I found a new meme/hop to participate in on Wednesdays! My “Wine & Cheese” blog post will be up later today, but for now here are some of the things I’ve pinned lately that I want to try, remember or just thought rocked.
Because nothing beats working out and watching one of my favorite shows on TV
I LOVE unique pieces of jewelry and this one doesn’t require gaging my ear!
I thought it would make an awesome addition to my Etsy shop of handmade crochet items in the near future.
I thought this was SUCH a cool idea that I made them as Christmas gifts. Instead of gluing stuff to the frames, I gave lots of scenic background paper to enable the receivers to change it up a bit. Included dry erase markers and walla, instant message boards.
This just cracked me up.
My sister-in-law does seedlings each year, and I thought of her, how easy it would be to start them in ice cream cones then just plant the entire cone, since it will dissolve in the ground!
Again, just made me laugh, I have a warped sense of humor.
LOVE pink anything, and this outfit is great!
Seriously adorable shoes!
Being that I am a self proclaimed princess, thought I deserved a crown. But want to keep it somewhat inconspicuous as it would be rude to flaunt my royalty.
When I first told my mom I was getting a divorce, back in February 2010, she looked at me and said, “you think the world is ending now, but trust me, a year from now the landscape of your life is going to be so different than it is at this moment.” It was hard to believe that anything could be different than what I felt at that time, the pain and depression, and that it would be better than I was able at that time to imagine, but I kept those words in my heart and mind as I drifted mindlessly through the process.
The thing about mom is she is right about 99.9% of the time. And wouldn’t you know it, one year out, January of 2011, my life was indeed very different. My first Christmas as a divorcee was past me, and my first New Year’s Eve. I not only survived it, but wow what an amazing holiday season it had been. No longer married to Ebenezer Scrooge, I found so much joy again in the season and relished the memories I made through that year. I had moved in with my mom, sister and 2 nieces. We had 2500 square feet of new home to enjoy and I discovered that despite the many differences (and similarities) in our personalities, and the nay-sayers that said it would never work, it rocked. We laughed a lot around here. Daily in fact and we still do. I can still count on one hand, though admittedly only about one digit is left to spare, the number of times I’ve gotten into a heated argument or confrontation with any of my housemates. In that time I discovered it wasn’t me that had the ugly attitude and temper for 22 years.
As 2012 is coming to a close, and January looms over the hill in less than 24 hours, I realized that it will be 3 years now since that day when the ex told me he wanted out of my life. The day my world changed forever and life became known as “before the announcement/after the announcement”. And again this year the landscape of my life has changed very much.
So, what things changed, what did I learn in 2012? That is really what this is post is all about.
CHANGES IN THE LANDSCAPE
*My son married on St. Patty’s Day and I gained a daughter-in-law and granddaughter (my first grandchild).
*My first grandson was born the day after Christmas, to my son and his wife, making me a grandma twice over.
*My younger brother (the older of the two brothers) married the woman I believe is the love of his life, on 12/30/12, in a flash wedding ceremony at the local conservatory. We all walked in, located the spot that they as a couple determined was a good, quieter one, and the minister began the ceremony. With visitors to the conservatory who happened to be in the room, or wandered in, all looking on with us close family, they were married. Then we were off to a wonderful (I cannot say enough about the food OMG) dinner to celebrate. I loved this as we have waited, not too patiently, for this day to finally arrive.
*I did not end up marrying at the nationals for the “outlaw” motorcycle club that the now ex-boyfriend (but very very dear friend) was a member. I did not end up marrying at all. I’m single but honestly more than content being so. I’ve learned to relish my singleness and not at all sure I will ever marry again. Not closing the door on that but it is no longer on my bucket list to marry again.
*The ex-hubby tied the knot while on vacation in Jamaica this year, and much to my surprise I not only wasn’t hurt by it, I was thrilled for them both! And over joyed for my children, even though they are adults, she is a wonderful person to have in their lives and I believe has made their lives that much richer with her love of them.
*I went back to ‘school’ and achieved my certificate to be a nurse aide. In a few weeks I’ll take my state test and hopefully find a job in this field quickly. I loved working with the residents in the nursing home during clinicals and think I may have found my niche in life.
THINGS I LEARNED IN 2012
*No one is responsible for my happiness. I am not lonely because I am not ‘attached’ to someone. I’m not ‘alone’ either. I knew all of this but as the year progressed it came to be better understood on deeper levels to me. I am independent, confident, and comfortable as Marti. I am not “just Marti” because I am not “Marti and ______ “, but rather I am MARTI – marvelous, fun, quirky Marti. I am happy, have fun, enjoy life and love me as I am.
