Top 10 on Tuesday: Wednesday Edition

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it would be timely to talk about things that I'm grateful for. I don't do the "thankful thing on Facebook" thingie - not because I'm not thankful, mind you - but just because it feels like everyone else is sorta', kinda' doing it, as well. And I've always liked to be unique. Hee hee.

So…how about a Top 10 on Tuesday - dedicated to Thanksgiving? Only, it's Wednesday - I get that - but again…this makes me unique. Right?

Anywho, here we go:

1. First and foremost, I have to say that I am especially thankful for good health this year. Seriously. This was a rough, rough year - what with the horrific sinus issues at the beginning of the year, and the ongoing gastrointestinal issues that had been ongoing for the last 7-8 years. However, due to persistence on my part, my sinus surgery in April was a resounding success, with no issues since…and by changing my diet to gluten-free in August, I have all but eliminated EVERY SINGLE gastrointestinal issue I've ever experienced. I have been PAIN FREE for months now, and have never felt better. My energy levels are up; I've been exercising like crazy; and I've lost a good twenty pounds since June. Woot woot!

2. My family has been a huge blessing…and this especially hit home just last week when a friend of ours suddenly and tragically lost her 34-year old son in a freak accident. Hubby and I have seven kids, and we're fortunate to have them all healthy and relatively close by. Our eight grandchildren (at last count - but already, our 9th is on it's way!) are also healthy, and we're blessed to be able to visit with them. My parents live relatively close, and I'm counting the time I still have with them. Same with my brother and sister and their respective families. We're very close, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

3. Speaking of Hubby…have I ever mentioned what a lucky girl I am to have him? Fate brought us together, along with the internet - and I have never regretted our decision to get married and blend our families. I WAS hesitant at first, as I enjoyed my independence…but he promised to never stand in the way of that, as well as the freedom to travel, explore and have adventures - and he's lived up to that in every way. Ours may be considered an unconventional marriage, but we've made it work, and he is truly my soul mate and my best friend.

4. I am always thankful that I have the ability and good fortune to be able to do volunteer work, especially with the Red Cross. I'm lucky enough to not have to work anymore at a job, and rather than sitting at home, watching Dr. Oz or other such nonsense, I am so fortunate to be able to get out there and give back in my own unique way. Whether it's attending meetings, or teaching a safety class, or heading off to a national disaster - I count my blessings every day.

5. After traveling extensively across not only our own country, but the world, I am always, always thankful that I live right where I do. I love living in the "land of the free" and the "home of the brave." I love everything the United States stands for. I'm proud of our history, of where we've come, and I always pinch myself and thank God that I won the "birth lottery" by being born right smack in the heartland of this beautiful country.

6. Speaking of freedoms…I am so thankful that we have them. Freedom to choose how I worship…freedom to choose how I will vote…where I will live…how I'll live…we sometimes take them for granted, until we come face-to-face with people who don't have them. I would totally FREAK OUT if I felt someone was threatening a freedom of mine, and so I know that I am very, very lucky. Not to mention - the freedom to BLOG and be able to say what I want to, without fear of censorship. LOVE THIS.

7. A shout-out has to go to the military…as I know I wouldn't have those freedoms if it hadn't been for them. I think back to the soldiers of the American Revolution - and what a daunting, scary job they had - and yet they persisted. Same with the soldiers in World War I, and World War II. Their bravery, their leadership, their strategic planning, and their willingness to sacrifice for others - it totally blows me away.

8. For everyone who works…whether it's a Monday-through-Friday job, or working late nights at the local supermarket, or the gas station, or the bank - and who helps me take care of my own business and needs - a huge thank you. I try to smile and thank you in person, as I'm running up to the store to pick up that last-minute item on my list…but if I don't always show my appreciation, I apologize. To the postal carriers who brave the cold, the trash guys who haul away my junk each week, the newspaperman who brings me my daily paper - I appreciate all of you.

