Auf Wiedersehen mein schönes Fräulein

*

Friday June 29th was Nadine's 17th Birthday. I took the afternoon off work, she had as many of her friends in as possible, and we celebrated with a first for her - a Dairy Queen layer cake. It was delicious! (They couldn't do a chameleon so I opted for a lizard; Nadine has owned them as well.)

*

Then early Saturday morning, we headed to the airport to say goodbye. She's back home now with her happy parents; and I'm sure that all the many chameleons are jumping up and down for joy in their terrariums and that they've changed into their brightest and most festive colors to welcome her back!

*

It was hard sitting there waiting for her to board. We did our best not to think of how short our time was.*

We remembered all the wonderful times we've had together. And I thought of how much I'd come to love this little German girl. She is very special!*

Another German friend, Sophia, was returning home on the same flight. So between our two families and the extra international students who drove in with me to say goodbye, it was a very tearful time.*

Then 10:30 am came. One more last hug and kiss. I think it was particularly hard for Nadine and Adriana to say goodbye; they'd become like sisters. *

Then one last wave goodbye (See Nadine; no one can see the red eyes and nose from this distance!) -- and she was gone!*

This house was much quieter last night. We shall miss her sooo much! (I'm crying just writing this!)

*

But we will see each other again! And she'll always have a home here with me!

NEW HAIRCUT!

I took this Transformation Thursday thing to a "hoo nother level" today. I got my hair chopped!

I went darker just after my Xmas red-hair incident! You see, I usually go a little red in the winter because it brings more color to my face. But ......

• Did you know that the more grey hair you have, the harder it is to get even coverage all over?
  
• And did you know that grey hair takes the new color in a more concentrated form?
  
• And did you know that it's really, really embarassing when your youngest daughter says - in front of everyone else in the entire room - "Hey Mom! Why is your hair orange at the roots?"

*

Oh dear! Ha ha ha ha!! Ahem, ahem!!

*

Out of the mouths of babes!!

*
*
So, I went darker; and it was different --- but it was okay --- I guess. (Well, better than orange at any rate!)
*
But now it's the end of January. And for weeks now, I've been feeling that I needed a change: yes, even before I changed from a somewhat normal human being into "Spot, the Wonder Mom"! My hair looked dull and lifeless (just like the commercials say); it felt old and tired.
*
Now it feels really good and really healthy!
*
And gosh golly gee! I look so darned cute!
*
*

I'm still not crazy about the dark color. So, in another week or so, I'll probably go back to being a dark blonde. Because, being a young, impressional child of the '60's, I believe what the old Clairol commercial used to say: Blondes have more fun!

*
*


And as I'm on the other side of 50 ... and heading downhill ... and as I'm lonely ... and single ... and poor ................. and melodramatic and self-indulgent ...
*

I likes me as much fun as I can (legally and morally) get!

*

Wadda ya say, Bloggies!

Life is short! Wear your Party Pants!!

TRANSFORMATION THURSDAY

*
It's Transformation Thursday; and I have to share with you the wonderful thing that has happened to me!
*
*

Bloggies: I have been changed overnight from the Greater Spotted Loon*
to the Lesser Scaly Naped Pigeon!!*
*

It's a miracle!!

*
*
*
Why, before you know it, I'll be back to my normal self -- the Downy Feathered Turkey! (Man! I need some conditioner!)*
And that would definately make me a Blue Bird of Happiness!*
*
*
Hopefully, it won't take too long. I'm growing impatient; and my kids hate it when I turn into a Ruffed Neck Grouse!!

It's Rednesday!

