Booking through Thursday #5

This week’s question is suggested by (blogless) JMutford:

Sometimes I find eccentric characters quirky and fun, other times I find them too unbelievable and annoying. What are some of the more outrageous characters you’ve read, and how do you feel about them?


Hhhhhmmmmmmmm?????????
I had to really think on this question. At first read, it had me very stumped! Did I read books with lots of quirky characters? Did they bother me?
What is quirky?????


quirk·y
–adjective, quirk·i·er, quirk·i·est.
having or full of quirks.

quirk n.
1. A peculiarity of behavior; an idiosyncrasy: "Every man had his own quirks and twists" (Harriet Beecher Stowe).
2. An unpredictable or unaccountable act or event; a vagary: a quirk of fate.
3. A sudden sharp turn or twist.
4. An equivocation; a quibble.
5. Architecture A lengthwise groove on a molding between the convex upper part and the soffit.

Well if every man has his own quirks, then I must of read something that had quirky characters.

After reading many of the posted responses to this question...I finally had my answer. I adore quirky characters! They are rich with reading flavor. They mix things up...change the story line...add depth to the adventures.

Luna Lovegood and Sybill Trelawney are two quirky characters that come to mind from the Harry Potter series. These two ladies are glaring examples of quirkiness but don't many or most of the characters from this series have quirks of one kind or another. Hagrid and his love for unusual animals springs to mind.

Then of course any strong willed woman from literature that is based before 1930 also would be considered quirky. Anne of Green Gables and her imagination and drama. And then there is Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice or Jo from Little Women. Both these woman were consider "odd" because they were not meek and mild...they had opinions and followed their own code of beliefs.

Well then you can look at children's literature....there is Winnie the Pooh and many loveable characters from Alice in Wonderland. Now that is a strange bunch! LOL

With all this being said, I would have to admit to LOVING quirky characters in literature. I find they enrich the story in a way that a "normal" character would not and I look forward to many more quirky characters to bless my life.

For more quirky responses check out Booking through Thursday

Your Quirk Factor: 65%

You're so quirky, it's hard for you to tell the difference between quirky and normal. No doubt about it, there's little about you that's "normal" or "average."

How Quirky Are You?

Wordless Wednesday #5

Menu Monday - January 27 to February 2

This weekend winter hit HARD!
-31C today with a windchill of up to -50C. Can you say BBBRRRR?!?!?!
On days like this I just want to immerse myself into the kitchen with baking and cooking of comfort foods and the rest of the week shows more winter weather.

With this in mind, my menu for the week is full of foods that warm you.

Sunday - Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti and broccoli
Monday - Beef Barley Soup and buns
Tuesday - Beef stirfry and basmati rice
Wednesday - Homemade Pizza
Thursday - Ham slices, applesauce, scalloped potatoes, salad, and mixed veggies
Friday - Chicken Florentine and corn muffins
Saturday - Spaghetti with meat sauce and salad

For more menus check out Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie

Also on the topic of food, a friend blogger has started something new.
The cookie of the week.
Emily thought it would be interesting to post recipes and pictures for a new cookie each week. WOW! Now there is a lot of recipes to choose from. Love the idea. But in this household we have our famiy favorites and those numbers go no where near 52....so I am going to do a dessert a week.

With the snow and cold I needed something to remind me of the warm days of summer. When I think of the warm season now and even my childood, I think of rhubarb. Growing up we always had a massive plant to use up in all types of recipes. I have images of my grandmother making cakes, muffins, sauces, and more just to use up the tart fruit.

I revisited those memories when we bought this house since there was a large plant already well established.

With this in mind I pulled cut rhubarb from my freezer yesterday and made our favorite summer treat....Rhubarb cake.

YUM!!! Just taking a bit takes me back to warm days of summer.



Mix together and set aside:
4 cups rhubarb, chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar

Prepare as directed minus the oil:
1 yellow cake mix

Put batter into a 9 x 13 inch greased cake pan. Pour rhubarb mix over the batter.
Pour 1 1/2 cup cream over everything. Bake at 350F for 50-60minutes.
Serve warm with cream or whipped cream.

Your life is written through numbers

Your Life Path Number is 3

Your purpose in life is to express your unique self. You are a creative and artistic person with an interesting view on life. Witty and outgoing, you enjoy sharing your crazy ideas with anyone who will listen. A total social butterfly, you're the life of any party. In love, you inspire and enchant your partner. You are often an object of fantasy and desire. While you are very talented, you sometimes lack the ambition to put your talents in play. And while your wit carries you a long way, you occasionally use it to mask your true feelings. Your natural abilities can bring you all the success in the world ... if you let them

What Is Your Life Path Number?

