Laughter: Food for the Soul!

So, today was a little better! I certainly got a laugh! This morning I woke up to the sound of whimpering coming from one of my dogs. So I got up to investigate only to find both of my dogs stuck together! Scratching your head? Well it seems that my female long haired chihuahua (Dee) is in heat and my male chihuahua/Pomeranian looking dog (Bullet) was more than happy to engage her in some morning doggie nookie. Only, she clamped down and he got stuck! Oh, but that is not even the funny part! The kicker is Dee has a good 15 pounds on Bullet and, in an effort to unhook herself, Dee was walking and literally dragging Bullet behind her! Ha! I almost died laughing. It took about 15 minutes for Dee to finally relax enough to turn Bullet loose and when she did, Bullet quickly took to another room to lick himself! Meanwhile, Dee could not have looked more happy or satisfied! I love it! HA!

Anywho...nothing really happened today. Well, I did submit my first grad school application, so that was cool...but other than that, nada! So, I figured I would just give a little random information about myself...in case there is anyone out there who actually cares. Enjoy!

1. I was born and raised in Fort Worth, TX!
2. I have one older brother...(7 years apart)!
3. I have an irrational fear of vomiting...seriously it freaks me out just thinking about it!
4. I also have an irrational fear of losing all of my teeth!
5. I love green tea ice cream!
6. I often overuse the exclamation point!
7. I used to be a flight attendant...crazy people fly on planes!
8. I was privileged to be able to go to Albuquerque, NM to help campaign for President Barack Obama. I walked door to door for five days canvassing for change and celebrated with my peers on November 4th when President Obama won the election. We made NM blue!
9. I am not a morning person (ha! no shock there.)!
10. My dream vacation would be to go to Italy and indulge myself in pasta, wine and gelato!
11. I hope to be in grad school by this Fall at a particular institution on the east coast!
12. Several times a day (if I am home) I will go to the refrigerator, open the door, stare at its contents, close the door, and continue with whatever it was I was doing before. Yes, I know I'm weird!
13. I really hate sarcasm! I don't respond well to it!
14. I have an insane amount of nail polish, yet most of the time I don't wear any at all!
15. I can't cook, but I would like to learn!
16. I hate talking on the phone...i would rather talk to you in person or just text (if I can't talk to you in person)!
17. I have 1 tattoo and 4 piercings!
18. I have become obsessed with the wonders of blush! I mean it really wakes up your face!
19. I've been experimenting with colored eye liners...greens and blues!
20. I don't like body washes...I would much rather have the bar of soap!
21. I love to read!
22. I really don't care too much for juices...I find them to be just to sweet most of the time!
23. I'm obsessed with milk bath products. One fave is Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Bath Soak...mmmm, it just sounds so nourishing!
24. One of my goals is to take up pilates and yoga this year (and hopefully lose some weight)!
25. The Olive Garden's house Italian Salad Dressing is the best!

Golden Nugget: Today I'm thankful that today was better than yesterday.

I Want That Good Good!

Ok, I am really PMS-ing! Been having a ho-hum day but for some reason everything is getting on my nerves today! I have just been thinking about my life and how it is sooooo different than I imagined it would be. I mean when I was in high school, nothing was impossible! I had the whole world at my feet. I was going to be wildly successful, effortlessly beautiful and insanely happy. I did NOT anticipate being a 26 year old unemployed college graduate living at home with her mommy. Yet, this is my life (and yes, I am all too aware of just how sad and pathetic that is). I didn't think it would be this hard. Everyday I am searching for jobs...everyday I am trying to stay optimistic...everyday I'm wanting to be someone else. And I hate that. I hate that I feel this way. I hate that I'm aware that there are so many people worse off than me and yet I still can't be happy. I hate that I am envious of other people and yet I can't help but to ask, "Why them and not me?" "What makes them sooo special?" Maybe this is my rough patch in life. Maybe this is the time in my life that I have to muddle through before I get to the good stuff. All I know is I need something to change. I was hopeful that 2009 with its new President was going to be like a magic pill that transformed my life. It wasn't. No...today was not a good day.

Golden Nugget: Today I'm thankful that I'm still breathing. I'm thankful that I was able to tick off one more 'rough patch' day...inching closer and closer to the good stuff. C'mon GOOD STUFF!!!

Snow Day!!!

