New Year Ahead
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Posted:Jan 2, 2010 8:07 pm
Last Updated:Jan 4, 2010 9:00 am
1459 Views
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Well it's time to get back to reality again. I've been off for a while on vacation or really just heading out for the holidays visiting numerous friends. It was great fun. I even got to see friends I had not seen in 30+ years! We made a special trip to see the family of one of my old baby sitters from a LONG time ago. It turns out, her is engaged to be married to my wife's cousin and my has been asked to be in the wedding. It is a real small world we live in!
After all the visiting was over, I traveled to see my mom who at 72 years of age, bought her very first home. So I have spent the last three days moving my mom and unpacking boxes until 1 and 2 o'clock in the morning. I'm really starting to feel it now. My sister in law helped me and even volunteered to stay an extra week to help my mom get settled in and finish unpacking and putting away things.
As for the new year ahead of us, I know I have to get prepared to head back to work and I'm dreading it. So my goal for this year is to get off my rump and update my resume and find a new job. I'm willing to stay but financially, this place needs to make some better compensation or I have no choice but to leave. So what are your goals for the new year? What adventure might it take you on?
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Traditions
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Posted:Dec 23, 2009 7:25 am
Last Updated:Jan 2, 2010 9:05 pm
1511 Views
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Growing up as a in our house, Christmas was always a very festive time of the year.There were always social events through the church and there was always some sort of function going on. My Dad was a music director of a church as that was always choir rehearsals and music going on at schools, hospitals, and other charity events. It was always a lot of work but i liked the music so it made it fun.
When all the required events had been tackled on Christmas Eve, we got to do the family thing. Mom and one of the grandparents always stayed home while the rest of us would pike into a car. There were always more people than seat belts. Besides, we didn't even know what those things were back then. We would spend what seemed like hours driving around town looking at all the Christmas lights. I think that was one of my favorite times. One of my favorite houses was this house that has a full size sleigh, Santa and all his reindeer but instead of reindeer, they used life sized alligator! It was totally awesome!!!
After the light show, we would return home and we were astonished that Santa had paid an early visit to our house on Christmas Eve! We sat around the tree and opened presents followed by reading the Christmas Story. It was always a feeling of love and joy. Seldom were there any arguments during this time. Christ Day, more family arrived and we got to have Christmas all over again.
Today with my own family, we do similar things but we change things every year. Our decorations have been massive but this year we toned it down considerably. We typically invite many people over to our home to share with us as part of our family. We usually ask those around us who do not have family or don't have family close by. This year we will travel to several different places. I get to see friends that I have not seen since I was probably 3 years old. This is a long story that I won't tell now but really is neat how small our world really is and how friends can come and go and how ties are made between families and friends.
My Mom is buying her very first home this year at age 73 or 74. We think it is insane but we love and support her. SO one of my trips will be home to help mom pack up. She had hoped to move in by the 23rd but that isn't going to happen. It will be after the 1st of the year before she gets in now.
So what sort of family traditions do you have? What are your fondest memories as both a and an adult? Do you like to make new traditions or are you one to keep things the same. I hope that each of you have a wonderful and safe holiday. I know Christmas and New years can be difficult for many people. Including myself. Keep those you know who struggle with this time of year and keep them in your thoughts and prayers. If you are someone in need of a place to hang your hat and you are near us, come on in.
Merry Christmas All and I hope the New Year brings us all great things!
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Time sure goes by quick
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Posted:Dec 22, 2009 3:29 am
Last Updated:Jan 4, 2010 9:05 am
1322 Views
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IT is hard to believe that another year has just about come and gone already. It only seems like yesterday and we were just taking down the Christmas lights from last year. Looking back, this year has not been a terrible year but it has sure been a very frustrating year of waiting. As with many companies, the one I work for sort of strung us all along on big promises without ever making any commitments. So we are right where we started a year ago. Deeper in debt and wondering how this keeps happening.
I'm trying to take this as an opportunity to move forward. Over the holiday break, I think it is time I reconnected with my own resume and put myself back on the job market. I think I lived the past year with a hope of unfulfilled dreams that depended upon someone else making them a reality. Perhaps it's my turn to make that dream a reality.
