Be It Resolved

At last, 2013 comes to a close. Some who know me know this has been a very rough year. Overall there is no end to my blessings, though. Family, friends, near and far, all are always in mind and heart.

But there is one thing I find so annoying, that I tend to shirk every social post and comment about it.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!!!

Don’t get me wrong. I do like to socialize and have fun and watch fireworks and ring in the New Year. Out with the old, in with the new, right? (Which reminds me: I need to go through my closet and downsize.) But every time January rolls around, everyone asks me the same thing: What’s your New Year’s resolution?? Why, WHY, WHY do I need to make any?

I like food. I like drink. I fit into my clothes. I love and take care of my family. I take care of my health. I call my folks. I keep in touch with friends. In short, I do everything that covers most resolutions, including staying out of jail, and carrying bail money for those who don’t. So no, I won’t be making any resolutions any more. I am better off correcting myself throughout the year than piling everything on at once.

Besides, there’s always Lent for that 😀

Not Getting Down on This Friday

I live in the South. We get maybe two weeks of “cold” weather. And by “cold” I mean mid to high 40s.

For those of you who think I am a silly whiner, keep in mind we tend to be Sun’s next door neighbor for about eight months, and do quite enjoy 98* F in the shade. So there.

Anyway, we are in the middle of a winter storm which has brought ice and snow to the northern part of my fair state, and is pushing it THIS WAY. Have I mentioned I hate cold weather? Because I do. But the worst part? Possible school cancellation.

I don’t think I could deal well with that.

I suppose that the worst part about cold weather for me stems from my inability to sleep well when I am not warm enough. Usually I have to have a sheet, blanket, and not one but TWO down throws on my side of the bed. Hubby is a human furnace so he eschews all the down and the comforter as well. You would think that because he is so warm that I would be warm as well. But no. I need the piles of linens. If I am too cold I get nightmares, such as the one I had last night where I was walking through a park, wearing a cape and using a walking stick, and came upon some polar bears who were on vacation from the Arctic and yelled that I was encroaching on their vacation spot so they decided to have some Puerto Rican food because I was so stupid as to try to pet the alpha male. Thankfully I woke up right then.

So for my friends near and far, keep warm and stay safe. And don’t forget to get milk and eggs 😉

I’m Turning Into My Grandma

I have passed the turning-into-my-mom stage and gone straight to plaid, apparently.

Let me tell you, she loved, LOVED those cookies. But we seldom got to eat any because she got to them first. And then came the disappointment as we sneaked into the kitchen and found the tin under the cabinet, and opened it to find needles and thread. Or tape and pencils. Or ANYTHING BUT COOKIES.

And now guess what?

I can’t wait to finish the cookies so I can use the tin to hold my crap.

*sobs uncontrollably*

At least I get cookies out of this 🙂

Ever Had a Day That Started Off in the Middle of the Night and Looks to End Sometime Tomorrow?

Looks like today is THAT day.

I have been up for seven hours and have accomplished absolutely nothing.

And I just remembered I have to make a few dozen Christmas cards.

And start the Thanksgiving menu.

And figure out how to fit 20 people in the house.

And oh yes, CLEAN HOUSE.

I’m going to go lay down now.

Softly Call the Muster

To my brother Draco,

My heart grieves as it grips with your final goodbye. You were more than just a brother-in-law. You were a big brother, a buddy, and a friend. No matter what, you always knew you could come to me with anything, and often did. There were times when you made me pull my hair out in exasperation, but there were also times when you helped me in my troubles.

Just like a brother would.

I find myself listening to your voicemails, reading your texts and your messages. Hearing your voice again makes me smile, remembering the private jokes and the camaraderie we shared. This past year was not easy for you, but you made the best of it while you were here with us. We got to have you in our lives for eight months, and that in itself was a blessing from God. We still have the paracord bracelets you made, and the martini glasses you “acquired” for us, the beers you left behind, and the bottle of vodka you bought as a “thank you”. That bottle remains unopened on the shelf, waiting for the day when we can gather to celebrate you, Rottie style.

Yes the heart grieves, but it also remembers, and that will be the balm to comfort us. Rangers do lead the way, and you have never failed to do so. You lived more in your 48 years than most people do in two lifetimes. I pray you are at peace, and hope that in slipping the surly bonds that tethered you, you are now free. God bless and keep you, hermano. I am still, and know that you are with us.

No Words

I’m sorry, but I had no idea on how to write this.

My brother-in-law, LC Draco, is in the hospital, in very serious condition due to a cranial bleed and having suffered several strokes. My heart grieves because he has been my older brother for 25 years. I humbly ask for your prayers, good thoughts and vibes, and karma for him.

