And ANOTHER thing.......

While I'm on my blasting roll here.......hey W.......don't you tell me I'm addicted to oil! I run all over the place turning off lights and such. I resent you saying that about me. Now, I may be addicted to coca-cola, listening to great music, blogging, reading blogs, but all that ain't NONE of your business. Go stop a war or something.

Frustration!!!!!!!!!!!

If I wasn't a lady, I would doing some really bad cussing about now. My email system corrupted at work yesterday. I happen to save lots of emails for all different purposes including covering my you-know-what. I spent yesterday and today fixing this &*^*&^#& problem. I accomplished four home goals today. You would think this might satisfy some people in my life. Everybody seems to want more and more. Bush may have an approval rating in the 30s right now. I'm giving lots of things in my life that same darned rating. I am FRUSTRATED.

Happy Monday

I'm not saying anything controversial today except that I wish Joaquin Phoenix had won the SAG Award for his performance in "Walk the Line." I was glad Reese Witherspoon remembered to say something about June Carter Cash in her acceptance speech.

I'm going to go out there and make the most of my life today. I'm celebrating Monday! Have a super one!

ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and Doug Vogt, Camerman Injured

ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and a Doug Vogt, cameraman, were seriously injured Sunday in an explosion while reporting from Iraq, the network said Sunday. They were hit by an improvised explosive device near Taji, Iraq while embedded with the 4th Infantry Division and traveling with an Iraqi mechanized vehicle. Both sustained head injuries; both are in serious condition.

This war needs to stop. Not just when famous people are hurt. What are we gaining over there? And what we are gaining - is it worth what we are paying? I've served as a Soldier's Angel for awhile now. My lady soldier has had two tours of duty in Iraq, and she is a single parent. She had to leave her baby daughter with her godparents. Thank God she has made it back home to Fort Bragg safely.

As a soldier's angel, I read about wonderful things our soldiers have done to help -- education, food, clothing, etc. I also read of the frustration in witnessing the plight of women and even the young girls. I don't know that we are going to be able to change that culture.

I believe we HAVE to support our soldiers over there. But I don't have to support the people who put them in harm's way. Why not go do the State of the Union address in Taji on in a mechanized vehicle? I'd tune in to see that.

Please read my first "guest entry"

When I awakened this morning, I had no idea what I would write about today. And then, almost as though God was speaking to me, I had an email from a supportive friend, Ardist. I am using his entry today, and I would ask you to please read it and follow the links. His friend Deborah is dying. Very soon. Two days or two weeks. Here is Ardist's entry:

"I've been having too much fun on my poetry blog River-Tree Whispers. But there is a lot more to say, and verse is not the only way. Here is a special soul I'd like to introduce you to.Deborah is a friend who may be writing the last pages in her journal of her journey with cancer. It is a joy to know we can live to the end with no regrets and even look forward to the new adventure. Read Deborah's words of peace and maybe look at life a little differently. I hope to bid farewell in as fine a form. Deborah, How can I say I'll miss you when you've given me so much I'll always have. Your cheer and blessings will forever touch the lives of those you know. See you later, my friend." -Ardist

I went to Deborah's blog to read it, then followed her to her guestbook at CaringBridge. Please take the time to wish a courageous soul on her way to His arms. Today, I'll be holding my own life a little more precious because of people like Ardist and her friend Deborah. Peace be with you all. May God shine His face upon you all and grant you peace.

To Skate or Not to Skate..........

Here's the story (from the press):

"Michelle Kwan's task is simple. Prove she's healthy enough to skate, and her quest for that elusive Olympic gold medal can continue. Appear to still be hobbled or ailing, and that dream is likely over.

The "Should she or shouldn't she?" debate that's swirled around U.S. figure skating all month will finally be resolved Friday. A five-person monitoring committee will watch her do her short and long programs on her home ice in Los Angeles, and determine whether she's fit and healthy enough to compete."

My thoughts? I like Michelle Kwan. She's beautiful on the ice. I felt for her as she lost the gold to Tara Lipinski and then Sarah Hughes. I watched both of these "skateoffs." Both of those skaters deserved to win over Kwan. I know she wants her gold medal. I can't help but think of all the sports where athletes don't get a chance for a "do over." I don't know if it's fair or not that she didn't compete in the Nationals to qualify and still gets a chance to go to the Olympics. I don't know any other sport where this would be allowed. What do you think?