I'm taking part in REDnesday today, and thought I'd share with you a few of the red things that I see around me tonight.
*
*
The first thing I see (and have been seeing a lot of lately) is this:
my trusty bottle of Benadryl -- friend to those who itch! I could also show you some of the viral rash flaring up on my neck this evening; that's a pretty shade of red! Or I could show you the areas where I've spread the cream the doctor gave me; it's an even prettier shade of red because my outer derm has flaked and peeled to reveal the fresh, tender, raw skin underneath! (Can you say "Yeowch"?)
*
On second thought -- NO! Perhaps you'd like to see some other red items?
*
I spy with my little eye ......................
Here's a red Canada pen and a pair of my reading glasses; I bought these at a Dollar Store in Newfoundland a few years ago.
*
The next red thing I want to share is a love story. (And quite appropriate, I think, as love = hearts; and hearts are often red in color.)
*
On Monday after I'd eaten my lunch at work, I was pondering what I'd do for the rest of the hour when I had the distinct feeling that I should go to Frenchies. At first I tried to resist saying "You don't need anything, Sandy!" But I kept feeling that I should go -- that there was something waiting for me there. (I believe it was a cashier with her hand outstretched!)
*
My only other alternative was to sit alone at work for the remaining 30 minutes and try to fight the irrestible urge to scratch (and then cry). So, I got in the car .... and it drove itself to Frenchies.
*
Once there, I did a quick turn about my favorite bins. You know, I almost made it out of there with nothing more than a sweet little, brand new cardigan I'd found --- a mere $3.85 + tax. But then, as I was walking up to the cash, I did the usual "head-turning-from-side-to-side-scan" that every good thrifter does before they leave a joint. I mean, employees may have restocked the bins since you first came in! (And I think it's part of the "Thrifter's Union" rules.)
*
Suddenly, in the purse bin, out of the midst of the oversized totes and vinyl clutche bags, I saw this beautiful jolt of color! This red beacon of joy, calling me closer, and closer!!
*
My pupils dilated, and my heart began to beat faster. But I didn't hurry; I walked s.l.o.w.l.y to the bin, willing the lady who was already there NOT to reach out and take take the object of my desire. And then suddenly, I was at the bin, and it was in my arms! And the more I looked at it, the more in love I fell with it. It was fate! We were meant to be!
*
Here she is -- my newest acquisition!

Have a look inside at the sumptuous, golden lining .....

And now, have a close look at the label .....

It's brand new, has a leather hand strap and wide, comfortable shoulder strap, waterproof exterior and a good, sturdy zipper. There's an attached pouch (for coins perhaps) and a key tag; it opens wide like a briefcase and there are lots of compartments inside. I'd never heard of the Baggallini brand before, so I Googled it. And it turns out that it's part of a line of travel bags and purses. And this particular one retails for $80 to $100. My price??

*

... $4.00 ...

*

You've got to love Frenchies!

*

*

Now that I've shared my little love story with you, I'll take my little itchy body to bed. I am healing, bloggies! Hurrah!! This has been the first day that I began to actually feel like I'm healing. A couple of Benedryl, a little Lanacane and a good nights sleep, and tomorrow I'll be even better. And there are very few of us at 55 who can say that we'll be better tomorrow than we were yesterday. Right?

January is National Soup Month

“Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living. For soup can do more to lift the spirits and stimulate the appetite than any other one dish.”

Louis P. De Gouy, The Soup Book (1949)

*

*

Here it is the last week of January and I'm only now informing you that it's National Soup Month. Please forgive me. I hope you've all been taking part in this wonderful, filling, warming, low-cal (most of the time) pastime.

*

*

When I was a SAHM and had a husband who went off to work, I spent hours each day creating nourishing meals for my little family. I was part of a local LaLeche League and met wonderful women who shared their knowledge of child-rearing and cooking! We all loved to cook .... and eat! I practiced being a back-to-the-land granola-type person for a little while -- lots of flowy skirts and bare feet, whole wheat everything and homeopathic medicine, etc. But quite frankly, I couldn't live with hairy legs and triticale flakes for very long! But I kept on experimenting with cooking (and homeopathic medicine). Gradually, I found a mommy-groove that felt right for me: I think you could call it a combination of earth-mother and disco queen!!

*

One thing that I did right with my kids was to raise them to love a wide variety of food. Even as toddlers, they turned nothing down -- veggies, tofu, humus, brown rice -- it was all a food adventure to my girls! Other than when Molly found something "too mushy and blushy!!" (to be said emphatically, with a scowl, while stamping your foot), I never had to throw out food.

*

We often supplemented our food budget with eating beans of every sort cooked in many different ways. But now-a-days, my favorite way to eat beans is in a soup! I have jars of dried black, navy, pinto, kidney, azuki and garbanzo (or chickpeas), as well as convenient cans in my cupboard. And let's not forget quick-cooking lentils! I love them all!

