Christmas is Almost Here!

Even at my advanced age, I can't help but be excited about the impending holiday. Christmas Eve is one of my favorite days of the year (along with the summer solstice, but that's another post) and it's almost here! I'm expecting family to arrive tomorrow, and I've been scurrying around trying to get things ready.

Things done:

Stocking are hung by the chimney;
House is as clean as it's going to get;
Sheets are washed, beds are made;
Shopping is mostly complete;
Tree is mostly decorated;
Champagne has been procured.

Things not quite done yet . . .

I haven't thought through the whole "food" thing, but I think the Chinese place down the street delivers;
Presents are not wrapped yet;
I didn't iron the sheets (horrors!)
Not all presents have been fully procured;
Two cans of paint sit unopened---the walls will remain as they are for now;
The dog could use a bath (he smells a bit like a dog, I'm afraid)

But, regardless, all will be well, I am sure. For all those travelling, Godspeed. For those travelling to my house, I can't wait to see you!!


Merry Christmas to All.

Caveat Em, Baby

I'm saddened by the devastation in personal fortunes and private foundations due to the Madoff Ponzi scheme. I'm also angered by the SEC's failure to do its job to protect investors and ensure transparency. The ripple effects of this as it moves through the economy will be very real. $50 billion dollars is real money (it could have been used to take over the domestic auto industry and save taxpayers the pain of a car czar, for example.)

I'm heartened, though, by the number of investors who looked at the Madoff firm and declined to invest. I'm confident that many of these investors/managers took some heat from the colleagues and clients as their friends, neighbors, and competitors continued to earn such consistent returns. Despite that, for these brave and insightful people, reason prevailed.

My take on all this is simple ( simplistic, some might say.) Con men and women we will have with us always. Caveat Emptor.

and a slightly new me . . .

thanks to someone with a better sense of what I look like . . . Thanks P-. The eyebrow is funny . . . I do have a habit of raising my left eyebrow while looking askance at life.

I'm taking a day off today---I spent the morning christmas shopping, and had some success---my own little contribution to the economic stimulus plan. My son and my husband are now fully (maybe) shopped for, as are the people at work. I'm taking a break, and then getting to work on getting my home ready. I think it's time to take down the Halloween decorations . . . .

Merry Christmas!

it's a new day . . .

And I feel ten pounds lighter---the world is clearer because I'm not blinded by too much hair in my face.

As silly as it may be, when I feel overwhelmed, it shows in my hair. I stop taking care of myself, and it turns into a downward spiral very very quickly.

Now I can go out there and take on the day!

And, hey . . .happy birthday to my little brother who turns 37 today (or is it 38?)

my disordered head

It's not my head, really, it's my hair. Cute on my manga, not on the real me, now an official une femme d'un certain age.

My hair is a window into my state of mind--a direct link from my head to my hair and right now my hair is a mess! It's way way too long, and shaggy and yucky. That means my life is not in order, either at work or at home. I've got to reassert some order, and soon. When my hair is back in shape, I can regain my equilibrium. Yucky hair is a sign that I have temporarily lost the mandate of heaven (yes, I do think of myself as an empress of a dynasty---that's another post)

Today is the day. I will either shave my head a la Britney Spears, or I will get the charming and gifted Tiffany to come my aid. I'm hoping for Tiffany, but I'm prepared to pick up the shaver-thing if I need to.

I'll keep you posted . . . .