Ringing in the New Year soon.
I think I'll go to bed.
When I was younger we used to stay up as late as possible. My parents would invite alot of family to the house and we'd toast in the New Year with Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice.
The red grape, of course.
Then when I had a place of my own I'd invite a ton of friends and whoever would come, we'd end up having a smashing time playing cards and board games, singing along with my CD's (actually cassettes back then - didn't have a CD player yet), and then toast in the New Year with - of course - Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice.
Some traditions never change.
But the last few years I've not made it until the wee hours of the 1st of January. Sometimes we'd go over to a friend's house. Sometimes we'd have friends over. Generally we haven't stayed late and get home and to bed before the dropping of the ball in Times Square.
This year we find ourselves home and alone. I'm not at all upset by it, as we've had a wonderful time with family and friends already the last several days. Saturday we're going to my boss' house for a special celebration with all my co-workers and their families. It's always so nice and alot of fun.
So spending this evening alone, just the two of us watching movies and eating Christmas candy (my thighs will hate me in the morning), I'm perfectly at ease. It's been a busy season for the last several months, so it's quite comforting to be spending time at home with my son.
So whether you are gathering with family and/or friends, hosting a party of your own, or finding yourself alone tonight, may I wish each of you a wonderful, blessed, and prosperous New Year.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
You Go Girl
I just had the most wonderful phone conversation!
For the last several days I've been emailing with a high school friend who was like a family member when we were all growing up. She's actually the same age as my oldest sister, but there was a whole group of them that hung out at our place. Thence the ability to develop my own friendship with her over the years.
After high school we ran into each other here and there from time to time. But then I got married and moved away and lost track of her.
Well thanks to my sister insisting I get a Facebook page, she found me and we've been emailing off and on of late.
Recently we exchanged phone numbers. Since my life has finally slowed down, I picked up the phone and gave her a call this evening. It was so great hearing her voice after all these years and talking for more than an hour. Did NOT mean to tie up her time that much.
She ended up waiting to get married until her thirties. Now she has three young kids (well, at least younger than mine) and her time is tied up in being a wife and mother.
Oh how I envy her (and my sisters) for being able to stay home with her kids. Yes, there are sacrifices that must be made when you live on one income, but the benefits you reap in your children no price can be affixed to. She and her husband have made a very wise decision.
The time will eventually pass and become a memory. Someday again she'll have a life outside the home if she desires.
In the meantime, you go girl!
For the last several days I've been emailing with a high school friend who was like a family member when we were all growing up. She's actually the same age as my oldest sister, but there was a whole group of them that hung out at our place. Thence the ability to develop my own friendship with her over the years.
After high school we ran into each other here and there from time to time. But then I got married and moved away and lost track of her.
Well thanks to my sister insisting I get a Facebook page, she found me and we've been emailing off and on of late.
Recently we exchanged phone numbers. Since my life has finally slowed down, I picked up the phone and gave her a call this evening. It was so great hearing her voice after all these years and talking for more than an hour. Did NOT mean to tie up her time that much.
She ended up waiting to get married until her thirties. Now she has three young kids (well, at least younger than mine) and her time is tied up in being a wife and mother.
Oh how I envy her (and my sisters) for being able to stay home with her kids. Yes, there are sacrifices that must be made when you live on one income, but the benefits you reap in your children no price can be affixed to. She and her husband have made a very wise decision.
The time will eventually pass and become a memory. Someday again she'll have a life outside the home if she desires.
In the meantime, you go girl!
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Lines of Life
You know, this Facebook stuff my sister got me started on isn't so bad. No, I don't have alot of time to mess with it. My blog is the most important thing to me.
But it's been fun having a chance to "talk" to people I don't normally have time to shoot the breeze with. It's been an interesting walk down memory lane, touching base with people I haven't seen or talked to in twenty/twenty-five years.
My how time flies!
