It's Raining Iguanas

...in South Florida.

A remarkable cold snap that brought temperatures in the mid-30s to the Miami area [in early January], also brought lizards falling out of trees at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne, the Miami Herald reported.

"We have found dozens on the bike path after a major cold snap," said park manager Robert Yero. "When they warm up in the sun, they come back to life."

Isn't that true for all of us.

Iguana's don't however, do so as well when being left inside a hot car during the summertime in Oklahoma... inside a hot aquarium... baking in the direct sun at 150+ degress... with no water and nowhere to go.

Poor Jo Henry, may he rest in peace. May 1988

The Furrowed Brow

See that brow? It's just slightly furrowed, but you can see it right? (See that double chin?) <--ok, don't answer that. The chin just sags with age. The furrowed brow is more of an expression. It always communicates. I don't even know I'm doing it most of the time, but it's that damn body language that gives me away every time. It totally RUINS my poker game.

Truth be known, there are actually plenty of times my brow line is misread. Take for instance the photograph above. What do you suppose was happening there? You may be able to tell by the tilt of the head, or the lovely geraniums to the side of me that I was in a resturant, outside on the deck, simply reading a menu. Maybe the sun was a bit bright where I was sitting. Maybe I was hungry and unable to make a decision about the food. Maybe I couldn't concentrate or I was tired.

Today my brow will probably be furrowed most of the day. I did NOT get a good night's sleep. I am NOT HAPPY. Everyone should steer clear!!

It's a real JOKE--the tricks I allow my mind to play when I'm in bed trying to sleep. Everything looms much worse during those hours from 3 AM - 6 AM, in that half awake state. It's all so dramatic! With every thought, the panic creeps in, raising the blood pressure. Every buzzing motor sound means a major appliance must be breaking down. A cough coming from one of the kid's bedrooms brings sudden worry that now a doctor's appointment has to be scheduled. Terry's heavy breathing indicates that a sudden snort is soon coming and it WILL, in fact, wake me up as soon as I fall back to sleep. The whole mental list gets crafted in the night with great anguish and anxiety, so as not to forget in the morning the things that MUST BE DONE !!!!! But... when I drag myself out of bed by 7 AM (ok 7:20), I realize how pathetic I was to be in such a tizzy. Then I'm just pissed!

Oh well. It's too bad I'm so grumpy today, because there are some really cool things coming down the pike. I could be so happy and excited right now, but when I'm physically tired, the challenge to be happy is too great for me. That brow finds it's comfortable state of wrinkledge, and it takes too much energy to smooth it back out.

I must remember to breath today.

I got up several times last night, but 3 of those times was to check the back door (which was locked each time--duh), because I thought I felt a draft. I also panicked thinking that someone has stolen my credit cards from my wallet. Why would I suddenly be convinced that this were true? In the middle of the night? Could someone please hit me over the head with a brick or something.

Causes

Causes, causes and more causes!


What is a cause, one may question? It's a goal or principle served with dedication and zeal. It's the interests of a person or group engaged in a struggle. It's a subject under debate or discussion.

Although for me, it's something to get caught up in like a whirlwind and strung out all over the map. BLAGH!


I try to be careful in choosing what to take on personally. I weigh things out and try to be selective, in order not to get stretched too thin. I don't want to find myself useless--the crazy woman! But I do like to be involved with causes. When I find something worth joining, I make great attempts to demonstrate intelligence and be informed on the issues surrounding the cause as not to be an embarassment or a detriment to the very "project" I'm taking to heart.


Sometimes, I think I'm just looking for community. I'm always looking for a group to support and one in which I can feel, in return, supported. I'm wondering whether to throw in the towel on certain causes or wait it out a little more. Politics are everywhere which makes my head spin. There are those who wish for me to feel that way, so they can carry on in their unchecked ways. It's clear that in taking on a cause, support and admiration is gained, but enemies and curses are gained as well. {selah}

One thing that I am so grateful to have learned from CoDA, is that I am not responsible for the way others feel and react to my truth. I don't have to go around making myself crazy. In my former years I needed to be sure everyone was OK with what I said or what I did; that my opinions were understood correctly and not offending anyone. But now, I've come to realize that I don't need the approval or permission from others to be myself. Honestly, I don't ever desire to be offensive, but people get offended no matter what someone else does. Some individuals can't handle it when others view life differently. I don't mind it myself.

I'll just keep doing what I do--living the life I am meant to lead. And I wish for you to do the same. Maybe we will be joined in a common cause. Maybe ONE DAY WE WILL RULE THE WORLD!!!

