I HATE DECISIONS

Why does everything have to be so complicated? Or do I just make it that way? I liked life so much better when my mom and dad told me what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and when to stop it. Not that I ever followed directions but it still made life easier to have someone else to blame for whatever decision I made.

JOB WISE.......After all my speech and ranting and raving about retiring and asking everyone to pray about the decision etc etc etc., I just was given a very substantial pay raise from the school district. I was more than suprised since in the 30 years I have been there I think this is the 2nd district raise I have been given. Poor little broke district. I have gotten the mandatory state raises and all but this makes everything different. Now, I really need to talk to my financial whiz brother in law. So, keep praying. I do love my job just not right now. The first of school is a nightmare but after the first week or so it is wonderful.

HEALTH WISE.......I am also going to Houston next week to see a new cardiologist for a second opinion of my medical "stuff". I am going to just say that everything job wise, retirement wise, and all is on hold until I can get my health in line. I am going to say that is the # 1 priority right now.

AND IN CONCLUSION.......So, here I go again..................not knowing where I am going. It is so my life.

Ready or Not the School Bell Rings

Things are looking up ! I am actually ready for school as far as being the principal's secretary goes. Now all I need are the children. This marks my 30th year in that chair. Well, actually I have gone through a few chairs, a few principals, a few superintendents, a few dozen teachers, a million students, and lots and lots of hugs! That's what happens when you work on the primary level. I love my job. I love the people I work with. I love the children. However, right now I am going through major mental drama. I am a known and confessed drama queen, but right now I am performing on my own stage with no audience...... until now. You are the first ticket holders to know my thoughts. I am thinking about retiring. Now, calm down Mother because I have not totally made up my mind. And even if I do retire I AM NOT GOING TO SIT AT HOME AND FEEL SORRY FOR MYSELF. This will free me up for 3 o'clock coffee time with you and Mable. But, please don't make me go to Ladies Bible Class. HA ! So, the reason for such a drastic decision ????? If you have been a reader of my blog, HELLO DEAR FAMILY CONSISTING OF 5 readers, you know that I just had a second heart attack.....unknown cause.........unknown, unknown, unknown. I hate unknown stuff. So, IF I did retire ( BIG IF ) I would take the rest of the year off to do whatever else I wanted besides coffee with Mother and Mable, and then go to my second love job.......at the ER in the fall. That place holds alot of dreams and future maybes for me. By working til midterm I could claim a full 30 years. I know I need to sit down with Daddy and go over all the details. Get out the card table Pops. And the sharp pencil and flourescent light. Just don't ask me to put on my thinking cap. I lost it a long time ago. Hubby supports whatever I want to do. Right now though I have been having fun being stressful and having this pity performance by myself. So, add another "Lynn need" to your prayer list. I need your opinions. And yes, financially I HAVE TO WORK. Oh, and if you happen to have a spare thinking cap lying around, could I borrow it?

God Bless you Where you are

We Send You Our Blessings

Be sure and click on the site above and be blessed!

A lot of unexplained things have happened to me over the past week. Lots of questions that I don't seem to have answers for or may never have answers for. Lots of the WHY'S? And for some reason the people that I always have on my doctor teams answer like this, "I sure don't know" and my favorite quote of the week from the top cardiologist in the area, "Holy Crap girl and Damn if I know." And I, in total faith accept those answers. I want doctors that say, "Girl we are sure going to get to the bottom of this puzzle so this doesn't happen again!" I don't understand why I had another heart attack but I do know I don't want another one. So, now I must find someone else on my dr. team that feels that same way. I do not know why my body finds contentment in mass manufacturing cholosterol way too fast. Now, I must find someone else on that dr. team that might know that. I am tired of taking all these medications. I am tired of being tired. I am ready to find some answers. But, after watching that wonderful power point presentation above...........I feel the blessings of life continue to follow me no matter the situation......and I am not afraid. I really am not. What is there to fear? That I might get to Heaven before you? That is not scary. Although I would like a rain check for that trip in about 40 or more years. In the meantime, I will continue to count my many blessings that surround me day in and day out. They surround me in darkness and light. How much more could I ask?

What Fireworks?

