AskLatisha.com » Holidays http://www.asklatisha.com Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:04:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Last Post of 2008 http://www.asklatisha.com/last-post-of-2008/ http://www.asklatisha.com/last-post-of-2008/#comments Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:26:51 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=722 Well, it’s the final day of 2008. Oh, what a year, what a wonderful imperfect year. I initially intended to write a bunch of posts today; one that would be a list of some of my most memorable moments of 2008; but I changed my mind; maybe next year. I’ll make it quick with a very brief rundown.

            This year brought about changes in my life; I visited Canada for the first time; I experienced my first Spring and my second Autumn (colorful seasons); I went bowling for a second time and bowled two strikes; I celebrated my 26th birthday, my husband his 31st and my daughter her 2nd; my husband and I celebrated our 3rd Anniversary by having dinner at Olive Garden; we went to a carnival and my husband and daughter slid on this massive slide called the Super Slide and I was scared out of my wits on a ride called the “Octopus” (went on it by myself);  I found a place of worship where I feel comfortable (a Church) and we moved into our own apartment; I started working on getting in shape and did really awesome for about two months, started to look and feel so great; but then I fell back into my old ways making excuses and procrastinating, and I still haven’t got it together again since. God has really taken care of me and enriched my life. I started working on my blog officially in August and I am still going strong with my blogging; now all I need are some readers who are interested in what I have to say; I found a really great website (www.postcrossing.com) that has helped me to make new friends from all over the world and collect awesome postcards from places I dream of seeing someday; like China, Spain, Finland, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Germany, other states of the U.S.A, etc. I have even met a pen pal who visited from Japan and we went to see “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” together. Thanksgiving and Christmas was a blast with all God’s provisions: family, friends, a home, food, etc.

            This year I witnessed some historical moments on television courtesy of the likes of our first African-American and 44th President of the United States Barack Obama and fish man Michael Phelps.

            However; I am so completely thankful for another year,  another chance to grow, mature, live, accomplish, make friends, get in shape, boost my confidence, study God’s word, pray more, read more, write more, learn more, spend quality time with my daughter and improve as a person in all aspects of my life. I desire to be in a better place; the place God has planned for me, the place where I can shine brightly for all around me to see my glow, as well as add to the world and the lives of others. I am excited to see what this New Year brings; I pray for blessings, protection, guidance, grace, understanding, discernment, financial blessings and all God has to offer, for my life and my love ones. I pray we may bless the lives of others with whatever we can.

            The New Year will meet me at the door with many questions, concerns and challenges. I trust that God will answer some of those questions and lead me on the right path. I trust he will take care of us and help me to grow. We just have to take it step by step. To anyone who reads this tonight; may you enjoy your last night in 2008 and may all of you my friends have a splendid 2009. I’ll be there with you in the year ahead; may we all grow together. I will holla at you with some photo journals of 2008 and my New Years Resolutions really early next year. Love you all and I hope we can continue to be friends in 2009.

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/last-post-of-2008/feed/ 0 My Fave Holiday Commercials http://www.asklatisha.com/my-fave-holiday-commercials/ http://www.asklatisha.com/my-fave-holiday-commercials/#comments Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:14:50 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=717 Betty Crocker- Busted (This little boy is awesome, cute and funny)

Grant a Wish-Sears (This commercial is very inspirational)

He Does Exist –M & M (This is just too funny)

Santa & Cashier Girl- Progressive (This commercial is very creative and it makes me laugh, the undercover Santa is awesome)

Jonas Brothers-Salvation Army- Red Kettle (I think it is a great idea and the Jonas Bros are too cute)

Give What Matters-JCpenney (I love poetry-what can I say)