(not being spiritual--just playin' around, good people. I hope you're not all offended, now).

"Once"

I loved this movie. It was a great story, of course, some people would have to get past the language. Language doesn't really offend me like it used to, now that I've lived in NY all these years. LOL.

Anywoo--The movie was very inspiring and it was based on the actual actors' story! I don't know, I just can't stop thinking about it. Sometimes you just connect with things such as this.


Here's another haunting melody.

I'd Rather Stay Home Today

Terry got up very early this morning with the boys to go ski/snowboarding. I was woken up several times in the night--mostly in need of water because of my MAJOR garlic breath. (I must say, Bobby Vans makes the best mussels EVER!!! but I pay for it with dry-mouth during the night and those nearby pay for it the next day as garlicky aroma emanates from my pores.)

I don't want to go to church today... which starts in about 10 minutes and I still haven't showered. I haven't had any leisure time in many weeks. Can I use the mussels as an excuse? I could stay home without a second thought, if it weren't for that blasted music practice I scheduled right after the service--DOH!

I'd rather go to the lego church today--or build it (which took this builder a year and a half).
This picture below is NOT the same church as the one above (I don't think).

That's more like it, kitty. (I think I'll just show up at the end of the service... but don't tell anyone).

On another note: Why do dogs have to be so psychotic? My dog has gotten into the indelible and extremely annoying habit of begging to go out and then begging to come in and then begging to go out and then in again!!! I think I'm going to trade him in for a cat! (or, maybe he just needs a change in dog food).

I wish I could just relax... but between Caleigh--who turns 6 next Saturday, the psychotic dog--with a rumbly stomach, and my mind--which doesn't have a turn off switch... it's nearly impossible.

Here's Some of what I've Been Doing Lately

Last week, we went from our little idty bidty PreK-12 school concert that was postponed from December to January because of incliment weather, to a more grandiose HMEA performance and then onto an in-home fashion show performance. Lots of fun.

(Sorry to bore some of you, but you know how I like to take pictures and then show them off...)

Here is our school band (grades 5-12). Anika is on the left holding the clarinet and fixing her hair. Nate is in the shadows on the right with the sax up to his mouth. Can you see 'em? Jennah is back in the percussion section--not visible to the naked eye.



This is the PreK-3rd graders. Caleigh is right in front with the pigtails. They actually sang on pitch this year. Woohoo!





Here are the 4-6th graders. They are usually quite passionate about their singing. Jennah is on the top row, 4th from the right and Elizabeth is on the second row, 3rd from the left.



Here are the 7th-12th graders. Uhhh yah! It wasn't pretty. Long story. Let's just say that the choir is in a rebuilding stage. It kills me that I'm not there teaching them.
Only a few days later, we became the audience for some of the same children who were choosen to perform in the Hampton's Music Educators Association. It's a yearly festival which brings kids from all different schools together for a grand performance.



The band
The World Drummers

The Choir

HMEA was delightful.

Next it was onto Elizabeth's birthday/pajama party. The girls planned the whole thing down to making the cake.



They're so proud of their work.



I suggested we make homemade pizza's for dinner. Here I am demonstrating my expertice in tossing the dough. Pizza-making was a hit! But my pizza was the best!! (haha)
There was, of course, the girls' favorite activity... FASHION SHOW. We have some of the most ridiculous clothes in the dress up box. They combined those with the clothes from their closets and voila!

And then there was a little bit of kareoke singing...and dancing... and guitar hero... and that Play Station game with the dance mat (whatever that's called).

They all had fun in their PJs... and dirty socks.

Waddaya Know

I could have saved Terry a lot of money, but...



now I have (factory made) power windows! AND LOCKS! And automatic lights. And all my car-door handles are actually in tact. They're also chrome and look suhweet! Although... I am likin' pops van. Those windows go up and down much faster than mine.

Wearing the Heart on the Sleeve

I don't know how it happens. I'll be moving along in my somewhat mundane, but unbelieveably active life... when suddenly, I'll feel... *duh duh duh duuuuuuh*... discouragement! Of course, discouragement comes to plague my soul for a variety of reasons. Truth be told, it can sometimes be based on hormones.... [selah]. I'm actually thankful when that's the case, because I am aware enough to know that the hormones will pass in a matter of days and even hours... or minutes (amazingly enough). It's those other times--like now--that make life a true challenge.

