40 4 40: 26 - Blessed Are They

Today at Mass, the Bishop delivered a homily about the Beatitudes, which was featured in today's Gospel reading.

He made a statement (paraphrased):  'In the history of human communication, no truer words have been spoken about Christian holiness.'

While I agree with the Bishop that no truer words have been spoken in all of human communication, a thought jumped into my head just after he said the 'Christian holiness' part.  I thought:  this is about HUMAN holiness.

Bottom line is this:

....even if you don't believe in God, Jesus, afterlife, Heaven, anything 'religious' or 'spiritual', you at least believe in doing good things.  You at least believe that everyone deserves goodness.

It just so happens that *I* call this motivation to be good "God".  What do YOU call it?

40 4 40: 25 - Taking Something For Granted?

NOT Psychology

I'm at UTD trying to read chapter five in my text book.  Not much is motivating me (obviously -- look what I'm doing!).

I've found that it's easier for me to come to the school library to have some uninterrupted reading time, but I've also noticed that in my time here, my mind is very sinuous and scattered.  Part of is the time of day I'm usually here -- night time.  I'm tired, spent.  I don't want to be studying.  I would much rather be home watching television, playing Wii, cleaning house -- anything except study!

I have issues with reading comprehension.  I've not been formally diagnosed, but I can tell after some exposure to the testing process, and from my habits and test scores in college, that this is a real issue for me.  With that said, reading for one class is like a part time job!  It takes me a ridiculous amount of time to (1) get motivated to read, (2) sit still long enough to read [without going to sleep], (3) read, (4) understand what I've read. 

At home, my family interrupts me.  It's not intentional or with malicious intent; it just happens.  If they aren't interrupting me, then I'm interrupting myself.  I will find all sorts of internet distractions, The King (bed) distractions, TV distractions, and so on -- you get the idea.  So, this isolation in an institution dedicated for knowledge building and minimal intrusion is ideal.

Once the Act of Congress has been passed, and the planets, moon, sun and stars have been perfectly aligned in such a manner that I sit and read tonight, I'm derailed by a thought:  what if I'm not taking this seriously enough?

And then I think:  Am I taking for granted the fact that I already have a pretty good-paying job?  Am I neglecting my studies because at the core of my financial and family life, I really don't NEED to do this?

Going back to school was intended to complete my degree so I could ultimately teach.  I want to be home when my kids are home and be off more.  Going back to school was also intended to be on the principle of finishing the damn degree!  Going back to school was also mildly driven by a couple of different ideals. 

Firstly, I like the idea of My Kids valuing education more than I have (at least as it appears on paper).  If both My Husband and I have college degrees, they could look up to us, admire us, and achieve a certain level of intrinsic and/or extrinsic success.  An expectation would be set that they should aspire to complete college, too. 

Also, I've been known to not finish what I start.  I've been trying hard to finish what I start.  So, I'm trying to finish what I started back in 1989.

But, sitting here tonight, kind of glossing over the text that's discussing Bowlby's theories of attachment, I became frustrated. 

How come I'm not making note cards to study the different theorists and their theories?  Why aren't I taking it more seriously?  Why am I not reading the information boxes in the pages of this text book?  Why aren't I jotting notes in class or highlighting words as I read them?  How come I'm not doing enough?  And what is enough? Do I feel like I'll pass the test based on some wordy answers?  (I can't because it's a bubble test and I'm horrible at bubble tests! They are my education nemesis!)

I have a brief paper due weekly.  I'm enjoying that part immensely.  I have to read these mythological claims about child-rearing and discuss some aspect of them, usually in conjunction with what's in the text book.  It's writing.  I like writing, and for the most part, I can do enough to get by.

...to get by.

Why would I settle for that?  How can I expect my children to achieve and have passion for education, learning and the process of cognitive, critical thinking if *I* am merely doing enough to get by? 

Now the question remains:  how do I change my faulted thinking and actions?

*yawn*

I'll sleep on it....

*wink*

40 4 40: 24 - Honoring Krista and the Challenger Mission

I subscribe to a photo blog from the Boston Globe.  It's wonderful -- you should do it too!

Today's blog honors the fallen of the Challenger mission, focusing on Christa McAulliffe, that ended in fiery fright on this day 25 years ago.  *sobering*

As I was looking through the pictures and reading some of the captions, my body began to tingle.  Then, a thought occurred to me:

We are watching the final moments of a woman (and crew) who is about to die. 

