In 2004, I learned....

I posted to a thread like this on one of the BBs I frequent, but I thought it was worth posting here as well. I've also added a few items to the list, as I have been sitting here contemplating the topic a bit more in-depth. In 2004, I learned....
* that being pregnant isn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it's no picnic either (particularly in the summer in Atlanta)
* sometimes events that look bad are actually good for you, potentially even better than the plan you would have preferred
* that you are never prepared for motherhood, no matter how much you think you are, until it happens to you (nor can you understand that until it happens to you)
* c-sections are a b*$%#
* the cruelty and disregard for others and their feelings that can be found online is truly amazing
* the love and generosity that can be found online can be even more astonishing
* real friends can be made online, no matter what anyone says
* it is good to have talented friends
* my family is awesome, and I should tell them so much more often
* my husband is tied for the best father in the world (with my own father, of course)
* love is boundless
* babies are simply awesome as they grow and develop and learn
* Luke's laughter can bring simultaneous smiles and tears to my face
* email, digital cameras, and unlimited long distance are the best inventions *ever* to keep first-time grandparents (and uncles) happy! LOL

Wishing you all the best, for 2005 and always!

My holiday wish for you

I posted this last year, but I love it so much, it is worth posting again, probably every Christmas. May your holidays be merry and bright, and spent in the company of those you love. That's what I'll be doing. See you in 2005!

~Believe~
Believe in Christmas Magic
Believe in Ancient Lore
Believe in a hundred impossible things
The New Year may hold in store

Believe in Heavenly Angels
In Santas and Elves by the score
Believe in a hundred impossible things
In Flying Reindeer and more

Believe in a Babe in a manger
In Wise Men and gifts galore
Believe in a million impossible things
You've never believed before

For my fellow geeks

Christmas Tree Decorating 101

ROTFLMAO!!! Oh, oh, oh, my sides are killing me, and I literally have tears running down my face. This is absolutely one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Why? Because it is *exactly* what would happen at our house. And people wonder why we don't put up a tree. THIS IS WHY!! Christmas Tree Decorating 101. Thanks to Kerry for the link!

Well, Merry Grinch-mas to you, too! :-(

According to our mailman, we have a real live grinch lurking around in our neighborhood. He came to the door like he usually does when I have a package delivered, and as he knows I now have a baby (thus I am slower getting to the door these days), he waited quite patiently to see if I was really at home or not. I greatly appreciated this, as our spare key is no longer by the front door (gave it to our kitty-sitter for the holidays), so it took some time to fish my own keys out of my purse.

When I answered the door, he told me that he would no longer be able to leave packages on the porch if we weren't home. Seems that someone was parking in the area, watching him deliver the mail and packages. The other day, after he left, the truck drove to three houses where he had left packages, picked them up, and drove off. Someone called the local post office to report it. Our mailman was taking it *quite* personally. "I've been doing this job for 21 years, and no one has EVER stolen *my* mail before! That's just not right, especially at Christmas. I know you'll be getting lots of stuff delivered for your little guy, and I want to make sure he gets it all, so if you're not here, I'll just take it with me and leave you one of our slips. Then you can either come pick it up yourself, or leave that slip in the mailbox telling me when to drop it off again that you'll be home. Y'all have a merry Christmas, okay?" What a nice man! Sooo much better than our old mail carrier, who was constantly folding my curling my stash envelopes to fit them in the box, despite them being *clearly* marked "Do NOT Bend!" (When I called to complain, I was told "they aren't bent, they're curled." ::rolls eyes::) I feel so bad for him that this happening on his route, and I find it quite touching that he is so concerned about Luke getting his gifts.

So as sad as it is that someone is doing that, and as annoying as it will be to have to pick up my own packages (especially considering how many of them will be coming, as I have ordered nearly all of our gifts over the internet), it's nice to know we have our own sort of Christmas angel watching out for us as well. Proof that the worst in some people often brings out the best in others.

Built-in Orderly Organized Knowledge device

Received this in a newsletter a month or so ago, and I just laughed and laughed! Enjoy!
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Announcing the new Built-in Orderly Organized Knowledge device (BOOK). It's a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It's so easy to use even a child can operate it. Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere--even sitting in an armchair by the fire--yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disk. Here's how it works: Each BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper, each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. These pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder that keeps the sheets in their correct sequence. The user scans each sheet optically, registering information directly into his or her brain. A flick of the finger takes the user to the next sheet. The BOOK may be taken up at any time and used by merely opening it. The "browse" feature allows the user to move instantly to any sheet and to move forward or backward as desired. Most BOOKs come with an "index" feature that pinpoints the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval. An optional "BOOKmark" accessory allows the user to open the BOOK to the exact place left in a previous session--even if the BOOK has been closed. BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus a single BOOKmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Portable, durable, and affordable, the BOOK is the entertainment wave of the future, and many new titles are expected soon, due to the surge in popularity of its programming tool, the Portable Erasable-Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus...ie: (PENCILS)

Congratulations Daddy!

Congratulations to my father! His first year teaching, started in August, and already Teacher of the Month. We know how hard it was for you to leave your other job and be out of work over a year. Glad you're enjoying your new career. We're all so proud of you!