New Year's Wishes

May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist, your gastroenterologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your plumber, and the I.R.S.

May your hair, your teeth, your facelift, your abs and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count and your mortgage interest not rise.

May New Year's Eve find you seated around the table, together with your beloved family and cherished friends. May you find the food better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and the pleasure more fulfilling than anything else you might ordinarily do that night.

May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.

May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish dinner, may the commercials on TV not be louder than the program you have been watching, and may your check book and your budget balance - and include generous amounts for charity.

May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse, your child, your parent, your siblings; but not to your secretary, your nurse, your masseuse, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor.

And may we live in a world at peace and with the awareness of God's love in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile, every lover's kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart.

Bella's Cathouse is Open ...

I'm Pisces, what's YOUR sign, sugar? ... Once you have viewed this, there's no turning back. Below are true descriptions of zodiac signs, with traits from a book written 35 years ago by an astrologist (ha-ha, no kidding!). Read your sign, then pass it on, with your zodiac sign stated at the top. This is a real blog-chain deal, try ignoring it, and the first thing you'll notice is having a horrible day starting tomorrow morning - and it only gets worse from there (Do you hear the theme from The Twilight Zone playing?).... So come on ... spill it! ... if you are the first person who enters my blog tonight, (or even if you're not, LOL) you are responsible for picking another blogger and passing it on, got it? READY ... SET ... GO! VIRGO (The One that Waits) Dominant in relationships. Someone loves them right now. Always wants the last word. Caring. Smart. Loud. Loyal. Easy to talk to. Everything you ever wanted. Easy to please. The one and only. 7 years of bad luck if you do not forward. SCORPIO (The Addict) EXTREMELY adorable. Intelligent Loves to joke. Very Good sense of humor. Energetic. Predict future. GREAT kisser. Always get what they want. Attractive. Easy going. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Caring. 4 years of bad luck if you do not forward. LIBRA (The Lame One) Nice to everyone they meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! However, not the kind of person you wanna mess with... you might end up crying .. 9 years of bad luck if you do not forward. ARIES (The Liar) Outgoing. Lovable. Spontaneous. Not one to mess with. Funny. Excellent kisser. EXTREMELY adorable. Loves relationships, Addictive. Loud. 16 years of bad luck if you do not forward. AQUARIUS (Does It In The Water) Trustworthy. Attractive. Great kisser. One of a kind. Loves being in long-term relationships. Extremely energetic. Unpredictable. Will exceed your expectations. Not a Fighter, But will Knock your lights out. 2 years of bad luck if you do not forward. GEMINI (Irresistible) Nice. Love is one of a kind. Great listeners. Very Good in the you know where ... Lover not a fighter, but will still knock you out. Trustworthy. Always happy. Loud. Talkative. Outgoing VERY FORGIVING. Loves to make out. Has a beautiful smile. Generous. Strong. THE MOST IRRESISTIBLE. 9 years of bad luck if you do not forward. LEO (The Lion) Great talker. Attractive and passionate. Laid back. Knows how to have fun. Is really good at almost anything. Great kisser. Unpredictable. Outgoing. Down to earth. Addictive. Attractive. Loud. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Not one to mess with. Rare to find. Good when found. 7 years of bad luck if you do not forward. CANCER (The Cutie) MOST AMAZING KISSER. Very high appeal. Love is one of a kind. Very romantic. Most caring person you will ever meet! Entirely creative. Extremely random and proud of it. Freak. Spontaneous. Great telling stories. Not a Fighter, But will Knock your lights out if it comes down to it. Someone you should hold on to. 12 years of bad luck if you do not forward. PISCES (The Partner for Life) Caring and kind. Smart. Center of attention. High appeal. Has the last word. Good to find, hard to keep. Fun to be around. Extremely weird but in a good way. Good Sense of Humor!!! Thoughtful. Always gets what he or she wants. Loves to joke. Very popular. Silly, fun and sweet. 5 years of bad luck if you do not forward. CAPRICORN (The Passionate Lover) Love to bust. Nice. Sassy. Intelligent. Sexy. Predict future. Irresistible. Loves being in long relationships. Great talker. Always gets what he or she wants. Cool. Loves to own Gemini's in sports. Extremely fun. Loves to joke. Smart. 24 years of bad luck if you do not forward. TAURUS (The Tramp) Aggressive. Loves being in long relationships. Likes to give a good fight for what they want. Extremely outgoing. Loves to help people in times of need. Good kisser. Good personality. Stubborn. A caring person. One of a kind. Not one to mess with. Are the most attractive people on earth! 15 years of bad luck if you do not forward. SAGITTARIUS (The Promiscuous One) Spontaneous. High appeal. Rare to find. Great when found. Loves being in long relationships. So much love to give. Not one to mess with. Very pretty. Very romantic. Nice to everyone they meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! Amazing in the you know where..!!! Not the kind of person you wanna mess with, you might end up crying. 4 years of bad luck if you do not forward. Okay here's the thing, you can't pass this back to the person who passed it this to you so good luck! the other hard part is that last one with this will have bad luck! I got sent this by Secret in an email, and I thought it might make a fun blog game, so here ya go! Whose brave enough to say they're first? and who are you passing it to, huh? Let's get this list going! READY ......... SET............ GO!

