Christmas Countdown - 2013

[Ryan]

That sounds wonderful!! Hope you guys have a great time!!

Yes, I have the weekend off =]

We are watching the Packer/Bears game. I made some appetizers, and we are just going to chill. Should be fun!


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Where are the Packers in the playoff picture? Any shot?

 

[xmas365]

Sorry, buddy!! ️

It's getting dangerously cold here. After our warming trend in the 30's, we have HIGHS near 0 for a few days, then just in the single digits. Boo.. High winds, and snow coming too. Love the snow, not the winds & frigid temps.

Stay warm!!

xx


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Bundle up when you walk Har. That is frigid!!!!

 

[Ryan]

I've been awfully spoiled this past week, too. Got out of work early on Tuesday, then was off the rest of the week.
I have a full day of work tomorrow, hopefully a short day on Tuesday, then Wednesday off. Then it's back to the five-day-a-week grind! I think that's when Christmas seems to well and truly end for me, when the workday again commands most of my time.

Yep...getting back to five day weeks is tough!

I'm off on MLK day in January and already counting down!

 

[snowflake22]

I was, I'm ashamed to say, unsuccessful in getting everyone out of bed in time for church this morning. :-? Our service is early, 9:30 - 10:30 am, then our pastor drives to another church for an 11 am service. We'll have to have a devotional reading here in the living room to try to make up for it.

I do have something that's been weighing on me. Please forgive this:

An old friend and bandmate of mine is in jail, and has been for a couple months now, having started a good bit of trouble at a Beerfest near Savannah. He is bipolar, his first episode having manifested itself a few years back, and when he goes into the manic phase he's a big pain in the rear end. Since this started with him, I've defended him against all those people who call him crazy, explaining that it's just a chemical imbalance in his brain that can be controlled with medication. The problem is, he won't stop drinking long enough to take his medicine effectively.

I'm finally at my wits end with him. If he is going to choose to drink and skip his meds instead of taking care of himself, then he's on his own. I've refused all his collect calls from jail. Last week, I got a postcard from him, containing an apology of sorts, and a request for something to read. The jail allows books to be delivered from online retailers like Amazon. So, since it's Christmas and everyone deserves a Christmas present, I sent him a book yesterday.

I really hate that he has this burden to carry. His dad was bipolar, too, and I saw how embarrassing is was for him when we were kids. But new treatments can make the symptoms managable. All he has to do is give up the booze and put some effort into getting better.

Ah, sorry to unload this. His postcard is on my desk here, so it keeps him on my mind. He sounds better, judging from his writing, so maybe this time is the one that will change him...assuming he doesn't go to jail for a longer period after his hearing. Ugh.

I think I'll put on some Trans-Siberian Orchestra and grab a guitar. Have a great day, everyone! cheesy

Keeping you & your friend in my thoughts & prayers, Brad.

You are a wonderful friend.

((Hugs))


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[xmas365]

Good Sunday morning, my Christmas friends!

It's the last day of my week off, but I don't mind going to work. It's a pretty good working environment and several good folks. I will miss the extra time with the kids...they have this week off, too...but I'll get to have lunch with them every day this week.

Right now, I'm trying to get them out of the bed and motivated for church. Wish me luck!

I hope y'all have a great day! cheesy

I am glad you enjoyed your extra time with your family, it is always so special being home with them, especially at Christmastime.
I am very envious of you not minding going back to work, I wish I felt that way.

 

[snowflake22]

Looking forward to the countdown - with you! ♥
When do you take your decorations down?
Im planning taking all my Christmas stuff down this weekend.
Well, maybe not the lights.
I love to have all my lights up during the dark cold winter...

♥

We take them down first available day after the new year. Kind of depressing, but once We get started it's ok.

I also leave some lights up year round!

Some are in evergreen arrangements & north woods trees. We have a rustic lodge theme, so it works nice.

Xo



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[snowflake22]

Oh, that's awful! I know feel having no right to complain about my running nose.



Very good attitude. :]



I have realized that reviews are sometimes not the best things to rely on. I quite like that movie as well. :]

***

Good evening everyone!

