Happy New Year!

Today is half over. I haven't gotten near what I intended to do finished. It has been one of those days.

Emily is back at BSU for a few days anyway, to enjoy ringing in the New Year with her friends. Ms Annie is primping to meet up with her girlfriends to go to a High School New Years Eve party this evening. She will spend the night there in New Palestine tonight. Sergio & I are actually going to meet up with a few friends for dinner, then I am sure we will fall asleep watching television later tonight. We have gotten boring over the years. Really only invited to one party, and this is a recently divorced friend who will be partying it up more than we can handle. Such is the life of old married fuddy duddies! We graciously declined.

I am looking forward to the new year.

2008 has had it's ups and downs. I am ready to move on and seen what the good Lord has in store for us in 2009. So many exciting events. A new President of our USA. Also, our Annie will graduate in the Spring and start college soon after.

I have new year goals. Basically, I plan to be better organized, healthier, more proficient, more spiritual, and happier. Then, I can work on being a better person.

To all I wish you a Blessed New Year.

Be the Change you wish to see in the world.

Mohandas Gandhi

Guardian Angels

Do you believe in Angels?
Do you believe in Guardian Angels?
I do.
There have been too many times in my past were I have actually met someone and later realize that that person was an angel. People that are sent to me for a specific reason of protecting me or helping me to make a wiser choice.

Many of my loved ones know that I had a real guardian Angel that turned my world around 12 years ago teaching me how to eat and changed my habits. "Carol" was introduced to me by my Doctor (he swears he does not remember giving me her name nor knows of her. This was just six months after I had started going to her.) I would meet with her at a medical office. I never had to sign in, just waited for her to come and get me. Then we would go down to her office and she took care of me. I thought she was a Dietitian. But, after our sessions, and me seeing her for six months, we parted ways. I was concerned about my insurance never paying her. I tried to call her, but the number that I had used for six months, no longer was the right number. I went to the Medical office, and they too acted as though she never worked there or that they had even heard of her. They didn't remember me and I went there every week, then down to every other, till we were finished and I had meet my weight goals. I was dumbfounded. Then I realized she was an Angel.

Last night, Annie went to her boyfriends after work. He lives kindof out there. Deer country. Country roads. I had an uneasy feeling all evening. I texted her, and she didn't text me back. Sometimes the reception is bad there and the wind was really blowing. She finally texted us at midnight to tell us she was on her way home. I was completely restless and anxious. I had been praying all evening for her. I sat up waiting for her in the living room. I continued to pray. I started to relax although she was taking much longer than usual. She finally pulled in the driveway. I thanked God. She told me this "stupid slow old Man, was driving in front of her all the way home. He wasn't going more than 40 mph and she couldn't pass him. He was going the same route she goes, all the way home!" I told her I had such an uneasy feeling and that I that I thought maybe that guy was put there in front of her for a reason. She sat down and totally agreed. She said that made sense to her because he came from no where then turned every turn she had to make.
He watched over my Baby and kept her from driving too fast.

Yeah, I believe.

Christmas with the Meyer Side

I have been trying to post this for three days now. I am having trouble with posting the Christmas pictures. I can post pictures from other sources but for some reason, these photos my Sis sent me, will not post. So I will go without the pictures for now.

We had a lovely time @ Julie & Brent's. It was kindof sad not having Michelle there. She is still in Germany and will be for about 7 more months. I miss her. We all do. If you are reading this, Chelle why have you deserted you blog? I have a link to it on mine (at the bottom of this page) and I check daily for postings from you. I know you follow mine, so please email, comment or put a posting up. Love you Girlie!

Dinner was wonderful. Jules made what I call a very traditional meal of Ham, Brisket, sweet potato casserole, Mom's Au Gratin Potatoes, and many other goodies.

We started a new tradition a couple of years ago with recipe cards. All the girls got cool Cook Books and we yearly exchange favorite recipes. Emily & Annie both made their dishes as well so they could be sampled (Em~ Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, Annie~ Dirt Dessert). I submitted my Sheri's Chicken Tortilla Soup, and a Asparagus recipe from the Indiana Heart Hospital. I love this tradition. My girls do too. Julie, Michelle, Katie & Mom seem to enjoy it but not as much as we. They didn't contribute this year but understandable as much was on their tables. I am hoping Chelle will bring home a recipe or two from Germany though.