Draco is a warrior, through and through. He has defied many odds and is still going strong. His road will be a long one, but he has a very loving family who will not let him walk alone.

Thank y’all for your patience, and your prayers.

Trying to Put Off for Tomorrow What I Can Do the Day After That

Sketchy blogging lately, I know. Sorry, but my Madre is in town, cooking and having a ton of fun with us, and that’s just not to be missed. Seriously, how often do you get the chance to eat for hours while laughing about everything?

Anyway, this week I shall be trying to get caught up on everything I have neglected, including laundry and cleaning. And maybe do some cooking for a change. I feel like I owe my mom and sis a night off from all the cooking and cleaning. We need some comfort food today. I’m thinking meatloaf and mashed potatoes and steamed veggies and homemade rolls.

I’m also thinking I will throw out the bath scale.

And quite possibly my jeans.

Anyway, I’m still murdering books and will be posting the outcome and how-to over at Junk and Glue. Eventually. Little One is beyond thrilled with the sculptures and I am beyond thrilled she has kept her room clean. I know I am rambling but I can’t help it. It has been a crazy week and weekend. Still, I have to get the house is good shape before vacation so I don’t have to deal with it when I return. Nothing worse than having to clean house after frying your skin while having fun fishing.

I swear I will have a more coherent post sometime this week. Until then, enjoy the day!

Pomp and Not Much Circumstance

Well, it’s final. Eldest has graduated from high school, and now the hard part begins.

The ceremony went without a hitch, and was very well co-ordinated. The speeches weren’t very long. The kids— well, the graduates didn’t fidget much, and for the most part, the young children in the audience behaved quite well. All in all, a very pleasant experience.

And now what?

She has plans, and will be working this summer as a guide and work her way up to canopy and high wire challenge expert. I have no idea what that is, but she’s excited about it. And then she goes off, into the wild blue yonder. And I am left wondering what the heck just happened!!

One down, and two to go. I just hope they will be easier to handle than this one was. 😀

When You Find The One

I dread that question. I know it’s coming, but I don’t want to hear it. To hear it means to answer it, and it won’t be easy.

When will I know if he or she is The One??

It’s a tough question to answer, isn’t it? On one hand, you want to tell them that HE (OR SHE) WILL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR MY BABY!! Then again, part of you wants to make sure they find the happiness you did. I remember Eldest asking me a long time ago how I knew Hubby was the man for me. I told her a simplified story, but the truth is, he was the one that made me laugh at everything. That was how I knew. It took years for us to adapt to each other as one, but I knew.

I never asked my parents that question, probably because I was afraid of the answer! But it boils down to what he or she is willing to sacrifice for the other. Seeing the imperfections that make them perfect in the others’ eyes, and knowing that at the lowest point, they will help carry the burdens.

I can’t pick their soulmates. I can only guide them through that minefield. But if one day, my daughter texts her boyfriend about how bored she is in her History class, and ten minutes later he bursts into the room, screaming, “THERE’S A TROLL IN THE DUNGEON!! Thought you ought to know…” and pretends to faint in front of the class, I will let her know that he is a keeper 😉

In Case You Wondered, I’m Still Here

I honestly thought that with the school year coming to an end, things would be easier. At the very least, I wouldn’t be so busy.

Well, I for one have learned my lesson.

I didn’t post much at the weekend because I spent it with the family, had some ROTC commitments for Memorial Day, and I figured y’all would be busy observing the holiday, too. And then Tuesday showed up, and all Hades broke loose from its tethers.

First, pick up car from mechanic.No, it ain’t fixed. The car’s computer is too OLD for the mechanic’s computer to “read”. GAH!!!

Second, take pics to be scanned to CD at Walgreen’s. Why? Because my scanner decided that scanning graduation portraits was gauche.

Third, go to dentist and change Eldest’s appointment for July. Finals wait for no senior.

Fourth, enquire at thrift shop on how to be a volunteer (Son needs the hours for NHS). Awesomely, I found an old candlestick to match another I found weeks ago.

Fifth, fix side mirror of Hubby’s car (fell off, so I E-6000 it). So it’s a bit crooked. So is the road.

Sixth, finish ironing. Because ACUs should never be ironed, unless you work for the Army.

Seventh, start dinner. Thank you Lord, for giving someone the intelligence to come up with pre-cooked burgers.

Eighth, take girls to get ice cream, because it’s on the way to a friend’s house where said friend has found a box turtle for them to see.

Ninth, go to Lowes™ and get air filters, even some in the wrong size, just to make tomorrow special.

Tenth, replace some filters, and enjoy having a dust storm settle in my hair.

So there you have it: how I spent my Tuesday. I’m hoping my week improves.

If it doesn’t, there’s wine for that 😀