Another Year About To Pass

So here we stand on the precipice of the New Year, ready (or not) to take that headlong plunge. With so many issues left unresolved, country wise, who is not fainthearted about this coming year? Yet, despite that, individually we all find something to celebrate, human optimism at its best. That's not such a bad thing really, if we can't find something to be optimistic about, we're truly in a sad place. I guess it's a matter of seeing the glass as half full or half empty. So, the question begs to be answered, how do YOU see it?

For this writer, I don't think much about the trials and tribulations waiting to bear fruit, but when they present themselves, I have to sigh and just dig in. What else is there to do? Unless I am willing to sit and spin my wheels, which is not me, I truly believe there is always a solution, somewhere. I just have to find it. So, as I stand here on this day before the new calendar year kicks in I am thankful for all the good things, the good people and the Lady's Grace in my life. I also pray for the patience, wisdom and creativity to face what ever is to come. I work at not bothering trouble until it slaps me in the face.

If there are bridges burnt in your life and you aren't happy, I pray you, go find some large rocks and drop them in the river so you can cross over should you wish it... or... an offering that someone would be encouraged to try and cross. Life is too damn short to remain angry at someone. That doesn't mean you have to forgive them for something they've done, but rather make it an opportunity, if only to hold them at arm's length, of getting along. Cliche or not, Life is just too damn short for grudges and anger. Enough of my soapbox for the day.

Update on Dad:

My step-mom called today. The doctors' are removing his oxygen tubes and everything else (except his iv, which I take it mean the heart monitor too) AND they had him up and sitting in a chair. Huzzah! That's definitely a good sign. He also gets his first solid food tonight and asked my step-mother to fetch his teeth. My father loves his grub. The doctor also told Dad no more stationery bicycle. They are going to put him through enough physical therapy in the months to come. I think it's finally sunk in that, hello, he had a SERIOUS heart attack. He is more than willing to do whatever they tell him to do and whatever it takes to get him back home. So, it looks like he's on the mend, but I'm still cautiously optimistic. Can't help it, experience has shown me a good reason for this, several in fact. My grateful thanks for all the positive energy, thoughts and prayers. They have truly borne fruit.

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One of the things I was taught as a child in regards to my Japanese heritage is that at New Year's we set out several things like fruit, flowers (any kind that doesn't bear thorns on stems or fruit) and mochi cakes for our ancestors. The past couple of years I haven't done that. By combining my own personal spiritual path with my heritage, I've been damn lucky this year. I need to give thanks for that and for the hopes they will continue to watch over us all.

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Now some would think that a witch's broom is for nothing more than riding on.. *grin*
I use it around the house this day to 'sweep' through all the rooms, sweeping up all the negative and old energy and sweeping it out of the house, via the front door. It's akin to standing under a shower and letting the day's energies flow from my body and down the drain. Same principle. Does it work? Well, let me ask this: Does prayer work for some of you? How do you get rid of the excesses of the day? It all comes down to belief and faith. What works for some, may not work for another. To each his own. Whatever it may be, find a gentle place to land tonight and carry it into the new day, the new year.

I wish you all good fortune and good health for this upcoming year of 2006 and thank you, for being you.

Oh Wow!

Check this out. Troll came home a little while ago and brought me some new products to try. They're Pecan Shortbreads and a bottle of maple syrup. I love to have pancakes or waffles once in a while. Lite syrup or diabetic cookies, usually taste like...*blech* to me, but these two products are great! The young man who created them has been a diabetic since he was 9 years old. If all his products taste as good as these two, I'm going to be buying more of them. The price is also reasonable. You can find his website here. They're not only made for diabetics but health conscious people too. The products are also endorsed and reccomended by the National Diabetes Outreach.If you have a sweet tooth, are diabetic or just being health conscious, go check it out and I suggest you buy a product and try it. I am pretty picky about foods and how they taste. I wikes 'em *nodnod*

Just Another One of Those Tests

Lao Tzu

You two would probably really get along!




Founder of Taoism
"In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the
simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to
control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely
present."

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 99% on Intuitive You scored higher than 99% on Structured You scored higher than 99% on Mildness You scored higher than 99% on Traditional

Link: The Religion Founder You Resemble Test written by Stinkbot on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Updates On Just About Everyone

On Dad:

Well, Dad continues to astound the medical staff. Yesterday they all gave him a 7% chance of making it. Tests are still pending, but his kidneys are functional! Yay! Again, the doctor in this field is amazed. After what he's been through, she was so sure there would be a problem with them. His heart still has some irregular beats but they are treating that with more meds. He even got to have some jello today. He's going to be where he is for a couple more days and if he keeps improving, he'll be moved to a wing and have to stay about a week. Of course, Dad is insisting that he's going home tomorrow to anyone that will listen to him. They're humoring him, well, all except my step-mother who has a right to give him such a bad time after what he's put her through. I've been worried about her too. Several years ago she had a stroke. We don't need her in the hospital with him. She said that Dad made the girls (her daughters) get her out of his room and to go lie down. Apparently she didn't wake up until this morning. We still don't know how much damage his heart took from this. That's the important info I want. I'm still very worried, but as each day passes with positive results, I am finding I can relax a little more. That irregular heart beats is worrying me though, not unexpected, just worrying.

