Old And New 3:33 PM

To all my family and friends, have a Safe and Happy New Year.

Exhaustion 7:20 PM

I finally got around to taking the Jeep in for the emissions test after weeks of procrastination. There were three lanes open, yet everyone was intent on lining up in the middle lane for some strange reason. I pulled into the first lane and was next in line. Less than five minutes later, the Jeep was being tested. The middle lane had not moved at all. The Jeep passed the test and now I get to send in the registration fee and continue on my merry way. . .

Lately I have been wrestling with personal issues and feelings and it has affected a number of friendships and relationships outright. I realize I need to come to terms with everything around me to get back to my merry way. While I might be discouraged and saddened, I still soldier on, and leave it up to the universe to see where I go from here. I've experienced the good and will again. That I'm sure of. All is not lost and I am hopeful in time I will be on the right path. . .

The Last Of The Year 5:59 PM

I just realized that 2008 is winding down. It's been quite an interesting year indeed. There's so many events, people, and places that have provided good memories. Things like running to Target, Culver's on a lazy Saturday, Building a back yard, hitting numerous festivals, The Fourth of July fireworks, Six Flags Great America, two Disney Cruises, IPics, Suburbia, the Zoo, the torrential rains, visiting family. The list can go on. Thanks to everyone for making 2008 a good year.

Merry Christmas 7:21 AM

Wishing everybody I know peace and goodwill...

At Christmas 2:56 PM

Being with family and friends, having traditions and celebrating. Gratitude for all that you have, like food, drink, shelter, and loved ones. Giving presents and having hot cocoa. Sharing a laugh, a smile, spending time. Being kind, caring, thoughtful is what Christmas means to me.

I Believe . . . Do You? 10:27 AM

In Between Storms 10:58 AM

Winter has arrived. and it's not officially winter yet. 12+ inches of snow yesterday, more on the way. I stayed home from work yesterday, didn't like the conditions and the two foot drift across the jeep. took me about an hour to dig it out when I eventually got around to it. Been watching a lot of movies this weekend, have a stack of favorites, and a couple of Christmas shows to get me through. I'm going to wander this afternoon before the next round of snow. Every day gone by brings Spring that much closer, right?

Finding The Christmas Spirit 5:21 PM

For whatever reason, Christmas is just going to be another day for me this year. I'm not a bah humbug, nor am I depressed, just am not as excited as I could be about it. Fortunately, I did have a moment that personifies what Christmas is to me. A good friend from work was telling me a story about how her daughter wanted a toucan this year. She has Webkins stuffed animals and wanted the toucan to add to her collection. The toucan has been retired and hard to come by. Her daughter was devastated by the news and has been upset about not getting Toco the Toucan. In a brilliant flash of ingenuity, I jumped onto the Internet and was able to locate one on EBay, ordered it, and let my friend know her daughter would be getting Toco after all. She was grateful. To say that I will be making someone very happy on Christmas morning has given me a little bit of the magic that exists around this time.

Office Gossip 4:42 PM

I was on CBS58's website today, watching some of the video reports when I ran across one about the long lines at the Post Office. I caught a glimpse of my brother Tim, then there he was being interviewed! I got a complete kick out of seeing him!

Tonight is the company holiday party at a restaurant downtown. I have been debating whether or not I should go, ultimately, I am going to head on over and partake of the festivities. There's a number of people I want to see and enjoy spending some time with. I'm not going to let the cold stop me from celebrating and having a good time!

Change Of Mind 3:52 PM

Spent the weekend running about, to and from stores, over to Kim's house, visiting my parents. It was rather quite nice to do those things, enjoy the small moments instead of seeking the next big adventure. It's easy to get caught up in things and overlook others. The weather decided to be decent for a change, even though it's back to the cold and snow in a number of hours. I went to the bank to turn in the change I collect throughout the year (aside from the quarters I use for laundry) and was surprised that I saved over $100 dollars throwing my spare change into a container. I've already started a new collection.

Road Weary 6:57 PM

Driving home from work today, I couldn't help but notice just how poor the conditions of the roads are. The snow storm was a number of days ago and many of the side road have yet to be cleared and are now snow packed and icy. On the news the reports vary from how great cities are responding to cleaning the streets after last winters large snow totals to limiting the amount of salt usage because of low supply, limited resources, harm to streets and nature. I think it's due to budget crunches, cut-backs, and poor planning. I don't like driving in hazardous conditions and city officials are making the roads less safe in the process.

A Friend In Deed 6:11 PM

I was taken by surprise yesterday by the actions of a friend of mine. I didn't realize just how she felt about me and was completely floored by what she said to me. I of course have not been behaving like myself lately and she in turn told me so. I am grateful to have her as a friend.

Unsociable 8:02 PM

In the mail today was a letter from the Social Security Administration. It referenced the money I owe. I find it incredible that after over one year, the SSA still has not been able to figure out that I have not cashed any of the checks, even after providing copies of the voided, returned ones and an on-going review of my account. I have received letters inquiring about uncashed checks, so I expected things were finally moving in the right direction, but now I'm gong to have to contact them again, take time out to go to the local office and meet with an indifferent clerk who will explain there is nothing they can do to help clear the problem up. Dealing with SS frightens me, to see just how incompetent the US government really is. I'm not looking forward to the encounter.

Harsh Realities 8:38 PM

The TV screen is flashing storm advisories, watches, and warnings. It is December and it is Wisconsin after all. It snows, like it or not. When I got home from work tonight, there was a message on the answering machine from Oncology Alliance to schedule my next CT and Pet scans. I have been feeling great, no issues, no problems as of late and I have not thought about cancer for the last couple of months. I put it behind me, moved on, lived life. It's been wonderful. Then the flashing red light on the machine brings it all back. While it is just a scheduled follow-up, it now brings doubts and fears and what ifs. It's always there, you just find a way to push it aside, pretend it isn't there, yet the reality is, it is there. The trick is to not let it encompass you, burden you, scare you. It's been nice not having to contend with doctors and needles and blood draws for a while. I'll have to enjoy the next month and face the reality of it on the day of my appointment.

This Is Not The Bahamas 1:28 PM

I have been hibernating since I got back from the cruise. It's been cold, snowy. Hard to believe that a week ago I was in Florida, the Bahamas, warm, having another adventure on the high seas. I unpacked, did laundry, been watching TV, reading and trying to stay warm. Waiting for the next snow event, and the next one after that. Not really liking it here right now. I much prefer the warmth and the sun and the sand.

I Have Returned 10:36 AM

Another great trip onboard the Disney Wonder. It was an adventure to say the least. First Class upgrades, Winds in excess of 50 knots, breaking the ship from it's moorings, causing a delayed departure, sunshine, warmth, food, drink, movies, tours, flight delays and now cold and snow. As much fun as I had, it's still good to be home.