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I'm a free-spirited, knowledge-seeking woman that loves just about everything homeschooling and homemaking (minus the cleaning part - I can say that, right?! ha). I love being wife, mommy, aunt, sister, and friend. I welcome ideas, comments, and a chance to learn from others, too. Thank you for stopping by. Please email me with questions, ideas, or just to say hi!
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Let It Snow, Again?!
We are getting another big snow! Sometime tonight, the flakes shall begin their decent and join the leftover, too cold to melt preexisting Snow. Seems many folks are just plain fed up with the 'white stuff' in general. Hearing the irritation, makes me sad, because I'm Snow's number one fan! My adoration of the fluff, overrides the inevitable work and mess of melted flakes in our basement.
I suggested to the Clouds (in an effort to better represent their original appeal), that the delicate, sparkly bits of heaven, try something new; Behave. As sweetly mischievous as it tends to be, the Snow Clouds only winked and grinned, making no commitment to my pleas of reason. In order to be welcomed with open arms in the future, the Snow must comply, if only a little...right?
We'll see.
So, if you wake up tomorrow and the roads are clear, the power is on, and people toss out their shovels--for lack of need, you'll know immediately, the Snow listened! Behaving in spite of itself; coating only the hills, and yards, while simultaneously making speed bumps and ramps for sledders.
Please, my dear Lovelies near and far, if you're in snow, make a snowman for me, it will make you smile-I promise! (as long as your cheeks don't freeze in the process, but we're not going there! lol) Then, defrost yourself with some hot chocolate! See, I've got a head start!
Forgive me, I can't get on board with this whole hatin' the snow, I've got snow bunny in my blood!!
Wishing you fun, regardless of the weather,
Melinda
Loud Math
I love IXL Math. Love, love, LOVE it!! The questions grow increasingly difficult as my little guy answers correctly. When predetermined goals are met, my son delights in the virtual award page! On the teaching side of things, it offers complete feed back on my little guy's progress including hours spent, skills mastered, skills needing improvement.
Initially, the only pitfall, and I hesitate to even label it as such, was lack of audio. All questions, must be read. So, learning to read children, may feel frustrated when needing extra help, particularly if they know the answer. But, I quickly changed my mind, viewing it as a positive chance to practice reading skills, while doing math. See? Wasn't I silly to view it as a weakness?!
Well, recently the reading issue, became a non-issue. IXL announced added audio! And, yaknow, now I love IXL Math even more!! Why? The audio isn't automatic! One must click on a button, in order to hear the sentence! Little e has made some big leaps in his reading skills lately, so I'm not allowing him to rely solely on the audio.
I tell him to read the sentence out loud. If he struggles with a word or it doesn't sound right to him or simply to ensure his accuracy, he may click the audio button AFTER he reads it the first time. Naturally, if he needs extra help, whether it is about the actual math problem or reading, I'm readily available
I love IXL math. But, I said that already, didn't I?
Happy Learning!
Melinda
P.S. I stumbled upon IXL Math through a homeschooling co-op. Deep discounts for learners! What's not to love?!
http://www.ixl.com/
http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/
Psst!!
While I worked straightening our office, and my children recessed, I heard, "Let's trick Momma!" followed by near delirious laughter. My children have no idea how to whisper. They try. But, really, it just winds up sounding like Marilyn Monroe singing into JFK's ear. Now, that wasn't a well kept secret, either.
Although I tried desperately to complete this hugemonus task before my husband returned home, I was interrupted by empty toilet paper rolls being pelleted at my head, toy money being sling-shot from butterfly nets, and gross-me-out toy eyeball games.
As I am typing this, I know the "attack" isn't over yet. So, if you don't hear from me in a few days, I may be duct-taped to my chair--so send for help!!
Oh, my Husband popped in during his lunch hour to grab supplies and return to work. So, instead of a freshly rearranged, de-stressed office, he walks into heaps of homeschooling books, projects, and odds without ends, smack in the middle of the floor!
Happy Monday lovelies,
Melinda
Super Easy Fudge Recipe
My sweet tooth needed some serious attention last night. After wishing the cookie fairy would drop by--ya know--that fairy, the trouble-maker cousin to the Tooth Fairy--I discovered, if I wanted some homemade cookies, I needed to make them myself!
