Christmas 2012 in Arkansas

It has been an amazing trip home for the Holidays... all of the family was in, including my brand new niece, Brooklyn, and my first love, Brandi (her older sister).  

Brooklyn is a beautiful one-month-old that spends her days eating and sleeping - totally living the good life!  I've been given the nickname "The Baby Whisperer" because I put her to sleep every time she touches me!  

Brooklyn, 1 month

Brandi (4), is super creative and smart, very funny and reminds me so much of myself.  She will sing at the drop of a dime... even if its just to narrate her actions!  "I'm going help make cookies and they are my favorite..." or "it's time to take a bath so we can watch a movie..." She is seriously a girl after my own heart!

Brandi, 4 years

I didn't specifically ask for anything for Christmas this year, because I am pretty content with what I have.  Yet, without requesting anything from anyone, I received tons of things I actually wanted!! 

Go Hard or Go Home - Halloween at Full Sail

I recently crossed these photos of myself and a few co-workers celebrating Halloween at Full Sail University. This is one of the many times of the year that the organization as a whole goes full out... and one of the many reasons I love working for this company!

Blame it all on my roots...

The Cowgirls & I 

Is that a cup, Jeremy?

Nikki as Wonder Woman

Dennis the Jabbawockee

Leslie, the cat

Leslie & Jessica (Flo from Progressive)

Nakedness

This quote really spoke to me, so I had to share...

Central Florida's Hidden Gem: OGC

The Orlando Gay Chorus is presenting their 2012 holiday concert, "Reasons for the Season" at The Plaza LIVE, 425 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando. Performances will be held Saturday, December 15 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 16 at 4:30pm. "Reasons for the Season" will feature both traditional holiday music and other songs celebrating the diversity of the season. 

See me for tickets or you can also purchase them directly on the website (www.orlandogaychorus.org) - just make sure to use my referral code: 1391. Even if you can't attend personally, it would be a great holiday gift for a loved one. It's going to be a beautiful show. Oh, and your's truly has a solo, so it would be a chance to hear me "sang a lil bit"...

Glad to see, Hard to leave

One of the biggest excitements about going home for Christmas... my beautiful nieces, Brandi (4) and Brooklyn (4 days)!  This photo was from late November, so she will really be filling out when I see her at 1 month old!  Love, love, love these girls.

Brandi has made it harder to leave and return to Orlando every year.  Her ever-evolving self awareness is something I absolutely hate to be missing.  She is so smart and so quick... cute as a button and funny as all get-out.  An absolute joy to experience.  (I sound like an elementary teacher filling out a report card.)   I imagine this will really be a rough trip home with the newbie to the fold.  Sometimes I just feel like I am missing so much.  But my family is really supportive of my goals and dreams... or simply me, really.  They've always believed in me and pushed me to do more, which has literally meant more to me than they can ever know.

Love you guys.

Home is where you make it...

As a transplant from Arkansas, it's not always economically feasible to be with my family on every major event… from births and deaths, to birthdays and anniversaries, or even most holidays.  Holidays are typically the times when I get a bit homesick.  Luckily, I've been able to plug into an amazing group of people that have become a surrogate of sorts, which helps alleviate a lot of the homesickness.  Thanksgiving was a terrific example - amazing food, great friends and conversation, overflowing drinks, laughter echoing off of every wall in every room of the house.  

My friend Jason DID WORK in the kitchen!

I think it true that family is not just those that share your bloodline, but the group of people you choose to surround yourself with.  This holiday sure felt just like home.

Enjoy this classic. Happy Halloween, kids!