It's that Time of the Year

We are busy here doing end of year stuff...or I should be busy doing end of year stuff...but I am putting it off!

Always it seems this time of year...you look back and whether it's your finances or your personal life...you review...What would you do differently?...What worked? What didn't work so well? Anyone else working on New Year's Resolutions or Goals as others have put it? I have a bucket list I am reviewing and seeing if it's still what I'd like to do before y'know...

I was wondering who is going to BlogHer in July in Chicago. It sounds like a lot of fun...but I know a few who can't come because of finances...it is pricey! If I would put together a cruise for a long weekend...say in March 2009...going out of Tampa...Would anyone be interested? We would call it a Bloggy Cruise...for networking...if you have a business...that is an expense!!!

Maybe...just a long weekend at a nice hotel in Tampa...

This blog of mine has really been the surprise of my life...I started it without a thought on my 50th birthday...thinking it was just for me and I never realized how many people...great people I would come to know...it is fun and it's hard to believe it has only been 7 months!

Thanks, everyone for making it so much fun..there are so many talented people out there and you really do make a difference in my life!

Happy Birthday Dad!!! Big Seven O

The picture on the top is James Garner, who is not my father...however I once heard him on the Tonight Show talking about politics and his opinions were more in line with my thinking than my real Dad's ( He is there with the pretty lady on the right, that's my Mom) They have been married over 50 years, which is good because I am 50. Anyway... after seeing Mr. Garner on TV, I called my Dad on the phone and told him that I knew I was adopted and that James Garner was my real Dad because our politics were the same. My Dad from that day forward would let me know whenever my "real Daddy" was on TV. My Dad is as handsome as James Garner but James Garner knows politics!

My Dad turns 70 today and he is a great Dad, grandfather and I am pretty sure my Mom would say a good Hubby! We all love him...and none of us would know what to do without him...really!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

James Garner...Oh be still my heart!

Meeting him is on my bucket list because... it would seem all my life, I have had a huge crush on this man. I know he is 80 now and recently had some very real health issues so it is doubtful I will ever meet him but I am happy just to be his fan!

How cute is he?

Kick the bucket list...started Monday

X 1. Get a tattoo

X 2. Start a blog

3. Visit England,Ireland, Scotland, France and Spain with my husband

4. Go North to Alaska for a visit

5. Build our home in Virginia

6. Love my husband for all of my life.

7. Be a better grandmother than I was mother.

8. Learn to speak Spanish

9. Take an art class.

10. Meet James Garner

11. Be debt free.

12. Always let my family and friends know how much I love them.

Thelma and Louise's Daughter's Big Adventure!

He did a great job! I just was a very big baby.

So, Monday, got a tattoo.

Sometimes, reality doesn't just "bite" it hurts big time.

First, I am glad I have it, second I do not understand why anyone would ever get a second tattoo!

My Mother (keep in mind, I am 50) said "This is the dumbest thing you have ever done"...Wow, is she forgetting some pretty big events in my life. Apparently, I have lived them down! Maybe, I just erased them with this current event. She also said there would not be a mother-daughter bonding between she and I similar to my daughter's and mine, because as she reiterated ..."This is so dumb, Ronda" and, it might have been...I look at the pictures and have to say my idea of what I was doing and the reality of what occurred doesn't mesh well. I made less a fuss giving birth to three children without pain medication than this tattoo. Let's just say I behaved poorly and I don't think I am allowed back into the tattoo parlor. The only daughter is showing off the red marks on her poor hand! I don't even remember squeezing it! In addition, my colorful language was so bad she was pleading with me "Mama, No!" Not the religious experience I thought I would be having! It reminded me literally of Peter denying Christ while the rooster crowed. I honestly thought I would pray and breathe quietly through this experience. Some guy next to me got a tattoo of a very colorful "whatever"and sat through smiling while I screamed like a banshee! The experience wasn't what I had planned...Life is seldom what we plan...but look at my daughter! I had the best time with her...albeit a little painful and that is a gift from God!

Note: After the swelling goes down...I'll take a picture of the tattoo.