Federal Holidays for 2009 so you can prepare

Thursday, January 1	New Year’s Day
Monday, January 19	Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, February 16*	Washington’s Birthday
Monday, May 25	Memorial Day
Friday, July 3**	Independence Day
Monday, September 7	Labor Day
Monday, October 12	Columbus Day
Wednesday, November 11	Veterans Day
Thursday, November 26	Thanksgiving Day
Friday, December 25	Christmas Day

Closing Notes

I've started to really look at how people end their emails. Some have cute little pictures or "smileys" that they take on from some website or another. Others have actual "sayings" - some you know are from someone "famous" or ones you've seen many times before and others are either from "obscure" authors or perhaps just ones we've never seen before.

Here are a few that I was privileged to receive recently. With the holidays email reading was "limited".

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass....
It's about learning to dance in the rain

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So love the people who treat you right. Love the ones who don't, just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly. Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy. He just promised it would be worth it

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keep You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!

A mind, once expanded, has a very hard time returning to its original form.

Whatever we expect with confidence becomes our own self-fulfilling prophecy.

Remember: Some people are like slinkies ... not really good for anything, but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.

Dear Lord, I pray that you will keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand across my mouth...

And from my own personal email ..... do you remember who this was credited to?

Yesterday is History
Tomorrow is Yet to be
Today is a Gift,
That's why it called the Present.

I Got an Award !

My friend Pam at http://screamingmimitoo.blogspot.com/ gave me my first award.
She noted:

"She's been a great friend and always makes me laugh."

The award states:

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships!These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!


I love the fact that I am thought of first and foremost as a great friend. The fact that I seem to be able to make her laugh is an added bonus. Where would we be if we couldn't laugh?

I'm just so very glad that I met Pam, forever ago, and that we have been able to continue our friendship through all the trials and tribulations that we have gone through this past year. Without friends - where would we be? How would we be able to make it through the day?

Keurig Coffee Give AWAY

http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/2008/12/win-keurig-platinum-brewing-system-and.html

If you love coffee (and who doesn't) this is the perfect prize for you. Hurry don't miss out. But secretly - I want to win this .... so if you want to miss out it might help my chances hehehehe - yeah I know I'm bad. Sorry

The party's over?

Well by all accounts, we survived yet another holiday. Just one more for the year looms ahead.

We were a little more reserved this year - maybe we are just getting old, maybe it was the economy, or the weather. I don't know - but even though everything seemed to be last minute, there wasn't the crazy rush like in Christmas's past. Maybe it was just me getting old.

I wonder how long I will keep the Christmas decorations up this year. Probably not as long as in the past - again things are different this year. I have a graduation party to plan and not a long time to do it. My son graduates on the 17th of January. Yeah one less tuition to pay (teasing). So that will be another lost weekend. But I am looking forward to that as well. Another stepping stone. Now if the economy would change just a little bit ..... perhaps things would open up and he could get a job. NOW that would be perfect.

I had better get moving or I will spend the day looking at other peoples blog sites (so many fantastic ones out there) and get nothing else done.

I hope everyone had a great holiday - and will have a great New Years as well.

Merry Christmas ........

Did you see him? That little jolly fellow in the red suit?? Did you?

well he's been to my house -
scared the cat half to death,
he made a mess in the office,
oh what should I do?

But right now it is quiet,
Could hear a flea sneeze,
Oh what should I do?


Oh the heck with it all -
It's Christmas don'tcha know
Tomorrow there will be papers and ribbons and boxes galore,
And ham and potatoes and cookies and more
I think I will enjoy the quiet for just a little while,
Before it all starts on the morrow


Merry Christmas to All

And to all
A Good Night!

Lest we forget ............

“Reason, Season, Lifetime”

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Friends .........

Ok I'm trying to get things together here - I'm FINALLY putting up the tree - and went to check my email cause I needed a break. My dear friend Meredith sent me this - cause sometimes ya just need to be reminded.

Psalm 55:22 --- you really need to read this.

'Friends are God's way of taking care of us.'

This was written by a Metro Denver Hospice Physician:

I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd. and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the quickie mart building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay

When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying,' I don't want my kids to see me crying! So we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked,' And you were praying?' That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, 'He heard you, and He sent me.'

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City . Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan. 1, and finally, in desperation, had called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California f or Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said,' So, are you like an angel or something?'

This definitely made me cry. I said, 'Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people.'

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...

Psalms 55:22 'Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.'

