Happy New Year!

(This is still my favourite New Year's You Tube vid.)

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!!

Lang may yer lum reek!!!!

Silly String Stocking Stuffers and the Sensational Ensuing Stramash ( a noisy commotion, uproar)

My favourite part of Christmas has always been the Stocking stuffers. Even better than receiving, though, is the planning on what to put into the stockings for my husband and kiddies. Well, on one particular shopping hunt my eldest daughter and I laid eyes on a certain item that has been known to wreak havoc on any well laid party plans; and, certainly those of the most strict holiday fashion. And, they just happened to fit perfectly into a Christmas stocking....

As I'm working the Christmas holiday both eve and day this year....lotsa holiday babies tae swaddle....We decided to open the stockings early on my day off. I don't have any evidence, er, pictures of the madness that followed....but if you can imagine 5 people abandoned to insane fun, 5 cans of various coloured silly string, and one small sitting room. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. My husband only wanted to know which 'adult' sanctioned the purchase....my eldest and I just shared conspiratory smirks...
(and, I'm sure I'll be finding bits and pieces of string till Easter, but hey ho,... ho ho ho......)

"In the end, it's not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away"

- shing xiong

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!

Is it Christmas already?? That's alright, I'm working anyway..the travails of a hospital nurse ;)

Last night was a fun 'holiday' night with a visit to a magical Christmas light extravaganza. If you can imagine a cul-de-sac of about 15 houses, all covered with lights and decorations in the Disneyland fashion. Then you follow the sidewalk that has become more of a lighted candle trail in the Mexican tradition-Luminarias; I didn't take a photo with my phone, but the borrowed one above might give you an idea. We walked around to the various houses where there were groups of carolers, and hundreds of people wishing each other well. There were camping style fires in (safety) pits at the various houses, a trombone/trumpet group, and for the finale was a small cadre from the local pipes and drums marching band.

Good friends, warm fires, coffee with Irish cream, and pipes and drums....A great evening with holiday spirit!

Tis the Season for Giving

Eight Gifts that Don't Cost a Cent!

This simple checklist can help measure how you are nurturing your relationships.

The Gift of Listening
But you must really listen. Don't interrupt, don't daydream, and don't plan your response. Just listen.

The Gift of Affection
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

The Gift of Laughter
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

The Gift of Solitude
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.
Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The Gift of a Favor
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind. Good deeds are cool.

The Gift of a Written Note
It can be a simple "Thanks for your help" note, or a longer expression of your appreciation for that person being in your life. A brief handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.

The Gift of a Compliment
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.

These are eight important ways we can contribute toward whole and healthy relationships. They cost nothing, yet they may well be the most valuable gifts we can ever offer another person.

(received via email)