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/my-fave-holiday-commercials/feed/ 0 The Best Christmas Ever http://www.asklatisha.com/the-best-christmas-ever/ http://www.asklatisha.com/the-best-christmas-ever/#comments Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:47:32 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=707 As far as good Christmases go; this Christmas; my Christmas; has to rank up there with the great ones. It was messy, disorganized, behind schedule, emotional, loud and other similar characteristics. Basically it was as imperfect as a Christmas season could be and I have never experienced one quite like this before. However, I am very glad that it went the way it went because I don’t think there are better examples of what Christmas and life is about. Real life is messy, unpredictable and unbalanced; especially when you have a two year old in the midst.
Life is also beautiful and bright; if you only look pass the chaos and open your God-eyes and see its beauty. It really waits there in the midst of the simplest things; waiting for you to bask in its glory. This season; my mind and soul were unrecognizable; I found myself so caught up in the me-me-mes that I had to catch myself and say “no, that’s not life, that’s not Christmas and that is not me, that’s just not the way a Child of God should feel, should react, should speak,” to be honest, even though I knew better, I still continued on the path of me-me-me. It’s disappointing but what can you do, other than move on and try to be better the next day.
This Christmas I have been watching a lot of holiday movies and listening to a lot of holiday music; of all the movies and music in the world; Christmas movies and music are my favorites because they inspire me to aspire to be a better human being. I know that people want a lot of things in this life but what I want more than any other thing is to be an excellent human being; kind, giving, generous, loving, loved (for my inner being), happy, honest, trust-worthy and the list goes on and on; if you want to know what kind of human-being I am talking about, read your bible. I want to be the woman God intended me to be.
These holiday movies also help you to realize how significantly blessed we are; how God takes care of us; I have a home to call my own; a mother-in-law who helps us immensely; family who loves me, a healthy, happy, intelligent little two year old girl, I am alive, talented, divinely protected and watched-over. There are no greater blessings in the world; these aren’t the kind of gifts that can be wrapped and placed under the tree. These are the reasons we celebrate, give praise and thanks during the Christmas season. God sent his son to die for us so we can live; has there ever been a greater gift given in this world.
This Christmas I have experienced the greatest elements of the Christmas spirit. I experienced forgiveness, love, friendship (new and old), togetherness, a child’s happiness, hugs, kisses all wrapped up into God’s love for me. I got to use my talents for his glory (planning a children’s Christmas party with my Church and reading Christmas poems I wrote as a part of our Christmas service at Church), I decorated two beautiful Christmas trees, one twice (the wind blew it down), I home-made about 20 Christmas cards, I wrote my first ever Christmas letter, I wrote a short story called “Forever Friends,” gave great gifts and received the greatest gift of all; a Christmas filled with ups and downs, trials and triumphs and God’s love.
I love Christmas with all my heart and like I said before I have never had a bad Christmas, I never had a perfect Christmas either. Even though I am really sad to say goodbye to another Christmas season, I am ending my 2008 on a good note and I am so ready for the roller-coaster ride that’s 2009. Happy New Year ya’ll.

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/the-best-christmas-ever/feed/ 0 The Most Wonderful Time of the Year http://www.asklatisha.com/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year/ http://www.asklatisha.com/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:06:31 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=691  

I know I haven’t done much talking lately. You can probably guess why that is. It’s Christmastime; the time of year we Christians choose to celebrate the birth of a magnificent human being; Jesus Christ; he sacrificed himself, so we may live a new life; pleasing to God. Happy Birthday Jesus!

             It’s that time of year; we celebrate family, friendship, life, love, joy and all that we have. It’s a time to be thankful we have survived another year; thankful for what and who we have; thankful to God for walking with us, blessing us, guiding us, providing for us. A time of love, generosity, sacrifice, appreciation, forgiveness, thankfulness, kindness and all life’s virtues.

            I am happy to be alive and well; celebrating my 27th Christmas this year with my new family; my husband and my two year old daughter in our very own home, with a huge, beautiful, glorious Christmas tree.