It's Dinnertime!

Friday's Feast #4 (177)





Appetizer
How many times per day do you usually laugh?
I try to laugh often throughout the day.
My grandmother always said it was "better to laugh than cry!" so often I try to find the humor in situations. Also laughter can relieve tension in almost any situation.

Soup
What do your sunglasses look like?
I have two sets.
One is a clip on for my glasses that fit their shape.
The others I call my Buddy Holly glasses...LOL They are prescription sunglasses that cover the whole eye. I had them created for my motorcycle riding times.

Salad
You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?
I would love to take a trip either through the mountains. The Rockys are gorgeous and I really don't appreciate that beauty enough. Or I would take a long train ride from Canada into the States...probably touring the Southern States. I have a soft spot for that countryside.


Main Course
Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city.
It is a smaller sized "town" which has close access to the city.
So I have the friendliness of the town and the conveniences and culture of the city all within my reach.


Dessert
If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best?
It would be wonderful if the sky could have the red/orangey hues of the sunset/sunrise. There is nothing more awe-inspiring!

Check other inspiring feasts at Fridays feast

Booking through Thursday #4

What’s your favorite book that nobody else has heard of? You know, not Little Women or Huckleberry Finn, not the latest best-seller . . . whether they’ve read them or not, everybody “knows” those books. I’m talking about the best book that, when you tell people that you love it, they go, “Huh? Never heard of it?”



Oh there are so many books that I have enjoyed so far in my life. Many authors - both popular and unpopular. And if I must pick just one that is not well known...I would pick The Tin Flute by Gabrielle Roy

Gabrielle Roy is a french-canadian author and The Tin Flute is her first novel. I was introduced to this piece of literature by pure accident. While watching TV one night I stumbled across a movie of the week and was curious. After watching this heartfelt drama, I knew I just had to see what the author really wanted to show her audience (we all know books are so much richer than movies). So off I went to the library and brought the book home. It was a book I couldn't put down. Her take on life in Quebec at the end of the depression and just as WWII was starting is hopeful, heart-breaking and true to life. You feel for each character and their hopes, dreams and obsessions.

The Tin Flute is a "good friend" I like to visit with from time to time and she graces my bookshelf with such classics as Pride and Prejudice and Gone with the Wind that I must keep for myself.

I enjoyed her so much that I took a French-Canadian literature course in University and studied more of Ms. Roy's books as well as a few other authors I might not have ever had the opportunity or inclination to read.

If anyone enjoys rich characters, and history, this may be a book that you would like to explore.

Wordless Wednesday #4

Tackle it Tuesday...the project continues!

I am sad to say that I am still working on last week's job.
Underestimating the time needed for the task, I found I didn't have enough time last Tuesday and then throughout the week I tried to get motivated and failed. Sunday I went to work on the job and was so frustrated I left it to calm down and figure out how to make some of the components fit in a space that it has no desire to fit.




But I am not defeated. Hubby has found me the rubber mallet (great to relieve frustrations) and those little pieces will fit! LOL Hopefully by the weekend I will be able to show a completed desk.

I will defeat "the beast"!!!

Tina's Tuesday - Shopping

What was the last thing you bought?
Groceries

What things do you have on your list to buy?
Bookcases, paint and new curtains

What was the most expensive purchase you have ever made?
With hubby...that would be our house
Otherwise the items are fairly small.

menu Monday - January 20-26

Well another week bites the dust, however my menu plan was in tacked and took the sting out of the supper time rush. It is so comforting knowing ahead of time what will be on the table.

The only unpredictable part of last week was we ordered supper from a new Chinese place and had McDs instead of the meal planned for Thursday. Family concensus....we would rather eat food prepared from home than have this stuff. OMG!! Did my family actual say they wanted homemade over bought?? I am shocked beyond belief!! Guess I will be looking for recipes for some of our past favorite take-out suppers.

So that being in mind I am planning a week of family favorites. Sheridan has mid-terms this week and I want to make sure her mind (as well as her body) are well nourished. The best way to accomplish that is to make sure the food on the table is something she enjoys.



