Ann

YOU KNOW CHRISTMAS IS OVER WHEN............

I don't even have to think about the answer to this question, as it would be my BFF Sue. She and I have been through so much, good and bad, happy and sad. She would definitely be the person I would call in most any "help me" situation."

Not that this would ever happen, but let's say you somehow landed yourself in jail. Who would you phone with your one call? ****

I love this game, Becky Snowflake!!!

Garbage Truck Rule One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck." He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile , wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so... "Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't." Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

A wealthy old gentleman decides to go on a hunting safari in Africa, taking his faithful, elderly German Shepherd along for the trip. One day, the old German Shepherd starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he's lost. Wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch. The old German Shepherd thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep doo-doo now!" Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the old German Shepherd exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard! I wonder, if there are any more around here?" Hearing this, the young leopard halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees. "Whew!" says the leopard, "That was close! That old German Shepherd nearly had me!" Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So, off he goes, but the old German Shepherd sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figures that something must be up. The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The young leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!" Now, the old German Shepherd sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do now?," but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old German Shepherd says... "Where's that darn monkey? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another leopard!" Moral of this story... Don't mess with the old dogs... age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery! BS and brilliance only come with age and experience.

Here is something different. Copy and paste then fill in the answers. I did mine first, who is next? Ann A is for age: 54 B is for beer of choice: Miller Chill C is for career you want: Office Administrator - may as well like what I have...lol D is for your dog's name? Tanner E is for essential item you use everyday: Tooth brush F is for favorite TV SHOW: Brothers and Sisters G is for favorite game: Scattergories H is for Home town: Knoxville I is for instruments you play: Clarinet J is for favorite juice: Grape K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: Old boss - Greg L is for last place you ate out: Aloha Diner - Melbourne, FL M is for married: Yes N is for your full name: Ann Dean King-Smith O is for overnight hospital stays: Too many to count P is for people you were with today: Natalie, James, Stacy, Chris Q is for quote: It's Five O'Clock Somewhere R is for Biggest Regret: Not becoming a nurse S is for status: Tired T is for time you woke up today: 6:30 AM U is for underwear you have on now: Too personal.....lol V is for vegetable you love: Broccoli W is for worst habit: Getting too anxious too quickly X is for x-rays you've had: Once again...way too many Y is for yummy food you ate today: Hershey's Hot Cocoa flavored kiss Z is for zodiac sign: Scorpio HAVE FUN!

Name three television commercials (past or present) that you actually like.

((((Nick)))) All those little things that you pass on to your beautiful daughter is what will keep your Mom alive for generations to come. I remember Dennis said to me one day...."every time you think of me, I'll be alive." Every time I think of him, those words come to mind. You know, when we're gone from this phase of life the only thing we have left behind are memories of the little things we say or do and the love we share with others. So ofter, I think of the people in my life that have passed on from this life and I remember some of the quaintest little things they used to say or do and it always seems to make me smile!!!

If A Dog Were Your Teacher If a dog were your teacher you would learn stuff like... - When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. - Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. - Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. - When it's in your best interest -- practice obedience. - Let others know when they've invaded your territory. - Take naps and stretch before rising. - Run, romp, and play daily. - Thrive on attention and let people touch you. - Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do. - On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. - On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree. - When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. - No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends. - Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. - Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. - Be loyal. - Never pretend to be something you're not. - If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. - When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Ginny-Girl..... So glad you're feeling better. I know how hard this must have been for you, as you are always doing so much for others. Hang in there girlfriend!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ahhhhhh...Creme Brulee!!! Randy, you're making me so hungry right now! As a matter of fact, I will be baking some cookies this evening. I got all the gifts made for my co-workers last night so now the baking begins.

