It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Now that all of the Christmas decorations have been put away, have you started decorating for Valentine's Day?

Being that I was probably the only blogger in blogland to take down my Christmas tree THIS WEEK, I haven't started any Valentine decorating yet. Yes, you read that right, my tree was still standing as of earlier this week. In my defense, I've been busy (or has it been lazy!?) and have had on and off company 4 times since Christmas. I'm not complaining, I've love it! The Christmas tree take down obviously took a back burner and I wouldn't want it any other way!

The repairman was here yesterday at 9am to fix my dryer, company left after a french toast/pancake breakfast yesterday after a 2 day surprise visit, I had CPR class last night, and now I'm heading out for Camping Club weekend today. Maybe I'll get some Valentine decorating done next week...or maybe not!?

Happy Friday friends and have a wonderful weekend!

It's That Time Again

I have CPR class tonight. As a health care professional, I'm required to renew my CPR card every 2 years. It seems like I just took the class a few months ago! Really, where does the time go!?

Although my class tonight is just a refresher course, I always leave with a renewed sense of confidence should an emergency arise. Education is a powerful thing!

Regardless if you have taken a formal CPR class or not, if you are ever in a situation where CPR is needed, any help that you can give is better than no help at all. It truly may mean the difference between life or death for an individual.

If you are interested in taking a CPR class, calling the American Heart Association would be a good place to start. We always have EMT's from a local ambulance company come teach our classes at work. They bring all of the equipment, teach the class, then give us the written exam which is provided by the American Heart Association. Please don't let the idea of a written exam deter you if you are interested. Honestly, I've never seen anyone not pass a class. The goal is to educate and the instructor will make sure that everyone is successful in making that happen. If you get a good instructor, the class can actually be alot of fun.

The initial CPR class takes longer but my refresher course will be under 3 hours. If you've never taken CPR, why not think about it. The time and effort to get certified is minimal and will absolutely be worth it!

"Meet Me On Monday"

While blog hopping last night, I came across this fun "Meet Me On Monday" linky party here and thought I'd join in (hey, it's Monday and I got nothin' new to say!)...plus, it's always fun to find out little tidbits about our blogging buddies.

So, without further ado (adew?):

1. Have you (only you..not a group) ever won first place in anything?

You know, I don't think I have ever won first place in anything solo, but I was employee of the quarter a few years back!

2. Are your toes always painted (sorry guys...this question for girls only)?

They are always painted from early Spring through Fall but I don't necessarily make the effort during the winter months (unless I've got some fun, dressy Christmas parties to go to!)

3. What color eyes do you have?

Blue

4. Look to your left....what do you see?

A table, lamp, bottle of water, and a Milky Way candy wrapper!

5. Soft cookies or crunchy cookies?

Soft cookies!

(Do you know the proper spelling of "without further ado, adew?")

Is It Really Over!?!

I can't believe I'm actually saying this but I'm sad that Christmas is over. It was slow going at first but once I got into the Christmas groove, I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday season and hated seeing it come to an end. I've NEVER felt this way and truthfully I'm a little shocked at myself. I'm usually relieved (elated is more like it!) when it's all said and done.

I don't know why this year was so different, but it was, and I couldn't be happier about it. After all these years I've finally wised up and am learning to enjoy life and all that it has to offer. I have made a conscious effort over the last few years to slow down, calm down, enjoy more, participate more, listen more, give more, and to be all that I can be. I've spent way too many years being wound up too tight and it's exhausting! Life is so much more fun now!

One of the things that made me happy this Christmas was my little Santa tree that I put together. I decided last year that I wanted to put up a Christmas tree this year with just Santa ornaments on it. I already had some ornaments on hand but I started seriously collecting them throughout the year and then picked up a few recently. I was also able to find one of a kind Santa ornaments at thrift stores for next to nothing and ended up with quite a collection. I put the Santa tree in our bar area and every time I walked past this tree, it put a smile on my face...










What are some things that made you smile this holiday season?

Up To My Eyeballs In Glitter!

A good nickname for my house these days would be "the house of glitter!" I have been busy making table arrangements for a Christmas party and I've got glitter everywhere, and I do mean everywhere! I'm sure we'll be seeing glitter sparkles around the house for months to come!

We have a close friend Lynn who owns a restaurant and we've become friendly with some of her other regular customers too. We tease that we have our own "Cheers" group just like the TV show but it's really true. This small group has become like family.

A few weeks back Lynn had a dinner for our group and mentioned that she wanted all of us to come for a special Christmas dinner on Monday, Dec. 20th. At the time, we were all seated at one long table and I told Lynn that I'd make the table arrangement for our get together on the 20th, thinking that it would pretty much be the same. One long table, very casual, no big deal. Little did I know!

Long story short, my husband happened to mention that Lynn was closing down the restaurant the night of the 20th for the party. It seemed odd to me that she would close down the restaurant for our little group dinner so Howard called her and come to find out, she was closing down because it was her employee and special customers Christmas party! She hired a DJ, was expecting about 40 guests, and here I had VOLUNTEERED to do the table decorations! I immediately felt panic but it all turned out beautiful, glitter and all!

Here is a glimpse as to what my dining room table has looked like this past week. Centerpieces for 6 tables, candy in ribbon adorned dishes, and candles, all waiting to be delivered to the party...




The restaurant looked so festive with the red tablecloths and green napkins. Lynn's twin daughters folded the napkins to look like poinsettias and did such a great job...



It was such an enjoyable evening and Lynn was so happy and thankful for the decorations. I was just happy that she was happy!

A Terrible Loss

Such a fine example of grace, dignity, and courage. Elizabeth, I hope you had a joyous reunion with your precious son Wade. May you rest in peace.

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Is it just me or are you as sick as I am of seeing all of the "Christmas vignettes" in blogland? I'm really not a scrooge at all but if I see one more vignette I think I'll switch permanently to Facebook!

Truth be told, I think I just might be a tad bit jealous. I'm so behind in my holiday decorating and I don't have the energy to get started. It can all be a bit overwhelming don't you think? In my mind I have these wonderful grandeoise plans but in reality, I'm just too plain TIRED!

I've never tried those 5 hour energy drinks or ever had a Red Bull (people at work drink them like water...remember, we start work at o'dark thirty!)

Today's feeling like a Red Bull day!