Use It...or Lose It...

In my new management position, its taken up a lot of time, and my responsibilities really preclude my taking any real vacation time, so I still have 80 hours this year, and can only carry over 40 hours.  As you know it is the last week of the year, and I do not want to necessarily take vacation time away from my desk, but I do feel that some compensation is in order, don't you? 

Last year, when I was still hourly and not salaried, I took my vacation in the form of money, as a check to help with bills and expenses, which worked well for me.  I sent an email asking if they would consider doing that with this 40 hours I may lose if I don't take. Next year, you can bet your sweet ass that I am taking every dang day I got. 

I really hate asking for compensation on the 40, but I could use the money. Its not like I am going to get rich, and after all that would make up for a bonus I didn't get either? What would you do?

*I got a reply to my email, which stated, "No unfortunately (to my request of receiving money compensation), There are many employees losing vacation time.* 

Well, I guess even though there is really no one who can cover my job, that is not my problem, and they will have to come up with something this next year because I will take every day I am allocated.

too many reindeer games...

I noticed at some point in the morning when I had to get up out of my nice warm bed to pee, I was stiff as a board and my muscles hurt, and then this morning when coming down the stairs even my hips hurt.

Was I rode hard and put up wet?! and more importantly why don't I remember? Perhaps Mamaw (as Bella calls me) did get run over by a reindeer!

Ahhhh yes...I just figured it out. Its those darn reindeer Wii games. That bowling game, which is tons of fun, along with the Just Dance moves, which Bella and I engaged in yesterday wore my muscles out since they aren't used to such hard work, and made me sore!

Yep, I must totally be out of shape, like I didn't know that already...something to work on in the New Year.

I guess I'll have to invest in some Potion#3; a remedy for sore, strained and bruised muscles. Supposedly this stuff is enhanced with Gotu Kola extract, Arnica and St. John's Wort herbal oils. Promotes healing of sore muscles and joints, has an overall soothing experience, excellent for the reduction of swelling and bruising. Go get your own.

so tell me, what toys did Santa bring you?

The Hot Night Before Christmas Party...

‘Twas the night before Christmas

and all through the house,

all Ya’ll was drunk

‘cept for the mouse.

The stockings were scattered

and panties were too,

for all who came by

to see what you do.

The children, ‘cross town

where carols, they’ll sing,

while you and your friends

party and swing.

Me in my thong

and you, without pants,

all watched from the couch,

the prostitutes dance.

Our new friends this evening

now know us too well,

and all who are with us

hope no one will tell.

When up on the roof

we heard such a noise

like the pulsing vibrations

of our favorite toys.

While out on the lawn

arose such a clatter,

but we were all stoned

so it didn’t matter.

When in walked the vice squad,

warrants and all,

and you said, “He’s cute,”

pointing at one tall.

And he said, “Hands up,

and do what you’re told.”

But you replied, “Bondage

is getting so old!”

So down at the station

they dragged us all in.

I called my bondsman

to make bail again.

But my bondsman was busy

with problems his own.

Seems he’s in here with us

and no one’s at home.

It’s the night before Christmas

and we’re all in jail.

Do you think Dear Ol’ Santa

might go our bail?

Then we could all party again, New Year’s.

Christmas Is For Love...

Christmas is for love. It is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for reuniting with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages. But mostly, Christmas is for love. I had not believed this until a small elf-like student with wide-eyed innocent eyes and soft rosy cheeks gave me a wondrous gift one Christmas.

Mark was an 11 year old orphan who lived with his aunt, a bitter middle aged woman greatly annoyed with the burden of caring for her dead sister’s son. She never failed to remind young Mark, if it hadn’t been for her generosity, he would be a vagrant, homeless waif. Still, with all the scolding and chilliness at home, he was a sweet and gentle child.

I had not noticed Mark particularly until he began staying after class each day (at the risk of arousing his aunt’s anger, I later found) to help me straighten up the room. We did this quietly and comfortably, not speaking much, but enjoying the solitude of that hour of the day. When we did talk, Mark spoke mostly of his mother. Though he was quite small when she died, he remembered a kind, gentle, loving woman, who always spent much time with him.

