Holiday Spirit

With the holiday season upon us I thought it would be fun to talk about the things that give us the holiday spirit. I know sometimes I find it hard to get into the “magic” of it all when there are so many things going on in life. I pride myself on making sure I am thankful each day for all that I am fortunate to have.

Over the years I have found pleasure in giving. I don’t mean just gifts to family and friends. I love the feeling of helping others and doing it anonymously. I feel good each time I am able to give back a little.

I’ve given great thought to many different ways a person can give without having to have a lot of spare change or countless hours to donate.

The following is just a small list of ways you can contribute. Some I have done and continue to do. Others are things done by friends of mine. Each little thing helps those who have little to be thankful for. Along the way, you may find yourself feeling pretty good about yourself.

Sponsor a family in need:

If you are not wealthy enough to do this on your own, get a few friends or co-workers to pitch in. You can visit a local shelter or family crisis center to let them know you want to provide for a family this holiday. Many have waiting lists of families in need of basic items such as coats, boots, hats, mittens and select few toys to place under their trees.
This is done anonymously and you can feel good Christmas morning while you are with your family, knowing another family will have a better day because of you.


Food Pantry:

Food pantries need donations all year. Often times people are more into giving during the holiday season. When you go to the market for your groceries, pick up a few extra, inexpensive items and bring them to the food pantry. Keep in mind, children love snacks and don’t often get to have the expensive treats.

Volunteer :

There are many services in need of your time. You can spare an hour or so once a week or month. Read to sick children in the hospital. Visit a local nursing home, sit and listen to the residents. Many of them go weeks without a familiar face and crave the company of someone to talk to.
If you have children, have them make crafts to bring to the nursing home.



Remember those who protect you:

Your local police and fire stations. They work day and night. They are the ones who will put their lives on the line for you everyday of the year. Bake an extra batch of cookies and bring them down to the station.


Support your troops:

Whether your against the war or not. These people fight for your freedom.
Holidays are the toughest on them. Call your local military office and find out what is
requested. Sometimes it’s as simple as a local newspaper, favorite candy or gum, toiletries and such.


Fundraiser:
There are millions of charities for millions of great causes. Fundraising is easy and it brings a lot of revenue for them. Donate unwanted items. Often times an event will hold a raffle. We all have items that were given to us as a gift that we will never use. It’s probably still packaged in the attic or basement. Contact the local office of any charity and they will let you know of any upcoming events and what type of items they are looking for.


Salvation Army Kettle Drive:

This organization provides invaluable services to so many families in need. They vary from drug abuse rehab to families forced out of their homes due to fires. Ring a bell for an hour outside a local store. It costs nothing but your time.

Remember, it does not matter how much you give. What matters is the help you provide to those down on their luck.

Where ever you are in this world , I wish you all a Healthy, Happy Holiday Season.

Media.. gotta love the Media

I've mentioned in previous posts my love (read with much sarcasm) of the media. They twist and bend the facts or just get it wrong all together. Sending things to print without as much as a regard to whom it may affect.



I can laugh because I'm a nobody in the world.. the errors and mistruths printed affect me not. Other than provide me with a good laugh and a keepsake of misinformation.

Today, I received a call from my husband. He wanted to know when I changed jobs and began taking classes at the university? It seems a co-worker saw my name and gave him a copy of a newspaper.


A few weeks ago, I attended a play with my sister and daughter. We were interviewed and asked questions about the relevence of the play ..I was quoted and my name was printed in bold type. Under my name, they list me as working for the university and attending class there.

A minor error.. but think if it were bigger.. If I were
someone of importance.



I continue to shake my head and read what some consider fit for print.. only I take it in stride.
Don't always believe everything you read.

Oh NO!! He has a C-O-L-D

Why is it that a man who has broken his wrist several times, sliced open his leg on numerous occassions, fallen from high places , nearly electrocuted himself, been hit on the thumb with a sledgehammer, becomes such a whiner when he has a cold??

They say women are the weaker sex. HUH!

Today I received a call at work.

"Hedow. Will you make me tum chicken dewp? I have a duffy node."
At this point, I can't help but laugh. He sounds pathetic. Reduced to sounding like a two year old because he has the sniffles.

Mind you, it's two days before Thanksgiving and the market will be like the annual bridal sale at Filene's basement. For those of you unfamiliar with this concept. Picture a million women gathered at the entrance to the biggest and best sale EVER for their dream wedding gown.