Update on Mr. M:

Mr M went to see his doctor today for his usual check-up. All tests came back as looking good. All the levels tested were well within normal range. So, he's doing good. GOOD! I don't need to be worried aobut him too at the moment. As for the passing out thing, Doc seems to think that with Mr. M's meds, he just got up too quickly but, if it continues to happen he needs to go back and see his cardiologist.

As for me, I'm okay, stressed, of course, but trying to keep it to a minimum. My blood sugar and my blood pressure is up, understandably, but not dangerously so. Still, I work at getting it back down. Not having the hectic pace of the holidays helps. Mr M and I are going to hermit it through the New Year. The weather is awful, very rainy and cold. Frankly, I just don't have any excess energy to expend on celebrating. A good movie, good food and a good snuggle is all I want. Other than that, life is okay. We're just recooping from the holidays and getting stuff put away, thrown away and making room for other stuff we got.

You all be careful out there for the New Year weekend. People get downright stupid.

Cautiously Hopeful

Waiting all day and most of the night for a word from my step-mother or step-sister, was, to say the least, nerve wracking. I kept telling myself that in this case, no news was good news. Around 11:00 pm PST, I got a call from my step-mother. When it rang on my end, I dreaded picking up the phone, but ya got to answer, you know? I took a deep breath, steeled myself for the worst and answered the damn thing. They found a blockage. Big time. The main artery that goes to your heart? Well, his was completely blocked. They put a shunt in. So last night he was holding his own. I was never so damn happy to hear that they found a blockage. Last night he was able to recognize his wife, his step-children, grandchildren and great grand children. He even squeezed his wife's hand and said, "Where the hell am I?"

As of this morning, around 7:30am, PST, Dad had the tubes removed except for his IV is my guess. I think he's stuck with that one for a while. He was talking and his doctor was simply amazed at how well Dad is rallying. Today my step-mother will talk with a doctor about dialysis. Apparently yesterday there was a choice to be made by his doctor, to save my dad's heart or let him go. Knowing my Dad as the doctor did, they chose to save him. There could be serious repercussion to his vital organs still. We're not sure how much damage to his heart there has been or to his organs because of the lack of blood to them.

I'm still walking around on egg shells and jump every time the phone rings and I'll tell you why. It's a well known fact that after a heart attack that the next 48 to 74 hours are crucial. It is in that time that if another heart attack is going to happen, it will happen then. Also, I am worried about this sudden rallying of his. I have experienced, heard and read of people who take this turn for the good only to pass away shortly thereafter. Of course, I didn't say anything to my step-mother but it's what is in the back of my mind. I will breath and relax a lot more after a week has gone by and he does nothing more than recover. Dad's a stubborn old cuss, and his wife also told him he had better fight and it seems like he has and is. I think it also helped that all her family has been packing the hospital's chapel. *smile* It doesn't matter where your prayers derive from or your spiritual background, what matters is the power that resides in each one of us puts into hope and faith. You'd be surprised at the cone of energy, from one person to a group of people, can raise with prayer and thoughts. Of course, Divine Grace is right at the top of that list, in the end, it's the Divine that has final say.

Sprout was adorable yesterday. Since he doesn't read this, I can get away with saying it. I left a message on his cell phone while he was at work for him to call me. He needed to have the choice of coming home after work or going over to his friend's house. My preference would have been for him to go because I just can't stand having people hover around me at times like this. It seems so... vulture-ish. It's not really but at times it seems like it. So, he called me back on his break and he asked me if *I* needed him home. I said no, but thank you babe. So he told me to call him if things went dire and I promised I would. The last thing he said to me before hanging up was, "I love you, Mom." I told him I loved him too and it was all I could do not to cry again. Like Troll said, he's a good kid, it's just that sometimes... *chuckle* yeah, you feel like you want to wring his neck. Exactly. I have good kids. Sometimes they have their heads up a dark orifice and I have to kick it out, but they're good kids to their ma.

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I just got a phone call from my step-mother. Dad continues to do well as a matter of fact, he's being a pill. He wants to go home. The nursing staff has had to restrain him because he keeps trying to get out of bed and pulling out his lines. They just gave him a sedative to get him to settle down. He didn't believe her when she told him that he suffered a major heart attack. He thinks all he did was go to the bathroom. He can't believe that that they lost him (3 coronary deaths) since yesterday, one at home and two more after they got him to the hospital. I told her to tell that old man to settle down and behave or I'm going to look up some bondage gear on the internet and send it to his wife. *snicker* That should make some talk around there.Dad just wants to go home. He keeps begging his wife to take him home. Uh..no. That isn't going to happen for awhile. Stubborn old man. It seems to run in the family and while that stubborness may have contributed to my mother's shortened life span, that old man better behave.

I'm still very worried.

And I Wait....

