The New Year's Pledges

Well people, it's that time of the year again.  Call it what you want, resoultions, pledges, promises, etc., it's all the same.  On the last day of the year, we take a good, hard look at ourselves during the past 364 (or 365 if it's been Leap Year).  What is it we have not liked about ourselves and what are we going to do to change those things? 

 New Year's Day can be a new beginning, I guess.  Most people seem to put losing weight on their list.  (Yeah....... right after the football games and all the chips/dip and buffalo wings w/ ranch or bleu cheese and beer you can scarf down.) 

Next on the list is excerise.  Dang, we all know you have to do it.  You can even get mad at your trainer, machines, and friends that promised to be your buddy in this adventure, but yet always seem to cop out on you.  Doesn't matter.  It's a habit you have to get into. 

I used to have drinking/smoking on my lists at one time.  I gave up smoking on day in the summer about 8 years ago.  A waste of money and a crutch.  Have I wanted another one?  hhhhmmm... rarely.... maybe once or twice in that.  Now, it makes me want to puke.....   I still have a drink every once in a while, but not often.  I don't get sh*t-f*c*d; I'm to old and out of practice for that and to be honest, it's not pretty. I remember seeing a girl at a party about 10 years ago sick as dawg. She wasn't pretty during that time when her boyfriend was holding her hair while she <you know> and then the crying afterward.  OMG!  If you ever want to stop drinking, my advice is to be sober and watch someone do those things.  <advice: if you really want to quit drinking, just imagine you in their place... not pretty... it's enough to make you change>           I guess those are my true success stories.  But, as a disclaimer to this whole entry: Not done because of a pledge to myself on the first day of the year.

If I have to make a pledge, promise or resolution to myself, it's this:  Be the best, fair, kind, honest, yet stand up for your beliefs type of person I can be.  Acknowledge those people around you that make your life livable, fun, true.  Give a pat on the back when earned and a kick in the rump when needed.  Also, expect the same in return. 

Never fear, if you screw up Lent is right around the corner.  Take your confessions to Father Ray. He has a magic way of making you feel ok with it.  Maybe by the end of the 40 days, it'll have become a habit. 

I hope you have a wonderful 2006!

New Animals of the South

Yes folks, these animals are found in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains,  actually, about 5 miles or so from where I live. Actually, this guy isn't the only camel in our area.  I know of one more about 5 miles in the other direction.  If you look at the red barn in the background, you will see a zebra.  Also, there is a llama but no pictures of him.  He (or she...) didn't come out until I was pulling away. 

I just think it's fascinating that somewhere, beneath the shadows of mountains live animals that normally live on other continents.

The Day After Christmas

The day after Christmas and all through house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even that little mouse!

I waited with patience, I waited with self discipline,

I waited until I knew what would be my des-a-tine!

I jumped in the car and away I went,

I rolled into the parking lot, not thinking of money to be spent!

As I walked, and  I looked,

I should have known, I was hooked!

I found a little of this, a little of that,

What did I need?  Not shoes, wallet or hat!

It was all right there, all on sale,

I just couldn't find a thing, it all looked stale!

I left with a bag of salad, a small amount of grapes,

I didn't even look at the rack of tapes!

I checked out of the store and into the car I would pour,

I laughed when I left, I could stand it no more!

As I drove away, and then, out of sight,

I yelled 'Turkey salad is the dinner tonight!'     

 

Happy Day After Christmas!! 

Disclaimer: Does it really have to make a lot of sense??  It's poetic justice!! 

 

 

 

 

 

Laundry Baskets....

Laundry baskets are not just for laundry..... They should be in the 'top five' list of things that make your life easier!!  For example, just few minutes ago, I'm packing up the stuff I'm taking to the parent's house to cook, you know, all the heavy stuff.  Heavy duty bag just falls apart... Whatever will I do??  I go hunting my favorite 'carry-all' laundry basket.  I use it when I need to take a lot of things to school and other places.  What's so great about it??  It's lightweight, has handles, is rounded on one side to sit on my hip when I have to open doors and it fits into the car just nicely!  Easy in, easy out... my kind of easy....  AAAaawwww... the things to be grateful for this time of year....