We also started a White Elephant gift exchange and got my folks to join us with it this year. The object is to "re gift" or find something useful and not too used up to exchange. We draw numbers to who goes first, then we can pick a wrapped present or "steal" another persons gift. This year there were some good gifts. Miles loved his M & M candy dispenser from Sergio & Emily loved her remote kitty toy, or should I say, Isabella loves it! It was perfect for them as Emily's kitten is so young & playful. I "stole" my dads Smoothie Maker & he ended up with women's perfume set. It was funny. Best part about it is we have fun & we forgo spending money on it. We are trying to get back to the basics and remember the reason for the season is not about spending money but spending time with the ones you love.

I will try again to post a picture. I guess it had too many pixels or something like that. Oh well, it was a Merry Christmas to all!

Daddy's Little Burritos

This was taken of the girls when Emily was 9 and Annie was 7 years old. This was a favorite past time for them. They would drag a blanket out and beg Daddy to wrap them like a burrito. It started when they were very little. They would giggle and giggle. Then try to wiggle out of the tight roll.

We called them Daddy's little burritos.

It's so hard to believe this was taken over ten years ago. I can't remember the last time Sergio rolled them up. How hilarious to see them rolled today!

Doubt that is gonna happen!

The Bromance

Bromance~ a relationship between two male friends that are close like brothers. They like to talk; go eat; watch sports; go eat again; have a beer, or two or three; get together without the wives and kids. Have He-man time.

This will not be found in Webster's dictionary. This is one of those words that the younger generation came up with.

Today while out with my girls, I mentioned Dad was running some errands with Paul. One of the girls mumbled something about "Bromance" and the other giggled. I said, "what are you talking about?" They said, Dad has a Bromance, and explained it to me.

Now, don't get the wrong idea. I love this friend! I love that he can sit for hours talking politics, Union talk, sports, and the many other topics they have. He is a wonderful friend of Sergio's and I welcome him! It relieves me of alot of talk! Especially about things that I am not as passionate as Sergio is. I think everyone should have this kind of a friend.

Since we moved we now live just a few blocks from Paul. Therefore, the guys see each other more often. Yea! You go guys!

Besides, it helps Sergio understand my girlfriend time. I guess I have a few Sis-mances as well!

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt, the beautiful sultry voiced "sex kitten" has died from colon cancer. The singer, dancer and actress was 81.

I loved this talented woman. I remeber wanting to be her back in the late 60's watching her on Batman. She was none other than "Cat Woman" on this weekly series that I loved, especially when she made an appearance. (Julie Newmar played the original Cat Woman, Eartha replaced her in 1967).


She spent 60 years entertaining us with her dancing, acting and singing. Her version of Santa Baby will always be my favorite. She was very beautiful. Being of mixed race was controversal for her time, but the strong Eartha prevailed. Even after her black - Cherokee mother remarried and her step father refused to talk to a child of mixed race. She then lived with relatives. (Her father was white). She also was outspoken which got her in trouble often. She spent many years overseas after her denouncing the Vietnam War. She was investagated by both the CIA and the FBI.

"The thing that hurts, that became anger, was when I realized that if you tell the truth - in a country that says you're entitled to tell the truth - you get your face slapped and you get put out of work," Kitt told Essence magazine two decades later.

From Broadway to the Cinema, she found her place. Her albums (I favor the earlier ones from the 50's) and her many appearences throughout the years, she would make her way through.

While on stage, she was daringly sexy and always flirtatious. Offstage, however, Kitt described herself as shy and almost reclusive, remnants of feeling unwanted and unloved as a child. She referred to herself as "that little urchin cotton-picker from the South, Eartha Mae."

She died on Christmas day. How fitting with her Santa Baby song. I will always remember her with a smile. She was one of the great ones. She will be missed but not forgotten.

Hello!

As promised, I have changed my background. Kindof boring, but I like it. At least for today.

Looking forward to getting alot done on this "day off". Tomorrow is our Meyer family dinner, so I will be baking today. I have been assigned deserts, and I want to make something different from my tradional pies and Crisp. I am going to read up in some cookbooks. Hoping to find something yummy yet fairly easy.

Have a beautiful day.

Merry Christmas!

Ahh.
Christmas Day is half over. I will begin dinner soon, but wanted to take a minute to chat. Presents were opened. We have been having a lovely lazy day enjoying each others company just hanging out. The Christmas movies have been playing all day and we have been snacking like crazy.

