2014 My Word and My One Resolution!!

After 2013 kicked my ass, took my name, and spit me out...I am going to try the My One Word again for 2014. My Word is: DETERMINE / DETERMINED.

I also have one New Year's Resolution:

No Emergency Room visits in 2014!

We rang in the New Year as we have for the past several years...in Harmony, PA where they celebrate Silvester...German New Year's time. The ball drops at 6 PM EST. We have already eaten our pork and sauerkraut by then. After that, we came back home and our neighbors came over. All in all it was a wonderful New Year's Eve that allowed us to be in bed by 11:30 and still have celebrated the 2014.

CANCER SUCKS

I just learned that my best friend is "full of cancer" and does not just have cancer in his stomach! He only has weeks/months to live. I am devastated and heartbroken for his wife and children (who are still children). He is only 43 years old and I cannot even imagine him not being a phone call or a text away. We have been friends since 1988 when I met him and he has been there through thick and thin and then some. I danced at his wedding! I cannot even imagine what his wife, children, mother and siblings are going through. I just know that I am devastated at the thought that he won't be just a quick message or call away. Love him so much! My heart breaks for his family!

Time to be Thankful!

Today, as I prepare for Thanksgiving tomorrow, I want to take a moment to be thankful for all that I have. In no particular order, I am thankful for:

* My husband, D, and how my life has been changed because of him
* Soxy...no more needs to be said about my wonderful dog
*My family...parents, brother; D's parents, brother, niece and nephew; my cousins; my aunts and uncles; D's aunts and uncles
* My students and my colleagues
* The house that I live in is warm and comfortable
* My life...as questionable as my health is, I am still here
* My doctors
* The understanding of everyone as I deal with these most recent health issues including my bosses, my publisher, my family and friends
* My degree
* My friends who are like family
* My blog readers (if any are left). Thanks for the inspiration to write

Happy Thanksgiving to all! What are you thankful for?

Never Forget!

Long Overdue Post

Sorry to have been MIA recently. I am now teaching at two different schools, I am doing freelance writing for a Web design firm, and I'm trying to be a good housewife.

OK, the housewife thing is suffering almost as much as my blog.

I have begun teaching at two different schools. Three classes but since I've been out of the game for a while, it's tougher to get back in it. I am really enjoying being back in the classroom at both schools and really loving my students already!

Because D is working at home more, I have purchased a desk for our second guest room. It is too difficult for us both to work in one office. Now I am on the hunt for a storage twin bed for in that room also. It is really tight with the queen that is in there now.

How are you?

Sometimes It's Hard to Focus...When You're Sad

My family is at the reunion in Ohio this week. I am not there. This weather will not let me be outside. I am missing seeing everyone and having fun. I am not 83, I am only 43...this sucks!

One position I thought was a guarantee, at least part time, has turned out to be a no-go. That sucks!

Yes, my book is at the publisher, but without any job prospects, that doesn't help me much at the moment!

Sorry, just feeling sorry for myself today, and felt the need to share with whoever is still reading.

A Couple Pictures from the Reunion

With my girls Beth and Patty! We all grew up in the same neighborhood. Love them!!!

 With one of my best friends from high school, Chris, and his beautiful wife Kari! We still party at Buffett when I make it.

With Kim--not only did we survive high school together, we also went to college together and have definitely stayed friends through the years!