The End of 2007

This is how i'm saying goodbye to the year:

~slept in

~ate oreos for breakfast

~played with the cats

~did Yoga for the first time in my life and instantly fell in love with it

~took a wonderful bubble bath

~am dressed in comfy warm clothes

~going to get something good to eat and take a nap

~gently let go of 2007  - which wasn't a bad year all things considering

~embrace the new year and pray that it is one filled with good things - and that i have strength and courage to get through the valleys.

Happy New Year to all.  Stay warm, stay safe, celebrate with abandon--who knows? 2008 could be your best year yet!

 

 

Mini-Vacation, Cookies, Rambling on and on

~A good thing about working in Higher Education is that the college is closed during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.  CLOSED!  Whoot!  that means, dear readers, that emmasirish gets some time off and almost feels as if she can make it!

~Another good thing is getting one's nails done.  How is it that to spend a few minutes in a chair - giving your hands to another - and watching nails transform into perfectly done beauty can be oh so lovely?  Normally sporting a french manicure (and short - because of typing and piano playing) i went all out and got a lovely shade of dark red.  It is quite delightful and made me feel very girly.  Love it

~AND why are are Christmas cookies just so good?  i make cookies all throughout the year - because i like to bake - but during this time of the year the cookies are so good and you cannot just eat one.  Sadly, it'll take a month to work off all the cookies calories! grrrr

~Last night at work, i was reminded that most of what we think is important really isn't.  i was frantically trying to apease a customer who thought we didn't have all of her items when she said, "Ya know what?  This is not going to stress me out.  I deal with AIDS patients all day and have to watch people die and this?  This stuff is not that important and if you can't find it, we'll just cancel the order and start over."  And you know what?  that almost was as if she gave me permission to relax and just realize that LIFE is so precious - so much more than stuff.  i get in such a tizzy because i am a people pleaser and i try to do things well - not for my own benefit but rather so that they will feel taken care of...and she, my customer, put it all into perspective for me again.  i still did my best and will still get a little frantic but really, it's not LIFE.  Good lesson learned.

~And lastly...i have nothing to wear for Sunday (choir giving concert) or Christmas Eve. i think that calls for a quick shopping trip - don't you?  Not going to stress about it but rather make it a celebration shopping trip!

And now?  BUBBLE BATH TIME!

 

Too close for comfort

In my sleep deprived state of being this morning and with alot on my mind, i headed off to work.  Before i merged onto the highway i had already made four driving mistakes that were stupid and prayed for the ability to drive carefully and arrive at work.

It wasn't until i 'woke up' in the path of the oncoming truck that i was fully awake.  i swerved and he slowed and all was well- no one injured. No harm done.

i hope tonight's commute will be less exciting and that i don't fall asleep...again.

i really hate my commute and wish that we had better public transportation - cause if i were able to ride on a train it wouldn't matter if i got sleepy.

Careful as you go so that you, as well as i, are able to celebrate this holiday season.

 

 

So this is Christmas

i've just put the final touches on the tree, decorated the mantel, turned on lights and lit candles.  Christmas music is playing from my ancient stereo and i'm planning the Christmas cookie baking marathon.  i'm almost finished buying presents for family members and have Christmas cards addressed and ready to be mailed.

And then a small manger scene catches my eye and i pause to reflect.  Such a simple birth.  None of the above was happening in honor of the small child - though a barrage of angels appearing to shepherds on the hillside certainly trumps anything i've ever done - and yet, this birth changes everything.  Forever.

 

Bittersweet

Tuesday night found us all at the table - only missing one family member.  What joy!  Joy also that the 3 yr old precious niece ate four helpings of venison and no beef, while the 18 yrs old sister ate only beef and wouldn't even try her venison.  Joy in holding the one yr old niece right after her bath when she was all snuggly and sleepy and that indescribable feeling when she laid her little blonde head on my shoulder, just under my chin.  Is it possible to love someone so much?  Even thinking about it now almost breaks my heart.  And joy in two rip roaring games of Parcheesi (i won them both! not sure how!) with much laughter, a cheer, some rapping and building more into a tradition that we all love.

And Wednesday will find us traveling together and grieving together, finding strength in our family bond and hopefully helping others and being a comfort for a rough day.  We all commented how we're not looking forward to the day but we ARE all glad that we're together.  There is no doubt in my mind that by the end of the day, we will be able to laugh and find joy again. 

Ramblin'

Surgery for my Uncle and Brother went very well - both are recovering quite well...for this i am thankful.

Thanksgiving was, as usual, the best of days- a time with family and good food and much laughter and just being together - i do love Thanksgiving.  So much to be Thankful for - so very much.

This past Saturday a friend of mine - only 31 yrs old - passed away due to complications of heart and liver problems.   Due to a condition when she was born, surgery at five years old, and then problems with the liver not handling the heart meds she was on her entire life, cut this beautfiul one's life short by human standards.  We are all grieving....and yet, am thankful for the years she was given.

In all things, give Thanks.