December 1st, 2011.  How did that happen?

Christmas is up and I am loving the smell of my "holiday" candles.  I have a cinamon stick/vanilla one and a milsetoe one I alternate between.  Love them.

Every year when I bring out the ornaments I am filled with so many emotions of the past.  Laughter, love, loss, history, grandmas, moms, so many things.  I have a set from my New York City trips with Tom, many Oregon Duck ones and most recently lots of Crate & Barrel Bling... but my favorites are the ones my Mom had or gave me.  Superman, Wonder Woman, the business lady in tennis shoes carrying her pumps, Betty Boop, a Bermuda Onion and a clay cross.

I miss my Mom.  So very much.  Godspeed Mom -- and Merry Christmas.

Power Naps?

Well, I've been gone a bit... since I last logged on I went to Hawaii -- what a wonderful time. I love it there so very much.

I've also lost 20 pounds, found out I am gluten intolerant and have run three Half Marathons.

But today I ran 4 miles and had an amazing bruch at Saltys.... and after a 20 min power nap.... I'm ready to call it a night at 6:00 pm on a Saturday? Wow, I need to get out more.

Kauai Bound!

Well, after thinking it over, I've decided to go to Kauai with my father and his wife afterall!

I said I had to "Fly to St. Somewhere" and they have a condo rented... I have the vacation time, and the flight was cheap. So, I leave in two weeks for 9 nights!

Running along the water, relaxing, looking at fish, floating, mimosas, gin & tonics, fish tacos, golf, sunsets, palm trees, kona coffee... I. Can. Not. Wait.

One Particular Harbor

Jimmy Buffett has a song I love... "One Particular Harbor." This photo is the view the lanai in Kauai -- right at "beach house beach" as I call it. So this is my current "OPH."

I can not wait to go back.

Laughing Out Loud

LOL!

Really! I just saw "It's Complicated" with some friends and loved it. We laughed and laughed. Not as loud as the lady at the end of the row... but we did enjoy it.

I wonder sometimes, why my life seems complicated, or better yet, not complicated. Single, no kids, no debt... no real drama -- but no love either. I LOVE my friends and consider myself for fortunate for the part they all play in my life. I am not lonely, but I would love to share my life with someone. I've often said a good long-distance relationship is what I need to ease back into dating!

Maybe I'll fly to St. Somewhere by myself this year and meet him. Yes, I think I will.

First Post

Well, I've decided to try a blog. Not sure what I will post here. I'm not a "tweet" person, but I often find I'd like to share an observation about something... so maybe this is the place?


I'm starting this year trying to be more "thankful and appreciative" for those people and circumstances around me. I guess this is another place I can express gratitude for the good things in life.

This week an IT guy in my office helped me fix a computer issue. He is always willing to drop his work when I am in need... and I am never stuck waiting. His boss is in another office, so I sent this boss a note telling him how much J is appreciated. It made me feel good, and J was pleased when the boss recognized him for the comments I made.

I need to do more of this. I will.


Off to church, a run, help M and then a movie with D. It will be a great day.