Advice For The New Year

I received this from a friend at work and thought it had some good advice for us to follow this upcoming new year. Here is a handbook for 2010.

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip..
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree....

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change...
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.

Is It Just Me...

Or has this been a really nice Christmas season!?! We've had such a great, stress free time with family that I hate to see it end. My sister was right when she said she hasn't had this nice of a Christmas in years. My two sisters had a little spat in October when we were all in Colorado but things cleared up before Christmas. Maybe it paved the way for a "be nice and watch your words" holiday season this year. Whatever the case, it worked!

My parents arrived last Monday night and split their time between my sister Kim's house and mine. They left yesterday morning to return to Denver and I must admit I really miss having them around. Normally I would have been frazzled with pre-Christmas activities, work, shopping, cooking, company, etc., but with me being off of work I've just enjoyed it all...even with a hurt foot. We've played games, eaten out, cooked at home, gone to the movies, watched movies at home, entertained, and yes, shopped a little. All 5 adults here had laptops so we had lots of computer time too. Each of us sitting around the dining room table on our own laptop, reading things to each other. Gosh, I should have taken a picture of it! All of this has me wondering, even though I love my career and truly do enjoy my job, might it be time to step back and relax. Time to hang up my stethoscope so to speak. I guess we'll see what the new year brings.

I'll be busy busy today. We're going out of town tomorrow to spend New Year's with a group of our RV friends. I guess there will be about 30 of us so I've got alot of preparing to do. Lots of food planning and party planning going on.

Sooo, if I don't get another chance to talk to you this week, Happy New Year friends! Be safe and I truly hope 2010 is a blessed year for all of you!

See you next year!

It's Only Tuesday...

But I'm nosy and have Friday's question for you today: Do you set New Year's Resolutions? If so, do you write them down on paper?

I usually do set a few New Year's resolutions or goals for myself but I don't write them down on paper. I'm going to write them down this year. Maybe it will make me more accountable if it's on paper.

I know one thing for sure, after not being very mobile this past month, one of my goals will be to start exercising again when I'm able. I'm looking forward to getting back out there and walking. You don't realize how much you take something for granted until you can't do it anymore.

Last year I said I was going to cut back on computer time. Yeah right! Truthfully though, I did cut back but it's a resolution worth repeating.

Then there's the cook more, clean more, sleep more, eat less goals. You know the drill!

I'm looking forward to the new year with a new beginning. 2009 was a tough year for alot of people in alot of ways. I say welcome 2010!

And It Was Over In A Flash

Well, another Christmas has come and gone. We spend so much time anticipating the holidays and then they're over just like that. Is it only me, or do you feel kinda let down after Christmas? While I'm sad on the one hand that it's over, I'm relieved on the other. It always nice to put my Christmas things away, clean clean clean, and then start off the new year with a fresh start. This year is a little different though. I'm just counting down the days and weeks until my foot heals. This whole foot thing is now starting to get on my last nerve. Enough already. I guess you just can't keep a good woman down!

We had a very nice and relaxing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas is usually at my house but thankfully my sister Kim hosted it this year and it turned out great. My parents are here visiting from Colorado and my sister, her husband, and Brandon drove up early Christmas morning. We talked, ate, played games, and we took lots of pictures. Here are a few pictures of my fun, crazy, beautiful family...









Fun times, wonderful memories!

From Our Home To Yours...

And a very happy and healthy New Year!

A Christmas Card Idea

I was reading earlier where a fellow blogger asked what people did with their Christmas cards that they receive. I shared with her a little tradition of mine that I did for years and it's a tradition I intend to start back up...this year!

During the holidays, as the Christmas cards were received, I always put them on display. I still do this each and every year. I have a special card display holder that I put all of the photo cards on for people to see and the regular cards get displayed in another card holder. My tradition involves what I would do with the cards after Christmas was over.

After the holidays, I would put the photo cards on our bulletin board in the kitchen and then keep the regular cards in a drawer nearby. Each week I would take one Christmas card and pray for that family during the week. I also tried to send the family a little note letting them know that I had been praying for them all week.

It's something so simple yet meant the world to others. I started this when my kids were small, but for one reason or another, probably busyness I'm sure, my little tradition fell by the wayside. Well writing about it now has spurred me on to start doing this once again.

Sooo, if you sent me a Christmas card this year, just know that you'll be specifically prayed for in the upcoming year...and for a whole week too!

Good Friends, Good Times!