*I do have areas of me and my life that need to improve, and I’m actively working on those.
*My faith is very important to me, and I need to take nurturing that faith more seriously.
*95+mph on the back of a Harley on the highway is liberating, crazy, amazing….and I’m okay if I never do that again. Oh don’t get me wrong, I was terrified of highways at all up until the Biker/Cowboy, but in a pack of riders who are riding like they just stole the motorcycles (some probably had if I was honest with myself), it was an outstanding rush! But not wise and certainly not something I want to keep doing. I had my moments on that one, crossed it off the bucket list.
*People I had admired, looked up to, and had inspired me, people I thought were over all good people…can turn out to to be evil, vindictive people. And many who play the victim are not only the ones doing the victimizing, they usually are just seeking attention.
*It is perfectly okay to write whatever I want in order to vent and get it out of my system, but it isn’t always necessary to hit “publish” once I am finished writing. Somethings are better left between me and the keyboard, or to be published at a later date in my novels or on my pen-name/ghost blog. No I do not share that one, sorry. It is the place for things I don’t publish under my real identity to avoid hurting people I love.
*My son continues to amaze me, but that is another post. But one thing I learned, just when you think you cannot possibly love your children anymore than you already do…they have children of their own and your heart swells bigger as you watch them hold their own child and you find you love them more and in a brand new way.
The landscape of 2013 is before me, and over the next 12 months it will change, grow, parts will die off and when I look up at the end of this year, it will look familiar, no doubt, but it will be again so different from what it is now.
I confess…
I am really loving this whole grandma thing. 2 grandchildren, who knew? LOVING it.
I confess…
It was very nice watching the snow fall the other day, pretty and all wintery like. Day after Christmas, on my grandson’s birth day, but I’m over the beauty thing now, it can leave. Sadly it is going to snow some more tonight. Seriously, where is summer???
I confess…
I had great intentions for the Grown Up Christmas List posts, but then I had to jump on the chance to go to school. I’m certified now as a CNA but the line of blog postings…well those are not going to get finished this year. And after the baby being born, I’m just kinda of a big, mushy hot mess right now. In a good way of course.
I confess…
While I have not gained any weight over the holidays, I acquired or ‘renewed’ some bad eating habits. Especially the Grazing Habit, that one where I just nibble all day then think “I didn’t eat a single meal today”. Nope, more like 18 meals, not one of them ‘square’ unless you can find some nutritional value in Esther Price chocolates and Christmas cookies.
I confess…
I am addicted to yet another game. My brother and daughter play Plague, Inc. on their phones. Now I’m doing it too. UGH…but darn it is GOOD.
I confess…
I love my new cell phone. I was stuck between iPhone and Samsung Galaxy SIII. My daughter, who had an iPhone, is now a reformed iPhone user, she has the Galaxy SIII. She loves her phone so I went with it too. I am very pleased. My other one is a piece of crap, kept shutting off and rebooting itself all day long. I came very close to opening up the car window on I275 the last day of classes and tossing it under the wheels of a semi. The screen is so much larger on this one, I can actually read my Kindle books. I need a new Kindle, I miss it. Time for the Kindle Fire HD me thinks.
I confess…
I need to get back to regular, daily posts…
First,over night there was another drunk driving fatality. Really, is it so difficult to call a cab? A friend? NOT GET DRUNK AND DRIVE??? It doesn’t just impact the family of the victim. And by the way “victim” I use loosely as if you drove drunk and wrecked that is rather self imposed. I prefer reckless fool to victim. Word is out that he was in fact drunk, was verbally reported on the news. There is a family that now for Christmas Eve morning is being told that someone isn’t going to be there to open his gifts this year. But the impact doesn’t stop there. Police officers and fire/rescue personnel will carry those images home with them today. If you think it doesn’t bother them you are nuts. And please don’t tell me that they should get a different job, it would eat at the heart and mind of the Grinch himself. Then the lucky officer who had to go ring someone’s doorbell in the wee hours this morning to share the “good news” with the loved ones of the 24 year old deceased, he or she will carry that with them through the holiday as well, the shock, grief etc. of that family. The only good is that he only took out himself.
Yesterday in the wee hours, a family headed to visit relatives for Christmas was forever changed when a drunk driver going the wrong way on the highway hit them head on. He is dead, his 7 year old is dead, and in the other vehicle the parents are dead and some of their children are in the hospital with life threatening injuries. All dead, so many grieving, and all because someone was not responsible enough to get a designated driver.