So needless to say I braved the store, picked up all that was needed to make the "dewp"

Now I sit here after cleaning up and wonder WTF?

I had to deal with a ruptured appendix, being gutted like a fish and come home to a nine month old whom I couldn't lift due to the staples and stitches. Where was he.. Oh.. he was on a bowling league. " Where ya going HON?"

"Tonight is Wednesday. I'm going bowling."

"But the baby is sick, I can't lift her and I am not feeling well."

"Sorry HON. I missed last week. I can't miss again this week. My team needs me. Don't worry, I won't be late and I'll put the baby to bed."

And he wanted "dewp" cause he had a "duffy node"

Weaker sex my ass...

Thanksgiving Blessing

My wish to you on Thanksgiving Day

May your home be filled with laughter
Your heart filled with love
your mind filled with kind memories
of those watching from above

Veteran's Day

Today is November 11th

Today and everyday, I say thank you to all who serve. Past, present and future.

To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nation.

Living Wills

Thirsty Thursdays provide some great insight into life's "what ifs"

Tonight's topic was what we wish to happen when our life hits the brakes. I find it interesting that each of us has different views as to what we want for our afterlife or our journey into the hereafter.

My daughter, who is just shy of fifteen and is usually freaked out when we talk about death, announced that she has a will. If she should die, she has made a list of how to divide her estate ( which consists of guitars, books, an absurd amount of cd's , clothing, sports memorabilia etc.)

In the event that she becomes brain injured, her request is simple. She is NEVER to be unplugged.

I am to play her favorite cd, 24 hours a day, make sure a hockey game is on the television at all times and be sure I take her ( hospital bed and all) to any concert locally.

In the event of her death, I am to bury her cd's with her, she has clothing selected for her afterlife and she has listed which of her family and friends will receive the remainder of her belongings.

My niece wishes to be buried NAKED!!!.. now that gives a whole new meaning to a "Viewing"

I've been to some weird Irish wakes..but I'm willing to bet, this will top the weirdest of weird. I will see to it (if I am still here) that her wish is carried out. I can't wait to see the looks on the faces of our older relatives.

My sister ( the nothing sacred, baby of this clan) has a simple wish as well. She would like to be buried with a smile on her face and big blue implanted in place. Again, should I outlive these two, I will make it my personal (he he) mission to see that their wishes are carried out.

I can only imagine the trip to the funeral home to make the arrangements. For my niece, I will bring nothing for personal effects. I wonder if the Doherty boys have ever had such a request?

For my sister, well, I am sure, after I leave, they will have a good laugh.. after all, morticians are people too.. and they are some very handsome boys as well.. if the spirit still lives after we die, I am sure it won't be too hard to get that smile on her face once one of the Doherty boys plants her personal effects.

For me, I want to take a few items. A full bottle of whiskey, a pack of cigarettes, a cd of the Drop Kick Murphy's and my Red Sox shirt. I don't want tears, I want laughter because I'll be laughing from beyond.

Dinner, Conversation and Mother Shows Interest in Sex Toys

Have you ever wished you could shower your brain?I have a very vivid imagination and when someone says something a movie plays in my mind.

Sometimes it's amusing, others.. not so much.

Each Thursday my sisters and parents get together at my house for dinner and cocktails. It's never boring nor is it civil. The conversation can go from potatoes to masturbation in one fell swoop.

Tonight we were talking about many things and the conversation turned to cysts and such ailments. My niece arrived late and was eating dinner, the poor thing. We were discussing the fact that my mother trys to diagnose herself before going to the doctor. Somehow we started talking about cysts and mother pipes in with " I have cysts everywhere. I'm loaded in places you couldn't imagine. As a matter of fact I grow things everywhere."

I couldn't resist " Have you grown a penis yet Mom?"

The following is the conversation while poor Caryn tried not to choke on her dinner.

Mother: whispers " No but if I did I'd have sex with myself"

So of course my sister, niece and I look at each other and laugh

Me: You know Mom, there are toys we could get you.

Mother: That would be fun

Sister: Ew.. I don't want that image in my head..stop , stop STOP (she has a mind like mine and at this point a movie has begun to play in her head )

This from the one who asked mother if she ever participated in oral sex !!!!!

Mind you this woman is 67 years old. Raised Irish Catholic and never , ever discussed sex with us, never mind masturbation. Now, she kind of chuckles at the thought of a battery operated bed mate.. Goes to prove you're never to old to find the pleasures of life..