New Year's Eve Tuesday

[Lilac]

Do you have plans to ring in the New Year?

[Lilac]

Dh worked shift work for 28+ years. He almost always worked New Year's. When the girls were little, I always seemed to use that night to clean out their closet and organize their toys and other gifts.

This is our 45th New Year's Eve together. We have only went out one time in all those years. That was 23 years ago. Our friends son played in a band and they were playing at the large hotel in town. So we went with them and had a nice evening.

Over the years, there were a few times that dm and dstepdad came out for Christmas later and were here for New Year's Eve. Then we would have the girls and their families over to celebrate. The girls have followed our example and don't go out either. I guess we are all party poopers.

After 8 days of no shopping, I just dread shopping today. Every year with shopping overload in Dec., I am ready to limit my shopping.

Dsisil ddad is somehow still holding on. He eats 2-3 bites of food twice a day and a few sips of water. Mostly he just sleeps. The hospice nurse said that as bad as shape as he is in, his vitals are perfect. She said she just doesn't see this often.

Well I guess I better start getting around.

[Twins' Mom]

I am heading out the door in a minute to go pick up dnephew and wife and kids for long trip to see dsis. Not looking forward to today.

Tonight we are supposed to go to friends' house for new years. I hope I'm up to it.....

[Kathryn-in-Canada]

Happy New Year from Sydney!!!!!

I just got a call from a thrilled ds. He sent his coordinates so they were there when I woke up and we could see that he probably was in a good spot. Apparently it was AWESOME!!!! So it sounds like his New Year's met his expectations. He's now on the slow walk back to the train and expects it will take ages to get home because of the crowds.

I'm awake. The boys come in 90 minutes so I need to get moving. I have carried up the summer clothing from the basement and put it in the packing room. Last night I moved my t-shirts to that room as well.

Our plans for tonight are to work and then get to bed early. Dh said that yesterday didn't feel like his birthday but that was ok because of the upcoming cruise. Our mantra right now as we ignore special occasions in our mad attempt to get away is "31 days of rest, we've got 31 days of rest coming up."

BTW: tomorrow is my big day. There will be no distractions so I'm intending to henna my hair (but not expecting this shade of 'henna', actually, other plant material, to do much more than cause shine and thicken), pack, & take down and put away Christmas.

[Lynlee]

less than 10 min til new years here.
have my glass of water. Changed my water filter tonight.
Happy New Years all.

[helia]

I'm up, s2slippers, have started the dw, and have taken the dogs out to go potty. I'm sipping my tea. Checked my email. Dfriend A was going to come over for a visit this a.m. but cancelled last minute due to tummy issues from anxiety. This is very common; we haven't seen her since we helped her move to her new condo in Sept. When plans are made, she usually cancels due to some sort of health reason. She craves community - but from our perspective, it is hard to be a part of that for her.

S, R, and baby J will be here for dinner. We decided on a fun dinner of cheese fondue (we make from scratch, down to grating the cheeses) followed by chocolate fondue for dessert. Dh and I have been invited to party of acquaintances with whom we get together every few months. He is a fellow prof in the same dept. as dh (different area, though) and she is a psychologist. We will stop by for a while but won't stay too long; we don't think we know the crowd that will be there.

Last few years, we have gotten together with my dfriend B and family (and S and R too) for New Years Eve, had a nice meal together and played games, sometimes at their house, sometimes at ours. This year, B and family are traveling tomorrow so they're not going to stay up late. And I refused to host anything since I had people over 3 nights within 5 days before we left (Friday, Sunday, Wed.) plus events two other nights (Monday, Tuesday). The idea of returning from travels just to prepare to host another event was just too depressing.

Most memorable New Years Eve: We went to a special party at a restaurant in downtown Austin with 2 other couple friends for Y2K! That was quite a special event! Boy, were the streets crowded that night.

I am craving alone time. The only way I could get dh not to talk in the car en route from Chicago was if I was driving; then he was on his laptop working. I guess dd18 drove a short stretch and he talked to her instead of me as I quickly volunteered to be the one to sit in the back. Goodness, I love that guy to bits, lots about him to love - but in some situations, he sure can be a challenge for my introverted side. . . . I know I'm not alone here, and some of you here have mentioned similar traits in your dhs, which I find rather interesting. .. . Anyhow, I need to indulge my introversion the next couple of days or I will slowly turn into a wicked witch.

Today: I need to get myself organized for the week. I need to get to the groc. store (I might go to 2, TJ and Meijers) and do laundry. And exercise would be very good - but it hasn't been happening lately.

I have been reading The Happiness Project, written by a talented lawyer turned writer, which is inspiring in terms of thinking of priorities in my life and where I'd like to improve. I'd like to be better about using the resources at this site for that purpose. I might try to get back into the focus cleaning.

[helia]

Happy Belated Birthday to Ken!! Can you send him my greetings, Kathryn? I love the idea of looking forward to 31 days of rest. . . Wow! That sounds great!

[Nancy]

Happy New Years Eve to all!
Last night I had some cave time that was good as H. Said he was not doing so hot felt puny.

I have loaded the dishes and did the first round of hen chores. Slept in a bit today no kids here until afternoon. trash is out to the curb.

I did an arm work out on the total gym I am adding that to my routine. BS was good today a bit, low but I ate.
Dd had a big ny eve party not suremif we are invited or going might opt for a quiet night at home.

Got up thinking about net flicks I was going to watch a series of 2013 not out yet so I will be doing other stuff.

Got an e-mail from Peter Walsh of a u tube 31 days to get organize in just TEN min. A day I was on the lish from last yr. I Needed that!

[OKay]

Good Morning!

For about 75% of our married life, we have spent New Year eve with some VDfriends - either at our home or theirs. However that tradition stopped when we started raising our DGChildren full time. They are raising 3 little ones. Maybe we will resume our former NYE celebrations when the little ones are older.

Last night we took DGS18 and a friend out to eat. They spent a couple hours telling us about their (ill conceived) plans. I think DH and my suggestions fell on deaf ears. I'm fairly sure they are not going to take any of our recommendations. I just hope DGS18 survives this time in his life .....and without life long damage done.

Yesterday DH and I assembled LO punching bag (Christmas gift). LO used it so much that his knuckles are raw. I wonder how long it will take him to learn the gloves really are necessary when hitting the bag?

[BookSaver]

Good morning, villagers ~
Post & run as I'm heading upstairs, desperately need to take a nap.
Saw a fun post on FB this morning with one of those retro cartoon illustrations:

My New Year's resolution is to write '2014' instead of '2013'

BBL.