Yes, I’ve been one of those drivers in my life, and thankfully never hurt myself or anyone else. Things like this remind me that it just is NOT worth it.
On to better things. Sorry just had to vent for a minute.
I am not ready for Christmas, I have a few things to finish up here today. But despite being dead broke and no money, I’m happier than I have been in years. I have my family, my health, and finished classes and got certified to work as a nurse aide. I have the love of a bunch of awesome, quirky, slightly off balance and dysfunctional family and friends.
On Wednesday my 2nd grandchild will make his entrance into this world and the huge family (on his mommy and daddy’s sides) that already love that little man more than we can all begin to say.
In this year I’ve gained a daughter-in-law, a granddaughter, and before it ends a grandson. So much love to go around, something money cannot buy to put under my tree. Lives that make mine so full of joy and laughter.
Maybe that is why those stories make me so mad…I know how precious life is, and what a gift filled holiday this is simply because of who touches my life, and how I’d feel if one of those priceless treasures was torn from my world because of stupidity.
It is dreary and raining and getting cold outside. We had thunderstorms this afternoon. Yes, here in an area where white Christmas does happen, we had thunderstorms today. Frankly I am not a fan of snow but I’m all over it on Christmas morning, bring it. But keep the thunderstorms, too out of context in December.
I apologize for my absence this past week, especially to those followers who have gotten used to daily posts from my corner of the world. Last Monday I went back to school to get my STNA certification (State Tested Nurse Aide). In class all day, homework and study at night, tests the next morning. Such has been my life since. Over the weekend I took a break and spent Friday night watching my granddaughter and I slept in on Saturday and Sunday morning. I know I know, I should have been in church Sunday but I was beyond exhausted. I’m pretty certain the Lord understands I was fried and needed the rest.
If I had taken the class at Cincinnati State it is like an 8 week course. I’m not sure why, as it is 75 hours of training that includes 2 days of clinical, so 8 weeks seems a bit excessive. But I will say 2 weeks really crams the material in fast.
I’ve never had some dream of doing this, in fact I have never really had any desire to be involved in the medical field in any capacity. 28 years of administrative and office management most of which was in an IT department, then 2 years of childcare and Avon, but never anything like this. I was drawn to it when I visited the nursing home my sister works in, and when I talked about volunteering there she told me to go get certified and get paid to do the work. Especially as volunteers cannot do the things I will be able to do to care for the residents. And the more I learn the more I am drawn to this career. I’m already looking at several other certifications that would expand the role I can play in caring for the elderly.
So that is where I have been. I miss writing as it is my therapy, and miss all the memes and hops, but I will be back to those soon. Friday is the final exam and I’ll be back here Friday afternoon for the Friday Confessional.
Meanwhile, I’m having a blast in school. I LOVE to learn new things, and I’m in a class of only 5 students and we have a great chemistry. Last week at lunch we took Scary Mary, the mannequin we practice on, and had some fun with her. She is scary because well she just looks freaky. And her boobs come off, so you can put man boobs on her and a penis. Her eyes are creepy and more than one of us has walked through the door into the practice/skill room toward the restroom and jumped because there she is in the bed being all low budget horror movie like. I’m probably scarred for life and will have nightmares about her. The photo is Scary Mary at the instructor’s desk. She has also been on the toilet, and I hope it scared the crap out of a weekend student. Cruel, I know, but I’m all about sharing the love in this case.
Anyway, so here I am now, waiting on the dryer to finish up, sipping a cold beer, on a cold, rainy night, longing to crawl in to my bed. I have to be up before the angels in the morning to head to my first day of clinical at the nursing home. I’ll be catching up on my grown up Christmas list posts over the weekend too. But for now, I think I’ll play on Farmville2 until the dryer is done, then it is off to bed for me.
First, let me apologize for having to put 3 together in one post. I’ve been sick and just not feeling up to sitting down and actually engaging my brain into a post. Thanks to the visit to the clinic, I’m good!
#7 ~ My Friend, Cowboy
Long time readers will recall this was a man I was going to marry. Things changed, but we are still the very best of friends. In fact we text and talk daily and sometimes multiple times a day. He is one of my best cheer leaders to encourage me, and I certainly hope I am one of his.
As with all the men I’ve become serious with in my life, he is one of those I believe I was meant to help fix broken pieces of their hearts and souls, but not a forever love. Friends but not meant to be lovers and spouses.