9. To all of my friends…I thank you. For being there for me, through thick and thin…you'll never know what you all mean to me. For supporting me when I'm down, for laughing with me with I'm up, for talking me off the ledge sometimes…you're all amazing and I've learned so much from each of you. Some of you, I've known since grade school…some since college…and some I've just met in the last ten years or so…but each, in your own unique way, have helped mold me into the person that I am today.

10. Lastly…I'm thankful for my pets. My Shih-Tzu, Cocoa…as well as our three cats…Romeo, Juliet and Mayhem…Yes. I'm even thankful for Mayhem, because regardless of his name, he DOES make me laugh with his antics. He's one big furry ball of Trouble, but I have to love him. Our dog, Cocoa, has been with us for ten years now, and her faithfulness and love know no end. She is devoted to everyone in the family, and just a belly rub is enough to keep her contented. She's especially devoted to me, it seems, and I can't take a step without finding her underfoot - I should have named her Shadow, as she's definitely mine. Romeo and Juliet are a pair of felines that have brought us endless love and laughter, as well, and I can't imagine life without any of my fur babies.


There's gazillions of things that I'm thankful for that didn't make today's list - but this seemed right. I wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving - no matter how, where or when you celebrate.

Peace.

10 on Tuesday: Guilty Pleasures

Okay...'fess up. We've all got guilty pleasures, including me...and it's interesting to hear what others will admit to. So, with that in mind, today's 10 on Tuesday post are your little secret indulgences that get you through life. Mine - in no particular order - include:




1. The first day of school.
I love my kids. I really do. But I also love the first day of school, when I know that my house will be a little quieter, a little cleaner, and a little more peaceful as the kids all head back to school. And I feel guilty about this, somewhat, as I think it makes me less of a mom when I am secretly happy that my little monsters are gone for the day. Oops. Did I say "monsters" out loud? I most certainly meant to say, "angels." Ahem.



2. Sappy historical romance movies and books.
When I'm all alone, and I find myself with free time (which is a rarity), I love nothing more than curling up on the sofa and watching such classics as "Pride and Prejudice" or "Jane Eyre"...or reading a good, juicy novel by one of my favorite authors, Victoria Alexander. Whether it's Mr. Darcy or Mr. Rochester - I am totally swooning and totally using a Kleenex to dab that foreign material out of my eyes that always seems to appear when indulging in these mini-escapes.



3. Fleece sweatpants.
When I'm out in public, I like to dress up a bit...but when I'm home - alone - you will find me diving into my favorite pair of grey sweatpants. They're soft. They're comfortable. They're cozy. They're fashionably a train wreck. And yet I feel like I can conquer the world while wearing them, although I would NEVER, EVER step out into the world wearing them. YOU WILL NEVER SEE ME IN MY GREY SWEATPANTS (although I'm secretly hoping I get buried in them, so I'm soft and comfortable and cozy for eternity.)



4.Peanut Butter M&M's
They are seriously the MOST PERFECT INDULGENCE EVER and I can never, ever get enough. Eep.



5. Real Housewives of...Anything
Okay. I admit it. I am inexplicably intrigued by the antics of the women on all of the "Real Housewives" television series. It's trash. It's a train wreck. It's television at it's worst. BUT I CAN'T HELP MYSELF. Gah.



6. Barry Manilow
Don't laugh. Really. Don't. But when I'm home alone, and I need a pick-me-up, I can dance around the house to "Copacabana" and all is right in my world.



7. Coach Handbags
For reasons that I don't even understand myself and are absolutely beyond my control...I seem to have a visceral reaction whenever I see a beautiful, new Coach handbag in a boutique. My heart begins racing, my palms begin twitching, and I covet - COVET, I tell you - the purse. I MUST HAVE IT AND I MUST HAVE IT NOW. Sometimes, I'm able to fight that little devil on my shoulder that whispers, "Just do it. Just buy it." But other times...sigh. It's a losing battle.



