Stranger Danger

I had my first official job as a Supernatural Consultant last night. I wish I could be happy about it, but the circumstances were just too awful. I'm still counting it as my first job, since I got to be helpful, even though I wouldn't accept payment.

Someone's threatening @WereLily. Pictures of her playing on the playground at school were delivered to @BarWithABite, covered in blood. @SheriffNorthman's blood, to be exact. How sick is that? Apparently they were delivered sometime during the trip to NOLA, but Eric didn't mention it. I'm annoyed that he didn't, but I kind of get why he'd want to keep something like this contained. @VampyJo must have been flipping out the entire time. I know I would have been. I guess that's why @WerepireLucian left a little early. I'm glad he went home to protect her.

@BiancaNorthman was able to catch the man who delivered the photographs to Fangtasia. She kept him in the basement and obviously beat him up. It's awful that I can tell it was her and not Chow or Pam, just by what was done. I don't like that there's so much violence or that I'm getting so familiar with each vamipre's signature, but I guess I can't really blame her for beating the guy up when she saw the pictures. If they were sent to me, I'd probably want to hurt someone too.

The basement/dungeon of Fangtasia isn't really a fate I'd wish on anyone, though, especially since the guy was just the messenger. Apparently our vampires haven't heard the saying about messengers, though, because Eric definitely had him killed after I read his mind. The man was a V-addict with dangerous connections, so I guess it's for the best, but that part of me that argued with Eric that all life is special still rails against the thought. 

I was able to read some thoughts from the man's mind, though it didn't go completely smoothly because he was so damaged from all the drugs. Eric took Bianca to look into the lead I dug up, but he came home just before dawn and in no mood to talk, so I didn't get to ask him about it. Judging by the mood, I think it's safe to guess they didn't catch the "red man" they were looking for. I hope they do soon, before he can hurt Lily or anyone else.

I wonder what it says about me that I didn't even try to save the addict's life last night. I hid behind the idea that Eric would honor our deal and not kill the man, and I'm sure he didn't, but I'm equally sure that the man is dead and will never be found. I didn't speak a word in protest, and I won't ask about it or try to lecture him or anything. Being bonded to Eric as long as I have, I understand that he truly believes this was part of eliminating a threat to his family. I can't really argue with that. V-addicts can be extremely dangerous, and this particular one was being used by an even more dangerous man, but I really wish there was an alternative to killing him.

I think believing that all life is special is part of being human. It's something I truly believe, so why didn't I protest when I knew Eric would have his prisoner killed? Why am I not more upset with the idea that they'll kill this "red man" when they find him? A threat to Lily is a threat to our family, so does that mean I'm okay with killing to protect it? Does that make me any less human if I am? And if I don't have my humanity, then what am I?

Cooking with Vampires

We found Brier!

I know he'll just disappear again, cause no one can make that vampire wear a bell, but it's like a breath of fresh air having him in the house.

Eric didn't want me going with him to Fangtasia tonight because the weather's been so crazy that it can be dangerous, so Brier and I stayed in and watched TV.

That guy has such weird taste, you have no idea!

Anyway, we get along great. We always have, but I guess that's cause he's really laid back for a Shifter. None of that competitive stuff, at least that I've seen. I think that's part of why Eric likes him. I never ask too much about that. I figure it's private.

Anyway, Brier insisted on watching this show, Swamp People. I figured it was something about Bigfoot, but he explained that it's apparently about some people in Louisiana who hunt alligators or something, and it's "epic." I hope Eric doesn't hear him using that word. He teased me so much last time…

Anyway, the show was pretty good. Not my thing, but Brier got into it. Then we watched Rachel Ray shows on the Food Network. Weird choice, but Brier clearly had a thing for Ms. Ray. He has some weird taste in women, but I'm not judging.