Last night we had a nice Christmas dinner at Sergio's sisters house with the Gonzalez side. Food was grand, and company good. Later we opened our stockings and the girls each opened one gift.

This morning Sergio & I laughed at memories of the girls waking at the wee hours, and over the years how they started to sleep in longer and longer. This morning they woke at 11:00! Times have changed. I no longer use the video camera, and I take fewer pictures. This year I tried using Emily's but did not get a decent picture. I am hoping to get Annie's boyfriend to take one of the four of us, maybe with ALL the pets?

The only real negative was that one of Annie's presents was slightly dribbled with... umm, well, looks like Bandit mistook the Christmas tree for an outside tree again. But, it was just some droplets on the wrapping the gift was fine. I am sure she will laugh about it one day (just not today).

I have thought much of something my Bestie recently reminded me of. The fact that I have sooo much to be Thankful for. And I do. I have been thinking about this for days. I have listed them in my head, and do not think I need to list them for the world. I know what all I have. I am truly Blessed.

So, on this beautiful Christmas day, I am reminded of the beauty of the meaning of the Lord's birth. I am reminded of what He has done for us. I am reminded of my many Blessings. For that I am glad.

To all, I wish a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas Rules to Live by...

My Aunt sent this to me via email forward and I loved it! I thought it would be a fun post. I hope you enjoy!

Christmas Rules to Live By...

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's the holidays!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted holiday cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat, Pecan. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up,totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, what a ride!"

Have a great Christmas!

It's Always Something...

Late last night while I was trying to get caught up on laundry, My dryer started making this horrible banging sound. Kindof like bricks were inside. I opened the door to find one of the wingy things in the drum that tosses the clothes came off. Seriously! I pulled it out and kept running the dryer. It looks like the piece that it is screwed in is broken. Does not look fixable. Sergio says it isn't.

Dang it! I have had this set for about 15 plus years. It is a Maytag and it does a great job. I am not in the market for a new dryer. This will have to do. Hopefully it is still functional with only two wingy things.

I am not going to let this interfer with my Holiday Spirit!

Happy Anniversary to Sergio & I

22 Years! We have been married for 22 years today. Highs and lows, ups and downs, it has been a wonderful adventure.

How did I get so Blessed to have this incredible man?

It is interesting how two people meet and fall in love. For Sergio & I our paths almost crossed many times prior, but for some reason, we didn't actually met till the timing was right. His sister was one of my best friends in High School. My sister was friends with Sergio. We are four years apart. Had we met sooner, we probably would not have ended up together. When we did meet, neither of us were "looking" for a serious relationship. Our friendship grew into more, and we saw each other through genuine eyes, never were either of us trying to impress.
Sergio & I had our first date June 9th, 1985. He proposed a year later.

We chose a Christmas wedding, out of practicality. Both our employments had shut downs for two weeks over the holidays, so that worked for us. Also, we had plans to return to snow skiing for a week following Christmas so.. instant honeymoon. We actually took the trip with our dear friends, so Brian & Mary went on our honeymoon with us!

Our marriage has been Blessed. Many times over. We have two amazing daughters. We have had great jobs, beautiful homes, security, as well as many other blessings.
I can truly say, that I love Sergio more today, than that evening I walked down the aisle. I didn't think that would be possible, but it is. I still get butterflies when I see him. I still think he is the sexiest man in the room. I still get giddy thinking about him. I know I am lucky. I know he is too.

Marriage isn't easy. It takes alot of work. It also takes alot of prayers and help from God. We are very fortunate that we found each other. I could not have had this with another man. There was a time or two, when I thought I had the right person, but thankfully, I found out before marriage. It would have been difficult to have found out later. I would have tried to salvage a marriage not worth saving. I have witnessed many friends have difficult marriages, and do more than they should have to make things work. Some have been strong and smart enough to know when it was time to move on. Some have not. I can not imagine being in a loveless marriage.

For me, I look forward to spending the rest of my life with my husband. I can not wait to see what the future has in store for us.

My Baby is 20 Today

My beautiful baby has turned twenty today. Where have the years gone? It seems just yesterday she was this adorable little butterball that stole your heart with her smile.



She has always been a curious but
cautious child. Emily had fun with life.





Emily is full of sunshine. She always has been. Her infectious smile makes people gravitate to her.









