New Year quote

“Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold.”

Time to ring in the New Year!

What a year! As we look forward to a totally new year, a new president, I am awe struck at the beauty and simplicity of life and the passing of time. New Year's Eve lends itself to a time of introspection mixed with looking forward to a new future, a time of new beginnings and a chance to renew oneself. I look forward to ending 2008 with quiet introspection and retrospection and as 2009 comes in, I plan on celebrating like it is 2009!

New Year's Eve Images

New Year's Eve 2008

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
And here's a hand, my trusty friend
And gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Book to Read

Party of the Century

Bacon Jack Chicken

Bacon Jack Chicken

Recipe #343069 | 30 min | add private note
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By: Lainey6605
Dec 11, 2008
This is another chicken recipe from Simple & Delicious.
SERVES 2 (change servings and units)
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (I like to use thin chicken breasts)
1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
2 tablespoons butter
3 slices bacon, strips halved
1/4 cup onion, sliced
1/4 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
3 ounces monterey jack pepper cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
1Sprinkle chicken with seasoned salt.
2In a nonstick skillet, cook chicken in butter over medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side or until juices run clear; drain.
3Remove and keep warm.
4In the same skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
5Remove to paper towels to drain.
6Saute onion and mushrooms in drippings.
7Return chicken to the pan.
8Top with bacon, onion, mushrooms and pepper jack cheese.
9Cover and let stand for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
10Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Warm Cheesy Salsa Dip

Warm Cheesy Salsa Dip

Recipe #342915 | 15 min | add private note
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By: Vyrianna
Dec 10, 2008
The cream cheese gives this a bit of a sweet tangy taste you don't have in most salsa dips. Pick a salsa you like since that is where most of the flavor comes from. If you like a hotter taste you can always add additional hot sauce. I recommend using a crock pot to keep it warm while serving.
2 1/2 cups (change servings and units)
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
8 ounces Velveeta cheese
8 ounces salsa
Directions
1Melt cream cheese and Velveeta. Add salsa.
2If using a slow cooker, it's going to take much longer to melt, so plan at least 2 hours for mixing.

For Cheese Lover's

Hot Cheese Puffs

Recipe #307259 | 35 min | 25 min prep | add private note
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By: ICook4danny&Puddin
Jun 4, 2008
From the Charlotte Cookbook 1969. time doesn't include chill time.
SERVES 10 , 48 appetizer (change servings and units)
Ingredients
2 (5 ounce) jars Kraft Old English cheese spread
3/4 cup butter
1 egg
12 slices bread
Directions
1have ingredients at room temperature. whip until creamy.
2trim crust from bread. Spread mixture over slices of bread. Cut each slice into four squares.
3place on cookie sheet and refrigerate overnight to 24 hours.
4bake in preheated oven at 350 for 10 minutes.

Easy Appetizer Recipe

Stuffed Mushrooms

Recipe #314987 | 40 min | 20 min prep | add private note
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By: love_kcchiefs
Jul 22, 2008
My sister in law brought these to a family gathering and they were a big hit. Since then I've taken them to work and a co-worker called them "heavenly"!
SERVES 6 -8 (change servings and units)
Ingredients
8 ounces baby portabella mushrooms
Stove Top stuffing mix
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup butter
Directions
1Clean the mushrooms and pop out the stems.
2Cook stuffing according to box instructions and allow to cool.
3Then mix in 1c of the cheese.
4Spoon mixture into mushrooms and place in a baking dish.
5Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
6Melt the butter and pour over.
7Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
8Serve warm!

Great dessert Recipe

Riesling Sorbet

Recipe #339408 | 25 min | 15 min prep | add private note
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By: JackieOhNo!
Nov 25, 2008
An unusual sorbet that will impress your guests. Prep time does not include chilling time or overnight freezing time. To cool the sugar syrup mixture quickly, place bowl in larger bowl of ice and stir occasionally. It should be cold in about 15 minutes.
SERVES 4 (change servings and units)

Ingredients
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 cup riesling wine
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1 tablespoon superfine sugar
Directions
1Heat granulated sugar, the water, and 1/2 cup wine in medium noncorrosive saucepan to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil 3 minutes without stirring. Pour into small bowl and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until cold, about 3 hours. (Tip: To cool the sugar syrup mixture quickly, place bowl in larger bowl of ice and stir occasionally. It should be cold in about 15 minutes.).
2Stir remaining wine into sugar syrup, pour into 8" cake pan, and freeze overnight.
3The next day, thaw raspberries in bowl in refrigerator. Puree in food processor or blender, then press through fine sieve to remove seeds. Stir in superfine sugar.
4Process wine ice and raspberry puree in food processor or blender until smooth. Return to baking pan and freeze until firm, 2-3 hours, stirring once halfway through. Serve in wineglasses.