This time of year is often very hard on those that have shattered memories. So for Cowboy I wish for a special Christmas this year, complete with a Christmas angel. A renewed, inner child-like spirit of the holidays that sees it all through the eyes of innocence. For some happy memories to be made this Christmas. For fences to be mended wherever possible, and for the love of the Lord and the joy of the Lord to be his strength. I believe in miracles and I wish several to come his way this Christmas season.
#8 ~ My Daughter-in-Law
As her pregnancy is winding down to the end she is doing all of those last minute things around their new house to be ready when my grandson arrives. She is swelling a bit in hands and feet and I know she is starting to get tired. I pray for peace in her heart and spirit, lots of good solid rest leading up to the delivery. I pray God’s angels will watch over her and my granddaughter when my son is at work, and over him while he is working, bringing him home safely to his family each day. And for an easy, complication free delivery and a very healthy mom and baby Collin.
I’m so thankful for her and her beautiful, spunky daughter that have been added to my family, giving me the new title of grandma.
#9 ~ For My Car
I really need my car to be right now, it has been fixed for multiple issues this year. I need it to be reliable so I can get too and from school the next 2 weeks, and then to and from my job that I will be starting in January, Lord willing. I need it to also keep my Avon business going. I had to let that slide for a while without a car to drive. I really appreciate any and all prayers to this effect so that I can accomplish these things and get myself back on track financially. I have many bills that need catching up and then back on a regular payment schedule.
My wish is that this material will come easily to me, and that I can get through the next 2 weeks without issues. I need this certification and I think I am a good fit for the job and type of work it will allow me to pursue.
I wish for nothing to get in the way of my going and getting my needed education.
I love my brothers. Both are amazing men, and great fathers to their children. Both have good hearts, and both have made some mistakes in life. But both have done their best to fix any wrongs and make them right.
Baby brother has a birthday tomorrow. I still remember coming downstairs to see what St. Nick brought us to find out my mom was at the hospital having him, and shortly after that learning I had another brother.
My other brother, younger than me, has a big event coming soon in his life as well, one that makes me very happy for him.
I wish them both all the happiness in this world, and love and blessings.
Family is the most important thing a person has on this earth, Grandpa Fred always told me that.
People are human.
People make mistakes.
People sometimes can be in so much pain already that they can find the demon under every rock, even if it only looks like it is there.
And sometimes people purposely set a stage to make others think there is a demon when there isn’t even a rock.
My prayer is for communication, forgiveness where it is needed, and understanding to see the truth.
This wish is for my ex, Pete. We were married just under 22 years before the divorce was final.
My wish is 2 fold really.
The first part is that the day will come when he can forgive whatever perceived wrongs he feels I’ve done, and that for the sake of our children we could be around each other in some form of harmony. I’ve long ago forgiven him for those things I felt he did to me and pray the same may come my way from him.
He is a good man, was a good husband and a fantastic dad. We were pretty much as close to oil and water as it can get as far as personalities. I have a multitude of very happy memories from our marriage, and while losing him was incredibly painful, as the song says, “I could have missed the pain, but I’d have to miss the dance” and for all the good memories I have in my heart to treasure, that pain was worth it.
The second part is for his new marriage. He is getting married next week to a very wonderful woman who is beautiful inside and out. I really do in all sincerity wish them a very happy, joy filled marriage that lasts the rest of their lives. I hope and pray (yes really do pray for them) to be showered with many blessings and good things in the years to come.
I wish for her faith in God to grow from the seeds planted in her heart as she grew up in a loving church family, and that she would learn from the mistakes she saw her parents make, keeping instead her focus on the Lord. I pray she develops a strong love for God’s Word, and finds time for it each day.
I wish for her to find a man who is strong in character, morals and loyalty. One who will love her faithfully, be a good father to her children, and be a man of God. A strong believer with a solid faith who will love her as scripture says he should, putting her ahead of himself.
I wish for her all the little boys she so very much wants for children, and that they too would have a faith that is strong and unwavering, and grow up to be her pride and joy, as she and her brother are mine.
I wish for her to have a home full of love and laughter, and enough critters to keep her animal loving side happy and content.
And like her big brother, I wish for her, “just enough”.
Seen as part of a post on another day, entitled “Just Enough”. Author unknown.
“I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.“
My second wish on my list is for my son and his family.
For his beautiful wife and he to have a love that lasts their lifetime, with “Just Enough” and be faithful and loving to each other always.
