Heartville's Elves are hard at work

               Boy I didn't realize how long it was since I had posted on here.   The last time I'd posted I'd updated you on my last day at the humane society and what I was doing next.  Just in case I didn't mention it but I am now volunteering at the thrift shop Fridays as well as Wednesdays.  Fridays I'm hanging clothing in the back when yes Wednesday I am still pricing and restalking books.  They are both great fun but I must admit Tagging the clothing is a little hard. 
                 All the staff is extremely nice and they honor every volunteer because that is what basically who makes up the store.  There is only four paid staff in that entire place.  But anyway if you go into the section that says EMPLOYEES ONLY you can see for yourself how hard we work.  There are DVDS to be sorted and priced, electronics to test, furniture to move, ect.  But anyway on their website they had their holiday card up that said Heartville's Elves are hard at work and had every volunteer on it.  No, I am not included I am afraid.  they probably took it before I started volunteering but i probably will be included in next year's.  Well I hope you are finishing up the christmas shopping and wrapping, Till next time.    

Volunteering update ( week 5)

        Well it's that time again to update you on my volunteering and yes if you are facebook friend of mine you noticed that this week was my final week at the humane society.  Like I mentioned on my previous posts there were hardly anything I could do there and the tasks that I was more than capable of doing such as cleaning or washing they left up to the staff.  Well.....maybe except for the bathing of kittens or pups but they didn't always have those available.  I was really reluctant to quit because I didn't want people to think I didn't try to enjoy myself.  I have had a history of doing that in the past quitting a program way to early before I had given it a chance.
               After talking to a few people such as mom, Hailee, and Carson, and grandma I realized that three weeks was plenty of time to see it wasn't for me.  Mom and grandma asked me the same questions which were,
               "How do you feel when you get on the bus on Wednesdays knowing you will be volunteering at the Heartville thrift shoppe?"
               My answer was: I love it!  I am excited when I see the white and blue SARTA bus come into my street.  
            Then of course I got the question, "How do you feel when the bus comes for you the next day and you know that you will be going to the humane society?"
           My answer: It's not the same feeling.  I don't know what I'm going to be doing when I arrive there, people aren't the friendliest, which I understand but have thought I was in community service and spoke harshly to me.  All that I've ended up doing there is watching the pet of the day and handing treats."
         Anyway as mom picked me up from the humane society Thursday she said "Honey I don't care where you volunteer as long as you enjoy yourself," and that's when I realized I made the right decision.  Anyway let me give you a little peak as to what went on each day.
                     Wednesday: Heartville Thrift shoppe 
                      I was greeted by the manager Maria as I walked in to get my badge.  She wanted to go over some changes how to price the books and told me that they have a new price scanner that automatically scans the price on books that have a blank sticker on them.  So yes I got to pricing and restocking the books.  For the first time since I'd been there I'd got to help a couple people.  Yes it might sound lame to you but not me.  One was a gentleman who wanted a price on a hardback and asked me and yes I knew the answer. :) 
                The other person I helped was a little girl but I can't help but say I helped her mom out too.  I was putting books away on the paperback fiction shelf right next to the youth children's section when I saw them.  Her mom was looking at books for her but none seemed to catch the girls interest.  She would just look at her mom and roll her eyes.  It was like she was thinking, Really, I can't believe you suggested that .  I couldn't help be curious and asked what her mom what her daughter's reading level is.   
                   She said she was level up reading wise as far as chapter books and sometimes they don't know what to pick out. I saw a Magic Attic club book that used to be one of my favorite series when I was her age and asked if she liked the magic attic club.  Her eyes lit up when I handed her the book and to find out that she hadn't read that particular one was even better!  Her mom smiled and said thanks. :)  I purchased my first book there.  The cost $1.07. Yahoo can't beat that!
                  Thursday: Humane Society ( Last Day)
                          Well my first thought was I am not going to be sitting around draining the battery out of my phone, I'm bringing something to do and sure enough I brought my paperback book I purchased.   Yes it was a really slow day.  Only two of the staff members I knew well were there and the rest were basically people I haven't seen before.  I had a funny encounter with Alex the pet of the day.  She was an eight year old dog who acted like a pup and tried to get my paperback.  Well anyway I don't have any regrets about giving up my volunteer work there.  I will be picking up an extra day at Heartville doing clothing on Fridays.  Well that's all for now.  I will try and get on here and do a book review on a book that I read so it don't bore you with volunteer updates.  If I sounded negative on my last post I highly apologize for that.  Hope to hear from you soon. 
   