Coconut Lime Shrimp with Peanut Sauce

Recipe #81095 | 20 min | 15 min prep | add private note
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By: evelyn/athens
Jan 14, 2004
Sublime! The combination of flavours and textures in this dish is fantastic. Intense and soulful. The shrimp need to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours. From Bon Appetit, July, 1997.

SERVES 4 (change servings and units)
Ingredients
PEANUT SAUCE
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned style or freshly ground)
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons canned unsweetened coconut milk
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce (nam pla)
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
SHRIMP
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons fish sauce (nam pla)
2 teaspoons golden brown sugar
20 large shrimp, peeled,deveined
4 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Directions
1For peanut sauce: Puree all ingredients in processor until smooth.
2(Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before using.) For shrimp: Blend first 8 ingredients in processor until almost smooth.
3Transfer marinade to 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.
4Add shrimp and turn to coat.
5Cover and refrigerate 2 hours, turning occasionally.
6Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat).
7Thread 5 shrimp onto each of 4 skewers.
8Grill until just cooked through, basting with marinade, about 2 minutes per side.
9Alternatively, you can grill shrimp under a preheated broiler.
10Serve shrimp with peanut sauce.
11Serve with steamed rice.

Planning for the New Year

As I put to a close a fantastic Christmas 2008, I automatically begin thinking of the New Year and my plans, goals, dreams, desires and of course, resolutions. This year I am going to focus on getting and staying organized. I found a great new blog called Creative Organizing. I know this will be a frequent go-to site for me as I embark on this new journey.

As I begin my end of year cleaning/re-organizing of my living space, I am inspired to have a place for everything and everything in its place. I realized my jewelry collection does not have a place! I have a piece here and there and most of it has landed on my desk! I love jewelry and like to feel glamorous and accessorize and it is time to get it all together so I can have things available when I need them. I searched for stylish and functional jewelry boxes and this is what I have come up with:



These beautiful boxes come from Pottery Barn and I immediately fell in love with them.

Take the Quiz here!

A Christmas Poem

Can anyone explain the glow of Christmas?
Holidays are candles in the night.
Rebirth comes from family and friends
In one bright blur of food and talk that ends
Still burning as a peaceful inner light.
There is no way to substitute for Christmas.
Miss it and no circumstance feels right.
All my heart's with you, yet I must miss this
Season thick with love and rich delight.
-Author unknown

The Night Before Christmas

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Clement Clarke Moore
or Henry Livingston


'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

I'm Yours

Lyrics to I'm Yours :
Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
and now I'm trying to get back
Before the cool done run out
I'll be giving it my bestest
Nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some

I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love
Listen to the music of the moment maybe sing with me
A la peaceful melodies
It's your God-forsaken right to be loved love loved love love

So I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and laughed
I guess what I'm saying is there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons
It's what we aim to do
Our name is our virtue

I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm sure
No need to complicate
Our time is short
It can not wait, I'm yours

Well no no, well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love
Listen to the music of the moment come and dance with me
A la one big family (2nd time: A la happy family)
It's your God-forsaken right to be loved love love love

I won't hesitate no more
Oh no more no more no more
It's your God-forsaken right to be loved, I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

No I won't hesitate no more, no more
This cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours, I'm yours

(Thanks to farah for these lyrics)
[ I'm Yours Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter at room temperature
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten with 2 teaspoons vanilla

Stir together the flour, baking powder and salt, then set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg mixture, a little at a time,
beating well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients,
blending well after each addition.

Put 1/2 of the dough in another bowl. Add red food coloring to one
part of the dough to make the desired candy cane shade. Leave the
other dough plain. Flatten each ball of dough, wrap snugly with
plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until slightly firm.
Don't over chill!

