Howdy!!!!

I'm in Texas visiting my family. I was raised in Pennsylvania, but my mother moved here about two years ago for work. McKinney is the fastest growing city in the United States. Many of the schools, fire and police departments, homes, stores, and parks are brand new. McKinney is a suburb of Dallas, but it is a city of its own in the sense that every major retailer and restaurant is located here. There are also many boutiques. Overall, the cost of living in Dallas and Houston is low, especially compared to other major cities. For example, you can buy a five-bedroom house for around $200,000 in the Dallas-FortWorth area. Yesterday, I saw a new development of luxury town homes (3 story and garage) for $110,000. Most would describe the Dallas area as good living. I could definitely live here.

I am enjoying spending time at home. I wish I could stay longer. My beautiful sister is a diva. She attends FIT in New York and interns for a PR company and magazine. When she returns to school she will be preparing to work for Fashion Week. A major perk of her internships is that she receives free samples of designer clothing, accessories, and make-up. She usually spends her time giving me fashion advice =), but this time she has been loving. She gave me a sweater, shoes, and a few lip-glosses. I can't believe how much my brothers have grown. They've been working so I haven't been able to spend much time with them.

On Tuesday I saw Dreamgirls, and I loved it. Every aspect of the film from was directed well. The talented Jennifer Hudson made a great Effie, and her break through performance was phenomenal. I've always been a fan of Glam and feminine chic. As a little girl I loved to go through my parents album collection to look at covers of Diana Ross and Chaka Khan. I also enjoyed watching documentaries about Jackie Kennedy Onasis, and in college I discovered the talents of the glamorous Dorothy Dandridge and Billie Holiday. Okay, getting back to the movie.....I also thought Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx portrayed their characters well. Eddie accurately emulated what it meant to be a James Brown, Little Richard, and Marvin Gaye. Beyonce was great, but I think Jennifer Hudson should receive more accolades. I saw the Pursuit of Happiness on Wednesday. I thought it was a great movie, but unlike Dreamgirls it's not one that I would want to see over and over again. After watching Dreamgirls I feel moved to purchase Mahogany.

Besides going to the movies, I've also spent a good amount of time eating. I've gained four pounds in less than a week. I suppose we are all excused during the Holidays. My weakness is dessert. Apple pie, carrot cake, sweet potato pie, and pumpkin pie (yes, black people eat pumpkin pie) got the best of me. Unlike most people who have just a slice, I usually eat about half to three-quarters of each pie or cake. I don't eat desserts because I'm hungry. I eat them just because they are there. I also found out that I am now allergic to one of our dogs, Charlie. It's not that bad, just a little uncomfortable.

I spent most of yesterday watching TV. My sister and I watched a marathon of Making the Team, a reality show that follows the process of becoming a Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleader. It's actually a good show. Today I watched An American Dream, the story about the Jacksons and Too Legit, which depicts MC Hammer's life. We are experiencing adverse weather conditions including a tornado watch, so we've been inside watching television.


Well I think I have written enough for now =). Have a great weekend and an even better New Year!