As a woman more heavily endowed, I knew the day would come when these ladies would cause problems.
The day arrived.
I am in pain...hurting...and seven weeks to Vietnam.
So, I am going into action: Get fitted again. Consider breast reduction surgery.
I will not let these ladies ruin my trip.
So, I'll do what is necessary to get by.
And when I get back, ACTION!
2022 went out with a bang -- a bad bang. Susan Peters died and, despite holding on for a week, Steve Strode succumbed to his injuries.
So, I begin 2023 sad -- but hopeful it will be better.
I left Gerald behind in 2022. He sent a little note and I reflected on his occasional shabby treatment and decided not to resume the "conversation."
THe exciting news is that I'm going to Vietnam. Gathering all of my coins so I can make this awesome adventure. Plus, I have to build up my physical reserves so I can make the trip. Going in style...Business Class. I get tired of arriving exhausted because of crying babies, coughing seat mates and shabby service.
So, I'm paying BIG but going in style!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
In the last week, I've had a good friend to die and another is on life support.
Susan Peters was a walking light. She glowed. People were drawn to her. And she was love personified.
She died suddenly in an automobile accident. Suddenly, her life was snuffed away. This beautiful person..
And then there's Steve Strode. A beautiful, kind person who is clinging to life after a case of road rage. He was beaten to a pulp and prayer warriors are surrounding him...hoping he'll make it.
Father God, welcome Susan to heaven with harps. She is a beautiful person who will be a great addition to your orbit of angels.
And pray that Steve pulls through. He is an angel on earth as he gives so much and cares so much.
Let him wake up and begin the recovery journey while he pray hard....HARD!
In my way, I love them both and lift them both up in prayer.
You simply can't make authentic connections via Facebook, email or even on the phone.
I'd been trying to connect with a media type but she wouldn't return my call. Then, I found out that she was invited to a party of an organization of which I'm a member.
Problem #1: There was no assurance she'd be there.
Problem #2: He was freezing cold out and I lived far from the party site.
Never mind, I thought. I'll take my chances.
So, I braved the cold and drove in the dark to an uncertain outcome.
But everything was working:
SHE WAS THERE! I scampered up to her, introduced myself and engaged in brief banter.
PLUS! I met several others I craved to introduce myself to.
As soon as I got home, I sent out "It was nice meeting you" emails to each. Of the five I emailed, I got kind responses from three...including the contact I wanted to meet.
So, the human contact is key - ALWAYS!
Mass shootings....Anti-semitics on the rise...a pervasive atmosphere of conflict and hate.
This is the situation in the world today.
And yet Christmas and the season are still on the calendar.
As we are steeped in the horrendous news, let's rise above this and
be joyous
celebratory
and LOVING!
During my formative years. the Vietnam war dominated the news. I met a guy who was a Brigadier General who served in Vietnam and had vivid memories of two friends who served there and were never the same.
So, I've had a fixation about it. I''ve always been intrigued and always wanted to go.
Recently, a travel agency advertised a trip to Vietnam at a can't-resist price. So, I've decided to go -- with one exception! I'm not going to endure the dread of going on a super economy flight. With the crying babies, the coughers and the uncomfortable seats, I decided to zap the flight portion of the package.
So, I'm going Business Class!
Yea...it's more expensive but I get great treatment, I can roust about in the space reserved for the special people.
So, this is a GO!
I'm going to Vietnam!
We're in the final stretch of the year and I'm making the announcement:
I'M SHUTTING DOWN 2022!
I'm saying NO to new assignments.
I'm saying NO to requests for favors that are really work related!
I'm saying NO to working on any end-of-year committees.
I'm saying YES to vacations, YES to leisure and YES to ME!