Her life was captured on camera, as was her death.  In today's world, with the internet pushing information so quickly, it's hard to imagine that back then, it was a reality show of sorts. I intend no disrespect, nor do I mean to diminish the event in any way.  But it's a good context in which to relate the event.

What a beautiful life she had. She shared it with all of us. Teaching is one of those shovedundertherug professions. Through time, the value of a teacher has been devalued, which is a shame.  Krista shared her life with children and their families in a classroom until, one day, she shared it with you and me.

I hope you'll take some time to reflect on the importance of a teacher, specifically the impact that Krista had on your life. I hope, too, that you'll find away to bolster a teacher.

Lastly, discern on the fact that the 1986 event wasn't only about the life and death of a teacher. It was a true story about how an every person can achieve their potential and beyond. It's about discovering those unknown frontiers in both our universe, and our inner-selves.

Dare to dream and live it. Take the risk.

40 4 40: 23 - Happy Fortieth Birthday to Me!




Jackie at Forty

It's here!

I'm even wearing a dress!

Forty has arrived in style.  Not the best picture, but it's me.  I'm not the best me...yet! 

Thank you so much to all of you who read and offer a scampering thought or smile.  Even if you're rolling your eyes and spouting off something nasty, thank you for stopping in and taking some time to be FORTY with me.  If you are on Facebook or Twitter with me, thank you, too, for letting me be me and being you with me, even if we've only seen slices and slivers like a voyeur peeking in on something fun and yummy.

Just past midnight, I was tweeted lots of birthday love.  To that P1 group on Twitter in #the2300, good fun, people who love 1310 The Ticket (SPORRRRTS! and all that it implies...). Goodgod fun. I love and am most flattered that The Unticket gave me a shout out for my birthday! I feel famous now!!

And those Duran Duran fans and community of folks that following me, I'm so smiley because of the "wise on a birthday party....".  I had hoped John Taylor and Simon LeBon would've "twished" me a Happy Birthday, but no luck (I can only have so much, right?).  There are rumors of some tweet-ups in both the P1 and D2 communities.  I'd love to see that come to light and be in attendance!

So then I went to sleep for a few hours....

My post-sleep day started with My Husband saying, "You're forbidden to get out of bed" (which was kinda hot!).  Shortly thereafter, I was greeted with sleepy, smiling faces wishing me happy birthday as breakfast in bed was served:  scrambled eggs, toast, clementines and orange juice.  My Eldest made the meal!  So proud of her (AND her all A progress report -- first time ever!)!

I then opened up several cards from my family - some musical and silly (chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! I have chocolate and you do not!) - some sappy and filled with a lil sum-sum to spend at the Duran Duran concert next week (thanks, Mom!).  I received some fun gifts - I'll share them with you in a later post.

Later, at lunch, I met work friends for lunch at Yucatan Taco Stand where I was treated to awesome tacos and beverages from Theo's Human and HRH KP.  It was fun to see people who use to work with me mixed with people who still do work with me.  I treasure them all and feel very lucky to have them all as friends (even if all but HRH KP are in their mere 20's! haha).  Shop-talk, a little chisme (gotta represent El Paso raza!), Girl Talk, driving to Nebraska (inside joke), another meet-up in not-Nebraska all topics of discussion. 

I've been flooded with texts, calls and e-mail(s?) from co-workers, friends and family all day.  I'm feeling ohsoloved and I'm truly beside myself in humility and happiness.  I can't begin to thank you enough....

Most of all, I want to thank My Mom who said YES to God.  I love you, Mom.  Thank you for loving me, too.

40 4 40: 22 - WW - Steven Tyler

Today we picked Steven Tyler. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. And the things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those that got there first.

When was the last time that you wanted to do something, but it was all done before you got there?

*laughing SO.HARD.* This is kind of the story of my life....Oh the litany!

2. As good as I am, I'm nothing without my band.

Do you feel there is anyone you could not do without?

Oh absolutely! There's no way I could live my life alone. God created Eve so that Adam would not be alone, so why would I think I can manage this life alone?!  Sure, there are times that isolation and withdrawal are necessary.  The bottom line is, I could not live this life without my family and friends.

Interesting, though, I have given much though and continue to ponder on the notion that God is all I need. If I'm a believer, He will sustain me.  It's difficult for my brain to grasp that concept.  Dear God: That last statement is not an invitation for us to try that concept out, okay? Love, Jackie.