Throughout her life she has made people happy. She has spread her wings and ventured on to where God guides her.








She has grown into an amazing young woman. She has her feet firmly on the ground, when she wants too...She also knows how to have fun and enjoys life to its fullest. She knows what she wants and works hard to acheieve it. I am so very proud of her and who she has become.
Happy Birthday Baby!

Bambi & Thumper

My Aunt Linda sent me these wonderful pictures titled "The Real Bambi & Thumper". She knows what an animal lover I am. She sent ten shots and these are my favorites. I love seeing perfect harmony!

Christmas Cat

Just a cool Christmas picture of Mischa. This was actually taken a couple of years ago, but it is one of my favorites. Hilarious to watch her climb that white tree. She thinks she is so slick and hiding, but stuck out with the color contrast.

Forward

My Bestie sent me one of those FORWARDS that if you send to 8 people something you have been waiting for will come to you in eight minutes.

It didn't happen.

I am sorry to my eight I sent the angel to. You can try, but, you may want to just delete. They never work for me. Sometimes I get that feeling that if I don't, will that mean something bad will happen? I really try not to be superstitious. I have one friend that sends alot of them to me. I love her but delete them when I suspect it is a forward that I have to do something.

I am surprised Sher sent to me, not at all like her so I thought, okay, this is my lucky day. I need a lucky day.

Sandy Vinge

Sandy Vinge is the 75 year old Grandmother that was savagely kidnapped, beaten, and robbed recently. If you missed the news, she opened her door to a Teenager that recently sold her a vacuum, when he came door to door. Apparently he returned to her home and asked to use her phone. After kindly letting him in, she turned her back as he was using the phone. He started punching her, kicking her and then robbed her. He, and two other teens, then beat her more, threw her in the back of her car bound in tape, and drove around with her in the back of the car. Her nightmare continued for 26 hours, until they were pulled over for a traffic violation, only then, was she rescued by the police officer.

The young man that did this to her, had the audacity to roll his eyes when the charges were read. What is wrong with these kids? Who does that? Seriously, what fun is there in beating an elderly woman? Particularly one that was kind to him?

This dear sweet Grandmother was on the Today Show this morning. She was so dear. She still doesn't understand why they did this to her. She said that now, even the doorbell, makes her jump. She is covered in bruises and told of how much it hurt being punched, kicked and bounced around in the car. She is recovering, but that innocence, that welcoming "come on in", has been stolen from her.

My prayers are with her and her family that are overjoyed that she is able to spend Christmas with them. You can beat they, as well as others will keep a careful eye out for our loved ones. We should all be thankful for the love and saftey of our elderly.

Day Two

Well, it is day two of "not working".

I got called this morning, much like yesterday, telling me that they need me to stay home today as they are "shaving" hours. Mind you, I wasn't even getting 20 hours a week prior, so my paycheck is going to be pathetic if anything. Will I get to work tomorrow? How about Thursday or Friday? Am I laid off or not? I feel like this is the company's way of getting around officially laying off, so employees can not apply for unemployment. I am in limbo. Like much of the country. How can I look for a job when I don't know the status of the one I have? I am to contact my supervisor later this afternoon to discuss any further opportunity for hours. I can't help but worry what exactly that means. I have only worked under this supervisor for a week, therefore, do not know what to expect from him.

Yesterday, I was mad. Today I am scared. I need this job.

My Selfish Santa Wish List

Okay, this is not about all the things I, as well as everyone wants.

Peace on Earth, A Healthy Year, My Children's Happiness, Our Troops Home Safely, Financial Security, etc.

Yes I want all that. Don't we all?

This is about what I would want in a world where money wasn't a big deal. The reasonable stuff that people that manage their money better and make more of it, kind of wish list.

Yep, I like to think of this as my Selfish Santa Wish List. Kindof like the song, "My Christmas List" by Simple Plan. Here goes.

1. Volkswagen Beetle in Black, well, okay, married to the Union Man, better change that: Cadillac SRX Crossover in Black
2. Feistaware in the colors I am missing. I have 12 colors, I want more.
3. A wardrobe update in clothes that fit. Preferable from Anthopologie, Ann Taylor, J Crew, J Jill, and Fossil
4. Some Lancome Body DeLisse.
5. Small pearl earrings (fake is fine)
6. Brighton Reading Glasses
7. A frame for my Nancy Noel "Pack Up" print
8. A frame for my Nancy Noel, "September Sun" to replace the one I broke.
9. Some lamps
10. Window coverings
11. Remodeled kitchen
12. Sun Room addition

Heck, if I could just get one of these things, I would be a happy camper. For now, they will stay on my Selfish Santa Wish List.