8. Sleeping in
I would if I could. And I used to. But - guilt got the better of me, so I now set my alarm for the ungodly hour of 6:15 a.m. every morning, just so I can hug and kiss the family as they head out the door in the morning. Every now and then, though, I say, "Screw you, guilt - I'm catching a few extra zzzzz's." And it feels so, so good.



9. Reading the paper in bed
I am spoiled rotten, and I know it. Hubby brings the newspaper in from outside every morning, and will lay it next to me in bed...so when I DO rise (& shine? Hardly.) at 6:15 a.m., all I have to do is roll over and grab the paper and begin indulging in the day's news. Sometimes, he even brings me my Chai tea...and then I REALLY feel like the Queen that I know I secretly am.



10. Fast, red cars
In Florida, I drive a red convertible Mustang. And here in Kansas City, I drive a red, sporty souped-up Taurus. I like my cars red. And I like them flashy. And I like them fast. And there's a tiny part of me that says I should be driving a minivan, so that I would fit more into a "mom-like" image. But then I squash that tiny part of me as I go zipping down the highway, nibbling on my M&M's, while Barry Manilow plays on the radio.

And life is good.


What are YOUR guilty pleasures??!! Don't be coy...time to confess. I'd love to hear them!

Peace.

The Anti-Bucket List: 10 Things I Will NEVER Do

Another 10 on Tuesday post, and today's topic was inspired by a growing trend that I've seen on the internet: the "anti-bucket" list.



Yes...instead of the list of stuff that we aspire to, how about a list of things that will NEVER, EVER happen in my lifetime. To me. I'm not saying that YOU may enjoy some - or all - of these things, because Lord knows, we're all different....So, in no particular order, here are ten things you will not see me doing:


1. I will never, ever skydive. This is an interesting item, because even if I actually, remotely even WANTED to do this (I don't), I would probably have a heart attack the second I was pushed out of the plane. You will never, ever see "plummeting to earth" on my bucket list.


2. I will never, ever go shopping at the mall on Black Friday. Crowds? Ugh. The idea of it simply horrifies me, and I MUCH prefer sitting in my pajamas, with hot cocoa in hand, surfing the internet from the comfort of my own home.


3. I will never, ever go to a Taylor Swift concert. Because...just because. Gah.


4. I will never, ever eat liver. I CAN'T EVEN GET PAST THE SIGHT OF LIVER.


5. I will never, ever pay money to see a Jennifer Aniston movie. You probably guessed by that very statement that I'm not a big fan of Jennifer Aniston...and you guessed right.


6. I will never, ever become a quilter. My mother is a quilter...and I respect that. But I have no desire to EVER learn how to piece material together. I really don't like needles.


7. I will never, ever sing a solo - or sing in a karaoke bar, for that matter. And you're welcome.


8. I will never, ever run a marathon. Don't get me wrong - I LIKE to run. Short distances...as in 5k...or a 10k, at the very most. But 26 miles? Hell to the no.


9. I will never, ever fly to Africa. Oh, I would LOVE to see Africa. Really. But being that I hate flying, the thought of being cooped up in a little aluminum tube for like, days (or so it seems), as it flies over the ocean, and then flies over jungles where there are wild animals like lions and such - gah. Nope.


10. I will never, ever pierce anything but my ears. Simple, really - I hate pain. I hate blood. I hate holes in my skin. See above where I said I hate needles. 'Nuff said.


So...what about YOU? What are some things on YOUR anti-bucket list?

Professions I'd Like to Try

It's another Top 10 on Tuesday!!!

Maybe you're already doing your dream job. Or maybe you HATE what you're doing, and would change it, if you could. With that in mind, today's question is...what would be the Top 10 professions you'd like to try?




1. I've said it before...I'll say it again. All I EVER wanted to do as a kid was play baseball. If talent were no object, and dreams could come true - I'd be playing professional baseball right now for the Kansas City Royals. I wouldn't even need a huge salary - I'd do it for the love of the game. I'd be playing first base while on defense, and I'd be batting about 6th in the lineup...sigh. Why, oh why, couldn't I have been born a boy??!! And with talent??!!