Afterwards, he insisted on trying out some of the recipes. It seemed a weird urge for him, but again, not judging. He's actually not too bad a cook, and though he definitely pouted about not eating every last bite. We ate a bit and then we boxed up the food we made to send to Waylon. That way, even if we messed it up, it'll get eaten.

I miss time away from Eric, of course, but time with friends can be a really surprising treat.

Dracula & Babies

I feel like I haven't written in my journal in forever!

Things have just been so busy. I've been helping Eric with his reopening of Fangtasia more than I thought I was even capable of, but he seems to trust me with it. I'm designing a sort of… well, I won't get into it yet! It'll be a bit of a surprise, but anyone who saw my Thanksgiving menu won't be too shocked! Roman's excited, and he and Jessica have been wonderful guinea pigs for my experiments. Eric's cautious but has been real good about trying my concoctions.

We also redecorated his office. Well, just decorated. It was pretty blank, but Alcide did a great job with it! Even though the vampires give him such a hard time, Fangtasia really does look great! I can't wait for everyone to see it on the opening, Dracula Night!

We bought some furniture for it at IKEA in Houston, and even spent the night there! The hotel was so nice, I was surprised Eric could get reservations on such short notice, but he just laughed. That vampire thinks I'm so naive. Maybe I am, because I was impressed. Eric always impresses me, though. I don't think that vampire will ever quit making me swoon…

Unfortunately, it hasn't all been good news. I've been meeting with Portia a ton lately, which is great because she's such a lovely woman, but it's been about Gran. I realized after finding some legal documents in Gran's recipe box that I never really settled her estate. I guess just the shock of it all, with the murder and then having to go and try to not get murdered myself, aside from the funeral, that sort of stuff just fell through the cracks. Everyone knows the farmhouse is mine anyway, but it really is better to have it all taken care of the legal way. Portia's been so understanding about the whole thing, and so kind to me! I invited her, MeeMaw, the twins, Luke, and everyone else she can possibly think to bring to my house for dinner one night, probably after the opening when all this has died down a little. I hope sooner, but Eric's just been so busy, and I want him to get to know everyone. He knows how much I love entertaining, even if he doesn't understand it at all. Maybe MeeMaw will even bring Stan so he'd have a friend too! I don't think that's really how vampires work, since it sounds like I'm arranging a playmate and all, but we'll see, I'm excited anyway. It's great to have friends when dealing with tough subjects.

Speaking of tough subjects, Tara threw me for a darn loop this week! We went to Walmart to shop for some stuff for her new place, her, me, and Maya. It was great to see the little one; she's getting so big! That little girl has a real special place in my heart, between being named after Gran and being Tara's daughter.

Anyway, we ran into Sam. I was excited, because I wanted to tell him about the bonding ceremony and tell him I wanted to get back to work, but I forgot about all that real quick when Tara started shouting in her head about Maya having Sam's smile! I cannot believe she didn't tell me Sam's the father! I was somewhere between shocked and darn furious, to say the least. Sam deserves a place in Maya's life. I know Tara's heart was real broken when things between her and Sam ended, but it's just not right. A girl needs both her parents in her life, and it's not like Sam's a bad man. He's a really great guy, and I know he'd want to support her however she'd let him. I just don't understand what she's thinking. I made her promise to tell him soon, and I hope she goes through with it. She really better. Sam's missed enough moments in Maya's life already.

I was blessed to experience a great moment in Wes's life this week too. Lacey and Jack had a wonderful Christening for him. It was beautiful, though pretty shocking to see so many vampires gathered in a church. They seemed pretty uncomfortable, for the most part. Especially Roman. He broke a pew. Eric seemed pretty at ease with the whole thing, even made fun of Roman, though I didn't appreciate his tone in talking about the church. Nixie sat near us, and she didn't seem to believe in it either. I scolded them both for acting out of line. No one had to believe anything, just be respectful of Lacey and Jack celebrating their son. It was a nice ceremony, I think. Short. The guy doing it hit on Claude. That was awkward, but Bianca scared him off. No one saw him after that.