            It has been a wonderful year, with some high points and low ones, adventure, opportunities, experiences, developing friendships etc. History was made this year and I was alive to see it. Change is coming in 2009 and if God spears my life I will be around to witness it. In 2009, the world will be a different place and I am thankful I get to be a part of it. However, before 2009 comes; there will be merry-making; decorating, shopping, eating, praying, praising, singing, dancing, watching, gift-wrapping, gift-opening, baking, cooking and all the best things life has to offer wrapped up into one month. Did I mention I love Christmas; some of my greatest memories takes place at this time of the year.

            Early November; my holiday celebration began with listening of Christmas music and watching holiday movies. Some of my favorites so far for the season are; in holiday movies; The Christmas Card, A Season for Miracles, Deck the Halls (2006), The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, The Christmas Choir, Shrek the Halls, Christmas on Chestnut Street; Miracle on 34th Street (1947); The Year without Santa Claus (1974); Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July and so much more. My favorite holiday songs of the season are Christmastime is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas), The Christmas Waltz, Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiin Christmas song), Little Drummer Boy (David Bowie, Bing Cosby), White Christmas, Count your Blessings (Bing Cosby), The Greatest Time of Year (Aly & AJ), Jingle Bells (Drake Bell) and more.

            So far; I have been to two Church Christmas parties; a very successful children’s party; which I helped plan and a youth party that had 4 teenagers, 7 adults and one baby (not a complaint, we all had a good time I think); I did most of my Christmas gift shopping (the gift for my husband is already under the tree and he thinks he knows what it is); I had a small difference of opinion with someone important to me; it snowed once; I worked on a small poetry publication for the holidays  called “Christmas Spirit” (a small gift for friends and family); I wrote a short story called “Forever Friends;” I decorated two Christmas trees, one in the corner outside my door (my husband opened the window and the wind blew it down, breaking a few of the balls) and one huge tree in our living room; I am currently reading a Christmas novel called “Christmas Wishes,” which features two stories, one called “Christmas Letters,” and the other “Rainy Day Kisses,” I am now on chapter 14 of “Christmas Letters” and there is a possibility that my 2009 will have something in common with my 2006 (I’ll explain later).

           So what’s next for the auspicious holiday; more holiday movies and music; maybe a visit downtown (we haven’t been for the season); my brother Jonathon’s fifteenth birthday is on Friday, 19th December. I would like to make homemade greeting cards for my loved ones, I would like to write a Christmas poem to read on Sunday’s Christmas Church service, 21st December; I have many pen pal letters to write and a book to finish, as well as a couple more post for this blog. So far this Christmas season has been blest and I have so mush to be thankful for. Talk to you soon. Hope you are having a very Merry Christmas too.

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Drummer Boy-David Bowie & Bing Cosby

Mele Kalikimaka-Bing Cosby & The Andrew Sisters

Christmastime is here

The Miser Brothers Song

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year/feed/ 0 The Greatest Month of the Year http://www.asklatisha.com/the-greatest-month-of-the-year/ http://www.asklatisha.com/the-greatest-month-of-the-year/#comments Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:48:17 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=677 Hip-hip-hooray, December is year. It’s the month I spend all year waiting for; it’s the month that brings me more joy and happiness than any other month and you guys know why. It’s Christmastime.

            So what’s up this December; well it’s our second Christmas in the U.S; our first Christmas in our own apartment; my daughter’s third Christmas; our first as members of our Church of choice and my third without my mother, brothers and sisters.

            This month will be filled with lots of food, arts, crafts, writing, reading, tree trimming, house decorating, holiday music, movies, t.v, shopping and Christmas activities.