Dust your hands and working surface with flour. Roll a one-inch ball
of dough into a rope about 6 inches long. Take one red colored rope
of dough, along with a plain piece of dough and cross over, to make
a candy cane. (The first time you make these experiment with a
couple before you bake them all. They can turn out too big if you
use too much dough.)

Bake in a 350 degree oven on greased cookie sheets for 12-14
minutes. The cookie dough may be a little soft when it comes out of
the oven. Let cool completely before you handle the cookies.

Easy Sugar Cookies

SUBMITTED BY: Stephanie PHOTO BY: SUGARPLUMSCOOKIES

"Quick and easy sugar cookies! They are really good, plain or with candies in them. My friend uses chocolate mints on top, and they're great!"

RECIPE RATING:

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PREP TIME	15 Min
COOK TIME	10 Min
READY IN	25 Min
Original recipe yield 4 dozen

SERVINGS

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Servings
US METRIC

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

I used this recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com 

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DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

The Legend of the Candy Cane 

 
Look at the Candy Cane 
What do you see? 
Stripes that are red 
Like the blood shed for me 
White is for my Savior 
Who's sinless and pure! 
"J" is for Jesus, My Lord, that's for sure! 
Turn it around 
And a staff you will see 
Jesus my shepherd 
Was born for Me! 
 
Many years ago, a candy maker wanted to make a candy at Christmas time that would serve as a witness to his Christian faith. He wanted to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry and death of Jesus. He began with a stick of pure white hard candy; white to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus; hard to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the Church; firmness to represent the promise of God. The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. He thought it could also represent the staff of the Good Shepherd, with which he reached down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray. 

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life. Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane - a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the true meaning is still there for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. 
Author Unknown 

Quotes about Christmas

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.  ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish.  Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself.  ~Francis C. Farley

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

At Christmas
A man is at his finest towards the finish of the year;
He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season's here;
Then he's thinking more of others than he's thought the months before,
And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for.
He is less a selfish creature than at any other time;
When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime...
~Edgar Guest

We hear the beating of wings over Bethlehem and a light that is not of the sun or of the stars shines in the midnight sky.  Let the beauty of the story take away all narrowness, all thought of formal creeds.  Let it be remembered as a story that has happened again and again, to men of many different races, that has been expressed through many religions, that has been called by many different names.  Time and space and language lay no limitations upon human brotherhood.  ~New York Times, 25 December 1937, quoted in Quotations for Special Occasions by Maud van Buren, 1938, published by The H.W. Wilson Company, New York

My hope will keep me warm

She poured her heart out to him, 

like a man pouring rain out of his hat. 

She told him everything she felt for him, just like that. 

She wanted everything to be perfect 

the right moment and place 

They were sitting on the couch just the two of them 

she had not made up her mind to say anything. 

It just came out 

it was unplanned, unscripted 

She was so nervous she was stammering 

he was the only person on this earth that 

had that effect on her. 

She told him everything

that she loved him and had worried about him 

that she cried when he did and hurt when he did

It was so beautiful 

he took her in his arms and 

she never wanted him to let go

she cried. She finally let it all go 

she wept like a baby and 

he held her and he whispered he loved her 

She said she loved him too she said she loved him 

and he said he loved her too. 

He said he did not want to hurt her 

she assured him she would not get hurt 

she said she would wait for him 

he urged her not to 

he did not want to hurt her 

and she would not let herself get hurt 

that is a risk she knew must take 

to put it all out on the table as he said

they could sort it all out later 

it was out there now 

and she was unsure of what to think 

she did it, she said it and what a relief 

he pondered aloud what might happen 

what could happen 

if it never happened 

he did not want to leave her alone

she assured him 

the hope of him, of a future together with him 

would keep her warm. 

