I have nothing positive to say. In fact, while I hate just leaving you all hanging, my brain is having a hard time stringing together more than two words in any logical way. This flare is reminding me just how horrible these stupid diseases can be.
BUT, I seem to be heading towards the downswing --> the beginning of the week was confined to dark rooms & tears, pain so fierce it made me throw up, & a fotress of pillows that were all too hard. So this is a step in the right direction. I hope to be back soon (I've had an entry in my head about how some people know me, and why I still want this to be an 'anonymous'-ish blog). And will try to wander through the 400+ entries that await me in my Bloglines account, because I find myself wodering what's going on with all of you. I appreciate all the well wishes, wholeheartedly.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
Oh god, you are all so lucky Blogger wasn't working earlier. Because I am all over the place today, and the rant I wrote got eaten. I'm taking that as a sign to post about something much nicer: the holiday surprises roundup!
Remember the Secret Santa post?
Ice Cream Mama helped me out right off the bat, fufilling three wishes on the very day I posted. She doesn't wear smelly stuff, recycles and gives to charity. Ice Cream Mama should get some bonus points, people. Plus, she was a new-to-me blogger, so I got a new friend in the bargain!
A few days later, yet another wish came true, when I found this in my inbox:
Hello, I’m the executive producer at snapfish and wanted to give you your Christmas wish. I need your first and last name and email address and I’ll add 50 print credits to your account.
Btw- I tried the candycane kisses they are AMAZING!!
Thanks for using snapfish!!!
deanna dawson
executive producer snapfish.com by hp
HOLY SNAPFISH, Batman! I could not believe it. And Deanna was true to her word ~ I soon found my Snapfish account credited 50 pictures. That I then used (plus 150 or so more) when I uploaded our Christmas photo bonanza. They certainly came in handy, and I could not have been more surprised or pleased: the fact that someone from the company took the time & did this really means a lot to me, as a consumer. It was just a plain old nice thing to do, and it much appreciated by me, I can tell you.
Also, Deanna shared with me a love for the CandyCane Kisses. I think, perhaps I may have not stated enough how much I love these Kisses. I may have explained it best in my reply to Deanna's e-mail: I really can't thank you enough! And the Candy Cane Kisses? I'm thinking about buying some bags and sticking them in the fridge, because what am I going to do when I go to the store and the guy says they don't have any because it's seasonal? For all of our safety, I think freezing some will be best.
Cross out "thinking about," and replace it with "Have asked Mum to empty the freezer & buy every single bag she sees," and you might get an inkling as to my passion for the CandyCane Kisses.
So, I guess Secret Santas really do exist, and it was a pleasant surprise to learn it!
On another front, there was the Secret Spoonies exchange that I was lucky enough to participate in over at the But You Don't Look Sick message boards. If you're not familiar with the board, it's for people with chronic (and often invisible) illnesses, and it's a place where I find a lot of comfort and support. On the boards, spoons are a symbol of good health, energy, resources, etc. (It's based on the founder of the BYDLS site, Christine's very true and still understandable Spoon Theory of what it's like, living with chronic illness.)
The Secret Spoonie Exchange was wonderful! I found an extendable spoon online, here , that I sent, along with random other goodies, to my spoonie.
And my Secret Spoonie sent me enough Texas Loot to give me a drawl. I got texas jelly beans, a texas flag, and a texas spoon.
And the cutest part was a day of the week pill container, each day filled with little candies ~ what a great idea!!! Candies as medicine: definitely my kind of person!
It was another wonderful experience, and the best part has been reading all the posts from everyone: it's a real community. It's so nice to feel like a part of something that special.
Yet another special community welcomed me this holiday season: the B-List Bloggers let me join in their Holiday Ornament Exchange. I got the lovely
Green 3, who I sent her very own Christmas Kelly, a Rubix Cube keychain, and a homemade ornament of a picture of her family, taken on their Las Vegas trip this year (which Blogger doesn't want me to show you). I read through her archives, got to add yet another name to my bloglines account.