I'll admit I didn't have the greatest 4th. Or maybe I need to re-state that and say that I did have the greatest 4th. Mostly because I'm here to tell you about it. There is nothing like being airflighted in an electrical thunder storm......most of which I am not that aware of. I am not going to dwell on the issue or go into gory details but I suffered my 2nd heart attack on the evening of July 4th. I am recovering and feeling very lucky again. What is up with that? It is all a mystery to myself and the doctors......I have no real indicators or family history so we are now going to totally re-analyze my next steps for a healthier life. So, if you are family and friends.....thank you so much for praying for me and taking care of me.......if you are stranger.....add me to your prayer list. And if you want gory details......give me a call.

The Beverly Hillbillies

Here is the "cast"
Hubby - Uncle Jed
Daddy - Grandpappy
Mom - Aunt "whatever from Tenn."
Me - Granny Clampitt
Heather ( my oldest daughter ) - Ellie Mae
Reid ( my grandson )
Macy ( my granddaughter)

It is true. If you would have passed my parents van on Hwy 36 on our trip to Abilene you would have thought you saw them for sure. What a trip! Four generations were packed in the car. Along with all the essentials needed by each. We tried to pack light for it was just a 2 day trip. Hubby drove ( thank goodness) and Daddy rode shotgun. Then there is the car seat issue with Macy. So, she rode in the middle with Mom. Leaving Heather, Reid, and myself ( my claustrophobic self) in the last seat. I was pinned in next to the window and by the time we arrived (5 hours later ) I was all but in the fetal position . I am not a good traveler. But, I am especially not a good one when pinned in. Thank goodness for movies in the car and the all too FUN ...... Uno for the car game. Reid and I played that alot. If you haven't tried those car games....get one. We did have a wonderful trip and enjoyed being with Mitch our son and his beautiful & sweet wife, JD and the Reeses, who is my sister and family. I just wish that we all lived closer. We always have so much fun when we are together.

I remember lots of traveling when we were growing up. Since, Daddy was in the Air Force that made travel a way of life. We moved alot. And drove alot. Maybe that is why I hate it so now. I think I am the only sister that grew up to hate to travel. In fact, one sister just got back from backpacking around Europe. The other one loves to travel too but stays mostly busy traveling around dropping off and picking up teenagers now! Being the oldest sister I always got the pick of the seat so I can't complain about that. Or should I say being the meanest sister. We drove back to Texas from Anchorage, Alaska. When we were stationed in Penn. we drove to Texas for visits. With family in the Texas valley there were often trips from Central or West Texas down there. The valley trips rank right up there with the Abilene trips. A long way, no scenery, and long and HOT. Both sets of my Grandparents always lived away so there was travel to see them. Here I am YEARS later......married to a small town boy, raising all our children here....my parents within hollering distance. When my kids were growing up there was no need to go anywhere. We were all here! Family came to us!

Now, my children are grown and scattered away. Maternal withdrawals make travel a necessity both physically and mentally. I can only go so long without seeing my kids and grandbabes. So, like it or not I load up.

Can't help but think how nice it will be when we all get to Heaven. I have reserved a cul-de-sac address for us all. No more traveling!

Did I mention that at last count Macy asked a million times if we "were there yet"? And don't think you can ignore her or answer falsely. At four years old, she wants the truth! She wants comparisons and statistics. Then much like myself she collapses in a heap with a heavy sigh. I must say though that the grandchildren are great travelers. They entertained the miles away playing with their fancy technology gadgets, gizmos, and car tv movies. They rarely fussed or whined, especially not more than I did! They are great travelers and respectful kiddos thanks to their great mom and dad who have taught and continue to teach them to be that way. in "my day" we used to pass the hours traveling by playing wonderful games! We played "Riddle Me" and always tried to fool Mom & Dad by choosing objects they would never guess. Then there was the license plate game and the ABC game off the billboards. We played countless numbers of games of hangman, dots, & tic tac toe. And of course the quiet game, which none of us won. Who can forget all the family sing alongs? We knew every hymn in the book! That is where I learned to sing harmony in the car not on CMT. My own children, before seat belt laws, used to perform puppet shows from the back of the station wagon to cars behind us. They listened to their little cassette or was it 8 track recorders to storybooks on tape. They loved to sing in the car too. We could sing for hours. And sometimes did. They had a speak and spell they used to think was fun until they found out it was educational. Sometimes Barbie dolls and baseball cards filled the car. Mitch used to love a little baseball trivia! Times have changed.

