Alice in Wonderland

Did anyone else catch "Alice" on the Syfy channel last night? Yes, I said Syfy (don't judge). It's really good if y'all haven't seen it. My hubby likes to watch Syfy and he told me about the new show. He knows I'm a huge Alice in Wonderland fan and thought I might be interested. And although it wasn't much like the Disney cartoon it was very cool. The "Hatter" is by far my favorite character. The second episode is coming on tonight at 9pm.

Tiger Woods

I've been watching the news this afternoon and I'm so disgusted with the Tiger Woods story. This athlete was suppose to be one of the good ones. There are hardly any good role models out there for younger generations and Tiger was one of them. Well, not anymore. I applaud the sponsors for pulling out of the contracts not to muddy their own reputations. I believe in forgiving those who desperately seek it but I also believe in consequences to bad behavior.

Do you believe society has taken a blind eye approach by excusing bad behavior because they are enamored by stardom? I believe this to be true. Not long ago this would have been a career ender but I hardly think Woods will get nothing more than a simple disappointing head shake and disapproval snicker at most. I can already hear the excuses pouring in now and how we should foolishly feel sorry for him. Look at Kobe Bryant. Can you imagine being Vanessa Bryant? Kobe has a 2nd affair scandal (rolling eyes). This man is still praised because of his athletic super stardom. Shouldn't personal integrity count for something regardless your athletic capabilities? The guy is a cheating sleaze bag and yet he still has faithful fans? I don't understand.

What about Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons) who plead guilty for dog fighting (torturing dogs to death)? He's back on the football field making his millions. Where's the standard people? Basically if someone looks good, plays a sport well, or sings/acts well, they are pardoned from personal accountability in our society? They can do and say whatever they want and we the people will kiss their feet. Yeah, that's what I want my future children to look up to, NOT! We've become a whorish nation of dirt bags if you ask me. I believe if we stood up and refused to support the celebrities who break the law, have affairs, curse and threaten (Serena Williams), etc.. it would not only change the bad behavior of celebrities but society. Kids watch their role models get into trouble with no consequences but a mere slap on the hand. What is this teaching them?

I don't know about you but I'll be choosing to root for anyone but Woods on the next PGA tour. He's very talented on the greens but I cannot support him in good faith. I hope he truly is sorry and can save his marriage for his kids sake. But his reputation has been tainted in my book. There's a high cost to low living.

True meaning of Christmas

One day Jesus will return to establish his kingdom in Jerusalem



Luke 2:1-7
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

This is called, Grotto the Nativity, located beneath the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. This is where Jesus was born.

Mary's well in Nazareth

Part of the church where Jesus began teaching as a child

When I was younger my grandmother would travel to many exotic places around the world. I remember when she went to Egypt and rode camels to the pyramids (she sent me an Egyptian necklace). I remember when she traveled to Asia and sent back wax dolls from China. But one of the most treasured gifts I still have today is my wooden camel she sent back from Jerusalem. The camel is hand carved out of olive wood. It's very similar to this one.

Houston Ballet

This morning I checked my e-mail and the Houston Ballet has sent their upcoming events for 2010. In the line up is La Bayadere!!! I can't wait!!! La Bayadere is a Russian ballet. I'm not sure why but I'm always drawn to Russian things. I love the language, ballet, symphony, opera and art. And I'm extremely intrigued by Russian history such as the Romanov's. I've always wanted to visit the Pushkin museum of art in Moscow and see an opera at the Mussorgsky (aka: Mikhailovsky theatre) Opera house in St. Petersburg. Perhaps one day.....

The music/dancing in La Bayadere is absolutely beautiful. It also has an amazing wardrobe. The plot is filled with jealousy, envy, affairs, murder, and a haunting. It's a great ballet to see and will be a fantastic way to start off 2010.

Oh Baby!

I just received a text that my BFF back in Austin just had her baby. YAY! I'm so excited to see him. I'm looking forward to snuggling that baby boy. This is going to be a fun Christmas.

Day After Thanksgiving

One of my favorite days out of the entire year is the day after Thanksgiving. Not because it's "BLACK FRIDAY" no I'm not interested in participating in that mess at all. You will never see me out there fighting the crowds, sitting in traffic, or going without sleep for a department store sale. I would rather go without. I don't like being around chaos and I see crowds as just that (completely unpredictable). It really makes me anxious and frustrated when I'm around that environment. I'm a very orderly and proper individual so chaos drives me mad. I believe people are too arrogant and selfish to be safe shoppers. I hardly see social etiquettes demonstrated these days. That's why I don't really care much for city living.

To tell you the truth I've been longing for a country estate. I wish I had that English cottage or Southern planation style home. With acres of nothingness surrounding me. I could actually hear myself think. My ideal lot would be nothing less than 7-10 acres. Awww, that sounds wonderful. Perhaps I'll ask Papa Noel this year, LOL! He could leave the deed in my stocking (along with keys to the Mercedes SUV I've had my eye on).

Ok, back to the purpose of this post. The reason why I adore the day after Thanksgiving so much is that I get to pull out all my Christmas decorations. I truly love decorating the house for the holidays. The ribbons, lights, and crystal ornaments are all more the reason I'm enchanted with this season. I'm looking forward to a day of decorating and full of Christmas music. Papa Noel left an amazing New Orleans Christmas jazz cd in my husband's stocking last year. I believe I'll pull it out and put it on. Hope you are off to a fantastic holiday season and that y'all didn't eat too much turkey yesterday, LOL!

Happy Thanksgiving!

O God, when I have food,

help me remember the hungry;

When I have work,

help me remember the jobless;

When I have a home,

help me remember those who don't have a home at all;

When I am without pain;

help me remember those who suffer;

And remembering,

help me to destroy my complacency;

bestir my compassion,

and be concerned enough to help;

By word and deed,

those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Amen.

- Samuel F. Pugh

This Thanksgiving holiday is going to be extremely difficult on many American families. Across this great nation are those who have experienced job loss, foreclosures, bankruptcy, divorces, health issues, and many other heartbreaking tragedies. As Christmas begins to approach I'm sure guilt stricken parents will feel depressed and broken as they will not have the means to provide a financial blessing upon those they cherish most (their children). Perhaps some are feeling completely broken for they have lost their homes in the massive foreclosures that swept our country. There will be no gifts, Christmas tree, or holiday dinner. If you are one of these Americans I want to express that I will not forget you this Thanksgiving. You will be in my prayers as I pray for this nation.

I also want to send a word of encouragement. I say, to those who are in the midst of a dark storm, look forward. You have a future and even though you are struggling now don't give up. Don't let that dark day, dark month, dark year, or dark decade define your future and who you are. America was not built on financial wealth but faith. Faith in the true living God. Our focus has been selfish greed for many years as we concentrated on gaining possessions and wealth. But God and relationships are truly what makes a poor man rich. God gives hope to the hopeless and sends people in our lives to shower us with love. If you are feeling lost and helpless I can offer you the truth. You can have the BEST holiday season in your life if you are willing to cry out to God. Ask him for future and thank him for all he has done for you. Then love on those around you. No amount of money will provide the happiness and joy you will experience when you make your holiday about God and relationships.

"Give thanks to the Lord; for he is good; his loves endures forever." - Psalm 107:1

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and blessed Thanksgiving!