A Little South of Sanity

I know that news is reporting a glum 4th along the Gulf of Mexico and I can understand why. It is heartbreaking to know that the oil continues to gush into the Gulf and in spite of ‘said’ attemps, nothing seems to be getting better. The oil is all along the coast and as my mother told someone who called from either North or South Dakota a few days ago for a survey- “If you aren’t from the coast, you can’t possibly understand. It isn’t just about the wild and marine life, but about the fishermen and their families. It’s about not being able to go to the beach, or to drive to the pier and go crabbing with your children, or grand children.” It’s something that those of us who have been blessed to have this as a part of our lives, have had it stripped from us. It doesn’t affect a life here and there, it affects everyone on the coast in one way or another.

In spite if the circumstances, I do wish you all a happy, safe 4th of July weekend.

Marcel’s nieces both have birthday’s coming up in the next couple of months, and they have already given us a list of wii accessories that they’d like to have. They received a Wii this past Christmas from ‘Santa’ and since then, aside from a few games, they haven’t bought anything for it and their mother suggested that they ask for new accessories as birthday gifts. I think it’s a great idea, and with them giving us a list, it takes all the guess work out of what to buy them, and it ensures they get something they want.

I wish everyone did that when their birthday rolled around.

Sometimes I take moments out of my day and think about the things that bring me joy. Sometimes those things are complex and other times they are simple things. Today, my thoughts were on the simple pleasures that I find at amusement parks. I’ve visited them all my life, and the newest place that I want to add to my adventures is Morey’s NJ Amusement Rides. First of all, it’s by the water, and that alone makes me happy because anyone who knows me knows that I love the water. There are three piers- Mariner’s Landing, Surfside and Adventure, which each one offering a new adventure, including the new ride that will be appearing soon called, Ignis Fatuus, which I’m really curious about.

As if all the excitement of the park wasn’t enough, they’re having a spring sale, which means we can save as much as 35%. I can’t help but find myself wanting to check out this place. I love having fun, and I haven’t been to an amusement park in more than two years. I’d say it’s time.

I was watching TV last night and I noticed that some of the commercials are already starting to focus on Valentine’s Day. I know that it’s definitely a marketing tool to get people to not only think about the holiday of ‘love’, but also hopefully to stimulate them into buying something for their loved ones. It also doesn’t take more than a step into your local Wal-Mart or Target to see the shelves lined with boxes of chocolates, and anything else that will make the woman or man of your dreams happy this February 14th.

What I have never really paid attention to or really noticed until last night is that the commercials and advertisements seem to be geared towards Valentine’s Day ideas for men. Have you ever noticed that? When the jewelry stores show the jewelry, they aren’t showing men’s jewelry, they’re showing the guy how he can make his wife, girlfriend or significant other feel special and loved.

I do know people who are against Valentine’s Day because they feel it’s just another way for the retailers to line their pockets. I can see that point, and I’m one for showing someone they are special year around. Let’s face it though, how many of us don’t enjoy the surprise of a dinner out, a bouqet of flowers, or even a card on this day? I’ll be the first person to stick my hand up and say I DO!

For those of you who find yourselves depressed because you are alone during Valentine’s Day, understand that you don’t have to have a special someone to be loved. Go out and spoil yourself and say to YOU just how special you are. After all, you are.

Have you ever noticed that with the right lighting that fireworks can resemble diamonds in the sky? Last night I couldn’t help but notice when I was watching all the local fireworks. They were so beautiful, and as I stood in the cold watching them for about a half hour, I thought of many things, but one was just how much they looked like sparkling gemstones. Coupled with the snow still lying on the ground, it was a beautiful sight and a great way to ring in the new year.

This morning I couldn’t help but think about the ringing in of the new year at our household. We all gave each other a kiss, wished each other a Happy New Year, and I grabbed my camera and started taking pictures. I was standing with the back door open, in hopes of getting a good shot or two, and my niece grabbed her Canon camera and started doing the same. The only problem was, she forgot to charge her battery and they were practically empty. She was so frustrated, but I’ve promised to send her some of mine, provided they turn out. First I have to get them uploaded from the memory card to my computer.

I have to say that I was pretty happy to kiss 2009 goodbye and welcomed 2010 with open arms. Early in the evening, before the fireworks were bouncing off the metal buildings, I went outside, set out and lit 10 candles, which represented the new year 20’10′. I’m not sure why I did it, but I welcome the new year with light, openness and a whole lot of love- now if I can let my light shine this year and not let it grow dim.

How did you ring in the new year?

I spent most of the evening in the kitchen cooking, but I didn’t mind, not one bit. I drank a glass of champagne at midnight, watched the fireworks and said a prayer.

I’m curious- Did you buy any fireworks this year? I’ve been hearing fireworks on and off for the past week, but today they have really ‘kicked it up a notch’ as Emeril may say. It seems that I’m constantly hearing a BOOM or BAM somewhere, so I’m curious to see what tonight brings.

I’m happy that we’re doing everything here tonight, but I hope to be able to sneak away sometime around midnight and reflect on the past year, plus think about the year stretched out in front of us.

It’s going to be a good one.

Happy ‘almost’ 2010.

I’m taking a little break fron the hooplah and preparations for our New Years Eve Bash and decided to end the year (and begin it, Lord willing) by writing in all of my little spaces. In the next few weeks, I hope to be more organized and have more time to follow the particular themes for each blog that I’d originally set out to do.

Until then- be safe and have a wonderful evening!

Do you ever notice that when the new year rolls around that many of us start trying to get ourselves organized for the coming year? Marcel and I actually took the Christmas tree down yesterday and put everything away, and now I find myself wanting do start a deep cleaning session and get rid of anything that I haven’t used in the past year. I’ve also been thinking about updating our life insurance, because I’m not sure that our policy is as up to date as it should be.

What about you-.. now that we are knocking on the door of the new year, what do you find yourself wanting to change?