MAKING PEOPLE HAPPY

I have several things to be happy about right now. I start a new temporary job on Monday that is only 6 miles from my house. No driving on the freeway, just backroads. I didn't like having to go in for drug screening, but it made the employer happy.

I've made my oldest daughter happy and speechless. I've resisted changing when I celebrate Christmas with my family because I love Christmas morning with my grandkids. Well, this year Jenny was put into a very stressful situation and my mother's instinct took over and decided it was better to make the change this year than to have my daughter strung out to her last thread. When I asked Jenny what she thought about celebrating Christmas after the grandkids Christmas program at church on December 20, there was dead air on the other end of the phone. Well, I said . . . Jenny said she didn't know what to say but I could tell it really made a difference for her. I don't think I was really against making changes in how my family celebrates Christmas, I think I just wanted it to be my idea when I was ready. This year, I'm ready. I've written a letter to Santa Claus asking him to please fill my grandchildren's stockings 5 days early. I think he's sending his special elf, Ralph.

I'm making myself happy by entertaining quite a bit this weekend. It all starts tomorrow night at OES where Bruce and I serve refreshments after the meeting. More people will be at this meeting as it is the Grand Family visit. Several people have asked what I am serving but I'm not telling. Next up is the neighborhood Christmas Party on Saturday morning. Ten ladies from the neighborhood (or in some cases, who used to live in the neighborhood) arrive at 10 AM for a light breakfast and exchanging token gifts (usually something Christmas). After everyone has enjoyed listening to music, chatting and opening a fun gift, they leave around noon. Then I'm off and running to get things ready for the next party which is on Sunday afternoon. There's appetizers to make, beverages to get cold and dishes to get ready. Come Sunday, I'm dressed in my holiday best ready for my guests to arrive (about an hour into the Vikings game). Entertaining this way is easy since you really only have to clean the house once, get it decorated (which you can then enjoy for the entire month of December) and be busy for one weekend instead of little bits here and there.

I love making people happy. It heals my heart at this time of year. I've lost several family members during the holidays so making others happy helps me get through. I'm glad I could make Jenny happy this year. It has been a hard one for her and won't get much better until next summer when John returns. All I can say is Happy Holidays, strike that, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!