So, until I learn how to blink and magically transport myself across the miles, I will have to live with and endure an occasional road trip. Now, though, instead of giving the kids benedryl and dramamine, I give it to myself.

Inferiority Complex

I admit it. I long for comments. Some of my blogger friends rack up the comments. Mike Cope gets so many I don't know how he can read them all. He must have had to change his office hours just to read his comments. 5 is my tops. Ok that covers my mother, my 3 children and an occasional sister or niece. I read them over and over. But it is really starting to worry me. I even got blogger funk over it one time. I mean really! Why spend all that time writing something so personal if no one even reads it? Or even worse, they read it and they don't comment. I have some really cool topics that I plan to cover over the next blogging period. For instance: MY ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM or WHY CAN'T I FIND THE RIGHT LID? or my personal favorite MY LIST OF FAVORITE WORDS OVER THE YEARS. There will be more that I know will excite you. But, I am warning you. Comment. Comment or I will hold the best captive in my mind forever.

Sounds of Silence

I know I have said this before but this house is way too quiet. I am all alone for a week as hubby has gone to New Mexico. I have banged cabinets, played the TV too loud, slammed doors, sung loudly, and talked to myself. This is going to sound totally nuts but I love to be alone and I HATE to be alone. It is late now and I am not the least bit sleepy. That is not unusual, mind you, but I really am not the least bit tired. I have a million projects I want to start during summer break and I may pull an all nighter and start one tonight. NAW...... I better not. BUt here is my list of projects. They are in no particular order. This list is similiar to a New Year's Resolution list. I never follow those either.

1. CLEAN OUT THE KIDS CLOSETS AND PACK UP 10 year old mums, dolls, books, clothes, cheerleading shoes, books of 2 precious little girls and football pants, bats, balls, and LEGOS that used to belong to a little boy that lived here for 18 years.
2. ORGANIZE all photo albums. I want to condense them by throwing out the random shots of the neighbors new fence, the road sign from a trip to who knows where, the little blond kid that used to live next door but I don't even remember their name. I only want meaningful pictures left......
3. PAINT ALL THE red picture frames that I painted 2 summer ago black. I want to do them all in black now. I want to rehang the kids wedding portraits in the entry hall on a black iron pole with black frames too. I saw that idea in Pottery Barn magazine.
4. PUSH STUFF AROUND in the garage. It wouldn't be summer without that. It doesn't accomplish one thing.
5. FINISH PUTTING THE MATERIAL on my armoire in our bedroom.
6. FILE IMPORTANT PAPERS in the filing cabinets. Right now, they are strung out everywhere from the kitchen to under a bed somewhere. In the car. At the office. In the bottom of my purse.
7. BALANCE MY CHECKBOOK....I know you are really laughing now. I have that on my list every summer. And I never do it. I don't even know how or care, really.
8. GO THROUGH MY CLOTHES and get rid of things that I haven't worn in awhile. That includes the red print mini dress I wore when I left my own wedding reception.
9. CLEAN OUT THE KITCHEN CABINETS......really. I can't even find a lid. When I want a round one I find a square one. Plates anyone? I have 5 sets of dishes. There are only 2 people in this house. I have one skillet. I have 400 million sets of mismatched silverware. I have a whole wall of cabinets full of whatnots and who knows, that as Ashley says, "Is old crap".
10. GET SOME REST, NOT GO BY AN ALARM CLOCK, FLOAT ALL DAY IN THE POOL, DRINK COFFEE, ROAM AIMLESSLY.

Knowing me and my previous summers, I'll spend alot of time on # 10. Oh well.

Who me??? Relax????

