Reasons To Be Thankful

Yes, I've been a slacker. My only excuse is that it was Thanksgiving, and I was too busy hanging with friends and family. And eating, eating, eating! Might as well stock up on body fuel for the winter! That's what usually happens. I eat like a maniac during the cold weather (I hate it!), and burn the fat off as soon as spring arrives. Anyway, I had a wonderful time this year. During the past few years, we didn't have much celebration due to various squabbles and lack of social connections. Well, this year I was invited to four different places! Confused about it all..I decided on one event. I figured it'd be too much of a hassle to drive around to all the other places--people scattered around the mountains. Yes, it was at the gay bar. The owners threw a free customer appreciation dinner. It was yummy and fun. I brought along a Hungarian wine, which was too strong for some taste buds:)

When I lived abroad, I got a lot of jokes about Thanksgiving from the other foreigners. Screw that I'd say. Either come and eat, or save the rants for another occasion:) Yes, it's one day of the year. We should give thanks every single day. But I like that it's a unique AMERICAN holiday. Nothing religious about it whatsoever. If you want, say a prayer before the meal. Otherwise it's just a great day to share the joy with everyone. Pig out, drink, and tell jokes. So here are the 10 things that I'm thankful for...

1) New friends from the gay bar...Such fun people, both gay and straight. No one is harsh or judgmental, and that's what I love about the atmosphere.

2) Working with the elderly has brought much light into my soul...One particular resident said some kind words which almost brought tears to my eyes. He said that the last months were some of the happiest since his arrival about four years ago. I don't think I've done anything but laugh at his jokes, and give the care that is necessary for that age group.

3) Living on my own has done wonders for my mental health. However, I'm sad to report that the roomie situation has turned sour. We had fun while it lasted, but I definitely need my own space. We have our differences, and I can see that it's time to move on..I've learned that I can't tolerate animal neglect! She's not my dog, but there's no excuse for not having dog food for more than a week. I was feeding her whatever leftovers I could find, and finally ended up buying dog food. After I sent the roomie a text message, she said "thanks but stop babying her--she knows she can get away with it with you" WTF???! I was rather furious that an act of kindness was blown off like that...Screw that, I'm outta there in Dec. I have to house-sit our own cats anyway. It'll give me time to look for another pad. (UPDATE: I found one! Whoohoo!)

4) New wardrobe..well, I splurged on clothes this year. I was living in house-pants and t-shirts for the past four years. I found no reason to dress up, but now I have fun getting dolled up on the weekends:) A woman deserves to feel and smell pretty. I highly recommend Euphoria by Calvin Klein--got it as a birthday present last year.

5) Standing up for my rights when it comes to slackers and rude people. I don't have to say anymore about that co-worker incident. And if someone doesn't smile back at you, it's their problem...not yours. Enough said!

6) New hair color. I finally got on the highlighting bandwagon. Why didn't I do this earlier? Change is good--nothing crazy, just enough to jazz it up a little.

7) Chocolate chip waffles and coffee for breakfast/brunch--I prefer the Giant brand..Eggo and I are finished!

8) Thanks to God for bringing such colorful people into my life. I always knew that I have to treasure the friendships from here and abroad--that they were brought into my circle for a reason. When I couldn't attend my best friend's wedding in Crete, she sent an email saying it's alright (it wasn't financially possible!), but that one of the reasons she wanted me to come was that her dad was ill and that he wished to see me. And that he loves me as one of his own. More tears again! I must have been Greek in a past life...