Some of the simplier reasons for discouragement are when it stems from being exhausted... or even better, from being hungry. I say it's simplier because those things can be easily remedied. I can grab a power nap or make something good to eat when I'm desperate. Things become a bit more difficult, when discouragement stems from being overwelmed, over-scheduled, and under-appreciated. I've been known, at times, to spread myself way too thin. Sometimes I forget that I have six children, (which is a lot of work, btw). Sometimes I feel disappointed that I actually do have a limited capacity--as does everyone else in this world.

Discouragement can be due to true personal failure, but many times it's the illusion of personal failure. Take it from me, parenting teens can make any fine parent feel like a complete failure. (It's also very wearying to be in that stage of parenting little ones! Or being pregnant!!! God knows I've been through those days over and over and over and over etc, again. And yet, those memories actually fade rather quickly). But parenting teenagers is a whole new division of the league.

Anyway, I'm wondering how the people at school i.e. the principal, and other teachers, know exactly when something is bothering me. Is it that obvious? I literally entered the school today, thinking, "Ok Karen, don't forget to put on your smile. It takes more energy to frown than to smile. Cheerio!" Ok, so I didn't say 'cheerio' or the thing about the muscles--but I did coach myself to smile. But, it didn't work! Everyone I spoke with seemed to know that I was NOT a happy camper. (I guess it's a good thing, to know that I'm close enough with the people at school that they can put their arm around me and usher me into their room for a chat. That's community.)



I am burdened.

I am overwelmed.

I have taken on a lot more than I can chew.

I want to do my part.

...but when am I crossing the line? ...when am I doing more than what I can reasonably do? I'm fine for most things that I involve myself with, but it's when my kids are screwing up, that it feels like everything, suddenly, is way more than what I can handle. I get angry. I get upset. It shows visibly on my face... and, in essence, I wear my heart on my sleeve.

Does the world stop turning when things aren't quite right on the homefront? Am I rendered immobile just because I sense that something isn't quite right with one (or more) of my kids??

It's very difficult to juggle all the things that are before me. I really need to sense God's presence and comfort over me. I need to trust. I need to believe. I need to let go... everything will be alright. Right?

Go Oprah!

I found this over on Mimou's blog Called by Name. I just loved it. It really inspired me. Oprah does have a gift to inspire, does she not??

Monkey House and Den of Snakes

photo by David Smeaton

politician n.
1. A person who practices politics."Politics" is derived from the words "poly" meaning "many", and "tics" meaning "blood-sucking parasites."

2. One who has perfected the art of lying.

3. A highly paid yes-man.

politics
The cage which houses monkeys and snakes.

church on the move

When it's time to go,you yell "Church on the move"-- everyone you're with knows to leave the location.

Snoop Dogg-- when you're at the club and its time to bounce you yell "Church on the move" and everyone knows its time to get up outta there!

reality distortion field

n.
An expression used to describe the persuasive ability of managers like Steve Jobs (the term originated at Apple Computer in the 1980's to describe his peculiar charisma). Those close to these managers become passionately committed to possibly insane projects, without regard to the practicality of their implementation or competitive forces in the marketpace.

"A reality distortion field. In Steve's presence, reality is malleable. He can convince anyone of practically anything. It wears off when he's not around, but it makes it hard to have realistic schedules."

I hate politics! I'm probably going to have to get used to them and learn my way around the monkeys and snakes... but, honestly I'd rather go to a warmer climate and lay in a hammock on the beach, drinking mimosas while being fanned by my children. Instead, where do I end up? Right smack in the middle of the monkey cage. That's how I feel anyway. It never fails. I can't keep myself out of the "action" somehow.

The problem with me is that I'm a swimmer! I don't like to just get my feet wet. If I'm going get my feet wet, then I'm probably going in all the way. But then, what happens when I'm under water enjoying the swim, it that someone calls out "church on the move" and suddenly, everyone picks up and leaves. Unbeknownst to me, I'm left still swimming in the pool, where there was never supposed to even be a party.

I'm the type of person who is whole-hearted and a "go-getter". I give my all to the things that I feel I can support. In the past, I've been pursuaded by another person's "reality distortion field" and have actually driven myself into the ground with unrealitistic dreams. I'm a believer. I'm a supporter. I'm an optimist, but I don't want to be caught up in some "reality distortion field" ever again. So, I try to be careful; to objectify and think for myself rather than allow someone else to think for me. Have you ever noticed how people tend to hold you at an arms distance if you don't think exactly the same way as they do? If you have a different opinion about something, suddenly you can't be trusted! That pisses me off, but it's just the way things go. But I am forthright, most of the time. I'm not a politician at all. You can pretty much know what my opinions are if you just take a minute to listen. I don't try to paint what I want you to see, I just paint what I see. How naive, you say. How innocent. How un-wordly. HAHA! HOW STUPID!!