Shortly after that painful realization, it further donned on me, I was just too lazy to get that complicated in the kitchen! Thats how it is for me, either I'm making things from scratch, or wishing someone would make it for me, or ignoring my cravings completely--which seems so mean, doesn't it?
Since the cookie fairy didn't show, I tried something quick, easy, cheap, and delightfully uncomplicated. Try it, won't you?
Super Easy Fudge
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
14oz can sweeten condensed milk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
pinch salt
On the stove top using low heat, melt chocolate chips. As chips are melting, add condensed milk and salt. Keep stirring until completely melted.
Pour mix into an edged pan, lined with waxed paper. Pop into fridge, until it cools and hardens completely. Score into whatever size you want!
Result is very sweet, very fudgy.
Perhaps the cookie fairy didn't deliver, but the fudge sure did! YUM!!
How bad is it, that I STILL want a cookie?! Lucky for my waistline, I'm still feelin' lazy AND I still have fudge to nibble on throughout the week
Hope you're having a sweeeet weekend,
Melinda
p.s. Go even cheaper, and omit the nuts! Or vamp it up a bit, with a splash of vanilla after the chips have melted and before your pour into pan.
This Is Not A Fun Post.
I've been seeing and feeling heartache. A lot, lately. From bloggers suffering from tragedies, to the suffering of Haiti's people. We are connected--either through a personal relationship, or through the bonds of respect, kindness, and empathy for our fellow man--making the pain, very real.
Indeed the start of 2010, for many of us, has been bleak.
I know, too, that with tragedy and pain, a chance to renew our love, our sense of service, and our faith in man and one's Religion, emerges.
If you need help--ask for it.
I understand asking for help can be difficult, nearly as difficult as needing it is, because I, too, am reluctant to lean on others. As if doing so, implies weakness of mind and spirit. But, i am learning, that it is simply not the case. Friends are there for a reason, to support, to guide, to help you find your way, and sometimes to remind you of your blessings.
Friends can be entirely virtual, or in the flesh, or someone you seemingly don't know well--or haven't known for long. A community of love and understanding and aid, exists.
I sincerely believe, most people want the best--for all people.
Please, don't give up. Somebody loves you.
sincerely,
Melinda
http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html
http://www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html
"Friend Me"
tonight, i am sitting here intending on a good rambling. babbling about nothing, just to see what comes out..thinking, thinking...think with me, please? i need some assistance. thank you, no wonderpets, okay mommies?
"this one time, at band camp"...okay, so i never took band. much less attended band camp..but 'band camp' are two words i can never hear again, without picturing that red head chic, from "how i met your mother". a show which i find quirky, warm fuzzy, sarcastic, trivial and thought provoking all in one. not an easy combo to pull off with such ease. but, the writers and actors do it beautifully. i watch it once in awhile. (hmmm. maybe i am blogging about tv? weird). the friendships on the show are solid and lasting. i have always been quick to say goodbye in a friendship. even though most of my friends i have known for 10+ years...i wonder sometimes, if it has to do with being a brat. my family moved frequently as a result of air force life. i was accustomed to moving from place to place. there was NEVER a new kid in class--ALL of us were the "new kid". most families moved about. unpacking, arranging, meeting and greeting. forming bonds with people that we knew may just "fly out" at any moment. sharing our lives with others, just to up and move out of them. it was typical. it was normal. once my dad retired and we relocated to be near family, i met people that have never been out of the state. sometimes, even out of the county. it was a bizarre new world. i remember the first day of 5th grade. i was nervous and shy, typical melinda stuff. i glanced up from the staring contest i was having with my desk to notice something unnerving. everybody was looking at me. EVERYBODY. obviously, that made me even more self conscious but i gave a slight smile, wondering if my clothes looked funny or my hair. by the end of the day, I understood the stares. apparently, i was an odd ball, the new kid, from alaska. "did you live in an igloo? does alaska have trees?" questions, questions. i understood, but i was so painfully shy, answering was scary stuff. after a long, emotionally draining, first day and eager for dismissal, i noticed a folded piece of paper on my desk. it read," hi, you are new here. i have been here a long time. i can show you the ropes. i am danny. i will help you. i am wearing the green shirt." i let out a giggle and looked up trying to locate this kind classmate. well, he wasn't the only one wearing green. it took a few days to figure out who was who, but, i did