November 28, 2008

Black Friday

Today is Black Friday, so named because years ago business claimed that the day after Thanksgiving was the day the were "back in the black". Sales are up that day and throughout Christmas most years. People camp out at the mall or show up at 2 am for stores opening at 4. All just to get a good deal.

I did this one year with an ex sister-in-law. I worked nights at a local hospital as a clerk, but promised to go with her shopping as soon as I got off work. We hit the malls and a few of the smaller stores. Mainly I just helped her gather what she was looking for because at the time I was broke. I hated it. I don't like fighting crowds and I was already so tired from being up all night at work. And I swore I'd never do it again.

This promise to myself was more firmly rooted when I took a job at Wal-Mart during the Christmas season and had to work the day after Thanksgiving. It was even more painful to be on the opposite side of the check-out line that day. Fights, stabbings, muggings, all happening inside the store as well as out. It's amazing how grown women can become so animalistic over a Barbie doll or a Playstation. Personally I don't think a sale of any kind is worth all that hassle. But then, I'm not the normal woman who just loves to shop either.

November 26, 2008

To My BFF!!

Today is the perfect day for me to walk down memory lane. My best friend turns 40 today. She's only 2 months older than I am (and of course I remind her of that every year) so today I put her picture in the paper. Nothing too horrible and the picture did include me, too.

We've known each other for 35 years. Now that's a lot of memory lane. We've been there for each other during every moment, both good and bad. She held my hand when my first love broke my heart. She was there when my children were born and when I divorced my first husband. She tried to talk me out of my second marriage (definitely should have listened to that one) and she helped dry my tears when I had to face the most horrible time of my life.

There has been love, laughter and tears in our friendship, but not once have we ever drifted apart. She's the rock I stand on when I need solid ground and I will always be grateful that she's in my life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAMMY!!!!

November 20, 2008

WoooHooo!

I'm up to 10,000 words on A Knight's Peace. I can't believe I've gotten that far. Most of it's crap and probably will be edited out later, but OMG! I'm moving along like crazy!!!

I've also finished a short story for the Writer's Digest Short Short Story Contest. The guidelines are 1500 words or less and I've got 1470. I like it, but it took quite a while to get those 1470 words like I wanted them. I'm pretty sure I won't win, but maybe I'll at least get to final. I'm excited about this one. The last one I entered wasn't even considered a short story. It's more of a memory. So, wish me luck!!!

November 18, 2008

I'm Back!

I've been away for awhile dealing with family stuff. But now I'm back and ready to get going again. Tuesday is my random day so let's be random.

My son came home from Iraq for a 2 week visit and my daughter-in-law and grand-daughter moved back to Nashville. I'm so excited to have them back with me. JAM left yesterday to go back to Iraq to finish his tour but I still have KAM and CDM to keep me company.

It was lonely at their new apt last night so KAM and CDM came back to the house and spent the evening with us. I'm glad she feels comfortable with our family and I'm glad she wants to be here with us. It's going to be great having them in our lives.

My best friend turns 40 this month and then I follow after her in a couple more months. When I was a teenager this age seemed so much older to me. Now I realize that I'm not getting older, I'm getting better. At least in some areas. I still have a few issues to work on with my weight and exercising that I didn't have to bother with when I was younger, but other than that, my life is finally going like I've wanted it to for years.

My kids are growing up and for the most part they'll be able to handle anything that comes their way as adults. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and who I love dearly. And I still have a job (even if I don't know how long it will last). So, all in all, I'm just plain thankful for everything in my life!!

November 04, 2008

Election Day

The big day is here. Today will make history no matter who wins. We will either have a black president or a female vice president. I voted this morning because I tend to put things off until the last minute. My husband voted in the early voting. My kids are finally able to vote and I can just hope they choose to utilize that right. But no matter what happens, today will make history.