3. Back then it was nothing like today. So you'd go to the bowling alley. We bowled and you could be in the back and you could make out, you know? And you know how hot it was to make out.

When you were young and innocent, what place did you make out?

Movie theaters, Scenic Drive, McKelligon Canyon, Delta Chi parties (thanks to all those lenient, er, cool parents!), public park, at the museum --- uhhh, hi mom. :)

4. Drugs will get you out of your own way, but we lived it, and that's dangerous. It can actually turn around on itself and steal your soul, and that's what happened.

Were you ever tempted by something that could “steal your soul”?

Yes. I have an addictive personality (we all do some degree....). I am guilty of poor judgment, secrets, lies, over-dependency on something unhealthy to me and those around me. I lack self-discipline and my controlling tendencies tend to make it difficult for me to "let go and let God", "take it one day at a time", "fake it till I make it".

5. Every life has a measure of sorrow, and sometimes this is what awakens us.

How do you deal with sorrow?

When my father passed away, shortly thereafter, my church had a Grief Recovery group.  I had already studied the grieving process academically to some degree, but personal experience really makes textbook stuff settle into the soul with permanence. So, I elected to participate in the class, and of course, deepened my knowledge.  One thing that I learned in that series of meetings is something a textbook didn't teach me: allow yourself to grieve all losses, not just the physical death of a person.

This opened my eyes to how grief is in our daily lives from job changes, friendships, even lifestyle changes.  Grief and sorrow exists so that we can feel the exultation of joy and revel in the plethora!

So, how do I deal with sorrow? I thank God for it.

6. Fake it until you make it.

Did you ever have dreams of making it in showbiz in some capacity?

Oh! Look! There's that phrase! I didn't even read the questions ahead of time before I started answering them. *weird*


I had dreams long ago of being famous. I suppose every little girl does.  The stage actress in me still gets so exhilarated by attending a live play or musical, and when I'm sitting there, my mind always scampers back to that time in my life that I was offered a full scholarship to AMDA but couldn't accept. It's a bittersweet experience each time -- never gets easier.

7. Humility is really important because it keeps you fresh and new.

What keeps you fresh and new?

Humility.

(See what I did there... *laughing*)

8. I don't mind being a grandfather.

If you are a grandparent, do you at first “mind it”? If you aren't, how do you think that you would feel about it?

I'm not a grandparent, nor am I looking forward to being one -- yet.

9. I grew up in New Hampshire. My closest neighbor was a mile away. The deer and the raccoons were my friends. So I would spend time walking through the woods, looking for the most beautiful tropical thing that can survive the winter in the woods in New Hampshire.

Do you enjoy winter where you live?

Being born in Alaska in January does not lend itself to automatic love of winter and cold weather. Growing up mostly in Texas, however, does.  I don't remember winters in Germany since I was only a toddler when I lived there, and most of our other stations were in Texas, Alabama and Hawaii.  In Alabama, I was there during the hot months, and we were there only six months total, so yeah, I haven't had much winter experience.

I like the winters in El Paso and Dallas.  There's occasional snow that melts quickly, the temperatures are cold (but I would like them to be a wee bit colder to kill off allergens and bugs).

10. I have to get inspired by something that touches my soul, or rocks my soul.

What rocks your soul?

Good music, an eloquent set of words careful strung together to illicit a heart tug, poetry, my children - especially their laughter, God, a good speech, a warm and bubbly bath, candle light, fresh smells, fingers in my hair, skin-to-skin contact, fellowship, connecting with people..... the list goes on forever.

40 4 40: 21 - Wonder Woman + MAC Makeup = WANT!

40 4 40: 20 - Super Bowl Chat

So the Super Bowl is coming to North Texas. 

Yes -- NORTH TEXAS.

Not Arlington.  Not Dallas.  NORTH TEXAS.

The Packers and the Steelers are on their way to the Death Star.  And I'm going to be amongst it all!

Months ago, I asked for February 2nd through the 7th off so I could just go park my happy ass in the middle of the Super Bowl Fever, no matter the teams.  Even if I had no loyalties, even if I detested who was in it, I wanted to be a part of the action.

Wish me luck and fun!

GO PACK GO

40 4 40: 19 - WW - Ricky Gervais (This Should Be Good, No?)

Today we picked Ricky Gervais. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “Why by a book when you can join a library.”

When was your last trip to a library?