I truly am happy with our decision to cut back and scale way back. Sergio & I agreed to just fill stockings this year and concentrate on some items for the girls. Truth be known, I just want to get through the holidays, and start a better year with 2009.

There is always next year.

LOVE

This is the famous LOVE sculpture created in 1970 by Robert Indiana (formally Robt Clark). It is made of Cor-ten Steel and sits on the grounds at The Indiana Museum of Art.

This first photo was taken in 1973. That is me in the V, Julie is between the V & E. Our friends Pammy & Elaine or in the E. I cherished this photo of us and kept it all these years.

The second photo, I believe was taken in 1999. Annie, Emily and their friend, Melissa, are all in/on the E. This was more difficult to take as you are no longer allowed to climb on it, therefore, we were breaking the law. It was a quick run!

Taking them to Museums was always fun. My Mom always did with Julie & I and I hope that I gave my girls an appreciation to the arts as well.

Thank God we were not caught & arrested as that could have tarnished their love of Art Museums!

Picture Trail

I added a cool gadget to my blog. (The more junk the better). It is a photo book at the end of my page. If interested scroll down and check it out.

What to Do

It is difficult for me to focus and keep on track lately. So much is going on. I am trying hard to keep my head above water and find it rather difficult lately.

I currently have a difficult job. To make a long story short: I am not getting what was promised to me.

On top of that, I have this other "stuff" going on. You know, the house we thought was sold, so we bought another, is still NOT SOLD. No showings, nothing, apparently no one is interested in homes in this price range (which I totally get). The financial situation is, uhm, making Christmas very hard (we also have birthdays, anniversaries and such).

I also have that pesky depression thing going on that just has this tight grip on me. Pain in the booty!

I try so hard to be careful about my writing. Trust me, this is soo mild as to what is rambling in my head about writing!

I know I will be fine, but, golly gee, WTF?

Annie is at work. Sergio just went out for a needed outing with a buddy. I am at my glory in front of the computer. I got my Pandora Christmas station playing and I think I will try to catch up on some drafts I have that never got posted.

Thank you for letting me vent. If anyone is listening, how do you get yourself to breathe and relax?

My Mom's Birthday

Today my Mom turns 68 years old.

She is stopping by here in a little while for Coffee and Angel Food Cake. She has been visiting with a group of women friends for breakfast, and I am sure she is having a ball. She left Dad at home, therefore, she can truly have a Morning all about her.

She deserves it.

She works very hard and overdoes much. She always has. She is a doer. She thrives on helping others and making people happy. As a child, I thought she was a saint. I could not imagine being her. She had the roughest of childhoods, married young and had her children soon after. At 22 she & my father had a near fatal accident, leaving my father handicap and depressed. She has since done it all. My father depends on her more than he needs.

My mom is a rescuer. Be it stray pets, birds & squirrels, or any person needing help. She takes on more than she should but it makes her happy and feeling content when she is doing for others.

I love her very much.

I wish we were closer.

Unfortunately, she can cause pain, chaos and sorrow. She does not do this on purpose, which I do understand. But as any person whom loves someone that is manic knows, they will lash out at those they love the most. I never know what I will get.

I have to keep somewhat of a distance. I call her daily. Check on them, see what is going on, how they are. Dad is a Debbie Downer most the time. Mom just rambles about everything and everybody. Sometimes it is a wonderful conversation, sometimes I know when to cut it short. They mean well, but they can do some serious damage with words and actions sometimes.

I love her very much, and again, I wish we were closer. I will take what I can get. I will learn from this and become stronger and better.

As for my Mom, Barbara (aka Barb, Barbie & Babsie) Ruth Wright Meyer, I hope her day is lovely. I hope she will be in high spirits, and have a wonderful birthday.

Mick Vijicic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv1gCa5Us7Q


Watch this YouTube from Nick Vijicic. I do not know how to paste it to my Blog so that you just need to click it on. But it is well worth going to it.

I was sent this today, and I really needed it. It reminds us of worth. Of being strong. And of having faith.