This evening I pulled out and got to looking at old photo albums, remembering who I once was and who I've now become.
There are some things about myself that I miss - maybe it's just because of the responsibilities I've borne for so many years. But for the most part, I like who I've become. I love being a mom. I really enjoy several of my deep friendships that took alot of pain and time to find.
Just had lunch today with one of my best friends and talked about some things with her I hadn't thought about in years. It was wonderful to be able to reminisce about parts of my life that she knew nothing about and yet she's seen those components in me in other ways I've lived my life around her.
Another of my friends is going through a dark valley experience right now. I can relate, even though the circumstances are completely different. Life has allowed me to take what I've learned and just be there for her and reassure her that she will come through this. Most of the time, that's all we truly need is just that person to reassure us that life is still good out there somewhere even though we're in the bad at the moment.
That's what I like about who I've become. It isn't so much what I've done as much as living life through and beyond the circumstances. It's made me strong, though it is true that sometimes being strong is exhausting. If I hadn't lived my life and become who I am today, I wouldn't BE who I am today.
And I have to admit - even through the pain and trials I don't think I'd change a thing. Otherwise I may have just turned out to be nothing more than a wet blanket or an empty smile.
Whereas now my smile is full and genuine and full of life.
And surrounded by the lines of life. :-)
But it's been fun having a chance to "talk" to people I don't normally have time to shoot the breeze with. It's been an interesting walk down memory lane, touching base with people I haven't seen or talked to in twenty/twenty-five years.
My how time flies!
This evening I pulled out and got to looking at old photo albums, remembering who I once was and who I've now become.
There are some things about myself that I miss - maybe it's just because of the responsibilities I've borne for so many years. But for the most part, I like who I've become. I love being a mom. I really enjoy several of my deep friendships that took alot of pain and time to find.
Just had lunch today with one of my best friends and talked about some things with her I hadn't thought about in years. It was wonderful to be able to reminisce about parts of my life that she knew nothing about and yet she's seen those components in me in other ways I've lived my life around her.
Another of my friends is going through a dark valley experience right now. I can relate, even though the circumstances are completely different. Life has allowed me to take what I've learned and just be there for her and reassure her that she will come through this. Most of the time, that's all we truly need is just that person to reassure us that life is still good out there somewhere even though we're in the bad at the moment.
That's what I like about who I've become. It isn't so much what I've done as much as living life through and beyond the circumstances. It's made me strong, though it is true that sometimes being strong is exhausting. If I hadn't lived my life and become who I am today, I wouldn't BE who I am today.
And I have to admit - even through the pain and trials I don't think I'd change a thing. Otherwise I may have just turned out to be nothing more than a wet blanket or an empty smile.
Whereas now my smile is full and genuine and full of life.
And surrounded by the lines of life. :-)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Head Shots
Okay, Mom just sent a couple of pictures from the family Christmas. The second is of one of my sister's and myself (see bows on heads). This shows a decent shot of my new haircut if you don't let the black velvet collar fool you into thinking it's part of my hair. The first picture is of most of Mom and Dad's grandkids and great-grandkids.
Family Fun Forever
Like I said - didn't have a chance to commandeer the computer while at the extended family Christmas gathering.
So I'll let you know all about it today!
There were some great shots taken that show my hair, so by popular demand I'll be posting an updated photo with my new updo as soon as my mother emails a few to me or my son gets on our computer and downloads some from his camera.
Speaking of the new digital camera - we apparently got an AWESOME deal! It was something that was available only for the Christmas season and when they sold out they sold out (and they're sold out). It takes incredible pictures and my son has had a great time learning how it works.
By the way, he's actually a pretty good photographer, unbeknownst to me. He was watching scenery on the way down and back and taking some really neat shots with the lengthening shadows and golden sunbeams over the browning landscape. I'm looking forward to having a chance to see them full-size.