For his beautiful little girl, who to him is every bit as much his as his soon to be son. For her to grow up to be a Proverbs 31 woman one day, who has a heart that desires to serve the Lord.
For his son, who is due to arrive this month, may he be born healthy and strong, and that he will grow up to be a man of God, and make his parents proud.
May all their lives be full of “just enough”, always.
Seen as part of a post on another day, entitled “Just Enough”. Author unknown.
“I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.“
My list is not something Santa can handle. As you will see as the days unfold, my grown up Christmas List is far more in the hands of God than anyone else. Some is directed toward individuals with hopes and prayers, and love will be at the core of most everything. Always love, and sometimes forgiveness.
This is one of the few things I wish just for myself.
# 1 – My Walk & Faith
For my on going walk with the Lord.
Time daily in the Word, studying and reading.
Time in prayer daily.
For my unbelief, that the Lord would help my unbelief.
For my church attendance to be more consistent that I might grow in my relationships with others of common belief.
For ongoing grace that is so undeserved.
That my claim of belief and faith in Christ, would be mirrored in my life.
“Professing that we are connected to Christ in salvation carries with it an obligation to back up that verbal claim with a lifestyle that mirrors the character of Christ” ~ Larry E. McCall – Walking Like Jesus Did
1 John 2:5-6
New King James Version (NKJV)
5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
I know the lifestyle I was living prior to my divorce was anything but mirroring Christ. The past nearly 3 years I’ve struggled to stay on the path, easily led back toward a ‘me’ centered life. So the very first, and most important wish on my list is that my walk of faith, my everyday lifestyle, the me that no one sees as well as the one that is seen, would all be evident of the faith that is growing in my heart.
Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered! Click the badge above to link up and add it to your post:
1. Do you decorate outdoors for the holidays?
2. What is the best thing about office Christmas parties?
3. Gloves or Mittens?
4. What do you think of Secret Santas?
**Bonus question for visitors to the post to answer**
5. What is your favorite holiday indulgence that you only find during this season?
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
1. Do you decorate outdoors for the holidays?
We put up lights but not a lot of them. When I was married the outside was always nicely decorated on the marital residence.
2. What is the best thing about office Christmas parties?
NOT having them! We never had parties in the 26 years I worked for the company, that included spouses or significant others. It was usually a ‘party’ all day while working and frankly I do not miss those one bit!
3. Gloves or Mittens?
Mittens are warmer and I love them! Gloves when driving though, I don’t feel I have a good control of the steering wheel in mittens.
4. What do you think of Secret Santas?
They can be fun. I prefer the Secret Encourager program at my church with the Ladies Outreach. You fill out slips with some general information and then they go in a ‘hat’ and are drawn by someone who secretly encourages you all year long. I love that!
5. – Bonus Question – What is your favorite holiday indulgence that you only find during this season?
Eggnog shakes! McDonald’s has a good one. But by far the best is from UDF (United Dairy Farmers) and because they are only available during the Christmas holiday season, they are a wonderful treat. I shudder to think of the calories and fat content, however. I’ve never looked, just don’t want to know!
It got me thinking hard the other day, as I had it on in my room, and in relation to my post about Longing For A Simpler Time, about my adult Christmas list.
I don’t have a desire for a bunch of “stuff”. I’m not out Black Friday shopping today, haven’t for several years because the insanity of it all keeps getting worse. When stores open on Thanksgiving evening, on a holiday employees should be home with family, it kind of makes my stomach turn. And all these shoppers pushing and shoving to get bargains on things that they do NOT need. No one NEEDS a 60 inch HD television, that is a want. No one NEEDS an iPad, again, it is a want. What if for a change we DID something for people instead of buying something. Or donated the money we would spend to a charity.
Some ideas:
Free babysitting – every couple with small children knows how pricey a sitter is, not to mention the cost of dinner and a movie. My grandparents were married “til death do us part”, and it was such a neat thing to see them sitting together in their old age, holding hands. I learned that they had a regular date night each week, even if that date was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the park. It was THEIR time, not time to talk about the kids, or work, it was time to recharge them. Maybe that is why they were so in love and stayed married despite the difficulties they faced over the years. Know a young couple with little ones? Why not give them 12 nights of free baby sitting? Once a month take the kids so they can have some time together. If you figure up the price of a good sitter, for 4-5 hours each of 12 nights, that is one pricey gift that costs you nothing, yet is priceless because it is your time.
