Anderson back to War Zone

Anderson is back in the war zone. He will broadcasting live tonight from Israel. To read more about it, click on the link to his blog : http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/05/on-the-ground-near-the-gaza-border/#comment-510689

Anderson's reports from the frontlines are always great; informative, impartial, and interesting. However, I have to say I hate when he goes to war zones. It scares the living daylights out of me. So everyone remember to say your prayers tonight and bring Anderson home safe and sound. I suppose a few prayers for peace wouldn't hurt either. I can't imagine what it must be like for the people living there. Their lives must be literally on hold. How can they sleep with explosions echoing through the air day and night? Even when they stop, they are probably still on edge wondering when it will start again, how close will it hit, and will they live through it? Moreover, what about the children? Can you imagine having kids and wondering how you can keep them safe? They must be scared to death, even more than their parents. As a parent, I would think you'd try to hide your fear so as not to upset your kids even more. It's an unbelievable situation. Unfortunately, it happens way too often in far too many places.

It's Christmas people, what happened to peace on earth and good will towards all men? This area is in the center of Christmas, it's the home of Christmas, it's where Jesus was born. Maybe they need to think of this a little more often.

Holiday Letdown

Did you ever notice what a letdown you get after the holidays? You go from a house full of people, laughing, playing games, Christmas music in the background to liven things up, to virtual silence. The bright and happy home goes straight too doom, gloom, and quiet as a morgue. It’s really unsettling. What’s even more amazing is how fast you go from being energetic and getting things done, to feeling tired and lazy and lucky if you manage to change out of your robe.

I really miss Christmas when it’s over, although I don’t declare it over until at least Greek Christmas. I had a great Christmas this year so it will be even harder to let it go. When most people are taking their tree down and packing everything away, I’m dragging out extra ornaments to fill in the empty places that were missed the first time around.

I’ve realized over the years that Christmas is a process, a journey. Each year you strive to get everything down and have everything perfect. It’s like they say in the Constitution “…. Strive for a more perfect union.” That’s how I look at the holiday, striving for a more perfect Christmas. Some day it will be perfect; someday I will get everything done in time. The presents will be wrapped ahead of time and I won’t be up till after midnight wrapping. I will wrap as I buy the gifts throughout the year and will have time to make my own bows and wrap with creativity, imagination, and individuality. I will be organized enough so that I can make my fruitcake right after Thanksgiving and have time enough to bake all the cookies I want. Every room in the house will be decorated as well as the outside.

I’m sure you’ve realized by now that none of this happened this year. I was wrapping after midnight, the manger wasn’t lit, the carolers beside the manger weren’t plugged in and one didn’t even have a working bulb. The bells weren’t hung around the porch because we couldn’t get every one to twinkle and blew the fuses in the house five times trying to get them all lit. After the fifth fuse the bells were returned to their storage box and my brother gave up. However, it was a very merry Christmas and I had loads of fun, laughter, and tender loving moments. I didn’t want my family to go back home and didn’t want the holidays to end.

They always say you should appreciate the good things while you have them. I do appreciate that I was blessed with such a wonderful holiday, the trouble is that no matter how much you appreciate it, it stills saddens you when it’s over and it doesn’t make it last longer.

January 2, 2009

It's going to take some time getting used to typing 2009. It still seems a bit strange. It's such a let down that such a merry and remarkable Christmas could lead to a New Year that is such a disappointment. I hope the rest of the year proves to be much better.

It was nice to see Anderson blogging again. I hope it continues. Although I wasn't surprised to hear him congratulate his competition on her ratings, it was truly nice to hear. That is just one of the many attributes that make us so enamored with him. You just have to say it, that was really sweet of him.

I just saw that Dick Clark's New Year's Eve program was the highest rated of all the NYE broadcasts. I'm sure Anderson would've done better if it hadn't been for Kathy Griffin.

Sorry I don't have any screen caps or puzzles to share with you. I hope you will be patient as I get used to my new computer and back into blogging on a regular basis.

Just Another New Year's Eve

So we're starting another year. For some, it's an exciting time filled with anticipation of new opportunities and wonderful adventures. For others, it's a sad time filled with apprehension and a sense of foreboding. Anderson once again rang in the new year in Times Square. For the second straight year he had a co-host. Personally, I think he did a perfectly superb job on his own with Erica or Kyra Phillips in the crowd. What did you think of the program: great alone, or better with a co-host? Would you prefer a different co-host?

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday and that the new year will be a happy and healthy one filled with lots of dreams come true.