We get by with a little help from our friends

It is amazing what talking to your best friend on the phone will do for your spirits and mood.

PJ and I have been friends since the third grade. We had a few years apart after high school when we'd gone our separate ways, but since our 10 year reunion, have rekindled a friendship that I don't think ever really went away. We'd be closer if we lived closer, but we do the best we can with her in California and me in Texas. All I can say is thank goodness for free nights and weekend cell phone minutes and mobile to mobile calling!

Since she got married and I got busy, we don't talk as much as either of us would like, so generally our conversations are between things when we can fit them in or marathon two and a half hour conversations like last night. It's funny, when we have the marathon calls, we discuss/vent issues in our lives, then we solve all the problems in the world (if only the world would listen to us).

We always end the phone calls smiling and feeling better for having talked to one another. It's nice to have a best friend.

The Camel Revisited

A while back, I mentioned that there is a camel in with a small herd of buffalo in a pasture on my drive to and from work. The camel just showed up one day and it seemed so out of place that it was funny and I began making up stories about the camel and his life with the buffalo.

It seems I'm not the only one who noticed him. Just a few days ago I saw a news story as I was getting ready for school. He got his 15 minutes of TV fame.

The camel actually has a name and his own story. His name is Teddy. He was a gift to the ranch. He's been at the ranch for about four years and they moved him into the pen with the buffalo so he could have some company.

Hmmmm.... so if I'm really following the lead of the Camel, I should be interacting more with the Buffalo... err, other people. I'll have to give that some thought.

I think it's the Winter Doldrums

I haven't forgotten about the blog... I've even come here a few times and stared at the computer screen looking for inspiration and a post. But, alas, none has come.

Life has returned to it's pre-holiday pattern: work/school/work/work/school/work...work/school/work. I don't want to sound as if I'm complaining. I have a job (two actually) and I'm grateful for that for the time being. It's just that it's likely my main job will be ending come September. It's a little scary. No, it's a lot scary to know that your job is ending especially when you hear all of the dire economic news and talk of recession and no jobs. I HAVE to get out of school. I HAVE to. I HAVE to do it by September. It is doable. I am practicing more (shhh... don't tell my boss, but when he's not in the office, I practice there sometimes when I've finished my work.) It's just I don't do well with unknowns and with change. It seems that is all that I have right now.

I am trying to look at the positives, though. As soon as I get out of school I get to move home to be closer to Miss A and Little B. That is just about as positive as it comes!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Okay, so I'm a couple of days late. Better late than never.

I actually had a very relaxing and peaceful New Year's Eve. I decided that I was going to have my own party and so the cats and I sat in front of a roaring fire (okay, so roaring is exageraging just a bit... but once I finally got it going, it was pretty), drank a glass of wine and watched TV until about 12:30 (that's what time the movie ended) and fell asleep on the couch in front of the fire with both kitties curled up near me. It was a peaceful end to a pretty good year.

New Year's Day was just as uneventful. I pretty much was a lump on the couch and loved every second of it. I did make a pork roast and had turnip greens and black-eyed peas and a salad for a late lunch/early dinner around 4:00-ish. So, I should have wealth and health in abundance this year... hey, I'll settle for health in abundance and wealth in "just over enoughs" if the truth be told!

I didn't really make any resolutions. I've got some goals for things I want to accomplish, but not really any resolutions.

So, for those who are my regulars, I hope you will spend the next year with me... I fully expect some big happenings and I'd love to have you along for the ride.

For those who may stumble on my little corner of the internet, welcome. I hope you find something interesting.

Home Sweet Home

Well, I made it home without any major drama. There really wasn't much traffic today so the drive went really easily. The kitties cooperated (or were just ready to be home, too) and slept quietly the majority of the way. Occasionally there was a whimper of protest from the back seat, but for the most part, they're becoming hearty travelers.

It is so great to go visit family, but there is really no place like home.

Onward to New Years, I suppose. No plans as yet for that, but I hold out hope I'll be doing something besides moping on my couch.

Twas the night before Christmas...

Home again for the holidays. I actually got to the Panhandle on Saturday after driving in a headwind the whole way... ugh. The kitties and I made it fine... tired from the trip but glad to be here. Went immediately to see the kiddos. Little B and Miss A are just too cute. Little B is talking so much more now than Thanksgiving. They do grow up so fast.

Every year since I was a small child, I've gotten to basically celebrate the 12 days of Christmas. With 3 sets of grandparents and family, all holidays were/are generally whirlwind affairs with lots of food, fun, and presents. Yesterday I had Christmas with my sisters and parents in the afternoon and with 2 of my three brothers, both sisters, parents and the spouses and children that belong to each. Sometimes it amazes me how truly redneck my family (that part of it, anyway) really is. You never know where the conversation will go when my brother G is around. Yesterday, his girlfriend/significant other/common-law spouse-type person, L, was telling us of G's latest -- showering with his shotgun. Yes, naked in the shower with his shotgun. He swears it is the only way to go, cause it is completely clean now. Yes, you can laugh and roll your eyes, we all did (including L!).

Through the food and laughter, presents were opened. I am a hero to Miss A because of the Bunny Slippers. Aunt C is also a hero. She got Miss A a tutu that plays a portion of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake when she moves. Miss A immediately changed into her tutu and bunny slippers and we were regaled to her fairy dance with Tchaikovsky's accompaniment. Little B got lots of presents and seemed thrilled with everything you got him and a bit surprised that things were for him. I love Christmas with children around. Their absolute joy and wonder at gifts and the need to try it on immediately or play with it immediately. You can't beat it.

Today, Christmas Eve has been a bit more subdued. C, her hubby P, my parents and Moma's parents spent the day together and visited and ate (yes, lots of food around during the holidays in my family) and went to the candlelight Christmas Eve service at G&G C's church. It is always a fun thing to do. We did make Grandaddy take off the oxygen during the candlelight portion of the service. Blowing up the church didn't sound like a very Christmassy thing to do.

Now, I'm back at Uncle J's house with him, C&P and G&G B. A quiet evening is planned. Tomorrow will be more food and family and a few presents, I'm sure.

But, I want to take this few moments to say to everyone, Merry Christmas.

King James Version (KJV)
Luke 2
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Everyone get your Holy Hand Grenade ready

A couple of months ago, my niece, Miss A, asked me for Bunny Slippers for Christmas. Okay, that's what she's getting. The quest for cute bunny slippers was on. I ordered them from and online store and got them yesterday. Can I just say they are freakishly cute! Pink nose, fishing line whiskers and a tail at the back! Too Cute!!!!



I also found a pair for me... I want these. They are The Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog and he's got a vicious streak a mile wide. Okay, so maybe only those who love Monty Python's Holy Grail will get it, but, come on, this is funny stuff.....