There are several words that I don't think belong in my vocabulary. They don't have anything to do with me. I don't understand the definitions. I can't relate to them. One of the main words is RELAX. For those of you who know me well, you realize that is true. I can sit no longer than 30 minutes tops at church, seminars, waiting rooms, the theatre or in other restricted environments. Then when I am home, I am in constant motion. I am not being productive necessarily but just moving. In the house, out of the house. In the kitchen out of the kitchen. At the computer or away....you get the picture. I so envy people that know how to be settled. To be able to sit and watch an entire TV program without ever getting up. My sister, Jody, knows how to relax. She is the only person I know who can read an entire book in the bathtub. She is totally in another world when she is there. I have tried to relax in the bathtub. I have lit candles had bubbles... the works. The minute my toe hits the water I am wondering what I am going to do next......I can barely get the soap out of my hair and shave my legs before I am reaching for the towel. I literally go at it like this all day. Until my batteries run out sometime around 11. You are probably thinking, "Poor thing, I have always known she needed counseling." But the truth is, this is me. There is no doubt I have inherited some wicked gene from somewhere generations ago that causes me to speed through life. I don't necessarily want to be this way but it is the way I am. I plan to work on this.......maybe I need to do yoga or meditation. Wouldn't that be a hoot? I would have my legs tangled up before I could count to 3. Then during meditation I am certain I would be talking to myself. The only time everyday that I am totally still and relaxed is at night when I pray myself to sleep. I am still then......I have learned to control my mind from wandering too much during this time and fall asleep in total peace. That can't be all bad can it?

Hey, I am open to suggestions if you think you can slow me down. Do not, I repeat DO NOT suggest restraints. I am also claustrophobic. Good luck coming up with something I haven't already thought of..... and please no medication. For once I want to do something normal!

Quick Trip For A Kiss

We made a flying trip to Htown to see part of the family! Even though we had just seen them I hadn't had enough. I just wish Mitch & JD were on the way too. I could have used a good slobbery kiss from Petey and Tex. And of course, Mitch and JD too. We are really missing them but they stay BUSY BUSY BUSY. Hopefully, in a few weeks we can head their way. Stopped at Red Lobster and took Ash to supper on Thursday nite and enjoyed a few usual laughs with her. Then headed to CLake. It was almost 10 when we got on the main drag and I called the house and said there better be some jumping up and down in the yard when I pull up. As we rounded the corner, in the shadow of the motion light, I could see 3 bodies jumping up and down and up and down and up and down. DID MY HEART GOOD. Troy was at work or I bet he would have been jumping too. He is a good sport when the in laws head to town. We kept the kids way up past bedtime. Then Gordon climbed on the top bunk and I "snuggled" down with Macy in the twin. Macy's party was all you could expect a four year party to be. Heather had worked so hard and had everything organized and precious at the park pavilion. Macy has had so many celebrations this week she said she already turned 5. We had a hard time convincing her that just because you had another party you didn't age. We were disappointed that Reid's game got rained out this morning and he didn't get to hit me my grand slam. I am sure he would have. We all went out for lunch and then we headed home. Now a storm is brewing around here for the night. Lightning is dancing in the sky. What a blessed woman I am to have gotton to drive to Houston for a kiss from my precious babes. More importantly to see the happy lives that they have created. That is all I ever wanted is for my kids to be happy and well adjusted. Thank you God.

Do We Mean What We Say?

The sweetest little man at church Sunday came up to me and handed me a button he had made for me. Funny how a little button making machine can turn into a ministry! Everytime I see him he has one on with a thought or inspiration and I always comment that I can't wait to see what button he has on. Anyway, he had heard me say this before so he printed it on a button for me. "Lord Come Quickly". I know I say it more than I probably realize. Looking at it though made me think. I pinned it on my purse so I see it quite often since I "dig" in my purse about a million times a day looking for something...... but that is another blog.

But, "Lord Come Quickly?" Do I really mean that? I know I say it at appropriate times. Like when someone is hurting that I know .... spiritually, mentally or physically. Or when I am hurting....spiritually, mentally or physically. When it is just hard to take it anymore. I read in other blogs about choices that are not good ( I know about those ), about babies that are sick ( I know about those ) , about people who give up on life.....about addicts, about job losses, about people who have so much less or maybe don't even know how to have more. Sometimes I think that blog reading wakes you up, it encourages you to reach out and realize that you are not alone on this journey of life. But, life sometimes is just hard. Hard because we make it that way or hard because we don't know any better than to do what we have done when we don't know what else to do? Does that make sense? Heaven sounds so wonderful and will be free of all that. I just know that for right now and hopefully as long as I draw a breath that I will mean it.....Lord Come Quickly and put us out of our misery and let me be found faithful and waiting!