My instructions were to pick four people that I wanted God to bless, especially for the days left in 2008, and I wanted to share it with you as well.

Here is the prayer:

'Father, I ask You to bless my children, grandchildren, friends, relatives and email buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace, In Jesus' precious name. Amen.'

I know I picked more than four -- you can, too. When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say,' Jesus, could You please get that for me.

I can't believe it ........

I really can't believe it - today is my son's birthday. Now its not that I can't believe its his birthday - its that he is 23 today!

I can not believe that he is that old! I just can't be that old - I mean it was just two weeks ago that I was in labor. And last week that he was learning to ride a bike, and telling me what he was going to do with his life.

Heck it was just yesterday that I was signing the papers for him to become a junior volunteer fireman. I remember that night so very clearly. He had begged me to sign those papers. He was not quite 16 and it was September 12th - yes the day after THAT September 11th. As I'm signing with the captain and engineer as witnesses, the engineer said to me - "Mom we will take care of him - we take care of all our guys but most especially our juniors". I just looked at him and said "Andy, I know you will - I KNOW where you live". It was a joke, but I was somewhat serious since in my heart, I KNEW this was what he was destined to do, and I wanted to make sure he was trained right.

In just a few short weeks (3 to be exact) he will graduate from UNH and hopefully get a job in his chosen field and start his new life. I just hope he remembers that no matter where he goes and what he does - we are family and no matter what we are behind him 100%. God knows we've tried to be there for him and show him that for the last 23 years.

My baby isn't a baby anymore. He's turned into a pretty special man.

Now you KNOW the economy is sucky .......

Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil, The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Next, HELL will freeze over!

Novena of Mother Theresa

You were chosen to receive this novena. The moment you receive it, say : Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOU, It shall be well with you this coming year. No matter how much your enemies try this year, they will not succeed. You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals this year. For the remainder of 2008 and all of 2009, all your agonies will be diverted and victory and prosperity will be incoming in abu ndance. Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings, sorrows and pain because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you. He has taken away the hard ships and given you JOY. He will never let you down. I knocked at heaven's door this morning, God asked me.. My child! What can I do for you? And I said, 'Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message... ' This is a Novena from Mother Theresa that started in 1952. This is a powerful Novena. Couldn't hurt. Can only help.

On the 10th day of the Yaya Christmas Give A-Way

Another great give away for the day - great gift.

http://yayachique.blogspot.com/

Pooba: A Very Murry Christman Giveaway Day!

Check out Grandpooba - a fantastic gift for that woman you have no idea what to get or even better for yourself. I know that's bad - Christmas is about others, about God but sometimes getting something for yourself is just so fulfilling :D

Pooba: A Very Murry Christman Giveaway Day!

Don't miss out - hurry! I'm already in.

Ok if you are looking for some great last minute gifts or heck something for yourself - hope on over to Skip to my Lou. Some really cute things to make for teachers or co-workers or babysitters, whatever. And for today (eventhough we are under this mass of white stuff) she has a frozen drink ...... definitely on my list of keepers for the office party "after hours" during tax season.

http://www.skiptomylou.org/

Great Site

I just found a great site. Now its not a new site - just new to me but I will definitely be going back often. The site you ask? "Because I Said So Reviews" by Dawn. http://dawnmeehan.blogspot.com/

You know when you want someones opinion on something but don't know where to go other than the better business bureau or comsumer report? Well here's one that have a "real users" view point. Looks great.

Today is Dunkin Donuts - yeah I know you've been there, done that. Well she has some great give aways too and some interesting Recipes.

Thanks Dawn - I'll be back often.

There's always room for one more: The Sixth Day of Christmas

Ok for the last day of Christmas give aways at There's always room for one more, Denise has yet another fantastic gift. This woman is fantastic - and has come up with some great gifts this season.

There's always room for one more: The Sixth Day of Christmas

My niece Amanda, would just love for me to win this one cause she just KNOWS that Aunt Kathie would keep this for her birthday. I mean really what kind of an Aunt would I be if I didn't hold on to this one for her birthday in February - its pink!

Stop over and check it out.

On the 10th day of the Yaya Christmas Give A-Way

Debi at The Journey Ahead has another great Christmas Giveaway day. I have to say I think it is a fantastic gift for any birthday. I'm even going to see how its been done, so I can do this for all my female friends and family on their birthdays this year ........ shhhhhh by the time their birthdays roll around this coming year they will have forgotten I said this ........ shhhh its our secret.

http://yayachique.blogspot.com/

While you are there - look at some of the great ideas for a bedroom make-over. I'm not going to tackle this now, but after the holidays I'm thinking I NEED to start the new year with a bedroom makeover - a little here, a little there and I could probably handle this by myself. Way to go Debi, Thanks for all the great ideas.