2. I'd love to be an author. Of a New York Times bestseller. Maybe that dream is possible - if I'd just find the time to sit still for awhile and write a book...but who has time to sit and write, when there's so much living yet to be done??!!





3. I briefly went to graduate school, where I worked on getting my master's degree in counseling. So...I'd love to be a counselor...I kinda' do it anyway, whether I'm counseling my kids, or my family, or my friends....





4. Loving animals like I do, wouldn't it be rewarding to be a veterinarian? Although...that would be tough, to see sick or injured animals and knowing that I most likely wouldn't be able to save every single one of them....





5. Taking my love of food, and my love of writing, and my love of criticizing - I think being a food critic would be the IDEAL job for me. To be PAID to go out and eat and write about it??!!





6. By the same token, a travel agent would be right up my alley - what with my love of traveling and my skills at organizing and planning....





7. I *wish* I could be a fitness trainer...only because I'd be more disciplined at hitting the gym - AND, I'd be making money for exercising! Win-win!





8. Culinary school was something that intrigued me, so the thought of being a professional chef sounds like a lot of fun! (Although - from what I've seen - it carries a lot of stress...hmmm...may have to rethink this one!) I'd work in some high falutin' restaurant in New York City, and I'd use fresh, organic ingredients that turn into works of art when presented on the plate.



9. A tour guide. Don't laugh. I don't even care where I'm giving tours - but I love, love, love to show people around and explain what they're seeing. I kinda' do this anyway when I travel, so I could TOTALLY see myself waving a little flag and leading a group of barbarians..."CHARGE!!!!"





10. I love kids...and since I can't list "teaching" on my list - because technically, I've already *tried* it - I'm going to list being a school bus driver. Yep. The thought of being able to be able to set the tone for the day with the kids, as they get on my bus - and then to help them decompress after school - that sounds rewarding! I'd be the type of bus driver that is totally, way cool - that tells corny jokes every day, that has sing-alongs, and lets the kids sit anywhere they want to.



So...what professions would YOU like to try??!!

Peace.

10 on Tuesday: Bad Things You Did As A Kid

So...it's been like, a gazillion trazillion years since I've done a "10 on Tuesday" post...

...BUT THAT'S ABOUT TO CHANGE!!! Woot!

I just got this new awesome book called "Listography - Your Life in Lists." It has all KINDS of ideas for lists - and I was inspired to bring back the fun and funky "10 on Tuesday" posts. I know. You're practically quivering with excitement. You're welcome.

So...today's list will be 10 Bad Things I Did as a Kid. There's a reason I chose this as my first "resurrection" post...and that is because, just last week, my 20-year old son was visiting my parents. And apparently, they decided to discuss me. As a child. And all the Bad Things I Did as a Kid. While I wasn't there to defend myself. Gah.



So, of course son comes home and has to act all incredulous that his mother actually may not have been the perfect person that she tries to pretend that she is...but in my defense...I really wasn't all THAT bad.

In fact, I bet that I won't even be able to LIST an entire ten things...don't laugh.


So, in no particular order:


1. I once made my little brother eat a heaping teaspoon of flour. That sounds rather innocent, but it actually was somewhat dangerous, and yet hysterically funny, all at the same time. The moisture inside his mouth turned the flour into "glue" - and his mouth was temporarily glued shut - which caused him to panic, understandably. He then started hyperventilating, and little puffs of flour were coming from his mouth. I was all of about 9 years old at the time, and thought this was hysterically funny. My parents? Not so much. I was grounded.




2. You would think my brother would have learned his lesson from the above experience, but he was always a bit gullible, and willing to do pretty much anything Big Sister said. Hee. I was once able to convince him to swallow a heaping tablespoon of vanilla. Which he promptly spit right back out. All over me. I guess that was punishment enough, but he's NEVER let me live this down.




