It is the auspicious last "Coconut Friday" of 2010...but this blog is going to sound more like a "Saturday's Randomness," after having been on an extended blogging vacation. I fell off the connectedness map, to tell the truth, and it was much, much, much needed. In 7 days virtually computer free, by choice, my mind quieted, I enjoyed my family, I slept, I talked, I read, I celebrated, I did whatever it was I wanted, no restraints, no alarms, no obligations, no lists...pure BLISS.

December 23rd brought a full day of 4th graders and pre Christmas excitement.
The 24th was a busy day, preparing as a family, and even making Shepard's Pie for dinner...for the shepards, ya know...might become a new Howell family tradition, time will tell.
Then the 25th and 26th were wonderful Christmas Days, with my family, and then Tim's.
The 27th and 28th brought the inevitable crash of jammie days.
Still, the 29th and 30th ushered in the reconnection with Tim's and my "fabulous date night," Mom's and my "great shopping day," and lunch date, and also, of course, Katie's birthday, repleat with Indian food galore, which I discovered that I LOVE! (learned that I like good scotch over break too, but that story may be for another day:)

Phew! Makes me tired just looking at it! And life is constantly like that around here...there are few days these days that aren't chock full of something, but, once December 25th was over, I felt free of any and all obligation for a little while, blog included. This blog is a committment to ME to write everyday, and has been in the back of my mind each and every day since March 2nd, but as the project comes to a close, I can see it winding down. I enjoy, even crave, some time away from it, but know I will come back. It has become a good habit. I have learned that I can committ to something, and keep at it, with self discipline and self discipline alone. I have learned that sometimes I have a lot to say, sometimes a little. I have created a snapshot of my 40th year, for myself, and for my kids, someday, to know who their crazy mother was at this time in her life.

Most of all, I have done for myself, perhaps, what I most wanted to do in the first place. I have proven to myself, that I truly am a writer.

With that said, welcome 2011. My 40th birthday is on the horizon, and I am looking forward to its promise of a new phase in my life. I am anxious, and excited, to start anew.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Too much to do, too little time! No matter how I schedule/manage/try to outsmart Christmas it always gets me! I don't know what I am doing wrong. Still have a full day of teaching ahead of me tomorrow, though, so I guess the wise strategy would be to take one hurdle at a time. Also, the surrender is necessary. Christmas is gonna be here on the 25th no matter what, so I guess I'd best 1. Get off my blog and FB 2. Get on with what I need to do 3. ENJOY the ride!

Dear Santa,
I know it is a little late in the game, but if I could put in a last minute Christmas request that would just be great. I thought I wanted the Barbie doll with a video camera in her neck, and an LCD screen on her back, but I was mistaken. I now know that I desperately want "Sweet Talking Ken." He is amazing! I can talk into him, and he will say back, in his own non threatening semi masculine voice, exactly what I want him to say! What more could I ask for in a toy? Just so you know my intentions are pure, I will explain to you the top 5 things I plan to record into my Ken doll on Christmas morning...

"I think you look exactly like Elle MacPhereson, in particular back in her Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition hayday."
"Let's go to Paris, tonight."
"Dinner? Why I already planned, shopped for, made it, and will be serving it to you, tonight."
"I cleaned the whole house and did all the laundry. I even sorted the delicates"
"I love a good chick flick."

I do worry a bit about the young girls that will receive this as a gift this Christmas. It certainly could set up some high expectations. Then again, maybe I should worry about all the young boys that will never be able to meet said expectations. But for a girl about to turn 40, it's a hell of a laugh!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Santa,
Cheryl

It was so nice to have a husband with a birthday tonight. Tim voted on dinner out at Red Sun in Oswego for his 41st, so we drove in, with Gwynn in the back seat singing, "I'm in the mood for wood grilled food!" Too funny! Delicious wood grilled pizza was had by all, and brownies at home for dessert. Happy Birthday Tim, and thank you for traversing 40 before me...clearing the path so to speak...being my guide. Just as a side note, though, do remember, I am still in my 30's, at least for another couple of months! HA!

Phew! Another whirlwind of a weekend blows by us! Had a great one, though. Friday night we went out to dinner with Devin and relaxed at home, but Gwynn was at Emma's 10th birthday sleepover...the first of the girls to turn ten. Wow! As my strangely perceptive daughter has shared with me though, "Once you HIT double digits, you generally DIE when you are a double digit, so maybe this is not good." The girl has a point.
Then Saturday morning got us down to Lansing, and we tooled around and did some last minute shopping, then got all gussied up to go to the 60th Annual Howell Family Christmas party. Wonderful company, food, and champagne a plenty. A good time was had by all.
Finally, today, we did some celebrating for Tim's 41st birthday tomorrow.
It was a busy one, but the blessings that abound in our lives were very apparent as well. I am so fortunate, and thankful.
May the busy week before Christmas begin.

"Coconut Friday"
Mostly a good day, and it is a full week over, leading into a "just have to get through it" kind of 4 day week, and then the HOLIDAYS! I can't wait! I suppose the irony of this particular coconut Friday, is that I spent a part of it assembling my sister in law's Christmas gift, hoping it will bring her coconut Fridays of her own. May the coconut be with you...kick back, relax, and have a wonderful Friday, and weekend.

The hamster wheel is spinning again. Not only was it my first day back to work post vein surgery, but it was also my student teacher's last day. Then it was home, only to run out again and go to Devin's Concert Band and Jazz Band performances. Mom and Dad came up for the concert, so afterwards it was back to the house for Geena's gingerbread, ice cream, and accolades. Then, after tucking kids in bed, I still had to complete Shutterfly calendars to get the free shipping that ends today. Phew! Good thing Tim had uploaded pictures a while ago, and Gwynn helped out in the making of the calendars today after school. Teamwork. That's what makes our crazy, busy life possible I guess. I do have to say, that I chose the particular hamster image you see tonight because it looked like my Russian Dwarf hamster, Ursula, may she rest in peace. She was Tim's and my first pet, procured because we couldn't have dogs or cats in our apartment and I wanted "Something to take care of besides me." Well, I sure do have it now, eh? Be careful what you wish for! HA!