And my B-List Blogger did an A+ job of researching me a bit, because she sent me a Christmas Kelly to add to the parade! The person who sent me the Kelly (and a very nice note!) was Jannie Funster. Thank You, so much Jannie! She was not a duplicate Kelly, and has a place of honor in the parade.
I still have one more holiday item to wrap-up, but it's going to have to wait.
(Still not talking about the flare: we do not acknowledge the flare ... except to say... Ouch.)
Remember the Secret Santa post?
Ice Cream Mama helped me out right off the bat, fufilling three wishes on the very day I posted. She doesn't wear smelly stuff, recycles and gives to charity. Ice Cream Mama should get some bonus points, people. Plus, she was a new-to-me blogger, so I got a new friend in the bargain!
A few days later, yet another wish came true, when I found this in my inbox:
Hello, I’m the executive producer at snapfish and wanted to give you your Christmas wish. I need your first and last name and email address and I’ll add 50 print credits to your account.
Btw- I tried the candycane kisses they are AMAZING!!
Thanks for using snapfish!!!
deanna dawson
executive producer snapfish.com by hp
HOLY SNAPFISH, Batman! I could not believe it. And Deanna was true to her word ~ I soon found my Snapfish account credited 50 pictures. That I then used (plus 150 or so more) when I uploaded our Christmas photo bonanza. They certainly came in handy, and I could not have been more surprised or pleased: the fact that someone from the company took the time & did this really means a lot to me, as a consumer. It was just a plain old nice thing to do, and it much appreciated by me, I can tell you.
Also, Deanna shared with me a love for the CandyCane Kisses. I think, perhaps I may have not stated enough how much I love these Kisses. I may have explained it best in my reply to Deanna's e-mail: I really can't thank you enough! And the Candy Cane Kisses? I'm thinking about buying some bags and sticking them in the fridge, because what am I going to do when I go to the store and the guy says they don't have any because it's seasonal? For all of our safety, I think freezing some will be best.
Cross out "thinking about," and replace it with "Have asked Mum to empty the freezer & buy every single bag she sees," and you might get an inkling as to my passion for the CandyCane Kisses.
So, I guess Secret Santas really do exist, and it was a pleasant surprise to learn it!
On another front, there was the Secret Spoonies exchange that I was lucky enough to participate in over at the But You Don't Look Sick message boards. If you're not familiar with the board, it's for people with chronic (and often invisible) illnesses, and it's a place where I find a lot of comfort and support. On the boards, spoons are a symbol of good health, energy, resources, etc. (It's based on the founder of the BYDLS site, Christine's very true and still understandable Spoon Theory of what it's like, living with chronic illness.)
The Secret Spoonie Exchange was wonderful! I found an extendable spoon online, here , that I sent, along with random other goodies, to my spoonie.
And my Secret Spoonie sent me enough Texas Loot to give me a drawl. I got texas jelly beans, a texas flag, and a texas spoon.
And the cutest part was a day of the week pill container, each day filled with little candies ~ what a great idea!!! Candies as medicine: definitely my kind of person!
It was another wonderful experience, and the best part has been reading all the posts from everyone: it's a real community. It's so nice to feel like a part of something that special.
Yet another special community welcomed me this holiday season: the B-List Bloggers let me join in their Holiday Ornament Exchange. I got the lovely
Green 3, who I sent her very own Christmas Kelly, a Rubix Cube keychain, and a homemade ornament of a picture of her family, taken on their Las Vegas trip this year (which Blogger doesn't want me to show you). I read through her archives, got to add yet another name to my bloglines account.
And my B-List Blogger did an A+ job of researching me a bit, because she sent me a Christmas Kelly to add to the parade! The person who sent me the Kelly (and a very nice note!) was Jannie Funster. Thank You, so much Jannie! She was not a duplicate Kelly, and has a place of honor in the parade.
I still have one more holiday item to wrap-up, but it's going to have to wait.
(Still not talking about the flare: we do not acknowledge the flare ... except to say... Ouch.)
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
December Perfect Post
Got some links for you, since I'm still on the DL.
Here's the roundup for December's perfect Posts
For Laughs:
Mom 101's Oy Tannenbaum
Giant's 10 Best Fake Movie Trailers of the Year
The better titles for the last Harry Potter book, over at Violet's Quill
Jennie's rant about Christmas Music I hate that stupid shoes song too.
