Project 09'

I am starting a new writing project on January 1st. It's a hands on experiment of sorts and I will be living (and journaling) it for six months. I know this is incredibly vague but it's all you're getting for now. Stay tuned for many new writing endeavours in 2009. I have many ideas I've been putting off and I plan on making 2009 a writing year.

Imagine

Imagine a time long ago, the promise of a savior inside you to grow. Created to be mother to God's only son. Imagine if you were the chosen one. Imagine how hard it was to trust in God's plan. How blind faith must sometimes be when we don't understand. Imagine having to hold on to faith, when you would rather run, risking life's comfort and dignity for the salvation of everyone. Imagine how Mary must have felt like an ordinary girl, not good enough to bring the King of Kings into this world. Imagine how God came to her and said, "you know my will is best." And how she stood before him and said, "Lord my answer's yes." Think of the purpose every child's life holds and the prayers attached to each one. Think if your child's purpose was to die. If the world's redemption lay in the sacrifice of your son. Think of a father's sorrow and joy, felt at his only son's birth. Think how God gave with each one of us in mind and the price he thought we were worth. Never forget the way Mary obeyed or the first present given on Christmas Day. Remember every day of the year, to share with others why we are here. Remember we all have heartache and troubles but quitting is such a waste. We should spend our times helping others, as God helps us, we should be sharing His grace. Most important of all remember this, always let God's light shine through your eyes, for I'd hate hate to think that you turned your back on an angel in disguise. (C) J.L. 2008

What day is it?

Our Christmas party was a success. The tables were pretty, the food was yummy (although I didn't really eat any of it until today), and the people were lovely. Almost every child was hacking and snotting) I have a theory that it was part cold and part elevation change....yes, let's go with that. I am extremely tired today but for good reasons. Santa made a surprise visit and had presents for all the kids. And my party favor baskets went over nicely. I think everyone felt blessed. The only things to change for next year? Hire a maid to clean the house the week of and have the party catered:) Oh yes, and strike oil to pay for the above mentioned.

We missed those that were unable to make it but we'll have tea and crumpets soon. No seriously, I got a new teapot that I REALLY want to use.

I'll try and post party pictures soon.

Day ? Be more organized with days

I have been REALLY busy the past couple weeks so I've sorta temporarily abandoned my 21 days of change thing. Perhaps as part of the challenge I will take a little time off for reflexion. At least this makes me sound smart instead of flaky:)

Our "little" dinner party has risen to 33 people, yikes! The turkey has been ordered, one friend is in town and another arrives on Friday. I have made 22 jars of jelly and a basket full of bath salts for gifts. I have to make little bread loaves and then I'm done with the "party favors." Other than that........cleaning, cleaning, CLEANING! Oh blasted cleaning! I hate thee with pure hatred because thou art NEVER finished.

The presents are wrapped but I still have a little more to do for Jude. When I will do this, I am not yet sure. I'm figuring it will all come together...gulp! Christmas is the time for doing for others and despite the fact that I always over extend, I do enjoy doing it and making friends and family happy. It would be so much easier if I could just wiggle my nose and Poof! it all just was.

Tricia

It's midnight in New York, technically December 13th. I want to wish my cousin Tricia a happy birthday. This will be the second birthday she's spent in Heaven. I'm sure the celebration is so much more incredible there! But we miss her and so today we reflect on her life and the good she brought to us in her 34 years.

So, Happy Birthday Trish. I love you and miss you. I think of you often and all the good memories. Though I know the what ifs are pointless, I think of all I wanted to say to you that I didn't get the chance to. Somehow, I think you know. May Heaven celebrate you today and the angels rejoice!

Day 16/17- Timing is Everything!

I made my lists (and checked them twice) yesterday. Usually I have everything bought and wrapped weeks before Christmas. This is not necessarily a good thing because then I have nothing to do but sit back and be...gasp...patient! I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve, unable to sleep with anticipation. Only I spend two weeks doing that because I've got nothing else to do but wait. This year I've gotten organized and spaced everything out. I have a to do list for our Christmas party, some presents bought and some left to buy. My list is finished as are the days everything will be accomplished. This will probably help in making the time fun as we're having flies.

Kat and I got tattoos on Sunday. I've been wanting to memorialize some of my lost angels for a while now. I got a cluster of forget-me-nots on my left shoulder. Six of them to be exact. One for my grandma, Abuela, my cousin Tricia and friends, Erik, Cindy, Janell and Ryan. It's beautiful but a little uncomfortable to have clothing rubbing on it. Especially since it's kind of a tight and bony area. I'm freezing my backside off in tank tops. Luckily, sitting in front of the fire helps and it's feeling better today. I'll post a picture when I can.

Day 15....Day of Rest

I AM SOOOO TIRED!!! One of my teeth was throbbing last night and I didn't fall asleep until 7Am. I'm hoping tonight goes better. So, today is a day of relaxation. I hope to accomplish absolutely nothing:) So far, so good.

Hey, it's important to learn to do nothing just as it is to do everything. In Italian it is, Il bel far niente. The beauty of doing nothing.