finally met him --and thanked him for his kindness. anywho. (see this blog is free flowing, with no direction, so don't bother to stop and for any or consult mapquest, because there are no landmarks to guide you. anyways.) so, joining the civilian life was a shocker in many ways. base living to rural country living. no id check points. no one pulling over to salute the flag when the anthem was played over loud speakers. and my new home had mountains, horses, pigs, cows. and moonshine, but that's another blog, another time. i have wondered if people that knew each other early in their lives, like the classmates i met back '85, still remained friends. and if they did, why? was it based on a shared history or did people that stay rooted in one place have more friends? or, better friendships? was i so weird or cold to float about, gaining and losing friends so easily? as a child moving a lot, sometimes we would take an address or two, sometimes write. but, it was easy to forget to follow through, though not intentionally. even now, when someone says, "i was thinking about you the other day." I am always shocked. i always, wonder why. unless you are my mom, of course! haha. or wendy. because i know you two have an unnatural obsession with my life. (hahahaha.) i think, the people i meet, i meet for a purpose. we guide one another, learn from one another. so, all past friendships, i value. although i am notoriously bad about keeping in touch, I do appreciate my friends. even the ones i have lost touch with, whether it was my inability, or unwillingness to pick up a phone, or just the natural ebb and flow friends...i regret losing touch with people. i know i suck it that regard, i KNOW i do. but, at the same time, despite my social inadequacies, i treasure the moments shared. the laughs. the singing loudly and poorly, when people are looking, the rain puddle fights, the rebellions of good intentions and mischief... literally rolling on the floor laughing. it took a few years, but now, i can finally refer to va as home. and i understand now, forever friendship have less to do with proximity and more to do with emotional distance. a willingness to grow together, notice and rejoice in the changes together. not letting the trials of life separate, with a slow, steady drift out to sea.
okay, so this blog is about friendship. hmm. my friends may go... and sometimes, return ...thankfully, the memories made keep me grounded and aware of life. the good stuff.
babbling. babbling. babbling.
the blog point for those lost in my run-on sentences and my sentimental tidlewave:
friendship = good.
bragging about things done at band camp = bad.
sincerely, your, never-gonna-call-you- but love-you-to-pieces, friend,
melinda. or mindy. or mindyrat. or mamabear...depending on the decade!
p.s.
i am trying to do better: to all the friends that have known me for eons, and love me anyway, thank you!! i love you right back!!
LaLa La Laaa, Litte e' World
Watching Mr. Noodle flip-flop, upside down at the wrong end of his bed, and using his blanket the wrong way, Little e said, "He must not have been homeschooled. He doesn't know what to do!"
ROFL, I thought that was too funny, not to share.
Oh Sesame Street, how I love your silly ways!
Melinda
Baby Its 'Freakin'' Cold Outside...
Well, we're in the middle of a cold snap. Heating the house is nice, but once that gas bill rolls around, I'm sure to be feeling some pain! yikes!! Well, I have a few practical ideas on how to keep yourself comfortable in your home, while keeping the gas/electric bill from skyrocketing.
1. Excerise, move your body, dance like you've got ants in your pants.
2. I block drafts from the windows, with the usual layers of blinds and curtains, but also with anything else to keep the chill from seeping through our windows. Yeah, it looks kinda crazy, and not the slightest bit HGTV, but its practical charm woos me...it hides/stores the object, while adding an extra layer to window. Right now, I have the kids gigantic fabric ice cream tent folded and propped up between the blinds and windowpane glass. The tackiness can not be seen from the inside, so it doesn't irk me in that way. And, yaknow, if you live close to another house, even with the blinds closed, the occupants of the house next to ya, CAN see into your home, with relative ease, at the right angle. That sounds, uh, paranoid, perhaps--but, lets just say I know first hand, its true. Perhaps in the future I can elaborate as to why, right now, I'm still too shy to share. (maybe too smart to share? lol)
3. Wear layers, even indoors. Its a cold snap, expect to dress warmly and not rely totally on electricity/gas to keep warm.
4. If you don't use a room or rooms, block them off. Either close the door or tack blankets and sheets from the door jam. With areas blocked off, the less heat will be needed, thus less money will be needed to live comfortably in your home.
5. Do your baking, and laundry, in the morning and let the heat from the oven, and dyer, warm your home.
6. If you have radiators, make sure the units aren't blocked. (Or any heating vents) Warming gloves and jackets on the radiators before heading outside, is yummy.
