Because Bob wanted everyone to post pictures of their Christmas tree...you will find a new photo album to the right.  My tree kind of looks funny if you really look at it because the bottom half is not decorated...I have a naughty kitty who will just steal the decorations...but I like it!  I've also included some close up pics of some of my favorite ornaments.  Not all of my ornaments can be put on the tree...again, because of the naughty kitty.  I hope you like it!

I am also going to include some pics of the snow.  We've been hit pretty hard!  Right now as I type this I'm snowed it.  That's okay for now since I don't really have to be anywhere.  I did have some errands to do, but since I'm not suicidal, I'm staying put!

Since I haven't been really in the blog mood lately, I don't believe I've mentioned that I'm going to visit my brother in NYC for Christmas.  I'm leaving tomorrow morning and am taking the train.  I decided to go with the train for two reasons.  1) it's cheaper (about $100 for a round trip, compared to about $300 for a flight); and 2) I don't like to fly in the winter (something about deicing the plane and plowing the runway just doesn't sit well with me!) , so I'm staying on the ground!  It takes about 7 hours to get there from here, but I'm expecting it to be a comfortable ride.  My mom went down that way in October and said it was quite pleasant.  So hopefully I can get out of my driveway tomorrow morning as I have to be at the train station by 10:30am (it's normally just a 20 minute drive).

So my blog friends...this will probably be my last post until I get back.  I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I hope that everyone is safe and happy and gets to spend time with whomever you want to be with.

I stole this idea from fellow blogger Jenn and figured it was a fun way to add a post to my blog.  Anyone who wants to play along can "steal" this from me!  All you have to do is leave the bold words and complete the sentences to what is true for you.  Have fun!

*i am annoyed by stupid people.
*i want everything to work itself out without anyone getting hurt.

*i have to finish Christmas shopping.
*i miss someone (shhh...it's a secret).
*i fear being alone forever.
*i hear the TV.
*i search for answers.

*i wonder if we'll ever really be able to be together.
*i regret wasting time on someone I knew was wrong for me.
*i love...trust me, I'd shout it from the rooftops if I could...he knows who he is.
*i forgive my father.
*i ache for a baby.
*i always try to do the right thing.
*i try to help the people who need me.
*i seem shy at first.

*i know that I am loved.

*i feel fat.

*i dance when I'm happy.

*i dream of the future.

*i give too much of myself at times and forget to keep something for me.

 
*i listen carefully.

*i sing in my car...loudly. 

*i laugh as often as I can.

*i can't figure out what to put for this one.

*i write for therapy.

*i cry when I'm PMS-ing.

*i sleep naked...even in winter.

*i am hoping for a miracle.

*i see my computer screen.

*i need a hug.

*i should go to bed.

Night-night!

And "his" name is Dirt Devil Vision Cyclonic!

Yes, that's right folks.  I've officially become old.  I'm excited about house cleaning appliances.  I'm pretty sure I'm doomed! 

I finally broke down and got a vacuum cleaner.  I found it on sale at Kohls.com and it was free shipping.  It came in today and I have been vacuuming at midnight! 

I think I may need medication.

My cat (Spooky) is not impressed.

(Pictures of my new love have been posted to the right.  Are ya jealous?)

(Oh, Bob - I haven't forgotten...pictures of the Christmas tree are coming soon too!)

So I have had NO desire to blog lately.  None.  But I've been READING blogs like crazy!  I've discovered some really great ones that, for some reason, I've become almost obsessed with.  Not in a stalker kind of way, but in a totally fascinated-with-the-reality-of-life kind of way.  I can see why reality TV is so popular, but this is even better because it's real...I don't even think that all "reality" TV is real and that takes some of the fun out of it.

I love reading about people who have lives that are totally different than mine.  The things the go through, how they make the best of their situation, and how they embrace the beauty of their life...and are truly HAPPY.  I think this happiness is what attracts me so much.  It gives me hope in human strength...and hope in the human spirit.  It makes me feel lucky for what I have and reminds me that life isn't perfect, nor is it supposed to be.  Getting tied up in the search for perfection is what I think leaves us feeling empty when we can't find it.

I do not feel pity for these people because they are experiencing such hard times.  Instead, I am envious.  Yes, they are stressed and sometimes feel down and would like things to be easier...but in the end, they are happy and loved...and content.  Well, more than content.  I can almost feel the happiness radiating from their words.  It's so inspiring...and so addicting.  To feel the joy in their triumphs and the sorrow in their defeats...is so real.  Is is weird that this causes me such emotion?  I do not know these people, yet I am happy and sad right along with them.  I find myself hoping for more good days over the bad days...and then praying the bad days don't last too long.

I don't really know what I'm saying or if I'm even explaining myself very well.  I just know that I've found myself praying for people I've never met, and don't think I will ever meet.  The world is full of amazing people...and that renews my faith...in life.