2012

Christmas has come and gone.....now the new year is just a step away. 2012, the year I will turn 50. Or maybe just barely, as the Mayan calendar would suggest. I am pretty realistic these days at setting New Year's Resolutions. I usually pick one, or two. A couple of years ago I chose to work on reducing my road rage. I did fairly well, I could use a tune-up though. I have thought of a few possibilities for this year. One is to read more. I have not even tried to read for at least a month. I let everything else take precedence. Anyway....my advice here is to make realistic New Year's Resolutions. Pick 1. (ok, maybe 2.) And don't choose going on a diet. One of these days I am going to give my experienced opinion on diets. Bet you can't wait.

(some) Things I have learned from Mom....

Life is not fair.

You can choose to not trust people...but is that how you want to live your life?

Blue food should not be considered appetizing.

Boil water with onion in it and it will smell like you are cooking a delicious dinner.

Mothers know everything. And they do have eyes in the back of their heads.

Take it like a Lady. ( I have trouble with this one, sometimes I think you will feel better if you don't take it like a lady!)

Exercise by going for a long, fast paced walk daily and then you need your knees replaced.

....of course this is the short list....I will probably post several more lists over time!

here is the newly installed bookcase!

.....and the "after" with a majority of our books!

My New Library!

I am soooo excited! I am having a bookcase installed right now......I have had all our books in boxes for several years. And before that, they were just kinda here and there, all over the place. I am hoping that this bookcase, which is very large, will be able to house almost all of our books! Organized! Well, I will try. My idea is to have all the books in one room, a sort of reading room, where one can go to study, work on a project, and be able to pick and find books. I love books, I don't read enough, but I love to read. I love paper, and though I have a 'kindle' I still like to have a physical book. I will try to categorize them and giving them the chance to be accessible and well used. I will post pictures later!

old bones....or old something....

I worked on decorating and helping prepare food and serving and cleaning up a party last night for a group of about 200. I did not do the most work. When I finally sat down last night, I knew how exhausted I was....then I couldn't get back up! I was so sore during the night that I should have taken ibuprophen.....I am still so sore! I need to get back in the exercise groove, or something!

New Hire

I hired a personal assistant....best thing in the world during this busy season! She will do whatever I want her to: dishes, ironing, errands, computer work, wiping down cupboards, organizing, etc. etc. etc.! My daughter came home from college for the winter break....I told her I would pay a couple of hours here and there for her help.....it is so nice! I have started to do some of the stuff I have been wanting to, but couldn't 'cause the everyday stuff makes me feel guilty unless it gets it done. Everyone should have a personal assistant!

Multi-Tasking

At a high school band/orchestra concert: a Mom holding a sleeping child and crocheting. Three birds with one stone.

Creative Party Favors

Today I attended a Christmas Luncheon with my husband.....at a local refinery. Local "VIPs" were invited, it was in a lovely white tent with beautiful tables, lighting, centerpieces, and the food was delicious. The favor at each plate was a small bottle of crude oil. Yep.

pintorest eat your heart out!

My Favorite Anti-Aging Products!!!!

I have been a Mary Kay beauty consultant for over 23 years. I started using Mary Kay skin care products because my skin is SO sensitive, I was having very little luck finding anything that did not make my skin scaly and rashy and sore. I had gotten to the point of putting vasoline on my checks at night so they would not be too flakey during the day, and using oatmeal as a soothing mask. Those days ended in '88. So, my list is pretty much Mary Kay products, but they work! The following are my MUST haves!

1. Even Complexion Essence. I can tell if I skip this step on any day. It evens out the appearance of your skin tone by reducing dark spots and discoloration.

2. TimeWise Targeted Action Line Reducer. Firms and tightens lines and wrinkles (around eyes, around lips, creases on forehead, etc.)...See visible results within MINUTES! (Seriously!) and see lasting results over time.......

3. TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set. Use twice a week to fight fine lines and refine pores. Makes your skin very smooth!

4. Foundation Primer. I loved this the first time I tried this! It goes on so smooth, an invisible smooth canvas for foundation. You gotta try it.

5. TimeWise Luminous-Wear Liquid Foundation. It seems like extra work, but really isn't to apply this foundation and then to top it off with Mineral Powder Foundation. If I am in a really big hurry I just use the Mineral Powder Foundation.

6. and then.... Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. This is THE BEST STUFF for removing eye make-up. Absolutely necessary for someone with super sensitive eyes. And it does not bug contact lenses.

Really, for any better results I will need to go have surgery, botox, collagen injections, what have you. I reserve the right to go to the next level.

Christmas Commercialism

There have been times when I have been confused by the Commercialism that
surrounds Christmas. It goes on for months. So much money. So much glitter. Christmas Rap music. Disney Christmas, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, advertisements showing everything we ‘need’…..But I have decided that it can be a good thing to help us remember the reason for the season. I think it is better to have all of the commercialism than to not have any attention surrounding Christmas. Along with the Commercialism this time of year we get together with loved ones more often, we give more to charities, we choose and give gifts to friends and family, and we are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas with all of the symbols that
we have incorporated into our culture. Remind yourself what the symbols of Christmas are. Look for them in all the commercialism around you.

All of these things remind us of Jesus Christ.

"Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God, the Father. He was the Creator. He is our Savior, and He will be our Judge. Under the direction of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ created the earth. Through His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and by giving His life on the
cross, that is, by performing the Atonement, Jesus Christ saves us from our
sins as we follow Him. Through His Resurrection, Jesus Christ saves us from
physical death. Because He overcame death, we will all be given the gift of
resurrection."