Seven...oops Eleven Things I'm NOT going to do in 2009

Several years ago I quit doing New Year resolutions...Let's face it, they don't work. This year I decided to post the things I'm not going to do and see if that works better for me. Here goes:

In 2009 I am not going to:

Worry about global warming or greenhouse gases. Perhaps all the greenies will stress about it and die young. (I live with hope)
Spend time trying to recover all the retirement funds I lost.
Forgive the theives who stole all my retirement money (at least this year--the GCW in me insists that eventually I must forgive...I don't have to like it)
Waste my time with people I don't like or am "done" with.
Stress over tax season.
Whine about being choir director at church.
Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.
Buy more stuff I don't need.
Take for granted my wonderful family.
Get up before 7 am .

Well, there you have it....if you can add something constructive to my list, let me know.

PS: "GCW" = Good Christian Woman

"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

This question is asked every year by Charlie Brown and every year it is answered by Linus..
"Sure, Charlie Brown - I can tell you what Christmas is all about....And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior, which is Christ the Lord.'

'And this shall be a sign unto you...you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly, there was with the angel, a multitude of heavenly hosts, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill to men." That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

I need this reminder every year to keep me grounded. I celebrate Christmas because I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know he is my elder brother who gave his life so I could have a chance to make choices that will allow me to live again with my Heavenly Father. This season helps me renew my choices and review what I have done for others in the past year. Do I have charity, the pure love of Christ? (ok...I'm working on it and it depends who it is...so basically, I'm not there yet!) I want to develop the qualities I need in this life to be able to enjoy the next (not that I'm in a hurry to go). I want my family to know how much I love them and that I would do anything in my power or abilities to help them when they need it. I hope we can always be close and forgive and forget when our feelings get hurt as sometimes happens. I want to enjoy spending time with my family members because the love I feel for them reminds me in a small way, that God and Christ love and accept me. It makes me want to be a better person.

May you all have a wonderful Christmas season and not lose sight of the real reason we celebrate.

Merry Christmas! Elaine

I got behind...

OK. I got behind. I'm a slacker, deal with it.
I can't believe its already December 12th...Christmas will be over before I have time to slow down and enjoy the holiday. I don't know how that happens but it does every year.
I keep watching HGTV and all their "enjoy the holiday" shows....I think you have to work for HGTV to have time to decorate and be the host with the most. I want to enjoy the holidays, I just never do. I'm living vicariously from tv shows that tell me how easy, simple, rewarding and wonderful all holiday activities are. If I watch them, it feels like I did it and then I don't do it in real life. Perhaps I am an avatar and don't know it?!! What's it all about Alfie?

Well...if I miss out this year, perhaps next year? I live with hope.

Update on Old Yeller...

Hi everyone. Doug Sr. came home from the hospital today. It felt like we were moving out, we had so much stuff to pack out. They send you home with everything but the kitchen sink....I really don't want to see the hospital bill!

He is still moving carefully and will have to have therapy, but is doing better and we just want to make sure he doesn't get any infection....if we can avoid that, the battle is won. He is in good spirits and was very glad to get out of the hospital.

Anyway, thanks for all the prayers and good wishes...he's on the mend, but won't be dancin' any jigs for a couple of days.

Doug Sr. Surgery...

For those of you who care...Doug had knee replacement surgery this morning. The doctor spoke with me after surgery and said he did really well. No complications. He also said his knee was REALLY worn out. We knew that, but its nice to have it confirmed. He is in recovery right now (1:45 pm Pacific time) and should be in his room within an hour. I will be glad to see him, however, I'd better not find out he asked the nurse for medical marijuana!


We had a little discussion about that prior to his going under and I advised him his life meant nothing to him IF he asked the nurses for that green weed. So, he has survived surgery and I hope he will not incur my wrath by trying to circumvent the legal system of drug use. Besides...he's getting morphine and is there any drug better than that? Not that I have found. If this is a dangling participle, please don't advise me! Personally, I love morphine and when it has been administered to me it was needed and legal!.

He also received a valium prior to going under the knife. I told him my mom would be soooooo jealous. I have never had valium, but I've heard really good things about it (including that it is fairly addictive). Maybe he'll get to bring some home and I could try one...just kidding...don't let the drug nazi (Allyson) see this..she will report me to the feds, the ASPCA and any other agency she can think of...plus prosecute me to the full extent of the law...so OF COURSE I would never use any other person's prescription medications. The consequences of using someone else's drugs could be worse than ripping the do not remove tags off your pillows.

So anyway, the screamer is alive , not quite kickin' yet, but he'll get well. He'll probably have a lousy few days and then its all downhill from there. I'm happy the surgery is over and now look forward to his recovery (hopefully with little or no whining). Take care all. Elaine