Finally no strong winds and storms in South West Scotland. And finally I'm feeling well and getting ready to go home. My suitcase is already packed and I am leaving tomorrow evening because my flight is very early in the morning on Tuesday. I will have to spend the night at the airport. Oh well.

I hope everyone is still enjoying Holiday Season. :] Best wishes!

Hey Victoria!!

Seasons Greetings & best wishes to you as well!!

xx


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[xmas365]

I was, I'm ashamed to say, unsuccessful in getting everyone out of bed in time for church this morning. :-? Our service is early, 9:30 - 10:30 am, then our pastor drives to another church for an 11 am service. We'll have to have a devotional reading here in the living room to try to make up for it.

I do have something that's been weighing on me. Please forgive this:

An old friend and bandmate of mine is in jail, and has been for a couple months now, having started a good bit of trouble at a Beerfest near Savannah. He is bipolar, his first episode having manifested itself a few years back, and when he goes into the manic phase he's a big pain in the rear end. Since this started with him, I've defended him against all those people who call him crazy, explaining that it's just a chemical imbalance in his brain that can be controlled with medication. The problem is, he won't stop drinking long enough to take his medicine effectively.

I'm finally at my wits end with him. If he is going to choose to drink and skip his meds instead of taking care of himself, then he's on his own. I've refused all his collect calls from jail. Last week, I got a postcard from him, containing an apology of sorts, and a request for something to read. The jail allows books to be delivered from online retailers like Amazon. So, since it's Christmas and everyone deserves a Christmas present, I sent him a book yesterday.

I really hate that he has this burden to carry. His dad was bipolar, too, and I saw how embarrassing is was for him when we were kids. But new treatments can make the symptoms managable. All he has to do is give up the booze and put some effort into getting better.

Ah, sorry to unload this. His postcard is on my desk here, so it keeps him on my mind. He sounds better, judging from his writing, so maybe this time is the one that will change him...assuming he doesn't go to jail for a longer period after his hearing. Ugh.

I think I'll put on some Trans-Siberian Orchestra and grab a guitar. Have a great day, everyone! cheesy

We are here to listen and help out where we can, no need to ask for forgiveness.
I am sorry to hear about the situation, sometimes someone needs to hit rock-bottom before they can realize the err of their ways.

I will keep him in my thoughts

 

[snowflake22]

Where are the Packers in the playoff picture? Any shot?

Yes- Whomever wins today, goes to the Playoffs. (Go Pack!)

And also whomever wins today is the division champs. Adi thinks it'll be his Bears, I pray it'll be Green Bay! It'll be a long winter in our house for one of us


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[snowflake22]

Bundle up when you walk Har. That is frigid!!!!

Thanks, Xmas. I am going to walk her soon, and am cold just thinking about it!

️

How is your vacation going?


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[Slim]

I would like to take this opportunity to share something about myself before this thread runs out in a few days. I was raised on and still operate a ranch that my granddad started in the 1940's. Several years ago early in the year. Feb. I think it was. I got into a law suit with my brother over splitting the ranch. This was his idea not mine. He doesn't live here anymore and wanted to sell his half. Needless to say it was a very difficult time for My family especially my Mother and Father. Sometime in the spring that year. I think it was in April. My wife and I were at a Dr's appointment. I walked past a file room in the office and looked into the open door. On the back side of the room there was a decorated christmas tree, I assume it was the tree that the staff would set out during the season. I can't not tell you the hope that gave me. I immediately thought to my self. "This will be settled by Christmas" And while it was a very difficult year we did sign a settlement on Dec. 2nd.
Last year I started a HDD boring business with a partner. Things went well at first but started to go badly in late August. Unless we have some kind of miracle early in 2014 we will be closing the doors and liquidating the business. I am not looking forward to the next few months as we will be trying to deal with the lost equity in our ranch that we used to secure the other business. But every so often in 2014 I can look at my milestone calendar or the countdown thread and say to myself "this may be unpleasant for the moment, but no matter how it works out this will be settled by Christmas 2014" And that gives me a tremendous amount of hope.
Once again I am so greatful for this website.