*

Beans are super nutritious, fairly cheap and they'll last for years if you store them properly (a sealed container in a cupboard)! Sometimes I soak and cook beans and then freeze them in baggies (with some liquid) so I have them on hand. I like to make what I call my "kitchen sink" soup which is just a combination of leftover meat and veg from the fridge. I seldom use a recipe, but I vary the spices and/or herbs I use so they taste different and, sadly, cannot be replicated! (Like me!)
*

*

Last week I made a beautiful kitchen sink soup! I sauteed some cubed pork, onions, garlic and the last of the celery. I poured in water and a beef boulion cube; then I added some leftover coleslaw mix, a small chunk of squash cubed, a few diced carrots, a little leftover rice and about a cup of frozen black beans. I spiced it up with dried marjoram & parsley and a little "Spicy Primivera Mix" which I bought from a local craft market (not sure what's in it but it sure is good!). When it was cooked, I pureed a cup or two of it and poured it back in the pot with the remainder of my sour cream (about 3/4 cup). I served it with an earthy multi-grain bread with a good crust. It was great!

*

*

This weekend, I made a beef and barley soup. I used beef,

onions, garlic, carrots, the few green beans in the fridge and a couple of good handfulls of barley; then I threw in a dollop of tomato paste for color and flavor. (I freeze large soup spoon dollops of tomato paste on a wax paper lined cookie sheet; then peel the frozen dollops off and put into a baggie which goes back in the freezer to be used as needed.) That was also delicious!

*

*

I have a butternut squash that's calling to me this week. I think I'll make Gypsy Soup! That's a combination of squash with chickpeas and chopped spinach. I got the recipe years ago from someone in my LaLeche League group, and it's remained one of our favorites! I'd like to share it with you.

*

*

Sandy's Gypsy Soup

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 chopped onions

2-3 cloves crushed garlic

2 1/2 cups cubed winter squash

1 cup diced tomatoes (I use canned & freeze the rest)

2 cups cooked chickpeas

2 cups chopped spinach

Dash of Cinnamon and a dash of Cayenne

1 bay leaf

1 tsp Turmeric

1 tsp Basil

Salt & pepper to taste

3 cups of stock or water (I use chicken stock or add a bullion cube)

1 Tbsp soy sauce

*

In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic till soft. Add squash and stir. Then add all the seasonings and the water (excluding soy sauce). Simmer, covered for about 15 minutes. Add tomatoes and spinach and simmer another 10-15 minutes. Just before serving, add the soy sauce.

*

You can puree a little of this soup, if you wish, to add a creamy texture. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to each bowl.

*

*

• What soups have you been enjoying this month?
• Do you have a favorite recipe to share?
• And are you a lover of legumes?

*

Come on ............... spill the beans!!

What a Combination: Books & Muffins!

I just finished reading "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs.I won't go into a critique of the book; I thought it was okay. But I was pleasantly surprised to find a great sounding muffin recipe in the back of the book. Seeing as I'm staying away from really sugary treats and chocolate (and also seeing as this chocoholic needs something to treat herself with); I thought I'd try it out today.
*
They were delicious! So, I'm going to share them with you.
*
(Don't get too excited! I'll share the recipe ..... but not the muffins!)
*
*

Dakota's Oatmeal Blueberry & Orange Muffins

(Makes 12 muffins)

*
1 cup plain rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour (I used 3/4 white and 1/4 whole wheat)
1 tsp each baking powder, baking soda, and salt
1 1/2 cups flaked sweet coconut
Grated rind of one large orange
1 egg
1/2 cup liquid pasteurized honey (I used 1/4 cup)
3 Tbsp canola or extralight olive oil (I used canola)
1 Tbsp vinegar
Juice of 1 orange and add water to make one cup of liquid
1 to 1/4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
*
Preheat oven to 350 deg F. Line a muffin tin with paper cups.
*
Combine the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl (oats to salt) Add coconut flakes and orange rind to the dry ingredients. In separate bowl, beat the egg. Then incorporate the west ingredients (honey to juice/water). Add wet to the dry and stir till just moistened. Fold in the blueberries.
*
Pour in muffin cups, and bake for 20-25 min and tests clean with a toothpick.
*
Remove from pan & cool on wire rack. (By the time they cooled on my wire rack, there were only 9 left. DON'T ask me how many are left now!)
*

Yum, yum, yum!! Enjoy!

*

Signed ..... Spotty

*
*
PS - I'm healing slowly and itchily!!

Ladies and Gentlemen! Menopause presents ........

A Whole Lot of Itchy Goin On!!!

*

*
Hands up anyone who didn't know that you could get a rash from menopause.

*

Aha, aha! Just as I thought! Most of you!