We had such a great time at the Christmas party last night. There really is nothing better than good friends. I didn't take alot of pictures but did manage to take a few. This of course is a picture of the guys. Every single one of these men are treasures. If an emergency were ever to happen, we could call anyone of them and they'd be here for us in a minute, and vice versa. In this day and age, that says alot about their character.

And the same goes for these beautiful women. They are all such warm hearted, giving ladies and I count it a blessing to call them friends. It's obvious that we are all different ages, but we just click. I just noticed that in the picture, each of has our hand touching or our arm around one another showing affection. That truly sums up how we feel about each other.


I'm always a little sad when we leave them because I feel torn. As I've mentioned before, we are planning to move to Colorado next year and while I want to move out of California in the worst way, it will break my heart to leave these dear friends. Good friends don't happen overnight and neither did these relationships. They've taken time to develop and cultivate and the thought of not seeing them regularly is a hard pill to swallow. The thread in the silver lining is that we do own a motorhome, and they are our camping club friends, so it's not like we won't be seeing them anymore. I'm sure we'll be able to meet up with them at least a few times a year for some camping fun.

We got home around 11:30pm and Courtney was in our bed watching TV. Lights were on, shutters were closed tight, and the house was locked up like Fort Knox. She gets a little scared here alone, but luckily she had Jake to keep her company. This is how I found him when we got home...all comfy cozy with his nose buried in between the pillow and blanket. Even little doggies get cold too huh!


If you haven't done so already, don't forget to leave a comment on my 400th post giveaway below. You still have time. We'll pick winners on Wednesday.

Take care and have a great day!

Happy Sunday And A Surprise!

Happy Sunday everyone! Only 5 more shopping days left until Christmas! Are you guys ready!?! I got lucky this year in that both kids were home so we were able to go out with them and get lots of things picked out. It's not easy buying gifts when your kids don't live close by anymore. You never know what they want or need. Plus, this year with me being on crutches, I just needed it to be hassle free.

For the 3rd time in the last 2 weeks, we're headed down south to Orange County today (3 hours away) to attend a Christmas party. These are camping club friends and it should be alot of fun. We go camping with the same group of friends once a month but we haven't been able to go for the past 3 months. It will be so nice to see everyone today. I'm really looking forward to it...with the exception of the drive to and fro.

I can hardly believe it but I just noticed that this is my 400th post! Incredible! I was so hesitant and scared when I first started blogging and thought I'd never have a thing to say but here I am 400 posts later. It's been a blast, thank you!

I think we need to celebrate with a 400th post GIVEAWAY don't you! I don't have a clue what the gift(s) will be but just leave me a comment and you'll be entered. Nice and easy, that's my motto! Little Sis (Courtney) is home from college so I'll have her draw a name(s) on Wednesday. Sounds like a plan!

Well I guess I'd better go get my party clothes on. It's time to head on out for some Christmas fun!

All In A Days Work

After having my handsome son with us for a week, it was time yesterday to bring him home. I still call my house, our house, his home but really it's not anymore. He's got a place of his own with roommates and all. Oh and by the way, have I told you about his roommates? He lives with triplets, girl triplets! Really, no lie, and it's strictly platonic! No one was home when we dropped him off so we didn't get to meet them but hopefully we'll meet them soon.

Brandon had been renting a furnished place previously so his furniture was here with us...we'll actually not with us here in the house but at a small storage unit a few blocks away. We figured since he was home this would be a good time to clean out the unit which was full of his furniture, clothes, stereo unit, hockey equipment, etc. Cleaning out the storage unit, and his old closet here at home, was one step closer to decluttering and getting ready for a possible move this summer. It felt good to get it done.

We rented a small U-Haul to bring everything to his apartment so this is what I followed for the 3 hour drive south...


The guys drove the U-Haul but I was perfectly content with my company. My ever present traveling companion...


When we got off the freeway in Anaheim, my window was right next to a one way sign. It was so pretty I had to snap a couple pictures of it. Have you ever seen a one way sign done up so nicely? It was a first for me.



After the truck was unload and good-byes were said, we dropped off the U-Haul at a rental place nearby and headed home in my car. We hit lots and lots of traffic but were treated to the most incredible sunset. I tried taking pictures but I was busy driving so they didn't turn out so well. I just ended up with lots of blurry pictures. Howard was sleeping so I entertained myself with talking pictures while I drove. I took this one of the traffic ahead of me...


And this one of the traffic behind me...


I bet the car in back of me thought I was nuts when I stuck my hand out the window and took a picture of them. Trust me, it doesn't take alot to keep me entertained!

