Thursday, December 23, 2010

Our tree this year

Our tree this year :)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Good of man, or whatever you wanna call it.

It is my understanding that Christmas can be commercial, religious, ridiculous, joyful or whatever we want it to be. I also think that the rest of the year is identical to Christmas just usually warmer, less decorated, harder to find an excuse to give a present, and I gain less weight.
I was surprised this morning while driving to work. Instead of getting irritated at the two older ladies, in their Cadillac, that cut me off getting onto the freeway, I was grateful for them. Is it a collective manifestation of peace that is brought on in the holidays by the direction of marketing or church sermons? I doubt it, none the less I was happy these ladies existed.
They made me think, "That is probably someones grandma or mother." That thought sparked a sequence of thoughts:
• I am grateful for my grandparents who in there 90's still remember to send my kids Birthday cards.
• I am grateful for friends who will pick me up if I was ever stranded. Even if it was 5 am.
• I am glad I have a house, car, and food that I can pay for.
• I have a job, I enjoy and it pays my bills. <--I am thankful for that.
• I am SUPER appreciative for my Husband and all of the things he brings to my life. I Love that man and his left brain. Not only that, I think he is really cute, that is just the cherry on top.
• I am grateful for my family. My kids are awesome and I am so proud of them. My parents and in-laws who are involved my life, supportive and loving. My siblings and their spouses that make me smile regardless of global location, cousins who I have good times with and aunts and uncles who treat me like their own kid.
• I'm thankful for Friends who loan and borrow books, buy me coffee, listen, share a drinks and laughs, volunteer to watch my children and will let me make them dinner.

This leads me to my expansive thoughts. EVERYONE is someone's: loved one, brother, birth parent, delinquent, sister, child, mother, beloved, son, nerd, father, daughter, cherished, step parent/child or grandparent; even if they cut you off in traffic.
I know there is probably a lot of other titles I can add in my list and every person one is probably more then one of those things.
Here is my ranting point; people are complicated. I hope I never get into the habit of discrediting people. Where Is the Love? If you need a reminder, just holler, I've got one for you right here.

Here are some Ideas you can use to spread the love simply: open someones door for them. Look a stranger in the eyes and smile. Snag the change in your car or the 5$ in your pocket and donate it to one of the people with the bells who are CONVENIENTLY everywhere right now. Donate to a food bank. Heck, even donate blood.
CHARITY, I figure even if it has to do with a holiday, I am glad there is annual time people are urged to help others. A person in need that is aided or a mouth that is fed, IS AWESOME. Regardless the time of year. Right now it is convenient... so why not, right?

Love, Mimi

Post Script: Today is Penelope Francis's 1st Birthday and Wendy and Olivia gave her her own purple awesome hoodie.

Now we are matchers.