I'm A WINNER

OMG I never win - and yet late last night (well really very early this morning) I got a post that said I WON! These little penguins look so darned cute! I just can't wait to get them, so they can sit on my media center (maybe right in front of the TV) so we can all have "Happy Feet".

Now on to today's prize. If you are a new mommy, a soon to be new mommy, or gramma you would love this. Check it out. You can also see some really beautiful ways to decorate your nursery. Now I'm too old to be a new mommy and not old enough to be a gramma - ok its my thoughts cause I am "old" but not ready for that.


http://yayachique.blogspot.com/

There's always room for one more: The Fifth Day of Christmas#links#links#links

There's always room for one more: The Fifth Day of Christmas#links#links#links

Denise has come up with yet another great gift! I love this. In fact, I got one for my parents for Christmas so that they can "reclaim" their credenza in the den. I've never seen so many pictures in my life on one little piece of furniture. This way we can continually update their pictures to keep them current (4 kids, 4 grandkids - LOADS of pictures) without overtaking more furniture.

Sisters ....... this says it all

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........
Sisters are there,
no matter how much time and how
many miles are between you.
A girl friend is never farther away
than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
beside you...Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended
family, all bless our life!
The world wouldn't be the same without women, and
neither would I. When we began this adventure called
womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or
sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we
would need each other.
Every day, we need each other still.
Pass this on
to all the women who help make your life meaningful.
I just did.
Short and very sweet:
There are more than twenty angels in this world.
Ten are peacefully sleeping on clouds.
Nine are playing.
And one just read this message.

Food Industry "secrets"

Many, if not all of us are trying to either lose weight or maintain the losses we have managed to have this past year (or years). Here is an eye opening article on all the things the food industry DOESN'T want us to know. Ok maybe its not all the things but its a start.

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/10/17/10-things-the-food-industry-doesnt-want-you-to-know.html?PageNr=1

Hopefully this will help some to stay on their chosen path of weight loss or maintenance. God knows we all need help someplace.

ASAP

For all who are stressed, worried, or struggling, I give you this. Elaine, a wise person, posted this on the daily hello section of a site I visit every day. I thought it was so worth its own post, so I'm posting it here for you. I hope that it helps all who are a little frazzled this holiday season and will keep it in mind as the new year begins.

As you hurry and scurry,

ASAP--ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,

"Quality time" is rare.

Do your best; let God do the rest,

ASAP--ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

It may seem like your worries

Are more than you can bear.

Slow down and take a breather,

ASAP--ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is,

He wants to ease our cares.

And He'll respond to all your needs,

ASAP--ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

Today I'm saying a little prayer that

God will smile on you and send you

all the special blessings you deserve.

A.S.A.P.
Always Say A Prayer

There's always room for one more: The Fourth Day of Christmas

There's always room for one more: The Fourth Day of Christmas

Well Denise has done it again - a great gift for the Fourth Day of Christmas!

Good luck to all who enter.

Third day of Christmas Give Away

Ok its day 3 in the Christmas giveaway at There's always room for one more. This day is Chocolate and books - now who wouldn't want to win this??

http://www.theresalwaysroomforonemore.com/2008/12/third-day-of-christmas.html

Check it out - Good Luck!

How to Dance in the Rain.

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the d octors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.' True love is neither physical, nor romantic.

True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the best of everything they have.


'Life isn't about how to survive the storm,
but how to dance in the rain.'

I was looking through some of the "funny, yet deep" emails that friends have sent to me and I found this one. Now its only part of the email, I'll share more of it as I find parts that relate to blogs/bloggers that I follow. This one is for Denise from "There's always room for One More", as well as every other adoptive mom out there that had room for one more.


Teacher Debbie Moon's first graders were discussing a picture of a family.

One little boy in the picture had a different hair color than the other members.
One of her students suggested that he was adopted.

A little girl said, 'I know all about adoption, I was adopted..'

'What does it mean to be adopted?', asked another child

'It means', said the girl, 'that you grew in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy!'

Somehow we seem to have a whole new generation of really "smart" kids to hopefully get us moving in the right direction again. Somehow when I was in the first grade I don't think I could have come up with this explanation.