Mashed Potatoes and All Things Pink

Macey's sister Mckenzie (my daughter's best friend) started a blog about Macey and her recovery. Mckenzie reports daily on Macey's progress. Here is the link if you'd like to check it out for yourself:

http://mashedpotatoesandallthingspink.blogspot.com

Macey's picture pops up immediately on the right. She's changed her hair color since I last saw her in October but you can see what a gorgeous girl she is. She looks beautiful in the picture but is truly stunning in person! By the way, all of that hair had to be shaved off for surgery. I believe she has staples from her forehead all the way to the back of her head. It's ok though, it's only hair!

As you might have guessed, she loves mashed potatoes and all things pink!

How About Some Updates...

Happy Monday all! Can you believe Christmas is only 11 days away!?! Yikes is all I have to say about that!

We came home at the end of last week with Brandon in tow. He had an 8 day hospital stay and was treated for Pancreatitis. He's doing much much better now and is watching his diet very carefully. He has to be careful to not eat greasy or fatty foods and drink absolutely no alcohol or he could have flair ups from time to time. Trust me, he doesn't want any flair ups, ever!

Macey is improving daily and is a Christmas miracle for sure! She came out of her coma and has her complete memory in tact from what they can tell. She was also extubated recently and is now talking, but in a low, raspy voice. At least 2 surgeries are needed but they we're waiting for her brain pressure to stabilize, and thank goodness it has. Macey's family is so thankful for all of the prayers on her behalf, and say thank you to all. They have literally felt covered in prayer and give all the glory to God for sparing Macey's life. They are so grateful.

Although Macey has shown great improvement, they are praying for signs of movement on her left side. They've seen no movement there at all. She has come so far in such a short time but does exhibit problems associated with right side brain injury. She has a long, difficult road ahead of her but she definitely is our Christmas miracle!

As for me, I'm hobbling right along (with crutches) with the best of them. Believe me, this is such a royal pain but really, what can you do about it. It just makes me appreciate my health all that much more and I'm looking forward to and counting down the weeks until I can walk normally again. I feel like my life has been put on hold but I don't for a minute forget that I'm at least at home and not laying flat on my back in a hospital bed like Macey and so many others out there. My problems pale in comparison and I know it.

So much has transpired since Thanksgiving but there have been highlights, and yesterday was one of them. Do you remember last Christmas when my best friend Cindy moved to Oregon? Well, yesterday I got to see her and spend time with her, along with some other very close friends. I just love these women and spending time with them was great for the soul. It's so true that you don't know what you've got until it's gone because let me tell you, I've missed Cindy (and Kathy!) beyond words.
















(Lee and her grandson, myself, Cindy, Gina, and Kathy)

Cindy, Kathy, and I were the 3 musketeers at work for alot of years. Boy, those were the days! Last year Cindy moved to Oregon, Kathy started doing dialysis in the hospital setting, and would you believe those 2 girls left me high and dry...well not exactly, at least I've still got Lee and Gina!

Take care friends and Happy Monday!
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It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: How do you feel about going to the dentist?

I've gone to the same dentist for 20 years. I'm so comfortable with him and trust him so much that I don't ever mind going to my appointments. He is a talented artist and pianist as well so because of his artistic skills, I'm never afraid that he isn't going to do good work. As a matter of fact, I always feel that I'll look my best when I leave because of his perfectionist personality. I also love his staff. He's had the same dental assistant for the entire 20 years that I've been going to him. It was her first job out of dental assisting school and she's still with him all these years later. They make a great team.

Today he fixed my chipped tooth. I don't feel like a hillbilly anymore!

We came home late yesterday with Brandon in tow after his 8 day hospital stay. He's here to get some "motherly" love as he put it on Facebook. He wants some motherly love and attention, no problem! I'm all over it!
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Update On Macey And Brandon

Below is an update from Macey's family from just this morning...

"Hi everyone. Throughout the night and this morning Macey's condition has remained the same. She still has the fever and the ice blankets are still surrounding her trying to cool her down. She got a new nurse that has been very compassionate and willing to answer any questions. The brain pressure continues to fluctuate from 8-14, to put this in better perspective, the nurse informed us that "normal pressure" is 7-8 so she is still within a safe range. So please continue to pray that that remains the same, and for her temperature to go down so we can remove those ice blankets. She is still in the drug-induced coma and highly medicated so we haven't seen any signs of responsiveness, but she knows she has all the time in the world, and God will heal her in His time. We appreciate all the prayer requests that are going on this Sunday in churches around the world. It truly brings us comfort to know this is going on today. Macey has been given a new day with new promises and hope. Continue to pray. We'll update throughout the day. We love you so much Macey."

