Happy (almost) New Year!

It has been way too long since I have posted. My Christmas was fine, thank you, and better than that, so was the Christmas my two daughters had, despite (different) changing circumstances in their lives. One is now looking for work while in grad school, the other is moving to New York. Adventures all, and a little nerve-wracking for the Mom who only wants her children to be well and happy. So far, so good.

In any case, 2011 here we come. In some ways it will be very different, in other ways, much the same. I just got my latest letter to the editor printed in my local rag.  I got ticked off by a doctor (and MD already!) who scoffed at hunger programs as being unnecesary because he had no hungry knocking at his door, nor did he see anyone dying of starvation. Hard to see what one does not look for, and as to knocking, they are likely locked out of his gated community in San Clemente. E tu, Mr. Antoinette?

I have this last week of the year off, and am using it to get a few things done...getting my (now paid-for)  car painted, clearing out closets, de-decorating, trying a couple of new recipes. All  this made easier by not worrying about work (not too much, anyway) and its immediate demands. House-cleaning for the mind , too.  I will be taking out a dead rose tree, with an eye to replacing it with a new one. Metaphor for my internal life too? Not so much New Year's resolutions, as end of year clean out and garage sale of the mind. You don't have to wait for a New Year, but having a little time to bum around lends itself to doing a few things for yourself, inside and out. Having a few less things on your mind allows you to spend more time on a few select items. 

So, take a deep breath-clear out the debris (from your car,  closet, or mind) and have a Happy New Year!

The Charlie Browniest

This has been a somewhat tense week, mostly because of what I let myself get all tangled up about. Work stuff, (new responsibilities with not enough information/clear explanation)  Christmas list stuff (it is not easy being head elf of the family) and other miscellaneous brain fryers. And don't ask me about driving in Arizona.

It is difficult to get into the spirit of the season with a knot in your stomach. It also magnifies other more minor irritations  to beyond their normal range.

However, some things about the Christmas remain the same. Advent calendars, advent wreaths, chocolate. And then there is "Charlie Brown's Christmas". The kids who voiced the gang must be nearly 50 now, what with it having done in the 60's, but I still love the music and the sentiment. I also am on "Christmas Carol" watch. I am in charge of letting everyone know when the various versions of the movie will air. My brother and I just love them,though I think his favorite is "Scrooged"  with Bill Murray. We have already seen that one this year. I also am waiting for the perfect time to watch my all time favorite Christmas themed movie, "Love Actually."

Tonight, I am watching Charlie Brown Christmas, and am soon to heat me up some hot chocolate. Next up is  Very Glee Christmas. Talk about your juxtapositions.

Anyway, the point (and I do have one) is that the everyday stresses and strains should not put the Christmas spirit on the back burner. Old traditions, new traditions, observe them all and enjoy that eggnog and hot chocolate, sometimes with a drop of brandy thrown in. And don't forget Toys for Tots, Sparks of Love, and all your food pantries.  Any problems you have with work should remind you to be grateful that the HAVE work. If you've got, give.

Goooooo Christmas!