Pop

Why do I love the smell of Old Spice aftershave? When I smell it, I am immediately pushed back into my childhood. I remember things vividly and clearly. I am standing in my grandparent's house wearing a dress and my Sunday shoes, and waiting for us to go to Sunday School. My Grandmommy is putting on her earrings, and my Pop has just come into the living room to watch the last few minutes of the gospel singing show. I remember the smell of his aftershave, and the way his face was so smooth when he hugged me.

My Pop is my Mom's Dad. When I was very small, he and my Grandmommy lived in West Virginia. Back then it was a 5-hour drive between them and us, but my Pop would come pick me up on Fridays and I'd go back with him for a week or two. I can remember standing in the front seat beside him (this is when it wasn't a mortal sin not to wear a seatbelt) eating a huge chocolate ice cream cone. Of course it was melted all down the front of my shirt, all over my face, and even in my hair...but the good thing about my Pop is that the mess was OK with him. We'd drive through the tunnels and mountains all the way up to Gassaway, WV.

During the week, in the afternoon, I'd go outside and sit on the front steps and wait for him to come home from work. He had one of those old black lunchboxes men used to take on the job site. Everyday he'd bring me a honey bun. I'm not sure if he just saved the honey bun from his lunch, or if he stopped and got it for me on the way home, but either way, I waited for that honey bun every day. I'd say "oh, he brought me a honey bin." Yes, honey bin...not a misspelling, just mispronounced by a 3-year old. I was under the illusion that the people he worked with sent me that "honey bin" everyday...and he let me think that.

When I was older, my Grandparents moved to Morehead City, NC. What luck for me! All summer at the beach! Pop would take me to the pool or to the beach and let me splash around until I was tired of it. Once he took me to Beaufort, NC for the day just to walk around. He told me about the town and the beach. On Sundays and Wednesdays we went to church, and still I remember the smell of Old Spice.

As I got older, my Grandparents started camping. They bought a camper and parked it on the New River in Virginia. There were many weekends spent there, tubing down the river, laying in the sun, and eating fresh vegetables and grilled food my Pop made. He'd always bring the best stuff from the garden and cook full meals of just vegetables and cornbread.

At Christmas Pop always makes homemade candy (peanut butter cups, mounds bars, chocolate covered pretzels, and chocolate covered cherries), the best fudge ever, and peanut butter cookies. It's just not Christmas if the house isn't full of this sweetness.

Besides my childhood memories of my Pop, there are several things I know about him now that make me love him more and more:

• He loved my Grandmommy unconditionally! She could be quite demanding at times, but he always made her happy. He worked hard to give her what she wanted and what she needed. He took care of her like no one else could, and he never let her down. When he lost her, he truly lost his best friend.
• He loves his children unconditionally. Ask my Mom and my Aunt Jeannie, and they'll tell you it's true.
• He loves his grandchildren unconditionally. I can attest to that.
• He's the most mild mannered, laid-back, giving, loving, and kind person I know.

 

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

1. For all of my grandparents, especially the one I still have.
2. For memories.
3. For honey buns.
4. For unconditional love.
5. For the best childhood a girl could ask for.
6. For acceptance from those who love me.
7. For Old Spice.
8. For an upbringing I can be proud of.
9. For family; it makes my world go round.
10. For happiness, even when I don't deserve it.

Help Me, Help Me, Help Me

1. Be more thankful...even still.
2. Have patience.
3. Choose my words wisely.
4. Be slow to anger...just like Pop.
5. Live by Pop's example.
6. Love deeper.
7. Have even more compassion...even if it's to a fault.
8. Remember the things I was taught as a child.
9. Stay true to my convictions.
10. Take a stand when it's necessary.

Grown Ups

When I was young I used to dream of all the things I'd do when I was a grown up.  These things consisted of the same things everyone else considers: I'll have my own place, I'll stay up late if I want to, I'll eat at McDonalds all I want, I'll make cake batter just to eat it straight from the bowl, I'll control the TV remote, I'll have my friends over all the time, etc.  Life was much simpler when I just thought about these things.

Now that I'm older, I do have my own place, but:

• I don't stay up late because I have to go to work the next day (and, frankly...the older you get the more sleep you need).
• I don't eat at McDonalds that often, because it just isn't good for you.
• I DON'T eat cake batter straight from the bowl (ohh, I feel sick just thinking about it).
• I gave up the TV remote for other things I HAVE to get done (aka laundry).
• My friends have their own lives...although they visit, they have to get home and get their laundry finished too.

