Ten on Tuesday

1. Because everyone is so desperate to know about it, Tevis's & my one-year anniversary celebration was just great! He came and picked me up, and we headed to supper at Applebee's. As I was getting into his car, I was greeted by a present, which I totally wasn't expecting (or I didn't expect to get a gift, so I didn't get anything for him...). He got me a rose, well, his mom did, because she happened to pass a florist on her way home from work, and Tevis told me that he doesn't like to get flowers because they don't last, and he likes to get things that will last. (The rose is still kicking, btw.) He also got me a beautiful pair of earrings, which I love! (He really has me spoiled, you know?) After supper, we had some time to kill before the movie we planned to see, so we got some ice cream, then walked around the mall. We ended up watching "Tower Heist" with Ben Stiller & Eddie Murphy, which was pretty funny in my opinion. We had a great night! Also, thanks to Carissa for taking our picture, which turned out quite well, as you can see...Tevis even bought a new sweater for the occasion! :)

2. If you read my sister Emily's blog, you may have read about our bread-baking event last Saturday. We got a later start than we originally intended, but we still had a successful venture nonetheless. We made bierox and cinnamon rolls, just as we had planned. They turned out well, and served as our supper/dessert for Saturday night. It was my first time to actually mix the dough, and it went splendidly! After all of these years of thinking that making bread was impossible and something that only my mom or grandmothers were capable of doing, I came to the realization that baking bread is no harder than making cheesecake, pie, or anything else I make. Perhaps, I will post something later about bread-baking, including pictures!

3. The annual Bison Thanksgiving dinner was on Sunday, and the food was great as usual! I left with a full stomach, and a happy heart. Again, I was reprieved of clearing tables, because the Hennessey Youth stepped up and did a great job. The biggest thing I miss about that job would probably be getting to see everyone and converse, but I got to sit with Mimi this year, so that was the best!

4. Speaking of Mimi, she seems to be quite the queen bee at the dinner. As my parents and I sat to eat with her, there were numerous people who stopped and talked to her. A family friend noted that many people would stop her just to ask where Mimi was sitting, so that they could talk to her. As people would stop to chat, she would recognize them, and her face would light up with the sheer delight of seeing an old friend. Sometimes, I think that even though Mimi is 75 years older than I am, and many of the people she grew up with have already passed on, she has more friends than anyone I know! Just another reason why I aspire to be like my Mimi...she is an amazing woman!

5. I am in the midst of what I'm thinking will be my last paper for Comp II. It is an argumentative essay, and I have decided to write about how the high price of healthy lifestyles is a limiting factor in the battle against lower/middle-class obesity in America. (I think I may have mentioned this already; bear with me if I have.) I did a little bit of outside research today as I hit the stores to do some price comparisons between healthy foods and their "unhealthy" counterparts. What I found was pretty much in line with my original thesis, and I hope that I can weave all of the little parts together to create my paper.

6. On a random note, my nephews (Andy included) have become obsessed with Candyland, as of late. It was my favorite board game when I was their age, so it is interesting to see them become so fascinated with it!

7. I will not be Black Friday shopping, in case you were wondering. My theory on Black Friday shopping is that unless there is something on your Christmas list that will be a part of a major sale, it really isn't worth the overall frustration and irrationality that accompanies most Black Friday excursions. I, for one, prefer my sleep, and will remain in bed while some lunatics are mauling each other for TVs and game consoles...that sounds more relaxing to me.

8. Tomorrow, I will be babysitting Cody & Kyle and preparing for our Thanksgiving feast on Thursday. Hopefully, they will help me get a few things straightened up around the house, as well as getting some things cooked. Here's to a good day tomorrow!

9. Among my preparations tomorrow will be my pumpkin cheesecake! I am beyond excited to see how it will turn out, as I am with any new recipe I try. Perhaps Cody & Kyle will be able to lend a hand in this endeavor.

10. My family's plans for Thanksgiving include a feast at noon on Thursday. It will include ham, turkey, potatoes, rolls, vegetables of some sort (I'm not in charge of that), perhaps a few other desserts, and my cheesecake. As far as I know, it will be my parents, my sisters and their families, and me. Hopefully, I can see Tevis at some point in the day, but we will see. I am grateful for yet another opportunity to celebrate with my family! I will be counting my blessings along with everyone else!

Here's to a great Thanksgiving for everyone!