Over the weekend, I went to the UTD Library (McDermott Library).  It's my new favorite one.  I frequent the library with my kids.  Highland Park has an impressive one, I must say. 

2. “People see me in the suit and they know I'm not fooling anyone, they know I'm rock and roll through and through.”

Does your attire properly represent you?

Hmmm -- this is a good question.  I like it!

Yes, my attire properly represents me.  If you know/see me, do you agree?  Feel free to offer feedback on why or why not.

3. “I'm from a little place called England ... We used to run the world before you.”

Do you feel the United States really runs the world?

Yes.

4. “No one grows up saying 'I hope I work in an office one day?' And that fascinated me. People from 16 to 65 are just thrown together and that is a tantalizing mix.”

When was the last time that you worked in an office like that?

I currently do.  Strangely, I didn't watch The Office until just recently.  I'll catch an episode here and there and am always entertained.  I would like to see more of the British version of it.  I don't think it'll stay afloat without Steve.

5. “Where there's a will-there's a relative!”

Do you have a will? If yes, have you ever changed it?

Yes, I have a will, and yes, it's been changed according to changes in family status (kids, more kids, etc.).

6. "When I see a toreador in a bullfight getting gored I think: `Good, you shouldn`t be in there`. What is the pleasure in seeing an animal speared to death? It`s the same with fox hunting. They`re just psychopaths.”

How do you feel about bull fighting and hunting?

Growing up along the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as being a meat-eating Texan who has family in the cattle business, you can already guess I'm 'meh' about this subject.  I'm not overly grossed out or offended by a bull dying in any fashion, or animals in general.  Animals serve a function and are here for a reason.  You and I might disagree as to what a "good" reasons is, but undeniably, they are meant for use of some sort.  Their purpose on Earth is service, not just to just exist.  Entertainment might not be a "good" purpose, but it's one nonetheless.

I don't see the appeal in the thrill of the hunt, either, but again, I am not opposed to it generally speaking.  If there are animals on that are Endangered, poached, or otherwise protected, I'm all for keeping them off limits.  I've never shot a gun or rifle, I've never been out in the wild preying on game, so I have a limited scope from which to speak.  I'm perfectly willing to try it all, though!

I have always thought bullfighting is elegant entertainment at best.  Learning what happens prior to the "fight", my appreciation has depreciated, yet I love to look at a well-dressed toreador (it's a double whammy for me: Latin man + man in uniform. Yum!).  There's something about the commanding pride, the dance, the art to it all that allures me.  At worst, if I were to strip that romaticism away, I wouldn't be entertained at all.  And since the bulls are physically compromised prior to entering the arena, there is a level of stupidity to the whole pomp and circumstance of it.  There's very little danger involved, so when the toreador gets prodded, it's just him being careless.

It's cute that Ricky is so compassionate, though.  It's a different side to his otherwise seemingly abraisive TV-persona affect. 

Random side note about Ricky Gervais/Awards Hosting:  I had the opportunity to watch him on the Piers Morgan Show the other night and was pleasantly surprised by him.  The bits of stuff on that recent award show he hosted I thought were pretty clever. I have no doubt Ricky would find a laugh or seven being the subject of similar roasting.

7. “Money gives me the creeps and mildly embarrasses me. I get paid too much anyway.”

Have you ever thought that you were over paid for a job?

I can't say I've ever thought this.  The thought I *have* had is, "wow, I can't believe I'm making this much money with no degree!". 

8. “I hate lateness. I hate people who are late. There is no excuse for turning up late for anything. I`ve never been late for anything in my life. I was actually born a week premature, because I wanted to be early for my own birth.”

Are you usually on time for things?

Oh gosh, no!  Ricky hates me already and he doesn't even know me!  I'm not a punctual person.  If I happen to be on time for something, it's sheer accident and/or grace!  Man's time is not MY time. Ha!

9. “I have plenty of pet hates. I can`t stand people scraping their plate or slurping their soup. I can`t stand waiting in lines. I hate people talking inanely about the Lord Of The Rings. I hate people whistling. But I`m not like this because I`m famous. I`ve always been a grumpy bastard.”

What are your “pet hates”?

Stupidity.  Shows like "Jackass" and some clips from "America's Funniest Videos" are pure ascinine and I can't stand that kind of behavior.  When technology or my car isn't working properly, I'm very impatient and intolerant.  All things pertaining to Trusts and Trust Agreements make me wonky and give me tiredhead.  Seriously they are too complicated.  People are too controlling after their own death! 