Seasons of Love.....525,600 minutes

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SEASONS OF LOVE (Rent Soundtrack)

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Think of a year of your life. Remember about love. Share love. Give it. Measure your life in love. All 525,600 minutes of it.

Have a great day! Here's a smile for you!

In the spirit of offering up a short, happy post, here's a smile for you.

Have a great day all you special people! Thank you for stopping by.

Princess and/or Tiara Complex

Now that I've confessed my penchant for beauty pageants, I have another confession to make. I've always had a thing for crowns, tiaras and the like. At Halloween as a little girl, I always gravitated toward princess costumes or anything with a tiara or veil. One Halloween, it was snowing and I insisted on wearing my bride costume. Of course, the material is so flimsy and I was wet and frozen in no time. Of course I got sick. Did that daunt me from my princess/bride complex? No way. Well, I'm off to work singing "When you wish upon a star........." Have a royal day dear people! (P.S. For anyone who was heartbroken at missing the Miss America pageant, CMT is rerunning it often. I saw it yesterday. The talent was worth watching this year - especially Miss Oklahoma now Miss America's beautiful ballet "en pointe.")

There she is........

I know it's meaningless to some people, but I'm glad that the Miss America pageant didn't die. Not that I've ever been a pageant girl but.......I grew up with my beloved grandmother and mother watching pageants at their knee. We take it seriously. Get out notepads, pens, pencils. Figure out the Top Ten. Watch the talent competition. Listen to the interviews. Listen to the song......."There she is...." It's an institution......Miss America. I don't want to hear....."There she goes......she's gone." I don't know how I managed to miss the pageant but I did. I'm in mourning today. I'm glad a ballerina won! Miss Oklahoma!

Food for Thought

Here's something I found that I liked over at the At the Heart of It's blog. Read about this courageous and strong lady and her two sons. Please say hello. She's not feeling well, and she has challenges with her boys. Still, she maintains a wonderful outlook on life. Give her a boost. Please.

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

( A message every adult should read, because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.)

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

A few afterthoughts

A few afterthoughts here on recent posts:

(1) I don't know what possessed her, but my mom did call me to apologize about what she said. "Forgiveness is mine," said the Lord, so I am leaving that job to him. I'm still guarding my heart, but I am carefully talking to her.

(2) Hale McKay and Anonymous were right about Antonio Davis' wife whose name is Kendra. Reports are surfacing that she doesn't comport herself in - let's just say - the most ladylike manner. Antonio has been suspended for five games. To me, it still doesn't change things about HIM. He looked up in the stands and saw what he believed to be his wife being threatened. When I talked my friend Barney about this, he said, "the NBA is a bunch of thugs." LOL...

(3) I finally went to the dr yesterday, because I still feel like crap. I'm typically the Energizer Bunny, but my batteries start running down around 3pm - 4pm. He said "there's a whole lot of this going around. I've had a sore throat for TWO weeks."

(3) The other entry for today - I find it quite interesting. Life Path.....my birthday is on the 11th. Double numbers are prevalent all through my family - birthdays, deaths, it's almost spooky. By the way, if you've never visited SteelCowboy's site, you should. (I found many of you visiting there.) His work is in the technology field, he's a biker and has one of the most beautiful souls I've ever witnessed. Many times his posts have just taken my breath away.....

What's your life path number?

Found over at Steel Cowboy's

Your Life Path Number is 11

Your purpose in life is to inspire others Your amazing energy draws people to you, and you give them great insight in return. You hold a great amount of power over others, without even trying. You have the makings of an inventor, artist, religious leader, or prophet. In love, you are sensitive and passionate. You connect with your partner on a very deep level. You have great abilities, but you are often way too critical of yourself. You don't fit in - and instead of celebrating your differences, you dwell on them. You have high expectations of yourself. But sometimes you set them too high and don't achieve anything.

What Is Your Life Path Number?

My New Hero is ........ANTONIO DAVIS

ANTONIO DAVIS! I don't even know the man, but already I love him. I think he's a role model. What did he do? Read this:

CHICAGO (Jan. 18) - Knicks forward Antonio Davis climbed into the stands out of concern for his wife and was ejected without further trouble Wednesday night during the Chicago Bulls' 106-104 overtime victory against New York.

"I witnessed my wife being threatened by a man that I learned later to be intoxicated," Davis said in a statement issued after the game. "I saw him touch her, and I know I should not have acted the way I did, but I would have felt terrible if I didn't react. There was no time to call security. It happened too quickly." Davis ascended about 10 rows of seats to reach his wife in the stands.

