the written word is powerful

tonight as i was busy grazing on the left over food set out on the kitchen counter, while doing the dishes, after already having eaten a large dinner ... i glanced over to see if mom, aka gram, was ok. she had been sitting very quiet for a little while so it caught my attention. (quite often she is singing a little song she has just made up or is watching the news or something) but tonight she was quiet. when i looked over i saw that she had picked up a little book that i had sitting on the end table next to her. it was a book on the wisdom of abraham lincoln. she had picked up this book and instead of just looking at the cover and setting it aside, she opened it up and was reading! now this is really not unusual for the mom i grew up with, but the last few years have taken a toll on her. her eyes are sore and weak and her mind will often wander. she use to be an insatiable reader and still is when we go on our daily "outing" for she will read out load to me nearly every billboard sign and advertisement on passing trucks. but it has been a long time since she has read a book. my sister sherry and i quickly finished the dishes. i then moved over to the family room, sat on the couch and watched my mother read. it was glorious, wonderful quiet. i wish that all who love her could be here to witness this little bit of heaven. will she pick up a book again tomorrow night? perhaps. perhaps not. all i know is that for tonight, for these few moments there is a peace in our home that i will cherish! thank you gram. thank you God!

what a deal

when the economy is slow and the real estate market is, to say the least slow as well, what's a girl to do with all her time and a sincere desire to boost the economy? my advise shop the dillards january sale. i got these cute and comfy boots for 70% off and then an additional 30% off that! i also scored on a great pair of pants, not at $90 but a great $11. i love a bargain.

ps happy chinese new year kate!

a blessed nation

"the time has come to set aside childish things" said pres. obama. "everywhere we look, there is work to be done. starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America."

we live in a blessed nation. a nation of hope. a nation of change. we are a blessed people. may we live to be worthy of the blessings. may we work hard. and to follow the words of another great leader, gordon b hinckley - let us try a little harder, to be a little kinder, do a little better, to stand a little taller! i am proud, honored and humbled to be an american.

warning

"warning. warning. danger will robinson! warning. ... that does not compute."

alas the flailing armed robot has died. or at least the guy who played him. bob may, who got the job because the suit fit, and then went on to be the best and most beloved robot in history passed away today. it is the end of an era!

my first tag

I am only doing this because haley, whom I love, tagged me!

8 tv shows I love…(hmm big word, better change it to like!)
1. ncis
2. amazing race
3. missing – or what others call without a trace
4. cold case – especially reruns on tnt until 4 am
5. lost
6. cnn headline news
7. ice road truckers
8. infomercials

8 fav restaurants
1. connors
2. gardners
3. madson’s
4. nicholi’s (although I have never eaten there I am sure I would love it because I am craving erica’s meatballs right now and she learned to make them from her mama and papa)
5. luzzato’s (in milano or here – either place as long as Christine is cooking)
6. In all modesty – libsribs

I prefer eating in. I can eat more that way, but if I do go out, which is not often here are a few fav’s
7. wingers for sticky finger salad
8. applebees oriental chicken salad

8 things I did yesterday
1. laundry
2. started a market analysis for a listing I’m not sure I want
3. showed houses
4. did not sell a house
5. went to yw and was obnoxious
6. ate too many fruit loops
7. grilled wings
8. was tired and yes a bit grumpy because I was too tired

8 things I look forward to
1. a thinner me
2. climbing the great wall of china
3. a chocolate truffle when I finish this post
4. farmington public works removing the snow and ice pile near my driveway which will release the damn of water or shall I dare say damn water building up in my driveway!
5. spring
6. french toast for breakfast – as soon as I go to the store and buy bread
7. selling a house
8. Reading everyone’s blogs!!!!

8 things I like about this season
1. a full moon on a quiet winter night just after a fresh snowfall
2. down blankets, soft pillows, a comfy couch and a remote
3. hibernation
4. after Christmas sales
5. the smell of bbq chicken on a cold winter night
6. good neighbors – no incredible neighbors who keep my walk and driveway cleared
7. soup
8. not having to shave my legs everyday

8 things on my wish list
1. that I’d sell a house
2. that houston, kc and calif and idaho were not so far away
3. for a wii fit so I too can become fit
4. katie’s pain would go away
5. gram’s pain would go away
6. that I could give pi some of my weight
7. a bit of kimball’s persistent nature
8. that I’d sell a house

8 people I tag
1. katie (once the pain subsides enough to blog)
2. annie
3. madie
4. miss emily
5. aaron
6. joseph
7. cara
8.laura

ps - cori, aren't you glad i didn't tag you....but it would be nice to have an updated post now and again!