Volunteering update ( Week 3)

                Well it's that time again for an update.  I know I have usually have posted my updates on volunteering Fridays but yesterday was kind of busy due to a lunch date with Jessie and her mom, but anyway at least I am doing it now.  Anyway I think you'll like what I've got to say.  So here it goes. 
                       Wednesday: Heartville Thrift shop 
                                I must say this is the place that I'm looking forward to coming to every week! :)  I'm glad that I felt that way after one day there.  The manager Ashley was very sweet and showed me around and told me that except for four or five paid staff the rest of the employers there are volunteers.  I am strictly in charge of pricing and re stalking books.  In my head I thought there was going to be a little cart with books and I was going to be done in a half hour.  NOT!  There were tables and carts filled with books that needed pricing and restocking.  So yes I was busy the whole time I was there.  So bring on the books!
                            Thursday: Humane society 
                             After trying my hand at both volunteer shifts which are 11:00AM-1:45 and 1:45-3:00 I must say I enjoy the afternoon shift more.  I've tried my hand in the morning but my public transportation had dropped me off earlier than the shift before volunteers are allowed back to help.  I feel like I still don't know how I feel about the animal shelter.  I don't love it as much as Heartville but at the same time I don't want to give up.  Anyway I'll keep you updated.  The pet of day was a dog named Sammy.  All it said on her tag was she's 6 and she's on a diet. I forget what kind of dog she is but she's black and brown.  Well I'm going to go.  I will write again soon of a book overview and some other things so it doesn't look like I'm just updating you on volunteering.  Have a good day.  

Volunteering update (week 2)

              Well it's been a couple weeks since I got myself out in the field of volunteering and I thought I'd update you on the progress and how I like it.  I decided that I will keep you updated each week after I accomplished my week's worth of volunteering.  Right now it looks like Wednesdays, and Thursdays I'm GOING to be busy with volunteering at a theft store in Heartville, sorting and pricing books, and yes continuing my work at the animal shelter.  Then once a month I will be volunteering at Mighty Wind Christian church at their open house.  It is an event where the less fortunate or homeless come in to get food or shop for needed clothing or appliances free of charge.  Yes I volunteered there Wednesday and met a great group of people and they want me to come back.  Here is a little bit of what went on each day I volunteered.
                     Wednesday: Mighty Wind Christian Church 
                      Mom had offered to drop me off on her way to my grandparent's house.  I was relieved that she did because the doors to the church were locked and we literally had to pound on it.  Thoughts were streaming through my head like, "Oh no! was this a scam!"  But sure enough a gentleman by the name of Don answered along with a woman named Linda.  Mom explained I was here to volunteer and they ooed and awed and said come on in.  It was real easy work, it was basically hanging and putting clothes into boxes and bags and racks for the open house.  It was fun looking through the clothes.  Some of them still had tags on them and looked brand new.  Yes as we worked we chit chatted and had fun.  :)
                      Thursday: Animal Shelter 
                       I didn't do that much like the last time I was there.  I walked two dogs one looked like a black lab mix named Tank and one by the name of Chip.  Tank was funny he just wanted to sit in the grass and enjoy some fresh air so I let him and he kept sneaking me kisses.  I gave all the dogs and cats treats, and played with a cat by the name of sweetie boy.  
The pet of the day was a shepard mix by the name of Abby.  She was a cutie.  on her tag it said, gentle, good with kids, and housebroken.  ;)  If I was starting a family I would told the staff, "She's mine!" lol. 
                    How I'm enjoying it
                    I am enjoying volunteering greatly.  If I choose between the animal shelter and the church I would have to say the church.  The animal shelter can be difficult at times and there is really no consistency with the volunteers.  So I don't know what I am going to be doing when I go in which is hard.  Well better get to housework bye.    