There's a couple of me and one of my sisters when we were being silly with our coffee mugs. I'll see if one of those turn out with a good shot of the haircut. Otherwise I'll just grab a few choice shots to share with you of our family fun.
My great-niece, Madison, was in full-walking-swing. She's become quite the little ham for the camera. There'll hopefully be some good photos to show of her too.
It was a busy and full weekend. Wouldn't trade those moments for anything. After all, friends come and go - family stays with us forever.
Wait a minute! Is that a good thing?
So I'll let you know all about it today!
There were some great shots taken that show my hair, so by popular demand I'll be posting an updated photo with my new updo as soon as my mother emails a few to me or my son gets on our computer and downloads some from his camera.
Speaking of the new digital camera - we apparently got an AWESOME deal! It was something that was available only for the Christmas season and when they sold out they sold out (and they're sold out). It takes incredible pictures and my son has had a great time learning how it works.
By the way, he's actually a pretty good photographer, unbeknownst to me. He was watching scenery on the way down and back and taking some really neat shots with the lengthening shadows and golden sunbeams over the browning landscape. I'm looking forward to having a chance to see them full-size.
There's a couple of me and one of my sisters when we were being silly with our coffee mugs. I'll see if one of those turn out with a good shot of the haircut. Otherwise I'll just grab a few choice shots to share with you of our family fun.
My great-niece, Madison, was in full-walking-swing. She's become quite the little ham for the camera. There'll hopefully be some good photos to show of her too.
It was a busy and full weekend. Wouldn't trade those moments for anything. After all, friends come and go - family stays with us forever.
Wait a minute! Is that a good thing?
Friday, December 26, 2008
Smooth Sailing
In a couple of hours we'll be heading down to Oklahoma to visit the family. I'll probably be out of commission for a few days, unless I'm actually able to commandeer the computer from the kids.
Doubtful.
So our Christmas continues with (thankfully) clear skies and clear roads. Just the wind is present today to tickle our ears and noses.
It's Kansas - what can you expect?
So here's once again wishing you continued blessings with your families and friends as the Christmas season winds down and the New Year approaches.
Hopefully we won't have anymore strange roadway episodes with four new tires. Smooth sailing, you here?
Doubtful.
So our Christmas continues with (thankfully) clear skies and clear roads. Just the wind is present today to tickle our ears and noses.
It's Kansas - what can you expect?
So here's once again wishing you continued blessings with your families and friends as the Christmas season winds down and the New Year approaches.
Hopefully we won't have anymore strange roadway episodes with four new tires. Smooth sailing, you here?
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Evening Observations
The household is winding down this evening from a wonderful and relaxing day. In my finite mind that's the best way to spend it.
When my son was young we used to go down to my parents' home on Christmas Eve and spend Christmas morning opening our gifts with them. Yet somewhere along the way I decided that my son and I needed to establish our own Christmas Day traditions in our home. He needed to see that even just the two of us were a family in our own right.
Those first couple of years were a little difficult. It felt lonely with no one else around. We'd open our gifts, I'd take a million pictures, and then I'd fix this fabulous Christmas dinner that only the two of us ate. Still it was important to me to establish ourselves as a bonafide family.
It was also important to me that we have some time to just relax without running hither and yon and feeling rushed to get this item checked off our list so we could do this and this and that and then leave to go here and there. Feels exhausting even now to think about it.
Over the years we've taken to occasionally inviting any other alone friends to come and eat Christmas dinner with us. Hey, we always have plenty of leftovers, so why not spread it around a little bit? Plus it helped for the day to feel less lonely.
However, now we've come to enjoy the slow and easy pace that has become our Christmas. Yes, we still get up early to open presents (after I fix my coffee). Yes, I still take a million pictures. And yes, I still cook an enormous (and fabulous) Christmas dinner. Sometimes we have friends join us and sometimes not.
This year was once again just the two of us and couldn't have been more wonderfuler (hee, hee). We were a little lighter on the presents but not on the love.