I do, however, enjoy eating a bowl of cereal for dinner when I don't feel like cooking. I sleep late every now and then (well, at least on the weekends), and I can stay on the phone as long as I want to.  If I don't want to clean my room, I don't have to (but I do anyway).  Funny how things change the older we get.  :)

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

1. For making it to adulthood, but not losing childlike tendencies.
2. For making my childhood so wonderful.
3. For the opportunity to use creativity every day at work.
4. For the sunshine (even though it's COLD).
5. For my fireplace (again).
6. For the children in my life.
7. For silly things that David says that make me laugh out loud.
8. For a place to write whatever I want, when I want.
9. For all the things I have...in spite of those I have not.
10. For true love.

Help Me, Help Me, Help Me

1. Remember that the little things are the most important things.
2. Love deeper.
3. Be slow to anger.
4. Keep on keeping on...even when I want to quit.
5. Be more tolerant (I can't say that enough).
6. Be a better friend.
7. Prioritize.
8. Use my time wisely (just like it said on our report cards in school).
9. Always respect those who deserve it (and even those who may not).
10. Remember I am loved.

Playoffs

It's almost time for the Super Bowl again.  I always feel mixed emotions at this time during football season.  Playoffs are so exciting, not to mention the big game...but I know when I can count the number of games on one hand, I realize how long it will be until I can watch football again.  My team never makes it this far.  The last time the Skins won a Super Bowl, I was in high school.  Since my team can't seem to consistently make it into the playoffs, I pin my hopes on David's team: the Pittsburgh Steelers.  So far so good, although they are currently playing the New York Jets to see who will make an appearance at the big game.  I'm biting my nails, and David is throwing things at the TV.

At this point, I know more about Pittsburgh's players than I do Washington's.  We have our gold nerf ball out (so David's tosses at the TV don't send us to Best Buy in the morning), we have our spongy "bad call brick" out (a gift from a friend who witnessed that commotion first hand last time the Steelers played the Super Bowl), and we're swinging our "Terrible Towel" when the time is right. Come on Steelers! I want a happy husband, and a Super Bowl that matters! 

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

1. For NFL football, and all the excitement it brings us.
2. For the ability to understand this game I love.
3. For a defense that, when at its best, can hold any team (see Steel Curtain and Blitzburgh).
4. For Sundays together in front of the TV.
5. For my beautiful niece (who will be 12 this Thursday).
6. For a fun "dance" birthday party yesterday...thanks the "Dance Central" on the Xbox, I know I still have my groove. :)
7. For my pink, fuzzy slippers.
8. For temps above 45.
9. For all our new opportunities.
10. For a chance to record it all right here!

Help Me, Help Me, Help Me

1. Not have an anxiety attack during this game.
2. Pray more.
3. Pray for more.
4. Pray with more faith.
5. Lead by example.
6. Deal with the fact I can't run until after my leg heals...and walk instead.
7. Remember those less fortunate than myself.
8. Stay positive.
9. Take time out from working to enjoy those things I've worked so hard for.
10. Be more thankful.

The Good Stuff

The good stuff is:

• Going to the mall with David after work...just to walk around.
• Knowing I'll see my parents this weekend...because they're only 2 hours away.
• Having lunch with an old friend...just to catch up.
• Learning about a new course development tool that's FREE...because I'm a nerd like that.
• Finding a new sweater on sale for 50% off...because I'm cheap like that.
• Starting a new business with my new husband...because we can do this!
• Seeing my cousin in Ecuador...because she loaded the photos right onto Facebook.
• Planning several beach trips this summer...because I was born in the sign of water, and it's there that I feel my best.
• It still being January, and still having a feeling this is going to be a great year...because it is!! :)

Speaking of the "cousin in Ecuador" bullet above...my cousin Alli is studying abroad this year.  She's a junior at UNC (Chapel Hill) and she was so excited before she left.  She's staying with a family there and touring the place as we speak.  She's been to Europe with her parents, so this isn't her first time out of the country...but it is her first time out of the country by herself.  Her Mom is a wreck, and I can't blame her. But Alli...well, she's exactly what I wish I could be: fearless.  She's there to immerse herself in the Spanish language and to experience life as others do. She's my hero today! :) Go Alli!


Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

1. For the "good stuff".
2. For good friends and them missing me.
3. For my dishwasher!
4. For the promise of summer...whenever it gets here.
5. For lipstick (because it make me feel pretty).
6. For the job I get to go to tomorrow.
7. For the people who listen to me.
8. For the people who don't listen to me, and then find out I was right. ;)
9. For a feeling of peace.
10. For every day I wake up again.

