Happy Thanksgiving!!! I give thanks for a tight-knit family, for my friends - however far, for freedoms in our country, for freedom of my soul, for the ability to choose, for the health to dance and explore, for sanitary drinking water, for contacts, for my big heavy coat this time of year, for mercy and grace of God whom saved my soul from His wrath. I am thankful for many things this year...and this is just the beginning of the list. What about you? Tell me what you're thankful for! Have a good one and don't eat too much turkey and pecan pie!!!

Borat: Not so Nice. So, abading others' advice to skip out on the praised, ground-breaking film Borat, I decided to see what all of the hype was for myself. I mean, afterall, how bad could it be, right? What are a few lawsuits?? AND, if it's a monumental occasion in comedy, I wanted to experience this first-hand and make up my own mind about it all....just maybe I'd laugh til my stomach hurt.

Well, after sitting through an hour of quite offensive humor, Sheena, a friend and I got up and walked out. I never do that with movies, but I just couldn't handle the vulgarity. Not only did Borat want to annilate the Jews, but there were also naked males rolling around on the bed together, and unspeakable other vulgarities. I only wish I could describe to you what I saw and beg you not to submit yourself to the cruelty of humor gone bad, but it's just not something I want to post on the internet. However, my mouth dropped about 10 times in a 'I can't believe he just said/did that!' kind of way. It's one of those. Although, I must admit that I laughed at a few things. It actually would have been hilarious had he stayed away from the gross sexual stuff. He ruined it by going too far in the 'I want to offend everyone possible on the face of the planet that there is to offend' kind of way. Too bad because his character's funny. Well, all of that to say that I'm mad I wasted $8.50, mad that the critics rated it an A movie, and mad that the world applauds this kind of disgusting humor. Whatever happened to Bill Cosby? "He's a-Nice." :}

Success!! So, last night was the lingerie party of the century if I may be so bold. As you probably know, my sister's getting married in Jan., and this whole to-do of me being in Knoxville is for her. So, one can imagine how elated I was to fulfill one of my maiden duties of throwing a shower. First of all, I love throwing parties. How fun is it to decorate?!? Much. A Much too Much. Second of all, it was so great to have a party with all of Sheena's closest friends there, giving "advice" (what they've heard from others, including myself beings that no one's actually married in the group...except for Stacy, but she didn't come until later. However, we still appreciate her input.) and telling sweet and sappy stories - mostly funny of Sheena and what kind of stamp she's left on their lives. It made me a proud sis to hear how they all talked about her. She also got lots of sexy lingerie. I was surprised, though, at how not outrageous they were. I think everyone was thinking what they would want. It worked because she loves it all and tried them on last night (in front of like 10 girls, might I add...yep, she just stripped down in her excitement to wear ribbons and lace! What can I say, she's a Rowlett girl). In all, there were 20 girls at the party. Fun times!! I won't give details of the games played, I guess, but they were a hoot and the girls were good sports about it all. Let's just say one game involved a banana and whipped cream.

I can't believe my little sister's getting married. It's so wonderful, but so crazy. I know it's going to be hard for them at first, being broke students and all, but I see their love for one another, and I know God will bless their union. They're willing to sacrifice and work at it. I've heard them talk about it and witnessed it myself. One thing I like is that Kydon told me the other day that he's learning what not to do and what to do with Sheena from watching us live together. He said he's going to have to do things when she asks, instead of putting them off. That's not in his natural habitating ways, but he's making a conscious note to have a happy wife, and he's willing to do it. That's when it hit me that he's good for her. I always thought no one could truly be good enough for her, but I realized there and then that he's better for her than me!!! Now hear me out...what I mean is that most of the time, I'm not willing to change my living habits (because I think my ways are better) and just say she needs to stop being so anal. I know that's not the best attitude, but it happens with sisters, I guess. I also guess that we'll see if he can actually hold up to his present observations and attempt to please the cleaning power of Sheena Marie. But, for now, I appreciate him thinking ahead of ways to make their marriage work and to prevent fusses over, what I think, is stupid - like when to fold the laundry or empty the dishwasher. God help em and God Bless em!

Viva El Salvador!!! That's right, I'm headed south to Central America's smallest country in Feb. to work as a rural health facilitator in the Peace Corps. I'm so excited that it's a Spanish speaking country because now I can refresh my skills and hopefully become fluent forever!! :) I'm a bit nervous about my job though because I don't really know how to do it, but that's why I have 3 months of training, right?!? Well, guests are welcome, so come visit if you can!! They have great beaches, so we can surf or something...it will be fun!