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

I couldn't let the month go by without a March blog. Truthfully, I have been in a blogger funk. I know those of you who write regularly know what I mean. The mind is spinning but the words don't come out. It's been a busy spring and it is flying by. I can't believe that soon we will be complaining about summer heat. Everything is the same in my life.....it's all good. It's all blessed. Hopefully April will bring some sense to my mind and I can get back on the writing train. I need some inspiration for sure.

Another Year Older and Deeper in Something

It's finally over. My birthday has come and gone but never quietly. Having a birthday with a large LOVING family and also working in a primary school, the festivities go on for days. If you know me well you know that I have not always liked to celebrate my birthday. Don't get me wrong. I love the presents.......I love the cake.........I love the cards.....I love that it is my day.......but I can remember not even liking my birthday when I was a child. I can remember being 9 and not wanting to be "2" digits. I am not sure why. I guess it is that one time of the year when we know for certain that we are not immortal. But things have changed and I am liking who I am at 54. I don't know how it got here so fast. I like how the new saying is that 50 is the new 40. WHAT? You have never heard that. I don't think I made it up. Well, anyway it is. I know I read it in some very trustworthy article. And not AARP. Which by the way, I shredded that card again. I wish they would quit sending it. I am NOT ready to admit to senior citizen discounts and rates being discounted because of my age. On the other hand, maybe if I tried to get a discount they might want to "card" me. Now, I would enjoy that. For all of you who helped me celebrate.......for the little voices that trembled out the words...."Happy Birthday Dear Neena" I appreciate it and I love you. If you still don't know what to get me, I will accept cash.

What's In A Face?

I hate being vain. I have absolutely no reason to be but those of you who know me well know it is a fact. I am fast becoming one of those little ladies with too much blush and jingling jangling jewelry hanging off anything that will hold it on. The last few days I have been curiously reading up on cosmetic surgery. Just looking and wondering. I won't say I'll never succumb to it but right now I am mostly just fascinated by it. I watch way too many reality shows and make overs and have seem some incredible turn arounds. The funniest thing is that I have as my screen saver a school picture of myself from the 4th grade. I sat and stared at the picture last night. Would I go back? Never. But staring back at me was the face of a little girl that I was trying to reconnect with. I recognized the eyes. I recognized the eyebrows. (Boy did I have some ) Thank goodness for waxing. I could remember the red plaid dress and the hair. The white teeth. Was this before the braces or after? Of course, this was way before Ruben let make up touch that face but I didn't really need it yet. I was somewhere between being a little girl and bursting into puberty. Not that I bursted into in the sense that I turned voluptuous but I did scour through many a SEVENTEEN magazine looking at fashion and make up. The girly gene was present. I wondered when I was looking at the picture what I was like then. What kind of day did I have at school that day? Was I happy? Who were my friends then? What did my mother fix for supper that day? I wonder. I see the children at school skipping around the halls and playground and I wonder if I was like that. One thing I realized for sure is that time stops for no one. It marches right on. Those same eyes, the same face, with now the manicured eyebrows, wayward hair, are still mine. The heart, the will, the woman child. It's all still me. So, I will keep studying this philosophical question of fighting the age issue and be satisfied that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I am exactly what He wants me to look like. But, please someone tell me when I am overdoing it with the "staying in fashion" look. I need to remember I am not the same little girl in the picture. Can you tell someone is dreading another birthday? Thankful for it but dreading it.

Lazy Hazy Days of Summer in January

Okay....I admit it. I am HOT. What is up with this weather? ElNino or Nano or whatever needs to go away. Although I do prefer warmer weather I think our body thermostats need to experience a little of cooler weather. I am trying to be educated in this as the meterologists explain the whys and hows of this type of winter but all I know is....it is not normal.