OK, I'm not even a pro basketball fan! But a man who leaps up 10 rows during a basketball game to take care of his wife? He's a keeper in my book!

Hump Day........and Holey Moley.....44 EMAILS...

Please forgive me using my photo from the layout in Glamour UK. It's just the picture expresses my feelings today! I signed on to my AOL account, and LO and BEHOLD, there were 44 EMAILS! I have received all 44 missing! Why does that make me happy? I guess because I badgered AOL's Postmaster.

Speaking of postmaster, I am taking a trip to Spain in March. I had to go get a passport. Now, I hate to whale on the Post Office.....but someone dear to me worked at the PO. They did NOT treat him well. So, I have NO allegiance to the PO at all. The line was OUT the darned door, and it was pouring rain. They had two "tellers" working. Suddenly two more appeared from the back. I whispered to my friend that they must have all returned from break.

Here are the things I am happy about today:

(1) I made a decision to buy a Dirt Devil Electric Broom since I love my other Dirt Devil thingie so much.

(2) I found my missing ballet tickets last night.

(3) It's sunny here today.

(4) I sold alot of international stuff yesterday!

(5) I had a great lunch with my customer yesterday AND had lobster bisque and a steak salad AND am charging it to the company.

(6) It's Wednesday so it's HUMP day.

(7) Wednesday means that Sylvia Browne is on Montel Williams. I think she's interesting.

(8) My Balto is alive another day and happy outside with his "friends" and his sister Maggie.

(9) I am reasonably caught up with laundry.

(10) My car is full of gas.

(11) My cold is getting better.

(12) My boss leaves to go out of town for the rest of the week today.

(13) I think I'm going for a mint green comforter/duvet.......I just have to find it.

(14) I finally bought at new Dirt Devil dustbuster today after my Black and Decker one frustrated me for the last time!

(15) I slipped by my new Super Target this morning, and the workers are NICE and the store is beautiful.

(16) I went to Walmart (in search of the D Devil broom) and construction is almost finished. I still don't like it as much as Target.

(17) The new restaurant that opened on my morning trip is a cafe'/bakery, and it looks cool!

(18) I had a crossanwich and hot cocoa at Dunkin' Donuts this morning.

(19) I'm feeling better (yes, it's a repeat)

(20) Did I mention my mother called and apologized?

It's a great day if I choose to make it one. I'm choosing to make it one. (I have to say....I went by Walmart, Super Target, The Home Depot, Ace Hardware -- all with no Dirt Devil electric broom!) FOUR places. This thing has GOT to be good!

Heigh Ho.......Heigh Ho.....It's off to........

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho........It's back to work we go! I have a customer lunch to look forward to that isn't going to start pleasantly. ARRGHH.......

I feel confident I'll get it fixed. It's going to have to be a nice lunch. Of course, I don't mind that since I get to eat with her. I still have this "drippiness." I thought I would get a ton done over the four day weekend, and I really didn't. Wait, I did rest. That was on the list.

Must keep repeating the mantra -- "it's a four day work week...." for some of us anyway......Due to the cold, I'm Sneezy the Dwarf. Which one are YOU????

What Color Are YOU?

Found over at Grey Biker's pad.

you are darkviolet #9400D3

Your dominant hues are blue and magenta. You're the one who goes to all the parties but doesn't quite fit in at every one... you know what you want, but are afraid of what the world might think of it. You're a little different and that's okay with them, and if you're smart it's okay with you too. Your saturation level is very high - you are all about getting things done. The world may think you work too hard but you have a lot to show for it, and it keeps you going. You shouldn't be afraid to lead people, because if you're doing it, it'll be done right. Your outlook on life is brighter than most people's. You like the idea of influencing things for the better and find hope in situations where others might give up. You're not exactly a bouncy sunshine but things in your world generally look up.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Do YOU Yahoo????

I am so OVER AOHell! I have been messing with them for DAYS trying to get my email fixed. So ......all my comments are now going to windfall_woman@yahoo.com. Ask me if I yahoo now! 'Cause I can say YES! I've changed my profile. Thanks for bearing with me.

Drama, Love, Wives and Husbands...and Luckey Couple

You guys know I don't write about politics. Except, of course, when Harriet Miers stole my word - Windfall. I even majored in Political Science and English at college. I worked on campaigns, etc. I frankly hate politics and politicians. I'm convinced it's all corrupt. So, you can imagine that the Supreme Court judge selection process that I can not impact IS of NO INTEREST to me. Especially since THIS President is nominating him -- which has to be a train wreck in the making.

