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.