More seriously, I'm in love with just about every single post over at The Happiness Project . Her idea of working towards happiness is a real goal, and that you need to put it on project status? Genius. So often, I'm stuck doing things that make me unhappy, and forget that there are things I can control to make myself happier. Must remember!
But my perfect post award goes to Melissa, over at Suburban Bliss, for her Christmas Lesson post.
Her striking honesty, her fearless ability to take stock of her own strengths and weaknesses, and the fact that she usually makes me laugh while doing so make her a must read to begin with. But this post, and particularly this line:
I thought I felt like a shitty mother because she was afraid of school but wow, I found a new level of feeling like a shitty mother when my daughter told me she was sorry she was afraid.
are remarkable. I know we all have those days, where the kid's hang ups are getting in the way of our busy schedules, and that it can be soo hard to remember then, in those moments, that what we do or say will leave a lasting impact. When Youngest Nephew told me he was afraid of my "mean voice" it made me feel like I was the worst aunt ever. EVER. And made me seriously reevaluate almost everything about the way I communicate with him. That's one of the wonders of the blogosphere, that you can connect with people who you've never met, but somehow share experiences with. Melissa's post was, for sure, this month's Perfect Post
Here's the roundup for December's perfect Posts
For Laughs:
Mom 101's Oy Tannenbaum
Giant's 10 Best Fake Movie Trailers of the Year
The better titles for the last Harry Potter book, over at Violet's Quill
Jennie's rant about Christmas Music I hate that stupid shoes song too.
More seriously, I'm in love with just about every single post over at The Happiness Project . Her idea of working towards happiness is a real goal, and that you need to put it on project status? Genius. So often, I'm stuck doing things that make me unhappy, and forget that there are things I can control to make myself happier. Must remember!
But my perfect post award goes to Melissa, over at Suburban Bliss, for her Christmas Lesson post.
Her striking honesty, her fearless ability to take stock of her own strengths and weaknesses, and the fact that she usually makes me laugh while doing so make her a must read to begin with. But this post, and particularly this line:
I thought I felt like a shitty mother because she was afraid of school but wow, I found a new level of feeling like a shitty mother when my daughter told me she was sorry she was afraid.
are remarkable. I know we all have those days, where the kid's hang ups are getting in the way of our busy schedules, and that it can be soo hard to remember then, in those moments, that what we do or say will leave a lasting impact. When Youngest Nephew told me he was afraid of my "mean voice" it made me feel like I was the worst aunt ever. EVER. And made me seriously reevaluate almost everything about the way I communicate with him. That's one of the wonders of the blogosphere, that you can connect with people who you've never met, but somehow share experiences with. Melissa's post was, for sure, this month's Perfect Post
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Housekeeping....
As the Old Year winds down and the New Year inches closer, I still have a million things I've got to do, and no real energy with which to do them. Right now, it's hard to think past the flare, which I don't want to think about anymore. Instead let me just do a quick catch up, so all you lovely people won't think I've forgotten you:
- Dear Blogger Ornament Exchange-r, I just wanted to let you know that I received my Ornament, am very pleased with it, and will post on that topic as soon as my flare lets up a bit.
- Ditto Secret Santa players: I have been extremely lucky this Christmas to have been nicely surprised more than once, by quite a few people. It is a wonderful feeling.
- I was also able to surprise a few people myself, and that's an amazing feeling as well.
The telling of these stories is important, and should wait until my brain is clear(er) and I can tell them correctly. Thanks for your patience.
That said, I just want to wish everyone the Very Best in the New Year.
And thank you all for sharing your time & your hearts with me this past year.
- Dear Blogger Ornament Exchange-r, I just wanted to let you know that I received my Ornament, am very pleased with it, and will post on that topic as soon as my flare lets up a bit.
- Ditto Secret Santa players: I have been extremely lucky this Christmas to have been nicely surprised more than once, by quite a few people. It is a wonderful feeling.
- I was also able to surprise a few people myself, and that's an amazing feeling as well.
