January 2009 already?

Wow! I can't believe it's already January of 2009. As I watched the ball drop in New York City, (on tv of course), many thoughts ran through my mind. Mostly, how could I get the kids to go to bed so that I could? I was seriously tired, when did I get so old? In the days since then, I've had a lot to think about regarding the new year. I've read a lot of articles, seen a lot of lists, the typical New Year's stuff. I didn't even bother to make any resolutions, because I just break them all the time anyway. Any day is as good as the first day of a new year to start trying to be your best and accomplish something you've been wanting to do anyway, right? So, I guess I resolved not to make any particular New Year's resolutions. Great, then I can't disapoint myself. Most of the articles I've read all seem to say the same thing, that 2008 sucked, that it can only get better, the economy is in the toilet, the world is in an awful predicament, hopefully Barack Obama can help sort out the mess. The president elect seems like a good person, I hope he can sort out some of the mess. My heart certainly breaks for the people who've lost their jobs, lost their savings, lost their houses. There are so many said stories out there, and yes, the economy is in bad shape.
I pray things turn around. I pray for peace. There was a local story where a man killed himself and his son, because he was so torn up over financial issues. I cried over that one, and I pray for them both. I hope in times like this, the best comes out in people, not the worst. I hope remember what it's like to be struggling, and help our neighbor. I hope we give others the benefit of the doubt, and believe in the kindness of folks. And when I remember 2008, I won't remember just the struggles and the bad things. I'll remember that we had a pretty, white Christmas, that we were all healthy, that nobody that I loved dearly died that year. And I will count my blessings, over and over again. And I will pray for peace.

Fun music lover's merchandise

I have always been a music lover, so I'm always on the lookout for unique, original musical t-shirts. One of my favorites is by a fun store called Musicall, is a cool graphic with the word music, in the shape of a heart. I love that it's simple, clever and artistic. If you are a musician or music lover, you'll appreciate this artistic graphic design. This online store offers a variety of clothing and gifts, including this cute, women's cap sleeve t-shirt. There is also a striking light blue on black shirt which I love. I think this would be excellent to wear to my next gig, if I were in a band. Of course, since I have no musical talent, I might just get one to wear to the next concert that I go to.

Here's another fun t-shirt for the musician in your life...or get one for yourself, just to make your friends laugh. The description of this shirt says it all...
"Danger! Touching the Instrument May Result In Severe Bodily Injury. OSHA requires signs to warn of impending danger. Others need to be warned that touching your precious instrument may cause them harm." It's funny and clever and will make people think. These cool shirts are available for lots of different instruments...so if you know someone who plays the french horn, the piano, the bass...or almost any instrument, you can find a great gift for them. Musicians aren't the only ones who will enjoy the clothing, gifts and merchandise from this funky store, Musicall, It's "A store created by musicians for musicians and others who enjoy music!" If you're looking for something original, there is a lot of cool, humorous artwork in this store.

This blog post is a part of a crossover blog. Other participants in this crossover blog are:

http://ateasetees.wordpress.com/

http://www.blogbydonna.com/

http://getyergoat-goatgifts.blogspot.com

http://www.nanwrightart.com

http://randomshirts.blogspot.com/

http://skeetzteez.blogspot.com/

http://idesignbrian.wordpress.com/

http://www.shopkeeperdesigns.com

http://autismshowucare.blogspot.com

http://www.gocamelphotos.blogspot.com/

http://einselgaenger.blogspot.com/

Random stream of consciousness...

Nothing related here...this post is just a rambling ramble of some random thoughts and words...Ice house, random, tumor, cheese cake, music, mean, sleep, stupid, hurt, hairstyle, chicken leg, rude, tumor, fair isle sweater, blue, time, oceans, grilled cheese sandwich, yellow, light, holding on, rambling, tv, veterans, red hair, sing, crabby, bad skin, noise, peace, hope, talking, holiday sadness, rolaids, time travel, tacos, commercialism, therapy, Africa, noise, nothing, basketball, rolling down a grassy hill on a sunny day, sitting on the dock feeling warmth, hearing people I love wake up early, Christmas morning.

Twilight Bella store now open

Okay, your teen age daughter has read the book twilight, you've seen the commercials for the movie, you know it's going to be the hottest thing ever....get your slice of pop culture at our new Twilight Bella store.
If you're looking for some great Christmas gifts for your teenager, we've got something here...from teddy bears to coffee mugs, and lots more. Remember, everything comes with a 30 day, 100 percent money back guarantee! What have you got to lose?? Take a look!Come visit Twilight Bella on CafePress!

Is there a speech therapist in your life?