Please keep the prayers going. Also, if you will, please remember my son in your prayers too as he is still hospitalized. He keeps battling a temperature too. We'll be heading down to Orange County this afternoon to be with him. They're talking possible surgery and I just keep praying that it's not needed. If it has to be, it has to be, but Brandon is a 24 year old without insurance. Because he's over 21, we haven't been able to have him on our policy for a few years now. His hospital bill is going to be staggering as it is, much less if surgery is needed.

Oh, and guess what else! My front tooth chipped! I look like a hillbilly! My tooth was fine when I went to bed Friday night but I woke up yesterday with a chipped front tooth. I seriously must be grinding my teeth in my sleep these days. I'll have to hobble into the dentist's office when we get back home. I'm gonna look so pretty talking to Brandon's doctors with my front tooth all chipped up and walking on crutches!

I just keep reminding myself, this too shall pass!
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A Case Of Neighbor Envy

There's just too much going on right now plus the clips that hold our outdoor lights don't fit on our new roof tiles. Do you think our neighbor would get mad if we just decorate like this...


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Update on Macey

First of all, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of support you have shown to Macey and her family. I knew the blogging community would band together in prayer, and you certainly have. I'm sure the family can feel the prayers that have been said for them. Thank you so much!

Mckenzie and Courtney made it to the hospital safe and sound at about 1:30am this morning. Mckenzie's longtime boyfriend Tim was already there. He also goes to Arizona State but luckily had been attending a meeting in Los Angeles. He was the first one to get to the hospital. It's still sketchy how anyone was notified of the accident because they don't think Macey had any ID on her. I do know her roommate became worried when she didn't come home and that may have started it.

Mckenzie, Tim, and Courtney were allowed to go in the room alone to see Macey and of course they just lost it. Macey is in very very bad shape. Stitches, bruises, broken bones, punctured lung, head trauma, tubes coming out of everywhere, and they had to shave off all of her gorgeous long hair. My heart breaks for Mckenzie. It's certainly not a way to see your one and only sibling, and cherished sister. It's heartbreaking for Courtney and Tim too. These 4 kids are like siblings themselves having been best friends for many years.

So right now, this is what we know. No alcohol was involved by the driver. Apparently Macey was wearing all dark colors, jogging when it was dark, and the driver didn't see her. The doctors are saying it can go either way. She is in a drug induced coma due to her head injuries. They did remove part of her skull to relieve pressure on her brain and as of this morning, the swelling had decreased somewhat. Prayers are already being answered!

Again friends, thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for this family. The doctors say if she pulls through she could be in the hospital for months. It will be a very long haul for all of them.

(You will never hear me say one more word about my measly little broken ankle. Things were suddenly put into perspective when we heard about Macey, and rightfully so!)
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Urgent Prayer Request

~~SECOND POST TODAY~~

Please say an urgent prayer for my daughter's dear friend Macey. Macey is the sister of Mckenzie who is my daughter's longtime best friend and roommate in college. Macey was jogging this evening and was struck by a car. It doesn't look good. She is in surgery now with serious head injuries.

My daughter and Mckenzie are driving from Tempe, AZ down to Long Beach, CA where Macey is a student at Long Beach State. They're calling me every hour to let me know that they're safe on the road. Macey and Mckenzie's mom and grandmother are in transit now as well. Luckily, Howard will be able to go over to the hospital tomorrow to be with these dear friends and our daughter. I might have to pack up Jake and head down south myself. This being out of the loop with Brandon, and now Macey, is killing me.

So much has transpired over this last week that it's unnerving, but broken ankle or not, my knees hit the floor in prayer the minute I got the news. Please keep Macey and her family in your prayers too. I'm sure their Mom Robin would be forever grateful.

Here is a picture of beautiful Macey. She is on the left, her sister Mckenzie is in the middle, and my Courtney is on the right. This was taken in October during Parent's Weekend at Arizona State.

Well, I Had My Cry...

And I do feel a little better, thank you. I was doing ok until I started reading the beautiful, heart-felt comments you all have left me and well, that did it. The tears started rolling! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment to encourage and lift me up. I appreciate every single one and I certainly appreciate every single one of you. Blogging friendships are real and I treasure this part of my life. I think about my blogging friends constantly and when you hurt, I hurt, and I know you feel the same. That's just one thing that makes blogging and bloggers so unique and special.