Yay for snow days!!! Well, technically it was an ice day, but the result was the same! NO school or work! My mommy stayed home today and we spent the whole day snuggled up on the couch with our dogs, watching t.v.! It was great! AND....my last W-2 came in , so I was able to do my taxes and complete my FAFSA a full 4 days before the deadline! AND...I'm getting a refund! AND...both of my recommenders contacted me and assured me that my recommendations for school will be completed and submitted by the deadline! So, YAY!

Golden Nugget: Today I am thankful for snow days...when magical things happen! YAY!

Details, Details, Details!!!

I'm freaking out a little bit! I have been working on graduate school applications for the past month and half or so and now the first one is due in 5 days. I have completed the form for basic information, written and re-written my personal statement and today I dropped my transcripts in the mail. The only thing left are these minor (but necessary) annoying details. You see, I can't afford to go to grad school on my own so I have to apply for financial aid. The deal is for this particular school the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is due on February 1st as well. Ok fine, except that I have to do my taxes before completing my FAFSA and I haven't gotten all of my W-2's!!! I mean come on!!! How long does it take to send your W-2's?

As if that was not enough, I have to have recommendations from at least two people and the wonderful people who have agreed to write them for me, have yet to do so. Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful to these individuals for agreeing to help me out and I realize that they are terribly busy...its just that I'm starting to get a little nervous. You see, this first school happens to be my first choice and I want everything to be perfect! I NEED everything to go off without a hitch. So I sent a friendly reminder to my recommenders, being careful not to sound pushy but letting them know that time is a tickin'! Anyway that is me right now...worrying about things that indeed I have no control over. I have done what I can...now all I can do is wait.

Golden Nugget: Today I am grateful to the people who think enough of me to write a recommendation for me...and I'm grateful to the brave US postal workers that went out in this treacherous ice storm to deliver the one W-2 that just got handed to me at this moment.

Will Work For Food!!!

When I was in my final year of college I suddenly became faced with the question "What do I want to do with my life?" So, I started really delving into finding out what my passion is....and at the end I found it. I also found that in order to do what I really want to do, I have to go back to school and get my masters degree. It's all good...I like school, but in the meantime I need a JOB!

So that is what I have been doing since I graduated...looking for a job...everyday...constantly....endlessly! It is no FUN! I mean, I am a smart, educated, well rounded woman! It should be easy, right? WRONG! In today's economy it is nearly impossible to find a job! I have probably well over 100 resumes circulating the DFW area and more going out everyday! Out of those resumes I have had about 5 interviews and (drum roll please) 0 job offers! I have actually had potential employers tell me that they wouldn't hire me because I was over qualified! Man, now I'm being penalized for having an education? So not cool!

Ok, thanks for letting me vent! So, really all I need is a chance, you know? Today I put in an application to the FWISD to be a substitute teacher. I think it might be a really good fit because I minored in Education in college, I have experience working in a classroom, and since I'll be going back to school in the Fall I won't be disappointing any employers by leaving in 5 months (that is if I have to move for school). So hopefully this will work out. I just need a chance...not to mention I'm broke and I NEED the money. So, every one please keep your fingers, eyes and toes crossed for me!

Golden Nugget: Today I am thankful that even though I am unemployed, I have never gone hungry and have always been able to pay my bills (even if they were a little late). Thanks to all who were and are instrumental in making that happen.

Splendiferously Devine!!!

Hi all! I'm feeling much better today (I know you were soooo worried)! So I LOVE to read other people's blogs! I'm particularly into beauty blogs, health and fitness blogs, and spiritual growth blogs. Mainly because these are areas in which I could always use some help! Some of my faves are listed in my blogroll. Sometimes though I can be a bit of a voyeur, and I have to admit that on occasion I indulge myself in blogs that peer into the lives of the bloggers themselves (much like my own). I like how some people can be so completely transparent and forthcoming with whats going on in their lives! It gives me the courage to be that way also. Plus, sometimes its fun to listen to the dish (even if you don't know who the characters are). One particular blog that I have come to really look forward to is that of one B. Scott. B. Scott has a website called LOVEBSCOTT.COM where you can find the latest in celebrity dish! This androgynous man is too fabulous and posts video blogs via YouTube that will literally have you thinking one minute, crying the next, and rolling on the floor laughing by the end of it. His latest post was short but the sentiment was so true:

Obama is President Bi@%#!!!