Lyrics to My Immortal :
I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

CHORUS:
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me

You used to captivate me
By your resonating life
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

Chorus

I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along

Chorus
[ My Immortal Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ] 

Lyrics to I Believe In You (Je Crois En Toi) : Lonely The path you have chosen A restless road No turning back One day you Will find your light again Don't you know Don't let go Be strong Follow you heart Let you love lead through the darkness Back to a place you once knew I believe, I believe, I believe In you Follow your dreams Be yourself, an angel of kindness There's nothing that you can not do I believe, I believe, I believe In you. Tout seul Tu t'en iras tout seul Coeur ouvert A L'univers Poursuis ta quete Sans regarder derriere N'attends pas Que le jour Se leve Suis ton etoile Va jusqu'ou ton reve t'emporte Un jour tu le toucheras Si tu crois si tu crois si tu crois En toi Suis la lumiere N'eteins pas la flamme que tu portes Au fonds de toi souviens-toi Que je crois que je crois que je crois Que je crois En toi Someday I'll find you Someday you'll find me too And when I hold you close I'll know that is true Follow your heart Let you love lead through the darkness Back to a place you once knew I believe, I believe, I believe in you Follow your dreams Be yourself, an angel of kindness There's nothing that you can not do I believe, I believe, I believe In you. (Thanks to Borja & Anne-Marie for correcting these lyrics) [ I Believe In You (Je Crois En Toi) Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

December 18th An unexpected encounter

She was going about her day like any other day. The to do list was a mile long as always. At this moment she was out walking and enjoying the balmy December day. The track was long but she was up for the challenge. It was a gorgeous day. Clear gray skies, perfect winter skies. She liked the transparency of the clouds. There was a group of guys playing soccer in the field across from the track. As she made her laps she checked her cellphone. One missed call, who could that be? she wondered. She checked the caller id. It was him. Her heart skipped a beat.  She called him back and it was so good to hear from him. Instantly she turned into a schoolgirl again. Nervous, heart racing, palms sweaty, the whole nine yards. They caught up with each other over the phone and they made plans for him to come over. She was happy. The thought of seeing him again gave her an unexpected energy to power through her walk.  She finished up and went about her other errands in order to go home and get ready for her company.  She went home and waited for him to show up. Finally the moment arrived. She was  sitting outside talking on the phone when he pulled up. He looked so good, smiling and waving at her. He came up the stairs and embraced her. She loves his hugs, being close to him and in his arms, she feels relaxed and at peace. Her nerves  

Dear Lord, help us to remember daily that nothing is too hard or difficult for You to repair or mend in our world. Help us to expect the impossible to be made possible by Your omnipotent power. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

If you could have just one perfect minute today, what would it consist of?

Short story, continued p. 2

How she longed to just open up and share her feelings, to tell him how she really felt about him. Yet she held back. Was it fear of rejection? Or was it admitting the truth to herself. She breathed a sigh and relaxed against his shoulder. At that moment, nothing else mattered but just being close to him. The world stopped for this moment, and she was happy and peaceful. Feeling his rhythmic breathing, stealing a glance at his profile she appreciated every fiber of his being a man, a man she desperately longed to care for, respect and cherish. To protect him from the harsh and cruel world and to shelter him when he seeks solace. He turned to look at her and she interrupted her stream of thought to pay attention to him. The sound of his voice, low and deep and somehow tranquilizing set her at ease. Her head tilted toward him, her hand on the back of his neck stroking his hair as he talked, this is how a man and a woman should be, she thought. Two people languishing in their time together. He could have this every day, every night if he would just come to her. She longed to take him in her arms and never let go. That whatever they faced, as long as they were together, they could get through. She thought back to all the things they had been through as friends already. The good times, the bad times, triumphs and tragedies. Thick or thin somehow they always found each other again. Her mind was made up, she would wait for him for however long it took. He was the only man she wanted in her life. He was worth waiting for. As the bottle was empty and the night was getting longer, it was time to say goodbye. She always hated for this time to come. When he would go back to his world and she hers. He stood up and she did the same. He took her in his arms in gratitude of a perfect night. She could smell his scent on his neck and she inhaled deeply as if to imprint his scent on her memory so she could remember him in his abscence. She enjoyed the embrace and embraced him back to communicate she was feeling the same way. She walked him to the door and they embraced once more. He promised to call soon and she gave him a short kiss on the neck as he turned to go. Her heart skipped a beat in anticipation of the next time she would see him. 

Happy Thursday!