How has your year been so far? Have you met your goals for you and your family? What do you hope to change within this coming year?
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The Big 10
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Posted:Dec 16, 2009 9:46 pm
Last Updated:Mar 4, 2012 12:57 pm
1566 Views
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Well This coming Friday is just about to us. For my wife and I, this will make our 10th wedding anniversary. It seems like a long time ago but it also seems like yesterday. I remember bits and pieces of our wedding day but what I do remember vividly was how excited and happy I was. There was nothing that could go wrong that day. The good part is nothing did.
I remember she and I sitting in the chairs at the front of the church off to the side looking at the Priest as he addressed all the visitors. He made some crack comment about chocolate and pot bellies years down the road in the same sentence and my wife and I could not stop snickering with laughter. We kept thinking the Priest was going to turn around and start fussing at us for making too much noise.  To us, the whole ceremony was rather humorous.
I had sent invitations out to some old friends that I had not seen in years. Not long before the wedding began, I peaked out into the guests to see one of my very special friends. She was my big sister from high school and meant the world to me. She still does today. Out of everyone that attended, to me she was my most treasured guest. We still do not see each other often but I'm glad we now stay in touch.
After we were pronounced husband and wife, the reception was held at my brother in laws home. This is where things become foggy. I nibbled on great food and was in lots of photos. I talked with so many people, it's hard to say who I spoke with. I really was in another world I think. My wife was being pulled from one person to another just as I was and all both of us wanted to do was leave and be by ourselves.
When the time came, we had a limo take us to a hotel near the airport. We both were exhausted and glad to just be in a quiet car away from the masses. When we arrived at the hotel, everything had already been prearranged. One of our friends who made the arrangements for us even had our bill prepaid! the only thing I had to do was show ID and sign. That was it.
The room was very large. It was only a large suite but it was L shaped and made it appear even bigger than it really was. On the king size bed, the sheets were turned down with chocolate covered strawberries on the pillows. There was also a fruit basket with other goodies on the coffee table. As for what happened that night, well I'll leave that one for her and I to know and you to wonder about. The nest day, my best friend picked us up at the hotel and brought us to the airport to begin the rest of our honeymoon.
Ten years later, we have our issues. We struggle financially more now than we ever have and it brings on the same issues most all of us deal with. We have one beautiful who is dyslexic and having major issues in school at this time. We worry like any parent how to best care for our and even today, met with his teacher and are questioning if this school he is in is best for him. It is a great school and we love the people there but I also want what is best for my both emotionally and academically. My point here is we still love each other in spite of all the things stacked up against us to make us squabble. We both have learned to give each other space and time alone. We have our friends together and separate and we don't hold much of anything back from each other. When it comes to the tough stuff, we always deal with it together. I think that is how it should be. We both may be stubborn to change our set ways but at least we are open to talk about the issues.
I'm glad we picked this time of year to get married. We both love the Christmas decorations and all the beauty it brings out. Adding our anniversary to the mix only adds to my many blessings.
I hope each of you have a Happy Holiday Season and can stop long enough to be grateful for the experiences you have walked through in your life. Both good and bad.
Hugs,
R
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Sorry
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Posted:Dec 15, 2009 3:38 am
Last Updated:Dec 19, 2009 6:32 am
1389 Views
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I just wanted to say I was sorry for being out of touch lately. I was gone for the weekend and had very limited access to the Internet. Then when we returned, yesterday was full of errands and getting my to his annual wellness check up and school etc. We also had to put to sleep one of our cats of 13 years. To make matter worse for our , his fish of three years died too. So it's has been an emotional day with the family members. I am trying to catch up but until I do, Hugs to all.
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Reach out and touch someone!!
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Posted:Dec 12, 2009 2:24 pm
Last Updated:Dec 18, 2009 1:56 pm
1562 Views
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As I was driving out of town Friday, I had a phone call from one of our fellow bloggers here. It was so great to finally put a voice to what I have been reading. She is quite charming too!!! I know it is not the same as meeting face to face but I really enjoyed the call. So I wanted to say a big Thank you for both the call and the big smile you put on my face!!!
(((( HUGS ))))
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A Prayer
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Posted:Dec 11, 2009 4:30 am
Last Updated:Dec 14, 2009 11:51 am
1601 Views
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Dear God, I pray for the cure of all forms of cancer. Amen.