THEN....it happened. Something happened to INTEREST me. (No, I wasn't watching Jerry Springer) They made Judge Alito's wife CRY. And suddenly, he seemed like a real person and so did she. She had finally had enough. She left crying, and then during the break, I saw him on television comforting her. He was the picture of solicitude. It was nice. It was sweet. I think he'll get confirmed based on it.

Speaking of loving wives and husbands. I hope a certain friend of mine doesn't mind me mentioning her. It's Luckey Girl.........she wrote the most beautiful post the other day about "little things" with a picture of the "Luckey Guy" (her husband). The picture says it all. She's a Luckey Girl, but he's a Luckey Guy. They seem to have a "Luckey Marriage." It was great this week to see TWO great married couples. Gives us all hope, doesn't it?

She said I don't want a daughter like..........

you. That's right. I was all comfy and cozy albeit drippy when the phone rang. I almost didn't answer it. But it was her. My mother. She asked me the prefunctory how are you? I said I'm sick. I don't feel well. She skimmed over it. She went on to talk about herself as usual. Then she launched into diatribes over my daddy again. Keep in mind they've been divorced at least 21 years. I told her that I don't want to hear about my daddy anymore. She said I'm not going to be censored. I said fine, just don't talk to me about my dad. Not much later she said it. I've always known it, but she had never said it before. "I don't want a daughter like you." I didn't have to take it. So I quietly hung up. I didn't wallow in sadness. I turned on Jerry Springer - a show I NEVER watch - and somehow watched an episode called "1 Truckstop Ho." It was pitiful. I think I watched it because I saw something more pitiful. I needed that. I ate a scrambled egg sandwich for lunch not remembering that it was something my mother used to make me when I was sick. I think she loved me some. I think she loved me at one time. She just spoke the truth. She never wanted a daughter like me.

A cold.....

It's official. I have a cold. Sometimes I think it's nature's way of just flatout slowing you down. I've been going at breakneck speed for awhile. I'm just glad I made it through the holidays without it.

When I was a teenager, I read Glamour magazine. I loved it! One of the articles I remember the most was about getting a cold and missing work. The article was titled something like, "Got a Cold? Pamper Yourself Girl." LOL........they actually made being sick with a cold sound cool! The advice was always have some nice hot chicken soup, put on comfy socks and robe, snuggle under an afghan, watch old movies, drink hot tea and sleep! I mean WOW...how does that NOT sound good? The license to call in sick, take a day, not get dressed except in the most comfortable way, eat and drink to your heart's content and watch old movies? Now, of course, this only applies to a cold! Any other sort of illness - especially of the tummy variety is NOT desirable. Part of me smiles today thinking of all the coziness and the way your brain lulls when you have a cold. It's almost like a natural tranquilizer. I'm sure you'll think I'm nuts. But......think about some comfy sweats, no work, beverages of your choice, no work, laying in bed or on the sofa, no work, watching old movies, no work, covered in an afghan, no work, napping off and on, no work and did I mention no work? Maybe YOU have a cold too???

Here's a smile.....

Here's a smile per a few requests. I am catching a cold I think. I am a bit sneezy and my throat is tickling. I am drinking lots of fluids. I am determined NOT to get sick.

I slept better last night. I feel more like myself today even with the sniffles.

Did anyone see Good Morning the other day when Robin Roberts sat in for Charlie Gibson? They opened the show with Diane Sawyer saying, "Good Morning America, I'm Diane Sawyer." then they switched to Robin and she said, "and I'm Charlie Gibson." Everyone in the studio laughed as did she. It was a cute moment.

Why do I watch Diane and Charlie? I strongly dislike Katie Couric. I used to think she was great. She has gotten so obnoxious. She's rude; she interrupts. I'll never forget her interviewing an athlete at the Olympics in Greece who had won a medal. Katie shows the athlete her father cheering the woman athlete on and crying as she won. The athlete began to weep as she watched her father's emotion on the playback. Katie said, "Oh c'mon, you've seen this before. Get over it already." Then she LAUGHED. I was so DONE with her after that. I see that hardness in her all the time -- and she asks the most aggressive questions of anyone. Too probing.