Saturday is quickly proving to be a day of work again. Now that my "cleaning lady" is history I spend my Saturdays washing, cleaning and getting ready for another week. When I had the luxury of her Saturdays were playdays. It is okay though. I am using these cleaning days to clean out and throw away stuff that I don't need or wear anymore. I couldn't have asked her to do that anyway. I have found stuff in my closet and thought, "What was I thinking when I bought this?" One of my new year's resolutions is to be more careful what I buy. I found 3 million red and black tops. I found skirts and pants that haven't been worn because I don't have a top to match. I need to make an inventory of what I have and what I need. Those of you who know me know that although I am a sales, resale and thrifty shopper know that I am also a compulsive buyer. I NEED THERAPY. SEE, WANT, AND BUY....those are my prerequisites. I need to change that. Now, our church has set up a clothing ministry so I plan to start taking lots of stuff there. Anyone need a red or black top?

The holidays seem like a long time ago. Except that Monday is another holiday! Wish we could have saved it for the long haul later. The next holiday SISD has is Spring Break. That seems forever away.

Okay...here is something for you all to help me with. We are invited to a suprise Anniversary party ( 35 years ) for our good and old friends, Nancy and Buddy. We are supposed to dress as we did then.....the 70's. I didn't like the styles then much less to do it again now. What in the world am I going to wear. I am planning a trip to Goodwill this week to see if I can put something together. Any suggestions? And don't say HOT PANTS........This body is way past HOT PANTS. I wish I still had Gordons mint green polyester Leisure Suit! He was so handsome.

We were such good friends with them when we were teens. I am so glad we have stayed friends over the years. I was Nancy's only bridesmaid......a lovely lavendar polyester gown. Wish I still had it and I'd wear it except it was probably a size 0 or so. Yes, I was a 0 onetime. Now, just add numbers before that. It's hard to believe that we can boast 35 years of marriage along with them. And it's still work.......guess when it isn't then it isn't worth it. I'd do it again.

Okay....so help dress us......... Forget the afro wig for Gordon.

And the FAT LADY SANG

They say "it ain't over til the fat lady sings".... and I do believe that she is singing. The New Year is fast approaching and I am excited for the first time in a few years to see it coming. Yes, I will see myself turn another year older ( very thankfully ) and I will be another year deeper in debt, thanks ACU ( sing it Tennessee Ernie Ford ). But, for some reason I feel like I have a clean slate. I just want to start out ready to face the challenges of life that lie ahead. I have a new boss at work. We have a new minister at church. I have a new attitude about the way I want to face things. I am tired of being God's stubborn child. I want to study more and more about what God wants me to do with the rest of my life not what I want to do. He gave me a new chance on September 26, 2001 to serve Him and I didn't take Him up on it. I think I took about 34 years backward. I want to learn how to give it all to Him and stop trying to save the world myself. I don't want to sweat the small stuff anymore. After 53 years I am ready to try it God's way. Mine hasn't been working. I know that I have been in church 3 X a week since I was born. I know that I know the words to every hymn in the Songs Of Praise Hymnal and the blue one before that. Iknow that I went to every VBS for 18 years straight. I know that I can tell a Bible story without a script. I know that I can finish a preacher's sentence and scripture word for word. I may not remember the chapter but I know the words. I know that I can pray a prayer that will bring you to your knees and leave you in tears. I know that I can stand up in a crowd of ladies and give a 30 minute ad lib motivational talk. I know that I do many good deeds every day. I also know that none of that counts if what is in my heart isn't right. If you read my "About Me" on the right, it said it all......I liken myself to a ship wandering the seas......yada yada yada. Well, I see the lighthouse. I know the way home. Don't worry. I don't plan to start whacking people over the head with my hardbound Bible but I do know that I have a strong desire to finally serve a Saviour that has promised to lighten my load. Trust me. It needs to be lightened. I hope this New Year is an inspirational journey for you as well. There really is no other way to be happy and at peace.