Sunday Christmas Spirit

Well, Annie & I decided on a "family style" of mismatched but favorite ornaments from years past. For the last few years we have kindof had more themed trees, which I do like. Annie said she missed some of these older ornaments like the Hallmarks and I missed the home made ones. So we just kept throwing stuff on it. Not a great looking tree, but a tree full of memories and love. I think it is perfect. Emily will like it. Sergio even helped (a little).

We tried to get Mischa to get festive in a Santa Suit. I had Santa Baby playing and we tried to get her to relax and pose. No success. Obviously, she is miserable. More of a Grinch!

Christmas Pictures

Almost every year we have send Christmas pictures out with Christmas cards. It is my little tradition that I have always loved and proud of. Getting photos of our friends children has always been cherished as we do not seem to have enough time to spend with loved ones. Getting the yearly photos always make us feel we are watching them grow up.

I have missed only a few years here and there.

Looks like I am going to miss this year too.

The girls didn't get a picture together for me when Annie went to Muncie last and we do not have a current one of them together. I am still trying to pull something together, but it looks doubtful. Emily will not be home for the holidays till December 20th.

We put an Elf yourselves together and that is what they think we should do. However, many of the elderly friends and family still do not have email capacity.

Whoas me.

I am sad not having my little holiday picture of them.

Baby Isabella

This is Emily's Kitten Isabella.

She is doing great, growing stronger and is now eating on her own. Emily is training her and she seems to be a good kitty.

Isn't she adorable?

Getting the Christmas Spirit

Annie and I ran out to the mall today. Golly Ghee there are alot of rushing people on the streets! I caved in and bought a sweater & slacks for this evenings Christmas dinner. Very nice, and I will get much use out of them. I went to Ann Taylor Loft, a favorite of mine. Apparently, money is tight with everyone as the sales were wonderful! My slacks were regularly $75.00 but I got them for $37.50 the sweater was $69.00, and I got it for $29.99. Annie found a hip little cropped jacket with sequins for $26.00 (reg- $69.00) and a top for $11.00 (reg-$45.00).
So... Go shop and you will find bargains!

We saw carollers, and Santa had a line of children anxious to give their list to him. So many people are at the mall, it is crazy.

We stopped at Menards and got a cute little tree. Getting a tree always gets my spirits high. I am anxious to start decorating. Emily wont be home til the 20th and Annie is working so much and has school activities lately. I want to do it with them, but may have to settle on decorating it without them this year.

Right now I am enjoying the smell of the tree, and the Christmas music. I love all the silly holiday specials, especially the old ones.

Well, I better get going. Hopefully, I will have pretty pictures to post Sunday!

Why Did She Wear THAT?

So, Sergio had this "event" we had to go to this evening. He told me it was the Local 933 Christmas Dinner.

Dress up. Catered event. Kiss Kiss, Great Job. Happy Holidays, We love your husband. Haven't seen you in a while, how are you?

Blah Blah Blah!

I struggled a bit as I wanted to look nice, and again, the whole issue with gaining weight I am "challenged" at finding something from my closet. I decided on a nice Black Dress Suit, black stockings, high heels and of course pearls. Oh, and a perfect french twist for my hair, with half a can of hair spray.

...No wait. Something is not right.

As we pulled into the parking lot, I start to panic. Are those people wearing jeans? Is that "Christmas Sweaters & gasp..sweat shirts? What the Sam Hell?

Sergio mixed up events.

This was a CASUAL political thank you. Complete with poll workers, voter escorts, a handful of politicians (all dressed very casual). I never saw so many Christmas sweater & sweatshirts paired with jeans in one place. One strange lady had her dog in a Christmas sweater sitting at my table.

I slipped my pearls into my purse on the way in. Some how Sergio hid his suit under his dress coat and went unnoticed. However, I got several looks. The... "What is she wearing? look. The, Oh, Mrs Gonzalez, don't YOU look pretty all dressed up?

I just smiled, ate my "sub sandwich, chips & cookie, with a plastic cup of wine" (you besties know I can't stand drinking out of plastic!).

Apparently, TOMORROW NIGHT is the Christmas Party, with several of these same people. Wearing the same dress is not an option. I am not a happy camper!

Inspiration

This is my Great Grandmother Amelia "Emily" Wright.

