make myself better. Regardless of anything that may potentially try to stop me from the great place i am standing it. I stand my ground. I will not sway for someone who is trying to make me move. I will be that rock. I will no longer be the defenseless animal that others may see me as. I will be the rough and roudy woman that you will fear!
Because his sister had to leave early, Chris' family had christmas celebrations on the 24th. It was really nice. I went over and we had a nice dinner. They served pork tenderloin and various other goodies. We enjoyed ourselves. Gift opening was fun. Tina, their dog, went nuts when she saw all the great new toys she was getting. I think she likes this holiday! ha ha.
Chris' mom finally told him about the trip. He did not quite understand the gift
Went home and did my Christmas stuff with the family. I got a jewelry box, chocolate coat (that i was there for when it was purchased) and a reed incense thingie my cousin purchased for me that smells like jasmine. My aunt said my bedding was part of my christmas. She always does that....says it towards my birthday or christmas and then wants it back. She tends to ruin holidays for me. Especially when she doesn't tell me. If i don't buy it for myself (and she has to pay for it), i either have to reimburse her or it goes toward my christmas/birthday. Its bogus. But if i do for her, she doesn't offer to repay me! She steals from me. If i could move, hell, i would! But i cant by myself. Not until June.
Anyway, after all the 'fun' festivities, i got chris to come and get me and we went back to his house. We lounged around until about 6 or so and had dinner at Kabutos (this Japanese steak house we love so much). We had a good time but i had to get home at a decent hour since i had to work on the 26th. But, my christmas was wonderful.
I WOULD have posted more photos, but chris' family has not e-mailed me any yet. But, as soon as i get them, they will be posted.
Who do you want to be caught under the mistletoe with this holiday season?
Submitted by An Ebony Epicurean.
We have such a hard time finding clothes that will fit him. He shivers all the time. He gets so cold since it has gotten chillier now than before. He is not quite use to it yet. But, then again. How can you get use to the cold when you are half naked? Poor thing doesn't have enough fur to keep him warm.
BUT, you have to admit. He is funny looking. He is our Buddy. And, he is cute!
Well, The tickets were for December 15th (yes, a bit late to post this but i really have been too busy to!). Well, since my best friend, Crystal, had just gotten back into town from school on break, i had to get her help picking out a great LBD (little black dress). I already had one that i purchased for when Chris and I went to The Tobacco Company, so i had to get another one! Well, Crystal and I searched all over the mall and we couldn't find one that was decent enough (and not slutty) that i could wear to something so nice. BUT...then we came across this place called CACHE and couldn't believe the luck! I had found one!! Soooo, i purchased it! It was a bit pricey, but sooo worth it. And, it felt sooo great on.
After chris and i got back to his house ( it was really too late to get me home, so i stayed- i already packed an overnight bag), Chris' dad took pictures of us in front of their christmas tree. They turned out pretty well...
But the pictures that Chris and I took with my camera after were much better. By the way, we did not take pictures at the Theater because 1- Chris' camera was on low batteries and he didn't change them out or bring spares. 2- I didn't bring my camera in because i thought his would be fine enough. And, 3- the program said that it was prohibited to take photos of the actors (and they announced it out loud).
Anyway, after Chris' parents went to bed, we stayed up and took a few photos before heading to bed.
This year Emma dropped down from being the #1 name for baby girls, with Sophia taking its place for the first time; however, the boys kept Aiden at the top of their list. Here are the most popular baby names for the year, by BabyCenter:
The Girls:
1. Sophia
2. Isabella
3. Emma
4. Madison
5. Ava
6. Addison
7. Hailey
8. Emily
9. Kaitlyn
10. Olivia
The Boys:
1. Aiden
2. Jacob
3. Ethan
4. Jayden
5. Caden
6. Noah
7. Jackson
8. Jack
9. Logan
10. Matthew
Buddy is a great dog, but for a puppy, he still has tons to learn that will take him awhile to get down pat. No worries. He will, i am sure. Our only concern is that he isn't eating as much as he should. Buddy isn't suppose to get over 5 lbs. but that doesn't mean he needs to starve himself. Lately he wont even touch his dinner. His other problem is that he is so skiddish. Even if you lay on the floor when you are trying to get him to come to you so you can pick him up, he tucks his tail and shakes a bit. Then, he whines when you go to leave him, although it was his fault in the first place since he wouldn't come to you when you asked.
He can act like a puppy himself at times, even if he is 11 years old. He still enjoys frolicking around outside and chasing you to the door to the house. And, he even loves his belly to be rubbed (and, he doesn't mind asking you to either!). He may be an old man, but he is still one of the best dogs we have had.
He seems to have transitioned very well. He still naps during the day and keeps me up at night, but for my fuzzy friend, it is worth it. He is still skiddish in my new room, but i think he prefers the new view!
This year, instead of the holiday get together where my team would normally exchange gifts, we decided collectively to do something different. We picked up an Angel Tree Child. A few years ago, my church sponsored an Angel Tree get together where we could choose a child to buy for. Something that would mean a lot to someone. Each family was to pick an angel and buy for it. It was a big hit. It was different from our usual christmas party at church. We gave back in a bigger way.
That giving feeling was the same this year at work. We chose one child (a girl) and we each purchased things she would like or asked for. We got her sizes, age and some items she was interested in. Then, we all went shopping!