Cancer in it's various forms has touched the lives of myself and too many people I know. Including taking the life of a 14 year old to a dear friend of mine. Why not take a few simple moments and say this simple prayer above.
Thank You
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A Pleasent Surprise
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Posted:Dec 8, 2009 10:21 am
Last Updated:May 3, 2012 5:59 pm
1541 Views
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Last night, we shut the lights off close to 11pm. Shortly afterwards, my wife got a text saying there were flowers left at our front door. Frankly, I wasn't going to bother but since the wife kept asking..... I finally go tout of bed and went downstairs to investigate. Sure enough, at our front door was an arrangement of a dozen roses freshly cut in a planter. No note saying why or from who. I thought it was a nice touch. The wife's first reaction was.. "Did you check it? It must be some kind of gang marking their territory."
Just the other day, I commented about doing something nice for someone else but not to let them know you did. Well her is one negative reaction that you can get. I for one say Thanks to whoever dropped it off and Happy Christmas! Keep doing something nice.
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An Embarrassing moment
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Posted:Dec 7, 2009 10:09 am
Last Updated:Jan 5, 2010 1:01 pm
1757 Views
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This was many years ago before I got married to my now wife. I had just had surgery on my shoulder and my wife is one of these people that takes medicine exactly like the doctor says. As I came home form the hospital feeling no pain, I'm wrapped up in this sling with a dead arm. If you have never had a dead arm, it's worth it to experience at least once in your lifetime! It can lead to some strange circumstances such as having to ask a total stranger in a bathroom to help you button up your britches on account of it being rather difficult one handed.
Back to the real embarrassment. My finance and I were going to her mom's for the weekend. It was really nice as Mom would be taking care of both of us and we could sort of relax. The pill bottle said to take one every 4 hours and my finance took that literally. She fed me one of these pills EVERY 4 hours. For three days, I felt absolutely NO pain. On the third day, I was taking a nap in the bedroom and had on pull over shorts and just a sleeveless t-shirt. Remind you, I'm in this big ice bag contraption that keeps my entire shoulder and arm mobilized. When I woke up, I hear my fiance and her mom in the kitchen talking so I decided to get up. As I walk in the kitchen, I see they are preparing lunch. My soon to be mother in law looks at me and never misses a beat. "So you finally woke up huh?" as she walks towards me then takes my t-shirt and covers up Mr happy that is standing out at full attention like a jousting pole! Luckily, at least I was covered. I called my fiance into the bedroom and explained what her mom had just done and then told her I was no longer going to take those pain pills any longer.
So what is your most embarrassing moment?
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Tis the Season
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Posted:Dec 2, 2009 4:59 am
Last Updated:Dec 8, 2009 10:22 am
1460 Views
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Well today is Hump Day and I don't foresee any of that happening today  Sad really as the desires are screaming at me. Even though I can't count it as sex, Thank God for solo as there would be any at all if not for that! 
The Christmas season has kicked off finally. We have a few more decorations out and the house is looking nice. For the first time in many years, we have dialed back the Christmas decorations way back. We currently only have 2-full size 6 foot trees up, 2-four foot trees and one 3.5 foot tree up and decorated. Normally, we have about 12 more table top trees scattered around the house on top of the others. We haven't decided as to what we will do outside this year but with the light bills the way they are, perhaps me may skip it this year.
As for shopping, I absolutely HATE that part. I'm glad my wife does most of that stuff. She spends far less than I would too. This brings me to where my head is this morning. As far as retail Christmas is concerned this year, I honestly have no interest or desire for for it. I'm not here to get into religious beliefs but I'm also not afraid to say Jesus is the real reason for the season either. I do not believe that gifts are what make Christmas. I think it is the fellowship we share with friends, loved ones and others that make the season so joyous.
As an example, yesterday while driving, I was in a hurry and someone who is obviously more important than me driving erratically, I normally might have tried to annoy this person on purpose. Instead, I allowed them to cut me off and then proceeded to watch him cut several more people off. Then right afterwards, I saw another person trying to merge into traffic so I let them in as well. During this time, it was pouring down raining and at every opportunity I had, I allowed another to jump in front of me. This isn't really a big thing and no one really cares but when I finally got to my destination, I was simply happy. Normally when I'm in a hurry, I feel tense by the time I arrive. Yesterday, I was quite calm. Perhaps there really is something to giving of one's self or should I say giving up of one's self that we really receive the benefits.
