Friday, December 31, 2010

My New Year Resolution.

Here it is, the last day of the year, and I still haven't decided what my New Year's resolution will be. So, I've been thinking about it all day.

First thought - "This year I going to work out on my Cross Bow exercise machine every day." Wait a second. I think that was my resolution last year (and the year before).

Second thought - Peace in the Middle East. I could succeed where others have failed and become "Time's Person of the Year". Nah, I don't have time.

Third thought - Maybe something more domestic, like keeping my bathroom drawers organized. Too dull.

Final thought - Find joy in whatever I'm doing and keep laughing. Yes, I think I can do this. Hope you can, too.

Happy New Year, everyone.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Keeping the Christmas Spirit.


Grandson Cole opening his gifts!
 I know for sure the Christmas weekend is over. One sure sign was how hard it was to get my jeans buttoned this morning. Ouch. Back to reality.
First things, first.
Hide the caramels.
There.
Now I can concentrate.

The party is over but the spirit lives on. I've been busy these last few weeks (like everyone else) with Rubi J's orders and family planning. Fun but tiring. It's back to the grind; but let's don't go alone. Let's take the Christmas Spirit with us through each day's journey.

Daughter Stef and I made a committment to remember to keep giving throughout the year. We both have our favorite charities to which we donate; but we wanted to get more involved. So we decided to keep reminding each other to "do an extra". When we're at the grocery store, grab an extra item for the food bank. When we're shopping, pick up an extra pair of socks for the Open Door Mission. How simple is this?

I know this comes from watching Bill Murray's "Scrooged" too many times; (I still cry at the end) but what he says is true. "The more you give, the more you want to give." You just don't want that wonderful feeling to go away.

My family and I are so blessed. My husband's and mine favorite expression of endearment to each other (after "Love you") is "We're lucky people".

My daughter, Stef, and me. (That's Stef on the left.)

For you people that don't know me; that was a joke. Merry Christmas Spirit!

Friday, December 10, 2010

A Christmas gift suggestion.

Here's a suggestion for a Christmas gift that is probably not on everybody's list; but should be.

I have just submerged from a story so inspirational, I'll will never look at the world the same again. Laura Hillenbrand has just released her book about the the life story of Louis Zamperini. Ms. Hillenbrand's first book was "Seabiscuit" the race horse, which was made into an award winning movie. I loved, loved, loved that book; so, naturally I couldn't wait until her next was published. How a wonderful gift she has given us.

The book is called "Unbroken, A World War  II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption". This is the perfect title.

  • Survival - Crashing into the Pacific Ocean during WWII and surviving 47 days in a raft.
  • Resilience - Being captured by the Japanese and sent to several POW camps, enduring unthinking brutality.
  • Redemption - Learning how to live in society when those torturous memories had stripped all humanity from you.
I have to admit, it was hard to read at times; what the POWs went through; but, this book is the most inspirational book I have ever read. Every citizen of the United States should read this book.

To me, it's the perfect Christmas gift.

Thank you, Louie, for your service.