Everyone seems to be having kids, settling into families. Even I'm sort of married now. Things are so great you can almost forget the building tension of the vampire politics in Shreveport at the moment. It's almost easy to ignore the complications that Dracula Night should bring. It's almost easy to forget that a homicidal vampire and his crazy companion are poking their noses into Area Five's business, that batshit crazy witches are going around cussing Louisiana's vampires and that the name Hallow keeps popping up in the context of disappearances in the area. I almost don't mind that a fairy ancestor is trying to get involved with my life, bringing along the fairy that helped kill my parents.

Almost.

Our Vows

Mine

Eric, the night I met you, my whole world changed. I knew it even then, but I never could've imagined how amazing it could be. You're so unlike everything I had ever known, and even though that scared me, I can't deny that I was always drawn to you. Even though I was hesitant at first, you earned my trust and my heart with every kind, caring thing you've done for me. You've protected me, you've supported me, you've trusted me, you've listened to me, and you've believed in me. You've been there for me when no one else has,even at your own expense, even when it cost you so much, you never hesitated. I made you prove yourself to me. You've shown that I can trust you every time, and you even learned to trust me. You've respected and cherished me when I've needed you the most. I know how incredibly lucky I am to have you in my life. You've celebrated with me, mourned with me, worried with me, and loved with me. You've become my everything. You're my friend, lover, confidant, protector, home, and family, and I promise to be yours for the rest of my life.

Eric's

I have desired you always, from the first night my eyes fell upon you and onward. You were unlike anything I expected to find. And you are unlike anything I have ever known. You have a strength even the strongest can admire. You let no fear best you. You are my greatest lover. Fucking you has never been boring or routine. You rise to the challenge every time I do. You are loyal, even when loyalty is not deserved. You are undeterred by the judgmental and always carry yourself with honor. You have reminded me of compassion by showing it to me. You have taught me to have faith in others by having faith in me. You have forgiven me when I have not deserved forgiveness. You have seen my moments of weakness and comforted me through them. You have given me yourself freely, while expecting nothing in return. You have loved me, despite having every reason not to. In a thousand years time, I have known none like you. No one has consumed my thoughts and vision so completely. You are something rare and special, something and someone of an impossible importance to me. You are my shelter and my hope. All that I have is yours. There is nothing I have I would not give you. Nothing I have is worth possessing without you. I will provide for you, so you do not want. I will protect you, so you fear nothing. I will trust you, when I trust nothing. I will support you, when the world falls away. And I will love you, every night of my eternity, as much as I do right now.

Our vows were sealed with blood, which we both drank, and when we got back to the hotel, Eric gave me a beautiful ring to wear as a symbol of our love.

My Bonding Dress

As soon as I saw this dress, I knew it was the one I wanted to wear when bonding with Eric. It was a little pricey for my taste, but he insisted I should wear something special, and he was right. I love the dress, and it'll make our bonding ceremony all the more special.

The Ceremony Location

 

From the moment I saw the location Eric had picked out for our ceremony, I knew it'd be a special place for us. It's just stunning. Really, it takes my breath away just to see the pictures. I couldn't wait for everyone to see what the place looks like. A conservatory seemed like the perfect option for us. This way, we can still see the snow and Sweden scenery, but we're inside where it's nice and warm, and surrounded by these beautiful plants and flowers. The location is so warm, so welcoming, and so romantic that I know we'll be back to visit for years to come.

Christmas Gifts for Friends

Here are the gifts Eric and I sent out to our friends and family. We really enjoyed spending the holiday with so many people we care about!

Thank You Kayden

Visiting Kayden

More Christmas Gifts!

Things have been so busy lately, I know I'm late in posting these, but I'm  hoping everyone will forgive me! I'm so grateful for all the gifts from my friends, and all of you were in my thoughts over the holidays.