Dinner – how many of us know someone who cannot get out much. Maybe they simply have a tight budget, or they are single, or a single mom with kids, or maybe an elderly shut in. So many people would love a home cooked meal outside of their own home if they are able to get out. Sure, it might mean you have to go and pick them up, but what if, again, once a month you had someone to your table who might not otherwise get out of their home or routine. So you have some salad and bread to stretch the meal to include one more seat, is it really that big of a hassle? It could be lunch one Saturday a month, sometimes at home, other times maybe at a park. If they cannot go out, don’t just take the meal to them, sit down and eat with them. Talk to them, enjoy the time! There is no way to put a price on a gift like this, for you or that person receiving it!
Read – Have someone on your list who is unable to read because vision is failing? Or they are too young to read? Or they just don’t read much but should. Why not set aside time to read to them? Kids love someone to read to them! So do folks who cannot read for themselves any longer.
Make Something – cookies, dinner, a blanket, find something you can make for someone. One year my sister made no-sew fleece blankets for the 4 foster kids I was taking care of, because she wanted to do something but couldn’t afford to spend much. She made each one personal to the child, for the price of some fabric and her time to put them together. I’ve received cookies and snacks from people as gifts, and believe me I loved those far more than a store bought item because I knew they took time to actually make something for me. Don’t just make something, add a hand written note with a memory of that person that makes you smile!
Write! – When all else fails, write something! I had a letter for years from my dad that he wrote to me on my 12th birthday. He had to be away that year, so he sent me a letter about how much he loved me, and how proud he was of me and WHY. That letter, even to a 12 year old, meant so much. Imagine what a letter like that, from your heart, could mean to a friend or loved one? Money cannot buy what is in your heart, and having it will be a priceless keepsake for that individual.
Memories - What if instead of unwrapping presents, we unwrapped memories and shared those around the tree one year? Just the other day, as my sister and I ran an errand, I was telling her that one of my fondest memories of the holidays was one year when all of us, siblings and significant others, parents and offspring, went to the Festival Of Lights at our zoo. We all ended up on the train together singing Christmas Carols. We butchered them as most of us cannot carry a tune strapped to our backs, but it was so much fun. She laughed and enjoyed the memory with me, having forgotten about it until I brought it up. What joy could you bring if everyone shared like that instead of sharing a store bought item? Everyone bring a gift box or bag with their notes about the memory (so they don’t forget parts they want to share) and each take turns reading the memory to everyone present. Imagine the fun and new memories being made and again, it will cost nothing but time, but the gift to others will be priceless. It doesn’t have to involve others there, just a memory of something or someone special you want to share with others. I know, you actually have to sit down together and talk, share….take a deep breath you can do this.
Forgiveness – Who do you hold a grudge against? Imagine the gift not only to the person, but yourself, if you forgave them and reconciled a relationship? Over the years I have done this a few times, and always the outcome was positive. One that stands out was my first husband, after a very ugly divorce and custody fight. I not only forgave him a court ordered debt that year, but I extended an olive branch his way. It made the growing up years of my son so much better when his parents could get along for his sake.
Between now and Christmas, I’m going to start a grown up Christmas list. Like the 30 days of thankfulness I’ve been keeping, each day leading up to Christmas I’m going to add an item to my wish list for this Christmas. They won’t really be things Santa could bring, or someone could purchase for me. They will be things that have meaning, wishes that I’ve carried in my heart. I would love to see my fellow blog buds do this too, as so many of you that read my posts have often inspired me.
Here is the song that got me thinking about my grown up Christmas list. The lyrics first and then one of my favorite versions sung by Amy Grant.
“My Grown Up Christmas List”
Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies
Well, I’m all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I’m not a child
But my heart still can dream
So here’s my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
and wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list
As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree
Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list
What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
(there’d be)
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up christmas list
This is my only life long wish
This is my grown up christmas list
Every year at this time the Facebook statuses, tweets, photos, signs etc start appearing. ”Keep Christ In Christmas” they say. People get all freaked out because certain stores no longer allow employees to say “Merry Christmas”, but instead they say, “Happy Holidays”. So what?
For years I felt that this was important too, the whole “reason for the season” concept. After all, being raised Catholic and now a Reformed Baptist in my theology, Jesus is a big part of who I am.
And then I did my research. It was in an effort to back up the whole “reason for the season” argument.
