Teach Our Children Christmas Kindness.

And so the Christmas rush begins. As I watch people being shoved, trampled on and even pepper sprayed, it makes me sort of sad. Somewhere along the line we have forgotten the meaning of Christmas. Now it's all about getting the biggest, brightest, most expensive gifts. Parents going into huge debt. Grandparents with lots of grandkids stressing over "just the right thing". Funny thing is, we don't see kids stressed about what they are going to get for people, or in the mob-like frenzies at the malls. The gifts I remember the most are the ones that people have made for me, or the ones that are "just what I wanted". It is a good time of year to teach the children in our lives what Christmas truly means. It is a good time to teach them that they don't always get everything they want. It is a good time to teach them about being financially responsible. It is a good time to teach about caring and doing for those of us who don't have the means to get the latest craze items. We should take some of the money that we would be spending on our own and take our children shopping for other children. Pick a name off a Christmas tree in a mall and put your money where it will truly be appreciated, all the while teaching your child about kindness. That's about it for today.

Today is write BE KINDER on the top of your feet and walk in kindness day.

Changes

I've been gone for a while. Have you missed me? So many changes happening around me, I've felt in a whirlwind of emotions and haven't been able to get my brain organized. My cousin had her breast cancer surgery and all is well. She starts chemotherapy soon. My mom is in town...Finally. Christopher is making life-changing decisions...all good. Work is forever in evolution. Whew! Finding a hard time getting my footing. Anyway, just wanted to touch base and let those of you who have been wondering whether or not I am alive...that I am. Holding my blessings close.

Today is eat Taco Time day.

Can't Wait to See Mom

Whoohooo!  Mom gets back to Arizona tomorrow. I can't wait to start making more memories and having more fun. We always laugh and share. She keeps me busy. I am so blessed. That's all for today.

Today is dress in crazy clothes and go for a walk day.

Working

Just working, working, and working so more. Don't want to bore you with what is on my mind today. But, will say I am so thankful to have a job.

Today is write the word FRIEND ten times day.

Do For Someone Else.

Just thinking about what I can do for someone else today.

Today is taste salty day.

Family for Children

Family. My has the meaning of that word changed over the years...in a wonderful way. It used to be a family meant a mom, dad, a couple kids and a pet or two. Now, there are families of all combinations. How amazing is that?! We can welcome people into our family whether they are blood or not. We call people "brother" and "sister" even though we may not have the same parents. We have families at work, athletic teams, common causes and people who bring children into their family because they don't have one of their own. Once a member of a family, you consider yourself loved, protected, and respected. You are no longer alone. How amazing is that? So many children calling adults in their loves loving parental terms. So many children calling each other sister, brother, cousin, even though there is no blood line joining them. Single parents raising children, married couples raising children, same sex couples raising children, grandparents raising grandchildren....all in the name of love and what is best for the children. As a country, we could learn from the families. Wouldn't it be nice if we love, protected and respected everyone as if they were a family member? What I would have for my family, my sons, my granddaughters is what I would wish for everyone...to be a part of a nurturing, safe, and fun environment. Family, not such a simple word anymore, but I think better.

Today is Skype with Gramma day.

Penn State. C'Mon.

Today is wear a funny hat, dance around a bucket signing "Fill it up. Fill it up." day.

Brain Overload

No blog today. My brain is on total overload from work stuff.

Today is draw snowmen and snowflakes day.

Right or Wrong Verdict

I happen to believe that Conrad Murray is guilty of causing the death of Michael Jackson. There are so many things that he did wrong under the guise of being a doctor. Perhaps this will serve as an example to other physicians who succumb to the demands of their patients rather than just saying no. If Michael Jackson was such an addict, and Murray knew it, why not get him help or simply refuse to treat him? Too many physicians get caught up in the publicity and it seems their medical ethics just disappear....for a price. I in no way believe that Murray intended to kill Michael Jackson and I believe he truly cared about him, but....his actions or lack of actions brought him to the place he is now. You know he is looking back now and thinking "I should have..." All the people that NOW claim to have known about Michael Jackson's troubles and addictions should have stepped in. They should have kidnapped him and taken him to a rehab place or something. While I believe there are many people that contributed to Michael Jackson's demise, I believe Murray is the most responsible and agree with the jury's verdict. Last night I watched "This Is It", the show that was made about the rehearsals for the final tour. I had forgotten what an amazing entertaining Michael Jackson was. His body movements and insight into music and spirit will never be able to be recreated. There is a part in the show where it is just Michael Jackson talking and pictures of the world, nature, kids, etc., being shown. He is talking about saving the planet, the children, the animals, etc. He is saying, "We keep saying They need to do something...well We are They and We need to do something...we need to love each other..We are One..." He truly was a kind and spirited soul. Although justice may have been served yesterday...Michael Jackson is still gone today and that is a sad thing.

Today is clean out the refrigerator day.

Is It Really Funny?

I've been gone for a couple days. Did ya miss me? Anyway, I don't exactly know where I've been. I had a wonderful YouTube-able fall over the top of my dogs on the sidewalk last week and have felt like I played a rough football game. I'm okay, just stiff. Makes me think about all the people that do YouTube things. It always amazes me how people getting hurt seems to draw the most attention. I saw a T shirt once that said, "It's all fun and games until somebody gets hurt...then its hilarious." I must admit, I laughed a little. But, seriously, what does that say about us? We are such a voyeuristic country. And yet, we do nothing about the problems we see. We talk and even laugh about things like Lindsay Lohan getting out of jail after only serving an hour or so of her 30 day sentence. But, the fact is, unless someone steps in we will be reading about her in real trouble....or worse. When I was at the casino the other day, a woman was sitting next to me at a machine, we were talking and enjoying ourselves. Then, her husband or boyfriend came up and started yelling at her, grabbed her shoulder. She just calmly said, "Will you just go away please?" He kept on. I looked at her and whispered, "Are you okay?" She just clenched her teeth and nodded. He kept on. I looked at him and asked if he was okay, to which he sort of leaned in and gave me a menacing look. A standoff of sorts. He left. I asked her if she was going to be okay and she said, "Yes, I'll be okay." We sat for a little while longer and then she cashed out and left. I'm kicking myself today, for not giving her my number or name or something. I don't know what I could've done, but at least she would have known I cared. My point is, some things really are Not funny. Don't ignore things you see. Do more. Be kindER.

Today is read a book together day.

Just Listen

Just listen. View from Mom and Dad's deck.

Today is wear the T shirt sticker day.

Flower Blog

Today is make up a story starting with, "The little puppy....." day.