The telling of these stories is important, and should wait until my brain is clear(er) and I can tell them correctly. Thanks for your patience.
That said, I just want to wish everyone the Very Best in the New Year.
And thank you all for sharing your time & your hearts with me this past year.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Does anybody else
have absolutely no idea what day of the week it is?
Just me?
Oh well.
Until about an hour ago, I was sure it was Sunday. And then when I went to watch what I thought should be on the t.v., lo and behold... not.
So, it's Saturday, people! Are you doing anything fun?
I'm resting, reading all the magazines I stockpiled before Christmas, knowing some downtime would be required right about now. It's been a long strange week, my friends. A long, strange year, at that. I'm looking forward to a new ~ hopefully better ~ one.
Just me?
Oh well.
Until about an hour ago, I was sure it was Sunday. And then when I went to watch what I thought should be on the t.v., lo and behold... not.
So, it's Saturday, people! Are you doing anything fun?
I'm resting, reading all the magazines I stockpiled before Christmas, knowing some downtime would be required right about now. It's been a long strange week, my friends. A long, strange year, at that. I'm looking forward to a new ~ hopefully better ~ one.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Falalalala
I'm totally not talking about the flare. Talking about it is in direct opposition of my current plan: totally ignoring it.
So.
I've seen a meme going around of the first lines from each month. That's no good for me, since my first post every month is a Perfect Post award. But I would like to do a little look back. Here's a year's worth of pictures - one of my favorites from each month.
So here's a pick of January through June:
Sister C, on her 20th birthday.
A toast to SisterJ on her birthday.
Baby Girl's bunting (originally planned for her big brother, and finished six years later), by Mum.
Youngest Nephew, being his adorable self in April.
And here's Baby Girl, less than a week old, in her usual good cheer.
And Youngest Sister, SisterK, getting ready for her Jr. Prom, the first week of June.
More to follow (hopefully tomorrow).
Thanks for the well-wishes, all. I'll get there: flares are par for the course around here
So.
I've seen a meme going around of the first lines from each month. That's no good for me, since my first post every month is a Perfect Post award. But I would like to do a little look back. Here's a year's worth of pictures - one of my favorites from each month.
So here's a pick of January through June:
Sister C, on her 20th birthday.
A toast to SisterJ on her birthday. 
Baby Girl's bunting (originally planned for her big brother, and finished six years later), by Mum.
Youngest Nephew, being his adorable self in April.
And here's Baby Girl, less than a week old, in her usual good cheer. 
And Youngest Sister, SisterK, getting ready for her Jr. Prom, the first week of June.
More to follow (hopefully tomorrow).
Thanks for the well-wishes, all. I'll get there: flares are par for the course around here
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Things I probably should've noticed before now
that the captions for the local news CAPITALIZES certain words. & I've figured out why, too: they're the teleprompter words, and the CAPITALS are telling the anchors which words to punch. I figured it out last night, following this: "A mother of ELEVEN is killed in a hit and run accident." I don't watch the news because it is so upsetting. So this little teaser seemed vulgar, somehow... and just... WRONG.
The flare continues, so that's all I've got for you today.
The flare continues, so that's all I've got for you today.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Tidings of comfort
I'm loathe to leave you all with the impression that my holiday was less than happy: the 2 a.m., Christmas-morning-post-amid-the-drunks was not the sum total of my Christmas experience: Indeed, it was most merry, overall.
However, as is my custom, I am now flaring, so the happy, oh-my-goodness-did-we-have-a-good-time- post will have to wait a bit.
I just wanted to wish you all a happy holiday once again (because, if you are anything like my family, you are certainly still celebrating in some way.) And to assure you all that I my day did improve. Thank you all for your happy thoughts & best wishes.
However, as is my custom, I am now flaring, so the happy, oh-my-goodness-did-we-have-a-good-time- post will have to wait a bit.
I just wanted to wish you all a happy holiday once again (because, if you are anything like my family, you are certainly still celebrating in some way.) And to assure you all that I my day did improve. Thank you all for your happy thoughts & best wishes.
Monday, December 25, 2006
"It's Christmas... and I'm singing..."
and my dad is driving me crazy. This is neither new or unusual.