That's plenty....for now.  :)

10. “I don`t like all this stupid Gollum begat Wobblo and the Oompa Loompas and...Oh Jesus Christ! There was too much "Oh, God, here come the gloodloys..." Christ Almighty, what are they talking about!?”

Are you a fan of “Lord of the Rings”?

Uhm, no. 

Kthnxbye!

40 4 40 18: WW - Kurt Cobain

Today we picked Kurt Cobain. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. "A friend is nothing but a known enemy."

Have you ever had a “friend” that you discovered was really an enemy?

Yes.  Haven't we all?

2. "Drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with with your self esteem."

What is the strongest drug (legal or otherwise) that you have taken?

Booze.  I haven't tried anything illegal.  I rarely drink anymore, especially publicly.

3. "I had a really good childhood up until I was nine, then a classic case of divorce really affected me."

Has a divorce (yours or your parents) really impacted your life?

When I first read this question, my first impulse was to say, "No.  My parents were never divorced."

As I thought further, I wonder if, indirectly, divorce HAS impacted my life.  My mom was married twice before she met my father.  She has three sons between her first two husbands, making the sons all my half-brothers (though I don't think of them specifically with that label; they are all my brothers.).  My father was married once before marrying my mom, but had no children from that first marriage.  (If you haven't figured it out yet, I am the only biological child~only daughter of my mom's four kids~baby of the family~between my mom and dad.)

Being as my parents were both divorced prior to meeting each other, there's some impact in that there's, in today's terms, a 'blended family'.  My two older brothers never lived with us; they were grown men by the time I was born.  I  have a brother who is three years older than I, and we grew up together in the same house-hold.

Without going into essay format, it's sufficient to acknowledge that the 'classic case of divorce' did affect me. 

4. "I really haven't had that exciting of a life. There are a lot of things I wish I would have done, instead of just sitting around and complaining about having a boring life. So I pretty much like to make it up. I'd rather tell a story about somebody else."

What's the most exciting thing that you've ever done?

Flying in a Cessna was pretty kick-ass, as was taking a post-hurricane helicopter ride to an offshore rig in the Gulf of Mexico.  Seeing certain concerts (Duran Duran, U2, etc.) are always exciting, especially when I get to see them in venues and cities that are not my hometown.

Moving from El Paso to Dallas was pretty exciting, too.

Having kids?  Yep -- pretty cool ride.

I've had several exciting moments.  Truth is, anything can be exciting if you let it be. 

5. "I was looking for something a lot heavier, yet melodic at the same time. Something different from heavy metal, a different attitude."

Is there a heavy metal band that you are a fan of, or were a fan of at that time?

I resisted the grunge movement.  I was pretty fresh out of high school, still into Duran Duran but had started listening to Bon Jovi and some of the glam hair bands.  The one grunge band I liked then and still do like is Pearl Jam.  I wasn't ever a fan of Kurt & Co.

6. "I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not."

Do people generally like you?

Well?!  Do you?!  (Don't answer that!)

7. "I'm too busy acting like I'm not Naive. I've seen it all, I was here first."

Are you naïve at all?

Oh yes.  I wear it proudly!

8. "I've always had a problem with the average macho man - they've always been a threat to me."

Does a certain type of person scare you?

"Scare" me?  Of course I'd be afraid of someone holding a knife or weapon to me threatening my life or the lives of my children!

If we're talking "intimidated", no, there's not a certain "type" but there are traits that intimidate me.  Some women with whom I've worked have intimidated me, but mostly because I gave them that power, not because their personalities were intimidating.  I was intimidate by my perception of their lifestyle and the confidence they exude -- characteristics that at the time I didn't see in myself.  I've also been a little intimidated by strongly opinionated people, those who are quick to anger/rage.  I am non-confrontational and seek peace, so I tend to cower down to people who are abrasive.

Overall, though, I see most people at my same eye level.  I guess it's a sign of growing older?

9. "If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to ask someone else first."

Do you mind a friend who asks for favors?

No, I don't mind when a friend asks me a favor.  Just don't take me for granted.

10. "The worst crime is faking it."

Do you ever “fake it” for approval?

Absolutely.  I've discussed this before.  It's a difficult thing for me -- seeking intrinsic approval/validation.  I'm learning, though.  In the end, the ultimate approval comes from Above.