From Abigale

From Jason and Breana Bik

From Carver and Winnie

From Jason

From JoAnna, Lucian, and Lily

From Kayden

From Mena

From Oscar

Also from Oscar

From Paula

From Niklas & Talia

From TammyJo

Also from TammyJo

From Fangtasia

From Niklas & Talia

From Waylon

A Christmas Celebration!

To: Liam & Bianca, Lacey & Jack, Brier & Jenny, Pam & Waylon

We hope you'll join us for this small holiday get together!

A Baby Shower for @Tara_ThorntonBT!

Jerica, Lafayette, and I are hosting a baby shower for Tara! 

RSVP to my twitter, @BarmaidSookie, so I can put you on the list. 

Everyone is welcome, and we hope you all can come!

He Loves Me

Eric Northman loves me. I've known it for a while now, but I honestly was never sure he'd actually get around to saying it. I wasn't sure he could say it. He's always talking about how he believes vampires can't love, or vampires can't be happy. I wasn't sure he recognized what it is he feels for me, even though I've known he feels it. I can feel he loves me when he holds me, or when he sees me when he wakes up, or even just when I'm heating up a blood for him. I've felt it, but I didn't really know if he'd say it. I didn't think he knew he loved me.

I never wanted to push him on it either. We've been dating since the beginning of June. That's almost six months, now. I wasn't sure about him at first, and our first date was somewhat of a disaster, but now I can't picture my life without him. I love waking up next to him, I love falling asleep while he holds me, I love making love with him, I love making meals with him, I love entertaining with him, and I love how he trusts me, and I love being able to trust him.

Certain things still make me uncomfortable, of course. I don't like when he spends too much on me, but he has gotten better about it. A lot better, really. And he's truly getting a lot more patient with my friends. He let Tara quit her job at the casino without a fuss, and is even agreeing to go to Shreveport with me to help out with the baby and all that. He didn't try to fight with Serge at Thanksgiving, or even insult him when I explained how many times he and Tara were bonded. Actually, he was great with all my friends at Thanksgiving. He seemed pretty relaxed, talking to Waylon while Waylon pigged out on all the wrong foods.

And now the holidays are here, and I've always thought they were completely romantic. Bill never wanted to do anything for them, of course, but to me they've always been about spending time with family and loved ones. I'm sure we'll have Jason over, maybe even Claude, but I'm just excited to spend them with Eric.

Decorating yesterday couldn't have gone better. We got the perfect tree, even if the way we found it was a little unconventional. I wonder if many couples just pick the tree they're standing next to when they stop to kiss for a while. Eric carried it to the car and into the house like it weighed nothing. I could hardly believe it, though I was a little worried about the whole thing. He's still healing, and I'm pretty sure carrying trees around doesn't help with that. Still, I didn't want to ask him about it and risk hurting his pride. He seemed fine with it, so I let him carry the tree. It was impressive. It usually takes Jason, Lafayette, Hoyt, and Terry to get the tree inside, and even then, it's more of a dragging than carrying.

Stringing the lights was so much easier with Eric there too. Not that I ever forget, but I'm always surprised at how tall he is. He reached the top of the tree with no problems at all, and I was pretty pleased with that. I always hate having to climb up on the ladder for that part. Somehow it never goes well.

Hanging the ornaments was a little tougher, only cause Eric kept coming up behind me and whispering dirty things in my ear. Not that I really complained, in fact I encouraged him just a little bit, but it still wasn't terribly productive. Those dirty things led to sweet things, though, and that was when he told me he loved me. I can still hardly believe it, even after he showed me just how much he loved me under the tree once we finished decorating.

Plenty of things are still uncertain. I don't really know what to do about my job. I'm hoping to talk to Sam about that tonight, among other things. Fangtasia still needs to be rebuilt, and Eric still needs to find a base of operations for his area. There are still a bunch of witches running around who need to be stopped.