                     

Back in the volunteering and blogging world

                    Yes that's right I am Back!  It's been so long since I posted anything it feels great to be returning to the blogging world.  Yes you might be wondering if I'd even thought about my blog since I stopped and the answer was yes I thought about it quite a bit but some of the events that I thought would make a good post would not be appropriate to share on here.  But anyway for those who don't get on facebook or don't have an instagram account here is what occurred.
1. took a trip to Louisville with grandma to visit aunt Karla and her family.  ( No we didn't have a blow out, we traveled by grayhound bus)
2. celebrated 5 years seizure free
3. went camping down at the ohio river and carved pumpkins and participated in the festivel
4. spending time with grandma and grandpa at their house for they are moving
5. reading some fantastic books
6. working on my novel
7. searching and FINDING volunteer work.
               That's right, I am volunteering at The humane society.  I think it is important to raise awareness for those who speak differently.  Yes when I updated the status on facebook the likes came pouring in but also some warnings such as Happy for you but remember you can't adopt all."  I must admit I was Skeptical about volunteering there because I didn't think my personality was suitable for it.  I almost thought I was too HEARTLESS for it.  Such as I didn't feel bad to see a dog or kitten be put in a cage I thought "Do I really have to be so tough, why can't I have compassion?" 
                  Anyway I had witnessed a sad moment that proved that I DO have compassion and that I'm suitable to do this as I was about to sign out to catch my ride back home but more on that in a bit, here is what my first day was like:
Due to a leash that was broken a dog took me for walk rather than me taking the dog for a walk.  ( The dog was cute and spotted.  It resembled Crystal our old English cocker we had growing up.   a young man who worked there saw that I was having trouble and grabbed the leash, shook his head and said "it's broken." He helped me get the dog back in it's cage.
I tried to walk another dog but I couldn't get the cage open I finally thought, "I'm asking for another job." sure enough they gave me one which was bathing a litter of kittens.
That was fun and it passed the time too.  :)  I wouldn't mind doing that every time I am there.  There is always a staff or volunteer there to give you a hand.  Yes some do squirm but they are easy to handle.  Yes I made the mistake of taking my phone out of my back pack purse I had to take a photo for my cousin which did not come out good.  Anyway guess what happened I went to the bathroom and the cell got thrown in with the group of towels to get cleaned.  No, don't worry I still have it, and I got to feed the animals.
                                Okay about that sad moment when I realized that I DO have compassion.  I saw a lady come in with her dog.  It looked like a pit bull.   I am not sure of her name but I am sure it was Kayla.  I witnessed the woman standing with Kayla as I was about to sign out and at first I thought she was adopting but it was the other way around, she was giving Kayla to the humane society.  She was answering questions about the her and Kayla looked at me with sad eyes and wanted me to pet her.  Sure enough the staff member came and tried to take Kayla back but she would not budge the lady had to walk with them just to calm Kayla down.  I saw the woman walk out crying and I almost lost it.  I just wanted to give Kayla a treat.  Sure enough I walked around with a basket full of treats for the dogs.  Overall it was a fun experience.  I will be doing it weekly and still searching for other volunteer work out there that interests me.  I will keep you updated and post the pet of the day that is available.  Till next time.
                                                                                                         Heather  

            
                   

