I love...

Kathy Griffin... she cracks me up.
Quiet holidays when I can spend the whole day with my family in our pajamas (thanksgiving, Christmas).
Laptops.
Warm sheets.
Weather that is holiday appropriate.
My Kindle
Delicious reading
My new brown shoes
barEssentials mineral make up
KJ
Anna
George
great friends
Soft tissues
Laughing with friends
Back rubs
Clean bathrooms
Hot baths
Good movies
God- thank you for loving me no matter what.

Christmas is coming...like a freight train.

I am really annoyed that Christmas marketing started on November 1. I do not want to hear Christmas music on November 1. No matter how much I love it. I want time to enjoy my cornucopia and to plan Christmas festivities. I feel like it was shoved on us all of the sudden. Which is not what Christmas is about at all. I really want to focus more on that this year than ever before. Christmas is not about stuff/things/posessions. I would honestly not exchange gifts with anyone if I could get away with it. There are darling children, nieces, and nephews to buy for this year (at least 10 in the KC area). The family list can go on and on and on. Where does it stop?

Anna goes to the dollar store every year to pick out something special for everyone on her list. It is hilarious what she comes out with, and for whom. It is a great new tradition that we will try to keep as long as she is young at heart and wants to continue it. She gives with the carefree spirit that I wish I had. I worry so much over each gift.

We have a December scripture reading schedule that helps us to stay on track. I want to focus on family time and do more affordable activities/movies/etc. Maybe that is what my December bloggings will be about. Back to the basics of Christmas. Back to the joy of Christmas.

New car?

I am usually not sucked in by sales people. Having sold Mary Kay successfully, I can recognize a sales routine from two feet away. I am usually able to cut right through the crap and tell them no or ask for the exact deal that I want. Well.... not this time. I went with my sister as 'moral support' as she was car shopping. We were in the market for a new'er' car for me, so that Geo could drive my current car (that is killing my back but is otherwise awesome), so that KJ then could drive the truck. We did not have a serious plan- so many things going on including the holidays.

Then I saw the line of crossover vehicles that I have been eyeing. And then the salesman got me. He saw what I was looking for, and promised it to me on a platter. I did not ask the many questions that I should have. I did not take a day to think it through. I did pray about it, but am not sure that I was silent enough to hear God's voice. My stomach was queasy, as it usually is when we are making major financial decisions. I asked George for guidance (write it down people), and he sincerely stated, "If it is what you want, then let's get it." Where is my scrooge when I need him????

Seriously, I like my new car, but I keep looking at it like, "Really?" I am not as excited as I should be because of the freaking car payment. We will make it through, as we always do. I am not sure what to think of my mixed blessing right now. I'll let you know in January when the reality of it all will sink in.

PS- My sister has yet to purchase a car.

Welcome November!

I am cold. I forgot how uncomfortable this. If I make it to Chicago next week (God willing) I will be even more cold.

reading

My closet excitement today.... looking forward to the new Twilight movie with my Anna banana. She is so funny, and is excited about the wolves. Truth be told, I would probably go to movie if I didn't have a little girl. I love the fantasy and the love story. I read the story from Edward's perspective Midnight Sun (I think that is the title?)- now that is the true love story between them. Anyhow, I agree that those books are light, delicious reading.

Now, a whole vampire genre has opened up. That and historical romances. I did not prefer them in the past. My tastes have changed during the last months due to 1.) needing a light, non trauma or abuse related topic that can be resolved-- the opposite of work. 2.) I really like the history channel, so romantic romance novels seem to be a compromise at least.

While my reading selections have been dumbed down right now, I am thoroughly enjoying the change. Reading really is such a wonderful gift from God.

What a wonderful scene... light snow drifting outside, fire on the inside, great blanket on the couch, pumpkin spice coffee, and a delicious book in my hand. Ahhhh!

Sometimes help is not helpful. Sounds ungrateful eh? However, this is a statement from one of my close consumer as provider friends. The statement is meant to describe the scenario when people who have good intentions try to decide what is best for someone else (based upon their own ethics, thoughts, beliefs, passions, culture, etc.), and then try to force it upon the other person.

Other than that.... I love crisp, cool, clean air and carrot juice (so yummy). I also laughed at least once per hour today at work. It was a good day.

I do have referral that I need to pray about, involving youth and gang activity. I hate to get scared away from helping someone, but sometimes I have to weigh the risks for my own personal safety. I may just have to find another way to help. God, please make a way!

music makes life better

Thankful for my faithful laptop, five minutes alone with my husband, true friends, and good music that fills you up until you feel like you are going to burst.