*

Well, you can!! And unfortunately, I'm living proof of that! I awoke in the wee hours Sunday morning itching and burning and sore whenever I scratched. In the days leading up to my doctor's appointment, this mysterious rash would "travel": I'd have an outbreak on my legs and feet; then my hands, then my torso -- and other places!! I mentioned this to my Mom when I was speaking to her; and she said, "Oh, that's all part of the "Change"!" So, I researched.

*

Here's what I found online:
*
Menopause and Rashes
Skin rashes can signal an excess of progestin in the body, particularly if the woman is undergoing hormone replacement therapy. An excess of progestin can stimulate the hypothalamus to dry out the skin. These rashes can present in several forms: small bumps on the skin, itchy skin, eczema or red spots.

*
Remedies for Skin Irritation
Most women can find relief with herbal remedies. Some find relief with an increase in lipsomes, flaxseed oil, vitamin E and vitamin C intake. Others find that cocoa butter and vitamin E oil, applied to the rashes, effectively relieve the irritation. Some find relief with an estrogen-rich cream. Seek medical advice before starting any treatment.
*

*

(I am not on hormone replacement therapy!)

*

I saw the doctor on Wednesday, and I have 3 different rashes happening at once! (Yeah! So, it looks like I'm so vain that one rash wouldn't do! I'm such a bloody snob that I always have to one-up the Joneses!!) As well as the cream he prescribed for me, these guys have become my new best friends:

*

*

And after a deliciously decadent month or so of total indulgence in chocolate and lovely Xmas cookies and pies and cakes, I'm now on the wagon. These are the things that I now indulge in:

*

*

Goodbye sweet sugar! I don't know when I'll see you again. Farewell chocolate! You will be missed!

*

I have to put away my darling friends for a few weeks. Oh please! Don't say it will be a month:( sob, sob, sob

*

But when I DO see you, I'll be lighter and brighter! I will glow, I will sparkle (I will walk without chafing!). I'll be new and improved!!

*

Until then, you can just call me ...............................

THRIFTY THURSDAY

Here are my thrifty purchases over the past couple of weeks from The Daisy, Frenchies and the local Sally Ann:

*

- Christmas 2009 may be past; but Christmas 2010 is coming!

• These stacking boxes were too cute to pass up, especially for $1



• As was this beautiful Phaltzgraff tree-shaped dish for $1.50
  
• Xmas apron for 50 cents; vintage ornament for 25 cents; and another Arby's glass for $1 to add to my collection

*

- Remember my love of organization (and magazines)? Well here's another magazine box (50 cents) and 2 dress/suit bags for $1; and the puzzle ($1) reminded me of sunny days*

- For the kitchen: a vintage refrigerator dish ($1.50); pretty Pier 1 mug for 25 cents; cheerful yellow pitcher for $1.50; pink bunny cookie cutter for 10 cents; and a silver- plated scoop for $1*

Now, I don't know about you guys, but I talk to God about everything -- including the things I'd like to find at the thrift store. Scripture says He's concerned with every little thing that concerns us! So, I mentioned to Him that I'd like a purse for spring.

*
He is such a loving and kind and great God! I found 2 brand new purses:

• this cool black one for $4 which has really unique closures on either side

*

• And this beautiful burgandy color one for $5 (my favorite as it has an attached pouche and zips and compartments)

*

It's been good thrifting for the past couple of weeks. I hope you're finding bargains as well. Happy thrifting everyone!

Twas the Month After Christmas .....

The following poem was sent to me by my Irish friend Antonia whose sister Eleanor (after reading my blog) thought it might be appropriate.

*

Are you trying to tell me something, Eleanor?

*

*

Twas the month after Christmas...

*
Twas the month after Christmas,
and all through the house,

Nothing would fit me,

not even a blouse.

*

The biscuits I'd nibbled,

the chocolate I'd taste

All the christmas parties

had gone to my waist.

*

When I got on the scales

there arose such a number!

When I walked to the shops

(less a walk than a lumber),

I'd remember the marvellous

meals I'd prepared;

The gravies and sauces

and beef nicely rared,

*

The wine and the rum balls,

the bread and the cheese

And the way I'd never said,

"No thank you, please."

*

As I dressed myself in

a man's extra-large shirt

And prepared once again

to do battle with dirt...

I said to myself,

as I only can,

"You can't spend a winter,

disguised as a man!"

*

So, away with the last

of the sour cream dip.