Today is the first day of Christmas Vacation for me!! I completed finals yesterday and had a wonderful relaxing evening with friends over a pizza and drinks. Refreshing! I woke up early in anticipation of what a day of freedom might bring. Of course there are plenty of things to do on my to do list, but I can do things in a more relaxed manner now that I do not have to stop for studying and classes. Plenty of time to catch up on things now. The morning sun is coming through my window and the sky is a beautiful crystal clear blue that you only see on winter days. It snowed last night. It was so romantic and beautiful. It inspired me to write. There is just something about a cold snowy night in December and being with the one you love. It is fun to bundle up in coat and scarves and gloves and brave the crisp wind. All the more reason to snuggle. : ) 

Finals Day

Today is the first day of Finals. UGH. The only good thing about that is that after this week I can have a break. It was a good semester, I learned alot and changed alot and am looking forward to next semester. 

A short story, continued...

and before she knew it, he was knocking on the door.  She had dressed especially for him, a beautiful purple sweater and black pants with the new ballerina shoes she had purchased a few days before, with the idea of casual evenings in mind. Her hair was impeccable, in the new style of the day. The skin of her face was as smooth and creamy as porcelain. The glint in her hazel eyes flecked with gold sparkled and danced as the light from the porch caught them when she opened the door. The knock was unmistakably his..he knocked and her heart skipped a beat. She opened the door and there he was, smiling and so happy to see her. They embraced happily and warmly. She felt as though her breath was taken away. She never wanted  this embrace to end. The closeness and strength of his embrace was intoxicating, and at once she felt complete.  He came in and she returned to the kitchen, to put the final touches on the dinner for the evening. Bocelli was playing in the background, candles burning, casting a most romantic glow over the living room. She urged him to sit down and relax after his strenuous day at work. She poured him a glass of wine, Reisling, which he had selected and brought with him for them to enjoy that evening.  She went back to preparing the meal as they talked about their days. She listened intently as he vented and recalled the days and weeks before.   Taking a sip of her wine, she stole a glance at him over the bar that separated the living area from the kitchen.  He was simply ravishing, she thought as she studied him. The boyish good looks, his light brown hair, dark brown eyes that were so intense and so deep she felt as though she could fall into them and never return. The scruffiness of his beard that had not been shaved in a couple of days did not suggest uncleanliness but of ruggedness and strength, virility that was rare these days, she found. He was dressed casually, in jeans and a blue and white button up shirt with short sleeves and dress athletic shoes. From head to toe she thought he was perfection. He was humble and modest and apologized for his scruffy appearance. She assured him there was no need for apology. She appreciated his natural good looks, that was one of the things that she was attracted to . He continued on with his recollection of the day's stressors and she finished up the meal.  She poured herself a glass of wine and went to sit next to him on the couch. He asked what was going on with her life lately. She did not want to talk about herself. She wanted to hear from him. She related with a brief analysis and then expertly steered the conversation back to him. She cuddled up next to him and related the good news she had for him and they toasted a toast to life in gratitude and happiness.   The clinking of the crystal glasses and the glisten in his eyes told her all she wanted to know about his feelings. They raised their glass simultaneously and drank to good life and the special time they were sharing.  She stole a glance over her glass at him. The candlelight danced in back of him and made his hair glisten. Their eyes caught and they shared an electric moment. Though she tried to maintain her composure, inside her heart was dancing and every sensory neuron was sparked. She felt alive with the love that she shared for this man. 

Happy Monday!

HAPPY MONDAY!!

I had a great weekend at work and now am so happy its Monday! And CyberMonday at that! I took advantage of that today for sure and found some great deals for gifts.

I also took my last Microbiology test before the final, i just have one full day and one week left before this semester is over. It has been great though. I had alot of accomplishments and have really changed alot, of which I am glad.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is Thanksgiving! I love everything about it. The turkey, friends, family, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade especially. It kicks off the holiday season spectacularly and I have so much to be thankful for this year. 

A short story

They were enjoying a lovely evening. He had come in from work tired and stressed. She had been anticipating this evening for a long time. 

Wine notes

Messina Hof  Beau Jolee 

Sweet red wine 

What am I thankful for this year?

As the time of Thanksgiving approaches people begin to talk about gratitude and what they are thankful for. I ask myself the same question as well. 

I am thankful for my mom, my friends, the job I have been blessed with, good health, a quick mind and all the blessings that I have received this year.  