So many surgeries, so many scars

            I know, I know this title might sound a little graphic or depressing but I assure you it won't be as bad as you might think.  This came out of my mouth as mom and I was enjoying a tasty a milkshake at Grinders and mom was enjoying a glass of wine.  We were talking about my recent eye exam and that I was a good candidate for lens implacement surgery.  ( Where they insert a perment contact lens in the eye.) Mom and I are both really excited for this because I can't do anything without my glasses or contacts in even because my vision is really bad, even showering is a hassle.  I am severely near sighted.  Well anyway I am going to look at getting that surgery in the fall but I did get contacts so that I can wear sunglasses on sunny days and be able to get the feeling of contacts again.    But anyway I just looked at mom and shook my head and said,
                  "Jeez how many more surgeries will I have to go through, it seems like I have a scar everywhere!"
                  Mom started laughing and said, "Just think of them as war scars that you can tell your family."
                    Jeez at times I still feel like I overcame something in a little war.  Can I have a metal? Lol :-D. But anyway I thought you were curious how many surgeries I overcame so I will give you a list.
           Eye surgery baby (don't know what it was for
            Foot surgery on my right toe ( because I used to walk on my tip toe
            Tendon transfer on my right hand ( to straighten it)
             Mole removed on my back
             Brain surgery
              The list is a little much isn't it? Well I hope after the next surgery that will be all.  :-)
               I am sorry I haven't been blogging that much lately but as you know you can follow me on Instagram I do post photos quite a bit. :-). That's all for now bye

Book Overview (The Bridesmaid)

                Well it's time for a book overview again.  As I looked back at my recent blog posts I noticed that  February was the last time I gave you an update on what I was reading and you were probably wondering if I was reading a good novel or just occupied with something else.  Yes to tell you the truth I have been occupied lately.  I have been in training mode again getting ready for a 5 K I'm participating in on the 24th, and of course working on my own book.  But yes I always make a point to read a chapter a day and that's usually to help me fall asleep at night or when mom, mark, and I are just chilling.  Well anyway here are the overview I promised.
                                        Overview
                                         Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride The young amishwoman is a closet writer whose stories aren't her only secret.
Eben Troyer hopes to make Joanna his bride, if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana Indiana.  Yet Eben's hopes to build a life with Joanna hinge on his brother's return from the English world...
                                      My thoughts 
                                       I Absolutely loved the characters in this book!  Joanna reminded me so much of myself as in a couple different ways.  I have been a bridesmaid a couple times but never the bride and another thing that I had in common was that I love to write.  :)      I also loved the fact that Beverly Lewis told it from Eban's point of view as well so it wasn't all about Joanna. 
                                        My novel update 
                                         Chapter 6 page 16.  I am typing it out on a laptop.  :)
                                          Well better get going, lots to do.  :) 
               














  

Reunited with the Miklandlandric' family

         Well as many of you know from a recent Facebook post my dad's brother in Youngstown passed away so yes that would mean my uncle.  Don't worry he's not my only uncle on my dad's side.  He has three other siblings and my dad is the youngest, yes the the little baby lol.  Well anyway today was the day that James, Nate, and I got into the car to head into Youngstown for the funeral service.  I don't know how they were feeling but as I was getting ready my heart thumped at thought of seeing my relatives at dad's side.  We got to the church around ten and I was immediately was greeted by my cousin Leslie.  She looked well and it seemed like only yesterday I was in her wedding. :-)
             Yes I was also greeted by her brother Billy.  He looked the same as the last time I'd seen him. :-). Not to say that I wasn't excited to see them but I was so eager to say hi to their parents uncle Bill and aunt Sandra.  Aunt Sandra said I looked good.  Which surprised me.  :-). I don't know why but I just feel that I am always being judged as far as my weight, height, and body figure by certain members of the family and it gives me a boost of confidence when someone says "you look good," but than I am sure it does everyone.  Ok enough about that, I said hi to uncle Bill next.  As we hugged he smothered each cheek with three kisses.  I was instantly transferred back into childhood for he used to do the same thing when I was little.
                       It was like neither of us wanted to let go.  My uncle John and aunt carol were next to greet.  They basically said I looked good and that they were glad I still keep in touch with their daughter Johnna.   Our aunt Cathy had the flu and couldn't make it to the service but showed up at uncle Bill's for the meal afterward.  Yes dad was there as well as many others.
                           The funeral was short And sweet and yes afterwards we went to uncle Bill's for lunch.  It was nice to see everyone from dad's side of the family and aunt Sandra said it's a shame it takes a funeral to bring everyone together. Well better get going.  Night :-)

Sunny Easter!