I spent the entire day in my new lavender lounging set (it IS my signature color, after all), cooked and ate Christmas dinner, then settled back for "It's a Wonderful Life" and another Hallmark Channel Christmas show. My son set up his great new stereo, played new games, and enjoyed all of his new stash.
Tomorrow we'll travel and be with others of our extended family. For today we were just our family.
And that was more than enough.
When my son was young we used to go down to my parents' home on Christmas Eve and spend Christmas morning opening our gifts with them. Yet somewhere along the way I decided that my son and I needed to establish our own Christmas Day traditions in our home. He needed to see that even just the two of us were a family in our own right.
Those first couple of years were a little difficult. It felt lonely with no one else around. We'd open our gifts, I'd take a million pictures, and then I'd fix this fabulous Christmas dinner that only the two of us ate. Still it was important to me to establish ourselves as a bonafide family.
It was also important to me that we have some time to just relax without running hither and yon and feeling rushed to get this item checked off our list so we could do this and this and that and then leave to go here and there. Feels exhausting even now to think about it.
Over the years we've taken to occasionally inviting any other alone friends to come and eat Christmas dinner with us. Hey, we always have plenty of leftovers, so why not spread it around a little bit? Plus it helped for the day to feel less lonely.
However, now we've come to enjoy the slow and easy pace that has become our Christmas. Yes, we still get up early to open presents (after I fix my coffee). Yes, I still take a million pictures. And yes, I still cook an enormous (and fabulous) Christmas dinner. Sometimes we have friends join us and sometimes not.
This year was once again just the two of us and couldn't have been more wonderfuler (hee, hee). We were a little lighter on the presents but not on the love.
I spent the entire day in my new lavender lounging set (it IS my signature color, after all), cooked and ate Christmas dinner, then settled back for "It's a Wonderful Life" and another Hallmark Channel Christmas show. My son set up his great new stereo, played new games, and enjoyed all of his new stash.
Tomorrow we'll travel and be with others of our extended family. For today we were just our family.
And that was more than enough.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A Christmas Eve Memory
And so it is Christmas Eve.
I remember last year - our first year in our lovely new home. I was still so exhausted from the move and associated stressors that I didn't do a whole heck of alot of decorating except the tree.
It's kinda funny - this year we got our tree on time but due to rushing right from Thanksgiving to the play, we did not decorate it for two solid weeks. Felt a little bad, but the play took a bit of time (duh!).
So what do I find myself doing this Christmas Eve? Finishing decorating, of course. My boss was so kind since the weather was so bad last night that he told us since it was only going to be a half day to not worry about coming in this morning.
What a Merry Christmas present that was!
So with the extra time around the house today, I'm finally putting up a few more decorations and getting the stockings hung with care (we have no chimney). Then I'm going to bake a pumpkin pie, since it is the only kind my son likes, and then tonight we'll make Christmas cookies for Santa.
Okay, okay - I know my son is sixteen, but there are just some traditions that are still fun. We never did the "Santa" thing much anyway, but it's still neat to bake cookies together and spend that time having conversation or just being silly.
Isn't that one of the reasons for celebrating Christmas? Isn't family time what it's all about?
Makes me think of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. Even before they were married, God started their family and still brought them together to raise His son as their own. Reminds me that God is as much in the little, ordinary, mundane things of life as much as the big things.
So enjoy this Christmas celebrating the gift of family as we remember the Holy Family this season.
Merry Christmas from Kansas!
I remember last year - our first year in our lovely new home. I was still so exhausted from the move and associated stressors that I didn't do a whole heck of alot of decorating except the tree.
It's kinda funny - this year we got our tree on time but due to rushing right from Thanksgiving to the play, we did not decorate it for two solid weeks. Felt a little bad, but the play took a bit of time (duh!).
So what do I find myself doing this Christmas Eve? Finishing decorating, of course. My boss was so kind since the weather was so bad last night that he told us since it was only going to be a half day to not worry about coming in this morning.