A great quote

I read this quote on the blog Adventures in Argyle and I love it! So, thanks for the quote Argyle and here it is: "You just have to adjust your expectations for the great recession of 2007-2009. Down is the new flat, flat is the new up, and up is the new best day ever".  So true. 

Something to think about

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 

Favorite Quotes

Then, without realizing it, you try to improve yourself at the start of each new day; of course, you achieve quite a lot in the course of time. Anyone can do this, it costs nothing and is certainly very helpful. Whoever doesn't know it must learn and find by experience that a quiet conscience makes one strong. ~ Anne Frank 

But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?~ Albert Camus 

A time...

ECCLESIASTES:

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

November 20, 2008

What a month. I have not posted as much as I would like. I have been incredibly busy with school and work. The typical whirlwind. I am trying to catch up on everything, life, cleaning, chores, paperwork, bills you name it and it has disorganization on  it. I also have the holidays looking at me in my face so I have to get organized for that as well.  

Simplify your life. Get rid of anything that’s pulling at your energy, time, or finances-especially anything that pulls you away from your life purpose” Doreen Virtue, Ph.D

This weekend I went to my church's annual thanksgiving dinner.  There was about 500 people there. 

A quick note

A note before I go offline to enjoy a movie and relaxation. It was another busy weekend at work and a full day of school today. I had a wonderful day though. I started my day knowing I was going to start my full liquid diet again. So far that is the one plan that I can stick to and I see results immediately. I went to all my classes and then had weight training class. It makes me feel so good! Overall I am very motivated to stick to my new schedule for during the week and I feel confident it is a doable schedule. I went to Walgreens after work and checked out The Hulk and got some things I needed. Oh yeah! I almost forgot...I got a Fabulous new haircut!! It makes me look so different and I feel AMAZING!! I also got a great new book I can't wait to read! It is One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell. More later...

10/23/08

This week has been a very fast week. Yesterday I had a Microbiology lab report due and a major test. I am glad those are over now. I was a little tense and stressed over it. I feel as if I did well though. Tuesday I got my hair cut and I love it! It makes me look so stylish! It is about time I updated my look. I also got some new clothes of which I love!! It makes me feel so good to look at myself the way I feel I should look. People treat you differently too when you look and feel good. 

A good morning indeed

Good Morning! 

It is Tuesday October 21, 2008.  It is a beautiful fall day in Pearland, Texas.  I feel rested after my busy weekend and Monday. I am fully recovered and ready to be productive. Today my plan  is to go to school to study and to take care of my errands. Tonight I am going with C. to life group. I feel very blessed. 

Continuation of a birthday celebration.

Today was a good day. We went out for my birthday to my favorite tea room and then went around to a craft bazaar and antique shops. We came home and I made pink cupcakes, of which I will post a pic later. 

Birthday flowers for me!

Just thought I would give myself some birthday flowers. These are beautiful. This is my dream bouquet. 

Happy Birthday!

On this day in history, Noah Webster was born. It is also my birthday today. I turned 34. It is not a landmark birthday but birthdays are always special to me.  If  I could have a dream birthday, it would be as follows: I would be in Paris, sitting outside sipping Cafe Au Lait outside of a quaint bistro, people watching and enjoying a fresh croissant with real butter. The sky would be crystal clear blue, the air would be fresh and crisp and there would be plenty of people to watch. I would be sitting there looking very stylish and beautiful, dressed in black and white with glowing skin. French tunes would be coming from inside the bistro. I would be planning my day, trying to decide if I should go shopping or to museums. That is what my dream birthday would include. 

Later that night...

I made it to my gym class this afternoon. Even not feeling well I still went. I did a workout and came home. I put as much effort into it as I could. I did not do too bad. It was a little difficult to move but that was after a long workout hiatus caused by Ike. I once again made a determination that I was going to begin getting in shape. At home, I vegged out and slept. It felt wonderful. So my sick day was very restorative and now am ready to begin my birthday tomorrow! 

Feeling Ill

I feel so sick today. Even though tomorrow is my birthday I am taking a sick day from school. Everyone every once in a while needs a sick day. I just want to curl up in my bed, get a book and have the tv on and rest. I just want to drink fluids and get better for my birthday tomorrow. 