Is there a speech therapist in your life? If you're one of the many people dealing with Developmental Disorders such as PDD, Aspergers, Autism, stroke recovery and more, you've probably worked with a speech therapist.
Speech therapists work with people who can't make speech sounds, or can't make them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, people who have trouble understanding and producing language; people with cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory, and problem solving disorders; and people who have oral motor problems. From small children to the elderly, they work with people of all ages. They work in schools, hospitals, and private offices. If you are one of the many people who have been helped by a speech therapist, and know how hard they work, you'll appreciate this cute t-shirt from autismshowucare. This cute shirt has a classy, simple design and the words "Speech therapist have a way with words." It is available in a number of colors, with short sleeves or long sleeves.
Autismshowucare.com sells this design and more t-shirts and gifts supporting autism awareness. According to their home page, "We sell and design Autism Awareness T-Shirts and Gifts to help create awareness and educate our communities. Autism is a tough road and it is our job to be a voice for our children. Please take a look at some of our colorful and meaningful Autism Awareness Designs. We have gorgeous looking Autism T-Shirts and Hats. Our Autism Awareness Christmas Ornaments for 2008 are just perfect for Grandma & Grandma. We carry sharp looking Autism Bumper Stickers, Magnets & Tote Bags. Our Autism Support Sweatshirts will keep you warm and send a great message. Autism License Tags for Mom, Dad, and Aunts & Uncles really helps to educate our communities. Our Aspies designs have zest and look great. And for our children suffering with Apraxia we have great T-Shirts & Gifts and you and family. So, lets do it; it is time to show your support to the child or adult in your life on the spectrum with Autism, Apraxia, Aspergers and PDD; we are here for you to help make a difference in Autism Awareness. We also carry great T-shirts and Gifts for our Occupational Therapist & Speech Therapist."
I think this design would make a great Christmas gift or thank you gift that any speech therapist would appreciate. Show them you appreciate their hard work with a cute gift, it's a great way to say thank you.



go here for more information from Wikipedia about becoming a speech therapist.


This blog post is a part of a crossover blog. Other participants in this crossover blog are:

http://ateasetees.wordpress.com/

http://www.blogbydonna.com/

http://getyergoat-goatgifts.blogspot.com

http://www.nanwrightart.com

http://randomshirts.blogspot.com/

http://skeetzteez.blogspot.com/

http://idesignbrian.wordpress.com/

http://www.shopkeeperdesigns.com

http://autismshowucare.blogspot.com

http://www.gocamelphotos.blogspot.com/

http://einselgaenger.blogspot.com/

Time to sleep when we're dead...

Our "new" dog, Comet, (I say new because although we've had him since August, he is the newest of our 3 dogs), keeps waking up very early and having to go out. He whines and barks and generally makes enough noise to wake the neighbors. Since he was kind of "my idea", I feel it is my responsibility to get up with him and take him out. Since he is only about a year old (not positive of his age, he is a shelter dog, we don't know much about "his background"), he still has a lot of puppy energy. Which means he wants to play all the time. And he needs to run and chase things constantly. I don't mean to complain, he is really, really smart, and I love him. It's just hard to see some things at 5:00 am on a Sunday when you could be sleeping for a few more hours. Which is why I was surprised this morning when I took him outside. I was a bit grumpy, and then, as I sat on my front porch, throwing his toy for him to bring back, I listened to the birds and I watched the sun come up, and I saw my neighbor's beautiful maple tree turning one hundred shades of red and orange, and I took a deep breath, and I was glad I was up to see this. I mean, as they say, there will be plenty of time to sleep when we're dead. I'm usually in such a hurry in the morning to get the kids off to school, and to get ready for work, I hardly notice things. It occurred to me today how lucky I am. I have a warm place to live, and people I love, and there is so much beauty all around me. And then I thought, I'm pretty sure God wanted me to get up early and see this sunrise and count my blessings.
And I was happy.

TIKI TOON : the blog: ADMIT ONE Movie Shoe by ~bluedecker97 Keds shoe from Zazzle.com

TIKI TOON : the blog: ADMIT ONE Movie Shoe by ~bluedecker97 Keds shoe from Zazzle.com

Contest to win a free truck

Okay, so there is a contest going on from my local country music station, 96.3 Star Country. They put 8 people into a truck (well, 4 people each into two Ford trucks). Who ever can stay in the truck the longest, wins the truck. I think they get a bathroom break every 3 hours. Anyway, I thought it sounded kind of hmmm, boring, but I can't explain it, I went to the website and couldn't stop watching. I don't even know why. There are 5 separate cameras, and you can watch the people interact, read, try to get comfortable. I don't know why, but it's interesting to watch. Kind of like that movie "The Truman Show", only these people know they're being watched. Which doesn't explain why one guy sneezed and wiped it all over his shirt. Either bad manors or they don't let them have Kleenex. If you want to check out the 96.3 Star Country Stuck in a Truck Contest, click here.