Hope Everyone Had A Great Christmas

Well, I learned to appreciate Christmas for a whole new reason this year. Dotty and I spent time shopping for friends and family members. But, neither one of us could think of anything to tell the other one for ourselves. So, we agreed that we'd wait until we saw something that we really wanted for Christmas. After all, we each felt like we already had the most important gift in each other. It really was true. We enjoyed a quiet Christmas at home watching movies. Dotty cooked a delicious feast of ham(turkey based) and baked chicken. She also made brussels sprouts au gratin and baked beans. Angel, this was one of the best Christmases I've ever had. Thank you!!

Prior to Christmas day, we had two other celebrations. Friday night, we drove over to Robin's house for a gift exchange and pizza party. On Saturday, we drove over to the apartment of my Dad's fiance, Ruth for a meal and gift exchange. So, we also had the opportunity to spend time with our friends and family. On Christmas morning, Dot's mom IM'd us from Malaysia so that she could take part in our festivities. I'm really looking forward to meeting her. We've had so many nice chats online that I already feel like I know her. It'll be nice though, to actually see her in person.

Today, Dotty went out and took part in the after-Christmas sales. She brought home a slow cooker that I'd been wanting for a while. I told her that could be my Christmas present. I wanted to go shopping with her, but, I wasn't feeling well. Tomorrow, I go to work again so everything is going to start getting more hectic. I'll try to keep everyone updated through my blogs as much as possible.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

It's Been A Great Year!!

If you look over at my main profile picture, you'll see me standing with a very beautiful lady at my side. For those of you that don't know her already, her name is Dot. She is the love of my life. Today, we've been together for one year. I'm hoping for many more years together.

Dot has brought so much happiness into my life starting in a year that I thought my happy life was over. I'd lost my Mom just seven months before I'd met Dot and I was on the verge of becomming a very miserable person just going through the motions of life. This wonderful lady has changed all that and I'm happy to say that I'm alive and happy again.

I could probably write all day about her, but, I do have other things to get done. So, I'll close by saying the simplest thing I can say. Dot, I love you with all my heart.

The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned From Mom

The holidays are a time to be with family. Since I lost my Mom in March of 2005, I decided that the best way to spend time with her was to remember her lessons. The one I'm writing about is one that I've tried to live up to everyday. I thought I'd share it with all my readers.

When I was growing up, I learned many valuable lessons from my Mom. I feel like the most important one was the fact that respect from other people must be earned by someone. In other words, respect is never automatically due someone just because of age, familial relationship, position in business/society, etc. This doesn't mean that you don't show politeness. Being polite to other people is one of the most important ways someone earns respect. What are some other ways?

When you're talking to someone, don't insult that person's friends or family. I don't care who you are. People have a right not to hear bad stuff about the people they love.

If you don't agree with someone's viewpoint, you can be honest. But, you can also show people that you value their opinion by listening attentively and not taking an argumentative tone. This one seems to be most violated when people start talking about politics.

You can also earn respect from others on the road. Obey the posted speed limit signs and remember that those are the safe speeds for perfect driving conditions. If it's dark and/or wet, you should be driving slower. For some reason, cars seem to be more impatient as it gets colder. Unfortunately, this is when it's also icy.

Ok. I'm done with examples. Like I said, I work hard on a daily basis to earn the respect of other people. For my readers, I'd just tell you to remember that you don't have to respect anyone who doesn't treat you the way you should be treated. It doesn't matter who they are. Your respect is a valuable asset and should be used wisely. Your politeness is free and can be used much more liberally.