I do know that Eric loves me, though, and that I love him. The rest we can figure out, but I know that's what matters most. We'll make our bond permanent by bonding again when it's right, and I can't wait for that night, because I really do believe him when he tells me there are many, many more years of decorating Christmas trees in our future.

Thanksgiving Reflections

The holiday was wonderful. Really, it couldn't have gone better. To have so many friends over to celebrate together and with me was really touching. It was wonderful to see how many people showed up, and even better to see how many stayed and enjoyed themselves. For the most part, everyone seemed to get along, and for a group like the one I invited, that was an accomplishment. Tara, Serge, Sam, Sookeh, Alyx, Dave, Sammie, Scarlett, Lacey, Jack, Wes, Jo, Lily, Roman, Kayley, Abel, Jason, Bianca, Angelo, Gianna, Tray, Abi, Jenny, Nolan, Lafayette, and Waylon all came for the first Thanksgiving Eric and I celebrated together. It was so hectic at first, I think I spent the entire first hour just opening doors, but after that, when everyone settled in and got their food, everyone just got to sit and enjoy each other's company... and hopefully the food!

People brought such nice things, too. Some brought delicious food, some brought beautiful flowers, and someone, three guesses who, even brought a picture of Bruce Campbell. It was so nice to see everyone wanting to be there and acting like the family we've really become. I even got to spend some time with some of the kids, before they got too tired, and it was nice seeing some of the people I don't get to spend enough time with. Hundr ran around everyone's feet all night, and everyone seemed completely charmed by him, if the number of table scraps he got was any indication. Jenny spent part of the night pretending to be a potted plant, no idea what happened there, and Waylon ate more of the blood food than the people food, and Jack got taken out by some tranquilizer darts towards the end, but otherwise things ran about as smoothly as I expected!

I'm so embarrassed that I fell asleep towards the end of the night, but I guess working to cook that meal all week and be a good hostess wore me out, because I fell asleep tucked up right against Eric's shoulder. He took care of everything, though, including me, and managed to see all the guests off safely.

Clean up the next day wasn't so bad, except for a strange shortage of barbecue sauce I noticed, and some things I thought might've been donkey tracks. I caught up on some needed sleep once the cleanup was done, and spent the day in bed with Eric and Hundr. It's a great way to spend the day.

When I woke up again, Eric wasn't in the room, but I could tell he was in the house. He came in as soon as I called out to him, and he was holding a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, a bunch of chocolates, and a gold bracelet.

It was all beautiful, but totally unnecessary. Eric thought he had to apologize for something the other night, but he really could've just said that he hadn't meant to upset me, that he was sorry, and that would've been that. He wouldn't take no for an answer, though, so we spent the rest of the night taking half the flowers to Gran's grave, to let her know we were thinking about her on the holiday. It was actually Eric's idea, and I was so touched he thought of it. He also agreed to decorate the tree with me on Wednesday, so I'm real excited for that. I didn't think Eric would be one for the holidays, but it seems like he's all for them if it makes me happy. I really love having him stay here with me. I'm so lucky to have him.

Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

After cooking all week, these were the results. All foods are garlic free, and all vampire "foods" are completely edible for the living-impaired. Enjoy, everyone!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

I know Thanksgiving has become sort of a commercial holiday, what with the parades and turkeys in pilgrim hats and whatnot, but it's always held a pretty special meaning to me.

I've lost a lot in my life. I lost my parents when I was far too young, I continually lost friends throughout my childhood because I was strange or different, I lost a cousin to drugs and prostitution, and my aunt soon after that, and I lost my Gran not too long ago. None of that was easy or fair, but despite all of it, I feel like I've been very blessed. Despite all of it, I have a lot to be thankful for.

Maybe Thanksgiving has become a real commercial holiday, but taking a day to be with friends and family and be thankful for how blessed we all are seems like a pretty good idea to me. Setting aside time to think about how lucky we are, despite the bad things that happened to us, seems like a pretty good reason to celebrate.