Whirlwind!

In a word, that describes this past week! I worked so  many crazy hours: days, nights, afternoons...you name it I did it. All in a effort to get plugged into a different shift other than night shift. Nights is hard and then I am in school so I have to find time to study. This past weekend I worked 16 hours Saturday and Sunday. Not bad! I like the idea of working two days and off the rest of the week to study and rest. I put in for it, now let's see if I get it. 

Some more of my favorite things!

          The other things I would like to get to complete my room

Here are my ideas for my room! I love these things! 

The Love of Friends

One of my favorite friends called me today and we had a great talk. We asked each other for advice and just talked for a long time about everything. We are so much alike it is scary! She is a doll and I learn so much from her. I feel very lucky that I have someone like her in my life. Mushy, gushy stuff LOL. 

I have been doing some online shopping for my room re-do soon. I am so excited!! 

Thoughts of the Day

It was a busy morning for me this morning. I woke up, read my Bible, and had to do some online "chores". I had to work yesterday evening and I got to go home and sleep. That was wonderful. I really am settling in nice to my new job. 

I went to school yesterday and took my first two tests. I believe I did well in both of them. I really feel like I did well on my Microbiology test. I pray I did. 

That is all for now, I just needed to do a brain dump. More later. 

Frank Sinatra and exercise

It is Sunday morning. I worked last night and got off this morning and went to the park to walk. It was a beautiful fall morning like I am getting very accustomed to seeing here. I feel so alive. Went and got a smoothie and went home. Got ready for church by listening to Frank Sinatra. I just love his smooth, delightful melodies. It automatically breathes new life deep into my soul. 

Movie Date

I am so excited! This morning I got an email from one of my good friends (and secret crush) that he wants to go to a movie with me. WOW! I am stoked. Now I have to plan what I am going to wear and stuff! I am giddy with excitement! It has been a long while since I have been out (even though it is just a movie) seriously, I live too boring a life. 

A little bit of everything

Hello! 

It has been a couple of days since I last posted.  I have been working since I got my new job!! Yay!! I have worked 7 days. It is wonderful. It is in my field, nursing and I love it! And it is dependable money! Yay for that too! So now I am working and going to school, this is like my dream life right now. It is a beautiful fall day. The sky is blue and the sun is warm. It is a perfect day. So since I am working again, I thought that I would like to do some shopping again. It is amazing when you go without money the things that you need to replace and get. I thought it would be cute to post some of my favorite things here. 

Sadness

This morning as I was sitting outside, enjoying a beautiful fall morning after work, I was inspired to post a blog. Everything seemed right with the world. Then, my perfect morning came crashing down. I logged on to my blog and there on the front page I saw it: Paul Newman dies at age 83. I knew for a while that he was sick with cancer. I last saw a picture of him in People magazine a couple of months ago and he was skin and bone. I knew then that it would not be long. I am deeply saddened. For as long as I can remember he was my favorite actor and star. He had such a striking personality and easy way about him. His suave coolness and his love for the environment and charity made him easy to love and admire. I always thought of the roles he played as a nothing to lose, all out. He had strength, charisma, courage, striking good looks and a big heart. I will never forget him and he will always be my favorite. He will greatly be missed. There will never be another like him. 

Great day!

Hello!
I knew when I woke up today it was going to be a special day! I had to make a phone call to a prospective job so I did that as soon as I got up and I have great news: I have a permanent nursing job! I am so excited. I have not had a permanent job in nearly a year so I am really looking forward to working every day and then there is the ultimate reward of the steady paycheck! I am stoked. I can get back on track financially.
I start tonight. I go in to work overnight for a month then I will hopefully go to the three to eleven shift.
Today is the second day of fall and I feel great. My birthday is in October so I am a fall baby and I feel a surge of energy every year at this time. I do not know if it is the clear blue skies, the cool, crisp air, the turning of leaves or what but I just love it all. I am looking forward to working this fall and preparing for the holiday season.

Good Morning

Good Morning,

So far I have not done anything much today. Wasted time, did some writing, and thought, alot. Nothing particular, just random musings. Planned, dreamed, fantasized, wondered. It is a beautiful day today. The sun is out, the sky is blue, I should get out and get some exercise and fresh air. Since Hurricane Ike the weather has been just beautiful. Cool clear skies, and a wonderful temperature. I need to make my coffee so I can start my day. Like my daddy always said, " You're burning daylight...."