Also, I am seriously reconsidering my role as the only teetotaler (of age) in my family. Because being stone cold sober (well, except for my meds, which totally aren't cutting it, painwise) while everybody else is decidedly not?
Is soo much fun.
My favorite thing about drunk people? The repeating: they repeat what they've said, they make you repeat what you said, they tell the same story 52 friggin' times. And it wasn't even funny the first, trust me.
I'm going to enjoy this Christmas, Truly. But right now?
I'm all over this togetherness crap, and probably should go to bed, as other people's drunkenness brings out the mean in me.
--------------------------------------------------
On the other hand, I do hope you have the VERY HAPPIEST CHRISTMAS!
May Santa bring you everything you need/want/deserve.
Love, Never That Easy
Also, I am seriously reconsidering my role as the only teetotaler (of age) in my family. Because being stone cold sober (well, except for my meds, which totally aren't cutting it, painwise) while everybody else is decidedly not?
Is soo much fun.
My favorite thing about drunk people? The repeating: they repeat what they've said, they make you repeat what you said, they tell the same story 52 friggin' times. And it wasn't even funny the first, trust me.
I'm going to enjoy this Christmas, Truly. But right now?
I'm all over this togetherness crap, and probably should go to bed, as other people's drunkenness brings out the mean in me.
--------------------------------------------------
On the other hand, I do hope you have the VERY HAPPIEST CHRISTMAS!
May Santa bring you everything you need/want/deserve.
Love, Never That Easy
Sunday, December 24, 2006
There's magic in the air...
There's a special, holiday Postsecret up today.
I'll wish you all a Happy Christmas Eve, and leave you with a Muppet Song:
Muppet Christmas Carol
There's magic in the air this evening
Magic in the air
The world is at her best, you know
When people love and care
The promise of excitment is one the night will keep
After all there's only one more sleep till Christmas
The world has gotta smile today
The world has gotta glow
There's no such thing as strangers
When a stranger says "Hello"
And everyone is family, we're havin' so much fun
After all there's only one more sleep till Christmas
'Tis the season to be jolly and joyous
With a burst of pleasure we feel it all right
It's a season when the Saints can employ us
To spread the news about peace and to keep love alive
There's somethin' in the wind today that's good for everyone
Yes, faith is our hearts today, we're shinin' like the sun
And everyone can feel it, the feelin's runnin' deep
After all there's only one more sleep till Christmas
After all there's only one more sleep till Christmas day
I'll wish you all a Happy Christmas Eve, and leave you with a Muppet Song:
Muppet Christmas Carol
There's magic in the air this evening
Magic in the air
The world is at her best, you know
When people love and care
The promise of excitment is one the night will keep
After all there's only one more sleep till Christmas
The world has gotta smile today
The world has gotta glow
There's no such thing as strangers
When a stranger says "Hello"
And everyone is family, we're havin' so much fun
After all there's only one more sleep till Christmas
'Tis the season to be jolly and joyous
With a burst of pleasure we feel it all right
It's a season when the Saints can employ us
To spread the news about peace and to keep love alive
There's somethin' in the wind today that's good for everyone
Yes, faith is our hearts today, we're shinin' like the sun
And everyone can feel it, the feelin's runnin' deep
After all there's only one more sleep till Christmas
After all there's only one more sleep till Christmas day
Saturday, December 23, 2006
"Oh, What a Wonderful Child"
 |
Grab the Scavenger Hunt code. Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants. |
Here are my lovelies, in LINE for Santa:
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
"How do you measure it's worth...
just by the pleasure it gives here on Earth."
A simple phone call from Youngest Nephew, who I miss so much now that he's not here with us everyday.
Being able to help somebody out, unexpectedly.
Christmas Specials: on TV, on Youtube (Vintage, 80s, Christmas commercials: whatever you want), on hideously jumpy homemade video tapes on their last legs.
Wrapping presents, all day long.
I measure it's been a pretty good day.
How bout you?
A simple phone call from Youngest Nephew, who I miss so much now that he's not here with us everyday.
Being able to help somebody out, unexpectedly.