As Christmas drew near however, Mark failed to stay after school each day. I looked forward to his coming, and when the days passed and he continued to scamper hurriedly from the room after class, I stopped him one afternoon and asked why he no longer helped me in the room. I told him how I had missed him, and his large gray eyes lit up eagerly as he replied, “Did you really miss me?”

I explained how he had been my best helper. “I was making you a surprise,” he whispered confidentially. “It’s for Christmas.” With that, he became embarrassed and dashed from the room. He didn’t stay after school any more after that.

Finally came the last school day before Christmas. Mark crept slowly into the room late that afternoon with his hands concealing something behind his back. “I have your present,” he said timidly when I looked up. “I hope you like it.” He held out his hands, and there lying in his small palms was a tiny wooden box.

“Its beautiful, Mark. Is there something in it?” I asked opening the top to look inside. ”

“Oh you can’t see what’s in it,” He replied, “and you can’t touch it, or taste it or feel it, but mother always said it makes you feel good all the time, warm on cold nights, and safe when you’re all alone.”

I gazed into the empty box. “What is it Mark,” I asked gently, “that will make me feel so good?” “It’s love,” he whispered softly, “and mother always said it’s best when you give it away.” And he turned and quietly left the room.

So now I keep a small box crudely made of scraps of wood on the piano in my living room and only smile as inquiring friends raise quizzical eyebrows when I explain to them that there is love in it.

Yes, Christmas is for gaiety, mirth and song, for good and wondrous gifts. But mostly, Christmas is for love.

- Author Unknown

Merry Christmas, bloggers

Hope Santa brings you everything you want for Christmas, and blessings to you in the coming Year.

What I want Santa can't bring necessarily.  I would like to have personal love back in my life.  Long distance relationships are hard, especially when each have other responsibilities, even families.  He was never really mine, he was only borrowed.  I gave him love wholeheartedly, still love him, so I wait for some Christmas miracle of sorts...like him showing up at my doorstep with only Santa boots and a red cap on! ha!

or him driving up, tooting a car horn and surprising me with a car for Christmas that I so desperately need...ha! I know that's a fantasy right there...lol...but nevertheless I miss him...I miss not having that personal love and affection. 

This year has been a trying one in a lot of ways. Family issues, legal issues, custody issues, 18 year old don't know what the hell they want to do issues, work issues...all without personal love.  damn. Half the time I don't know whether I'm coming or going, some days up, some days down, some times I just don't care, whatever it takes to remain sane, ya know. A nap?  Yeah, I could use one of those too. 

I seem to be in this melancholy mood here the last couple of days. I've been thinking about my root family, my mother, father, siblings... ho.ho.humbug.  My mother and father have both passed away, and even though all my siblings are alive but one, we hardly ever see each other. Yep, I've been good all year, for years, but Santa never brings me a dag gone thing.  That's life in Appalachia, living small and hard. 

I am truly grateful for little Bella to be living with me, and be safe here, and I need to remind myself of blessings I have like health, a job, a roof over my head and food in the cupboards. However it seems I owe my mortgage escrow $150 bucks, so much for me having any money sliding into the New Year, ha!

on that note, I'll say, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnite."

Homemade Holiday Delights...

Tonight I was in my local drug store when I happened to spy a tub of creamed pulled candy upon a shelf in the Christmas aisle. I was there to pick out an ornament to take into work tomorrow for a gift ornament exchange and a catered lunch.

OMGosh!! Seeing that tub of creamed pulled candy brought back memories of my 90 year old Aunt Minnie, who would every holiday make pulled creamed candy that was a pure delight and melted in your mouth!

Aunt Minnie always seemed 90 years old to me my whole childhood. Bless her heart. I have nothing but fond memories of her and creamed candy! but I could never forget her husband, Uncle Ritchie, who spent his days rubbing his chair arm and clacking his teeth after a stroke, not able to really communicate his needs. Their daughter, Christine, was the closest thing to God that I ever knew. She spent nearly everyday in the church, was a Sunday school teacher and church organist, and paid for my sister and I to take piano lessons. She was the most giving, loving, and soft spoken person who spent her whole life with her parents and helped take care of them until they passed away.

I wondered if Mom Blakeman’s could live up to Aunt Minnie’s creamed candy, and I was pleasantly surprised that it melted in my mouth. It was absolutely delicious! Just like Aunt Minnie’s…

I went to the website. Here is the link if you’d like to order you some pulled creamed candy. Established in 1961 by "Mom" Blakeman, it remains a family owned and operated company in Kentucky dedicated to producing the highest quality creamed pull candy available. Light, rich, flaky and hand-made with pure butter and sugar, it really does melt in your mouth.

Yep, it definitely does melt in your mouth, no kidding!