Sunday
Roasted chicken with gravy
mashed potatoes
stuffing
carrots
fresh buns

Monday
Homemade chicken noodle soup
Fresh buns

Tuesday
spaghetti with meat sauce
salad

Wednesday
Beef stroganoff
noodles
peas and corn

Thursday
pork chops in mushroom soup gravy
mashed potatoes
corn
salad

Friday
meatloaf burgers
potato salad

Saturday
leftovers or sub sandwiches

To see more yummy menu ideas check out
Menu Plan Mondays

Friday's Feast #3 (176)

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?
Green tea with a touch of honey

Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.
Coffee cup, Ipod and files that need filing

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?
I would think about an 8.5...truthfullness is one of the most important things to me.
My daughter hears quite often that lying is the one thing that drives me crazy!
I do need to work on the avoidance of truth with some family members though.

Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?

My hometown of Raymond, Alberta.
Had a good childhood but it was a town filed with chatter (gossip). Everyone knew everyone's history...everyone's life. The saying was if Mrs.Smith flushed her toilet everyone in town would know in 5 minutes....LOL
So a more appropriate name would of been Peyton Place!


Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?
Lack of organization and a list of too many things to do stresses me out beyond belief.

To calm down I need "time outs" and once in a while I need "family" time with my aunt to re-centre me again.

Check out Fridays Feast for more interesting answers to these questions.

Booking through Thursday #3

How much do reviews (good and bad) affect your choice of reading? If you see a bad review of a book you wanted to read, do you still read it? If you see a good review of a book you’re sure you won’t like, do you change your mind and give the book a try?

I rarely accept the opinion of reviewers. Most books I read are books that strike my fancy, stories that grab my attention or are written by authors I enjoy. Occassionally I will read books on recommendation of friends or family. But I have found that books, like with movies, are very subjective. What one person likes is not necessarily something another would enjoy.

Actually reviews often work in reverse for me. Especially if the reviews are bad! LOL Call me contrary, but if a review is terrible, I will often read it just to see what was so bad. LOL

Wordless Wednesday #3

Tackle it Tuesday!

Hi!
My name is Jamie and I have project ADHD.

This new year I started by looking for things to do through out the year. As I was assessing the lay of the land I could see:

- the yarn in the bag that was bought to make a sweater
- my daughter's clothes in my craftroom closet - moved with the intension of putting a closet organizer in her room
- the boxed closet organizer waiting to be installed
- the paint cans waiting to be put on the way
- the box that contains the desk we bought before the move for my hubby

And the list goes on and on and on and on...........

I get excited about a project. Often buy what is required for said project. Sometimes begin the project. AND THEN....get distracted by a new idea or notion.

Tackle it Tuesday was made for me!!!

This week I am tackling my husband's desk. Last week I forced myself to finish painting the walls of his den. Poor guy has been waiting "patiently" for me to finish this project since we moved into the house in summer 2006. Now that the walls are the color I was hoping for...he needs a desk!




Like the little engine that could....
I think I can! I think I can! I THINK I CAN!!!
I KNOW I CAN!!!!

More to follow today when project is done.

Tina's Tuesday

This week's topic is Dinner time.

What time is dinner time?

We try to have dinner around 5 or 5:30. However with dd's after school schedule many nights we are eating after 6. Not a favorite time for us :-(

What is a frequent meal at your house?
Frequent meals are soup and spaghetti with meat sauce. Often we have hamburgers and nachoes too.

What do you drink to wash it all down with?

Hubby and dd most times drink milk with the meal.
I drink water as milk makes me feel yucky!

For more other people's answers check out
Tina's Tuesdays

Menu Monday - January 13-19

Organization has never been an easy endeavor for me! But here I am on week two of Menu Monday and I am hoping this habit of organization will stick. It was great knowing what would be on the table for supper. It was even better knowing that the ingredients to make these delicious meals were either in the fridge, freezer or pantry. No having to run to the store at the last minute for forgotten items.

I am trying to get DD involved in cooking as well. Last week she helped by making the cheesecake. This week she helped make the Hobo Packets.





I have fond memories of making Hobo packets and grilling them over an open campfire. We made these for our Outdoor Ed Camp in grade nine. Now there are memories from the past. My group made them....carried them for miles into our camp...stored them in a bag in the river to keep them cool and then cooked them and "bribed"....oh I mean fed them to our instructors as well as ourselves in hopes of a good grade. LOL

Making them in the oven isn't quite the same! The meat doesn't get quite crispy enough for our liking.



But as you can see we had lots of fun making them!

