It's True

I do get obsessive about searching for things online. It could be a purse (as you will remember from last year) or a dog (oh wouldn't that be awesome???!!!) or as is going on now, a HOUSE HUNT. We are most likely selling our fun lakehouse (economy woes dictates this hard decision) and buying a house again in Dallas. I know that in the news, Dallas is one of the best places to buy as there is alot of inventory and great prices...but not in the categories I am searching for. I have good taste, what can I say? I have found that there are alot of people like me that do not want to live in a giant brick box (though we can find many of those at great prices) but want instead to live in a house that stirs the emotions because of the architecture, the age, the details and a neighborhood that evokes charm out the wazoo. I am girded for this search. I have on my reality glasses and my dreamer glasses. I have a budget and I have a dream. I asked God to prepare just the right place for us. Can't wait to see what this place looks like and have a strong feeling it might not be about my dream, but about location. So, while I wait...I search on.

My

Addictions

Before this past year, I would have told you that I loved eating chocolate, but didn't really have any addictions.....my co-workers and family would howl at that statement. Heh heh. I apparently have a strong need for iced tea from Sonic especially at HAPPY HOUR. ( I mean really, it is HAPPY HOUR, who wouldn't want to be there) Maybe it is just a bit stronger than "strong need". Maybe i really really really love it and have to have it. I love the ice. That is all though. No other addictions. Except...well...

Okay, i admit that over the past year I did get a bit addicted to watching NCIS, a television show about Navy crimes. I never watched the original shows, but began watching the reruns in the afternoon after work. I am sitting here watching it now even as I type, but no big deal I can quit any time I want.

So, I am just being real here in the new year and thinking about whether these are issues that need to be dealt with or if they are no big deal in the big picture of addictions. I don't smoke, I don't chew and I don't hang with those that ... oops, I do hang with a few people that do actually. But I haven't inhaled.

So this year I am not going to talk about my new year resolutions, but talk about what needs to go. I am seriously thinking about giving up NCIS. (after this show of course and it doesn't have anything to do with the fact that I have probably seen them all now two or three times), but I have NO plans to give up my Sonic iced tea. I do have a few other things that need to go, but we won't get into my curvy figure. Not for now.

Alamosa Christmas

Over the holidays we spent many hours in the car, one driving over Lavita Pass in blinding snow, and many others looking out the window at the huge overcast skies of north Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. We had a bit of a disappointment in having a non white Christmas, while back in Texas they enjoyed an unusual snowy one. BUT, we made it to Alamosa and had a wonderful time with our family. There was ice skating, lot's of good food, deer in the yard, bowling (I am really really good :) and even some charades! What was most fun, was just hanging out with everyone and watching the children be their usual cute selves. Thankful to be home safe and looking forward to the next time we all get to be together. Family is pretty awesome, even the messy parts.
ps. did i mention that my daugher Katherine loves to take photos? The only family photos now have cats included. Many cats.

It's the Holiday Season

Coughing and hacking my way into this beautiful time of year brought a new perspective on priorities. Being sick for almost a month left me without the usual prep time for Christmas cards, gift buying, packaging and mailing. After the usual freak out feelings of guilt and anxiety for not getting everything done and on time, I just let it all go. Really. Gone. If I can bring some New Year holiday cheer to some family and friends later, well, that will be fun, but if it doesn't work out, they will still love me. (yes you will) So I am thanking God for this peace over not being the perfect friend and co-worker and extended family member. This one day or few weeks does not define me. And,though it is fun to share and bless people and use pretty wrapping paper, I am able to move on and get to the more important, the priority of priorities... a few days with my family, coughing and hacking all the way.
Jesus really is the reason for the season.
Merry Christmas!

My Christmas Wish

Please sing along....

A......

New job for Deanie

Yellow lab for Julie

house built in the twenties

and the grandkids sitting in our laps.

Mountain Momma

My daughter Izzie is one strong pack mule of a woman.

I want to be more like her when I grow up.