Help Me, Help Me, Help Me

1. Remember everything I have to do.
2. To not feel overwhelmed when I remember everything I have to do.
3. See the positive when negative is all around.
4. Love even deeper.
5. Be even more tolerant.
6. Get rid of my road rage.
7. Be on time.
8. Keep trying to be patient.
9. Stop questioning.
10. Live every day like it's my last.

Winter Weather

We've had more than our share of snow so far this winter...and it's only January.  We're being pelted now with sleet, but we were expecting snow.  The sleet is so loud, I can hear it falling outside.  Fayetteville and other cities to the south of us have been covered in snow all day, and when it comes from the south, the weather is usually rough.

David and I have the fire going and are staying in watching the news periodically.  It's funny to us that no other news is as big as the weather.  North Carolinians go nuts when we have winter weather.  The grocery stores are crowded, with the main items of interest being eggs, milk, and bread (we assume everyone is going to make French Toast).  As far as traffic, most of our residents camp at home and refuse to drive. We're from the south, so we don't have the experiences with driving in snow that our northern neighbors have.  Those who do decide to drive to work will probably go in late if at all possible.  And the schools...well, they're already closed regardless of what the roads look like tomorrow morning.  Besides all this, the news will go out to the gas pumps and find the most backwards, toothless person there to interview about the weather.  It's always good fun to watch the news when it snows. :)

Regardless, we will have a wonderful snow day here tomorrow if we decide to stay in. Who doesn't love a snow day? :)

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

1. For the blanket of white we've been blessed with so far this season.
2. For Harris Teeter being right across the street.
3. For firewood.
4. For that frozen Tombstone pizza we have in the freezer (good snow day eating).
5. For a day off in the middle of the week.
6. For the ability to work from home...regardless of the weather.
7. For Facebook and blogging (something to do if we get bored).
8. For a stockpile of books and DVDs.
9. For our down comforter.
10. That we made it home safely tonight.

Help Me, Help Me, Help Me

1. Enjoy the snow (or sleet) like I did when I was a kid.
2. Be able to sleep late when I can.
3. Focus on work when it's time.
4. Be more productive.
5. Make it where I'm going safely (should we choose to go out).
6. Avoid cabin fever.
7. See the glass as half full (against my better judgement).
8. Use my new found patience (be still and endure).
9. Smile, even when I don't want to.
10. Love unconditionally.

Saturdays Rock

Today we slept late.  Saturdays are good for that, and if we can, we take advantage.  I slept until 9, and when I woke up, David was still sleeping sound next to me.  I picked up my book from the nightstand and read until he woke up around 10:20.  He asked me what time it was, and when I told him he smiled and said he'd slept 20 minutes longer than last Saturday.  I think he's trying to set a record.

When we finally got motivated, we got dressed in our "Saturday slacker clothes" and bundled up against the cold.  When we left the house, it was snowing.  We went to the used bookstore and browsed around for a new book for me (I finally finished Eat, Pray, Love this morning).  Then we went across the street to Blockbuster so I could rent the movie...since I had decided I MUST finish the book before I watched it.  David picked The Other Guys over the A-Team because he wanted something funny.  Then we went to Salsarita's and picked up some lunch and brought it back home.  We ate, and then cleaned up a little. 

Around 5:30, David went to the grocery store again, since I refuse to fight with the "snow crowd".  It had long since stopped snowing, but I know how people are about the white stuff here in NC.  When he got back he made Vodka Chicken Penne and garlic bread for dinner.  It was very good, and we were both stuffed when we finished. 

After dinner, his friend came over to watch the playoffs and the movie he picked out. (Actually, they're in the living room laughing about something right now).  And here I sit at my computer journaling about a relaxing Saturday.  I can only hope tomorrow is just as good. :)

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

1. For the weekends.
2. For books being made into movies (so fun to compare).
3. For the used bookstore.
4. For football season.
5. For the Starbucks mocha David bought me on his way back from the grocery store.
6. For hats, on days when I don't want to fix my hair.
7. For my aunt...her emails make me smile.
8. For friends.
9. For starter logs...they make it so easy to start the fire.
10. For Simple Saturdays.

Help Me, Help Me, Help Me

1. To keep the positive "weekend" attitude when Monday comes.
2. To make a way for the family beach trip we're planning to actually happen.
3. To be a better listener.
4. To learn, even though I think I already know everything.
5. To smile often, and frown less.
6. To keep exercising...I think it's helping.
7. To keep the laundry under control.
8. To complain less.
9. To remember those who are less fortunate.
10. To continue this blog...I'm really enjoying it.