BTW, Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!    

Christmas

Sometimes, I think life just passes me by.  What is all this about the issue of a politically correct Christmas??   I know, I know.... it is an issue and don't be mistaken when I say I can complain and have a fit just as well as the next person.  (No, I don't like it and you know, I really don't understand it, hence, the life passing thing...)  Here's the thing:  I'm just not in the mood to complain about it right now.  I sat down to write some big long whining thing, but heck NO!  I refuse to let those few people that are trying to change the spirit of my (and your) Christmas!!  Get out there people!!  Sing the old songs as loud as you can!  Sing them until you have no voice left!!  Tell EVERYONE you see MERRY CHRISTMAS and if they don't like it, they can just get over it.  I mean, what are they going to do?  Turn you into the Christmas PC Cops?  Well, maybe..... but just remember this.... IT'S YOUR HOLIDAY, PEOPLE!  You can call it whatever you want as well as those guys that are complaining about it....  We should let them be the ones that are politically incorrect....  Think about it....

OK, I didn't really whine.  I just made a couple of statements.  Now, I'm going to take a nap! 

Oh yeah, I forgot, MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 

The Spirit of Christmas

   The kids I teach are ages 15-21 and have a child's mind within the body of an adult.  This can be difficult for those who have never been exposed to this population.  After the shock wears off, most find these kids to be fun, humorous, easy-going, and unconditional with their love.  This is the most fun anyone can have and still get paid! 

Tonight I went to a Christmas party at the sheltered workshop where many adult people with mental retardation work.  What excitement in the air!!  For some of the employees that work there, especially the older ones, this will be the only Christmas they will have.  They were excited!!  Presents to open, bags filled with favorite treats, socks, hats, gloves, mugs, trinkets of all kinds brought rounds of laughing and excitement!!  How easy to satisfy these simple people!  They do not realize the difference between the price of  a squishy ball and a diamond ring!  In fact, most of them had rather have the squishy ball!!  How refreshing it is to be able to satisfy someone with so little.....   For me, tonight brought back the true meaning Christmas.... It's not how much, big, expensive or perfect the present, it's the simplistic gifts that bring the brightest spots of happiness!

Customer Service: Is that not taught anymore?

I worked retail for many, many years.  One of the things that was always preached was customer service!  Smile, acknowledge the customer, be helpful, assist as needed, etc. 

I stopped by Kroger's to pick up a couple of things in case I had to throw a dish together for some function.  I shopped, got in check-out line, and put my things on conveyor belt.  The guy just started checking my items...... WHILE he proceeded to have a conversation with the bagger about time off at Christmas.  Never said hello or acknowledged me in any way.  Their conversation lasted the whole time he was checking me out.  Finally pay time and I want a little extra cash. I run the debit card through (debit cards machines are a whole 'nother entry!!), do the pin number, wait and then the next step is different than all the others (of course).  It just says, is this amt ok or do you want cash?  There was no clear button for cash, they looked like the same button. (their conversation is continuing.....) and I click a button.  OF COURSE, it's the WRONG button!!  And the checker rather moaned, eyes rollin' in his head, says, 'Ma'am, you cancelled it!!!'.... Conversation with bagger continues.... I go through the debit routine again, just pressed anything to get out of there so I don't have to hear the whining of the bagger about his right to have off days. Finally the sale goes through, and the bagger is finished as well.  He is stalking off  to find some soul who he thinks should be sympathetic and cares if he gets his days off.  Neither said, 'Thank you, Do you need help out to the car, Have a good day, etc....  This is why I do not go shopping at Christmas time..... And, another reason I don't work retail!! 

I went to the car, loaded it, and on the way home listened to the Vega Boys singing 'Sex on the Beach' as well as Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet singing 'Five O' Clock Somewhere'.  Another place, another time of year, and more fun stuff to do!!