Post Hurricane Ike

Well it has been a whirlwind literally. Since Hurricane Ike made landfall on Saturday morning life has been so surreal for me. I feel so blessed that our apartment survived with no damage and mom and I are safe and uninjured. We have no power but we have been doing well in spite of that. We have a battery operated tv and radio and flashlights and candles for the evening. Thankfully the weather has been so cool so it has not been bad without a/c.  The apartment complex has been having block parties so we have been eating well and that is a huge blessing. It has been such a wonderful outpouring of community. It is so refreshing to see neighbors helping each other and everyone coming together to make sure everyone's basic needs are being met. This is the way it should always be. Not just in the midst of a disaster, but every day. Everyone is so friendly now and open to conversation and being helpful. It is like the hurricane blew in winds of community and getting out of comfort zones and thinking of something besides oneself and getting ahead. It has been wonderful. I know that is a very utopian way of thinking that this can continue but it would be wonderful. Somehow life has slowed down and is so much simpler now. I know I have made a resolution to continue my simplified way of living long after the storm and recovery effort is over. 

9/11 and Hurricane Ike

I spent today watching the news about Hurricane Ike and preparing for the storm, thinking and remembering 9/11/01. I made up my mind to never forget and to honor that day and the significance of what it meant to me living in America. I think alot of people have kind of forgotten or have pushed it out of the minds since it has been some time. I see that in the way that the memorials were not televised and has been approached in the media today as an afterthought. The History Channel had some good programs on tonight about it though. Mom and I watched them. A lot of the footage was new and presented in a new way. That was refreshing. I learned alot from them. As I watched mesmerized, it was almost like I was reliving it all over again. I had the same butterflies in my stomach and panic welling up in my throat. The memory of that day that is most poignant for me is watching the video of when the first tower came crashing down and you see the wall of smoke rolling over the city and you hear the high pitched beeping. I never have forgotten that sound. To me it is an eerie sound and a sound that makes me very sad at the same time. That is the beeping of the fire fighters alert that they wore on their uniforms to aler that they were in danger. I cannot help but imagine that every beep symbolized one brave firefighter down under all the rubble. They were brave and courageous and admirable for putting themselves in the line of fire literally, to save others. Soon after, the brave and courageous became the fallen that I still and always will remember. God bless the men and women of 9/11/01.

A relaxing evening

Today was a really great day. I spent the day studying Microbiology and the evening I enjoyed my favorite meal of crusty french bread and salami and white cheddar cheese with a wonderful glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Heavenly! For dessert I had dark chocolate truffles. They melted in my mouth. The spice of the wine and the sweet acidity of the truffle was a perfect marriage. It made me feel so elegant and so luxurious and pampered. The summer was so hard on me, this meal was a welcome treat. It really helps put everything into perspective what really matters to me and what does not.

Been a little while

It has been a little while since I have posted. It has been a crazy couple of weeks. The Thursday before last my old boss called from the nursing agency and asked if I could work!! I had been desperately searching for work so this was a very welcome surprise! So for the past week I have been working at night and this Wednesday I started back at school to work towards my RN degree! It has all been so exciting!!! A very far cry from the situation I was in three weeks ago. I welcome it though and feel like new breath has been breathed into me. I do so appreciate everything I have more now than ever before. Nothing like losing everything to make you appreciate everything that comes to you.

On a bright and sunny day

Hello all!

I had a wonderful day today! I slept in, went job hunting and then had time to peruse in a bookstore! Lovely! It was bright and sunny and I enjoyed getting out and driving.

It was so relaxing in the bookstore. That is where I feel most comfortable and at ease. Being one with all the books and looking at the titles and all the different shapes and sizes and textures. I love the smell : kind of musty and old. Comforting. It just makes me want to grab a cup of tea and just inhale.

The drive home was also nice. I listened to NPR All Things Considered and just absorbed the news. I like to learn things by listening to the news. I would say I am almost an information junkie. : )

For the evening I plan on cooking and watching Peter Lorre films on my favorite station TCM.