Dece,ber 22, 2008

Today is my sister's birthday. Not sure what the plans are, but we may be going out to dinner.

Saturday night we went to a neighborhood Christmas party. We have lived here for eight years and have finally met four of our neighbors.

We were supposed to go Washington, D.C. yesterday for the last football game of the year, but on our way there my husband started to feel bad. We turned around and he is going to the doc today.

I also got a call yesterday that my aunt is back in the hospital. I wish I knew what was going on with her. I will call try calling her later today.

Either today or tomorrow I will bake Christmas cookies. All the cards and packages were mailed and the ones staying here are wrapped, so I feel pretty good about that.

I do however, have another True West column due... The January issue should be out soon, which has my first Frontier Fare column in it. I can't wait to see it.

December 18, 2008

I called my Uncle Ken last night for his 95th birthday. He is so funny to talk to and he is sharp! I learn something new about my ancestors every time we talk. I really do need to plan a trip to Tampa to see him soon. His birthday celebration was overshadowed by a woman celebrating her 100th. It stinks when you turn 95 and you are not the biggest attention getter. It looks like I will be around for a very long time with the longevity I have on both sides of my family. Some of my dad's brothers and sisters are sharp and still around in the mid-80s. There are four of them in that range.

I talked with one of those uncles today (Uncle Donald-86) to check in on my aunt. She is eating more and appears to be getting a little better each day.

I mailed one Christmas card today (to England) and the others will go tomorrow. Better get addressing...

December 17, 2008

Today is my uncle's 95th birthday (okay, he's my great uncle). He is so sharp and I love to chat with him. He actually knew my great great great grandfather who served in the Civil War. I will call him a little later today.

I finished wrapping and shipped all my long distance Christmas presents today. I also talked to my friend Tom and we talked about Christmas meals here versus England.

I had some interesting dreams last night. I guess the subconscious can take you to places you feel happy and safe when the real world brings you down.

Tomorrow I will mail out Christmas cards and deal with some paperwork. I have some family presents to wrap as well.

The RoundUp magazine from Western Writers of America came today. I am running for one of the board positions and my platform and photo are in it.

December 16, 2008

Lots to update. I finished decorating all the trees and the house, just in time for the party. 14 total were here and it was a blast. We did the secret Santa exchange which is always fun, and we played a new game, sort of.

I can't tell you all the details because it wasn't totally "G." Let's just say that we substituted a body part in any song title you could name. What a little wine will do... LOL

We made the emergency trip to SC this weekend and got back last night. My aunt Juanita is not good. Her spirit is lacking, as is her diet and mobility. I got her eating tiny meals, drinking herbal tea, and walking a little. The PT also came while I was there, which was good. If she keeps up the pace we set, then she has a chance. If not, I am not sure what will happen. My cousin and uncle will be there to help her. I am hoping to make another visit out after Christmas.

I have also been having some health issues, but it appears everyting is going to be okay with me. Whew!

I previewed my March True West column this morning. It looks good.

I did some more shopping so I could wrap presents that need to be shipped. Tomorrow it's shipping and greeting cards.

I was out doing things today and I felt guilty like I should get back to work. Wow, I guess we don't realize how routine our lives can be. I did apply for a pretty interesting job today--we'll see what happens.

There is a concert at the local high school tonight and my mom's neighbor is playing the cello, so I will be going.

December 9, 2008

I took my kickboxing class this morning and then did some online research for Christmas presents. I also spent some time learning more about my aunt's cirrhosis of the liver. After talking to my cousin and my uncle, I have decided to make an emergency visit very soon.

Next I went and did some holiday shopping and now need to get after decorating the trees.

I also need to tackle my May column for True West magazine. It's hard to even think about May 2009, but that's how far out they plan.

December 8, 2008

I guess you figured out that my computer died for a while. For anyone with Vista--do not leave an external hard drive plugged in. I had mine plugged into the USB port and it completely messed up my system. After four days of trouble shooting myself, I figured it out.

My in-laws came to visit for a few days last week. We went shopping and picked out our live Christmas tree. We ate out and went to my nephew's 18th birthday party. Me, my sister, brother-in-law, and husband all made a bet back in 1992 about Alex's height. My brother-in-law in 6'4" so we guessed he would be tall. The bet was made in the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City on 1-11-92. We wrote it on a cocktail napkin... I picked 6'3" and on 12-6-08, I won! What did I win? A drink from each of the losers. LOL

Today I had lunch with my friend Sharon at a cute little Victorian tea house in Wake Forest. It was really nice.

This week I will be busy decorating the house for Christmas and our annual holiday party, which is this Friday night. So far, only 14 are coming.

Today I filed my work search form so I can collect unemployment. I actually applied for four jobs--two are freelance and two are full-time.

I got a really special email from my friend Bob Bell after he read my blog about being laid off and unwanted. It's nice to have friends who know how to make you feel better when you are down. I've also been getting uplifting quotes from my English friend, Tom.

December 1, 2008

I cannot believe that it is December already.

The author's guild meeting went well last week--there were two new members there. Thanksgiving was nice--we had seven for dinner. I made the usual: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato casserole, asparagus, cranberries, and dessert. Three pies: apple, pumpkin, and pecan.

Went shopping on Black Friday and got a couple of deals.

We went to D.C. for the football game yesterday. Not only did we lose, but it was freezing cold and it rained the entire game. Miserable...

Today I filed for unemployment and looked for a new job. My computer has suddenly started acting up--funny, it did the same thing last Monday.

I will attempt to call Microsoft...