So, I'm thankful for my brother Jason, who has always stood by me and protected me and loved me, even when it cost him a lot. I'm thankful Bianca hasn't drained him or figured out what he is, but that the two of them are having fun together, even though it's a real weird pairing.

I'm thankful for my best friend, Tara, who hasn't had the easiest life either, but who always has a smile on her face for me, and plenty of love in her heart. I'm thankful for the little life growing inside her, because I know a baby will only give Tara the opportunity for more love in her heart. I'm thankful she has Serge looking out for her, because goodness knows that girl's too stubborn and selfless to look out for herself the way she deserves.

I'm thankful that Roman is getting another chance at being a father, unconventional as it is. I'm thankful Kayley has a good head on her shoulders, so Abel has the chance to grow up and have a life he otherwise wouldn't have.

I'm thankful that Hadley is still around, if not alive, and that maybe now she can have a second chance at the things she couldn't have when she was alive. I hope she keeps herself safe and out of trouble.

I'm thankful Ryan is being well taken care of, and that he's off drugs and getting clean, even if his new "mom" scares the crud out of me.

I'm thankful Eric has a child like Pam who can take care of his business in his absence, and cares about him enough to let him have this time to recover. I'm thankful she's so caring, despite her somewhat frightening exterior.

I'm thankful to have found even more family in Claude. He's not what I expected, but I never expected to be blessed with even more family than I already have. I'm really lucky he's looking out for me, and I know despite being reluctant to take on more responsibilities, that he'd never let anything happen to me. I'm thankful for Claudia and Claudine too, even though they don't know I know we're related.

I'm thankful to have Jessica as a friend. She's pretty erratic, but people underestimate what a good heart she has. It might not be beating anymore, but I challenge anyone to find a more sensitive, caring vampire. She's a great friend, and I hope she gets the instruction and respect she deserves.

I'm thankful to have a wonderful boss like Sam. I haven't been able to come into work in a while, and he drives me right back out the door when I do, but I know friends like him are hard to find. I hope he recovers from losing Tara, and realizes that his friends still love him, so he better clean his act up.

I'm thankful to have a friend like Lafayette, who accepts me no matter how weird things around me get. He never judges, and he's always supportive, though he's not afraid to tell me when I'm being dumb. I wish more people could realize what a wonderful guy he is.

I'm thankful for friends like Alcide and Halleigh, even though Eric really dislikes one of 'em, and maybe likes the other too much. It's nice to see when two people find each other, fall in love, and make each other happy. They deserve all that happiness and more.

Weirdly enough, I'm thankful for Angelo. He's a good guy, under the mob boss and vampire exterior, and he's real loyal to Eric, which I always respect. He cares about me enough to feed me potato chips under a bathroom door for hours on end, and if that's not friendship... then he probably should've realized I climbed out the window. I'm thankful he has his daughter, Gianna, who's a real pain to listen to, but loves her father unconditionally. I like to think that me and my dad would've had that kind of bond too.

I'm thankful for Niklas and Talia, who have pretty much the most beautiful relationship I've ever seen. Eric might doubt that vampires can love and stay in love, but after six or seven centuries, these two are still head over heels for each other, and I'm grateful someone's actively proving that vampires can love, and love better than most humans know how to.

I'm thankful for Misha, who's one of the sweeter vampires I know, and I'm thankful Dakota has her, so maybe Misha will rub off on her. Everyone needs a best friend, though, and it's nice to see two vampires who have and can depend on each other the way these two do.

I'm thankful that Liam and Jorge are helping us with this whole witch mess. It's nice to see how much Liam loves Bianca, and how much he's willing to sacrifice for her. It seems a little familiar, and it's always good to see that Eric and I aren't the only ones trying to figure out a relationship.

I'm thankful that King Stan and Queen Gabrielle seem to be running Louisiana well, and protected Eric when Bill tried to get him in trouble. I'm also glad that they told me about Hadley still being alive, and that they're not insisting on punishing her or anything. They seem to be real good people, for vampire politicians who don't care much for humans. I hope they stay that way.

