Y'ALL!

Gratitude 

I smile because you're my family. I laugh because there's nothing you can do about it. - Anonymous

To me, family is not just an important thing. It is everything. That's why I'm grateful for you all.

Left: Family Dinner at Uncle Julio's. Right: First Grandson Takes The Gold. 51st AAU Boys Junior National Volleyball Championships. Orlando, Florida: July 2024

For being your amazing self.

For having been faithful readers of my blogs for eight years now. The very first one, In The Beginning, was posted on November 25, 2016.

For participating in and tolerating my piddly contests. BTW, here are responses received on "recurring November theme/imagery": 

AVH - The recurring theme is ELASTIC WAISTBANDS!!

ITV - Reference to elastic waistbands! I win! I bluffed when replying all that I may not have time!

Yup, you're both so right!

A long time ago, when I tried on a pair of skinny-fit jeans and it didn't look good, I just threw it on the floor. Like, No, you don't deserve to be hung up. Sit there and think about what you've done.

When it tried to reason out and told me to walk and exercise, I was like, Nah. I'm good.

Today, my pants have absolutely no desire to fit in (LOL... pun totally intended).

As winners:

* ITV, you'll be treated to brunch or Happy Hour at The Goat

* AVH, you'll get a Vietnamese specialty banh mi + dessert (to make up for "lost" pie slice that was supposed to have been shipped to you by ITV); both to be delivered to Queen's (you'll be texted of date and time)

For YOU ALL, I give thanks for being the compass that guides me. My inspiration to reach great heights. My comfort when I falter.

And when we dine out together, as is our wont, I'd definitely remember to put on my awesome ELASTIC-WAISTBAND PANTS and look fabulous!