7. My kids sleep on those vinyl covered mattresses. I noticed tonight, that the mattresses are cool to the touch. Although I know their body heat will help keep them cozy under layers of blankets, sheets, and pjs, touching the vinyl, as I changed their sheets before bed time tonight, made me shiver. So, I put a thin baby blanket under my son's fitted sheet, and a large fitted sheet on top of, and tucked under, my daughter's mattress. Instantly, their beds felt more welcoming and not the slightest bit chilly.
8. And, woooweee the walls get cold to the touch. I suppose its the old-school plaster. So, my girl's stuffed animals are lined against the wall, right on her bed. This way the cold does not disturb my child's slumber because of the added "insulation". And, seriously, its not like I had to convince her, she loves as many stuffed animals and dolls in her bed as possible.
(Then again, I could pull her bed away from the wall, but she falls off enough as it is, so giving her two sides to fall from isn't appealing!)9. My son sleeps in a car bed. Having issues with being scared at night, we toss a sheet over the top of his bed and it drapes down--a makeshift canopy--with him snuggled inside. Little e feels so comforted by this, and the added bonus of a warm air environment, allows him to sleep comfortably as well.
10. Can you sleep with a stocking cap on? I can't, but for those who can, it can make a huge difference in staying warm.
11. In extreme cases, when one may be choosing between keeping your home (not foreclosing) and heating it, make brave choices. Go to a friend's home, go to a shelter, wear your winter clothes indoors. Its okay to need help, as long as you're trying, right?
In fact, I'm chilly right now. But, as I've mentioned in an earlier post, I like the cold. But, I know, Cold must be respected, too. Believe it or not, I've gotten frost nip before--not when I lived in Alaska, nope, in Va. There wasn't snow on the ground, its wasn't even as cold as it is now, but it WAS cold. I went outside to get my dog and bring her inside. I fumbled with her metal chain too long and bada-bing bada-boom, I lost feeling in a few fingertips, for a few days. And, I was kid enough to not tell my parents either, when I should have! Yeah, not my brightest moment. Anywho.
Please, take care of yourself and your loved ones and even that grumpy neighbor down the street--maybe they're just cold.
Stay warm
Melinda
p.s. completely coincidental, our furnace is groaning. one heck of a noise. hopefully, it will keep trucking along...wish me luck
Coup, Me?
As I sit here, sipping on coffee, wearing the fuzziest pair of pjs known to man, and listening the wind create ice-cicles mid-air, I am reminded of the many things that keep me warm: the chicken set to boil for tonight's dumplins, a snuggle-hug from my children, a picture of Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs". And, right now, this space bar that keeps sticking leaving me to backspace-backspace-space bar-space bar-space bar, is heating me up, too, but not the good kinda warmth. No, buddy, this kind of heat requires forgiveness for grumblings catapulting this blog from a G to PG-13 rating. How is it, my son can't hear me calling him to put up his clothes, yet he can hear me mutter-grump from two rooms away?
Yaknow, when the cold leaves me snuggling and in need of hibernation, I dream of snow. I can't help it. Its in my veins. Perhaps, because I was born in Alaska, or because I think clearer when its cold. And, equally important, cold encourages warm ovens! Happily, the best way to warm up an oven and a home, is to bake cookies and breads, right? And, heroically, cold's baggy sweaters camouflages the evidence of a winter baking spree while simultaneously--and lovingly--protecting me from those fashionable skinny jeans.
So, you won't find me complaining about the cold. And, seriously, even though its been about a gazillion years (yeah, really) since I lived there, cold in Virginia is NOT Alaska cold. Unless you drive around with emergency gear--like blankets, water, and extra winter clothes in your trunk--then you're not really cold, right?
Aside for all the conventional means of keeping warm, my new favorite heat generator is thoughts of power. Nope, I don't mean the electric bill. And, its not the Amish heater, that looks so darn, adorable, either. I mean, straight up P-P-Power. So famous I can commit any crime and still live life cushy and carefree. Yeah, chicadee, THAT kind of power. K, maybe I'm exaggerating a smidge?
All this free time fending off cold, despite my obvious appreciation, has left me brainstorming. What would I do, if I had immense power-- beyond the power to regulate my household and the minds within (shhhh!! don't' tell the hubby, he thinks HE'S in charge)... Let's see, how should I present these magnificent plans? How 'bout willy nilly, yaknow, my usual approach?