9) Sleep...I've had my love-hate relationship with sleep over the years. It's great now and I can't complain since I have work at 3pm:)

10) Finally, I'm thankful to all blogger buddies. You've all taught me so much over the past months. You have no idea how much of a wreck I was...luckily Angel convinced me to get back in the game. I appreciate all the comments and laughs. Some days when it's BLAH, the writing eases the pain and my troubles are released...SO here's to all of you! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Santa has been arrested by the PC police

It's too early in the morning. Don't you hate it when you wake up for some unknown reason and can't fall asleep again?! Since I'm at my parents, it's an excuse to play with the cats. Fun-time is over--they just want to watch the early morning birds and animals. Now all I want is to crash...So, I'm checking the latest headlines and this one surely made me crack...Hahahahaha! I think I'd be afraid if I heard "HaHaHa" from Santa. What happened to the Christmas spirit?! I'm not speaking for all women--I wouldn't be offended. Have a good weekend! Laugh and be good:)

Good times with Uncle Buck and family

I'm feeling very blah right now. Not that my weekend was bad--fun as usual, until I started sneezing sporadically at work last night. By the time I came home, I felt feverish. I finished the remainder of the Nyquil bottle. Many sneezes and coughs later, I crashed. I woke up at 2pm...I want to go back to bed! Luckily it's my day off.

At least the weekend was good. On Friday I was at my parents house for lunch. My dad invited his colleagues from the university--one of whom I shall call my Hungarian Uncle Buck. He's a big jolly man. I can't remember a time when we didn't share laughs together. During the summer, when troubles at home were brewing out of control, he was ready with support and encouragement. He gave me an open invitation to use his summer house in Hungary. I thought about it, but realized that I'd be more depressed if I returned to the adopted country which is full of memories of past friends and times...Anyway, isn't it funny how the universe works? Never did I imagine that I'd have to use Hungarian again after graduation. Our family befriends Uncle Buck, who spoke only in Hungarian with me. After a few months, I told him that I wasn't too fluent in the language. Now we use it for jokes:) Friday also marked the day of an important Indian festival called Diwali I completely forgot about it. It couldn't have happened at a better time, especially since the recent reunion with dad. I was just happy to celebrate the occasion with family and friends.

Okay I should nurse the cold. Hibernation time! Hope you all have a healthy week! And Happy Veterans Day to those who have served (and continue to serve) our country!

We Are Family

I'm sorry if some of you didn't get the chance to see the Lewis Black clip. Why just today I wanted to hear the pussyfeathers crack, and I was saddened to see that it had disappeared. Anyway, I'll keep posting more of my favorite comics. This guy lifts my mood when all hell breaks loose..

Speaking of moods, my mood was a train wreck during the last full moon. Not only was that week hellish in both work and personal life, I knew that there was a reason why things were going wrong. Alas on the full moon Friday (as per schedule on all full moons), I got my period. Yes, I don't need to worry about when it's due. My biological clock is in tune with the lunar cycle. It's weird. Like I'm a werewolf or something...I've read that a woman is empowered if she menstruates on the full moon. Anyway, to make a long story short, I talked to my dad that day (after a 3 month hiatus) and it was ugly. Finally I blurted that I had a period to tend to, and I couldn't deal with anymore for the night. Well, he said that he didn't have a bath all day and still had work to do...aaagh do I laugh or cry???!

There is a happy ending with this story. He broke the ice, and called last night. After years of endless arguments, I had a pleasant conversation with father and visited the folks in the evening. There is a God. He understood the pain and hurts, and gave me the greatest gift...a nice moment with dad. That's all I ever wanted. Later he sent a long email, which was full of warmth and generosity. Of course, he has always cared. Only that it was expressed in strange ways..

Okay that's enough sap for now. I had to share it with everyone! And I did have another great weekend! I was supposed to go out on a date (with, ahem, two guys), but they both had to work. I met them at the drag show. Down to earth people. No, I'm not interested in either one of them. But I liked their company. So, what to do but hit the town alone! I got all dolled up and went to my favorite bar (yeah it's called gay, but it welcomes everyone..which is why I love it!). They had a birthday bash for the owner, who is straight and married...yet, gets dressed up in drag to get into the spirit! It was a small crowd, but I had so much fun that I ended up staying till closing time. I wish I had pictures! There I am sitting at the bar, with the owner standing in heels, and yapping away for a couple of hours. Eventually he sat down because the shoes were killing him. What a riot! He had lots of funny stories to share. And I paid for one drink--the other two were treats from my new friends. I gave the bartender a nice tip!

I'm grateful to all the new people in my life--as well as the bright changes that have been developing!