I have heard about her throughout my childhood, but unfortunately, she passed away before I could meet this wonderful lady. She was my Grandfather "Texas" mother. In the many summers I spent with him and Grandma Kitty, I learned much about her and loved her as though I knew her. They often told me how similar we were. I knew that we would have gotten along very well.

I named my oldest daughter after her. I would like to believe we are keeping her spirit alive. She insisted that everyone call her Emily instead of Amelia, therefore, I named my daughter Emily instead of Ameila.

I love this photo of her. She looks so at peace with the world. I sense her love through the photograph. I have few pictures of her but cherish them all.

Just looking at her or thinking about her will bring a smile across my face. I am inspired by her life.

I am NOT Janet

I mentioned in a previous post a woman I work with that drives me insane. She butchers the English language and she belches all the time.

There is another very annoying habit she has (Well, there are several, but I don't have time to list them all).

She calls me Janet, everyday. Now, I can see the resemblance. Janis is close. Jan could be short for Janet. I like the name. I even have a cousin named Janet. BUT it is not my name! I politely corrected her previously. I asked her to call me Jan or Janis, just not Janet. She said, "sorry, yea, I will call you by your name". I have ignored it for the most part. She is one of those hillbillies that you don't want to cross. She has tried to burn me before at work.

That brings me to the realization, she is doing it on purpose. Yesterday, When I said Good Morning, she said, "Hey there Janet!". I said, "S, you know, my name is not Janet". She said, "Oh yeah, I keep forgetting." I said, "I am not trying to make a big deal about it, I just would really rather you call me Jan or Janis". She said, "Yeah, I should get it right. I would hate it too if someone called me something else too. Sorry". Then, ten minutes later, she said, "Hey Janet, you got the post office DR's yet?"

The gloves are off. I am calling her Rocky today.

Christmas Music!

I am sooo excited! I just learned how to add this play list with some of my favorite Christmas songs! I realize it will drive some of you crazy, just turn it down or mute it. But for people like Kim P & me...YEA! Busier the Better!

It makes me in a great mood to hear this music. My girls will tell you, "Mom listens to it all year!" So enjoy!

A Qoute for Sergio

Even though Sergio doesn't read my Blog (so he says, although I caught him once or twice reading a post), I am thinking of him tonight as he is on a business trip. This is Sergio, confiding in one family member (Riley) that is always on his side.

He is in Detroit, meeting with other UAW Representatives, Chairmen and Presidents during this crisis we are in with the Big Four. He is in my Prayers. I pray for his wisdom, his ability and his words. I pray for him, these other people that are in the meetings and for our nation. So many lives will be affective with the decisions made in the next few days.

So, to you my love, from one of your favorite Presidents, JF Kennedy.

Let us never negotiate out of fear,
but let us never fear to negotiate.

Speaking of Tattoos

First let me say, this is NOT my daughter!

Emily asked me the other day if I would "hate her if she got another tattoo". I said, Yes! This from a Mom that always chose my battles carefully. Why does it bother me so much? She is almost 20 years old. Quite capable of making good decisions. Or is she?

She has made a few mistakes. She is a very good girl and I am proud of her. But, she asked. Of course I won't hate her. How could I? I love her unconditionally. But I feel pretty strong about this.

The first tattoo, was thought out carefully. She researched it for months. Picked a respectable Tattoo Shop. And she can cover it up. (It is on her foot). Also, she chose the word "Faith" rather than a guy's name or some stupid cartoon or trendy symbol.

I have heard that tattoos are addicting. That's odd. Why would someone need to continue to mark their body? If they are addicting, will she want another, then another, then another till she does look like this girl in the picture?

When she approached us about getting the first, she was very mature and self confidant about why she wanted this. I could have sworn she promised just the one. Or maybe that was her Dad, saying don't come tell us you are going to get another.

If Emily reads this, I want her to know that I hope she will think hard about getting another. What is cool today will not look so hot at 40. I have friends that would be happy to back this up and show you what you don't want to see. My friend that got a Rose on her hip at 19 is now in her 40's. She told me that after two pregnancies, and 20 some years, "it's not so pretty anymore". An invitation to see the future.

I love her no matter what. Removing them later will be costly and painful.

Please don't do it!