Late this morning, I got a phone call from one of my step-sisters in Kansas. My dad had another stroke this morning. The paramedics managed to get his heart started again after 11 attempts. My last phone call was over 3 hours ago and they were shooting his veins up with dye, looking for a blockage. Barring that, the prognosis doesn't look good. They have every cardiac doctor available working on him. He's 72 and wants to live to be 90 something, so I know the old coot is fighting for his life, but will it be enough?

For the last week I have had a bad feeling, a really bad one. I kept shoving it aside because to dwell on it was not thinkable. The bad thing is I can't and never could pinpoint such things down so I hope for the best in such cases. Daddy seemed to be doing so well. I just talked to him on Christmas. Now this.

I love you all but please, don't call me. My heart flies up in my throat everytime the phone rings. I am hoping that these hours between phone calls is a good thing but I have to accept that they might not be. I just won't know until I do get a phone call. My surviving parent. Losing Mom was rough, very rough. This... gods... this.. leaves a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I hate waiting..
I hate not knowing...

Am I Here Yet?

Wow! Yesterday started off so slowly and peacefully and by 10:00pm, I was ready for bed. Somewhere between those two points this house became full with kids and adults. Due to a late night before, Daughter and gang didn't show up until loater in the morning. In the meantime that left the four of us with a chance to open presents and really enjoy them, which we did.

Mr. M bought me what I asked for and then some. He quite surprised me with a beautiful ring of diamonds and tanzanite. The latter I fell in love with the last two times I've been in Mexico. Of all the things I thought Mr M would buy, I never saw this coming.

Troll got me a digital camera and Sprout bought me a game I really wanted, okay, yes, it's a Pokemon game.

Troll got a new cd/radio for his car from us. He was about ready to slice and dice his old one. He also got an iPOD shuffle from Sprout. Which means later tonight Troll will be borrowing my laptop and my connection to download some music.

Mr M bought Sprout a new gaming chair for his room. We knew he could use one after we heard a crash from his room about 2 weeks earlier. Sprout fell out of a chair that he had been leaning back in and it finally broke. In the meantime, we made him sit on the floor. *snicker* Troll and I went in together to get Sprout a new amp for his car stereo system. We *think* Sprout blew out his old one.

I got a new gnome set from the Daughter and FB. It's one of those things that has a story behind it. Every year, I always get gnomes for my yard from FB and Daughter. This year it was for my birthday (in which I got 5 little gnomes)and for Christmas and that was two gnomes playing tic-tac-toe at a table and will look cute in my garden this Spring.

Dinner was a great success. I experimented with the ham this year and it turned out great. I'm going to add the recipe to my web site later.

Today everyone had to work and Mr M and I just sort of relaxed through the day. I never realized how wound up I had gotten for the holidays. It was nice just to tend the fire in the fireplace and play on the computer for awhile.

Since we're nearing the end of another year, I spent a few hours going back over my entries for the past year as well as my role-playing partner's (whom I also consider a dear friend) entries. Again, Wow. Where did the year go? We've had some rough times and good times.... all in all it makes me look forward to this new year. Where it's going to take us, who knows? But it ought to be a trip! I can't wait to see what he's done for the new design of his web site and done to his stories. I also look forward to enticing him back into writing again. Hopefully, we both can turn out some more RP time. We still have some discussion ahead to see what we want to do and where we want to be, but that can wait for a bit yet. While he's off sunning and exploring the Carribbean with his wife and friends, I'll be working on some things here.

I also have silly string all over my house. Yes, my Daughter thought it would be funny to give everyone a can of the stuff and there was a war INSIDE my house. *sigh* They did clean up the majority of it, but I'm still finding it in nooks and crannies. Brats, all of them.

Next week I have to call about jury duty. Normally, that wouldn't bother me, but I am hoping I can get dismissed at least for this cycle. I have doctor's appointments in the next two weeks that I really don't want to have to reschedule. It took me two months to get one of them in Sacramento. Hopefully, once I explain, the judge will cut me loose from this rotation. I'm not looking to get out of it, I consider it part of my duty. I just need out of it for this rotation. We'll see.

I hope everyone didn't eat too much. Be safe, be careful and have fun.
And partner? You have a good time on the ship. I look forward to hearing from a well rested, sassy man when you get back.

Prayers, warm thoughts, good energies, still on the float out there. grab it if you can use it.

This Is Cute

To All My Online Friends:

As the new year approaches, my heartfelt appreciation goes out to all of you who have taken the time and trouble to send me "forwards" over the past 12 months. Thank you for making me feel safe, secure, blessed, and wealthy. Extra thanks to whoever sent me the one about rat crap in the glue on envelopes 'cause I now have to go get a wet towel every time I need to seal an envelope. Also, I scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason. Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca Cola because
It can remove toilet stains. I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put "Under God" on their cans.

I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.

I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.

I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

I no longer go to shopping malls because someone might drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

I no longer receive packages from nor send packages by UPS or FedEx since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.

I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.

I no longer eat KFC because their "chickens" are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.

I no longer have any sneakers -- but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike.

I no longer have to buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.

I no longer worry about my soul because at last count I have 363,214 angels looking out for me.