The tricky part with politicians is... they leave out a lot of important information in order to paint the picture they want people to see and believe. They would never call that lying. Never in a millions years. It's politics. "It depends on what the word 'is' is."

What do you think about politics? I refer back to the definition above!! which comes to you directly from http://www.urbandictionary.com/ .

It's the cage which houses monkeys and snakes.

Tracking with the Site Meter

Has anyone been impressed with the enormous amount of hits on my blog?? I mean seriously? Do YOU have over 25,000 hits? Huh? Do ya? DO YA??? Well... it's just a big illusion people. Don't get all excited. I was looking at my sight meter (out of pure boredom) and saw from the list of entry links to Kool Daze, some very sobering numbers. Not that it matters, but if you were curious...

In the past 24 hours, approximately

40 --regulars came out to see what was going on over here. Greetings! What. No, hello?? Come on! Live a little. Leave a comment. Ok. So, some of the 40 regulars are admittedly blog addicts and repeat their visits 3-4 times daily. No judgement here. I've been known to do it myself. But that means that I really only have about 10-15 regulars. BIG WHUP!

17 --randomly googled one of my images and probably STOLE it--but never took a second look at my blog. I know because I do it all the time, too. Thus the Question Mark image. Google searches.

12 --all came searching out about the letter "K". They may have read that post, or not. Google search.

5 --liked the image for my 300th post.... took the image... never read a word, I'm quite certain. Google search.

4 --were intrigued by my self-portrait photography contest. Probably are in some kind of photography class and were doing a bit of research. Got a good laugh from the pictures. Won't ever return. Google search.

4 --were interested in finding some good saying for 2008. Found nothing they could use. Won't return. Google search.

5 --have an interest in dreams and interpretations of dreams. Didn't discover anything of value here. They are too intent on solving the world's problems through messages that come in dreams. They have to dig deep if they are going to find the answers here, at Kool Daze. Google search.

3 --are suffering from back pain i.e. spondylolysis and don't know about MD.com. Google search.
2 --seem to be in the market for a juicer and are probably trying to get healthy. Google search.

2 --shopping for a vacuum or need new parts for their Kirby. Google search.

2 --saw the image of the four extra large ladies and probably took the image and circulated it once again via email for the millionth time. Google search.

Ok. I really don't know if any of this is factual. I am only guessing and who knows if everyone is using google. HAHA. But I just wanted you to know how scary it is to blog publicly. Who knows who is reading and viewing my stuff?! If you come around regularly, but never comment, why don't you take a moment and tell all five of us who even read the comments, a little hello and where you're from. You can also mention how you'd solve the world's problems if you were in charge.

Piano Snippets

This is a first for me. Video Blogging aka vlogging <--which sounds so stupid to me.

Anyway, I've been inspired by the few remaining people, who are still presently blogging... *ehem* to spice it up a bit. (No one told ME, per se, to spice it up. I just learn from example). I guess we have to make bloggerville more interesting to even want to stick around ourselves (aghhh the ADHD generation).

Ok. My camera made this video project a complete chore! I could only take 30-second shots at a time. But at least, now I know that I have a movie maker program on my computer, and it's pretty darn easy to use. I got a little out of hand--on purpose--because I wanted to see what varieties were in the "tool shed" of that program. Some of the piano parts could not be spliced properly based on lack of footage! Thus the title: Piano Snippets.



Awwww... the ending cut off. It said, "Good bye, have a good day." in SLOW MO! heee. I'm so proud of myself.

Jobs that are Dangerous

I found these here. It's random and interesting.

1. Electrical Power Line Installers and Repairers
Worker Fatality Rate: 34.9 (per 100,000)
Number of Fatalities in 2006: 38
Average Salary: $45,331
[No, thank you. I'll pass on this job.]


2. Construction Workers
Worker Fatality Rate: 34.9 (per 100,000)
Number of Fatalities in 2006: 38
Average Salary: $45,331

[Ok. How did the numbers turn out exactly the same as the Electrical power line installers? Seems a bit fishy to me.]