Working Girl

Today I have worked from the time I woke up, until...well, now.  So much to do, and my days stretch on far into the night.  At some point I will become so tired I will not be able to form complete sentences, and then I will go to bed and sleep...just to wake up and work some more.  Some days it seems the more I do, the more I have in my in-box.  But...it's job security, and that I am thankful for.

On days like today, when I cannot join him to watch TV, David comes into my office, sinks into the easy chair in the corner (my reading chair) and pops open his laptop.  He doesn't bother me while I stress about the never ending flow of email popping into my Outlook inbox...he sits quietly and waits for me to finish.

So this evening while I worked, he quietly slipped out and went to the grocery store...and he brought back the following:

• Triscuits, which I seem to not be able to live without.
• A Hershey bar for us to split later.
• Pears for me, because they're good for me.
• 2 filets, which he cooked perfectly and even cut into bite-sized pieces for me.

I stopped working tonight long enough to eat with him and enjoy what he'd taken time to do. It's little things like these...these things make me happy.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

1. For job security.
2. For David setting up shop in my office just to be with me.
3. For Fridays and working from home.
4. For Palm trees and summer breezes (I know they're still blowing somewhere right now).
5. For my comfortable life.
6. For the Glamour magazine that comes every month.
7. That I live right next door to Barnes & Noble (how convenient).
8. Starbucks on a Saturday morning.
9. That my cousin made it to Ecuador safely.
10. For silly things my husband says.

Help Me, Help Me, Help Me

1. To love more deeply.
2. To remember it's OK to be nostalgic...I am a Cancer after all.
3. To remember to take my vitamins (I'm having trouble with that one).
4. To get through those exercises they gave me at physical therapy.
5. To always say please and thank-you.
6. To hold my tongue when others seem inconsiderate.
7. To be less self-centered.
8. To endure this cold weather without much complaint.
9. To get my company website done before the end of the weekend.
10. To remember not to sweat the small stuff.

Music and Movies

I have lots of CDs, and even more DVDs.  I know all of them by heart.  If I am willing to pay good money for something, I get some use out of it!  If I own a CD, I play it over and over until I memorize every lyric, every "uh-huh" and every "oooohhhhh".  If I own a DVD, I play it over and over while I work or do other things around the house as background noise...and generally I know every line.

Because of this, I associate certain songs with the movie that used the song on their soundtrack.  When I hear the song on the radio, I immediately think of the movie and want to see it.  Many mornings while driving to work, I will tell David that we need to watch because of whatever song is on at the moment.

Here are some examples:

• When I hear Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith, I want to watch Starskey and Hutch.
• When I hear Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall, I want to watch The Devil Wears Prada.
• When I hear Lonely is the Night by Billy Squier, I want to watch Couple's Retreat.
• When I hear Love Stinks by J Geils Band, I want to watch the Wedding Singer.

Once I start thinking of watching one of my DVDs, I spout lines from the movie at David (and anyone else who will listen) until it isn't funny anymore (or someone tells me to shut up). I love my music and I love my movies...wonder what I'll hear next.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

1. For my CDs and DVDs.
2. For a decent memory with which to house all this useless information.
3. Craisins (love them!).
4. For the ability to work from home (which I will take advantage of tomorrow).
5. Thursday night phone calls from my Momma.
6. Another chance to be a "chaperone" at my niece's birthday party (coming up at the end of the month).
7. Sweet tea (David just made me a new batch).
8. Flannel PJ pants.
9. Bath & Body Works lotion.
10. My reading glasses (couldn't blog without them).

Help Me, Help Me, Help Me

1. Get my task list organized.
2. Find time to finish reading Eat, Pray, Love this weekend.
3. To get up early on Sunday so I can get to church on time.
4. Not stress over work deadlines.
5. To get a handle on my road rage.
6. To be the best aunt I can be.
7. Take a break every now and then.
8. Be there for my aunt while her only child is studying abroad (she's probably a wreck).
9. Pray with conviction and purpose.
10. Live every day like it's my last.

Almost 6 Years...