3. My parents bring up this next incident ALL THE TIME when talking about bad things I did as a kid - but, actually, I think it should be filed under "Stupid" things I did. I'll let you be the judge. When I was thirteen, I decided that my bedroom needed a makeover. I went to the garage, got some house paint, and preceded to paint my walls. However, most of the furniture in my room (bed, dresser, bookshelves, desk, etc) was WAY too heavy for me to move on my own - so I just painted around the furniture. Yup. I didn't bother to move anything - just painted up and over the furniture. Was that bad? Or just stupid?




4. When I was sixteen, I had a boyfriend...as well as a curfew. I didn't think the two went together AT ALL. So...I would go into my parents' bedroom a little before midnight (my curfew), wake my mom up and tell her I was safely home from my date, and then promptly go right out the front door and back into my boyfriend's car, to extend the date just a bit longer. Or way longer. I'm not sayin'....




5. When I was approximately five years old, I shoplifted a piece of hard candy from the store. It was wrapped up in crinkly paper - and of course, as I tried to unwrap it and sneak it into my mouth - I was so busted by my parents, since that stupid wrapper made all SORTS of noise. So much for being sneaky. My dad happened to be a police officer at the time...I'll never forget that he first took me back to the store where I had to apologize to the owner, and second - he put his handcuffs on me briefly and threatened me with jail. Gulp.




6. I was babysitting my younger brother and sister one evening, when brother and I got into a HUGE pillow fight. We were pounding each other pretty good with the pillows, when he suddenly jumped up to run away and hide. Not wanting to end the battle so soon, I threw the pillow across the room at him - where it promptly knocked off an expensive piece of artwork from the wall and busted it into a million pieces. Yeah. I got so grounded for that, as well.




7. I tried to smoke a cigarette. Once. I was hanging out at a friend's house, and yielded to temptation...but perhaps I inhaled wrong, because all I remember is my throat felt like I'd burned a hole in it. That was enough. Never again.




8. I had a tendency to skip school a little my senior year....My grades were good enough that I didn't have to worry, and it was just too much fun to spend the day with my boyfriend, rather than sit in a classroom. It was easy enough to forge my mother's signature on a piece of paper - and I knew just the number of days I could miss before I'd be in big trouble with the school. In my mind, grades were more important than attendance - and this was how I justified my behavior.




9. I was 9 years old...and I was a HUGE fan of the cartoon, "Underdog". Underdog was a super hero canine, who could fly through the air and rescue damsels in distress. I was convinced that dogs could fly - and so, I took our little dachshund and dropped her out of our 2nd-floor window. Needless to say, she didn't fly. Oh - don't worry; miraculously, she wasn't hurt, either - perhaps a bit shook up - but I got in BIG trouble for that. Honestly, though, it wasn't with evil or malicious intent that I dropped the dog out of the window. I was just...stupid. However, THIS is the one incident that my parents - and family - have NEVER let me live down. It has "hounded" me for years, and the story will probably be engraved on my tombstone. Gah.



And there we have it. NINE bad things I did as a kid.

Close enough.


So...what bad things did YOU do as a kid? Would your list include ten? More than ten? I'd love to know your OWN bad things....

Bwahahahahahahaha.

Peace.

10 on Tuesday: The Superficial List

Do not judge me because sometimes I am superficial. I can’t be all deep and philosophical all of the time – for one, it would absolutely give me a headache. And sometimes, it is just easier on my brain to be a little ditzy and a little fun and a little shallow.

With that said, I thought I would indulge a little on 10 things that I don’t think I could ever live without…in a shallow, superficial way, of course. I mean, really, if we truly thought about things we couldn’t live without, we’d have essential items like food, water, and shelter on our lists, as well as our pets and our family (actually, there are certain family members that I most CERTAINLY could live without, but we won’t go there) and we’d have things like peace and hope and stuff like that. Gah.

That’s a post for another day.

So, without further ado….here are my life’s superficial necessities….

