Something, Something, Something

Really, there are no words today.  Lots of feelings, but no words.

Maybe tomorrow.

Tick Tock

Well, it is no surprise that I am running behind on everything... again.  December 2nd and my personal challenge of trying to get to bed by midnight is not happening.  Turning in after 2 am this morning was especially bad when persistent cough that's lingered from last month kept me up past 4 am.  I had to be up to make sandwiches at 6:30!  I was, however, surprised that I was not at all drowsy while doing morning family taxiing to jobs and school; even more surprising was that I didn't snuggle right back into bed immediately following feeding the dogs after arriving back at The Place.  I did eventually crash, but made sure to set phone alarm to go off a couple hours before I had to head out for school and job pick ups.  I somehow managed to be a few minutes late picking everyone up, but everyone else was running a bit behind too, so that was all good.

We were greeted this morning with gray, rain filled clouds... my favorite.  The cooler temps were quite refreshing and a welcome change.  There wasn't much rainfall, at least while I was out driving.  Rain or not, I did enjoy being out and had fun browsing holiday goods at Cost Plus World Market.  I'm hoping I'll have the chance to do a bit more shopping there for holiday treats.  Although, it is not my kitchen, I would love to buy some holiday tea towels; the ones I saw at the store where very nice.  I still get a little bummed that all my kitchen stuff is still in storage in Colorado.  I'll probably be back to the store tomorrow.  I'm grateful for this second straight Christmas season of steady income and we are hopeful that budget will allow for nice little gifts for everyone.  We'll just have to see.  I am happy that we are able to send College Girl a "finals survival goody package," and will also be sending a bunch of small gifts for her close friends and suite-mates.  It will be very nice having her visit for winter break from school.

There's a lot to look forward to; this week's focus is Sketch Girl's 18th birthday - she made three huge batches of homemade cookies to take to school and share with friends.  She's done this often over the years.  It's her special way of observing her special day,  I'm relived that we've had another year of being able to give the kids more than a few movie size boxes of candy, a couple of $10.00 gift cards and a small Carvel ice cream cake (a family tradition) for birthdays.  It's a nice change after going so long without.  I still have to recognize the fact that this is our "new normal" and have to keep reminding myself that less-is-more can be a good thing.

See, there is so much to look forward to and I'm so excited about the season.  Christmas music has been playing in our vehicle for three weeks now.  What are you excited about this season or closing out 2014?

I'm Gonna Wash Last Month Right Outta My Hair

First things first:  Embrace a fresh start.

~JOY~

Welcome, December!

Wait... before heading into this favorite time of the year for many, I must look back, acknowledge, and give thanks that November 2014 ended on an up note and I've arrived safe, sound and eager to make the best of the last month of 2014.

November 2014 according to my Twitter feed:

Lillian Carilo‏@lcarilo

November In A Nutshell Saga: Nov 1, another student tuition loan payment due.

4:14M - 28 Nov 2014

And paid... thankful.

 Lillian Carilo @lcarilo · Nov 28

November In A Nutshell Saga: Week 1 - Engine & stablitrak dashboard lights on. Also, breaks. Master cylinder repairs $$$; other stuff on hold

 Lillian Carilo @lcarilo · Nov 28
November In A Nutshell Saga: Week 2 - 20 y/o crap refrigerator at The Place dies; wait for homeowner's ok to replace. Borrowed $ @Frigidaire

 Lillian Carilo @lcarilo · Nov 28
November In A Nutshell Saga: Week 3 -"Kindly" neighbor stops by, introduces self then informs, raccoon "living" in "our" yard killed their koi

 Lillian Carilo @lcarilo · Nov 28
November In A Nutshell Saga: Week 3 pt 2 - "Kindly" neighbor to me: Get a hold of homeowner; let her know about raccoon & animal svc issue

 Lillian Carilo @lcarilo · Nov 28
November In A Nutshell Saga: Week 3 pt 3 to 6 - 7! parties involved in raccoon debacle; me, the moron, was just the messenger. *sigh*

 Lillian Carilo @lcarilo · Nov 28
November In A Nutshell Saga: Week 3 pt 7 -There was ZERO evidence of any raccoon.I'm not f*cking Dr. Doolittle, nor did I lure wild creature

 Lillian Carilo @lcarilo · Nov 28
November In A Nutshell Saga: Week 3 pt 8 - Severe week-long head&chest cold.Thank you @Kleenex, baby Vicks VapoRub, @AdvilRelief & @DietCoke

 Lillian Carilo @lcarilo · Nov 28
November In A Nutshell Saga: Week 4 - THANKSGIVING WEEK!! Smooth sailing; fave market list of the year, family, food, & more food.#GoodTimes

 Lillian Carilo @lcarilo · Nov 28
November In A Nutshell Saga:This month's world & national events have not gone unnoticed;of course, I have my opinions, concerns; compassion

As I bid adieu to November 2014, my persistent hopes are for strength,

understanding, empathy, but mostly, PEACE.

*****

This month A HOW-TO GUIDE will have surpassed 14,900 visits.  Grateful for readers from every corner of the world who have stopped by for a spell; thankful for return visitors and for those who have taken the time to leave comments.