It will be 6 years ago this month that David and I loaded up my Mustang (packed to the gills), and moved 2 hours east to the "big city".  OK, Raleigh might not qualify if you live in NYC, but it IS on the top 50 list for largest cities in the US.  Anyway, after being laid off from a job I had for almost 8 years, and finding one that would take me farther away from where I grew up than I'd ever lived...I ended up in the "Triangle".  From the "Triad" to the "Triangle" we joked when we drove to the hotel that would be our home for the next 30 days.  We didn't know anyone here, or anything about the surrounding area, but we knew it was a new life...and a new beginning.

We stayed at Candlewood Suites in Raleigh while I started my new job, and looked every evening for an apartment to call home. We couldn't buy anything, because we weren't really sure which town we wanted to be in. After many apartment tours and lots of wrong turns, we settled in Cary. It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship (as much as you can have a relationship with a city).

Cary is on the western side of Raleigh, and has lots of restaurants and entertainment. It's considered an "upper class" town, and requires businesses and homeowners to follow strict rules on upkeep. There are lots of parks and greenways (a word I had never heard until I moved to the "Triangle"), and great shopping centers. It offers a quaint downtown area, and lots of shops and sidewalk cafes. We loved it instantly.


Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh

Raleigh is only a few miles away. Within the first 60 days of our time here, we had visited every museum, the Capital building, the Governor's mansion, and Glenwood Avenue (not a landmark, but a cool place to hang out...it makes you feel very "urban").  We couldn't get enough of the new sights and places to visit.

 Eventually we discovered other places to go and spread ourselves out over several towns.  For someone who grew up and lived her entire life in a town with no stoplight, the easy access is remarkable.

We bought a townhouse about 4 years ago...I can walk to the mall, the grocery store, and 4-5 good restaurants. I also have 3 Starbucks within a mile of my front door.  And don't forget pizza...I can get one delivered, and I hope to never be in an area where I can't.


Our place

 I love my town.  I'm a transplant, but so is everyone else who lives here.  Cary makes us happy. :)

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

1. For Cary...the place we call home.
2. Sidewalk cafes in the springtime.
3. Trader Joe's (if you don't have one, you're missing out!).
4. Biaggi's - our favorite Italian place.
5. That old song that came on the radio this afternoon...it reminded me of my happy childhood.
6. A warm fire, an Adam Sandler movie we've seen 100 times, and a peaceful night to enjoy.
7. My "almost paid for" car.
8. Friends who call me on the spur of the moment and ask me to meet them for breakfast.
9. The seashells in my bathroom (reminds me of summer by the sea).
10. Flip flops...it's full on WINTER, but that doesn't mean I don't want to wear them.

Help Me, Help Me, Help Me

1. Be more thankful.
2. With my sudden addiction to Hershey's chocolate bars.
3. To fight my fatigue and make the most of my waking hours.
4. To remember, when I stare up at the moon and stars, that it was You who made them.
5. To "be still and endure".
6. To accept myself for who and what I am.
7. To let David know I love him...every chance I get.
8. To be a better friend, even when I'm a good friend already.
9. To call my parents more regularly.
10. To win the Mega Millions drawing tonight ($355 million tonight!)

A Happy, New Year

      
It's a new year, and I'm happy to say I survived 2010.  I always look forward to a fresh start and listing out all the things I hope to accomplish.  While most of them fall away by March, I do hope I can keep a couple going so I can celebrate them next year. 

One thing I have resolved to do is to find a way to keep in touch with those I don't get to see/speak to often. It's hard to keep in touch with so many people, but the relationships I've built over the years are important to me.  I don't expect to be in constant contact with all my friends on a daily basis, but I do want to use the technology I have at my disposal to help me reach my goal. 

My best friend from high school is a prime example. Ronda and I met in the 10th grade and, as they say, the rest is history. We were inseparable through graduation and the year that followed. She was my maid of honor at my wedding, my "beach-bum" partner, and a safe place for me while going through those crazy teenage years. We have many "remember when's" (what we call memories) together, and every card or email I get from her promises many, many more. Our vacations together make me feel like I'm 16 again, and that is priceless to me.

As friends do, we go weeks and weeks without talking because we live our lives and get caught up in the day-to-day.  But in the end, an email or a visit starts things up right where they left off.  Hopefully this year I will make more time to keep in touch with my precious friend.  Friendships like these don't come along very often, and I realize I'm lucky to still have my "blast from the past" around.  So let the emailing, card sending, visit planning begin.  May we have many more days together down by the seaside. :)

Another resolution of mine is to write here every day. While I know "every day" is stretching it a bit, I want to make sure I start writing more frequently than I have been in the past few years. I love to write...it frees my soul. But I, just like everyone else, let life get in the way of the things I enjoy the most. I want to look back when the calendar flips to 2012 and see all the posts I added in 2011. I want to remember my year as it passes. I don't claim that I'll write coherently, but at least I'll write. I'm writing for me after all.