40 4 40: 17 - Duran Duran to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Petition

 I'm not certain because I don't read every word with the proverbial fine-toothed comb, but Duran Duran isn't crazy about the idea of being inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (if I'm wrong, I know you'll let me know).


In any case, here's a nifty website that has a petition to sign in order to get the fabooshy boys inducted.


Please check it out!

40 4 40: 16 - *Another* ABC's of Me

[A] - AVAILABLE? For what exactly?
[B] - BIRTHDAY MONTH? January - Aquarius sort
[C] -CRUSH ON ANYONE? Always. Every day. I also have a penchant for Orange Crush (mixed with Maker's Mark. That'd be a Sundress. You're welcome.)
[D] - DRINK YOU LAST HAD? Sundress :)
[E] - EASIEST PERSON TO TALK TO: I have very short list, but always at the top is God.
[F] - FAVORITE COLOUR(S):  blue. All shades.
G] - GUMMY BEARS OR GUMMY WORMS: Bears. Bite off their heads!!
[H]- HOMETOWN: Born in Fairbanks, Alaska; Dallas is my current place of living/hometown, but I think I'd call El Paso, Texas as my hometown. Viva la raza!
[I]- INSTRUMENT: not yet. I'm considering strongly the harp. Yes, you read that right.
[J] - JUGGLE: as in balls? um. no. But schedule, kids, etc., yes, though I'm not good at it yet....
[K] - KARAOKE: Love to watch it for sure! And I've been tricked on stage for a 4 Non-Blondes Duet. I'm pretty sure those poor patrons who listended to me "sing" are still in the fetal position!
[L] - LONGEST CAR RIDE:Alaska to Texas. Yep.
[M] - MOST MISSED MEMORY: El Paso sunsets and the stars of the wide-open Texas night sky
[N] - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: three
[O] - ONE WISH:  to be free of food obsession
[P] - PERSON WHO CALLED YOU LAST: My mom
[Q]- QUITTER: Anyone who is not willing to try to be better tomorrow than they were today.
[S] SONG YOU LAST HEARD: Bedroom Toys by Duran Duran
[T] - TIME YOU WOKE UP:  7 ayem
[U] - UNDERWEAR: Yes, I possess underwear of all types. Not sure what you're curious about here....
[V] - VEGETABLES:  Learned to like broccoli! Yay me! I like them, but don't eat nearly enough of them
[W] - WORST HABIT: eating when bored or emotional
[X] - X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD: teeth
[Y] - YOUR NUMBER OF FRIENDS ON MYSPACE/FACEBOOK/TWITTER: a lotlot (thanks be to God!)
[Z] ZODIAC SIGN: see [A]

~Whoosh~

40 4 40: 15 - Epiphany

The Star.

Go toward The Star.

BE a Star.

The Kings.

Three kings travel to The Star.

BE a King.

We are kings, you know.

We seek the Same Star.

We carry in ourselves rare gifts.

Bring people to The Star.


Illuminate.

Jesus is The Star.

Though the travels far, He is our destiny.

Epiphany.




(no, this isn't meant to be a poem)

40 4 40: 14 - New Year's Eve & Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown

Linus has it right, doesn't he?



Today, My Family and I met another family to go see the ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord Texan:  Merry Christmas Charlie Brown.  Nine degrees, blue parkas, an ice slide (that wasn't as slickery as you'd think it should be), and an AMAZING creation, we enjoyed a *great* afternoon with some of my favorite people on Earth.

Following a few hours of rest, it was Dallas Stars v. Vancouver Canucks (fucking Sedins!!).  I'm liking the yearly "tradition" of going to the New Year's Eve hockey game.  I hope My Husband & I keep doing that, even if we don't go to Big D NYE afterward.  The Stars lost, but we sat with some funny Vancouver natives who left quite happy!

Speaking of Big D NYE, it was so fun, however, the music wasn't as good this year until the last hour, and our traffic issue coming home was borderline unbearable.  God Bless My Husband who doesn't like crowds or traffic -- he stuck it out WITHOUT COMPLAINT -- the whole night.  We started our trip home at 12:45 and didn't come in the door until 3:38.  Yep.  Three hours later.  Sadly, I read there was a fatality that backed up traffic on the highway for over five hours.  The accident happened at 11:15 p.m.

I'm wishing you and yours the most fruitful 2011!  Thank you for being a part of my 2010 & I'm looking forward to more me and you.

~Whoosh BIG D NYE-style!