Christmas Specials: on TV, on Youtube (Vintage, 80s, Christmas commercials: whatever you want), on hideously jumpy homemade video tapes on their last legs.
Wrapping presents, all day long.
I measure it's been a pretty good day.
How bout you?
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Maybe it's much too early in the game...
In response to ProBlogger's Review/Preview challenge, I thought I'd do a little review of my year.
So, here it is: the Hits and Misses of 2006
Hit NaBloPoMo: Requiring more of myself & signing up to post every single day have been really great for me, I think. Not only have more people stopped by to read, but it gives me a great sense of accomplishment to know that I can set & reach this kind of a goal. (Today is day 50, btw.)
-----
Miss Splashing the teeny-tiniest amount of water on my laptop.
-----
Hit - Lyrica. This new pill has helped keep my base pain level at it's barely tolerable level (8 out of 10, most days). The fact that I am grateful for an 8/10 is, in itself, quite sad, however the 'keeping things from getting worse' properties of a pill cannot be overlooked in this circumstance.
Miss twelve other drug combinations I've tried this year. 12. I start a new drug tomorrow, though, so we'll all hope it goes in the hit column.
-----
Hit Adding Baby Girl to our family!
-----
Miss - The cancellation of The West Wing
Hit - Studio 60
-----
Hit The Saturday Scavenger Photo Hunt - Again, a reachable goal & new visitors added this to the plus column this year. What put it over the top is that it encouraged me to learn more about/play with my digital camera and photo editing software. Something I enjoy, now that I (mostly) know what the hell I am doing.
-----
Miss Painters Tape - which has failed me to impress me with it's abilities to make Christmas Cards stick to the door or photographs stay straight in their frames.
-----
Miss My stupid, oversensitive nose. And Tar, in all of it's various forms.
------
Hit November & its Democratic Sweep.
Miss No impeachment.
------
Miss OnlyBrother & S-T-B SIL moving twice in one year. Particularly since they moved farther away and took YoungestNephew and BabyGirl with them. Not happy about this. Very bad decision on their parts (which they are now regretting, but what good does that do any of us?)
-----
Hit Books. Ah, Books.
(Enough so that I'm planning a whole 2006-book post!)
-----
----
Hit Candy Cane Kisses. Seriously, people: must stock up in the event that January actually comes and the store doesn't sell them anymore. Physical harm might occur to any salesperson telling me they are out, otherwise.
-----
Miss Still not standing up for myself when I should.
----
Hit The Daily Show/Colbert Nation dyad.
-----
Miss Biopsies - 'nuf said.
-----
Hit Getting along with most of my family, most of the time
-----
Hit Having lots of new internet-y friends to wish a 'Happy Holiday' to.
That's you, in case you wondered.
So, here it is: the Hits and Misses of 2006
Hit NaBloPoMo: Requiring more of myself & signing up to post every single day have been really great for me, I think. Not only have more people stopped by to read, but it gives me a great sense of accomplishment to know that I can set & reach this kind of a goal. (Today is day 50, btw.)
-----
Miss Splashing the teeny-tiniest amount of water on my laptop.
-----
Hit - Lyrica. This new pill has helped keep my base pain level at it's barely tolerable level (8 out of 10, most days). The fact that I am grateful for an 8/10 is, in itself, quite sad, however the 'keeping things from getting worse' properties of a pill cannot be overlooked in this circumstance.
Miss twelve other drug combinations I've tried this year. 12. I start a new drug tomorrow, though, so we'll all hope it goes in the hit column.
-----
Hit Adding Baby Girl to our family!
-----
Miss - The cancellation of The West Wing
Hit - Studio 60
-----
Hit The Saturday Scavenger Photo Hunt - Again, a reachable goal & new visitors added this to the plus column this year. What put it over the top is that it encouraged me to learn more about/play with my digital camera and photo editing software. Something I enjoy, now that I (mostly) know what the hell I am doing.
-----
Miss Painters Tape - which has failed me to impress me with it's abilities to make Christmas Cards stick to the door or photographs stay straight in their frames.
-----
Miss My stupid, oversensitive nose. And Tar, in all of it's various forms.