           Boy it feels so good to back to my blogging!  For those that constantly read my blog were probably asking yourself questions such as where is she? Is she traveling again? But than again probably most of you probably knew that I wasn't.  Another question you were probably wondering if I was going to continue to blog.  Yes the idea came up in my mind just to shut the blog down since I do Facebook and Instagram but than I just thought hey I got many followers who like to read my posts so heck keep up with it.
                 Anyway the reason why I haven't been blogging is because I decided to give it up for lent.  I thought hey things are kind of slow, the weather was still icky, and yes it's not like I don't have Facebook or Instagram. If you asked if it was difficult at the end.  I had some couple ideas that I could have written as blog posts but I wanted to trually sacrifice something for lent.  I did give up Facebook last year and would have succeed if it wasn't for a guy trying to get a hold of my former friend.  But anyway I have succeed and I am so proud!  Yahoo! :-)
               Easter was fun.  I had spent the day with dad attending mass with him and we were joined by James and Nate along with Hailee and Carson for a wonderful dinner which consists of prime rib, garlic bread, cauliflower in a cheese sauce, and garlic mashed potatoes and yes a little wine.  No we didn't do any Easter egg hunts lol we are a little old for that but the day was filled with laughter, photo taking, eating, and soaking up a little sun.  :-). Well better get going.  Don't worry there's more posts coming your way so don't fret.  There's fun things coming this week.  :-)

Book overview (Katie's Journey to love)

                           Yes that's right it's time for another book overview.  The last time I did a book overview I was reading The pretty Little liars series and it was during Thanksgiving weekend when we were in South Carolina if I am not mistaking.  After that I was desperate to read The Game Of Thrones series because Carson had received the Season 1of the series on DVD and everyone was watching it.  Carson was very kind to lend me the first book and yes I was reading I was reading I was suddenly in the mood for another genera and I resumed an Amish book that I'd purchased and was reading in Florida last April.
                                          Book overview 
                                           Katie thought her mamm (mom) would never marry again.  Not with her reputation in the Amish community as strange.  Nor did Katie ever imagine she that she could become the object of Ben Stoll's attention.  After all he is the most popular boy around...and she is just Emma Raber's daughter doomed to always be an outsider to the other Amish youth in the community.  But when mamm married Jesse Mast and Katie finds herself riding in Ben's buggy surly everything seems possible including perhaps marriage.
                                            Than Katie receives an unexpected invitation to travel to Europe to visit the birthplace of her Amish faith and even more unexpectedly the finances for the trip are handed to her in a plain envelope from an anonymous donor.  Katie can't believe how blessed she is.  But how will she make sense of her world when it comes crashing down in the aftermath of the worse betrayal she can imagine?  Will DA HAH (The Lord) get her through this?
                                               Thoughts
                                                I greatly enjoyed this book.  This was the very first Amish book that I had read that wasn't written by Beverly Lewis.  My usual author I choose when I want an Amish story.  His style is really nice and he writes as if you are speaking their language so sometimes you have to try to figure out what they are saying but it's not that hard too.   when I saw this book at the book store I thought it was going to be the typical love story girl meets boy, they court and they get engaged and end up telling their families at the end but when I glanced at the back I was wrong.  You get to find out how the Amish travel long distances and if they communicate with the Mennonites or not and yes there is some sibling rivilary involved since Katie inherited a step sister.  I would recommend this to any one who is a fan of Christian fiction or Amish fiction.  

A Valentine's wedding!