 

[snowflake22]

I would like to take this opportunity to share something about myself before this thread runs out in a few days. I was raised on and still operate a ranch that my granddad started in the 1940's. Several years ago early in the year. Feb. I think it was. I got into a law suit with my brother over splitting the ranch. This was his idea not mine. He doesn't live here anymore and wanted to sell his half. Needless to say it was a very difficult time for My family especially my Mother and Father. Sometime in the spring that year. I think it was in April. My wife and I were at a Dr's appointment. I walked past a file room in the office and looked into the open door. On the back side of the room there was a decorated christmas tree, I assume it was the tree that the staff would set out during the season. I can't not tell you the hope that gave me. I immediately thought to my self. "This will be settled by Christmas" And while it was a very difficult year we did sign a settlement on Dec. 2nd.
Last year I started a HDD boring business with a partner. Things went well at first but started to go badly in late August. Unless we have some kind of miracle early in 2014 we will be closing the doors and liquidating the business. I am not looking forward to the next few months as we will be trying to deal with the lost equity in our ranch that we used to secure the other business. But every so often in 2014 I can look at my milestone calendar or the countdown thread and say to myself "this may be unpleasant for the moment, but no matter how it works out this will be settled by Christmas 2014" And that gives me a tremendous amount of hope.
Once again I am so greatful for this website.

Thank you for sharing that with us.

Christmas does bring so much hope ️

I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers!


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[xmas365]

Good morning,

I am starting to feel the PCBs starting to sneak into my consciousness, I am trying to avoid it by continuing to wear my Christmas t-shirts, watching Christmassy things from the DVR, and of course all my trees and lights still going.
Not much planned here today, my Bengals are on TV today hoping they win and the Patriots lose so the Bengals get the #2 seed and the bye for the playoffs.
My BIL will coming over to hang out tonight, he will probably pick on me for my post Christmas sadness, some people just don't understand how deeply the Christmas feeling runs in some of us. That is why I love coming here, you all understand it.

Have a great Sunday!!!

 

[xmas365]

Thanks, Xmas. I am going to walk her soon, and am cold just thinking about it!

️

How is your vacation going?


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It is going well, I love my stay-cations. I made a mistake on the dates though, I thought my wife and kids would be home this whole week. They go back on Thursday, but there is suppose to be a snowstorm Thursday into Friday so I am hoping for a couple of snowdays at the end of the week to get more time with them. I don't go back to work until a week from tomorrow. cheesy I should take some time to find a new job this week.

 

[Slim]

Thank You Snowflake. I appreciate that.

 

[Joyfully yours]

I'm here for you xmas365......

Good morning,

I am starting to feel the PCBs starting to sneak into my consciousness, I am trying to avoid it by continuing to wear my Christmas t-shirts, watching Christmassy things from the DVR, and of course all my trees and lights still going.
Not much planned here today, my Bengals are on TV today hoping they win and the Patriots lose so the Bengals get the #2 seed and the bye for the playoffs.
My BIL will coming over to hang out tonight, he will probably pick on me for my post Christmas sadness, some people just don't understand how deeply the Christmas feeling runs in some of us. That is why I love coming here, you all understand it.

Have a great Sunday!!!

:
My friend xmas365, I understand...I'll be thinking of you....
I've been so busy I have not had time to allow that to happen with me.
I went away to a very nice hotel in Old Montreal for 4 days, and 3 nights during the week of Christmas, so I was much alone during the whole time.
I had a spa day, and had some spirits, a couple of good books, food, and treats, and had a very well deserved and needed holiday of rest and contemplation. Came back to work with a renewed vision and a change of heart. The Good and Gracious Lord needed me to get some things straightened out in my attitude regarding my work and the elderly gentleman I look after and managing his home.
It's a "live-in" position and can be at times very vexing. But the Good Lord placed me here for my good, and the good of the gentleman. For he lives alone and partially handicapped. But very needy, and that can be overwhelming.
I would like to thank all for the lovely cards and sentiments sent my way. I was able to pick up most of them on the 21st of Dec.
I would like to also take this time to wish ALL the best of the holidays, and the new year which is fast approaching!
I hope to be on New Year's to wish everyone the best.
So xmas365 just sit back and enjoy these "12 days" of Christmas. And just keeping playing the music and movies.
Talk to you all very soon!
:whisper:

​

 

[Bradmac]