How good are you at wrapping presents? Pretty good...just get bored after wrapping a couple and then I get sloppy What type of wrapping paper is your favorite? I love the rolled wrapping paper that has the grids on the back of the paper, as that makes cutting straight lines much easier. Have you ever been to Rockefeller Center to see the tree? No What about Disney World? Yes Any cool family traditions? No...pretty traditional at out house How many people do you buy presents for? 6 family, 3 dogs, 4 cats and the parrot Does your family get a picture taken and send it out in Christmas cards? Not anymore What type of tree topper do you have? A gingerbread couple On a scale of 1-10, how decorated is your house? 8 Would anyone ever call you a grinch? No...not me Do you and your friends do "Secret Santas?" No Do you go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve? Yes What Christmas movie do you watch EVERY YEAR at Christmas Time? A Wonderful Life Would you rather get one big gift or a lot of little gifts? Lots of little ones Whats the first thing you do after all your presents are opened? Take a deep breath before filling the garbage with paper Whats more fun: the days leading up to Christmas, or Christmas itself I used to love the days leading up to Christmas and I really love Christmas Eve. Christmas Day, seems to be so rushed.

How good are you at wrapping presents? What type of wrapping paper is your favorite? Have you ever been to Rockefeller Center to see the tree? What about Disney World? Any cool family traditions? How many people do you buy presents for? Does your family get a picture taken and send it out in Christmas cards? What type of tree topper do you have? On a scale of 1-10, how decorated is your house? Would anyone ever call you a grinch? Do you and your friends do "Secret Santas?" Do you go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve? What Christmas movie do you watch EVERY YEAR at Christmas Time? Would you rather get one big gift or a lot of little gifts? Whats the first thing you do after all your presents are opened? Whats more fun: the days leading up to Christmas, or Christmas itself

Today is National Let's Bake Cookies Day. So...is cookie baking on your list of things to do today???

How about an alphabetical recipe game? Any recipes, like A for Anise Cookies, B for Banana Bread, etc. and then you post the recipe for them here. It keeps going till we finish the alphabet, then we could start over at A. I'll begin: Apple Butter - Crockpot Style Put 3 quarts of apples, sliced thin, in a crock pot and cook overnight on high. Next morning, add 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 3 cups sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cloves. Cook all day on low. Tastes like old-fashioned apple butter that is cooked in copper kettle. You can use applesauce if you do not have time to prepare the apples. The crock pot makes it possible for apples to cook a long time without being stirred.

Geri...so glad you have power!

So glad you finally have power!!! I have been thinking of you and saying prayers.

Very warm day here in central Florida. It's in the upper 70's outside and in the mid 20's inside. Apparently, we have an A?C problem here in the office and are waiting to have it repaired. It's way too hot with the A/C off and the front half of the office is freezing, while the back half is roasting, when the A/C is on. I'm so behind on Christmas planning and doing. I did almost complete my shopping last night and tonight I have to finish making gifts for my co-workers and try and plan my meals for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Of course, nothing in the line of food has been bought yet and I just feel overwhelmed by it all. For the past 6 years, I keep waiting for the Christmas spirit to get here and it just doesn't happen. One reason I'm so very behind is because I can't break away from news about the little Caylee Anthony case that's continually unfolding here in central Florida. My heart just breaks for this little girl. Have any of you been following this? I'm sure Muriel has, as this is very close to her. So...hope everyone has a great day!!!

Name ANYTHING having to do with the Christmas season in alphabetical order. I'll start with "A" and then the next person posts a word beginning with "B"... etc. After the letter "Z", start over with "A" again. A = Angels

Can you relate? Twas the night before Christmas and all through the kitchen; I was cooking and baking and moanin and b!tchen. I've been here for hours, I can't stop to rest. This room's a disaster, just look at this mess! Tomorrow I've got thirty people to feed. They expect all the trimmings. Who cares what I need! My feet are both blistered; I've got cramps in my legs. The cat just knocked over a bowl full of eggs. There's a knock at the door and the telephone's ringing; frosting drips on the counter as the microwave's dinging. Two pies in the oven, dessert's almost done; my cookbook is soiled with butter and crumbs. I've had all I can stand, I can't take anymore; Then in walks my husband, spilling rum on the floor. He weaves and he wobbles, his balance unsteady; then grins as he chuckles "The egg nog is ready!" He looks all around and with total regret, says, "What's taking so long...aren't you through in here yet?" As quick as a flash I reach for a knife; He loses an earlobe; I wanted his life! He flees from the room in terror and pain and screams, "GOOD GRIEF WOMAN, YOU'RE GOING INSANE!" Now what was I doing, and what is that smell? Oh darn it's the pies! They're burned all to he//. I hate to admit when I make a mistake, but I put them on BROIL instead of on BAKE. What else can go wrong? Is there still more ahead? If this is good living, I'd rather be dead. Lord, don't get me wrong, I love holidays; It just leaves me exhausted, all shaky and dazed. But I promise you one thing, if I live 'til next year, You won't find me pulling my hair out in here. I'll hire a maid, a cook, and a waiter; and if that doesn't work, I'LL HAVE IT ALL CATERED!!

