I must confess, I’ve started the new year out as a total bum, a major Scrooge, and a complete loser. Now I don’t plan on extending the laziness much further into the new 2010 year. But it is nice to have a day that you don’t have a long to-do list to complete. A day where you don’t have to keep track of the check marks and a day where you can do absolutely nothing. How many times does this happen in a year? Not many… so I’m taking full advantage of it. No housework, no shopping, no laundry, no cooking, no working, no email (work email that is), no makeup, no getting out of the sweats, and no fixing the hair.

Today has consisted of cycles of sleeping, eating junk, and watching football. I even slept through the Rose Parade! We did briefly start taking down the Christmas tree – but it was very brief. I thought about doing some laundry since the hamper is overflowing – but it was fleeting thought. I thought about catching a movie but decided I didn’t have the energy or patience to deal with the lines. So I sat in my chair, played solitaire, took naps, and watched college football all day. And now that the sun has gone down, I find myself continuing the days trend.

In my attempt to get into the “New Year” spirit, I contemplated coming up with some resolutions for the decade ahead, But then decided, it was too much trouble and too much stress. Then I thought about 2009 and the ups and down of the roller-coaster year. On one hand, it was a terrific year. Alex came home. I had all the kids and their families together in the same spot twice in the same year. And we welcomed in a new adorable grandson. So from that perspective, it was a wonderful year.

On the other hand, we’re still too far away from home. The economy has damped our savings plan and our travel plans. Work is crazier than and ever and I’m working way too many hours and still can’t get caught up. But now as I sit here and type, I can’t really think of any other negatives to say about 2009 (well I do have a lot to say about the current political climate, but that’s for another post!). Which brings me to the conclusion that the year wasn’t as really bad as everyone on TV  wants me to think it was.

And here’s why…

I have a wonderful family. They are healthy, strong-willed, and independent. They are carving out their place in this world and doing a magnificent job. I am so fortunate to have the best parents anyone could ever dream of. I have the world’s best little brothers and adore their families and grin at their antics posted on Facebook. I do have a roof over my head and don’t think I’ve ever really been hungry. I have the coolest and cutest husband who has more patience  than anyone I know. And unfortunately, he needs all the patience he can get to live with me. He’s my best friend! I have vehicle that gets me to work and back every day. I have pictures and memories of my life that I treasure so much. And maybe most importantly,  I have a testimony of Jesus Christ and realize that while I am sooooo imperfect, His Atonement gives me hope, gives me strength to keep going, and reminds me to try and be a better person every day.

So while I was determined to avoid any new year festivities today, I ended the day in humble gratitude for all the good things in my life and for all the blessings that I enjoy daily. So while 2009 was a very bumpy year, I am looking forward to 2010 with optimism and with a grateful heart for I truly do possess the greatest things this life has to offer. To my parents, my husband, my brothers, my children, my grandsons, and all my friends, I wish you continued happiness and peace in the new year and give thanks that each of you are in my life. I love you guys!!!!

Captains, Pre-game -Fall 1978

Where does the time go? Seems just like yesterday we were lining up to take the field for the half-time show. In reality, it’s been 30 years since the glory days of high school. Boy doesn’t that make me feel old and tired!

Still, it’s so fun to take that walk and remember good friends, fun times, and special experiences that definately last a life time.

There’s a new blogger in town! Cal has joined the ranks with his own Sports Blog! Check it out….it’s brand new; but promises to be a site to that will amuse us all! Here’s the link:

http://calrocks.wordpress.com/

 ”Winning is not a some time thing, it is an all the time thing. You don’t do things right some of the time, you do them right all the time.”

“Excellence must be pursed….with all our might…..everyday….This is the thing that endures.”

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”

“Leaders are made, they’re not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”

“A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”

 ”If it doesn’t matter who wins and loses, then why do they keep score?”

“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”

Plus, with the onset of Fall – Football season opens up! And football certainly puts a smile on my face. Here of late, I’ve been engrossed in the Fantasy details, trying to keep my team ranked accordingly and getting ready for the league draft. Now, in case you don’t know it – this is an extremely time-consuming endeavor. You have to watch pre-season very closely, pay attention to the injured  list, watch and see who is performing well, and see how all the off-season trades are going. So for all my football buddies and fantasy league team owners – Let’s play ball!

With that said, I haven’t picked a favorite team this year yet. I still have my “A” list, the Bears, Bengals, & Packers. But I used to be a huge 49er fan – that was years ago when they were actually winning, but I still have a soft spot for them and hope the do well this season. Since I’ve become a “fantasy player”, I think my loyalty to one team is diminishing. I seem to be more player focused than team focused. The verdict is still out on whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. Either way, I can’t wait to get the season started. I think I dislike summer so much because there’s no football. Fall is definately my best season. There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch on a Monday night in front of the fireplace with a bowl of popcorn and candy bar getting ready to watch the game!

It’s time to forget about the offseason! Let’s get ready to play!

For those of us who had Michael Vick as one of our QB picks for this year’s fantasy teams – time to mark him off and replace him with a law-abiding, truth-telling, and probably less-talented candidate (or maybe not if you have Peyton on your list – but good luck getting him!) It amazes me how arrogant and self-absorbed some of our best athlete’s can be. And I guess my biggest disappointment has to be the along the same lines as the NFL’s – he lied to the commissioner. You just can’t break the law to the degree that Vick did, lie about it, and then expect to receive any leniency. Now if it was me in Roger Goodell’s shoes, Vick would be out all season and if convicted out of the NFL for good – not necessarily for the crime (which was pretty brutal), but definately for lying. If Goodell is going to keep player personal conduct policy as one of his top league priorities, he has to come down hard on Vick – sorry Atlanta – like it or not Vick has to go.