What a Merry Christmas present that was!
So with the extra time around the house today, I'm finally putting up a few more decorations and getting the stockings hung with care (we have no chimney). Then I'm going to bake a pumpkin pie, since it is the only kind my son likes, and then tonight we'll make Christmas cookies for Santa.
Okay, okay - I know my son is sixteen, but there are just some traditions that are still fun. We never did the "Santa" thing much anyway, but it's still neat to bake cookies together and spend that time having conversation or just being silly.
Isn't that one of the reasons for celebrating Christmas? Isn't family time what it's all about?
Makes me think of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. Even before they were married, God started their family and still brought them together to raise His son as their own. Reminds me that God is as much in the little, ordinary, mundane things of life as much as the big things.
So enjoy this Christmas celebrating the gift of family as we remember the Holy Family this season.
Merry Christmas from Kansas!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tire Tales
All is good in my universe.
My son is home safely from having his Christmas with his dad and that side of his family.
I say that because we had an interesting trip getting him to his dad on Saturday. Ended up that his dad had to come here to pick him up.
We had a blow-out on the highway.
You know what though? God's hand was with us throughout the whole ordeal.
We were only about fifteen or twenty minutes down the highway when the tire blew. Before the tire blew, it started to shimmy, so I'd already started to slow down and pull over to the side of the road.
Shudder to think what might have happened if we'd been going full speed when it blew. There was a huge hole in the side that smoked and smelled of burned rubber. Ew!
It's been a long time, but I've had experience before with changing tires. Since I'd never had to do so in this car, it took me a few minutes to find the donut, jack, etc. Perfect opportunity to teach my son how to change a tire.
Couldn't get the lug nuts loose. Both of us tried for ten minutes to loosen the crazy things (Lefty Loosey/Righty Tighty). Froze our tails off. I even grabbed my son's saline bottle out of his bag and squirted it all over the nuts just to try something - anything at that point.
We ended up hopping back into the car to get warm before trying again. At that moment a policeman drove by and took pity on us.
I'd just prayed that the Lord would send us a kind soul, preferrably a policeman. He loosened the lug nuts, we finished jacking up the car, my son popped off the old tire and put on the donut, tightened the nuts and threw everything back in the trunk.
It's nice having a strong strapping son to help out when necessary.
We were off and running - and the policeman even wished us a Merry Christmas.
Turned around and drove back home. Just did not feel like taking anymore chances. Ended up stuck by the side of the road for no more than twenty minutes. Got home, called his dad, then ordered some new tires from Sears.
Picked up my son tonight in the pea-soup foggy skies and icy roads. I never seem to get a break this time of the year.
Well, I guess that's what guardian angels are for. And sometimes they're dressed as policemen.
My son is home safely from having his Christmas with his dad and that side of his family.
I say that because we had an interesting trip getting him to his dad on Saturday. Ended up that his dad had to come here to pick him up.
We had a blow-out on the highway.
You know what though? God's hand was with us throughout the whole ordeal.
We were only about fifteen or twenty minutes down the highway when the tire blew. Before the tire blew, it started to shimmy, so I'd already started to slow down and pull over to the side of the road.
Shudder to think what might have happened if we'd been going full speed when it blew. There was a huge hole in the side that smoked and smelled of burned rubber. Ew!
It's been a long time, but I've had experience before with changing tires. Since I'd never had to do so in this car, it took me a few minutes to find the donut, jack, etc. Perfect opportunity to teach my son how to change a tire.
Couldn't get the lug nuts loose. Both of us tried for ten minutes to loosen the crazy things (Lefty Loosey/Righty Tighty). Froze our tails off. I even grabbed my son's saline bottle out of his bag and squirted it all over the nuts just to try something - anything at that point.
We ended up hopping back into the car to get warm before trying again. At that moment a policeman drove by and took pity on us.