Thanks to you, I have learned that God only answers my prayers if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl who is about to die in the hospital (for the 1,387,258th time)

I no longer have any money at all - but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special email program.

Yes, I want to thank you so much for looking out for me that I will now return the favor!

If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 7 minutes, a large pigeon with a wicked case of diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 PM (CDT) this afternoon. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next-door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician.

Where Is That Bearded Old Man?

Is it possible to track that jolly old big man dressed in red? Apparently someone thinks so. Check out NORAD.

The Eve of Christmas

Now how can't I get caught up in Christmas as my household has two ways of believing? When I was a child, Christmas was a time of wonder and magic for me. I hope that today, I still pass on those feelings to my grandchildren. I love watching them. The joy. The wonder. The excitement. Just for a minute or two, they forget all everything else and just bask in the excitement of surprise and joy. There's time enough to teach them all the other things they need to learn. I love the little game we always play where they try to trip me up about Santa Claus and me staying one or two steps ahead of them.

Mr. M is out delivering the cookies I finished up today to the neighbors. Of course it will an hour or two before he gets back here since he has to stop and chit-chat with the neighbors. Our next door neighbors to the north of us, brought by this wonderful, sinful tin full of Swedish gingerbread cookies. I am no saint. I had two. LOL. One too many, but what the heck. Christmas music is playing on the tv, from the satellite station. The house is quiet. Troll is off doing something in his room and Sprout is still at work. My daughter and her family are having a bit of Christmas with Shel before Shel has to go back to her mother. The difference I see in that girl from Thanksgiving until last night is amazing. She is so starved for attention and love. It's a shame she'll clam up again once her dad takes her back. I think tonight FB and Daughter will be breathing a sigh of relaxation. LOL. The kids have been little sticks of dynamite all week, since Shel has been there. I can feel a peacefulness seeping into me and I am wallowing in it shamelessly.

I'll try to get my writing done before the end of the evening, after I get back from the movies. At least that's the plan. However, around here.. the best laid plans of mice amd men.. etc etc.

Prayers, good energies, warm and wistful thoughts...

OMG

I swore I wouldn't be caught out in this traffic of metal and human flesh and yet, because it's the eve of Christmas Eve, I erroneously thought it would be "safe" to venture forth...WRONG! *shudder*. So next year, I become a hermit and stay safely indoors cozied up to my fireplace while others become stirred into a frenzy by being in that.. that..traffic. I think the fastest I got through anything was at the butchers.

Tonight we go look at those Christmas light displays we didn't get to last night. I made sugar cookies instead. Tomorrow night will be spent at the movies, "The Chronicles of Narnia" got my tickets already! Then Daughter and the kids show up Christmas morning.

I can't believe we're here, at the end of another year. It seems to me that 2005 just flew by. I wonder what 2006 holds? Well, whatever it is, I have to smile just thinking about it.

For those of my heart that celebrate Christmas, I hope it's fulfilling for you. I hope that your hearts are filled with joy, peace and contentment. Despite trials and tribulations and confrontations, we're all blessed to be alive and to have one another in each other's lives. If I could give each one of you a personal hug, I would. Just by being in my life, in whatever form that takes, you enrich me, make me a better a person. I don't know how I would have gotten through this year without you.

May you receive everything your heart desires.

Light a candle and think of me...
I'll be thinking of you...

Blessed Be~

The Red Hat Society

Thanks to my Sistah, GQS, I am now a proud member of The Red Hat Society. It suits me. It makes me feel elegant and wacky... as only an Aquarian can. hehehe. It shall be worn when I garden or go out in the sun during the summer. I'll take it along to wear on cruises and yes, I do wear them.

It's so totally me. I don't know how she does it or where she finds them. She is the Internet Goddess yanno. I just love her to bits for her thoughtfulness and insight in knowing that I needed something like this.

Morning Passing Thoughts

I have the house to myself today, for the most part. I also have the satellite radio tuned into the holiday music and something dawned on me. I don't mind listening to the Christian holiday music. Why? Well, let's see if I can explain this. Anything that comes from the heart should be shown honor and respect. It doesn't have to correspond to my own belief system to be worthy of listening to. I just feel that so long as it isn't being forced on me (after all, I can always turn the station, can't I?), someone isn't looking to argue merits with me (with the attitude that they're right and I'm wrong and they're hell bent on showing me the errors of my ways), then anything that strikes a chord in me, no matter the genre, is okay.

I can't help but think that if more of mankind would simply allow for differences with respect then maybe this world would be a better place to live in. Why must there always be a fight over holy land and who it belongs to? It belongs to the faithful and I say that in the light that faithful means any who are faithful to their own Divine Path.

We're all not perfect by any means. So what's the big deal if once a year we all seem to remember that we are all human and show some compassion, brotherhood and caring for our fellow man? People are so worried about Christmas becoming commercial. Well, yeah, that's part of parcel and package, BUT along with it is the good will we also remember to show. We buy presents because we care and once a year we're given this opportunity to let it manifest itself in a physical gift (for most of us). There are many who have lost sight of that and that's sad. Children are children. They are a joy and a wonder. They see toys, all kinds, and they want one. There's nothing wrong with that. We just have to remember to teach them there is more to it than gifts. It would be nice if we spread this good will around more throughout the year, but you know, if you think about it, we don't do too badly.

