The New Year is almost here! It's New Year's Eve, and I am making decisions on what I want out of life in the New Year. I'd like to see the following happen:

*Grow stronger in God's presence

*Allow current friendships to thrive more and grow even stronger

*Visit with family more in the new year

*Continue to love God with all that I am, and love my neighbors, brothers, and sisters as myself

*Keep everything simple this new year, and not allow complexities to overwhelm me KISS: Keep It Simple Sweetie

I hope all of the above happen with a great deal of grace, as they have this past year, and that I learn a lot of new things. I'm not one to care much about material things, so this is all I ask for. God knows my heart, and will see to it that I learn and grow with Him while being around others who hopefully have some sort of higher power in their lives too. Happy New Year's Eve!

Today has been good. We had breakfast and lunch together, and my parents have been puttering in the garage all day. We still have movies to see. Take The Lead and The Devil Wears Prada. Yah! Tomorrow we'll be in Sugar Land helping move appliances and getting the two homes ready for sale with my sister and her partner. It's going to be busy with that, and I have my first post op appointment with surgeon number one the same day. It's supposed to rain too. So, I hope for a good day, despite the bad weather.

Tonight should be a good night for the movies. Provided we don't stay up too late. My appointment is at 9:15 AM!

I'm enjoying updating my blogs, and spending time with family and friends in the process. Yay for the wee things in life! They add up. :-)

It's Christmas Day. I've been up since 6 AM listening to music on my iPod Shuffle. Lionel Richie had me in tears as I listened to his classic song, "Say You, Say Me." This is one of my mom's favorites. She's really into all the classics, and I have had the good fortune of picking some of them up, as MP3s. This is not easy to do, by any means, but once you do it, the music just lives on inside you. If there's one thing I can happily be addicted to without major setbacks, it's music. Everything else will fall by the wayside, but music will be there here and now, and even in Heaven. You hear about songs all the time up there. And now that James Brown has died, soul will live on...

Merry Christmas! I'm off to help out before family arrives, and I'll post again later with an updated gift list, and joy, tears, and laughter. Love to you all, this Christmas and always.

It's Christmas Eve, and I'm doing well so far. We had breakfast together, and eggs a la goldenrod is a classic favorite. It ranks right up there with eggs benedict. Yum-O!

I'm spending the day with God, and praying for Brian too. We've gotten really close this weekend. He's looking for a new car, and spending time with his mom too, at the movies. Very cool. We're spending time getting ready for Christmas. From food preparation to welcoming family, this is going to be an interesting holiday.

Life is good...and as I close out 2006, I hope the same holds true for you in some form or fashion. I'll post again after Christmas, before New Year's Day. Happy Holidays! :-)

Today has been a good day so far. We woke to pancakes and bacon, and Mom and Dad did some shopping too. We skipped lunch, and had zuchini for dinner...yum. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and we plan to stay home this year. Traffic and weather are two main reasons, but also due to my low stamina. I've gotten a little better, but my back can't handle sitting for a long period without breaks. It's still going to be a nice Christmas either way. We'll gather Monday to open gifts and have dinner.

I've been praying for a lot of people this weekend. And in the prayer, I have discovered that my new passion is helping children, teens, and adults deal with all kinds of painful situations. If I can be of help to them or someone they know, may it have more meaning than the gifts under the tree this year. There are several places in Houston and The Woodlands where I can go to volunteer. I think I'll give it a try. I've been looking for a support group anyway, and even if I can't be involved on my own, I hope to help others in some small way.

Today, I found more music for iTunes. I found a Barry Manilow classic. Mandy. Then, I found If That's What It Takes by Celine Dion. No matter what language, French, Spanish, or English, I still relate to all the music.

Healing happens all the time. And may this art form continue to heal me, as well as my other art, writing and painting. January will bring about new changes for me. And I'm happy to know family will be there every step of the way. Like my friend Jerry once said, "Some of us don't have a family with a mom and a dad to lean on. It's another thing to be thankful for." She's right. I am so blessed. And I told Mom how much I appreciated her help the other day while Abby was here. That alone, meant something.

No matter what friends, co-workers, or doctors do, family will always be there, even if in spirit. In the last year, God has shown me ways to enjoy moment by moment. Even in the bad moments. Each of those makes me grow. Good and bad just means you're well rounded. You aren't as sheltered as you once were, yet the arms of love can still wrap themselves around you, and hug you when you need them.

I know death is in the air...yet I know that God will keep us safe and sound when our time comes to enter His kingdom. We will be judged, yes. At the same time, we will also be loved, and all of our iniquities washed away as we are clothed in white.

This is my vision of Heaven. God forms a place for each of us. Then, when your time comes, you arrive at that place, free from every burden you ever had on Earth. You live a peaceful life in servanthood, all the time.

This is my vision of Heaven. The people you knew on Earth, like you, will be made new. And those that you didn't get to know, well, they are here too. You can form yet another good circle of friends. From old friends and family to new, the kingdom is ever expanding. It is without boundaries, and without end.

"They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not be faint."--Isiah, NIV Bible

This is my vision of Heaven.

The countdown to Christmas is on...and I am feeling good. Surgery was on December 12th, and since then, things have gotten better with regard to meds and such. Abby came to see me on Thursday December 21st, with Starbucks and a curious/nosy attitude. Only when you love them can you let them see your scars. LOL. Hey, we have been best friends for nearly 20 years now. There's nothing wrong with a little exposure.

The mormons Abby sees could also stand a little education. Man, to be sheltered as much as they are would drive anyone crazy.

Anyway, I was glad she came by. After she left, we found out Robin is pregnant, and so after dinner at The Black Eyed Pea, I called her back with the news. Yay. May we have a boy to balance things out a little bit here.

Today is Friday, and I plan to relax. TV is boring, but I know we'll have plenty to do. I also hope to call Tim and talk a bit.

Cynthia and I have been doing the e-mail thing, along with Brian and others. Yay! Life is good, no matter how the communication goes.

Today has been okay. I have a headache that won't let up. After two meals and a snack, still no relief. Grr...we have Chrissy this weekend, and then, Tuesday afternoon is my surgery. I guess in a way, the headache experience is a blessing since I'll have a new one after surgery. The good news is, we picked loose clothing to wear. That should help a lot. I got to talk to Kyle today, and all is well with him and his family as they prepare for Christmas. It's been a good day, even with a pounding headache. I just hope I sleep well. :/

December has had some great unexpected twists. My siblings are letting their families grow, I worked a temporary job this week, and my finances are in order now, even with holiday gifts. Today, Mom and I have the house to ourselves since Dad is at the Houston Aquarium on business. Lucky! In a sense, we are lucky too. Tonight we may order Olive Garden's new Chicken Roma. Oooh...I got my hair cut, and now, I'm updating this blog since I haven't done so in awhile. This weekend we'll have the little one, and next weekend Abby will be in town. It will be so great seeing her. The semester has lasted a long time. LOL.

I'm just enjoying life as it comes. Upcoming events are Tori Amos downloads in iTunes, and Christmas. Both bring excitement, and joy.