            My mom’s forty-eighth birthday was December 3rd, Happy Birthday Mommy, I love you. Tyler Perry’s House of Payne premiered an all-new episode called “Labor Paynes” on TBS and the character Janine had a twin baby boy and girl. “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” also showed on the night of December 3rd. On December 4th they was a Christmas tree lighting in the park downtown but I stayed home and decorated one of my Christmas trees (a 6 ft artificial tree for the corner outside my door) and watched the ceremony on t.v. On December 5th Nickelodeon network premiered the holiday movie “Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh” but I haven’t seen it yet; I have the Tivo set to record a repeat showing tonight (along with “Flirting with Forty”).  On December 6th; Lifetime Television premiered an original holiday movie starring Heather Locklear called “Flirting with 40” and I hosted a Children’s Christmas party at my Church; which was a roaring success (tell you about it very soon).  Today (December 7th) nature put on its white overcoat with some light snow and it was beautiful. Tomorrow (December 8th) We are going to get our Christmas tree and decorate it together as a family.  On December 13th; Lifetime Television will premiere its second original 2008 holiday movie called “Will You Merry Me?” On December 19th; my brother Jonathon will celebrate his Fifteenth birthday. December 20th; Lifetime Television will premiere its third original holiday movie this year; starring Joanna Garcia (Privileged) called “A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride.” On the 26th; Disney on Ice “Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey” comes to town until the 29th. Those are the dates I am absolutely sure about.

            They will be lots of new holiday movies and t.v programs premiering this month on channels like Hallmark, Lifetime, ABC Family, NBC, ABC, etc.

            My favorites new to DVD this month and just in time for the holidays are; “Dr Seuss: Horton Hears a Who,” “Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” “Wanted,” “Mamma Mia,” “Burn After Reading,” “The Dark Knight,” “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” “ Eagle Eye,” “Traitor,” “Death Race,” “The Women,” “Ghost Town,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “The Longshots” and so much more. All the good stuff comes out this time of year.

            Coming to Cinema; on December 12th; “ The Day the Earth Stood Still,” “Delgo,” “Nothing Like the Holidays;” December 19th; “Seven Pounds,” “The Tale of Despereaux,” “Yes Man;” December 25th; “Bedtime Stories,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Marley & Me,” “The Spirit,” and more.

            December 25th; is of course Christmas Day. December 31st; is a night of reflection; the last day of 2008 and what a 2008 it has been. 

            It going to be a great month; here are two really cool music videos to kick off the greatest month of the year.

 

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/the-greatest-month-of-the-year/feed/ 0 My Second Thanksgiving http://www.asklatisha.com/my-second-thanksgiving/ http://www.asklatisha.com/my-second-thanksgiving/#comments Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:29:47 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=645  

            Well; yesterday was Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. We didn’t have lots of family or friends over because we don’t have lots of family and friends here; but just like last year, for my small family of three; it was a wonderful day.

            Last year; we were living in my mother-in-law’s apartment on the ground floor of this three-floor house. Thanksgiving Day; my husband and I took over the kitchen; my mother-in-law only cooked the turkey and we did everything else; dinner consisted of macaroni pie, sweet potato pie, rice, stuffing, toss salad, cole slaw, cranberry sauce (love it) and broccoli pie (our own special creation); then we watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on t.v; we ate; took a nap and later we went to look at Christmas lights garnishing someone’s home that looked like a castle; it was dazzling; we tried to get pictures but my camera did not capture these images very well. So our first Thanksgiving was pretty simple; however it was one of my most peaceful days of the year 2007. I think I liked that day; much more than the Christmas day that followed 28 days later.

            Yesterday was pretty much similar with exception that we were cooking in our own kitchen in the apartment on the second floor; my husband made the turkey that looked and tasted great; we couldn’t do our special Broccoli pie because some of the ingredients were missing; my mother-in-law cooked the rice with black eyed peas; we didn’t go see lights or anything else for that matter and instead of napping we watched t.v; no not football. We watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade; a history channel documentary called “Home for the Holidays: the history of Thanksgiving”( we are from the Caribbean; we don’t have Thanksgiving Day there-in fact it’s an American holiday); Deck the Halls (Danny Devito, Matthew Broderick); A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and the first half of “Home Alone” (we got sleepy).