I will admit that it was so much easier choosing for a 10 year old girl than for most of my coworkers. I have (younger) sisters and i can pretty much guess what they would love to have. Well, i did the same for this little girl. I got a few tips from my mom but I did know what i wanted to get her.
I hit my favorite stores looking for something to inspire me. I found it! I got her:
- a cute pink track suit
- glove/scarf/hat striped set
- small stuffed teddy bear
- small stuffed hello kitty
- small black purse (good for when she is older) which i filled with:
- highlighters, pens, hello kitty paper, vanilla swirl body wash, pink clear lip gloss, pink 'cutie' mints
The entire office loved it. Our group each gave her something special. One lady gave her a bratz manicure/hair set. Another got her skates. Two people bought her clothes (fall and winter). And, someone else got her three pairs of shoes. I hope this girl enjoys everything she is getting because everyone enjoyed buying things for her.
Considering the friend that has the ‘what-time-does-my-flight-leave?’ lifestyle, and the fact that they know just what’s going on in the lives of several of the drivers who regularly transport them back and forth to the airport, they know a thing or two about getting there. And while philosophers may say that it’s all about the journey, all I want is one that’s comfortable. For traveling friends, family and co-workers, I’ve pulled together a list of little helpers to make the journey all that much more enjoyable…
• Travel to a new destination turns a trip into an adventure, but there’s something to be said for a little bit of knowledge when it comes to a foreign city. With colorful covers and smartly sized so that they fit into a pocket or handbag, the new Wallpaper* City Guides from Phaidon Press don’t advertise that the reader is a tourist. And with 20 cities to choose from, you may find a few for each of your traveling friends. $8.95 @ Amazon
For the female boss, who seems to travel non-stop, the this works™ Travel Kit has everything she needs to stay cool, calm and collected. Full of aroma-therapeutic serums, lotions, spritzes, oils and a balm, there’s a quick remedy for whatever comes up en route. $59 @ Barney's
For friends that travel great distances, like my Super Pal who’s always headed to Europe or Asia, a fun travel pillow from Flight 001 keeps her comfy, even without the prospect of an upgrade. This pretty silk one has a matching eye mask so she can get some sleep along the way. $45
Now, I won’t go on a trip without carrying on my secret-stay-healthy-weapon: Sprayology’s Cold & Flu Relief Spray. When I feels the first hint of a tickle in my throat or a tingle in my nose, I immediately starts spraying the homeopathic formula under my tongue and whatever it is that is trying to infiltrate my system is stopped in its tracks. When paired with TravelEase, a spray designed to treat jet lag, it’s a perfect combination for a traveling friend. $20 Sprayology
With the variety of games and its compact size, the Travel Game Set from Day Timers is a perfect accessory for travelers a deux or a great way to break the ice with a seatmate. And because it’s magnetic, the game pieces won’t slide off the board. Pairing these with a fancy chocolate bar for all the Super Pals who travel for business is a great idea. $24.99 @ daytimer.com
And while you know that personal comfort during a flight is key, you also wouldn’t want any of your family or friends to be faced with a suitcase full of wrinkled clothes upon arrival. Clothes Bags from Flight 001 keep clothes in order, with one side for clean clothes and another for dirty. $42
Many of us have travel-sized versions of all our important toiletries and cosmetics, but until you find Bobbi Brown’s Mini Brush Set, your makeup brushes were probably sticking out of your travel kit. These are perfect pint sized versions of the bigger brushes she uses at home. Nordstrom $45
There’s no denying the holiday season is in full swing. A firm believer in dressing for the occasion, I would never leave my apartment out of the fun. So I set out to find the perfect accent pieces to give my space a chic holiday update without lifting a finger…
A few accent pillows, a new throw in winter colors and these are ready to usher in the season. But to really set the mood, I love a fresh winter arrangement. Nothing says the holidays quite like walking into a room filled with the smell of fresh evergreen. That’s why I buy two wreaths, one for the front of her door, and one for behind it.
Berries + Cones Wreath
Fresh fir and cedar, sprigs of pepper leaf, bright red pepper berries and eucalyptus. Pinecones and a festive red bow make this a unique take on the classic seasonal wreath.
$78 @ Red Envelope
Eucalyptus + Canella Berries Wreath
Green eucalyptus leaves, sprigs of bright-green boxwood and clusters of red canella berries.
$48 @ Red Envelope
To guarantee a holiday scent is carried throughout her home, always have a great scented candle on hand. It sets the mood with a simple spark.
Spruce Tree Candle, Incense Candle or Gingerbread Candle
Diptyque
$72 @ Vivre.com
Most of us think about two colors during the holdays- red and green – you can spice things up a little more. So, take the red and green this season, and add a little blue and orange into the mix too with these Bottle Brush Holiday Trees. It adds a modern twist to her traditional holiday décor.
Bottlebrush Holiday Trees
Red/Orange, Green/Blue
$38 @ Garnethill.com
Tree or not, I can’t resist jazzing up her apartment with a good ornament. Forget the mistletoe, this year everyone at my pad kisses under the Nordstrom Glitter High Heel Ornament.
Glitter High Heel Ornament.
Approx. height: 4"
$5 @ Nordstrom.com
I believes if it’s glittering up above it should be glittering below too. So these sparkling Snowflake Coasters are just the thing to give my table, and stemware, the holiday glamour they deserve, and the black-velvet backs protect my precious tabletops.
Beaded snowflake coasters
Set of four includes two gold and two silver coasters
4" square
$30
redenvelope.com