Menu for January 13-19

Sunday: Hobo Packets
Monday: Vegetable Beef Soup and fresh buns
Tuesday: Chicken fingers, noodles and stir-fry veggies
Wednesday: Sweet and sour Pork Stir-fry with basmati rice
Thursday: Primary teacher's delight with creamed corn
Friday: Pizza with raw veggie sticks
Saturday: Take-out...treating to local Chinese food

Also last week I received a couple requests for a chicken recipe I was trying.

Apricot Pecan Chicken

4 chicken breasts, halved
1/4 cup broken pecans ( or walnuts or slivered almonds depending on taste)
2 tbsp. margarine
1/3 cups apricot preserves
1 tbsp. vinegar
1/4 tsp. ground ginger

Rinse chicken and pat dry. In large skillet melt margarine and then add chicken and nuts. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Trasfer chicken breasts to serving platter, reserving juices in skillet.

Keep chicken warm. To prepare glaze: stir preserves, vinegar and ginger into reserved juices in skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until mixture is heated through. Spoon glaze over chicken and serve.

Note: This is a first time for this recipe. I made extra glaze to spoon over rice as well as the chicken. Also the nuts singed when place in pan to cook with chicken. Next time I will save toasting the nuts til close to the end of cooking time with the chicken.

Otherwise this recipe is a keeper.

More Menus can be found at Menu Monday's
What a great way to liven up meal time.

Friday Feast #2 (175)

Appetizer
What is your middle name? Would you change any of your names if you could? If so, what would you like to be called?

My first name is Jamie.
As a child I hated it. It was a boys name until the Million Dollar woman became popular. Then it was the spelling that bugged me. But over time this name has grown on me. It is more unique than many. I see it as an extension of me....a little different..but that's okay!
My middle name is Lynette.
I would never change this name as it was chosen for me by my maternal grandmother.
A great gift from an even greater lady :-)


Soup
If you were a fashion designer, which fabrics, colors, and styles would you probably use the most?
If I was a designer I would work with fabrics like silk, satin and chiffon. I love the fluid motion of the fabric and the softness of its texture. Colors would be vibrant! Reds, Rusts, Oranges and lots of design. Style would be feminine. The fabrics just lend themselves to a girlie style and I love the romance of fashion. Afterall I am a girl.


Salad
What is your least favorite chore, and why?

I HATE cleaning the bathrooms. The cleansers hurt my chest, and there is always lots of scrubbing. It is a job that loses its newness quickly. And toilets...well I think that explains itself.


Main Course
What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life?

Heights and Ferris Wheels. UGH! I remember being on a ferris wheel with a girlfriend when I was in elementary school. She loved to rock the cart back and forth as we turned around. Well....on one trip she was rocking and we were turning. When it reached the top the safety bar came loose! It is a memory burned into my mind. Freaked us both out and it took (what seemed like hours but I am sure was minutes) for the controller to see and react. Needless to say to this day ferris wheels and heights cause my heart to pump faster.


Dessert
Where are you sitting right now? Name 3 things you can see at this moment.

I am sitting in my craft room in front of the computer.
I see boxes that need emptying.
I see a hamster cage
And I see lots of yarn, fabric and craft supplies :-)

Check out Fridays Feast for more great answers to these questions.

Booking through Thursday #2

How did you come across your favorite author(s)?

Recommended by a friend? Stumbled across at a bookstore? A book given to you as a gift?

Was it love at first sight? Or did the love affair evolve over a long acquaintance?

My favorite authors are Maeve Binchy and J.K. Rowlings.

Maeve Binchy, I started reading after seeing the movie "Circle of Friends". Once I picked up the book from the local library I was unable to put it down. Through her development of the characters, they became good friends and not just people in a book. With each book I have read, my love for this author's work has become stronger. I recommend her to all who I chat with. It is a true gift when an author can make her characters "real"! She even crosses these pals from book to book which endears them even more to the readers heart :-)

I was introduced to J.K.Rowlings when I saw the first Harry Potter movie. Oh I had heard about her before, but as a children's author only. Nothing that grabbed my fancy. Then after the movie my daughter wanted to read the book, however, with her young age we made it a family book to read at night. After reading the first book, my daughter lost interest, but I was curious to see how the story would evolve. My girlfriend loaned me the next three books. I read the next two but must admit my love did not happen until I read the fourth book "The Goblet of Fire". This book pulled me into Harry's life in a way the other three had not. It became more than just a book to read. The final three I devoured with increasing speed each time. I cried when Dumbledore died, I cheered for Harry's victorys, I hissed with hatred at Dolores Umbridge and her cruelty and I sobbed when I read the final page of the final book and realized that this journey would be no more. Oh I can read the books again...and will with great enjoyment but the curiosity and thrill of new adventures is gone. I hope that this is not the end of this great author's gifts to the literary world.

