HAPPY NEW YEAR

RESOLUTIONS- The magazines, web, newspaper,and radio all have info on resolutions for the New Year.  They all warn against setting unrealistic goals (I'm going to loose 50#, yea right!- they say it is better to set a goal of I'm going to loose 10# and then when that goal is reached set it for another 10# etc).  I don't make resolutions generally except one that I have yet to meet for my business of getting better organized with receipts, etc so I'm not scrambling at the end of the year to find receipts and get them in the ledger (yes I do it on paper, that's not going to change).  This year I've done better than last year and most if not all of my receipts and info I need is in one file folder/box. I still have to put the info in the right colums of the ledger but that's not as stressful as looking all over the house for a receipt that I know I got for something I bought. I do hope for everyone good health for the New Year.  It would be great if we had less natural disasters this coming year too.  So many areas of our country and the world were affected.  It often takes years  to recover from the devistation that takes only moments to happen.  So stay safe and healthy this New Year.   

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christmas with family- good food and good times.  My nephew is in the army and stationed in South Korea but we were all able to say Merry Christmas to him via Skype even tho it was the middle of the night for him (of course we are worh him loosing a little sleep over!).  I made everyone Grandmas coffeecake and delivered it to the various households when I got into town last night  so they could have it on Christmas morning just like we used to.   The thing with family is that they don't forget- they like to remind you of the time you did this or that (some things are best forgotten but are still brought up often at family gatherings),  Family also remembers the good times.  There is always a lot of joking and kidding at our get togethers. Tomorrow morning I am spending with my 2 brothers and tomorrow night is girls night- we'll all get together and go out to eat and to a movie.  I don't get "back home" as often as I once did so I treasure the time I get to spend with my family.

CHICAGO,CHICAGO

Had a great time in Chicago. Took train from Grand Rapids Thur am.,checked into hotel early as our room was ready( stayed at Hilton Garden Inn, a very nice place that we really like), ate a delicious lunch at the Weber Grill (located in hotel), and then walked to the Merchandise Mart where the One Of A Kind Show was held. The weather was clear and warm (for Dec in Chi ) and not too windy.  There were a lot of new exhibitors at the show or maybe just new articles.  As you can see from above picture I bought a clock for living room wall that can be hung either vertical or horizontal.  I wasn't even looking for a clock but I really liked it and a number of years ago I saw another clock that moved and just didn't have the money for it and don't know where I put or even if I got a business card and they have never exhibited there again so bought this one with not a lot of pondering. I bought it from Twisted Dimensions Art.  It was a bit bulky to carry arround on Fri. tho until we stopped at a store on the Magnificent Mile (Arts and Artisans) and they gave me an oversize bag which made carrying the clock so much easier.  This store carried the work of wonderful artisans- everything was beautifully crafted. You would have thought that 5 hours of walking the show Thur. and all the tempting items I saw would have been enough but no, in I go.   I seriously considered a beautiful coat that was fitted and looked great on but decided that I really want to loose weight and one big purchase was probably enough, but I kept there business card and will stop back there next Dec. for sure unless I get to Chi. before that.  Macy's window this year is Believe and the Make a Wish Foundation is the  recipient of money from % of sales of certain Christmas ornaments and other items. Saw an article on Yahoo that listed the top corporations/businesses that give to charity and Macys was one of those listed.  Overall a wonderful time- both Kathy and I found things to buy for us and/or presents.