You know, last night Mr M and I were watching a show on tv that had science and doctors of education tearing apart the Christian accounting of the birth of Christ. Why? There are some things in this world that are based on faith and belief. Why does the world of science feel this need to tear that apart and examine it? There is a place for science in the world. There's a need for it as there is a need to question everything and not follow blindly. However, what I can't understand is, if the gift of Faith and Spirituality has no place in, oh, say, the classroom, ie, to be able to teach the Greater Design theory, than science needs to have some boundaries as well. Science will destroy mankind if we're not careful with it. Not everything needs to be seen to be believed. We can't see Air but we know it's there.

I am moved by Divinity in whatever cloak It wears. It is holy, precious and meaningful. I refuse to use it as measuring stick to judge my fellow man by. We're all human. We're all fallible. Maybe the next time someone does something we see as divinely uncharitable, we need to stop and ask ourselves, what have we done lately?

Do a random act of kindness this week. It's catching.

Merry Solstice

I have two orders for Christmas cookies. LOL. At least one of them will not be delivered until the Monday after Christmas. One order I have to do on Thursday. They aren't paying orders and I'm happy to fill them.

I don't remember being this busy the last couple of years. I'm not complaining. It's kinda nice. Last night I just brought everything to a halt and watched Brothers Grimm with Troll. It was okay. Today is laden with chores and baking. Tomorrow night Mr. M and I are going to drive around and look at the X-mas lights. Our town has a contest every year. We're on the route but we haven't entered... not yet. We just don't have the electrical ability to sustain all the lights. That's on my agenda, to get another electrical box just for the lights. *grin* There still presents to wrap. I've been putting it off, but I am fast coming down to not being able to do that much longer. Today, Mr M has two funerals so he'll be gone most of the day. Maybe without the distraction I can get some major stuff done. Although, the writing muse is starting to nibble on the edges of my consciousness. I think I have an idea for a lead into my partner's current storyline...*grin* it'll be a twist I am confident he can roll with once he gets back. I have to remember to send him a note and ask a question or two before proceeding.

Today is the Winter Solstice. It's the turning point of Light into the year. it's also the longest night of the year. This will be followed by our days lengthening because the Sun climbs higher and higher into the heavens. So, I wish all of you out there, good health, lighter, healthier, happier days ahead.

Be Well.
Be Safe.
Prayers and positive thoughts still abound.
OH!
And......
Merry Christmas....hehehehe

Monday's Thoughts

Okay just so it can't be mistaken... this is a CHRISTMAS TREE.. *eye roll* Sometimes, people just go too far. I think we're getting too wound up in trying to be so damn politically correct on one hand and on the other, some are just getting too damn sensitive that they forget the bigger picture. I'm a non-Christian but do I get all bothered by someone wishing me Merry Christmas? No. I accept it in the spirit it is given and that's GOOD WILL among men. I can't tell a person's spiritual outlook by looking at them. They sure can't tell mine unless they see the small pentagram I wear on a chain around my neck. If someone says Merry Christmas to me, I have no problem with returning the greeting in the same manner it was given. I appreciate their intention. Let's not get all caught up in 'political correctness' that we let it overshadow the intention. You know, I'd like to give the person that came up with that description and definition a piece of my mind.. okay.. I'll keep my mind but I'd like nothing better than to smack them on the back side of their head with a nerf bat for crying out loud. People are getting to the point of not wanting to say anything for fear they will get in trouble, they will have someone in their face, someone correcting them. Gods, whoever started this mess must have a severe case of OCD (obsessive,compulsive disorder).

Now that I've gotten THAT out of my system for the moment *twitch*

I have been MIA. I'm in the middle of a torrid love affair with the Pillsbury Dough Boy and all his cousins and relatives. Yes, I know what that makes me.. a baking ijot. HA! Bet some of you thought I was going to say something else, huh? I am almost done with my baking. Don't ask me to recount how many types of cookies I have made. I can't tell you. I've either made one or two types each day. It's been fun but back breaking work. I've got maybe one or two more to do and then I'm done except for doling plates of them out to the neighbors and family. Mr. M took a big plate of them to his group meeting tonight.

Today was spent doing Christmas shopping with Sprout. If I didn't go, he wouldn't get it done. I did better than he did in the crowds today. I surprised myself. We stopped short of one present because he couldn't take it any more. So, tomorrow night he and Troll are braving the elements and going out. Sprout to get his sister's and FB's present and mine.. and I think Troll said something about getting one more thing for me. I'm finished. I finished up today. Why I am being so dang nice to FB is beyond me. *sigh* Now all that's left is to get them all wrapped. Ugh. After the first one, it's not fun anymore.