Wordless Wednesday #2

Tackle it Tuesday!

One of my hopes for 2008 is to eliminate ( or atleast reduce) my ability to procrastinate!

I am a firm believer in putting off what needs to be done. Either that or my list is just too large most days and much gets put off. My first clue to this condition should of been one of my favorite movie lines..."After all tomorrow is another day!" said in my best Scarlett O'Hara twang. LOL





As I was browsing for different blog ideas I came across Tackle it Tuesday What a great idea! Making myself accountable by tackling on job at a time.

So today is my maiden voyage for the year...first job is removing the signs of Christmas. Does anyone else find this task depressing? I put off putting away my Santas, bulbs and lights until the last moment because once removed I feel as empty as my house. The warmth of the season seems to disappear and a bit of sadness is left behind.

But I knew that it was time to go......


BEFORE



AFTER

The day was filled with endless trips up and down the stairs. Removing! Wrapping! Reboxing! Organizing! Wrapping in Plastic! and finally storing under the stairs until the next Christmas season peeks out to be seen!

First task accomplished :-)

Menu Plan Monday - January 7th

With a new year, of course I am trying something new...organization! LOL
I always try to organize my life but over time I seem to get distracted and things fall apart.

This year....I am first trying to get the home menu in order and making a weekly menu helps with food prep, food purchasing and planning my days.

After looking at the weekly activites, I asked family for suggestions on things they would like and then I looked at my collection of new recipes that have caught my eye and then I created!!

Monday: Clam Chowder, Buns

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, Salad

Wednesday: Apricot Pecan chicken, Rice, French style Beans

Thursday: Open faced roast beef sandwiches with gravy, Home Fries, Raw carrots and cucumbers

Friday: Tacos, Mexi fries

Saturday: Leftovers, or nachoes


Desserts for week: Leftover christmas treats, pudding, jello and cheesecake

Friday/Saturday I will prepare the menu for the following week.

Here's to success in organizing my family meals.
If you want more Menu Plan Monday, head over to Organizing Junkie

Friday's Feast #1

Appetizer
When was the last time you received a surprise in the mail, and what was it?

Yesterday....I got my package from Christmas Around the World Knitters Swap. It was filled with all sorts of surprizes including a handpainted glass ball with an angel on it...one of a kind. I just loved it!

Soup
If you could have a summer and/or winter home, where would you want it to be?

If I could have a summer and or winter home, it would be in one of the southern states....Tennesse or South Carolina probably. I just love the countryside, history and weather.

Salad
Pick one: pineapple, orange, banana, apple, cherry.

Cherry

Main Course
Describe the nicest piece of clothing that you own.

A green suede coat with blanket cloth around the shoulders.
It was a surprize gift on Christmas from my hubby and it holds a special place in my heart and wardrobe to this day.

Dessert
If you could forget one whole day from your life, which day would you choose to wipe from your memory?

Actually I would be greedy and chose two...the days my sons passed away.
I love the memory of my sons but the days they died are a dark spot that clouds over from time to time.

Christmas in January :-)

I joined Christmas Around the World Knitters Swap this past year. It was made for those who enjoy the whole Christmas experience....giving and receiving...music, food, gifts, ornaments, everything! It was a pleasure spoiling Stephanie and I was beyond thrilled when I found out my package arrived on time. Shipping from Canada to the States at Christmas makes a person have images of dogsleds, snowstorms, and very slow moving packages.

I was doubley thrilled when I found out that my package from Ingrid had arrived today.
Boy did I have a partner who likes being Santa!



After fighting off my daughter LOL I opened all my little packages to find out the surprizes.

There was dark chocolate and chai tea.


Smelly things like pumpkin spice bubble bath, lemongrass soap and apple/cinnamon potpourri.

Fuzzy novelty wool in two vibrantly delicious colors!

And finally two great heartfelt gifts......

Gorgeous red felted slippers made especially for me by my secret Santa.....