A friend I had in school writes a blog which I read regularly. She's an artist now, and she says she starts each morning writing a few pages, and ends with 2 lists.  The first list is titled "Thank You, Thank You, Thank You" and the second is called "Help Me, Help Me, Help Me".  I think her lists are one way she talks to God about how she is grateful and what she needs...which I think is a fabulous idea. The first list is where she writes 10 things for which she is thankful, and the second is where she writes 10 things with which she needs help. She says some days she abandons the list, but others she's able to complete them with ease.  I suspect it will be the same for me.  I plan to incorporate that into my blog too. (By the way, I did let her know I was using her idea). My first lists start today.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

1. My husband. At the risk of sounding mushy, I simply love him. I love his flaws, and he loves mine (and that makes me love him all the more).
2. My family is dear to me. They love me for me, and they don't question it. They're sometimes quirky, but what family isn't. I am thankful for them all (including my husband's family). I am especially thankful for my Mom, Dad, Brother, and Sister-in-law. My Mom and Dad show me how I want my marriage to be. My Brother and Sister-in-law are awesome and we have some of the best times just hanging out. I'm so thankful for a close family.
3. My friends are my lifeline. Compared to most people, I may have few friends, but maybe some people call their acquaintances "friends". I am well aware of the difference. My small circle is what keeps me afloat.
4. My home. It's not a mansion, but it's mine. It holds my stuff, sees me at my best and worst, and welcomes me back when I go away for a while. It is my comfort.
5. My job isn't perfect, but it's the one I want. Sure, I hope to win the lottery and retire early, but I wonder just what I'd do with myself if I did. My job allows me to get paid for something I love...and what more could I ask for?
6. Freedom (aka America). It's OK if you have issues with our government, lots of people do...and always have. Trust me when I tell you that will never change, because you can't please all of the people all of the time. Regardless, I'm free and I love it.
7. My step kids. They live so far away, but I am looking forward to seeing them this spring. I'm also looking forward to Victoria coming to visit for the summer. She and I will stay up and have "slumber parties" (which means we stay up until about 2AM watching TV and eating junk food while her Dad sleeps). I'm also SO very thankful that both of them were in our wedding earlier this year...without them it would NOT have been the same.
8. My nieces and nephews. My brother has 2 girls...one looks like me and one acts like me and I love them both to pieces. But in May when I married David, I inherited 3 nieces and 5 nephews. I'm closer to some than others (mostly because of where they live) but I am glad to have ALL of them in my family. Just like my step kids, 2 of my nieces and one of my nephews were in my wedding...my entire wedding party was children (except my stepson who was 16 at the time and is technically a teenager). My other niece and nephew were at my wedding and helped with photos, music, and decorating.
9. My Pop. My last remaining grandparent. He's the sweetest, calmest soul I know. He is an inspiration; the way I want to be. He's perfect and I will cherish him always.
10. Little things. The last 3 months of last year I experienced a lot of "little things" that made me smile...getting to see my best friend for 2 weeks this year, watching others open Christmas gifts from me (yes, I love opening them, but I love to give and watch their expressions), spending a wonderful holiday season with my family (and those few extra days with my Mom and Dad), snow, my warm coat, David grabbing my hand while we shop in the mall, spending the evening shopping and having dinner with my brother and sister-in-law, giggling with my aunt without saying a word, spending Christmas with my last remaining grandparent (I love my Pop), walking along the Atlantic shore with my best friend from high school, and David and I ringing in the new year with her and her family.

OK, I got a little carried away with the last one...trying to cram everything in. Tomorrow I'll wish I had left some of those things to list, but I can always reuse them I guess. :)

Now for the next list.

Help Me, Help Me, Help Me

1. Give me patience. I sure need it.
2. Give me some extra tolerance. I have some already, but we could all use a little more.
3. Give me unconditional love for my family and friends...and strangers in need.
4. Give me compassion, because I need it every now and then too.
5. Keep my mind and my heart open.
6. Send me trust when I can't see past myself.
7. Give me common sense, because sometimes mine escapes me.
8. Allow me to enjoy the time I have with those I love.
9. Allow me time to perfect my talents...I don't want to waste them.
10. Keep me and my loved ones safe.

I'm not sure which list is easier to write, but there isn't a shortage of items for either one. I'm looking forward to seeing how both lists progress as the year goes on.