K, here goes. Melinda's Reign of Power, Rules and Regulations:
1. Rule: Snowmen in every yard. Every resident must make a snowman. For those unable to construct a snowman, neighbors can determine the reason for lack of jolly participation. Is the neighbor a "party pooper"? If so, snowballs my be thrown at will, towards the pooper's house. If the reason is legit, like a motorized scooter wouldn't work in the snow, building a snowman for the neighbor, will be mandatory. Have you ever seen anyone upset while making a snowman? The crime rate would plummet!!
2. Rule: Card a woman buying alcohol around the holidays. If the lady is obviously past 21 and clearly not yet a medicare recipient--card her, card her, card her!!
3. Rule: When driving past, or walking past a construction sight, men must say "Hubba-hubba!" Not in the scared to be caught alone with you kinda way, but the "Hey there pretty lady" Jerry Lewis kinda way.
4. Rule: Buying clothes for Sweeties and Honey's for the holidays must be handled with care. Too small of an item, will leave the gift recipient feeling "fat". Too big, will leave the gift recipient wondering who in the world you actually bought the gift for.. Hold up, forget that slippery slope. Just don't buy clothes as gifts.
5. Rule: When someone nods, gesturing a friendly "hello', you must say hello, too, wave or nod. Even if wearing a neck brace. No room for rudeness.
6. Rule: When ordering drive-thru, all meals must be individually bagged by restaurant. Stuffing all combos together, leaves folks counting items, thus slowing the line, creating aggravation in the vehicle and out. In addition, when ordering two kid's meals, the toys must be different. And the girl's kid's meal, must not contain make-up.
7. Rule: Shades, curtains, windows coverings must be in use. I don't want to see you walking around half-naked. (Unless you're Mike Rowe. k, that was inappropriate. I'm almost sorry for saying that!!) Conversely you don't want to see me pressed up against the glass, trying to see your newly arranged furniture, or whether or not, you're really thin or just sucking it all in, like the rest of us.
8. Rule: If a rainbow appears in the sky, its an automatic day off work. Its a impromptu holiday. Go play!!
9. Rule: If one is a grumpy pants and mad at the world, one must log roll down a grassy hill. And yell, "Weeeeeeeeee!!!!" repeatedly, until you remember your blessings. And if you discover you really don't have any, come here and lemme give you a hug!
10. Rule: If one is the victim of a grumpy pants, you can say, "Na-na-na-na, phoo phoo, stick your head in doo doooooo!" without fear of retribution. If on the job, you may not get fired or demoted for this outbrust. Instead it must be viewed as an acceptable stress reliever.
11. Rule: While standing in a slow moving line, customers must burst into song. If its July, a song reflecting our nation's independence. If its February, Joan Jett's "I Hate Myself for Loving You." Those not joining in the chorus, must be shooed to back of the line.
So, thats it. The cold has inspired my mischievous side. So, what does the cold do for you? Are you ready for Spring? I'm not. Its just too fun to snuggle and dream up ways to control those around me. I mean, pretend, I RULE! 'Cause as Tom Petty says, "Its Good to Be King!" (er, uh, Queen?)
Later tater tots.
Melinda
New Year Me
I need tweaking. Not Tweeting, I tried that and it just didn't stick. Really, I was just crushing on the cute little birdie icon! I need reflection. I need to keep me in motion--moving towards the best possible version. So, let me offer you entirely too much information, 'cause I'm friendly like that..unless we're in line at the grocery store, then its just creepy.
1. I start too many projects. Which is good. It'd be better if I finished too many projects, too. They give birth to each other. Which is just peachy. But, I've slacked on my trusty stay-on-tasks list making resulting into sections of the house covered with projects. GOAL: I will not complain about having so much to do. It is a blessing, not a burden.
2. Monday used to be my designated day for washing clothes. I'd have dirty clothes piled up..eww. So now, I wash as soon as I have a full load, regardless of what the calendar says. To save myself time--Merry Christmas to me--I am not going to hunt for dirty clothes. If the clothes are not in the hamper to get washed, I am assuming they don't need washing. I like playing hide and seek with the kiddies but not with dirty clothes and dishes!! (do i sound like a disgruntled homemaker? lol--I'm not. I'm just a gal that values her time!) GOAL: Treat myself, the way I want to be treated, or pay myself for maid services.