If you want to share Christmas with me or anyone for that matter, forget the presents. Bring yourself. Bake cookies or bring soda if you must bring something. Most importantly, bring a positive attitude. Do anything for someone else today but don't let them know you are doing it. See what happens. You may get nothing from it. But watch the person you did something nice for put a smile on their face. Have a great day but make it a better day for someone else!
Happy Holidays everyone!
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Who Dat!!
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Posted:Dec 1, 2009 3:52 am
Last Updated:Dec 19, 2009 9:28 pm
1384 Views
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Well for all those who thought it would be impossible, the Saints pulled it off in superior fashion last night. I have never seen them play so well against a good football team. I'm not saying the game was perfect but it was a great game. The looks on Brady and Belichick were astonishing. They appeared to be in total bewilderment. I am not belittling the Patriots as I think they are a good team. Last night they just got beat like they have not seen in a long time.
Well enough of this. Have a great day all and stay Happy!!! Life's too short not to be.
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A Pleasent weekend
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Posted:Nov 29, 2009 12:21 pm
Last Updated:Nov 30, 2009 2:16 am
1395 Views
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I hope each of you had a wonderful weekend. Mine started on Thursday after I went into work for a short while to hold a meeting. After the meeting was over, playtime began! All the typical things had to be done to get ready for Thanksgiving dinner but all was good. After dinner, I decided to head to the movies with a couple of family members and saw "The Blind Side" This show I'd recommend to anyone. It's just a great feel good movie. I'm sure it will be a keeper movie once it comes out on DVD.
As for Friday, I worked a full day. Working wasn't so bad as there wasn't much to do while waiting for additional family members to get into town. It was nice to have a quiet visit and just relax. We bounced between houses with no set plans.
On Saturday, as typical, when the Aunts had to do their annual shopping spree. I hate shopping stuff but if you ever saw this family together, it is a total hoot. They had people in the stores laughing and even participating in some of their fun. I'm sorry I missed it but to watch them laugh and tell the stories of their days events is hilarious. How none of these people have never written a book with all their stories is beyond me. I stayed at home with my and shortly after getting up, it was apparent that he was bored to death. Since his friends were not around for him to play with, he and Dad got to play together. I decided to get the bike out. When I told the boy to grab his helmet, he got all excited. We rode on my motorcycle I'd guess close to an hour before the exhaust got so hot I had to park it. He was so proud to have his great Aunts watch him on the bike. After I had to park mine, we got on mom's scooter (lil Burgmann 400) and rode for several hours. I really expected him to get tired of riding but he never did. He absolutely loved riding the bikes. It is sort of funny how he likes daddy's bike over moms. Dads has a radio on it and goes vroom vroom and mom's doesn't. Somehow I see my little man taking over my bike one day.
As for today, let's hope the Texans can keep their lead all the way to the end of the game. I'd LOVE to see them beat Indy! I want to ride so badly as rain is expected and COLD temperatures are coming. Football is just so hard to pull away from. And this PC is messing up again. I've uninstalled and reinstalled Office twice this weekend do to issues it is having. My touch pad mouse has stopped working and even after an uninstall and reinstall, it still does not work. I'm not real sure what is going on with this laptop but ti's getting on my nerves.... Anyway, i refuse to allow it ruin my otherwise great weekend. Stay safe and see you in the blogs!
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I think she is trying to kill me
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Posted:Nov 26, 2009 5:21 am
Last Updated:Jan 15, 2010 6:07 am
1613 Views
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I think the wife is trying to kill me! Last night was the coldest night I think we have had in a while. It was low 40's when I woke up this morning and by the weekend end, it should dip into the 30's. Due to the high cost of the utility bill....Roughly $600, we have NOT put the heater on in the house yet. This morning and now, my chest is tight and I can't stop coughing again...grrrr And I even slept in clothes last night. Long pj pants and even a shirt! Tonight, I may have to tell her bite me and put the heater on myself.
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