When I was growing up, I was on the newspaper staff. I wrote on my college staff as well. I remember saying to my dad in high school that I was thinking of being a reporter. He was not crazy about the idea. I'm frankly glad I'm not. I wouldn't mind be a writer -- but not a reporter. I couldn't ask those stupid questions. I wouldn't be able to keep my emotions out of stories. And I sure as heck would never want to get so hard that I would tell someone to "get over it already" ........not in that situation anyway.

Hope you have a great day! Smiling does help!

Catching up.......Needing a hug

OK, I need to catch y'all up from all that's been going on. Most of this has precipitated all this junk food eating.

1. Belle, the ballerina, had a six hour ballet audition for summer camp on Sunday.
2. She was invited to the top two camps sponsored! Unbelievable feat for a 12 year old.
3. Walt had a date to Homecoming.
4. He had an ok time.
5. He faced the SpanishInquisition from the father and did fine.
6. We laughed about it.
7. Balto, my dog, had another seizure yesterday.
8. The vet is surprised he lived through Christmas.
9. He's going to die soon.
10. I've been selling like a crazed banshee at work.
11. I'm very overworked.
12. I am so tired my eyes look like tiny slits.
13. I have had a headache off and on for two days.
14. Walt has to have a brain scan and MRI because of some symptoms he has.
15. I'm scared to death.
16. One of Belle's friends tried to steal her boyfriend A.
17. She didn't succeed.
18. My cell phone fried.
19. My new one is weird.
20. I can't catch up with my mail.
21. I feel overwhelmed.
22. I got my car washed and detailed.
23. I didn't recognize it clean.
24. I can't find it in parking lots.
25. I bought two Annie Lenox and one Celtic Woman CDs because they were relaxing.
26. I have been having lots of nightmares.
27. I can't decide if it's better to sleep through the night with nightmares or wake up at 4am without them.
28. After all the company left, I miss my daddy.
29. I tried to look for a new comforter/duvet and gave up because it was too hard.
30. My laundry is taking over the house.
31. I washed out my contacts and forgot to rinse the cleaning solution out before I put it in my left eye.
32. My eye hurts like hell an hour later.
33. I watched The Bachelor in Paris last night instead of Medium.
34. I can't believe that one woman told him right away she wanted to "reproduce."
35. I like this Bachelor but I wonder if I should have watched Medium instead.
36. I've been craving a Fuddrucker's cheeseburger.
37. I'm too tired to go get one.
38. It's supposed to rain tommorrow.
39. I don't want it to.
40. I have to go with a family member to the dr tommorrow.
41. I am wrung out having been at seeing so many doctors/hospitals lately.
42. I am seriously freaked out about not getting my blog emails advising me I have comments.
43. I seriously worried that some of you wouldn't come back and visit me.
44. I'm wondering if I need some medication.

And that's my stream of consciousness for the past couple of days..........

Blogger is .......SCREWED UP

Something is wrong with blogger. I'm not receiving email notifications of your lovely comments. A few people's comments have been bounced. I don't block anyone. I am so sorry. I am trying to get it fixed.

Here's looking at you.......100th entry

Here's looking at you kid......Today's entry marks my 100th in the blogosphere. I decided to dress up for the occasion. Please notice the police barricades holding back all my admirers.....LOL...

In typical Hollywood fashion, I have developed an addition. Not alcohol, sex, drugs.......no, I've been trying foods that I've NEVER had before .....just heard about. Hence the Twinkies. Good Lord, did you know there is a recipe for FRIED TWINKIES. OMG.....I did NOT eat the whole box. I am trying HoHo s next having never had them. What is WITH my grocery store. They are putting these goodies in the OLD organic health section! Oh my Lord!

I will confess to another obsession -- much more healthy. Stoneyfield organic yogurt! It's even good nonfat! Yesterday for lunch -- I had a piece of ham and cheese quiche, blueberry nonfat yogurt, and a TWINKIE! For drink, I had one of those new Black Cherry Vanilla Diet Coke. The real Black Cherry Vanilla coke is delicious too! This was not a New Year's resolution!

Frenzied and Twinkies

Hi......I'm back. I need to recline as I write this. I am so exhausted. Life has been hectic everywhere! Home, work especially.......I am getting up way early and usually in bed early. I've been doing this weird thing of waking up after four hours of sleep and then being awake an hour and a half. No, I'm not napping during the day! I feel as though I am in total adrenaline mode.

I've missed you all. I can't believe I haven't posted since Wednesday. Obviously, if I haven't posted, I haven't been visiting you either! I'm way behind! I have something tommorrow at two and then a dinner/banquet! I remembered this as I was thinking I could relax all day tommorrow!!!!