3. Fishers and Related Fishing Workers
Worker Fatality Rate: 141.7 (per 100,000)
Number of Fatalities in 2006: 51
Average Salary: $19,104

[Now, I know this can't be right. What kind of fisherman would be willing to work for $19,104 in such a DANGEROUS job? Where are these satistics coming from?]


4. Logging Workers
Worker Fatality Rate: 82.1(per 100,000)
Number of Fatalities in 2006: 64
Average Salary: $22,320

[Sheesh!! I've never even seen a logger at work... but I have seen those semi trucks pass me on the road with the enormous logs piled high and I wouldn't want to have an accident with a logging truck! That fatality rate is huge and not much of a salary. Do you thing some tree huggers are involved in some shady protests?]


5. Mining Workers
Worker Fatality Rate: 27.8 (per 100,000)
Number of Fatalities in 2006: 190
Average Salary: $16.98/hour

[What is up with all the fatalities in 2006? Are all the mines beginning to crumble because of age? There were a lot of incidents where miners were trapped in the mines and needing to be rescued. This is sad, although I'm also reminded of Zoolander... anyone else get where I'm going with this? "Hey Pop! *feminine-like cough cough* I think 've got the black lung. *cough cough* ...It's a mer-man! MERMAN!!"]


6. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Worker Fatality Rate: 87.8 (per 100,000)
Number of Fatalities in 2006: 101
Average Salary: $129,250

[This give me a bit more reluctance in traveling by air. So... if it's not MY time to go, what if it's the pilots time to go? Seriously scary. And what exactly does a flight engineer do?]


7. Farmers and Ranchers
Worker Fatality Rate: 37.1 (per 100,000)
Number of Fatalities in 2006: 291
Average Salary: $15,603

[What the heck? The average salary for a farmer and rancher comes out to be $15,603??? And has suffered the most fatalities in 2006. It's such hard work, too!]



8. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Worker Fatality Rate: 41.8 (per 100,000)
Number of Fatalities in 2006: 38
Average Salary: $23,770

[I have a sneaking suspicion that the fatalities here have nothing to do with work-related accidents but rather mofia related "accidents"--wouldn't you agree, Nicki?]


9. Roofers
Worker Fatality Rate: 33.9 (per 100,000)
Number of Fatalities in 2006: 82
Average Salary: $28,474

[No, thanks. It's not the heights that would bother me, it would be the weather and the pitch of some of those roofs. Tough on the ankles. Uh-uh! Nope.]


10. Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Worker Fatality Rate: 61(per 100,000)
Number of Fatalities in 2006: 36
Average Salary: $39,168

[That's it? That's the average salary?? Well, nevermind then. If I'm gonna work, I want to make some big bucks baby!

You Keep on Using That Word

I do not think it means what you think it means! [line from the infamous movie, PRINCESS BRIDE]

Throughout the years I have been using this word to describe my kids when they are doing something on the crazy side, or when they are being ridiculous, or funny. So, when I got the phone call from the school nurse yesterday about Caleigh (almost 6)... the report was that while she was on the playground at recess she was eating rocks as a method of getting her loose tooth to come out. Total weirdness creativity! (Btw, she said she wasn't swallowing them! I just don't understand why the teacher sent her to the nurse--the psycologist, I would understand).

Anyway, every time it crosses my mind, I think, "That girl is such a pip!" So I decided to look the word up to make sure it didn't have some awful meaning. Does anyone else ever do that?

PIP
~noun
1. a disease of poultry
2. a minor nonspecific ailment
3. a small hard seed found in some fruits
4. a mark on a die or on a playing card (shape depending on the suit) [syn: spot]
5. a radar echo displayed so as to show the position of a reflecting surface [syn: blip]

~verb
1. kill by firing a missile [syn: shoot]
2. hit with a missile from a weapon [syn: shoot]
3. defeat thoroughly; "He mopped up the floor with his opponents" [syn: worst]
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

Also called pipperoo. Informal. someone or something wonderful: Last night's party was a pip.
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

I suppose I've been using the shortened version of pipperoo to describe my kids. It works. They are more of a wonder then a blip on the radar, or some diseased poultry. I think I'll continue using my age-old expression. I'm not sure where it came from, but I can remember picking it up when I was just a wee bit. Maybe someone called me a pip and I assumed that it meant: someone or something wonderful!

The Newest Addition

Who somehow ends up in my bed everyday...
Awww... big brother Nate and Gabe want to play TEASE with the baby dolls!
Baby fight!
Boyz will be boyz!

La La La I am the Queen!!