I'd just prayed that the Lord would send us a kind soul, preferrably a policeman. He loosened the lug nuts, we finished jacking up the car, my son popped off the old tire and put on the donut, tightened the nuts and threw everything back in the trunk.
It's nice having a strong strapping son to help out when necessary.
We were off and running - and the policeman even wished us a Merry Christmas.
Turned around and drove back home. Just did not feel like taking anymore chances. Ended up stuck by the side of the road for no more than twenty minutes. Got home, called his dad, then ordered some new tires from Sears.
Picked up my son tonight in the pea-soup foggy skies and icy roads. I never seem to get a break this time of the year.
Well, I guess that's what guardian angels are for. And sometimes they're dressed as policemen.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Clip
Well it's two and ahalf months late, but I finally did it.
My hair is cut!
My hair has been long or just below my shoulders since I can remember. I think the last time I had short hair was when I was maybe four or five and my parents ran the city swimming pool. My mom proceeded to take all three of us girls into the salon for super short hair cuts (I think they were called shags).
I was mad at my mom a long time for that one.
Needless to say, I've had my hair long since I've been able to care for it myself. So when I got a wild hair to go with a funky short cut, I didn't want to put it off too long and lose my nerve. After all, it is only hair. It'll always grow back if I don't like it.
My original appointment was the first Saturday in October. However, when I got the part in the play in September, I realized very quickly that I was going to have to cancel that appointment and wait to go with the quirky hairstyle. I don't think that would have fit with the 1940's era. It gave me a few months too in order to grow it out even longer for the stylists to have a little fun with my updo.
Putting off the cut was hard to do. I wasn't sure I could hang onto my nerve that long. But I rescheduled anyway for this past Saturday.
I almost didn't go through with it, but after talking it over with Julie she convinced me that she thought it would look great on me.
That first snip just about made my knees shiver. Then she held up the thick strand of about five inches she'd whacked off the back. My son about had a cow. He's never seen me with my hair short. Have to admit, I didn't stop to think about that until Julie started cutting, so she let him stay back with me and watch the process.
After it's all said and done, I love my new cut. It's short in the back tapering to longer tresses in the front that frame my face quite nicely.
I still surprise myself in the mornings when I go to get in the shower. Not sure how long it will take to get used to. Maybe in a few weeks I won't be shocked everytime I see myself in the mirror.
My hair is cut!
My hair has been long or just below my shoulders since I can remember. I think the last time I had short hair was when I was maybe four or five and my parents ran the city swimming pool. My mom proceeded to take all three of us girls into the salon for super short hair cuts (I think they were called shags).
I was mad at my mom a long time for that one.
Needless to say, I've had my hair long since I've been able to care for it myself. So when I got a wild hair to go with a funky short cut, I didn't want to put it off too long and lose my nerve. After all, it is only hair. It'll always grow back if I don't like it.
My original appointment was the first Saturday in October. However, when I got the part in the play in September, I realized very quickly that I was going to have to cancel that appointment and wait to go with the quirky hairstyle. I don't think that would have fit with the 1940's era. It gave me a few months too in order to grow it out even longer for the stylists to have a little fun with my updo.
Putting off the cut was hard to do. I wasn't sure I could hang onto my nerve that long. But I rescheduled anyway for this past Saturday.
I almost didn't go through with it, but after talking it over with Julie she convinced me that she thought it would look great on me.
That first snip just about made my knees shiver. Then she held up the thick strand of about five inches she'd whacked off the back. My son about had a cow. He's never seen me with my hair short. Have to admit, I didn't stop to think about that until Julie started cutting, so she let him stay back with me and watch the process.
After it's all said and done, I love my new cut. It's short in the back tapering to longer tresses in the front that frame my face quite nicely.
I still surprise myself in the mornings when I go to get in the shower. Not sure how long it will take to get used to. Maybe in a few weeks I won't be shocked everytime I see myself in the mirror.
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