Take care all of you. Oh, and by the way, I finally had to go to the grocery store. I saw TWINKIES. Can you believe I've NEVER had one before? So I bought a box. So I ate TWO tonight. They are.....delicious!

A Day of Prayer - West Virginia

These pictures say it all. What are those families feeling? I think we should have a national day of prayer. It is awful enough to lose your family members, but what if you had been told they were safe? May God bless them. Let us not forget that there is one miracle - Randall McCloy, Jr., a 27 year old father of two. He is alive. God bless them all....

New Year's Resolutions

I started out 2006 just the way I wanted (or how about needed?) I got up early (even after not sleeping well) put on the workout clothes, went to the drycleaners. Working out is something I need to do for my health. If you can't tell, I'm a pretty big type "A" personality and have the potential to run myself ragged. Not only that -- I worry -- alot. I try not to, but it's just inbred. Also, I am very fortunate to have a fantastic job, but it is very stressful with alot of responsibility. A type A worrier under alot of stress needs to work out. Not only that, (giggling), if I want to keep my figure so fantastic....it's going to take work. Especially after all that Christmas indulging.

So I am on track for two New Year's resolutions. (1) Let go of the superstitions and (2) keeping in shape.

My other resolution is to cook one thing out of every one of my cookbooks. I don't know how many I have! I need to buy a special "thing" to keep my cookbooks in. I saw something glass fronted in wood a long time ago (antiquish) and that's what I have in my head. I guess I need to COUNT my cookbooks at some point. How about after I buy the "thing" to put them in? Or wait, do I need to count them and figure out how big it should be first? This resolution just might be too hard.......LOL.........Wait, I AM WFW......I can do it. I'll keep you updated on the progress!

Monday.......last day of vacation

Sigh.....it's overcast and rainy today. Work tommorrow.....another sigh.....Yet, I think, I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a great year this year at work. At least it will be a short week. Tuesday through Friday.

I am STILL doing laundry catching up from all the visitors. I am STILL ironing napkins and placemats. I was hoping to have my closet cleaned out and organized, all my paperwork cleaned out and up, alas, I won't have that accomplished.

BUT.....I have spent some lovely time with two sets of family, just about all of my friends, sent Christmas cards, didn't miss a soul for presents, paid my bills, managed to wear clean clothes every day, cooked a great Christmas dinner, deposited all assorted checks, emptied all my change at Kroger's Coinstar converted to cash (which was promptly stolen by the movie thief), saw King Kong, helped at eight ballet performances, attended four performances, read three books, watched the entire first season of the Gilmore Girls (my new passion), etc.

It was a productive, and yes, happy vacation. I hope yours was great as well.....It's going to be a great New Year for all of us. I just know it.

My first resolution

Happy New Year again y'all! Yesterday, I inadvertently stumbled upon my first real resolution for the new year and probably always. My mother raised me with lots of superstitions. (You can all laugh now!) New Year's has always been the most fright filled day of the year for me. First of all, you cannot - repeat - CANNOT wash clothes on New Year's. Dreadful dreadful luck. All Christmas stuff must be down and packed away or dire luck as well. Wash your hair on New Year's and you lose your love (I've always ignored this one). Eat greens for money (wait, I did that and did get the money last year but look how long THAT one took). Black-eyed peas and hog jawl for good luck. I usually make cornbread and a pork loin roast and delicious coleslaw. I make Hoppin' John and collard greens. All of this slaving for good luck. Then I am allowed to REST all day since I can't do laundry or clean up basically.

After "the theft," I've been really rattled. I was just so exhausted. Yesterday, I thought I am sick of running around like a chicken with my head chopped off and being so fearful about New Year's. I did my best to get ready for today but I thought I'm tired and I've been so busy......Guess how WFW spent her exciting New Year's Eve??? I went to bed around 10:30pm. I fell asleep and roused only slightly to hear fireworks. I thought "Happy 2006!" and promptly fell back asleep. I feel rested finally.......I've already washed three loads of clothes. I feel a teeny bit scared bucking the superstitions -- but I'm out there -- ready to take the plunge into normalcy. Please tell me I'm not going to mess up my whole year by bucking tradition......By the way, I chose this picture because I think I'm looking appropriately free AND defiant.

Happy New Year - 2006!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Best wishes for 2006! Much love......WFW