Seems that there were winter and pagan holiday celebrations long before Christianity infused Christ into the equation. In fact, the church used the birth of Jesus as a way to counter those celebrations and convert pagans to their faith. It wasn’t until a few hundred years after Jesus was crucified that the church began to celebrate His birth. The Bible no where indicates that we are to even commemorate His birth. The only remembrance of the Lord that we are instructed to ‘celebrate’ is His death and resurrection. Given the detailed instructions for that, and the lack of any mention of remembering His birth, I think it safe to say that Jesus is not the reason for the season. In fact, He was added to the season by men.
Now for my readers of faith, I am a born again believer. And yes I do celebrate Christmas. I do take part in church celebrations of the birth of Christ. But I also celebrate the whole Santa Claus, Christmas trees, gift giving etc. side of this time of the year. Our zoo decorates with over 2 million lights, and beginning tomorrow evening is the official opening of their “Festival Of Lights”. What is amusing is that the Festival Of Lights is another name for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. But countless people of faith will flock to the zoo and walk amid the lights and decorated trees, some decked out for Christmas, without even realizing that this is not a Christian celebration.
Originally the birth of Jesus was celebrated on 1/6. But the church moved it to line up with the countless pagan celebrations taking place on or around 12/25.
In other words…again, Jesus was not the reason for the season. The celebrations were all in place before the church moved Christ into the mix.
Santa Claus is given god-like powers. He sees us when we’re sleeping, knows when we’re awake, knows if we’ve been bad or good so be good for goodness sake. That is all very sweet but too often it is used to keep children in line and obedient. Great come December but what about the rest of the year? Not to mention many of those same parents who teach their children about Santa, implying that he is real, will freak out when someone says, “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”, because it removes Christ from Christmas. Give Santa god-like characteristics but get upset when Jesus is ‘removed’ by virtue of a holiday greeting? Seriously? Not to mention that the church was guilty of some pretty un-Christlike behavior through the years if you check out this post about the origins of Christmas, among countless others, when celebrating the Lord’s birth.
Sorry, hijacking myself again.
Many different ‘faiths’ and religions celebrate different things at this time of year. Many of those were in place long before Christ was added. He isn’t the reason for the season, He is ONE reason for the season for SOME people. Christ is important to the Christian celebrating His birth. Others hold this time of year as important too. Maybe Happy Holidays is just fine, as it enables the one wishing the happiness to just wish that, HAPPINESS, to the other. Maybe we should all just relax!
Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
Happy birthday (some folks celebrate those this time of year)
Stores were closed on Sundays. So were gas stations except along the highway and even then I’m not sure many were open.
McDonald’s was a treat, every 2 weeks when dad got paid.
Decorations didn’t go up for Christmas until Thanksgiving turkey had been eaten and everyone came back from grandmother’s house, through the woods and back over the river. I don’t even know when this happened, maybe after the stores closed on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving? I only know that come Black Friday everything magically was Christmas. But never before Thanksgiving.
Fun was riding the bus downtown to see the windows and the train display at Cincinnati Gas & Electric. It was free. Now you have to PAY to see them at the museum. I won’t go for that reason.
We looked forward to Christmas shows like Rudolph, and Charlie Brown, Frosty The Snowman, The Little Drummer Boy, The Grinch, and Miracle On 34th Street.
While we were not Little House On The Prairie, when one really nice, special gift for Christmas made it a wonderful year, this massive gift pile mentality was still not the norm for anyone that I knew. We received a few toys, things we really wanted, but we also received things we needed, like socks, pajamas and underwear. A batch of homemade cookies from anyone was a real gift!
Acura is running a commercial of late for the holidays, that says “listen to the voice of reason”. What a novel idea!
We’re in an economy where a large number of people have no jobs, or haven’t had raises in years. Seriously these commercials of fancy cars, diamonds and such are really not doing it for me. Not that they ever have but my ex one time remarked, the Christmas right before he asked me for a divorce, that the car commercials were really good at making a guy feel guilty that he couldn’t buy his wife an Audi for Christmas. I don’t know too many husbands that can afford to do so! Unless it is a Matchbox car!
With money exceedingly tight this year, I’m wondering…why not go back to that simpler time. Why not listen to the voice of reason?
Sure, I’d love diamonds and fancy clothes, or a new car. Maybe a Kindle Fire, or iPad. All very nice, don’t get me wrong. But I do not NEED them. And need is really far more important.
I was sitting here thinking, what are gifts that I need that I’d truly LOVE to receive?
A gift certificate to my hair salon.
Footie socks, 12 pair? (I go through them fast as I hate shoes).
Jammies! I love jammies!
A gift certificate to Hobby Lobby, my favorite store EVER!
