It's that time of year....

when the holidays come...rather unexpectedly...I mean we know when they are on the calendar..but they always seem to sneak up on us and we say stuff like "is it the holidays already?"
The holidays are always hard for me...Thanksgiving is a time when my mom's presence is missed a billion times more than the rest of the year. This was her holiday...it was always dinner at our house..ALL the family members...it was her thing and no matter how many times she used to say "this is the last year I am doing this"...the beginning of November would come along and there she was preparing for her big day...she would stock up on the groceries..make sure she had enough boxes of "Missus Cassabasse" (Mrs. Cubisons)stuffing mix and picking the perfect turkey was always the goal..then she would yell at all 3 of us because she thought we weren't helping enough....but the day was always perfect...dinner would be amazing and love was always present at that very long table with all the family around...
I miss those days..but my sister, Paula, does a fantastic job in re-creating that warm feeling and the wonderful food. The stuffing, which was my mother's pride and joy...no one could make it quite like hers...but Paula has perfected it and it is the closest to my mother's than anyone else...
We all drove to Arizona together..I know...I said we would never drive again..but airfare was crazy...
The drive was great...I think is was because we were all in one vehicle. My dad kept me company..talking to me about lots of things...while I drove the long 6 hours to Arizona...he spoke of old times...his sadness concerning the status of his family...I am sure that he would love it if we could all get along better, and could be together during holidays...my other passengers slept the whole way and were not any help in keeping me awake and entertained...
The 3 days in Arizona was great...no drama...spent time with my sister (I miss her alot) and were able to see my 2 cousins that live in AZ and their family...I believe a good time was had by all...now on to Christmas...

Lapband update....working toward 100lb loss by my surgery anniversary...January 22...hope I make it...but if not...it's ok...have to work out more than I have been..I walk but it does not seem to be enough...when i have some extra money..I will join gym and get crackin...I feel great though and when I went to Doc for my annual checkup...he said that everything is great!!
and that's what is most important!!!

Lovelife....ok...seriously...I would actually need one to talk about it..don't you think? How about some help, people?

Work...Still need to increase business..but won't complain...working on some stuff and will leave the rest in God's hands...

Well I will leave you with this little diddy from the family archives...one of my elders...you know father, uncle, aunt...I won't name any names...when we were at a restaurant one time wanted to know what a "supersalad" was...wanted to know how big it was....
Well, the reality was the waiter had asked them if they wanted "soup OR salad"...there you go...how about that...
From now on I will try to share these lovely pearls with you...and please understand that it is not to mock or criticize...but to truly appreciate the varied personalities and quirks of the people that come into our lives and how wonderfull and amazing things can transpire...that just make us smile...

OK....
C-L8 y'all