Things to Remember in the New Year

1. Vida used to send us genealogies and family histories from every reunion.  She saw that each of her boys received every one and paid for them all.  I doubt we thanked her as we should have.  It was years later when I came to appreciate them.

2. No matter what, no matter how much luggage, always pay for a cart to carry the luggage in no matter what airport you might be in because you never know how far you might have to walk with it and your legs, feet, arms and back cannot handle the strain anymore.

3. Never buy anything you do not have cash for...no matter what.

4. It's you and you alone who is going to have to take care of you, so be careful...take care of yourself, don't do anything that might make you strain your back, slip and fall, get too tired, get an upset tummy, strain your pocket book, damage your car or house, etc. etc. etc.  Be very kind to yourself and your stuff, you are all you got...

5. Do the things that bring you joy and don't expect anyone else to appreciate that what that is or thank you for it.  Appreciate whatever communication you get from family, there lives are very busy, as yours once was.

6.  Always get enough sleep, eat when you need to eat, drink when you need to drink, nap when you need to nap.  Treat yourself as well as you would your baby.

7. Get out of debt, don't buy anything but food and necessities until you do.

8. Smile and think of a happy thought first thing every morning and last thing every night.  Be grateful for your family, home, car, health, your body, your sight, your hearing, read, listen, enjoy. Gratitude, positive, love...

9. Walk every day with Sadie, she needs it, you need it.

10. Get the oil changed on your car the first time you drive it again.  Pay the other half of the insurance!!!

11. Don't forget your taxes are due February lst...pray James pays you off before...

12. Watch the Test Kitchen and make at least one meal a week from their directions...

13. Exercise more, dance, sit less...