I'm thankful that Andy got promoted to Sheriff, and that he has Luc to help him out now. I know Luc might not be happy about being in Bon Temps, but I feel a lot safer with the two of them protecting us now. In this town, feeling safe is definitely something to be thankful for.

I'm thankful that Brody and Hallow didn't drain Eric or succeed in killing him. I hope those two go away and never come back.

I'm thankful for friends like Dave and Alyx. I'm thankful they're blessed with successful businesses and beautiful children, and I'm thankful that they continually make Bon Temps a better place to live, just by being here.

I'm thankful for a friend like Lacey. She's always been loyal to Eric, and she's always been kind to me. She's as mixed up in this crazy world as I am, and it's nice to know I have someone to talk to if I need to, and that she'll never judge me or break that trust I have in her. I'm thankful she's been blessed with a beautiful baby boy, and I hope that new man of hers takes good care of her.

I'm thankful that Eric has a child like Nolan, even if he does hide in his closet when we're trying to... well, I don't need to go into it. I hope he stays out of closets when Eric and I are having sexy times, but I hope he sticks around a lot more when we're fully clothed. I'm thankful for Jenny, who not only puts up with him, but I'm pretty sure she cares about him too. She's a little startling at times, but she's got great taste in movies, even if I'm pretty sure she watches them while high. She's a great person.

I'm thankful for a friend like JoAnna. She's still a newborn by vampire standards, but for me, she's always been a voice of guidance and help. She's always there to help take care of those around her, and she's proving to be a wonderful wife and mother. I'm real lucky to have her as a friend.

I'm thankful for Oscar and Layla, who help Eric and his children out when they really need it, and have been surprisingly good to me too. They're good people, and I'm glad that they're around.

I'm thankful for friends like Abi and Tray, who go out of their way to help me and Eric, whether we're making a dinner or fighting off the Fellowship. They're good people, and I'm so thankful they've found each other.

I'm thankful for Melissa and Amanda, who are not only great bartenders, but good friends. I hope I'll still get to see them lots now that Fangtasia's out of commission.

I'm very thankful for Sookeh, who is a wonderful friend, even though she completely terrifies me. I don't want to know what's going on in that evil head of hers, and I don't want to eat her snakebutt casserole, but I can say it's never boring when she's around, and she's got a good heart under all that evil... Just don't tell her I said it.

I'm thankful for Mena, and I hope people are able to realize what a fantastic journalist she is, and get past her subject matter to really respect what she writes. She's a great friend, with great taste in coffee.

I'm thankful for Brandee, who is not only a fantastic librarian, but a fantastic friend. She has a kind word for everyone, and in this world, that can be a rare thing. She's such a kind person, and I feel very lucky to have met her.

I'm thankful for Waylon, who's apparently bonded to Eric too, but apparently won't eat his waffles? He never hesitates to eat my cooking, that's for sure, but he never hesitates to offer his help either. He's a real softie, and I love having him around.

Most of all this year, I'm thankful for Eric. I never thought I'd find love like this, or really, love at all. I've been betrayed plenty of times in my past, but with Eric, I know my heart is safe. I trust him, I love him, and I know how blessed I am to have him. I can't wait to bond with him a third time, and I couldn't be more blessed to have him in my life and in my heart.

I'm thankful for all of these people and so many more, for making this a wonderful year, and for including me in their lives.

Thanksgiving Dinner Invitations

Sent to:  Tara & Serge, Sam, Jason & Bianca, Waylon, Lafayette, Lacey & Jack & Weston, Dave & Alyx & Sammie & Scarlett, Claude, Jo & Lucian & Lily, Angelo & Gianna, Nolan & Jenny, Pam, Roman & Kayley & Abel, Abi & Tray, Sookeh & Emo & Ash & Sugarbaby

Eric and I hope you can make it!