Happy New Monday!

December 31, 2009 – New Year’s Eve: the traditional holiday where we proclaim: “Out with the old and in with the New!” A magical time where the world reflects on all of our shortcomings and vows that together we will strive to be better people. We will pay off debit, take care better care of ourselves, and take better care of others. Then we drink the night away because we all know the magic of a better life begins to wear off soon after the ball has dropped.

I personally gave up resolutions a long time ago. I feel there are enough opportunities for humility and failure in this world without self imposing unachievable standards on myself. Sure, I generally do well the first day or two but then the ugly stench of failure takes hold. I can’t handle that smell anymore. That is why in 2010 I will celebrate Mondays! Each Monday is like a mini New Year Day. Each Monday brings with it a chance to start a diet, begin to exercise, or welcome the work week with a happy smile. Plus, I have 52 Mondays a year which is much better than putting all of your hopes into one single night.

Yes, I think I am onto something genius with this New Monday tradition! I am sure that after nearly two full weeks of vacation, when that alarm goes off this coming Monday morning I will jump out of bed with joy and celebration in my heart. “Happy New Monday”, I will shout and prepare myself of the glorious week awaiting. And if that doesn’t work . . I will still have 51 more Monday’s to get it right.

Assignment: Resolve to do what makes you happy this year and if you fail – don’t give up because we all deserve second chances.

Holiday Goals

This time tomorrow I will be easing into vacation for eleven wonderful days. I am ready for some R&R in a big way. The vacation will be full of family, friends, and food. I can’t wait. In addition to all the Christmas fun, I have made some personal goals that I really hope I accomplish.


Goal One: Read, read, read. Our next Damn Book Club selection is “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. This book is receiving positive reviews and continues to remain on the New York Best Seller list. There is good reason for this – the book is a great read! Everyday I look forward to my quiet time when I can dive a little deeper into the lives of the three main characters.

I also have three other books calling for my attention: “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee”, by Rebecca Miller, “Half Broke Horses” by Jeannette Walls, and “The Good Thief” by Hannah Tinti. I just realized that all of the books on my ‘get-to’ list are authored by women and for two (Stockett and Tinti) this is a first book. What a great added bonus for Goal One, wish me luck!

Goal Two: Snowshoe. I have a love-hate relationship with snowshoeing. Once I actually bundle up and head outside I love it but all that layering, the initial cold, and thoughts of physical movement are things I hate. Plus, this activity isn’t something I think of naturally. But the weather forecast tells me I will have plenty of fresh snow on the ground so the time is right. Plus, I have strategically placed notes to myself here and there as a reminder to get up, get out, and get active. This goal has to happen!

Assignment: Allow the Christmas Spirit to include rejuvenation for your weary spirit.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

When Tom was in Kindergarten (1960) he made this little Christmas tree. The paint is starting to chip and the paper is starting to wear. But we love it and tenderly pack and unpack it each year.

Assignment: Remember when a child makes you a gift, they are putting their heart and soul into the project. Accept the gift with love and understanding of the joy it will bring you each and every year.

Christmas Sights

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas

Computer Distress

The power source for my computer has taken leave so please be patient for the next edition of a Hard Way to Learn. It will be coming soon . . . . .

Snow Day

The Nation has been blanketed in snow and our little community is no exception. It is a snow day. I love snow days. I still have to work (brought home a bag full of work last night in preparation) but there is something special about a day when you know everyone is stranded at home.

My children are still sleeping in and I am still in PJ’s and a Robe. The old farm house is chilly and the cat is mesmerized by the falling snow. I have Good Morning America on in the back ground and I am loving every minute of this quite morning.

I think I will start a fire in the fireplace and make some hot tea. Today is going to be a great snow day!

Assignment: Stay cozy and safe where ever you are!

Happy Birthday Andy

In honor of Andy’s 17th Birthday (December 3) this edition of A Hard Way to Learn will highlight a few of the reasons why I love this kid so much.

When Andy was a little boy, he would match his socks to whatever outfit he was wearing. If the shirt had a green stripe and a yellow stripe, he would make sure he was wearing one green and one yellow sock.

In first grade, Andy insisted on wearing a tie to school. He asked us day in and out until we finally gave him one of Tom’s old ties to wear. We were certain that this would only last a day but we were wrong. He liked to dress up – his job was school and he wanted to be prepared.

Throughout the day, you will hear Andy humming, whistling, or singing a song.

He invented his own sandwich. It is disgusting so I will not list the ‘ingredients’ but he invented it in elementary school and will still make it to this day.

He likes Tom Petty, the Beatles, the Boss, Melloncamp, Queen, and Aerosmith.

He gets dressed-up to take his finals. He still wears a tie but his socks are both black.


He prays in public. He will lead a prayer for an injured teammate or say the blessing over a meal.

He hates when the party is in his honor.

Andy will go to social functions alone. He is fully confident that once he gets there he will find or make a friend. He always does.



When we were in a car accident the doctor ordered us to remain home for a week. The last day we were together Andy prepared a breakfast and served it to me in bed. He told me it was because I spent the week taking care of him. He had just turned 10 years old.

He loves his friends and will do anything for them.

He loves when his brothers and sisters come to visit him.

Andy makes me laugh at least once a day.

Happy Birthday Andy!