Believe... That just because two people argue, doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, doesn't mean they do love each other. I Believe... That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. I Believe... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change. I Believe... That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. I Believe... That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. I Believe... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I Believe... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't. I Believe... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I Believe.... That either you control your attitude or it controls you. I Believe... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I Believe... That money is a lousy way of keeping score. I Believe... That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time. I Believe... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up. I Believe... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them.....and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. I Believe... That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself. I Believe... That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. I Believe... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. I Believe... That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever. I Believe... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. I Believe... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. I Believe... That even when you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you........you will find the strength to help. I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. I Believe... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon. I Believe.... The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; They just make the most of everything. Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life..

As I walked home one freezing day, I stumbled on a wallet someone had lost in the street. I picked it up and looked inside to find some identification so I could call the owner. But the wallet contained only three dollars and a crumpled letter that looked as if it had been in there for years. The envelope was worn and the only thing that was legible on it was the return address. I started to open the letter, hoping to find some clue. Then I saw the dateline; 1924. The letter had been written almost sixty years ago. It was written in a beautiful feminine handwriting on powder blue stationery with a little flower in the left-hand corner. It was a "Dear John" letter that told the recipient, whose name appearedto be Michael, that the writer could not see him any more because her mother forbade it. Even so, she wrote that she would always love him. It was signed, Hannah. It was a beautiful letter, but there was no way except for the name Michael, that the owner could be identified. Maybe if I called information, the operator could find a phone listing for the address on the envelope. "Operator," I began, "this is an unusual request. I'm trying to find the owner of a wallet that I found. Is there anyway you can tell me if there is a phone number for an address that was on an envelope in the wallet?" She suggested I speak with her supervisor, who hesitated for a moment then said, "Well, there is a phone listing at that address, but I can't give you the number." She said, as a courtesy, she would call that number, explain my story and would ask them if they wanted her to connect me. I waited a few minutes and then she was back on the line. "I have a party who will speak with you." I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she knew anyone by the name of Hannah. She gasped, "Oh! We bought this house from a family who had a daughter named Hannah. But that was 30 years ago!" "Would you know where that family could be located now?" I asked. "I remember that Hannah had to place her mother in a nursing home some years ago," the woman said. "Maybe if you got in touch with them they might be able to track down the daughter." She gave me the name of the nursing home and I called the number. They told me the old lady had passed away some years ago but they did have a phone number for where they thought the daughter might be living. I thanked them and phoned. The woman who answered explained that Hannah herself was now living in a nursing home. This whole thing was stupid, I thought to myself. Why was I making such a big deal over finding the owner of a wallet that had only three dollars and a letter that was almost 60 years old? Nevertheless, I called the nursing home in which Hannah was supposed to be living and the man who answered the phone told me, "Yes, Hannah is staying with us." Even though it was already 10 p.m., I asked if I could come by to see her. "Well," he said hesitatingly, "if you want to take a chance, she might be in the day room watching television." I thanked him and drove over to the nursing home. The night nurse and a guard greeted me at the door. We went up to the third floor of the large building. In the