Happy New Year

Since we were staying at our parents's houses and there were many people vying for computer time, I didn't get to blog while we were away for Christmas and New Years. So, I'll have to catch you up in chunks, as I remember them, with the aid of some photos.

We had an amazing time laughing, playing and eating with our families. Every year we are overwhelmed with hospitality and food! And we try to see and do and eat as much as we can in the amount of time we have.

Most importantly, everyone is healthy and happy. However, Dad is having another tumor removed from his bladder, plus some repair work, on Thursday. The doctor doesn't seem concerned, or a least Dad's playing it down. Please pray for him.

Bill and I came home with colds. I'm sure mine started with my moutain cedar allergy, and can't decide between settling in my sinuses or chest. Bill is running a fever with his, and stayed home from work to try to recover quickly.

We're beginning to feel almost normal again after the jet lag. I went to Tescos yesterday after showering and changing clothes, but I felt like a zombie. I ran into a friend who wanted to chat. I was so non-responsive. My body was there, but my mind was asleep. Sorry.

It's always a little disappointing to come home and have to take the tree down by myself. Brendan will be back to school tomorrow. At least the three suitcases of laundry is washed, folded and ironed, and we have food in the fridge. I'll put on some Christmas music and make it as festive a take-down as it was a put-up.

BTW - go out and find the January issue of Crafts 'n Things before it leaves the shelves! My Rustic Angel Ornament design is on page 25. So the first article wasn't a fluke. I just have to get moving faster to get published more. After receiving a handful of rejection letters, I got a bite from Philomel Books. They want to read my Dillon and Blue manuscript. Keep your fingers crossed.

(I'm not sure about copyright laws, so you have to buy the mag to see the instructions.)

Rollin' to Stardom

Two entries in one day. But I couldn't let this pass. Life is not all about me. I needed to brag on my son.

Last night, Bill and I went to see Brendan perform in his school play. He was the title character called Roll, in Sheik, Rattle and Roll. He's a wise man who does a lot of sleeping through the scenes and provides comic relief. I never thought Brendan was the drama type. He's pretty shy and doesn't enjoy performing in front of people. But, he tried out and was assigned this part. Ben, his best mate, plays Sheik. I went to the day performance, too, which was less crowded and more laid-back, to videotape the play for our families. So, between the two, I got to see him at his best. Ben had more lines, and sang a solo, but Brendan was right in there, pulling the gags and delivering the lines with confidence - and singing.

His school is so small that all the students in years 3 through 6 participated. Some were sheep. Some were stars. There were lots of angels. But there was only one Roll. He was unique and special. I was so proud! He's way too cool to be my kid.

Haircut Woes

Every few years, like when I hit a milestone birthday (I turned 41 in September - which is MUCH harder than 40), I start to wonder, will I ever have long flowing hair again? Or am I stuck with short hair for the rest of my life, another 40 some-odd years? I like short hair. Bill is quick to tell me he likes me in short hair, frequently. but sometimes I'd love to pull it back in a pony tail. Long hair is pretty. It's sexier.

So, in May, I decided to grow my hair out. I suffered through seven months of awkward stages of growth, only to hit the Christmas season and think, "Why? I want to look my best during the holidays. I think I'll get it cut." Well, of course, it had been so long since I got it cut that I was sure whether to just put in a few layers to soften it and give it some movement, or go all the way and cut it short again. I didn't know until I got to the salon.

Then I saw a picture of Whitney Houston's new do in a magazine while I was waiting. She was sporting long blond polished layers. I really liked it (can you believe it?) and showed it to my hairdresser. My fatal flaw was saying, "But I'd like the front a little shorter. I don't like it in my face." She took this to heart and cut the "fringe" as they call bangs at my eyebrows. And of course, when it dried, it was even shorter! I have been working with my new cut all morning, and am not happy. It looks like a mullet! The back and sides are still long, but with layers, so they flow better and lay nicely. But the front looks like it did when my big brother took it upon himself to cut my bangs when I was four. They look extremely short and out of proportion to everything else.

So, if you see me around town, or over the holidays, please try not to stare. I've become philosophical again as I used to about bad haircuts. It will look better in two weeks. So much for looking my best for Christmas!