Anyone want to buy a minivan? (The color actually is white, but you may not recognize that right away).
It's a Mazda! with a AAA sticker (although they won't assist you if you are on a hill, stuck on ice--unless you've slid into a snow bank or ditch).
Yes! I won't be needing the Mazda anymore, because now I have... (sorry Zuba, I know you're disappointed)...
A Chevy Suburban!! Woohoo!! Nicki had the classic quote today. We're not only part of the badass PTO Mama's Gang, now we can also be The Badass Chevy Bitches. (Sorry about the swearing).

Even though the Madza has these lovely seat covers...
I think I'll enjoy these leather seats a little more.
Be forewarned... the Mazda has no floor mats and needs a real good cleaning, but there are coins and pencils that could come in handy.
The gas flap has been giving me a bit of trouble for a long long time. But luckily, the rear wiper makes up for the other inconveniences (heh heh).
And the windshield comes with a strip of handy dandy duct tape, to keep the loosening seal from flapping in the wind (although sometimes the duct tape comes loose and flaps in the wind itself--so we'll throw in the whole roll).And one of the finest features is the decorative stripe that runs down the passenger side door! As well as the childproof handle on the OUTSIDE of the door.
Any takers?

Quotes

Women are like the police. They could have all the evidence in the world, but they still want the confession. ~Chris Rock

My father used to say, "Don't raise your voice. Improve your argument." ~Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Jealousy is all the fun you think they had. ~Erica Jong

It's hard to do nothing because you have tend to do something and then you have to drop everything. ~Jerry Seinfeld

The difference between Sly Stallone and me is that I am me and he is him. ~Arnold Schwarzenegger

A clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memory. ~Steven Wright

As long as the world is turning, we're gonna be dizzy. ~Mel Brooks

Every door that swings wide for you has somebody on the other side opening it. ~Chris Matthews

Nothing bad can happen if you haven't hit the SEND key. ~David Shipley and Will Schwalbe

I live by the truth that "NO" is a complete sentence. ~Anne Lamott

These quotes were swiped from Reader's Digest.

Sweet Jesus Please

The heat is oh-h-on! The heat is on.

But barely! It just can't keep up with the temperatures outside, which have been in the low teens and single digits for the past few daze. My house feels like that boat looks.

The fire is blazing in the fireplace with a bit of not-so-seasoned wood. Thankfully we have any wood to burn or my fingers and toes would not be happy. I must return to my continuous job of stoking the fire. (I'm surprised that my laptop battery works with it being so cold inside).

Since We're on the Topic

AGING!

I'm beginning to really notice the aging process, and I'm not so sure that I like it. Certain things don't bother me much, and I even appreciate them... kind of; the graying hair (I won't color either--not at this point anyway), the wrinkles on my face--especially laugh lines, the amazing amount of wisdom (I know how impressed you are with me), the carefree attitude that accompanies my actions and opinions (it's just me being who I am--finally), the essence of no longer needing the approval of my audience ("like it or lump it"--that's what I say now).

At our Family Christmas Party last week we were doing some comparisons:

Terry (BJ) says, "Elizabeth has lovely brown hair just like mine."

Russ says, "Horseshoe? What horseshoe?!" Derek says, "I like to keep my hair short. That's all."
Johnny says, "I'm still buff and have kept my amazing hair in fully in tact!"
Kool says, "I still have amazing natural highlights."
David (the grandpa of the group) says nothing. He just smiles!! But I see that balding spot there among his obviously color-treated hair!If you want to know the part of aging that really bothers me--it's the eyes! All my life I have had perfect vision--XRAY EVEN! I still have 20/20 vision, but the eyes just aren't cooperating like they used to. It's very bothersome.

But Johnny was the one who got the letter opener/magnifying glass gift during our white elephant exchange... just in time! It will surely come in handy for him.

I'm so NOT thrilled about losing my flexibility! (as I indicated in my last post, this factor reared it's ugly head on the ski slopes when I fell a few times and was unable to get up--can we say reality check). I think my ski pants were too tight or something, which leads me to my next point: My waist line continues to expand. It's not a pretty sight. I suppose I should take up yoga before it's too late. (Andrea, where's that video tape you gave me?)

Anyway, these are the things that I don't appreciate about growing older and yet, I could do something proactive today. Is there enough motivation? I won't answer that!

P.S. Dave has always had the uncanny ability to do things with his eyelids. Actually, I can do that one, too. I call it... THE LAZY EYE