I had my ortho appointment yesterday and all went well. I was thrilled when the doctor said I'd do fine without a cast and that I could use the big black boot instead. At least I'm able to shower and not have to hang my leg over the tub like I did yesterday. So much easier!

Brandon is still in the hospital and looks like he may be there for a few more days. They are giving him pain meds for his stomach and back pain but all of his tests have come back negative, thank goodness! They thought he may have ulcers but I think they've ruled that out. It wouldn't surprise me. Brandon keeps all of his worries and stresses inside, just like I did when I was younger. I probably still do to an extent but the difference is that I've learned to give my worries to God. That's exactly what God wants us to do but it's not easily done, especially when you're young and want to be in control. Brandon is very quiet and sensitive and it's like pulling teeth to get information from him. He gets anxious and stresses easily but keeps it bottled up inside. Poor thing needs to realize that it's futile and just not necessary. As much as I tell him to give things to God, to let God carry his burdens, he obviously still carries the load on his shoulders. It's not easy being young but Brandon makes it harder. It breaks my heart.

It's funny how kids from the same family are so different. My daughter is very open and discusses so much with us, often calling and asking for advice or for us to pray about something for her. Brandon on the other hand, completely opposite. I don't know why he feels like he has to go it alone. Again, it breaks my heart and it's something that can reduce me to tears in nothing flat. It sure didn't make me feel any better that I couldn't go be with him in the hospital yesterday but hopefully he'll come home to recuperate for a few days. No matter how old you are or how in control you think you are, you need your mother at certain times (even if she is on crutches!)

I didn't mean to spill my heart out like this, I'm sorry, but our kids can make our feelings so raw sometimes. Thank you for listening and especially thank you for your prayers. They are very much felt and appreciated!

When It Rains It Pours!

We got a phone call last night that our son was at the ER with severe stomach pains. He is no wimp so we knew the pain must have been really bad for him to actually go to the hospital. They did an ultrasound late last night so we're waiting now to hear the results. In the meantime, Howard is on his way to the hospital to be with Brandon, who lives 3 hours away. Needless to say, I'd appreciate it if you'd please keep Brandon in your prayers.

I'm doing ok. I have an appointment today to see the orthopedist and will more than likely get a cast put on. I'm hoping for the big boot instead of a full on cast.

Howard may be gone for a few days with Brandon so I'll need to be independent, broken ankle or not. Again, the timing couldn't be worse. I'm not a crier but I feel like crying right now. I'm feeling just a tad bit overwhelmed!

Unbelievable and Just My Luck!

How was your Thanksgiving? I've been away from the computer for days and feel so out of the loop. I've got alot of catching up to do!

My Thanksgiving was very nice and relaxing. I was able to spend some time with my son and lots of time with my sister so I was in heaven. This year was definitely different though. My son and I went in one direction and my husband and daughter went in another. Howard wanted to see what Colorado was like in the winter since we hope to be moving there this summer, and wouldn't you know it, no snow! He was able to look around at different areas though and is growing to like Colorado more and more. It was also really nice for my parents to have family there for the holiday.

My sister Debbie and her SIL are veteran thrifters so we had a ball visiting all of Debbie's favorite thrift shops on Friday. It was a perfect girl's day out! Debbie's SIL is a doll and I just love getting together with her each Thanksgiving. So different from my SIL, but that's a whole different story.

Early Sunday afternoon Debbie and I took the dogs outside before we were heading out to do some running around. I don't know exactly what happened but the next thing I knew I was sprawled out on the driveway and I wasn't sure what hurt the most, my left ankle or my right knee. After a few minutes, I hobbled upstairs and right away my ankle started swelling up. This is what it looked like Monday morning. Just look past the scaly leg. My legs are dry and peeling from Hawaii and in need of a good shave.


Stubborn person that I am, I insisted that I could drive Jake and myself home yesterday, and I did. I drove straight to my job to show them my foot and let them know that I wouldn't be in today. I then dropped Jake off at home and headed to the ER. They of course took x-rays and yes indeed, it's broken. I can't believe it! Could the timing be any worse!? I had such plans for this week and for the weeks ahead. Christmas is only weeks away and here I am with a broken ankle. Unbelievable! I go to the Orthopedist either tomorrow or Thursday for my cast. Hopefully I can get a walking cast after 3 weeks and can get things in gear for Christmas. Thank goodness I have alot of my shopping done already. As for work, there goes my perfect attendance. I just may have gotten myself an extended vacation!

I'll keep you posted!