Happy New Year

I love New Year's Eve. I love the concept that tomorrow will be a new year and a clean slate. As far as years go, 2009 was not my favorite and I can't wait to start fresh. Between the economic crisis both personally and nationwide, the H1N1 virus and other assorted doom and gloom I think it's seriously time to move on and look for brighter horizons. Have a happy and safe new year and remember it's a jungle out there... take care of each other.

Merry Christmas to All!

Soon I'm off to the hustle and bustle of holidays with our families. I am so very lucky to have friends and family to share in this wonderful holiday. I've already had a few surprises and have a few up my sleeve to spread a little joy. Merry Christmas to All and to All a good night!

Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus

Here is the "Yes, Virginia" editorial. For those of us who need a little boost of faith.

Sick Day

I have been fighting a cold for the last couple days *sniff*. It's the 'runny nose, your eyeballs feel like popping out, choosing between eating and breathing' type of cold. I went into work yesterday because we were short staffed and about 2 o'clock my co-worker sent me home. This morning I had totally intended to go in (even if it was a little late) when I called my boss to tell her I was coming in and I was unequivocally told to stay home. It could have been the fact that right now I pronounce the letters 'v' and 'm' as 'buh'. That being said I have a hard time being sick. I feel like there is so much to do that if I don't at least do something I'll never catch up. But I am trying to rest as much as I can because it is crucial to getting well. Well, what do you know... one of my nostrils just opened up. I guess I am on the road to recovery.

Pay it forward..

During the Christmas season more than ever people think about giving back to those less fortunate. Especially in this rough economy, it is important to give to charities and take time to be grateful for what you have. My goal is to try to work random acts of kindness into my life all year round. Doing something simple to brighten someones day is one small step to making the world a better place.

This year on TV and Internet are stories about secret Santas handing out cash to those in need. The catch? Do something good for someone else. What a wonderful way to make the world a better place.

Here is the secret Santa article. Read it. Get inspired. Go change the world.

It's a jungle out there...take care of each other.

First Snow

Right now the first substantial snow of the season is falling. Right now as I sit in the gentle glow of the lit Christmas Tree and warming my hands on a mug of hot cocoa, snow is falling silently outside. Tomorrow everything will look new covered in a soft blanket of white.

I love snow, especially the first snow. As Lorelei Gilmore would say, "It's like catnip." I love how quiet everything gets when it snows. How every breath you breathe is bracing. How the cold, crisp air tingles on your cheeks and nose making you feel alive and invigorated all over. How tiny flakes stick to you hair and gloves reminding you that each one is a miniature miracle. I love to just take a few moments to watch the snow fall and just 'be'.

It's a jungle out there... take care of each other.

Yards of Yarn

It's done...finally! All my Christmas knitting is DONE! I am pleased and proud of all the knitting I did. This is my very first Christmas as a knitter and maybe I went a little overboard but what's Christmas without going at least a little overboard?

My list: Four face cloths, three scarves, two pairs of fingerless gloves, a coaster, a coffee cozy AND a partridge in a pear tree. OK, maybe not the pear tree.