And a Li Bien glass ornament in its own satin box for safety.
The Li Bien Ornament showcases the age-old skill of inside painting. Through a small opening in the ornament, the artist repeatedly inserts a miniature brush to paint the artwork. The process is painstaking and time consuming requiring two day to paint each ornament. The resulting ornament is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind keepsake you'll treasure for years to come. This ornament was of an angel to add to my collection that holds a dear place in my heart. Ingrid, you really took the time to get to know me and it is very much appreciated....all that you did!

I send a huge thanks to Stephanie and Ingrid for pleasure of getting to know two wonderful ladies and to Maryanne and Kasia for organizing this fantastic swap.

Insanity prevails!

Yup that's right.
It's official! I am insane!!!
I just joined another book list for 2008.
What's the worst that can happen??? I don't finish the list!?!?!?
Just think of all the fun I will have trying.



Requirements:

~ align the author's last name or the title of a book (excluding "the", "a", etc.) with its corresponding letter in the alphabet

~ enter a different book for each author and title (total of 52 books)

~ complete the alphabet lists anyway that suits your fancy
(i.e.: complete each list separately in alphabetical order, read both "A" entries, then "B" entries, fit whatever you're reading into either list, etc.)

~ complete the challenge in the year 2008

~ enjoy the experience!

Booking through Thursday #1

What new books are you looking forward to most in 2008? Something new being published this year? Something you got as a gift for the holidays? Anything in particular that you’re planning to read in 2008 that you’re looking forward to? A classic, or maybe a best-seller from 2007 that you’re waiting to appear in paperback?

I must admit I literature ADHD. I start each year with a list of 12-24 books that I plan on reading...and then BAMMMMM....out of no where I get blindsided. Reading other people's lists, hearing recommendations of new books, or old books that I haven't read...even as I shelve books at my local library. I get distracted!! Hording books! Gathereing more than I have time to read in my available time! I just get distracted and find by the end of the year I have not accomplished what I set out to do in the year.

This year I have joined the TBR challenge I made a list of 12 books to read (one a month should be obtainable) and 12 alternates in case I find it difficult to concentrate or am able to read more. I have included books that have caught my attention, a couple classics, books given to me by friends and family and a few that were recommended.

I pledge to try and focus on my list of books...but will not chastize myself for reading outside my list. And I will make a list of books recommended to me, or that have caught my interest for future lists in the years to come.

I must admit though that the book that has caught my interest the most is Eat, Pray and Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The fury over this book has me curious! And best of all the library called today and after weeks of patient waiting, it has arrived!

Other than this I mainly just look forward to reading. Ever since I was a child this has been a great escape for me. I love to disappear into worlds of other' creation and just the pure escapism of it all.

Wordless Wednesday #1

Happy New Year

How was your Christmas for 2007?
Christmas this year was relaxed. I didn't stress over gift giving. Was finished most before my daughter was finished school. I didn't stress over baking or cooking. Had planned ahead the meals and baked the weekend before the holiday what I felt was wanted. I didn't stress over decorating. Only brought out what I wanted and nothing more. I didn't stress over visitors. Remembered they were here to see us and not the house. I would say this year was not stressful at all. Relaxing, enjoyable and fun!

Did you do anything to celebrate the new year?
We celebrated New Years the way we have always done since our daughter was born.
We stayed home, snacked, watched movies, played games and wished each other "Happy New Year" when the clock struck midnight. Wouldn't want to do it any other way.

Come on...be honest...How much did you end up drinking last night? LOL!
I had 2 cups of tea with Bailey's and that was it for me :-)

A New Beginning

Another year has begun!
What is it that is so exciting about a new year that the world celebrates with great exuberance? The new beginning? A clean slate? A time to start over or just make a fresh start? All these things are true.
The new year brings with it hope and promises of great things.
I must admit that the prospect of change, hope and an unchartered frontier has caught me up as well. This a new year to be who I want to be, to do things I want to do, to make myself a better person.

Each year I start off with a huge list of things I want to change, improve or do. And as the days tick off of each year I find that the list becomes daunting! Taunting me over and over about my failure to accomplish the simple things.

This year will be different. No huge list! No paper with things to check off as I go. My attitude this year is to do better. Focus on me! Something a SAHM has a difficult time doing. I will approach each day as a clean slate and accomplish what I can, change what I want to and am able to and no more.




I wish you all a successful year for 2008. Accomplish what you want and can. Be the best you can be. Look for the positive. Make the world a better place. And most of all be happy :-)