My blood pressure seems to be stabilizing. My blood sugar is all over the place but not so high to be alarming. I've been watching it. It never fails to amaze me how many things can affect it. I told the doctor that I believe after the holidays, things will settle back down. My routine has gone to hell in a hand basket. The only thing that seems to have any kind of routine is the exercising.

I have managed to work on the small mini series for the holidays for the Camelot mailing list and for Dark Towers as well. I'm hoping to finish up with it by the weekend. Then I am hoping to further my series for Dark Towers while my writing partner is off getting his winter tan and basking in good food, good fun and good company. All I can say is, it's about time, Mister. Did I mention that I was asked to create a new Camelot mailing list on Yahoo? It's very small at the moment. My major concern remains with Dark Towers and promoting it. We'll see how my partner feels about things when he gets back and what he has time for. His life on his side of the world is currently consuming. I would just be happy seeing him get back his creativity and desire to write. Even if he doesn't have the time to rp, I know that writing brought him joy. I'd like for him to have that back.

Be Safe, Be Well...
Prayers, well wishes, good thoughts are still floating around out there. Snag it if you need it...

Good Night Mr. Calabash, Wherever You Are

I feel like I'm in this vacuum, an isolated vacuum. It's just my own mind, I intellectually know this. I'm not even sure what has brought it on really. I sure am hoping that now that its visited it will go on its merry way.

In the meantime around the Grove. This whole place smells like cookies. I am a baking fiend, especially today. All week I have been busy with this and that. I was determined to stay home today, take it easy and focus on my baking, which I did. The house became nice and toasty and it even sputtered snowflakes outside. Nice. Mr M went shopping and I guess it was quite successful. He merely said,with a grin, " I can't wait for Christmas." Well, it wasn't his own presents he was referring to. He did take Troll off and confided in him, brats, both of them.

From being up on my feet all day, my back is killing me and I bet my blood sugar is up there. I've been so good since the beginning that I knew Christmas was going to be a pill. All those cookies. Most of them I baked with Splenda but I did take pity on the guys and baked a few things with real sugar *grin*.

Mr M apparently dropped in on a Christmas party for the VFW post and came home rather shaken up. One of their 'old timers' had a heart attack right there in the post and Mr M had to perform CPR. We talked when he got home. You really didn't think I was going to let him off the hook, did ya? He needed to talk about it, express himself and did so. If the man dies, I hope Mr M takes my words to heart and believes them for they were nothing but the truth of it. The man is in the hospital now and we'll learn more later. If this man passes over it isn't because nothing was done, but because his calling was higher than the mortal realm.

Tomorrow more cookies, the last of them, I think and the inner house stuff. I always swear I'll do better next year.. yeah... one day, maybe.

Be well, be safe, be wise....

Prayers, good thoughts and wishes continue...

Owie... *whining*and a *pouting*

I went to the doc's today. She is pleased with my progress and my continual weight loss. *patpat*. For now, she left my BP meds alone. She wants me back in a month and then she'll decide if she needs to tweak my meds again. She's also requesting a fasting blood test to see if my cholesterol has gone down and to check my blood glucose level. I still stick my fingers twice a day but the blood test is a more effective way of checking it.

I got my flu shot today. I feel icky. The doctor I got it from was suprised that it was my first ever flu shot. yeah. Well. Phbbt. I never would have gotten one either IF I wasn't a diabetic. If I understand it right, if I get the flu, it can be worse than it would have been if I hadn't been diabetic. Okay. I got the damn thing. Now I'm feeling icky and whiny. The world needs to go away and leave me alone, at least for today.

I bought some gingerbread mix that can be used for cake or cookies. I opted for cookies and they suck. Well, to me they do. It isn't the same as my made from scratch ones, so those are back on my list to remake. The Mexican Wedding Cookies came out great!

Okay.. so I'm out of here to go lie down for awhile before I need to start on the stew for dinner tonight. Ugh. Damn flu shot.

You've Been Elf-ed!

Life is all about asses

you're either covering it,
laughing it off,
kicking it,
kissing it,
busting it,
trying to get a piece of it,
or behaving like one .....

That's right, you've been " elfed " . Pass this on to as many people as possible, but you can't send it back to the person who sent it to you. He who elfs last, elfs loudest!!!!

Yowza

Has it really been almost a week since I updated this thing? How remiss of me. So, let's see what spills forth for the day,hm?

Sprout is feeling better. I pumped him up with meds and he's ready to go back to work tomorrow after two days off. Heck, I'm ready for him to go back. Actually, I don't mind having him around. Usually I don't get to see much of him. He's a good kid. I do have to hogtie him though and drag him out Christmas shopping. He's another one of those procrastinators. I really ought to make him go out with Mr. M who also belongs to that society, but I don't think either of them can handle;e being in crowds and in each other's company for shopping. LOL. Troll usually takes Sprout out and about, dragging him from place to place. It serves to satisfy Troll's oddball sense of humor. He knows that Sprout wants to get in and get out and not have to go to too many places in the process.

Yesterday was spent in Sacramento as Mr. M had to get a temp crown put on his bad tooth. It wasn't a wasted day for me. I got my Christmas cards done. Now I just have to do the letter that goes with some of them.