Displaced Children

My girlfriend, Sheri, writes for the Indianapolis Star News in the In Touch section. She has several entries in the News Online Blog section and often gets picked for entries in the actual paper. I am so proud of her and think that she is a brilliant writer. She is very good at making one think about an issue and seeing different points of view. This is exciting for all of us Sheri fans as we have been reading her personal blog for a couple of years. You can catch her writings at:

www.IndyStar.com/intouch
www.livingwiththeoldies.blogspot.com

In late November, she wrote a piece about Safe Havens, referring to the recent news regarding the parents dumping their children without consequences on a law passed to original past to protect newborns.

I find this all very interesting. I want to share my thoughts with you. This was my comment to her post:

My prospective is different. I think that we should have a system in place for every state that a "Safe Haven" be available. A child, regardless to being 1 day or 17 years, needs to have a safe place to live. They are not capable to provide life skills before adulthood. Grant it, many must develop the skills sooner, but you would think that in this great country we could at least take care of our own.

I have worked in environments that are not traditional homes for children. I had the pleasure of working both at the Indiana School for the Deaf, as well as DAMAR. Some came from strong loving families trying to provide a better environment for the child's needs. Some were placed there after difficult circumstances.

I have known children that truly had no self worth left. I have known children that have never felt love. I have seen countless children abused beyond belief. Some had mental challenges that made living with them difficult for a parent to handle and cause them to harm these children. Children with cigarette burns up and down their bodies. Broken bones, scars, and broken spirits. Some gave themselves self inflected wounds. Many had been sexually abused as well. I knew a teen that spent years performing sexual acts with animals not knowing any better as his mother put him through this to make money.

I am not trying to get off the subject. I realize that the bulk of this topic is the fact that parents were running off to Nebraska to drop off kids for different reasons.

So be it. The child is better off in the system than in an unloving or poverty stricken home. A child should have meals, shelter, and love. If it can not be provided in the home, the child is better off with a chance of survival.

It is not a perfect world out there.

Our children should not have to suffer so deeply in our society with resources that are available to better there lives. We provide this kind of care for foreign need, why not in our own backyard?

My two cents for what it's worth.

Mickey Mouse Tattoo?

I am very clumsy. I trip on my own two feet. I bonk my head all the time & twist my ankle so many times it's a wonder I haven't broken it a time or two.

On Saturday, I was climbing in my closet trying to get Santa hats for the girls (annual Christmas picture time). I didn't have a strong grip and came down crooked and too fast. I think I twisted my ankle, but the worse part was slamming into the door frame on my back end.

Annie heard the crash & came to pick me up off the floor. Owe Owe Owe! I faked being okay as I had plans to meet up with a couple of friends and didn't want Sergio to worry about my twisted ankle.

I survived. The pain past in a couple of days. Last night while showering I noticed the bruise... it looked like a Mickey Mouse Tattoo! Outline of the famous ears & head. Right there on my rear end! Not cute. I keep trying to look at it though. It reminds me of the cow we saw at Disney with the outline on her side (saved her from the slaughter house, Disney bought her!)

Happy December!

December is one of my favorite months! Not only is it when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, it holds other special dates for me.

My Mom has a birthday on the 13th. She will be 68 years young. She works way too hard, cares for my father, and has her Line Dancing. She does enjoy life, I just wish she could do more line dancing than working.

Emily, my oldest daughter, will turn 20 on the 18th! How can that be possible? She still my baby! It seems so strange that she will out of her teens. I have a twenty year old? Strange.

Sergio & I will celebrate our 22nd anniversary on the 20th. Now that is really strange. The years have flown. Are we where we thought we would be after twentysome years? Well, not exactly. But things never really fall into place perfectly, do they? At least I we can truly say we are happy. That we made a good decision in selecting each other to spend a lifetime. And I am lucky that I still get giddy when I see him (at least 90% of the time! ha ha!)

Christmas break will have my Annie home for two weeks and Emily home for three weeks. I will cherish that time with them and make the most of it. I will try not to drive them nuts.

The weather will be chilly. Perhaps we will have some good packing snow. Sergio is getting a new snow blade so he will be excited like a child with the snow, then tired like an old man, sore from all night pushes. Hopefully all will pan out and he can schedule his regular job and the plowing hours.

We will also have the opportunity to break bread with friends and family. There will be parties and cooking. I am hoping Sandy will get me and the girls in on Christmas candy baking!

With the change of the month I am going to put on my big girl panties and cheer up. I am going to make this the month that I love and enjoy every minute. Or at least do my darnest!