       Again; it was so simple and at first I thought about how we didn’t have anyone here other than each other to share this day of thankfulness with; then I realized having each other is a magnificent gift from God and that is more than enough. So my husband and I just hung out in each other’s arms and our two year old daughter who can’t sit still just did her own thing. Later that day I had the same sense of peace and happiness I did last Thanksgiving; it is the only day of the year I remember feeling that way.

            We had one little mishap; when my husband drop the sweet potato pie on the oven door; while trying to take it out; he managed to save some but not all of it; so I ended up having to cook two more sweet potatoes and making it over a little bit; the second and final draft of our Thanksgiving sweet potato pie came out better than the first. Our neighbors from the third floor passed through; got some food; talked a little and that was it; our second Thanksgiving in a nutshell. It was awesome.

            What else could we ask for but to have great food; be surrounded by the ones we love under our own roof and giving thanks for all our blessings.

            Thank you; oh Heavenly Father for blessing me with a wonderful day like yesterday and for another chance to live the good life today; in Jesus name. Amen.

                                                                                                   

If you read this from top to bottom; I’d be so thankful; if you comment; even with only one word.

 

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/my-second-thanksgiving/feed/ 0 It’s Thanksgiving: What I am Thankful for. What are you thankful for? http://www.asklatisha.com/it%e2%80%99s-thanksgiving-what-i-am-thankful-for-what-are-you-thankful-for/ http://www.asklatisha.com/it%e2%80%99s-thanksgiving-what-i-am-thankful-for-what-are-you-thankful-for/#comments Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:19:15 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=642 Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day here in America and I certainly have a lot to be thankful for; if we open our eyes; we’ll see that we all do. The Pastor said in Church on Sunday; that in a Christian’s life, everyday is Thanksgiving and that is true but I haven’t been myself lately. Lately I have been in a dimly lit place; it’s not completely dark; but I do feel my joy fading. At this time of thanksgiving; I am somewhat in this sort of selfish place; where all I can think about is who I should be; what I should be doing ; what I wish I had; why things aren’t the way I want them to be and on and on and on. That is not something I am proud of and that is not who I want to be. My brain feels so clogged up with gunk; I need to get in there and delete unused; unwanted and unnecessary files before its too late. Nevertheless; I am going to do some writing-therapy and write about all the things I am grateful for and maybe get in tune with what’s real and let go of what’s damaging me.

 

                           

1.)    Gods Blessings:

 

 

2.)    Life

3.)    My husband

4.)    My daughter

5.)    My family

6.)    Our own apartment

7.)    My talents

8.)    My beauty

9.)    My heart

10.)                        My personality

11.)                        My pen pals

12.)                        Postcrossing

13.)                        My First Self-Published poetry anthology “Words of a Poetriot”

14.)                        My Church

15.)                        Possibilities

16.)                        The Arts-Dance, Music, Drama, Art

17.)                        Literature- Poetry, Books, Magazines

18.)                        The Visual- Photography, Art, Craft

19.)                        Creativity

20.)                        Movies, T.V

21.)                        Nature

22.)                        Health

23.)                        Ideas

24.)                        Thoughts

25.)                        Food

26.)                        Water

27.)                        Christmas

28.)                        New Years

29.)                        Second Chances

30.)                        Education

31.)                        Leaders

32.)                        People

33.)                        Money

34.)                        Transportation

35.)                        Travel

36.)                        The big world

37.)                        World Exploration

38.)                        Dreams

39.)                        Friendships

40.)                        Great Conversations

41.)                        Kindness

42.)                        Happiness

43.)                        Smiles

44.)                        My body

45.)                        Growing

46.)                        Learning from mistakes

47.)                        Improving

48.)                        Restoration

49.)                        Fun

50.)                        Sex

51.)                        And everything else; the things I see and the things I don’t

 

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends

 

Everyday should be a day of thanks giving.

 

Dear Lord thank you for all the ways you bless and enrich my life. Please forgive me of all my sins. Bless and protect my family and friends. In Jesus Name: Amen.

 

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