Happy Thoughts Part Two

I had to spend a completely beautiful 60+ degree day INSIDE AT WORK yesterday.  I was not happy.  I was really not happy.  I think I would have been more accepting of it if today were about the same as yesterday and not 40 degrees outside.  That really sucks.  I guess I can’t complain too much.  I’ve lived in the Midwest for most of my life more than a few years now and I should be pretty used to the drastic weather changes around here.  I guess I’m used to them… but I’m sure not happy about them.

Anyway, on to the happy thought that kept me from sulking about yesterday…

I really really like hugs.  From just about anyone that means anything to me a hug can be just the thing.  From my mom it is an outward expression of how much I mean to her and that we really do have a great relationship.  From my sister it means that we’re done with the stupid she’s-on-my-side-of-the-back-seat fights and have finally become the friends my mother always threatened we would become.  From my urban family it can express that they really do embody the word family. But it’s the hugs that I share with my husband that I treasure the most.  I’m considerably smaller than he is so a hug in his arms is all encompassing.  I feel safe and warm.  It is the most reassuring thing for me.  If I’ve had a bad day a hug is an instant fix.  It it a wordless way to reconnect with someone.  And one that I really love.

HOW Many Days Until Christmas?!?

So here’s the list so far…

Button- Done

ClockTower- Have idea just not funds yet

K- Done

Silent Bob- Done

MomD- Have idea just not funds yet

DadD- Done

MomB- No idea

DadB- No idea

HS- Done

Work friends- A little less than half done making things.

I would say that’s not a bad looking list considering there’s still 52 days till Christmas.  Since money is tight I try to start shopping around September if I can.  A little money here and there is SO much easier to part with than a huge chunk all at once.  No credit cards either.  I don’t have any more and I want to keep it that way.  I learned long ago that a big expensive holiday means big scary bills come January.  NOT.THIS.TIME.

It is a source of pride for me to be able to find the perfect gift for someone with out spending a ton of money on the gift.  It’s an art.  I try to pay attention throughout the year.  If you do this you can pick up on little things.  For instance, a friend might mention that they have a favorite movie but are having a hard time finding it on dvd.  Take that bit of info and you can really make them happy come gift time.  A little help from a search engine and most of the time for less that $20 you have their ultimate gift.  No, it’s not a super cool digital flat screen the size of my garage door (who gives those any way?… no, really, I want numbers people) but it is something that they will really enjoy and you were the little mouse that took a few seconds to remember something that person said months ago.  Oh, and what ever you do PLEASE, unless the person actually asks for gift cards, refrain from the gift of flashy plastic that screams “You’re not good enough a friend for me to actually think about what would make you smile”.   Please, take this newly found knowledge and use it for good this season.

Editors note: The Rambler LOVES to receive gift cards.  It gives her an excuse to go shopping for herself!

Make New Friends….

I have a new friend.  He (?) is beautiful!  Not the every day attractive kind of beautiful.  I’m talking the stop-in-your-tracks-and-almost-get-hit-by-a-car kind of beauty.  I don’t get to see him every day.  I’ve only seen him a few times this year.  Actually I think he doesn’t like me as much as I like him.  But that’s ok.  I don’t know his name and I’m sure he doesn’t care what mine is.

Would you like to see a picture of him that I got while he wasn’t looking?

He

really

is

breathtaking…

We’re calling him spider man.  I haven’t seen him since I took this pic.  I think he’s camera shy.