10. Chocolately Pretzel Special K Bars….because, really, these are truly the best things EVER for breakfast…or lunch…or snacks in-between…..It has become rather sadly obvious that other people have discovered the joy of these, as my local grocery store seems to have empty shelves now where these little treats USED to reside…sigh.

9. Diet Dr. Pepper…the commercials are true…this SO doesn’t taste like a diet soda, at all. I especially like the Diet Dr. Pepper WITH cherry – as it’s a little secret bonus in my soda pop. Hubs would tell you I drink way too many of these, but really, who can make that determination?

8. Oil of Olay…snicker if you must, but this face cream is pure magic as far as keeping me youthfully sexy and oh-so-hot. In my own mind, at least.

7. Simply Vera t-shirts…these are truly a little bit of heaven on my skin. Once I discovered the pure bliss of these, I simply had to have one in every color so that I could wear one every day…and last week, I found the LONG-SLEEVED version, and so my skin will be in heaven all through the upcoming colder months. Life is good with Vera Wang.

6. E-books…whether I read them on my Kindle or my iPad, there is something so selfishly-gratifying about ordering a book online and reading it a mere five seconds later….for an impatient person such as myself, e-books are a pure delight.

5. GPS…Yes, I’m directionally challenged. I own it. I could get lost heading west on a sunny day…and so my GPS in my car is a true lifesaver, as I would never make it home each day and my family would begin to wonder where I’m at and why dinner isn’t on the table, and really, just where do I think I am now?

4. Facebook... Be a hater if you want – but I love this social medium and how it has opened up doors and made my world just that much bigger. I think I have a slight girl crush on Mark Zuckerberg….

3. Chipotle…I’ve blogged about this restaurant before, but it really is that good. And I really could eat there each and every day, because they claim that there is a staggering 65,000 combinations of burritos that one could have…and so I did the math, because I really had nothing better to do, and if I did a different combination every single day of the year, it would only take me a mere 178 years to exhaust the menu….

2. Bravo T.V.... Being a self-proclaimed reality TV show junkie, Bravo is my crack. It has such quality shows as the Real Housewives, Flipping Out, as well as Top Chef…and truly, how would I get through a week without watching self-entitled fame-whore women yell and scream at each other? Or drama-inducing gay chefs create the most fantastic-looking delicacies that I would just die, I mean, die, if I could just reach through my screen and take a tiny little bite? I love my Bravo T.V.

And…the number one thing on my “Superficial Can’t Live Without” list is….

1. Chocolate. Need I really say more…? I mean, really?

Peace.

10 on Tuesday: Guilty Pleasures

I haven't done a "10 on Tuesday" in forever - and in the interest of time - because I, as usual, am crazy-busy and doing good to find time to just breathe - decided its quick and easy to do a 10 on Tuesday - and isn't this the longest damn sentence you've just about ever seen? Whew. Glad its over.

Anywho, today's 10 on Tuesday is all about guilty pleasures...you know we all have them...but are we brave enough to share them with others? These are the things that I know I probably SHOULDN'T indulge in - for money, calories, whatever reasons - but I just can't help it. Every now and then, I just HAVE TO.



1. Chocolate Martinis....
Mix up some Grey Goose with a little chocolate & cream...Delish.





2. Ethel M Chocolates
Speaking of chocolate, these are some of my most favorite candies - especially the lemon and raspberry creams. Hubby will sometimes indulge me and order some online to be delivered. Smooth, sweet with a bit of tang.



3. Flying 1st Class
I don't do this very often - but it IS really nice to be a little pampered on a flight...the pre-flight champagne, the food, the drink, the pillows, the comfort kits...Bliss.



4. Theater Season Tickets
Hubby and I have season tickets to three area venues - I LOVE live theater....I keep thinking of all of the money we're spending, and it brings on a little bit of guilt - but I guess I can look at it that I'm helping the theater companies stay in business, right?!





5. Fast, Hot Cars
I have a bit of a passion for cars that are sexy, fast and hot...no minivan for me - I want something that will attract attention when I'm driving down the road. But not the attention of the cops, of course....!



