Well, these answers seem simple enough. But the question is: Will they or won't they? I guess we have all year to find out!

No traffic on my way to work, a great parking space, peace and quiet throughout the building...it must be Christmas Eve at the office! Yes, I'm here along with Ryan, one of our copy editors. It brings us great joy to come in and hold down the neighborsgo fort on a day like this. I mean, there's tons of work to do!

If you’ve seen "The Devil Wears Prada," you know that we’re shown Runway editor in chief Miranda Priestly’s stylish red suede heels before we ever see her face. And then, when Andy awkwardly trots into her office for an assignment, Miranda glares disapprovingly at Andy’s chunky, clunky loafers and simply states her signature line, “That’s all.”  Andy jolts back to her desk, kicks off the clunkers, snatches the chic black stilettos previously donated to her by Nigel, Runway’s art director, and jams her feet right into them.

Neighborsgo AME Jenice Johnson is the shoe queen of our department (take a look). Even copy editor Ryan Claunch compliments her on her fancy footwear. And when a man notices, that’s really saying something.

I can barely contain my excitement right now. I watched my friend Michelle Aguilar win The Biggest Loser last night and gain a new lease on life. I worked with Michelle for four years and we shared an office for a year and a half. We became friends and I watched her go from being “stuck” to entering into a season of abundance. When she first tried out for The Biggest Loser, she was cut during the preliminaries. But she didn’t let that stop her. She went back again and is now the winner for Season 6, walking away with the grand prize of $250,000 and many open doors. Michelle lost 110 pounds, looks absolutely amazing and is living the life of her dreams. She is an inspiration to all who want to change their lives but don’t want to waste their lives waiting on somebody else to make the decision. It begins with you.

With 2009 around the corner, think about what you want in life and the person you want to be. It’s not a new year’s resolution, it’s a lifestyle revolution. Make it yours and make it happen!

Although my grandparents in Michigan think our weather stories are hilarious, my I-30E drive to an assignment in Oak Cliff and then to the downtown office was definitely one of caution. But there was something, or should I say someone, who caught my eye during this morning’s drive that caused me to think about more than inconvenient weather.

After leaving the assignment, I found my way to I-35 to head downtown. It was freezing (don’t laugh Granddad) and tiny little snowflakes had begun to fall. I let out a huge sigh when I saw the sea of brake lights that signaled slowly-moving traffic. As I maneuvered my way onto the freeway, I caught a glimpse of a homeless man pushing a shopping cart on the side of the road.

My eyes began to trace the inside of my car and I immediately exchanged my grumblings for thankfulness. It’s in these times when you have to remind yourself to be grateful for a snail-like commute because at least it means you’re driving and not walking or shivering while waiting for the bus. It’s in these times when you have to be thankful for just having a coat or boots to wear in bad weather. I know the warmth of my home will be waiting for me when it’s time to leave the office. It’s in these times that we are reminded of how truly blessed we are.

Have you ever felt as though you were being watched in the office? Well, I work with two copy editors, Lindsay and Ryan, who constantly keep tabs on me with their evil eyes. Things are so eerie now that I’m not even sure if they really work here or if Lindsay and Ryan are their real names. I thought I’d blog about it in case something happened to me up here.  Take a good look at these faces. I may need your help.

I spent last night in tears after watching The Christmas Shoes, based on The New York Times bestselling book. The movie is six years old but it conveys a message for all times - “…the smallest of miracles can change our lives.” The film tells the stories of two families whose lives become intertwined as they go through personal trials in a small town. Rob Lowe stars as Robert Layton, an attorney whose marriage is in trouble because of his unwillingness to put his wife and young daughter before his job responsibilities at the office. Kimberly Williams plays Maggie Andrews, an elementary school music teacher, who needs a heart transplant and may not live through Christmas. Her 10-year-old son Nathan overhears her talking about the dancing shoes she once owned that always made her feel special. Nathan then sets out with little time left to find and buy her a pretty new pair before she dies.

The two families begin to interact with each other and other townspeople throughout the film, completely unaware that each individual they cross paths with is another piece to their life’s puzzle. It may sound a little predictable but the premise is powerful. The act of giving creates miracles of love, peace and joy.

So if you want to see a modern day miracle, simply meet a need.

And if you want to see this film, keep a box of tissues close by.

Today, I was invited to Spiral Diner & Bakery, a vegan restaurant, for lunch by neighborsgo AME Jenice Johnson and Lake Highlands editor Jocelyn Delgado. I immediately checked the restaurant's website menu before accepting the challenge. Fortunately, there wasn't anything too alarming for a meat eater so I felt pretty good about going. Well, the true test came when we sat down to order. And I'm sorry to report that I chickened out (mmm, chicken...) and ordered a salad. It was the closest thing to home. 

Well, I wanted to document my first vegan experience, but unfortunately I have nothing to show for it. I guess I'll have to go back one day and order a "real" vegan meal. Just not too soon.