I would like to take this opportunity to share something about myself before this thread runs out in a few days. I was raised on and still operate a ranch that my granddad started in the 1940's. Several years ago early in the year. Feb. I think it was. I got into a law suit with my brother over splitting the ranch. This was his idea not mine. He doesn't live here anymore and wanted to sell his half. Needless to say it was a very difficult time for My family especially my Mother and Father. Sometime in the spring that year. I think it was in April. My wife and I were at a Dr's appointment. I walked past a file room in the office and looked into the open door. On the back side of the room there was a decorated christmas tree, I assume it was the tree that the staff would set out during the season. I can't not tell you the hope that gave me. I immediately thought to my self. "This will be settled by Christmas" And while it was a very difficult year we did sign a settlement on Dec. 2nd.
Last year I started a HDD boring business with a partner. Things went well at first but started to go badly in late August. Unless we have some kind of miracle early in 2014 we will be closing the doors and liquidating the business. I am not looking forward to the next few months as we will be trying to deal with the lost equity in our ranch that we used to secure the other business. But every so often in 2014 I can look at my milestone calendar or the countdown thread and say to myself "this may be unpleasant for the moment, but no matter how it works out this will be settled by Christmas 2014" And that gives me a tremendous amount of hope.
Once again I am so greatful for this website.

Family members are often the most difficult folks to work with. I'm glad you and your brother settled things, and I hope your new business turns around soon!

 

[snowflake22]

It is going well, I love my stay-cations. I made a mistake on the dates though, I thought my wife and kids would be home this whole week. They go back on Thursday, but there is suppose to be a snowstorm Thursday into Friday so I am hoping for a couple of snowdays at the end of the week to get more time with them. I don't go back to work until a week from tomorrow. cheesy I should take some time to find a new job this week.

I hope you get those snow days & more time with your family!!

I am with you, friend! Have on my Snoopy Christmas Henley on, and have been watching lots of christmas shows, concerts, and movies that I DVR'd.

Good luck with the job hunt, and enjoy your vacation!! Hip Hip Hooray for Christmas Vacation!! ️


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[snowflake22]

:
My friend xmas365, I understand...I'll be thinking of you....
I've been so busy I have not had time to allow that to happen with me.
I went away to a very nice hotel in Old Montreal for 4 days, and 3 nights during the week of Christmas, so I was much alone during the whole time.
I had a spa day, and had some spirits, a couple of good books, food, and treats, and had a very well deserved and needed holiday of rest and contemplation. Came back to work with a renewed vision and a change of heart. The Good and Gracious Lord needed me to get some things straightened out in my attitude regarding my work and the elderly gentleman I look after and managing his home.
It's a "live-in" position and can be at times very vexing. But the Good Lord placed me here for my good, and the good of the gentleman. For he lives alone and partially handicapped. But very needy, and that can be overwhelming.
I would like to thank all for the lovely cards and sentiments sent my way. I was able to pick up most of them on the 21st of Dec.
I would like to also take this time to wish ALL the best of the holidays, and the new year which is fast approaching!
I hope to be on New Year's to wish everyone the best.
So xmas365 just sit back and enjoy these "12 days" of Christmas. And just keeping playing the music and movies.
Talk to you all very soon!
:whisper:

​

Sounds like you had a lovely holiday!! Glad some time away gave you some extra perspective. Bless your heart for the care you give.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you!!

️




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[Joyfully yours]

What a generous group you all are!

Thank you for sharing that with us.

Christmas does bring so much hope ️

I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers!


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:whisper:

Snowflake22, and all you other's out there, you are a generous, giving group. So many have burden's upon their hearts and mind, and are free to express those burdens. It's wonderful to meet such lovely people who care for one another.
You comfort as much as you are able, and that is so wonderful to know people are out there to assist where they can. The world that we presently live in is very much a "me centered" place, so it is lovely to know that this little community is unlike the world in which we reside.
I pray that the Good Lord above bless each and everyone of you, and comfort you when and "if" that time should come. He is the rock of my salvation, and I could not be where I am today without His everlasting care and love.
Thank you, one and all for being who you are
and creating such a "safe haven" for many individual's.
It's a honour to a part of it all......
in His Eternal Love.......
Me...
Later.......​