Remodeling This Life

My maternal grandmother had a stroke in October. She wasn’t supposed to survive more than 24 hours it was so severe. She couldn’t speak, move her arms, feed herself, recognize faces. She couldn’t do much of anything.

Now…just over two months later…she can play a hand of Bridge and win, hold a telephone conversation, recognize people at her church (yes, she’s up to going to church!), identify people in old photo albums. Best of all, she can write!

I got a handwritten, love-filled Christmas card from my Grandma this year. Money can’t buy that kind of perfection, that kind of miracle, or that kind of love. The best gifts of all are the ones money can’t buy.

Aren’t they cute? The view isn’t too shabby either. That pretty much sums up last week. It was surely a fun time. We spent a glorious week in Colorado, relaxing with family, enjoying a change of scenery and celebrating the holidays with loved ones. And we’ve been home a few days during which I’ve attempted to get our home ready for hosting Christmas Part Two with my family today. Not only did that go really well, but it was very special to me this year to be hosting my parents (aka two people who refused to come too close to my house this time last year it was so, um, uncomfortable). They came and ooohed and ahhhed over some of the new stuff we’ve done the past few days like some more window trim, wood blinds, and a few other finishing touches throughout. It means a lot to me that we’ve come so far in so many respects in just one year.

On with the linkage…

Lynnae at Being Frugal writes here about what she wants most of all . It’s a beautiful sentiment and something I think everyone should do NOW. Really get to the core of who you are and what you want. Time’s a wasting and life is flying by.

Cottage Magpie held a pillow giveaway last week. She did a fabulous job and try as I might, I failed to be a lucky winner. I really wanted that red toile pillow *shucks*.

Renae at Life Nurturing Education wrote this beautiful piece about lasting value Very heartwarming.

Okay so I read a lot of other interesting stuff this week too at some of my favorite blog stops but I’m tired, I have a house to clean, and kids who want to show me how cool all of their new toys are. AND the Niners are on TV. That never happens!
Happy New Year!

Hubby got this book for Christmas. The Underachiever’s Manifesto . Aside from the fact that it came from his holier-than-thou little sister and hubby is still trying to not be offended, it’s a really great read. It puts things in perspective very quickly. Shoots down ideas like having to keep up with everyone else, and points out the bitter reality that we’re all just one person and whether or not you make $30K or $60K or $200K doesn’t matter to anyone but about 3 people in this world of billions - many of whom are starving.

A few favorite quotes from the book

• “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing half-assed
• “Good enough is good enough”
• “If there isn’t at least one person in your life who thinks you’re living below your potential, then you’ve got work to do”

The book encourages living life the way you want to, because life is short and the things many people worry about just don’t matter. Spend more time with family, relax more, leave the office at 5, take a nap, go on vacation. Because working too hard and killing yourself to make more money or win at everything and impress people comes at quite a cost to many - health issues, alcohol consumption, increased stress levels, failed personal relationships, and the list goes on…

Pick it up and read it! You may see yourself in it and make a change or you may have your current way of living validated. Either way, it’s funny!

Thank you to everyone who visits here! I’m wishing you all a warm and wonderful holiday!

Well, I’m away on vacation as you’re reading this. I’ve scheduled posts to run a few days this week. I’ve also written a guest post for PaidTwice that you can see at www.paidtwice.com today! While you’re there reading about my awful credit card habits, poke around the rest of her site. She’s honest, down to earth, witty, and fabulous. Her journey out of debt is inspiring!