I still haven't gotten the inside of the house decorated. I'm falling behind, but hope to have it all done by the weekend. I have been making cookies, a different kind every night. I won't be putting together cookie trays until the week of Christmas. The tree goes up in the next day or two and I am ready for those two new fur babies of mine.. the little dickens. They are going to try and have a grand old time with that tree.

The execution that took place this morning:

I am all for a man reforming his ways, denouncing his destructive path, HOWEVER, that does not excuse nor does it negate what he was found guilty of, maliciously and wantonly taking four innocent lives. He claimed until the end that he could not apologize for something he did not do. Tried by a panel of his peers, he was found guilty of just that. A man faced with the end of his life, a man who claimed not to fear death should then go meet his Maker and stand in judgment.

For someone who denounced gangs, wrote books discouraging young people from joining them, how could he not want to help the police by answering their questions? By not wanting to be a snitch? He knew what these gangs are all about, especially since he was a founder of one.. if he was so all fired up to denounce it, then do what you can to help the police abolish it. If some of his 'buddies' ended up going to jail for crimes, then so be it. But no, he didn't want to be a snitch. So, what does that say about how much he denounced gang life? I was not impressed. Seems to more to me that here was a man trying everything in his power to stay alive, at whatever cost. Anyone can write a book encouraging children to stay away from gang life... anyone can say anything... in order to stay a alive.. how do we know he didn't play everyone to the end? Does it really matter now since he went to meet his Maker? We'll see. How many people will climb on the racial bandwagon? How many bleeding hearts, opposed to the death penalty, will board another? Our judicial system is not the best, it could be better and yes, there are times when Justice is blind, but it beats not having one at all. Go live in a country where you're shot or hung first and forget about even thinking of innocence. The bottom line is four innocent people died viciously and needlessly and someone did it and must be held accountable. He chose a trial by his peers and lost. He left this world defiant and self empowered. Now let him stand before the Divine and see just how empowered he really is.... the rest of us need to get on with our lives and mourning families need to finally heal.

This afternoon I'm heading out to get Daughter and the two of us are going to get the flu shot.. we finally found one of those clinics offering the shot. It may be late, but given our luck, without it, we'd catch the flu in the last month of the flu season and be miserable.

Thoughts, prayers and good energy still circulating...

Which Holiday Cartoon Character Are You?

I'm the: The Grinch:

Have you checked to see if your heart is two sizes too small? Christmas may seem too silly or sappy for you, but doesn't it look like everyone else is having fun? Join in the fun! Bake some cookies! Give some gifts! Go caroling! Have some eggnog! Cindy-Lou Who would want you to!

OOOOkay... I'm not sure how this one came out this way as my answers seemed anything but Grinch like. Try the test yourself.

Humpity Humpity

Damn! Who turned doen the furnace? Well, whoever did it, please turn it up a notch or two. My joints would really appreciate it. They say it might be possible for us to get a kiss of snow today. Now that would be something. It's not often we get snow more than once here in the valley.

I am so proud of myself. I managed to get a Yule train of thought going for both Dark Towers and Camelot. Now if only I can see it out. I don't expect it to bring in any action for either channel but I wrote it because I simply enjoy writing. I haven't had the time to indulge myself in that venture lately so it was nice to be able to crank something out.

I'm trying not to let myself get perturbed over the fact that this past month I only lost 8 pounds. Intellectually I know that I'm doing well if I simply don't gain anything over the holidays. Most people gain from 5 to ten pounds during this season. I guess I just expect more of myself. The exercising is okay... *snort* despite the comments I got about the 'bowling ball butt'..hehehe... I'm still managing one hour at 30 min intervals. I can see and feel the difference...

Mr M is out of bed today but this cold still has him by the throat. He has a couple of appointments to keep today so there's no way he can stay in bed. I had a headache that felt like the hell hounds had taken hold of and refused to let go and the beginnings of a sore throat last night. A couple of non-aspirin type and a good gargle seems to have taken care of that *knock wood* I can't afford to be sick. Pookie, Topper and I have a gingerbread house to construct this weekend.

Oh and if someone has any warm fuzzy mousie type slippers, send my way, will ya? I can't seem to keep my feet warm these days no matter what I put on them. Brrrr.

Warm thoughts, good wishes, and prayers still circulating...

In The Grove

Well you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men...

Mr. M has succumbed to his cold, not willingly, mind you, but you know how those things go. I made a phone call this morning to the Honor Guard that Mr. M wouldn't be available for this afternoon's funeral. Mr. M is a stubborn cuss and he would have gone, stood in this cold for untold hours and gotten worse, well no thank you very much. I can be just as stubborn. He's not going and he's not going to his Toys For Tots meeting tonight either. If I have to hogtie him, I will. This also means we can't go tree hunting today either, darn it. I could go without him, but this is something we like to do together. If he isn't feeling better by this weekend, I'll drag Troll. *snicker*

So far, I'm showing no signs of getting the cold, despite all the smooching Mr M and I have been doing. I'd like to keep it that way. Getting sick is not good for me, no no no. I'm now doing an hour on the bike every day. Of course it's broken up into two sessions of 30 minutes but I'm gettin' it done. By next year I better have a bowling ball butt to show for it. Sometimes it's all I can do just to get off the darn bike. It takes me longer to get off than to get on. I found my knees, at least right now, can't handle the stress of more tension from the bike, which I find a bit discouraging, but eventually I'll get to up the tension. In the meantime, I'll just up the time spent on the bike. I've seemed to have hit a small plateau for the moment, but I just keep on going, sooner or later I'm going to win out over my stubborn body.

