So, it's been a while since my last post. I have no excuses, other than I have just been busy, tired and downright lazy. Lots of things (both exciting and challenging) have been happening to me both socially, professional and personally.
I recently went to Miami where I spent 10 days with my family and friends. That has probably been the most time that I have spent in S. Fla. in the last six years. It was fun to see my sister graduate from the correctional academy. For those who don't know my sister, being a correctional officer suits her; it allows her to be sassy. She recently put this picture up of herself and the first thought that came to my mind was, 'guess I can't beat her up anymore, so I better learn to run away faster!'.
My mom, unfortunately, was still in S. Africa during my sister's graduation, so I served as photographer while dad was videographer. Both my mom and cousin, Joe, arrived in Miami a couple of days later and it was nice to see them. My mom brought back lots of goodies- my favorite being this white chocolate called Milky Bar. They don't sell it in the states, so I rarely get it anymore. Below is a picture of my mom in the Drakensburg Mts. and my cousin at the Homestead-Miami Speedway with my dad.
One of my favorite things about being home, aside from seeing my family, was hanging out with my friends. I love how everyone made time to hang out and catch-up. I finally got to watch a game of drunk-league kickball which was exciting. My friend Jacky's team was really kicking butt, and then a storm rolled in. So there we were will a full container of 'juice' standing in the rain. Where else do we go to? A bar. At said bar I was taken back to the good ol' college days where flip-cup was an assumed Friday night activity. It was easily four years since I played, but thanks to Dr. Shelly's teaching, it came back to me, just like riding a bike!
I also got to visit the Schnelby Winery in the Redlands which was very laid back and cool, albeit disgustingly hot and sticky. The wine was amazing and the company was great.
While I was home I managed to have a 'mini high school reunion' with some of my friends: Angie, Natalie and Kiki. I'm so happy that the girls were able to clear their calendars. I'm sure if it was a weekend we would have stayed out a lot longer talking. It was great catching-up with everyone. Thanks, Angie, for opening up your home :)
I also got to see some amazing girls that I first met on a trip to NY with Jacky. Since then, these girls, Katrina and Vane, have become some wonderful friends. Both came to my wedding and one of them even caught the bouquet. I am happy to say that she is now engaged. (She met her fiance, Mike, through Jacky- Jacky is such a matchmaker!) While having a 'Thursday night dinner' with them, we recreated a photo from our trip to NY. When they first met me they thought I was so nice and sweet;l very Mother Theresa-esq. Hopefully they don't think any less of me now that they know me! Oh, and thanks Vane for the visual of 'the cow!' I haven't laughed that hard in years!
Being with my friends and family in Miami was fun and much needed. A couple months ago I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome/disease. It sounds a lot worse than it actually is and unfortunately there is no cure. Being diagnosed has changed my perspective on some things and keeping with my motto- Sonny and I have decided to make some changes in our life because we 'might as well.' We are now a 'brown' family- no pun intended. That means brown rice, brown bread, etc..Sonny has been really patient with me, because since being told I have pcos I have been taking meds and the side affects aren't very pretty. I become like the female version of the Hulk. Thanks, Sonny, for being a wonderful husband and for putting up with my hot-flashes and mood swings.
On a happier note, lots of opportunities have begun presenting themselves at work and I look for to some exciting opportunities!