------
Hit November & its Democratic Sweep.
Miss No impeachment.
------
Miss OnlyBrother & S-T-B SIL moving twice in one year. Particularly since they moved farther away and took YoungestNephew and BabyGirl with them. Not happy about this. Very bad decision on their parts (which they are now regretting, but what good does that do any of us?)
-----
Hit Books. Ah, Books.
(Enough so that I'm planning a whole 2006-book post!)
-----
----
Hit Candy Cane Kisses. Seriously, people: must stock up in the event that January actually comes and the store doesn't sell them anymore. Physical harm might occur to any salesperson telling me they are out, otherwise.
-----
Miss Still not standing up for myself when I should.
----
Hit The Daily Show/Colbert Nation dyad.
-----
Miss Biopsies - 'nuf said.
-----
Hit Getting along with most of my family, most of the time
-----
Hit Having lots of new internet-y friends to wish a 'Happy Holiday' to.
That's you, in case you wondered.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God"
When I was younger, I was in my church's Christmas pageant every year for about 5 years running. I started out as an angel, one of the multitudes. We all wore curtains fashioned into robes and wings made out of cardboard, and sang "Glory to God in the Highest" when Sister Eleanor gave us our cue. It was a bit part, certainly, but I got to wear WINGS.
A year or two later, I was moved up to 'head angel:' Generally, this meant I was responsible for corralling all the other, younger angels. I was to keep them from falling off the altar or shoving each other in order to see the Baby Jesus doll.
The year after that, I got my first speaking part: I was still an angel (and by then our costumes had improved so that we were wearing nightgowns instead of curtains, and glitter on our cardboard wings), but now I was an angel with a line! Specifically, I was the angel that Linus talks about in A Charlie Brown Christmas: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were afraid. And the angel (that's me!) said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." That was my big line: "Fear Not! For unto you a Savior is born."
I delivered my line, then headed back to my angelic hordes just in time to take a little cherub to the bathroom. She decided to discard her wings on the way off the altar, where they were later trampled by three wisemen and about 14 shepherds.
Now, I was pretty happy with my part: I liked being in charge of all the younger kids; liked that I had a line, and that I could say it without throwing up all over everybody. But...
I really wanted to be Mary.
The part of Mary wasn't exactly spectacular ~ Mary didn't have much to say; she and Joseph mostly moved along to the beat of the narrator, trudging through the 15 feet in front of the altar & back again as they made the trek to Bethlehem. Her costume wasn't better than mine, certainly: a pillow tied under a blue curtain dress, accented by a white handkerchief tied around her head. Not a wing to be found.
But I still wanted to be her. Because, we all know it: if you're a girl, Mary's the good role.
My final year in the pageant, I'd been a reader on the altar for two or three years (this was before girls could be altar servers, btw: that's only changed in the last 10 years or so); I had been teaching CCD for a while; I filled in at the Rectory when the priests needed someone to answer the phones. In short, I was kind of a church fixture.
And I thought I had Mary's role in the bag.
Our pageant wasn't too big of a deal: we'd rehearse maybe three times in the weeks leading up to the Children's Mass on Christmas Eve. So, when the first week of December rolled around, and the first pageant rehearsal was set, I showed up at the convent, ready and willing to try on the blue curtain.
As I'm sure you've guessed, I didn't get to play Mary that year either. I had, in fact, wound up with the largest role in the whole thing: the narrator. I had to read the entire Christmas story, beginning to end, while others acted out what I recited. And it was an honor. And I was glad to end my Christmas pageant-ing with a bang: my parents & grandparents were so proud; After mass, the priest came and thanked me for doing such a wonderful job; and I did feel really great that I had made it through quite a long passage without incident (trust me, on other days? Incidents galore.). But...
I was still kind of upset that I never got to be Mary.
Monday, December 18, 2006
"I pray on Christmas...
he'll get me through another day."
Because Christmas & CFIDS are kicking my ass, people.
But, bonus, I did finish my shopping today (I think).
Which is good, because I fell out of my chair once today already, and I don't like it when that happens.
Rest, wrapping, rest.