3. Staying in pjs all day is lovely. Staying in pjs all day is not so lovely while fielding questions about homeschooling when greeting drop-in, pamphlet giving strangers. GOAL: Wear actual clothes all day, like a real grown-up. (I have a feeling I'm gonna regret this one!)
4. I get more accomplished in my kitchen if I wear clod hoppers or high heels. I can reach the top shelfs easier, although jumping like a crazed bunny to tip the glass off the high shelf and catch it as it hurdles toward the ceramic tile floor, is far more entertaining. GOAL: Wear shoes while running in circles of my life. (I'm gonna regret this, too. I live to be barefoot! I'm starting to doubt my resolve. Um, what if I don a pair of those butt-leg toning shoes? Those look fun-tastic. har har)
5. Quality is infinitely more important than quantity; friends for example. Exceptions: dessert when a sweet tooth demands attention and boob size. Yeah, I said it. We ladies know its true. Boobs matter and the bigger the better. I will forever be proud of breastfeeding my children 18 months each. I did it solely for their health benefit. Having 'bam' bouncy boobs was a nice perk. GOAL: Acceptance and peace with one's "stuff".
6. I am going to buy everyone in the entire house the same socks. Yeah, maybe the socks will be too big on some and too little on others, but at least I won't have to sort and search for matches. GOAL: Gain, collectively, 5 days of freedom and an infinite amount of sanity.
7. I will not scrape another plate or bowl if it belongs to another adult. Its another gift to myself. If one reaches adulthood and hasn't mastered this skill, I think a "do-over" may be in order. Or a garbage disposal. Or, a billy goat to lick the plates. GOAL: Totally drop my green-ness, buy paper plates and chuck chunks of food and leftovers smack into my plastic bag wearing plastic garbage bin and tell the future "good luck!" K, seriously, um, GOAL: Put dirty plates on top of scattered dirty clothes, making a statement and have my family beg for forgiveness. Now, THATS a goal.
8. The dollar store universal remote works just as well, and lasts just as long, as the universal remote purchased from high end stores. The gravitational pull's greater when I'm involved. Thankfully, so far, this applies just to my...hands. GOAL: Lobby Congress to make all things Shatter Proof--lets call it the Mamabear Bill.
9. When I was a kid, I used to save special candies and special gifts, for special occasions. GOAL: Treat, everyday as a special occasion. Use the good china, I say! Or, as in my case, the fancy stoneware...lol
10. Growing up I was told, "If you want it to las,t take care of it." I so agree. I try to apply that to everything in my life..and not just things, but relationships--with myself, with others, with the weird guy that stares too long. However, this motto has left me knee deep in sentimental mementos. Minus a gutted ex-boyfriend pound puppy. Yeah, it was wrong, but dang it felt so right at the time! lol My solution: Take pictures of the item. Write about the item and store both in a "forever box"--digital or old timey wooden cedar chest, yaknowshatimean. Then, give the actual memory/item to someone else. This way I can "remember the feeling" without needing an endless supply of boxes to store it in! This, by far, is my biggest personal challenge..my biggest quirk that begs attention. I just don't want to forget, ya know? And when I do, I rather forget pain than something that triggers a smile. GOAL: Stop being such a weirdo.
11. I realized when I caught my kids trying to sneak, that my parents must of known much more of my shenanigans than they let on too. And, uh, thats kinda embarrassing. Or, maybe I really did get away with a lot more. But, who am I to bring up incriminating evidence, now? That would be plain silly! GOAL: Let some Sneaky slide.
12. If its easier for me to remember the negative things said about me, than I suppose the real answer to, "is the glass half empty or half full" question isn't my stock reply, "it depends on the subject" --its, actually,"half empty". GOAL: Trust more, in myself and the unknown.
13. I spend my day searching for a true laugh. Make me laugh and I'll love you for life. Make me laugh at myself, I will laugh and pout, decide you're probably right, and then love you for life. GOAL: Loving everyone is wonderful. Hugging complete strangers, not so much. Curb my free love ways.
So this new year, I'm letting go of the irks and aggravations, the hurt and confusion and embrace the many blessings surrounding me.
During 2010, may you breathe in love daily ...and laugh so hard you spit out your drink...just not through your nose, 'cause that would be gross. haha
Happy New Year!!
Melinda
P.S. now, i want a billy goat.