Ha! I love it! "Kiss my a$$, kiss my a$$, kiss my a$$!" Anywho here it goes:
Golden Nugget: Within the drudgery of everday life, I am thankful to have little moments of escape that make me think, teach me something new, or simply put a smile on my face.

Down... But Not Out!

Ok, I am still not feeling well! This is incredibly frustrating! I have been sick to my stomach for the past 3 days! So, after careful inspection of Web MD, I have come to the conclusion that I just might have the flu! No fun!

Golden Nugget: I am thankful that there are websites like Web MD that can help diagnose you and give you tips on how to take care of yourself (especially when you have no money, no insurance and can't afford to go to the doctor).

Tick Tock Tick Tock....

Well, still feeling kinda blah! I have no appetite and my stomach is churning. My mother asked me today if I was pregnant!! "NO MOM!!!" was my response. So, I am not with child, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't like to be someday. Which brings me to today's post....when is it going to happen for me?

I mean I want to be married and have kids someday and I'm not getting any younger! I know, I know...your thinking "your only 26!" But I am 26 and counting and it seems that every time I turn around somebody I know is getting engaged, married or having a baby! And the kicker is, most of them are younger than me! Meanwhile, I don't even have a boyfriend! Which means that I don't even have the prospect!

I had put myself on this time line when I was younger: I wanted to have my first child by the time I was 30, but I wanted to be married for at least 1.5 to 2 years before the first child (you know to enjoy my husband) which meant that I needed to be married by the time I was 28. Well, you can't plan the kind of wedding I want in less than a year, which means that I need to be engaged by 27....and I am now 26!!!!!! 26 people!!! Which, of course, means that I need to have been in a serious relationship YESTERDAY! Now there is someone special in my life right now...but we're not there yet. He's scared...I'm scared...and my time line has officially gone out the window!

Well, perhaps that is not such a bad thing. I heard somewhere that the best way to make God laugh is to tell Him of your plans. This has to be true because my life has turned out nothing at all like I thought it would. Even so, I have had some good times, met some amazing people, fallen in love twice, and made some life long friends. So, I think what I've learned is to just let go and let God! Which, if you know me, is way easier said than done....but I'm working on it!

Golden Nugget: Today I am thankful for all those wonderful things in my life that were not planned, but shaped who I am and for all the possibilities of tomorrow!

Stop Your Belly Aching!

Hi all! Not feeling to well at the moment....suffering from a bit of nausea so its gonna be short.
Golden Nugget: Today I am thankful for Gas-X and 7-UP! G'nite people!

At Laaaaast!!!!!

Hey everyone! I'm still reeling over the events from yesterday! I woke up this morning thinking "Oh my gosh! Barack Obama is my President!" I love it! To be alive to witness that moment was and is thrilling! I'm sure you all share my sentiments...I mean how could you not be moved? I have to say we have a GORGEOUS first family! And the first dance between President and First Lady Obama last night was breathtaking!



Ok, what did you all think of Michelle's dress? I thought it was gorgeous! And Bey did that! Yes she did! I wish I could have been there to see it in person, but I FELT it through the t.v. screen! Yes, it was a long long road to a day that I will remember for the rest of my life!

So, in the spirit of change, I have decided to heed President Obama's plea to us to be of service to others! A good friend of mine told me that it wasn't until she started volunteering that things started turning around in her life. I think it was mostly because through service, her attitude changed and she was given a new perspective. Being of service to others served to shed a new light on her own circumstances. Wow! And just recently another of my best friends told me that she had just started volunteering...and I've never seen her happier! So, I'm gonna do it! I haven't decided what I'm gonna do yet, but I will keep you posted! And if any of you have any ideas, please fill free to comment!

Golden Nugget: Today I am thankful for a renewed sense of responsibility to others' and to myself!

Welcome Mr. President!!!

I am filled with pride today! I am bursting at the seams at the mere thought that today was even possible. Today, America saw true change...and oh how sweet it is! I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it! I can remember my African American father telling me as a young girl that I could do or be anything I wanted to be...that I could even be the President! Now I'm only 26 years old, but even back then the notion of an African American becoming the President of the United States of America was unfathomable. Yet today, this great country saw fit to see past the color lines and welcome, what can only be described as the most charismatic, cool, calm and collected President this country has ever seen! I am moved....more than I can express in words! I am inspired....more than I have been in a very long time! I am hopeful.....incredibly hopeful for our future!