            Well as you all know yesterday was Valentine's day and As you can tell by the post there was a wedding involved.  In a way it brought back memories the last time I attended a Valentine's day wedding it was for my cousin Billy when he married his wife Amy and I was in eighth grade.  It was a gorgeous wedding and I was a reader and the bridesmaid's gowns were a gorgeous pink.  Well anyway last night my cousin Dominc's wedding was just as much fun to see everyone walk down the aisle and to be able to enjoy yourself as a guest.  Anyway the bridesmaids wore long red strapless sweetheart neckline dresses and carried white flowers that resembled lace.   The ceremony was a tradional catholic ceremony.
                       As  we walked across the street to attend the reception the place was filled with home made cookies, and desserts all home made along with appetizers.  They had everything as far as a wedding, the first dance, the tossing of the bouquet and of the garter, and they also had all the married couples dance and slowly exit depending on how long they have been married.  Uncle Bob and aunt sue won.  They have been married 65 years.  :-) Yes we stayed till the end and it was a blast.  We got home around midnight maybe later.  If you asked if I got anything for Valentine's day I did.  Of course I got cards but I also got pajama pants along with a top.  Yes as many of you very well know I made Krispy peanut butter balls for Mark and mom and gave them them on the day before since everyone was in the spirit of giving.  :-). Well better get going till next time have a good day.

Two full years of blogging

       Actually I am a a day late on this post.  The other day as I was looking over my blog archive  I noticed that Febuary 8th two years ago was the day that Heather's corner was created.  I had in my mind to write to you on that day and give you a little reintroduction of myself the same as I did last year as far as my favorite TV shows, books, and what I have learned this year and how I really feel about blogging these last two years.  Ok well I will start with my update on my interests as far as TV shows.
On ABC family I enjoy watching: The Foster's
                                                        Switched At birth
                                                        Pretty Little Liars
                                                        Twisted (along with family movies on the weekend)

On :ABC (the regular channel)        Once upon a time
                                                         Once upon a time in wonderland
 On Nbc The Biggest loser
               The voice
             
LifeTime: Project Runway
                 Project runway all stars
                 Under the Gunn

Fox: Master chef

TLC: The Little couple
          19 kids and counting

INSP: Dr quinn Medcine woman

UP (uplifting channel) Heartland

Yes if you are wondering I still do Love Little House house on the Prairie and still watch episodes every day but I do not watch it on TV unless absolutely necessarily because I have all the seasons on DVD.
If you want to know what I have learned this year it's about friendship.  I have learned that  your true friends will support you and what ever your passion might be and mine is writing.  Thank you for those who trually support my love of writing especially my best friend Jess who inspired me to create this blog in the first place and always asks me how my book is going.  Thank you Jess for sticking by me through the good and bad.  Many people who know us well can tell we are best friends because we smile at the exact same time, dress the same color and giggle without thinking.
         Yes I am still reading.  I am reading The Game of Thrones series and for those who have read the books know those are huge books and even though I love to read I am not the fastest.  That's why you haven't seen a book overview lately and I am sure that is frustrating to some of you because that's when I would update you on the novel I am working on as well.  On my novel I am on page 29 and about to write chapter 6.  A little writer's block is setting in but I will overcome it soon.  Well better go.  Hope you enjoyed reading my blog since It has been created.  More posts are to come heck I am only 26 right?  :-). Bye.

Cleveland clinic update,trying a new approach to water

            Well the last time I posted on here I must admit I was bit of a nervous wreck.  I was on my way to The Cleveland Clinic, was concerned that I was going to have fill out that stupid survey of questions, but to my surprise no I didn't.  When they literally just called my name to just verify medications I am on and they didn't give me the hand held computer I literally wanted to jump up and down and yell "YAHOOO!" but of course I didn't take it that far LOL.  I gave myself a little silent round of applause and opened my book to read.  But to both my mom and my surprise it didn't that long to get me prepared to see the Dr.  He walked in in no time just as I opened my book where both he and mom laughed because they could both tell I was in the middle of a good part and he could tell I wanted to continue.  Mom just laughed and said So much for reading.." 
                      He says I am doing well.  I am not cured but my seizures are under control.  He says I it is safe to be on medication for the time being because my EEG results show some abnormal activity that could trigger a seizure if I went without medication for an extended period such as a month.  But like I keep telling people it is only three little pills at bed time and that's better than taking 5 pills three times a day and not hardly helping so don't feel sorry for me.  Well anyway he basically advised me to drink water because the medication can lead to kidney stones.  So anyway I have been drinking water with the Dasiani flavor drops but I am looking for a natural way without the artificial stuff like asperame.     If anyone has any suggestions let me know thank you.  Bye.

