Sure, why not?

You are Strength

Courage, strength, fortitude. Power not arrested in the act of judgement, but passing on to further action, sometimes obstinacy.

This is a card of courage and energy. It represents both the Lion's hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden's steadfast will. The innocent Maiden is unafraid, undaunted, and indomitable. In some cards she opens the lion's mouth, in others she shuts it. Either way, she proves that inner strength is more powerful than raw physical strength. That forces can be controlled and used to score a victory is very close to the message of the Chariot, which might be why, in some decks, it is Justice that is card 8 instead of Strength. With strength you can control not only the situation, but yourself. It is a card about anger and impulse management, about creative answers, leadership and maintaining one's personal honor. It can also stand for a steadfast friend.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Manly Revelations

So today, one of the men that I have much respect for asked me a question. He asked me what I look for in a man. Now, keep in mind that everyone knows that I am madly in love with Mike, so this is not a "what do you think is hot?" kind of question. It is basically a continuation of a discussion about what we look for in those that we hold close to us.

I, upon sincere reflection, came up with my list, which I then sent to my friend. It is as follows:

Intelligent.
Confident, but not cocky.
Strong of character.
Deliciously wicked sense of humor.
A backbone.
Gives snuggly good hugs.
A great smile.
Challenges me.
Someone I can trust. 
Yeah, trust is a big one.
Respectful.
Thinks his grandma was awesome.
Can match me step for step and can keep up with me.
Warm.

Someone that makes my heart stop when he walks in the room.

Know what? This taught me something about myself. It taught me that I have finally, FINALLY evolved somewhat as a human and that I actually am looking for depth of character instead of just superficial fluff. I didn't discuss deep brown eyes or well-developed arms. The closest I got to listing a physical attribute is "a great smile". That is not so much the physical pearly- white-teeth-slightly-pouty-lips-crooked-grin definition, but rather the deep, sincere, opening of the soul that is conveyed by someone smiling at you.

I think I am beginning to get it.

Thanksgiving

This year has brought about so many changes to life. Some good, some not so. But, in this time of giving thanks, I thought that perhaps I'd jot down a few things.

1. Mike - The man of my dreams, love of my life, source of countless happy times and constant rambling. He has gone back to college and is trying so very hard to make it work. And he's succeeding. Grades are fantastic, but that's not the main thing. He CARES. He WANTS to do better. He has found his passion - teaching - and it is so wonderful to see those brown eyes light up with inner satisfaction. I am thankful that my soulmate has found his true calling.

2. "Da Clique" - A wonderful and unique group of friends that cannot truly be explained - they must be experienced. They are fiercely loyal, infinitely compassionate, and just plain ol fun to be with. They are with me in the good times, completely behind me in the bad times, and so much more like family than friends. I am thankful that I am blessed with such an indefinable peer group.

3. Family - Funny things happen when we grow up. We find that "family" isn't just Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, Cousin. And there are times that just because someone shares your DNA, it doesn't mean they deserve to be called "family." I have had situations with those that I am "blood-related" to, and I have had a lot of pain and tears because of them. But when something important is taken away, something - somehow and some way - is given to replace it.

And that is how I am blessed. I not only got one family - I got two. The first one is the one I married into. All of them have accepted me, loved me, supported me and welcomed me in their own ways. They make me proud to have their name.

The second one has adopted me as their own. My friend has shared her family with me - so much so that they have started including Mike and me in their family plans. They make sure we get hugs and love just like we belong there. I am thankful for family.

4. New Friends - This year has brought some interesting and colorful (in a good way) people into my world. They are kind, intelligent, giving, and just add a spark of life. Some I met through the rink, some I met at church. All are just a blessing! I am thankful for letting new people in.

5. Church - Coming from my background, I'd expected to never ever be a part of any kind of organized religion again. But through much prayer and discussion, we have finally found a place to worship and feel at home. I actually don't feel like I am not worthy anymore. I am thankful to be able to connect to my maker.

6. Reconnecting - This year has brought me back in touch with some old friends I thought I had lost. But it proves to me that the bonds I made all those years ago were true and strong. I am thankful for being able to go home again.

7. Blessings - I am thankful that Mike quit Kinko's and has gone to school. And somehow we've been able to make it financially. I am thankful for the job that I have, the health we enjoy, and the ability to be able to laugh and fall asleep together at the end of the day.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful thing!!!

Once Again

So, I guess it's time to dust off the ol' blog, update it, and see where it takes us.

Lord help us. :oD