President Obama (aahhh that sounds nice!) gave his inaugural speech today and ignited a fire in me! I am pumped! I am ready for the future and for prosperity! What did you think?

Part 1



Part 2



This past year, my brother and I had the opportunity to help with the campaign for change in a swing state. So, we packed up and left on a bus with 31 other people to New Mexico where we would canvass by foot door to door. For five days we knocked on doors, passed out fliers, and drove people to the polls in an effort to win NM for Obama...and we did! Not even blisters on our feet or getting chased by pit bulls would deter us. These 31 people of all different races, ages, genders, religions and orientations joined together for one common goal and affected change in New Mexico! It was one of the best experiences of my life! Here are a few pics from this great adventure:

Golden Nugget: Today I am thankful to be an American....I am thankful to have been able to play a small part in the change that is to come! (Continued prayers go out to Teddy Kennedy).

I Have A Dream!

Happy Martin Luther King Day!!!! Today is a wonderful indeed! Today is a day that we reflect on the history of our country and know and feel just how far we have come. Dr. Marin Luther King was instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement and is a big part of the reason that we have the civil liberties that we have today! Today I got goosebumps as I watched (again) the famous speech in 1963, and I was filled with pride.

Martin Luther King: I Have A Dream

Golden Nugget: Today I am most thankful not only that Dr. King had a dream, but that the realization of that dream has made possible the monumental occasion that will take place in our country's history on tomorrow January 20, 2009. Gobama!!!!!

Get UP!!!!!

Today was a lazy day. You know one of those days where you do absolutely nothing and feel no guilt for it! I love those days. Everybody needs one of those days once in a while. On this day I was able to sit back in quiet reflection and just be....and then I got bored. :-(

That is the problem with lazy days...boredom sets in and all that reflection starts to make you sick of yourself! So, I turned on the music! I LOVE the new song Get Up by Mary Mary! It is so inspiring! It just makes you, well, GET UP!!!! A little thought provoking and it's fun! So anyway, I got my daily dose of inspiration and a little bit of perspective! Daily Nugget: Today I am grateful for the occasional lazy day which lends itself to much needed inspiration, perspective and a swift kick in the pants! P.S. Have you tried Green Tea ice cream? Oh my gosh it is sooooo good....get into this!

For your listening pleasure:

I'm NOT Your SUPERWOMAN!!!!

Life is not fair. I have never felt that more than this past year. It seems that if you are a good person that things should go your way, but that is not always the case. Now I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, good and bad. I am also keenly aware (as people keep reminding me lately) that I am not the only one going through hard times. But how is it that some people are able to handle it better than others?

Seriously, it seems that I am constantly being bombarded with these examples of women who seem to have it all together. They are flawless almost effortlessly. They seem to be leading charmed lives. Of course, I know it can't be all roses but how is it that they can still get up and live (what seems like) these phenomenal lives even as their lives are falling spectacularly to pieces? I mean come on! Why is it that I am reduced to tears, barely able to pull myself out of bed in the morning, and yet these SUPERWOMEN can get it all done in SPITE of their trials? ITS NOT FAIR! But we've established that already haven't we?

Well I've always worn my heart on my sleeve. If I'm upset, you know it. And, it isn't pretty! This has proven to be a good and bad thing (although lately more bad than good). Really I just want to be one of those 'I have it all together' chicks that seem to be following and mocking me! So here it is...my golden nugget: I am grateful that I have so many wonderful examples of SUPERWOMEN to aspire to be. I just might get there someday.

So it Begins...

Life can really suck sometimes. The economy is crap, people are losing their jobs left and right and I am having a REALLY bad hair day! It would be easy to sink into in a endless abyss of despair....who could blame you? Still, somehow among the muck and mire life goes on. SO, we had better make the best of it! Hence, 'Think Golden' was created! This is just a regular gal's attempt at making lemonade out of lemons. Once a day (I'll try my best) I will find ONE thing to be positive about...ONE thing to be thankful for...ONE golden nugget to hold on to. Living my life like its GOLDEN, one day at a time.

So here it is...the first ray of sunshine: Today I am thankful that I have wonderful friends who send me little notes of encouragement, just because! You girls rock!

Stay tuned....