It's that time again

        Well it's that time again.  Mom has taken off work to take me up to Cleveland for my Cleveland Clinic  appointment and here I am just dreading it.  Many people don't understand why I dread it so much because I have been doing well.  Four years without any seizures and I am just going for my check up with my Dr which I do like.  He's caring and really listens to what you have to say.  I think the reason why I dread is so much is because as you are waiting they give you a questionire to fill out and it contains a lot of lengthy and intense questions like,
        Rate from 1 to 10 how often do you think about sucide?  Each number has an answer
         Some of the questions I do understand why they put on there but a few in my opinion are too personal in my opinion.  It's like who reads this stuff?  That is probably what I hate about it the most and of course being weighed.  But I know I am not alone on that lol.  My dr will check my prefial vision and will ask me to walk and asks if we need anything and writes the refills on prescriptions and says I am free to go till next year.  :-) But mom says I should be excited about going and I must admit I am not!  When I see the building it brings up the dark memories as well as the good. Well better go.  I'll keep you updated on Facebook

Hoilday questions and answers

               If you an avid follower of mine you are probably asking yourself Where is she? When is she going to post again?  I know, I know I haven't been posting a lot lately.  As you know the holidays seemed to come in a rush since Thanksgiving came so late this year.  As many of you know I spent extended time with uncle Rick in South Carolina during our time in Thanksgiving.  You probably really don't need many updates about that it was just a repeat of what I did last year .  I cooked a meal for them, we shopped, and we went to go see a movie.  I would say the only thing that was different was that I got to meet Judy's family in Charleston.
                      But anyway you are probably wondering how my Christmas and birthday was along with my New Years and a few other things you are probably wondering about so I will get to them now.
                                Did I have a good birthday and how did we celebrate?
                               I had a very good birthday.  As usual we celebrated it with my mom at our house. My grandparents came over along with uncle  Craig and aunt Lisa and yes we had a smaller crowd than we've had in the past but we still had fun.  We had beef Wilington and my home made ice cream cake for dessert.  As far as gifts I got cozy socks along with a bag of chocolates from aunt Lisa and uncle Craig, a pandora charm from grandma and grandpa, and a sweater from mom and Mark along with another charm.
                                    How did we celebrate Christmas and what gifts did I receive?
                                      James, Nate, and I spent Christmas Day with dad.  I got dropped off a little early by James and Carson on their way to visit Carson's family.  Dad and I just talked as he was preparing our Christmas meal.  It was nice having alone time with dad after not seeing him in awhile. We were joined by Nate, Hailee, James, and Carson a bit later and we all had fun watching dad be his funny self while he opened his Christmas gift which was a new grittle.  After awhile of talking and joking around Hailee and Nate dropped me off at grandma's so that I could say hi to uncle Roger and his family.  If you want to know what I received for Christmas I got clothes, a pair of riding boots, and chubby sticks which of course are lip sticks, and gift cards, money, and a couple other things.
                                      How did I spend my New Year's?
                                        New Year's Day was quiet and relaxing.  It was just a day to vegetate after all that went on with all the events that we had going on.  New Year's Eve was when we partied.  We went to Rachel's house and celebrated with them.  We played pictionary and a couple other games and watched the ball drop so yes that means we stayed up to greet the new year.  :-). So yes we deserved a day to vegetate New Year's Day.
                                           What is my New Year's resolution
                                                   I don't like to make a resolution like lose weight because I know I will just dwell on it and dwelling on it doesn't help me the way it might help others.  So I don't like to think of the typical ones such as that but that doesn't mean I don't have one.  I set myself a goal to write at least 75-125 on my.book by January 1st next year.  Wish me luck.  Well better go.  I am going to get cleaned up and get to work on the book. Till next time have a good day.