6. Housecleaners
I like to have someone else come in and do some of the cleaning - especially the bathrooms. I don't mind dusting or vacuuming - but I HATE cleaning bathrooms - and so I indulge. I like to think it keeps my sanity.



7. Gadgets
If there's a new gadget out there - I probably have it. I have an addition for gadgets - perhaps more of a sickness - and I like to be on the cutting edge of technology by trying all of them out.





8. Handbags
Whether its a Coach bag, D&B bag, or even just a simple Mishe bag - I have a passion for purses. At some point, I have to ask myself - how many purses does one person really need?





9. The Real Housewives on Bravo TV
I watch them all...Atlanta, Orange County, New York...and yes, even New Jersey. Its pure trash TV, for the most part, but I get a guilty pleasure in indulging myself by watching the ladies and their antics.



10. Sleeping In
I love, love, love to sleep in...I would, if I could, sleep until 11:00 am every morning - but that ain't happening...darn it. Not enough hours in the day if I indulged in that. But I can dream, right?!

So, there's my guilty pleasures...what are yours?

Peace.

Happy Birthday, Dad

Today is my dad's birthday. He's 68 years old today - and spending it in the hospital with pneumonia. He should get to go home today, thankfully. So - in honor of Dad, here's a "10 on Tuesday: 10 Things You Should Know About my Dad":

1. Dad was my softball coach for many years. He taught me how to slide, how to bunt - and more importantly, how to switch hit. Back in the 70's, these skills were hard to come by on softball teams - and because of Dad's amazing coaching, our team went on to win the city championship. The first time I ever switch hit in a game, I hit a double - and while Dad was proud, I was shocked. I never thought I'd hit ANYTHING left-handed, let alone a double.

2. Dad is a softie when it comes to dogs. He has always had a dog, and dogs are his babies. I've seen him sneak french fries, ice cream and cookies to his "babies" - much to the chagrin of my mother. His dogs are spoiled rotten - I think us kids were jealous of the dogs growing up!

3. Dad is slow to warm up to strangers - but if he likes you, he'll be your friend for life. He doesn't hold grudges - but he takes his time in getting to know someone and deciding if they're "okay." And he won't talk much - he's rather quiet - but that's okay. That's just my Dad.

4. Dad always stressed to me the importance of education. Growing up, I never had a choice of what grades I would get - Dad let me know that nothing less than an "A" was acceptable. He also told me that college wasn't a choice - it was mandatory - and I wasn't even to THINK about getting married before getting my degree. And Dad always told me how important math was - (I hated it) - and how I would use math the rest of my life. He was right. Dammit. I hate it when he's always right.

5. Dad is good with tinkering on stuff. He's always been a jack of all trades - and I always knew there wasn't anything that dad couldn't fix. Especially cars. Dad's always been good at tinkering and restoring old cars. His latest hobby has been painting - and he's actually pretty good. Why am I surprised? He's always been good at anything he tries.

6. Dad loves silly, quirky movies...just like me. The sillier the movie, the better. I think my sense of humor comes from my dad. I love to watch funny movies with my dad, just to see him chuckle.

7. Dad has an amazing ability of just lifting one of his eyebrows to indicate his displeasure at something. All of us kids learned to dread the lifted eyebrow - that meant we were in BIG trouble. He never had to say a word - he'd just lift that eyebrow. Uh oh.

8. Dad can't be trusted to remember anything scheduled for the future. We've all learned that if we're planning a party or get-together, do NOT tell Dad...he'll never tell Mom, and they won't show up. You HAVE to by-pass Dad and go straight to Mom to keep track of the family calendar.

9. Dad loves to give the mushiest cards - for birthdays, Valentine's Day, etc. You'll never get a funny card from my dad - it's always the sentimental card.

10. Dad has been with my mom now for 49 years - and he has taught me how to love someone, how to be patient with someone, and how to make a marriage last.