day room, the nurse introduced me to Hannah. She was a sweet, silver-haired old timer with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. I told her about finding the wallet and showed her the letter. The second she saw the powder blue envelope with that little flower on the left, she took a deep breath and said, "Young man, this letter was thelast contact I ever had with Michael." She looked away for a moment deep in thought and then said softly, 'I loved him very much. But I was only 16 at the time and my mother felt I was too young. Oh, he was so handsome. He looked like Sean Connery, the actor." "Yes," she continued. "Michael Goldstein was a wonderful person. If you should find him, tell him I think of him often. And," she hesitated for a moment, almost biting her lip, "tell him I still love him. You know," she said smiling as tears began to well up in her eyes, "I never did marry. I guess no one ever matched up to Michael..." I thanked Hannah and said good-bye. I took the elevator to the first floor and as I stood by the door, the guard there asked, "Was the old lady able to help you?" I told him she had given me a lead. "At least I have a last name. But I think I'll let it go for a while. I spent almost the whole day trying to find the owner of this wallet." I had taken out the wallet, which was a simple brown leather case with red lacing on the side. When the guard saw it, he said, "Hey, wait a minute! That's Mr. Goldstein's wallet. I'd know it anywhere withthat bright red lacing. He's always losing that wallet. I must have found it in the halls at least three times." "Who's Mr. Goldstein?" I asked as my hand began to shake. "He's one of the old timers on the 8th floor. That's Mike Goldstein's wallet for sure. He must have lost it on one of his walks." I thanked the guard and quickly ran back to the nurse's office. I told her what the guard had said. We went back to the elevator and got on. I prayed that Mr. Goldstein would be up. On the eighth floor, the floor nurse said, "I think he's still in the day room. He likes to read at night. He's a darling old man." We went to the only room that had any lights on and there was a man reading a book. The nurse went over to him and asked if he had lost his wallet. Mr. Goldstein looked up with surprise, put his hand in hisback pocket and said, "Oh, it is missing!" "This kind gentleman found a wallet and we wondered if it could be yours?" I handed Mr. Goldstein the wallet and the second he saw it, he smiled with relief and said, "Yes, that's it! It must have dropped out of my pocket this afternoon. I want to give you a reward." "No, thank you," I said. "But I have to tell you something. I read the letter in the hope of finding out who owned the wallet." The smile on his face suddenly disappeared. "You read that letter? "Not only did I read it, I think I know where Hannah is." He suddenly grew pale. "Hannah? You know where she is? How is she? Is she still as pretty as she was? Please, please tell me," he begged. "She's fine...just as pretty as when you knew her." I said softly. The old man smiled with anticipation and asked, "Could you tell me where she is? I want to call her tomorrow." He grabbed my hand and said, "You know something, mister, I was so in love with that girl that when that letter came, my life literally ended. I never married. I guess I've always loved her. " "Mr. Goldstein," I said, "come with me." We took the elevator down to the third floor. The hallways were darkened and only one or two little night-lights lit our way to the day room where Hannah was sitting alone watching the television. The nurse walked over to her. "Hannah," she said softly, pointing to Michael, who was waiting with me in the doorway. "Do you know this man?" Hannah adjusted her glasses, looked for a moment, but didn't say a word. Michael said softly, almost in a whisper, "Hannah, it's Michael. Do you remember me?" She gasped, "Michael! I don't believe it! Michael! It's you! My Michael!" He walked slowly towards her and they embraced. The nurse and I left with tears streaming down our faces. "See," I said. "See how the Good Lord works! If it's meant to be, it will be." About three weeks later I got a call at my office from the nursing home. "Can you break away on Sunday to attend a wedding? Michael and Hannah are going to tie the knot!" It was a beautiful wedding with all the people at the nursing home dressed up to join in the celebration. Hannah wore a light beige dress and looked beautiful. Michael wore a dark blue suit and stood tall. They made me their best man. The hospital gave them their own room and if you ever wanted to see a 76-year-old bride and a 79-year-old groom acting like two teenagers, you had to see this couple. A perfect ending for a love affair that had lasted nearly 60 years. If this inspirational message blesses you, pass it on... Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only love will leave footprints in your heart. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and Angels watch over you. [send Private Message]

(((((((((((Sharon))))))))))))) I remember!!!