Essential oils, they are becoming increasingly more of a need for me!
A new phone. It is a need as my current one is just shot. And I can buy the phone outright!
Clothes for the new job I’ll be starting.
Gas cards – those are awesome.
Gift Visa Cards – I can then buy what I need as I need it!
Beyond that…there is not much I need! What if we all actually just made a list of what we really need…chances are that it would be a lot more practical, and less expensive than the list of things we’d like to have.
Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered!
To join click the icon above!!!
1. What is your favorite kind of soup?
2. When was the last time you saw snow?
3. What is a must have trait if someone is going to live with you?
4. Who was your favorite James Bond?
And don’t forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!
My Answers:
1. What is your favorite kind of soup?
WOW that is a tough one, as I really do not have a favorite. My ex makes one called Cheese Burger soup, the recipe came from someone we went to church with, and that might possibly be the favorite. Hmm, in fact I think I will contact the source and see if she still has that recipe, it is to die for delicious, and if she gives it up, I’ll post it!
2. When is the last time you saw snow?
Last winter! This area of the country (southwest Ohio) sees its share of snow in winter. Not usually a mega bunch like other areas, but we’re good for several decent snow falls each winter. Personally I’m a fan of it on Christmas Eve after I go to sleep, it can snow several inches, we can wake to a white Christmas, then the crap can melt on December 26th and not return until Christmas Eve the next year.
3. What is a must have trait if someone is going to live with you?
A really good sense of humor and playful spirit. Life is too short to take it all so seriously, and I like to have fun and laugh, a lot!
4. Who was your favorite James Bond?
Sean Connery without a doubt! OMG I still think at 82 the man is sexy!
And now for my question for those that happen by my blog to answer in the comments:
5. What is your favorite guilty pleasure when you take time out for yourself?
Link up and don’t forget to leave your answer for #5 in the comments!
I confess…
I am stuck in a funk of late. That one I get in when things just are not going according to my imperfect little plans, and when things are falling apart around me. I go in my shell at that point but I’m really pushing hard NOT to drop into that shell this time around. Nothing gets done. Regrouping is a good thing, no doubt, but I need to keep my focus.
I confess…
I really need to address the chipped polish on my piggies. I’ve had the remnants of black there for sometime but I am just too lazy to bother with it. And I am not kidding when I say remnants.
I confess…
The weight of the world came off my shoulders as I brain stormed with my sister about ideas for folks for Christmas this year. Inexpensive, handmade or otherwise put together by hand will be what most will get and I love the ideas! Blogging about cutting back and doing things to make a difference yesterday really helped me to refocus!
I confess…
I giggle still when I feed my chickens and live stock on my farm in Farmville2 and they poop out wool, eggs, milk, cheese, horse shoes and saddles. :)
I confess… American Horror Story is beyond my limits of creepy. Cannot keep watching that one. Not sure I can handle 666 Park Avenue either. It has just gotten entirely too bizarre and creepy!
I confess…
I am less than excited that the hot flashes are back. This getting older stuff is not a good time. I still act and most days feel like I’m 21, why in the world must my body not keep up??
I confess…
I have a “Purple Cow” plan for my Avon business. Brace yourself locals, that lady in the pink cowboy hat adorned with a black feather boa hanging down the back like a pony tail, with pink hair, wearing pink and black, pulling a shopping cart like old ladies use full of bright pink boxes, would be me! Doing what I can to draw total attention to myself as unique, fun and well I need to make more money!!!
I confess…
While I continue to build my business I am going to school to get my STNA (nurses aide) certification next month. I need the money for a while, not making it fast enough and want my student loans paid off. Temporarily but it will help so I can have health insurance again too.
I confess…
I don’t usually write deep or insightful posts like yesterday’s often, but that is because this is my therapy, writing. And I prefer to keep things light most of the time. But once in a while if you go back through posts you will stumble on one of those moments like yesterday when I just open the flood gates.
In light of Day 8′s post, this one is a good follow-up.
I am thankful for my ex-husband. He was and is a very good dad to both of our kids.
While I still have some serious hurt where he is concerned, as I’ve let things go and actively forgiven and prayed for him, it is subsiding and the good memories of those 22 years are surfacing. And I am very thankful for those good times we had. In addition I am very thankful for the woman he has found in his life, Judy, as she is wonderful friend to both of my children and they love her very much. She is one of those people that has such a beautiful spirit that seems to touch everyone she meets. I am thankful for Pete’s happiness and the joy it brings to the lives of those around him.
In a good way of course.