So, happy birthday, Dad. I love you.

Peace.

10 on Tuesday: All I Wanted for Christmas

An official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred Shot Range Model Air Rifle. If you know Ralphie – and “A Christmas Story” – then you know that is what Ralphie dreamed of – pined for – salivated over – for Christmas.

What were the gifts you dreamed of for Christmas? I got to thinking, and thought I’d devote today’s “10 on Tuesday” to some of the gifts that I really, really wanted for Christmas. These gifts would change my life - if only Santa would bring them and put them under my Christmas tree. They were MY Red Ryder BB Gun. So - in no particular order:

1. Red Leather Go-Go Boots. Yeah, I’m dating myself here. I was a child of the 60’s – and after watching all of the cool go-go dancers on “Laugh In”, I just knew that a pair of red leather go-go boots would make all my dreams come true. I’d be the popular girl – the cool girl – the “hip” girl. I did get the boots – and I think I slept in them for 3 months straight. Those things never came off my feet. They were one of the best gifts ever for an 8-year old girl - I was "cool". I thought so, at least.

2. The Partridge Family Album. Again – I’m dating myself here – but I grew up watching “The Partridge Family” on television, and I was in love with the oh-so-sexy David Cassidy. All I wanted for Christmas was the album – I don’t think I had a record player to play it on – but Santa came through that year. I got the album AND a little portable record player. I was in heaven.

3. A Lite Brite. Growing up, I had some talents – but art wasn’t one of them. Drawing a stick figure was challenging. The Lite Brite allowed the “artist” to create beautiful pictures by punching those little plastic pegs in the pre-numbered circles – a sort of “paint-by-number” with pegs. I loved my Lite Brite. It got a lot of use…until a bratty new baby sister joined our family and Mom deemed the plastic pegs a choking hazard and they had to go. Little siblings can sure ruin things, huh?

4. A Cinderella watch. I am not sure why it had to be Cinderella – but that’s what I wanted. Did I ever get it? Well, it took 30+ years – but my hubby fulfilled my dreams one Christmas and actually got me a Cinderella watch.

5. A desk. Weird, huh? Well – as a little girl, I dreamed of being a teacher. And a teacher needs a desk. I got that little wooden desk when I was in 2nd grade – and I had that desk until last month when we donated it to the family affected by the fire. That was a great desk – got me through high school, college – even graduate school. I was sad to see it go.

6. A dollhouse. When I was in high school, I wanted a NICE, wooden, fancy dollhouse – the type where you could put your OWN wallpaper on the walls – and have real electricity running through. Santa came through again – I had fun with that dollhouse for years – until it became a victim of a basement flood we had one year. A few years ago, I bought the Barbie Townhouse at a garage sale, supposedly for my daughter – but Hubby teases me – he knows who the dollhouse is REALLY for. ☺

7. A new car. Okay – this is a case where I wanted something really, really bad – a car when I was 16 – and I didn’t get it. Nope – Santa didn’t come through for me on that one – but I think I survived. I don’t think my life was ruined by not getting a car from my parents. It just made me more determined to get a good job and buy my own.

8. A leather coat. I was married, with two little boys, and feeling very un-sexy. A brown leather bomber jacket would change all that – I just knew it. I will never forget when my hubby and son went shopping that year – and my 5-year old son came home and said, in all seriousness, “Dad says I’m not supposed to tell you that we bought you a new coat. So I’m not tellin’. “ Loved it.

9. A vacation. Okay, this was just a few years ago. Hubby and I have 7 kids – and life was crazy. I needed to get away – heck, just for a day, if needed – and Santa brought me a snowmobile trip to Yellowstone. That was awesome – even if I did come home with a broken arm. It was worth it.

10. My family together for Christmas. I know – it sounds hokey – but now, all that makes me happy at Christmas is when we have our annual party and everyone comes together. It’s the best gift ever – the gift of presence.

What did you wish for at Christmas? Was their a particular gift that you had to have? Did Santa bring it?