On another note.......the holidays were wonderful. All my 6 children, grandchildren, my sisters/bros in law, all my neices & nephews (except Matty P , Christine, & Jack who were missed ) were here along with my wonderful, precious, and gracious parents. Reid and Macy were precious and so excited. We all just stared at beautiful Riley with the sweetest spirit and the biggest smile. She never left anyone's arms. The stories, the ballgames, the sports trivia, the chaos, the noise, the food, the laughs....... I just sat back and savored all the love in one room and glowed with happiness. I am so blessed. I loved it all. I didn't want it to end. It was another awakening to me that I feel like I have missed. Just to feel so blessed and count it. Not to take it all for granted. Life goes too quickly. This is NOT a dress rehearsal. This is the real thing. Sing on fat lady. God Bless you all in 2006.

Rested, Revived, Raring, Ready and Relentlessly Rambling

Amazing what a day off from work can do. Not to mention that I have until January 2 to relish in vacation. I find it hard to believe that this time next week the paper will be out for BFI along with boxes ( hopefully no one's money envelopes!) and Christmas dinner dishes will be in the dishwasher. I heard someone comment the other day that whoever made the comment "Slow as Christmas" must not have been a woman. That is the truth. Somehow, as it seems in alot of venues of life, the holidays seems to be woman's work. Most men, at least from my generation and before, don't seem to get seriously into this preparation for events thing. It is like to them, what happens just happens. HELLO....how do you think it happens? I mentioned before that I am a list maker. I have to to be to make it happen. Now, ( OH MY!!! ) I don't make lists, I also make folders for my lists. Does this mean something bad? Somebody slap me when I start putting rubber bands around my wallet. Now I am not bragging but I put alot of work into making things just right and special. In picking just the right gift for the right person. I know that is not what it is all about and I don't mean to imply that. I truly celebrate the season in all it's glory. I just know that I come from some VERY high strung genes that make it necessary for me to do things that way. If things run smoothly then my ADD stays in check! It isn't to imply that if you don't you are wrong. I envy people that are able to pull things off so amazingly with little planning. Does that make sense? I better run so I can start my New Year's Resolution list along with my folder for 2006 Improvement Ideas.

Too Pooped To Pop

I have no earthly idea who came up with that saying but I totally relate. What is up? I finally finished all the decorating and cleaning. My house smells like a giant gingerbread factory. I have 99% of my shopping done and presents wrapped under the tree. I only have 1 more day until I am out for 2 weeks for Christmas break. We actually have only 1/2 day on Friday. I should be doing handstands and cartwheels. Except I never could do them before even on the playground. I am too tired to care. I don't like feeling OLD! The cookie swap with all my church "sisters" went great last night although no one really went all out as they usually do with the cookie decorating. I think they are all pooped too! We did however, have a great time laughing and eating. I am so blessed. I have already made plans to do NOTHING on Saturday. I may even stay in my PJ's all day and drink coffee. Doesn't that sound heavenly? I took the afternoon off tomorrow and am taking Mother to San Marcos to shop. It will lower key than going into Austin. They have a wonderful Hastings Bookstore and a Target, Bealls, & Penneys. I do plan to stay away from the Outlet Mall with the million plus stores. I never liked that place. I do like the Katy Mills but San Marcos outlet is out of control. I wish my 3 daughters and I lived closer so we could all shop together. I am so looking forward to the holidays with my family. I have already started my list of New Year's Resolutions. I have one every year and whether I succeed in following them is beside the point. The point to me is that I make a list. I love lists. I think lists are essential. I do have a problem with misplacing my lists though! That is a whole 'nother story. Whatever is on your list or your heart I just hope that everyone that reads this is happy, healthy, trusting in God's mercy, forgiveness and love, and looking forward to new year of fresh starts and promises.

What Reindeer?

I am not sure but I think Neena got run over by a reindeer. At least that is what the song said. That explains alot to me. I wondered why I was so slow getting all my Christmas scattered around the house! But, despite the unfortunate reindeer incident, I am almost through decorating. I will admit that I didn't do it with the zeal I usually do. Some years you have it some you don't. This must have been a don't. But, the ladies at church will be here Tuesday night for the annual Cookie Swap and I must be ready. Little Elisabeth expects me to have the village scene up in the bathroom on the vanity. One year I didn't and she was so disappointed. Agnes and Flo expect a tree in every room. Donna expects me to have all the gingerbread people set up in my kitchen. Then there are my usual little quirks. When I was in Salado a few weeks ago I saw this beautiful dining table idea for decorating. I already had most of the stuff they had on display but I bought a few things I didn't. I guess you will remember that several months ago I decided I didn't need a maid. I have found myself the last few days muttering her name. This is what I have left to do if any of you would like to come help.

