2008

Here I sit at the end of another year. I can't help thinking back to when I was younger. I used to think the years passed so slowly. I thought I would never get older. At one point I think I had actually convinced myself that I would be in my 20's forever! I lived a very care-free life, giving little thought to consequences or tomorrow: NOTHING bad was going to happen to me; after all, I was invincible...or so I thought! I was living free..but stupid.
Funny how age seems to just creep up on you. The years start passing faster. Thoughts of "forever" and "invincibility" no longer hold that prominent space in once did. No, those days are now long gone!
2008 was a good example of a year that seemed to fly by for me. In all, the past year, though fast, was a good year for me. I like to look back and see what it is I learned, How did I change or grow? I think I learned more about who I really am. It was almost as if a light suddenly lit up in my head. Like a slap in the face, It became clear.It sank into my heart. REALITY...I really am over 40! I have lived a wonderful life and have so many things to be grateful for. I have had the fortune of a very good partner , family and friends, who are always the first to offer unconditional support...even if they disagree with your point of view. Pets? I could not ask for a more gentle, loving dog that is so full of affection...and personality! I have also had the good fortune of making new friends this year. Many of those people are individuals I may well, never meet in person. Just good people who enjoy sharing a little of their lives and knowledge on social networks. Twitter, Facebook...MySpace etc. It really has been amazing online journey for me. Through new online pals I have gained knowledge by the information they share on various topics of interest. Just another of the many things I am grateful for. I guess what I am most grateful for is knowing that , YES..I really am 41. YES, the years really do seem to be going faster. I am not invincible. I am perfectly fine with that now.I can still live care-free..with caution. "Spirit of a boy, wisdom of a man" means so much more now.Life is good. Thank you 2008

Put down the iphone..I need a walk...PLEASE!

Well. with Christmas over-things are starting to slow down around here! Tom is still in NY visiting his parents. That leaves me here with our pup, Jackpot. I have to say he is the most well behaved dog ever. As I sit on the porch in the morning with my coffee he paitiently waits for me to finish that first cup. Somehow he just KNOWS that when that last drop of java leaves the cup, it his time.Time for that morning stroll where he can run, chase squirrels and visit with his doggie pals around the neighborhood.

This morning I had a difficult time getting started.One cup of coffee alone was just was not doing the trick.I needed more me time!So I picked up my iphone and began to check email, see what was going on around Twitter and this is the look I got..how is it they just KNOW???

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Prepping For Trip

Well, I think I have everything ready for my trip now . The bags have been checked and I'm making a list to double check in the morning before I leave for the airport. Plane leaves at 10 am, so I will be there by 8 am. I have one layover on South Carolina and a 2 1/2 hour drive from Chicago to my hometown on central Illinois. Tommarow is gonna be a LONG day!

Posted with LifeCast

Christmas 2008 video

Christmas at Disney

I was fortunate enough to spend a few days at Disney World to start celebrating the Christmas season. Granted, it was a short trip, three days.Let me tell you--it was three days of non-stop awe!

We started our trip by going to Disney's Hollywood Studios. In true Disney fashion, we were greeted by the sight of an extremely large Christmas tree upon entering the park. The streets within the park were also decorated with large stars hanging from each lamp post. It reminded me of the way downtown areas used to be decorated before the days of shopping malls. The main event for the evening there was at dusk. We strolled to the "back lot" where "New York City" is located. This is where Disney displays its "Osborn festival of dancing lights"--a light show unlike anything I have ever seen! five million lights, artificial snow fall, hot chocolate and festive Christmas tunes that the lights "danced" to about every 15 minutes. I have a small amount of video I will try to post here as well--it really was a sight to behold!

Our second night we attended "Mickeys very merry Christmas Party" at the Magic Kingdom ( where we also spent our final day.) The park was very crowded despite the frigid temperature (39 degrees..in Florida!) Disney had several activities including two parades, a fireworks show specifically for the party and free hot chocolate and sugar cookies ( and believe me..I had a ton of those cookies!) The castle was glowing with its many,many icicle lights and the cast members were all decked out in their holiday wear. It was absolutely beautiful!

I think next year, we will defiantly be staying longer.The Spectacle of dancing lights alone was worth the trip! It was a great way to start the Christmas season for us.

So, I have been at Disney for the past few days. The castle is really something at night! We have one day left here , then on back to west palm!



-- Post From My iPhone