Out of the mouths of babes......

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn some thing from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Eat The Right Foods.

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical. My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high, I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot.

My doctor said eating right doesn't have to be complicated and it would solve my physical problems. He said just think in colors; Fill your plate with bright colors; greens, yellows, reds, etc. He said - you KNOW what I mean.

I went right home and ate an entire bowl of M&M's and sure enough, I felt better immediately. I never knew eating right could be so easy. I need to send my doctor a thank you card for putting me on the right path.

Lands End Giveaway

Melody at Pennies in my pocket has a great Lands End Giveaway - check it out. 3 great gift opportunities (even if this is a gift for yourself) that I am sure you could find someone worth of.

http://penniesinmypocket.blogspot.com/2008/12/giveaway-lands-end.html

Second Day of Christmas Giveaway

Here is another day of Christmas from Denise at There's always room for one more.

http://www.theresalwaysroomforonemore.com/2008/12/second-day-of-christmas.html

This is a great idea for a giveaway - over the course of the Christmas Season - even though I think read just recently that the 12 days of Christmas was really AFTER Christmas through the 6th of January ..... but hey going before Christmas could mean that YOU get a gift without having to go shop for it.

Good luck to all who try.

INVITATION

I don't know about you but I LOVE to get invitations. Now I know I can't be invited to everything and even if I am invited, I can't always attend. BUT my friend Pam, just sent me the best invitation and I WILL be attending this one - no matter what I have to juggle or put off.

Because it is so special - I am extending the invitation to you all as well. I hope to see you there.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~jimdandy/specials/xmas.htm

Jewelry Giveaway

I've just seen an absolutely fabulous pair of earrings, that are being GIVEN AWAY! That's right - there they are - aren't they fantastic??

You really need to stop in and see. I'm entered - you might want to stop in soon - don't get "shut out".


Now go to http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/ Dandelion Wishes for all the info and your chance to win.

Ask Not ......

Ok THIS is what I want - so if anyone has the inclination ....... please send quick! I want to post it on the back door (where EVERYONE enters my house).

As my kids move on in their lives - you would think they would be able to, at a minimum, clean up after themselves without asking ..... MOM -Could you ...... ???

Everything I needed

I think this one falls under the category of "be careful of what you wish for"
or in the words of some "wise" individual .........
"I know that God never gives you more than you can handle - but I just wish He didn't think I could handle so much".
But sometimes you just have to trust that everything WILL work out.

Everything I needed
Author Unknown

I asked for strength
and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom
and God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for prosperity
and God gave me brawn and brains to work.

I asked for courage
and God gave me dangers to overcome.

I asked for patience
and God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.

I asked for love
and God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for favors
and God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted
yet I received everything I needed.

My prayers have all been answered.

The other night, as I was searching for ideas for Christmas, I stumbled on this plaque that just made me smile. To some, it may be sappy. To some, it may be overdone. But for me - it just put into words how I hope each day will be perceived and then I know I did something right.

If you planted hope today in any hopeless heart,
If someone's burden was lighter because you did your part,
If you caused a laugh that chased a tear away,
If tonight your name is mentioned, when someone kneels to pray,
Then your day was well spent.


Go out today and plant a little hope to everyone you meet so that you too can say your day was well spent.

If Only we Believe ....

To believe is to know that every day is a new beginning.
It is to trust that miracles happen, and dreams really do come true.

To believe is to see angels dancing among the clouds,
To know the wonder of a stardust sky and the wisdom of the man in the moon.

To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart,
The innocence of a child's eyes and the beauty of an aging hand,
for it is through their teachings we learn to love.

To believe is to find the strength and courage that lies within us.
When it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again.

To believe is to know we are not alone,
That life is a gift and this is our time to cherish it.

To believe is to know that wonderful surprises are just waiting to happen,
And all our hopes and dreams are within reach.

If only we believe.

Lotus Totus

Quite a few years ago, I was sent this in an email that said it had been originally sent by the Anthony Robbins Organization. It was sent to "bring me luck". I post it here so that all that read this will also be brought some luck - since right now we ALL need some luck.

• ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
  
• TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as Important as any other.
  
• THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
  
• FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
  
• FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
  
• SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
  
• SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
  
• EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
  
• NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
  
• TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
  
• ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives
  
• TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
  
• THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
  
• FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
  
• FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
  
• SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson
  
• SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
  
• EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
  
• NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
  
• TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
  
• TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

The Pink Dress

There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park.

Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad.
Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat and watched the people go by. She never tried to speak. She never said a word. Many people passed by her, but no one would stop.

The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to see if the little girl would still be there. Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes.
Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone. As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress. It was grotesquely shaped.
I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no effort to speak to her. Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different.
As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid my intent stare. As I approached her, I could see the shape of her back moreclearly. She was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form.
I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk. I
sat down beside her and opened with a simple, "Hello."
The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a "hi"; after a long stare into my eyes. I smiled and she shyly smiled back. We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty. I asked the girl why she was so sad.
The little girl looked at me with a sad face said, "Because, I'm different." I immediately said, "That you are!"; and smiled.
The little girl acted even sadder and said, "I know."
"Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent." She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got to her feet and said, "Really?"
"Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all people walking by."
She nodded her head yes, and smiled. With that she opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her wings to spread, then she said "I am."
"I'm your Guardian Angel," with a twinkle in her eye. I was speechless -- sure I was seeing things. She said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself. My job here is done".
I got to my feet and said, "Wait, why did no one stop to help an angel?"
She looked at me, smiled, and said, "You're the only one that could see me," and then she was gone. And with that, my life was changed dramatically.
So, when you think you're all you have, remember, your angel is always watching over you.

Pass this story on to everyone that means anything at all to you.
Like the story says, we all need someone...And, every one of your friends is an Angel in their own way.
The value of a friend is measured in the heart. I hope your Guardian Angel watches over you always.

HOW TO REALLY LIVE

This was sent to me by my friend, Pam, who has been walking with me "virtually" across the United States for a year now. We are now in the process of walking through all the National Parks in the United States. So point number 1 is so very appropriate. But then so are all the others.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

I LOVE my Job

Ok this is for everyone who had a really bad day today. Whether you work for someone in an office or if you work at home - you will appreciate this one.

When you have a 'I Hate My Job' day, try this:

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson. Be very sure you get this brand.
When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be
disturbed. Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair.

Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Now the fun part begins Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

'Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized'.

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times, 'I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control department at Johnson & Johnson.'

HAVE A NICE DAY AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE BEHIND THAN YOURS!

Diet Menu

Ok most of us are on or have been on a diet. We have struggled with what to make, what to eat, when to eat it, counting calories, trying to get in MORE exercise.

Well here is the perfect daily menu - I may be putting this one to use more and more this holiday season.

This is a specially formulated diet designed to help women
cope with the Stress that builds during the day

Breakfast
1 grapefruit
1 slice whole wheat toast
1 cup skim milk

Lunch
1 small portion lean, steamed chicken
1 cup spinach
1 cup herbal tea
1 Hershey's kiss

Afternoon Snack
The rest of the Hershey kisses in the bag
1 tub of Hagen-Daaz ice cream with chocolate chips

Dinner
4 glasses of wine (red or white)
2 loaves garlic bread
1 family size supreme pizza
3 Snickers Bars

Late Night Snack
1 whole Sarah Lee cheesecake (eaten directly from the freezer)

Remember:

Stressed spelled backward is desserts.

Give away frenzy.

I was checking out some blogs of people that I know, and found a link to a great blog - "madhousewife" is so much fun. I really enjoyed some of her postings.

Her post for today related to Fiesta Ware. I remember FiestaWare from when I was a kid and would go to grandmom's house. She had every color available (or at least it seemed that way) and it was ALWAYS a party at grams. There is a great "giveaway" contest that is just up everyones alley. Give it a look - you too could be the winner of 4 place settings.

http://ravingsofamadhousewife.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-fiesta-giveaway.html

But I really hope I could be a winner - it would be like having grams for dinner even though she isn't with us anymore.

We Might as well Dance......

When my daughter was having a really tough time at the beginning of the school year, just starting college, leaving so many of her friends, trying to "fit in" and "find" herself at the college, I sent this one to her. I thought this would be a great way to "start" my blogging life.

God's Cake

Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or
'Why did God have to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong:
she's failing algebra; her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack,
and the daughter says, 'Absolutely, Mom, I love your cake.'

'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers. 'Yuck,' says her daughter.

'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!'

'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?'

'Mom, those are all yucky!'

To which the mother replies: 'Yes, all those things seem bad by themselves .
But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go
through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these
things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and,
eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you.
He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He can live anywhere in the universe and He chose your heart.

If you like this, send this on to the people you really care about. I did

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.