Abnormal Month, First Snow, Freedom

Well - we had flurries a couple of weeks ago - the warm weather have lasted a long time. The first snow came - a dusting at Thanksgiving, a little that stuck or at least covered the grass yesterday - temperature in the 20's. So it is getting cold.

I hate wearing coats, I hate wearing layers of clothes, I hate wearing boots most of all. But had to break it all out to prep for winter.

Freedom - got my car back - driving again - I just wanted to drive and drive and drive today. I hate driving!

Sounds like I am pretty stressed - too many projects going. It is that time of year. Having the panels of the "The Names Project AIDS Quilt" on display here tomorrow and Friday. The "Christmas for Kids Project" is going have 8 families so far, have the "Students Helping Students" T-shirt and Bag Sale starting, having a Fair Trade Sale next week, have papers to read and check, meetings to attend, etc...

Have 3 students losing their homes - the foreclosure rate is very high in the area. Students needing help to register for next term. Students needing placements for last minute community service and service learning projects.December grads needing recommendations in their portfolios and resumes.

So relax - breathe slowly now - in and out, in and out.

Although I think December is the most abnormal of all months, - it is normal December in life. It is a normal December for me in my job.

Thanksgiving Aftermath, Sock Story and All That

Oh, Oh, Oh - still in my pajamas - have not made it to church, have eaten too much and have become laggard.Discovered that I did not bring enough clothes - so had to wash what I wore - still in the dryer.

The Thanksgiving feasts here at Lauren's and at Nicki's were sinfully great and excessive.Now comes the leftover days - add the "bring house" leftovers from Nicki's and John's family party - we are grazing on the food.

John did break down last night and made hamburgers. He also cooked bacon and eggs for breakfast but then warmed up the apple cobbler from his sister's house - pure gluttony.

I finished one of the books I was reading - "The Elephant and The Dragon" by Robyn Meredith. Got caught up with my work e-mail - just the reading part. Checked on my Facebook and updated some stuff, got caught up with some of my groups, events, projects and sent some greetings.

Working with my beading.I design and make beaded jewelry. I started in my teen years taking "jewelry making classes" in Japan and have just started back up. It is hard to "design on the fly" and make the jewelry right away. It is hard to make time.

Had a big argument with Dominic last night - he cried and I cried - sometimes things are said that shouldn't be said - and we both did. It is hard to raise assertive, opinionated,outspoken lawyers. Sometimes the line of respect is blurred and crossed. We kissed and made up.

Been for a couple of short walks - Garden City holds a special place for me. I served as the Executive Director of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce for over a year, before my divorce. A lot of fond and happy memories in this town - lived here for 14 years...

The "sock story" - my sister or was it my sisters and I were going shopping or something. I have never gotten into the "dressing/make-up/primping business" and would usually throw on my back whatever I can get my hands on. So,I put my shoes on even though my socks did not match, much to my sisters' "chagrin" and they say "embarrassment."

Well,dryers love to eat my socks one sock at a time.I hate to throw away the remaining sock - I think it is wasteful and bad for the environment. So I keep them and wear them.

Socks are worn under shoes, boots, pants - and who is going to be interested in my socks - I am sure the "Fashion Police" have better things to do - besides I am too busy with other more important things.

So there you are and here I am - always trying to be the best person I can be like Lola Bette taught me.

Black Friday

Well, Donna is working today - it is the biggest shopping day of the year. I hate shopping, so I stay home. I am highly allergic to malls or box stores. I think it is better to support the Mom and Pop shops. Better for the community, better for the environment and better for the economy.

I have only been to a Wal-Mart once - in Texas- when the store was the only game in town. I went in, picked up what I needed and walked out. All the time feeling guilty for not planning my trip better. Felt like I wanted to go to confession after.

Lauren started her shopping at 5:00 AM. Claims she got pretty good deals but then she has a lot of shopping - our family, John's family - the numbers add up.

I confess that I was tempted to shop - even went to the bank to get some $$$ - but then changed my mind and went for a walk instead. I gave Lauren some money to shop for Rosanne, Zachary, Gus and Creek - we have to put those in the mail soon.

My thing is give books, gift cards, gift certificates, give cash - supposedly, it is not fun to open those in opening on Christmas Day. A present is a present!The youngsters - Donna's children, Julie's children and my children used to tease me by shaking the books and pretend to guess what was inside.

Books can give and give for a life time not just Christmas.

Family Day - Thanksgiving 2007

Reflecting on this year's celebration, I have to say it was most relaxing. John picked me up at home on Wednesday night - Lauren's birthday. I bought her a new roasting pan and placed the uncooked turkey on top as a joke. I already gave her a cook book and a cutting board with matching trivet. She is not into cooking but it is a start. She works a lot of hours and has always been that way.

I woke up at 6:45 to fix the stuffing, stuff it in the turkey and put the turkey in the oven - had it all done by 7:30. I thought about Uncle Tasio doing the same thing when we spent thanksgiving with him. Of course my mother, Theresa did the same thing while we slept. I went back to bed! Lauren and John started to do the other fixings at about 9:30 AM. The usual fare - cranberry sauce, green beans, potatoes, corn, pumpkin pie. chips and dips, salad, etc.

Michael - Dominic's Dad called to wish Dominic a happy thanksgiving. Tatay and family called from California. I talked to my sister Jette Meehleib and family in Arizona and Rosanne and family in Alabama.

We are celebrating individually this year - last year, we celebrated at Michael's and Lauren and John were not able to come because John's family lives on the opposite side of town.

Leto and Manny arrived at about 11:00. They brought the pecan pie, poppy seed coffee cake and dinner rolls. I fixed the vegetarian fare for both of them - vegetarian stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, etc...

Larry came at 1:00 PM - we had our dinner. After dinner, Lauren, John and Dominic went to celebrate with John's family in Commerce Township. Manny was dropped off at his Grandma Sharon's to celebrate with Tracy's family. Larry, Leto and I went to Nicki's to be with Donna and her family. Donna was in charge of taking pictures but she forgot so please use your imaginations.

Nicki served her dinner at 6:00 PM. We visited and talked - Rosanne called at 8:00 PM. Manny was dropped off to be with us at 8:30. Lauren came back at 9:30. We visited with each other while picking on desserts and fruits. Nicki served some very sweet mango wedges and pineapple wedges. What gluttons we turn out on this day!

We all headed for home at about 10:30.

The left overs are still in the fridge - we will continue to eat whatever is left this weekend. I am a bit tired of it and thinking of cookin some rice today. Some fish to go with it sounds good right now.

Needless to say family days like thanksgiving are very full days with lots of travel and driving to get together with family.

I promise to take the Christmas pictures.