The past few days have been clear but downright cold. That could be part of the reason my knees are acting up. Getting old is a PITA. There's not much I can do about that, but go along for the ride.

I hope everyone is being careful and safe through this holiday season and more importantly, enjoying themselves....

Prayers and good energies still floating out there...

Monday

Well, I've been working most of the morning to get some requested paperwork finished. The additional info for the recertification was faxed over to the State today as we got a letter we requested from the Board of Supervisors. I'm finishing up the other paperwork for vendor from hell.

Tree hunting is suppose to be today but I don't know.... we're still into many other things at the moment. I just want to get my tree bought so I don't have to venture out on the weekend. Besides, this weekend I get the grandkids.

Nothing really to report, except maybe my flustration at not being able to get around to writing. There's a couple of pieces I want to submit to Dark Towers and the Camelot list for Yuletide but dang if I know when I'll get the opportunity. Grrr.

For the second time I fell asleep in my chair and woke up around 6:15 am. Dang it, I need to stop that. My old knees are really starting to fuss about it. I remember reading a magazine and then the next thing I knew it was 6:00 am. geez.

Oh.. and for all those out there that have a stick up their butts about "Merry Christmas" and "Season's Greetings" Get a damn Life, will ya. Damn nitpickers. It's not all about how you say it. It's about how you show it. If yer getting butt hurt over a greeting, you really do need to examine your life, cause something is missing, that's for sure.

On A Sunday

Last night we went to see Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. Considering that its the longest written book in the series that JK has written to date, they did really well. There were some rumblings about this one being made PG-13 because it is a little 'dark', but to stay true to the tale, they could not have done it any other way. If they are old enough to read the book or have it read to them, then they're old enough to see the movie in my opinion.

Today was spent pretty lazily until Mr. M and I got it in gear and went into to town and braved a couple of stores. The tree hunting thing is being put off until tomorrow. I'm holding him to that. I have two presents left to get, Daughter's and Troll's. I'm splitting the cost for Trout's with Troll. The X-mas gift was Troll's idea. For Troll's gift, we may have to do some creative thinking. hehehe.

Yesterday Troll and I went into town to do some more shopping and sweaters were on sale. I needed a couple, which I bought. I fell in love with this really soft pink one and ended up putting it back. I just couldn't justify getting a third. Well, Troll pulled a sneaky and bought it for me. It was waiting on the seat of the car when we got in. Sneaky bugger, but I love him to bits.

Mr M is outside making my house lights work. The decorations are slowly going up. We're trying to take advantage of the good weather while we can.

Just finishing up with some paperwork for the PITA from hell. Her company is being audited. I think Mr. M got all the info retrieved. We had a computer crash several years ago and I'm not sure exactly how much of the info was lost. I just have to type up the stuff before sending it on its way.

I'm tired. I fell asleep in my chair in the bedroom last night and woke about six this morning all stiff and sore. I must not have slept very well either. Early night for me, I think, in my bed this time.

Quote For The Day

So, then, to every man his chance -- to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining golden opportunity -- to every man his right to live, to work, to be himself, to become whatever his manhood and his vision can combine to make him -- this, seeker, is the promise of America.
- -- Thomas Wolfe

What A Day

FB gets on my nerves right off the bat and I know better especially when I have to go to the med clinic. I even forgot to take my meds so when the clinician checked my BP, it was off the charts again. *sigh* I am always so careful to take my meds. Needless to say, we came home so I could take them. I guess I'll take her advice and keep a dose in my purse so if I ever forget again, I'll have them on me. Other than that, my appointment went well. I have one last appointment with her next month and then she's kicking me loose. I see my regular doc in a couple of weeks and she's not kicking me loose *grin*. I did really well through the holiday. I didn't gain any weight. I probably need to kick up the tension on the bike though. When there is a spike in my blood sugar though, she's didn't seem too worried about it. It's not like it's really high and it comes back down. It was a good appointment.

Good news: the recert paperwork got to Sacramento in time.
Annoying News: They want some more supporting documents. *sigh* No biggie. We get 30 days to get it done and I think we got it all covered. We'll be able to get it faxed over to her by tomorrow sometime. I'm tellin' ya, if ever the recert paperwork goes through without them requesting more supporting documents, I will be in shock. We have never had one instance of the recert going through smoothly. I was expecting it so I wasn't frustrated when the request came through. BUT, I am getting more and more convinced that after the next four years, he's hanging it up and truly be retired.

Well that's my day in a nutshell... time to go exercise.