1. Paint the baseboards in the bathroom. Trust me.
2. Clean both bathrooms "clinically". That means sterile.
3. Wrap some present to put under the tree.
4. Dust........."Alyssia, where are you my little Spanish senorita?"
5. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.
6. Straighten up the guest rooms.........just for my sake.
7. Wash some clothes so I have something to wear next week.
8. Bake 6 dozen cookies for Tuesday.
9. Sweep off the porches......( Thanks, Dad )
10. And on and on and on

One reason I seem to be so slow getting this all done is we have been Party Animals and I am exhausted. Friday we had 3 parties to go to.....I made all 3......Gor made 1. Then last night I had to make pictures at the SRHospital Party. I finished at 9 and we went to Heather Rogers UT Nursing School graduation party at the fire station. We missed the Keenager Party in Lagrange. Then today, busy Sunday, Bec, T, and I sing at the Annual Christmas Party at the Towers Nursing Home. Then I am coming home and start checking things off that list. Can't wait for family at the holidays......they'll be coming in shifts but that is ok. The funniest ( or saddest ) thought has been crossing my mind lately. I remember when Granny Price was alive that all the cousins, neices, and nephews used to always come to see her every holiday and on other occasions.....then when she went to live in her mansion in Heaven we never saw any of them again. I worry that someday my neices and nephews and their families won't ever come see me either. I don't want that time of my life to come. On a happier note........watch out for misguided reindeer......enjoy every party.......don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet sweaty stuff. That is my wish for you......

And I Am Thankful

I just realized when I finished typing the blog below that I have never mentioned how wonderful it was to be with family over the T'giving holidays. I am truly blessed by a wonderful family.....husband, children ( all six of them), grandchildren, parents, sisters and bros in law, nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces. When they are all around the world stands still and I am in awe of the beautiful people they are. I AM PROUD.

On The Road Again

It probably seems like to you that I never stay home. It feel that way to me too. I am leaving to go to Canton tomorrow with 3 other High School friends for the weekend. We are a strange crew and I am still not quite sure how this got organized and how I ended up in the event. None of us really hang around together and I am having a few little high school related flashbacks like, " I hope they like me", "I hope I fit in", etc........I am not sure why they asked me to go. Nonetheless, I am planning to have fun. Maybe my fears of the group have a direct result of the terror they imposed on me about 35+ years ago when I first moved to the 'ville. I was 15. I weighed all off 90 pounds with dark hair to my waist. I didn't really even need make up then! Imagine that. The minute I hit this town of population about 2000 then I was the "new girl" and the old girls of this town were not that eager to let me in. I remember they used to follow me when I would go on errands. Packs of them in cars like they were trying to terrorize me into moving away. We laugh about it now but I didn't think it was so funny then. Within about 2 weeks of the initial new girl thing I was accepted as one of the "in crowd" and we have remained friends for all these years. We have been in each other's weddings, had showers for each other, raised our kids together, and now enjoy telling grandchildren tales. It has been quite a ride. Although I do think of them all as dear friends it is a different friendship than I share with my Christian friends and sisters. Does that make sense? It is a depth thing. I am always a little hesitant to bare my soul to people who sometimes don't realize how valuable a soul really is. I don't mean that in a snobbish "I am right" kind of way. They know me from way back and now. They know when I have made mistakes, misjudged, and all the little idiotic moods I have....and I know theirs. I just hope that I will be an example this weekend. They are the greatest girls and I am thrilled to have been invited. Since this blog is really my private thoughts to you, those who know me so well, I know you will understand what I meant and maybe even relate to have different friends from different walks of life. So, see you all on Sunday night. Hopefully, I will come home in holiday mood ready to set my house up for Santa. I can't believe I am so far behind on that! As my best friend Tawana starts chanting about this time of year, "Keep looking merry and I'll have to slap it off." I hope you are merry and scrooge is staying away!