A doc appointment on Wednesday; Baby Girl tomorrow and Thursday; a ton of pictures to scan in the next week, before SisterS comes and takes them home with her; baking, oh, and CHRISTMAS.
So, a few things that gotta get doen this week.
Back to the bonuses: Christmas shopping done. Christmas tree smelling good.
The End.
Because Christmas & CFIDS are kicking my ass, people.
But, bonus, I did finish my shopping today (I think).
Which is good, because I fell out of my chair once today already, and I don't like it when that happens.
Rest, wrapping, rest.
A doc appointment on Wednesday; Baby Girl tomorrow and Thursday; a ton of pictures to scan in the next week, before SisterS comes and takes them home with her; baking, oh, and CHRISTMAS.
So, a few things that gotta get doen this week.
Back to the bonuses: Christmas shopping done. Christmas tree smelling good.
The End.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Fa lalalala la la la la...
| Nope, You're Not a Grinch |
 Although you may feel Grinch-like at times, it's just because you're worn out from the holidays. You get into the holiday spirit more than most people - and you truly enjoy celebrating with your family and friends. |
In case you were wondering.
| You Are a Cranberry and Popcorn Strung Tree |
 Christmas is all about showcasing your creative talents. From cookies to nicely wrapped presents, your unique creations impress everyone. |
You know, I've never strung popcorn. But we did used to make those construction paper chains every year. And I do love to wrap. Seriously, I could wrap your presents for you, if you weren't so far away.
| Your Christmas Song Is |
 Frosty the Snowman Frosty the Snowman Was a jolly happy soul With a corncob pipe and a button nose And two eyes made out of coal Snowball fights, sledding, and tons of hot chocolate with candy canes. Christmas is all about reliving the adventures of your youth. |
Ok; except that wheelchair + snow = totally stuck. But I'll have the hot chocolate.
| You Are an Angel |
 A truly giving soul, you understand the spirit of Christmas. |
:Brushes off Wings:
| Your Christmas is Most Like: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation |
 Christmas is a big, boisterous event at your place. And no matter what, something hilarious usually happens. |
I don't know if 'hilarious' is the right word...
| Your Christmas Stocking Will Be Filled With a Puppy |
 Well - one cute, soft, cuddly puppy... And a very soiled Christmas stocking. |
Ha.
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Saturday, December 16, 2006
"The Christmas Shoes" = Annoying
|
Grab the Scavenger Hunt code. Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants. |
Here are some other things that fit the bill:
People taking your picture when you obviously do not want your picture taken:
Even though I am totally one of those people: I took this picture of Big/OnlyBrother, Thanksgiving 2000. He does not like to be disturbed while eating.
Pictures that make you look high, even though you are obviously not (only obviously because SisterJ is 7 and I am 10 in these pictures.)
And people who think, just because we're grown-ups, that we're going to sleep in on Christmas. HA!
Oops.jpg)
Friday, December 15, 2006
On the third day of Christmas...
... my neighbors gave to me:
4th emergency evacuation this year!
Woo hoo!
Am defecting (yet again) to my Grandmother's house, due to smells. This time, the neighbor three houses down has decided to repave their driveway. My house reeks of an odd kerosene/gas smell, and, while my room is ok (with the door closed); I can't even get to the bathroom.
Also, Mum's got a doctor's appointment, so I'd be alone in the house, and if the smell crept under my door, I would have no way of escaping. So, off I go, yet again.
Hopefully, the smell will clear out today, because I still have a ton of stuff to do.
(And I kind of need to be here to do it.)
Off I go!
4th emergency evacuation this year!
Woo hoo!
Am defecting (yet again) to my Grandmother's house, due to smells. This time, the neighbor three houses down has decided to repave their driveway. My house reeks of an odd kerosene/gas smell, and, while my room is ok (with the door closed); I can't even get to the bathroom.
Also, Mum's got a doctor's appointment, so I'd be alone in the house, and if the smell crept under my door, I would have no way of escaping. So, off I go, yet again.
Hopefully, the smell will clear out today, because I still have a ton of stuff to do.
(And I kind of need to be here to do it.)
Off I go!
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