I am thankful for...

1. My husband - he has endured a lot of my shit these past few years. As much as I moan and groan, there really is nobody else I'd rather be with.

2. Healthy, happy children - They stress me out a lot, but I try to keep it all in perspective. Some folks out there would LOVE to have one kid, let alone three. I learn a lot from my children on a daily basis.

3. My own health - I have never had any major diseases, illnesses, or injuries. Good things.

OK, so those above all the staples...I mean, I HAFTA put them down, otherwise I come across as a heartless bitch. But, sincerely, let's get down to what I'm really thankful for.

4. My husband's paycheck - He contributes much more $$$ to our household than I do, and because of that, we are able to buy or do just about anything we want. And I love that he's not a dick about it, either.

5. My wardrobe - I just like it. That's all.

6. My job - I love working where I used to go to school. It verily rocks. I also love the people I work with (that would be colleagues...students not so much). Also, I'm thankful that I work at a job that requires a college degree.

7. My senses and faculties- I am thankful for this daily. The fact that I can see, hear, touch, etc. Also, I'm very grateful for the fact that I can walk...not everyone can do this. Also, I'm so glad I can read.

8. My parents - Really...shouldn't we all? Had they not fornicated in July 1974, I would not be here telling this tale. Also, I'm glad they stuck it out...there were times I thought they wouldn't make it.

9. The seasons - Nothing like dead, brown trees to make me appreciate the Wheel of the Year.

10. My writing - I am thankful that I have a good grasp of expressing myself through the English language. I also enjoy reading my own writing and feel I express myself uncommonly well. I am probably one of the best writers I know.

11. My modesty - See #10.

12. The Goddess - I feel her presence every day. I only wish I knew how to properly pay her homage.

13. Blogstream - This place has been good to me. I will also include friends here: cyber, IRL, and imaginary.

I love you all. Happy Thanksgiving.

This is a book that Brent and I are reading aloud right now. It's divided into about twelve categories, and there are about 100 things you can do or think about to make your life simpler. Of course, that is something we need, or think we need.

It's a good thing for us, because it gives us some things to talk about...some of the ideas we disagree with and some we are already doing (and thus give ourselves a little pat on the butt).

Idea #91 fell under the category of "Simple Parenting," and was a subject of much discussion (read: no fighting) between Brent and myself. It was "Set Limits for Your Parents and Other Well-Intentioned Relatives." Basically, the thought is to set reasonable parameters with your parents/grandparents/others about just how much they should buy for your kids.

It's all well and good in theory. I think in practice, it's a whole other ballgame. Brent's mom likes to shop for the kids, and I don't feel it would be right for me to say, "Joyce, we're teaching our children to live simpler, so would you please not buy them so much for Christmas this year?" For one, I don't think she would understand...she wouldn't get it. Secondly, if shopping for the kids is truly a source of pleasure for her (and it is), who am I to take that away from her?

Now, we don't have it that bad in the first place. The piles of presents at our house and my parents' house are rather small. On the other hand, at Brent's parents' house - presents jammed up under (and around) the tree and they still manage to trickle out into the living room and into other various parts of the house. Even so, that pile has whittled itself down in recent years. So, yeah, I can't complain right now - my kids aren't completely overwhelmed by Christmas presents. I guess I feel I don't need to give Joyce the "don't go overboard" shtick.

So, to wrap this up (hehehe - speaking of presents), I'm going to give you our version of Christmas Presents - Simplified. We've done this for a couple of years now, and it works out rather well.

Each child receives from us:

* One present that is EDUCATIONAL/CREATIVE (Last year, Kirby got a scrapbook kit...this might also mean books, puzzles, etc.)

* One present that they NEED or WOULD USE (This year, Spencer is getting one of those TV/Video Game rocker chairs...he would certainly use it)

* One present that they WANT (Elliot is going through a "Go Diego Go" phase...so naturally, we'll get him something along these lines. Spencer will probably get a new video game, etc.)

*One new OUTFIT. (Never have enough clothes!)

Good stuff right here for our family. Maybe for yours too.

As is evidenced by my new icon ------------------------------>

I just figured out the Gallery/Uploading Pictures thing, like, minutes ago. You all should check it out. Or don't. Like, whatever.

And, I do apologize for the heinous icon photo at right. I really do look stoned...of course, it was taken on the first day of school this last August. So, yeah, anyway, it's one of my worst photos ever, but it's the most recent.

Hey! We're not all gorgeous supermodels here!

On a Saturday morning, I am up at this hour. Why? Don't know.

What does one do this early when there's no work to get ready for? Don't know.

I enjoyed some leisurely meanderings here at the Stream, which I have not been able to do for awhile. Mostly, however, I'm just sitting here, semi-slumped at the computer, breathing noisily out of my mouth because I'm coming down with Spencer's cold. I feel a bit comatose, actually.

I need your help.

What should I do?

A. Go back to bed.

B. Get some breakfast.

C. Take a shower.

D. Go shop on eBay.

E. Read some more blogs.

F. Other

So it's Friday night. I'm dinkin' around on the Net, and I find this little gem of a personality quiz. A handwriting analysis quiz. And I dig that kind of stuff, so here's what I learned about myself...which I'm about to pass on to you. The URL for the site is at the bottom of the post. You'll have to copy and paste. I may have kick-ass penmanship, but my computer skills are playing catch-up. Please also note my commentary along the way.

1. STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN - indicates that you are a person with a strong need for contact. (True, true)

2. PARTIALLY CONNECTED - indicates that you are a shy, idealistic person who does not find it easy to have relationships, especially intimate ones. (But yet, I have a strong need for contact)

3. NARROW SPACES - indicates that you are a talkative person, maybe even a busybody! (Huh? I'm shy, idealistic, yet talkative?)

4. CLOSE ENOUGH SO THAT THE DESCENDANTS OF Y's & G's TOUCH THE ASCENDANTS OF H's & T's - indicates that you are a person with a well-organized mind. (Finally, a non-contradictory piece of info)

5. LIGHT BLUE - indicates that you are strong, vital, energetic, affectionate - you like action and have an original approach. (OK. But shy, too, let's not forget that)

6. ABOUT THE SAME SIZE - indicates that you are a person who may be feeling depressed or have low self-esteem. (Ah, yes, "Breasts Like Dinner Plates" entry makes sense now)

7. THEY TEND TO BE TO THE RIGHT OF THE STEM OF THE 't' - indicates that you are a reliable, conscientious worker, with possible leadership potential. (OK, I see that, I guess)

8. GO STRAIGHT ACROSS THE PAGE - indicates that you are a person who may be suffering from temporary depression or fatigue. (Crap. My writing's always been like that)

9. THE MIDDLE ZONE LETTERS - indicates that you are a sensualist, a materialist, and prone to exaggeration. (OK. Yeah. I suppose. It's a Material World, and I am a Material Girl)

10. HEAVY - indicates that you are a person of energy and elasticity, able to roll with the punches and adapt to whatever life brings. (I'm freakin' awesome)

http://www.personalityquiz.net/test/handwriting.htm