Get rid of the fruit cake,

every cracker and chip.

Every last bit of food

that I like must be banished

Till all the additional

ounces have vanished.

*

I won't have a biscuit,

not even a lick.

I'll want only to chew

on a long celery stick.

*

I won't have hot chocolate,

or fresh rolls or pie.

I'll munch on a carrot

and quietly cry.

*

"I'm hungry, I'm lonesome,

and life is a bore... "

But isn't that what

January is for?

*

I'm unable to giggle,

life's no longer a riot.

Happy New Year to all,

and to all a good diet.

LOST - Final Season

I don't know how many of you out there are die-hard LOST fans like me, but I'm pretty pumped that the final season starts on February 2nd.

*

I began watching LOST from show #1, Season 1. It's the kind of show you have to watch on a weekly basis in order for it to make any kind of sense at all. And even then, it doesn't always make a lot of sense!! But I'm trusting that the writers will tie everything together nicely at the end of this season.

*

I think that it's been a phenomenal series with wonderful twists and turns in the plot and great characters - some likeable and others definately not likeable! One of the best evil villians in TV history comes from the character named Ben! What an absolutely abhorrent man with seemingly no morals or conscience! Not the kind of guy you'd like to meet perhaps, but he sure makes for real juicy viewing!

*

Still, you know -- for as much as I love the show, I'm not disappointed that this is the last season. I think it's time! A person can only be left hanging for soooo long .... and then it gets to the point of "Lucy! You got some 'splaning to do!!"

*

And it's time to explain quite a number of things: like the black smoke? Or the abominable snowman? Like who exactly is Jacob? And why did Claire leave her baby in the jungle? And how come Jack's father is alive and what's his role in this? etc. etc. etc. AND hopefully, it's time for a few of the characters to live happily after.

*

I do like a good "happily after ever" story!

*
I will definately not miss this last season! I will highlight this show in my TV guide to make sure I don't miss it! I will set up the ancient VCR to tape the show -- just in case (although, I don't plan on going anywhere on THAT night!). I will sit on the edge of my couch in rapt attention! And if the phone rings and someone else in this house is foolish enough to answer it, I will tell them to say that I'm busy!

*

And just in case there are others out there who can't get enough of the program, check out this site to find out how each of your favourite characters would make a sandwich.

TAG - YOU'RE ALL IT!!

I was tagged for "Lucky Chinese Tag 8" by Sara at Dream Big (http://sharleystudio.blogspot.com). Now, I have no idea why this is called Chinese tag, but if you don't mind, I'll continue eating this Egg Foo Young which is next to me while I answer these questions. (I'd much rather have "Sum Yung Guy" next to me ..... but then I wouldn't get much typing done!)
*

*
8 TV Shows I Watch

1. Our local Breakfast Television show with Cyril, Maria and Jayson
2. LOST (final season starts early Feb!)
3. Fringe (I love Walter Bishop -- played by John Noble)
4. Criminal Minds
5. CSI (the original series)
6. American Idol (while auditions are on)
7. Masterpiece Theatre
8. Project Runway

*

8 Places I love to Eat or Drink

1. Subway Restaurants (healthy AND tasty)
2. My Mom's house
3. Any Eastside Mario's Restaurant
4. LaHave Bakery in Lahave, NS
5. My back deck in the summer - especially breakfast OR Sangria night with the girls
6. Ko's Chinese Restaurant in Bridgewater, NS
7. Luscious coffee and cake at The Biscuit Eater in Mahone Bay, NS
8. Julian's Cafe in Chester, NS

*

8 Things I'm looking Forward To

1. Valentine's breakfast at my house with my girls (red glasses, special plates and heart-shaped everything)
2. Chorale spring season starting tonight
3. Sitting and mending in my clean house (Question: Will it stay clean until tomorrow night?)
4. The day after my weigh-in at TOPS (It's my "free" day when I eat whatever I want. Yes, even greasy burgers and fries if I feel like it!)
5. Spring!
6. Gardening in the spring
7. Visiting my Mom & Dad in Nfld this summer; and hopefully, my sister in Hamilton, ON
8. Spending time with God

