Wednesday Reflections - on Thursday!

I like my Wednesday Reflections posts. I am always busy, always running, and for this post I take a few minutes to stop and think about things that are important to me, or that are currently on my mind. Today, I was scheduling a few meetings on my calendar, and it hit me that another year is about to come to a close. And then, of course, I started to think about the year in "review" and what I accomplished, and what I didn't accomplish. We have about six weeks left in 2008, and I guess it's time to "man up" and find out whether or not I made good use of this fine year.

First, and most important, this year brought another year of good health for me and my son, Michael. For that I am eternally grateful. Based on this one fact alone, 2008 was a very good year.

Michael had a terrific year. He became a teenager, played lots and lots of great baseball, got excellent grades in school, and recently got his first girlfriend. For Mike, 2008 was a smashing success.

As for me, I think I have a bit of work to do over these next six weeks to ensure a successful year. I haven't really done all that much that I am proud of. I worked, and worked and worked, and since I am the sole supporter of my family, I suppose my work allowed us another year with warm beds to sleep in and enough food to eat. However, other than working, I haven't done much. I did get away for my annual weekend shopping trip, and that was fun. But, I can't say that I've done all that much to make a difference. Yes, I have donated to my favorite charities, but certainly I could have done more. Personally, I spent another year married to a man I shouldn't be married to -- but that's a post for another day or month! I guess the point of this post is that there are six precious weeks left to 2008, and I think I need to make the most of them.

So how about you? What do you have left to do in 2008, or what about 2008 made you smile?

Wednesday Reflections - For Whom do you Blog?

I usually fight traffic on my drive home from work (and my drive to work for that matter!). That time stuck in traffic gives me plenty of time to think. Tonight as I was driving home, I was thinking about blogging, and how much I enjoy it. And then I realized that I enjoy it because I am under the impression that a few people actually read my blog, and that excites me. And, although, I have not met any fellow bloggers in person (except for my fellow Chickadee, Karen!), I certainly have "cyber" met some genuinely nice and interesting people out there in the blog-o-sphere. That's a bonus I wasn't expecting, but certainly cherish!

I also recently started taking a great blogging course, which focuses on how to expand your audience and potentially turn your blog into a source of income. I am not ready for the income part yet, but I do like the idea of reaching a broader audience with my blog. Wouldn't it be nice to say something funny, and brighten someone's day, or share a nice thought or a good recipe? That's the thrill of blogging for me. If can say something that people find interesting or entertaining, well that's just great, and I am sure going to keep trying to do that!

So this post begs the question... For whom do you blog?

Superior Scribbler Award!

I believe I have won my first ever blog award, the Superior Scribbler Award! Many thanks to Preppy in the City. I am completely thrilled an honored!

Now in accordance with the terms of my award, I must do the following:

1. post the award on my blog
2. link to preppy for giving me this award
3. link to the original post
4. pass the award on to five more deserving people
5. post these rules for the recipients of my award

The five wonderful blogs I would like to nominate for the "Super Scribbler Award" are:

1. Because I Said So
2. Monogram Momma
3. A Dozen Eggs - The Blog
4. Preppy Planet
5. The Gifting Gumshoe

My Annual Shopping Trip!

Today, I am leaving for my annual shopping trip with my mom and her sisters. It is the most fun thing I do each year! Nothing else compares to this trip. We book a hotel, and for three days we shop all day and then go to dinner and a movie each night. We have to bring three cars with us to handle all of the packages. It is a really special time for all of us. This is our 12th annual trip. I'll tell you all about it when I return, and divulge some of my purchases as well!

On a separate note, I want to thank all of the kind bloggers who linked to my contest. I am so grateful, and so excited that so many people have entered! Keep the entries coming, and I'll pick a winner on Sunday evening (and reveal the prize!). I think I have also won my first blogging award! I am so excited about this, and will follow-up on this on Sunday as well.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Don't Forget to Vote on Tuesday!

Tuesday will be a historic day for our country. Don't forget to make your voice heard by going to the polls to cast your vote. Voting is important, it's your right, and it's your chance to make your voice heard. All of our votes count, and they are all important!

I still haven't figured out who I am going to vote for. Although, lots of people have tried to sell me on which candidate deserves my vote. I am so very tired of people impressing their opinions on me -- telling me who I should vote for. I am going to vote for whoever I decide is the best candidate for the job. And, last time I checked, I was intelligent, well-educated, literate and able to make that decision all on my own.

Who will I vote for on Tuesday? Whoever I choose!