*

*

8 Things that Happened Yesterday

1. I went to church. Worship was wonderful and sitting with Laura T was great! Fun and funny ..... and distracting! (She's such a bad influence -- I'm praying for her!)
2. I wore my gorgeous quilted, high-heel black boots, and I looked sooooo HOT!!! (And upon returning from church, I immediately whipped those bad boys off my feet [and I swear that I could see them visually expanding with relief]; and later, I soaked my poor, tortured tootsies. Beauty is sometimes painful, bloggers!)
3. I had the whole house to myself from noon to 5 pm. It was blissful!
4. I watched TV and pinned 5 pairs of pants/jeans for hemming. (Finally! Some of them have been there for a few months.)
5. I ate the rest of my Chroci "Spicy Orange Delight" bar -- "Bad, bad Sandy!" But how can something soooo good be so bad? (Hey! That makes me want to break into song!!)
6. Even though it's her job, I did Libby's laundry for her (because she's been working and studying so hard lately). And I took that icky bedspread off her bed (the bottom quarter of which was a combination of black cat hairs and a nasty spot where the cat ?? regurgited food a little.) (I hate mystery stains.) I washed & dried it; remade her bed; and put the neatly folded clean clothes on top (and left the pile of other clothes on the floor for her to deal with). What a good Mommy I am!!! (That's my quota for this month filled!)
7. I made a spinach salad with homemade creamy dressing and chicken/cheese canneloni for supper. (It was delicious!)
8. I lay in bed later and watched "40 Year Old Virgin" on TV --- with little snorkly Libby next to me (whining) while I rubbed her head. She has a cold now!

*

*

8 Things I Love about Winter

1. Christmas, Christmas, Christmas (8x)!
2. Snow days -- when it's either too blizzardy to venture outside or when so much snow has fallen that you can't possibly get to work.
3. Little birdie and animal tracks in the morning's freshly fallen snow
4. I make lots of lovely soups, stews and chillis along fresh biscuits, scones or muffins.
5. Dreaming of and planning the gardening for the spring.
6. Large mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows
7. Sunday afternoon naps on the couch under a warm throw with the TV on ever so low. (I always feel guilty about doing this in summer when the weather is nice.)
8. Spring is the next season!

*

*

8 Things on my Wish List

1. More phone conversations with my children
2. My summer trips to see family
3. Libby's acceptance into the Nursing program
4. To continue making enough money to support my family (the daily "bread" that God gives me) AS WELL AS enough extra for the occasional trip to the thrift store or yummy treat with friends (the milk and honey on my bread).
5. More full-night's sleep (Dang-burned menopause)
6. Getting a window installed in my front door and having it professionally painted (so it won't pucker and peel every fall).
7. (To quote Sara) A world without ticks, blackflies and mosquitoes
8. Seeing my children settled in good jobs and following Christ

*

*

8 Words I often Use

1. Shut-up (said to ME; usually when I've, once again, been singing incessantly and driving myself crazy and can't stop.)
2. Rats!
3. Shoot!
4. Help!
5. O God!
6. Yum!
7. O Goodie!
8. Stunned!

*

*

8 Things I have learned from the Past

1. This is the only body I have; and I ain't gettin' any younger; and this is probably as good as it's ever gonna be from now on. So, I better take care of it as best I can!
2. God always takes care of me. (So then, why do I still worry sometimes?)
3. Mom was right! (Although she could have said it in a much nicer way)
4. My teachers were right when they said "Sandra should apply herself more to her studies". I am smart and I do have a good mind. (And sowing of wild oats and trouble would have waited until I'd finished school!)
5. I should not have sold my kids Fisher Price toys even though they'd outgrown them and space was limited. We all miss them!
6. My Ex wasn't weak like I always thought; he was an extremely gentle soul.
7. Hating and anger takes a lot of energy and is completely draining.
8. Asking God to help me forgive does not mean that "I've lost" or "I've given in". It means freedom, peace and contentment; it means smiling, joy and reconciliation.

*

*

8 Things I Need/Want

1. To lose 10+ pounds
2. To find an ornate picture frame at the thrift store
3. To have the squeaky bathroom floor re-screwed down
4. (And while you're at it) To have the bathtub re-tiled
5. To have a paid dental and medical plan
6. To get a new computer
7. To have a massage every week
8. To have a snack -- I'm getting hungry!

*

*

Now I'm supposed to choose 8 other bloggers to pass this on. But I don't like putting anyone on the spot.

*

So, I leave it up to you. If the spirit moves you, please consider yourself tagged by Doris the Great to share with us your own Lucky Chinese Tag 8.

*

Just remember to pass the Singapore Noodles!