"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom".
-George Carlin
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Christmas Letter 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
Wow! 2008, what a year, right? An election that seemed to go on and on and on, plus the financial mess we are in - severest/longest recession since the Great Depression - really makes for a jolly holiday season! HA!
It would be easy to just wring our hands and rant - give in to the depression and mistrust/anger at our poiticians and financial moguls. I refuse to do that though, instead, I plan on being proactive/positive.
Yes, we all are suffering due to this meltdown, but why not use this time to revert back to those simpler times and ways - isn't Christmas season a great place to start?
Christmas is about giving, but I don't think when God gifted us with his only son's life, that he wanted us to translate that into giving each other flat screen tvs, diamond rings, Rockband, and Wii. He didn't say hey, go forth and multiply your credit card debt!
Maybe when we give each other Christmas gifts, we should remember this quote by Kahlil Gibran: "And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name - let us remember that He has given us the Sun and the Moon, the Stars, and the Earth with its forests, mountains, and oceans. All that lives and moves upon them...He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms - bears fruit. All that we quarrel about and all that we misuse. And above all else to save us from our own sins, He came down to earth and gave Himself".
What better way to put things in perspective than to remember: what we hope for, pray for, live for - comes as a gift! Put God first in our lives and appreciate all we have!
We are going to cut bk on what we usually spend this holiday season, enjoy more time with family and friends, help out our neighbors/perform random acts of kindness, and work to make our lives more financially sound. .
What we are grateful for in the past year/08:
Rocky, Tiffany and I enjoyed two weeks in Alaska (June-July) with the kids and Hannah Banana. It was Tiffany's first visit and it was fun showing her the sights! She also met her two stepbrothers (had already met Kim), and my sons' wife/girlfriend. I am grateful that our two families have melded together so well. Everyone gets along and likes each other - we really like each other!
Speaking of the kids...as I said Tiffany was able to take a little time from her busy schedule at UF to come with us on that trip. She has a full load, plus volunteers several times a week at the Womens' Crisis Center here in Gainesville. She made the Dean's List and is working on two degrees: Psych and Economics with the thought to do premed next. Tiff is actually in her junior year, but is classified as a senior, because she has done summer semesters as well. She is dating Jordan. Great guy and treats her well.
Chris (egads! he will be 30 this May) and Kassy are good. They have been enjoying their new home in Palmer, Alaska. Palmer is a tiny town right next door to Wasilla (of Sarah Palin fame). Kassy is still an RN at Alaska Native Hospital and Chris was fortunate to get hired by Schlumberger (oil field svc company). Chris works up on the North Slope. The work is hard - can only stay outside on the job for a few mins at a time due to the negative temps! He loves the $$$ and the two wk on two wk off schedule. Because they have that two wks off, they have been able to travel a bit. They have enjoyed trips to Belize, Vancouver, etc...Chris still has his video production company on the side. No kids yet, sob.
For those of you who don't know we lost Timmy in Oct. of '07. We think of him everyday and carry him in our hearts always...He would have been 27 in Feb. He is in Heaven and HEALED!!
Kim and Scotty are well! They are busy with work and school. Hard year for them, since Scotty's mom, Ginny, is sadly losing her battle with lung cancer. Please keep her in your prayers - we are thankful, however, that she has lived two years since her diagnosis. Two years in which she got to spend time with her kids and Hannah. Good enough health to take a cruise with her husband.
Scotty is the senior photographer at CBS and is working on his second degree. Kim (who is 25 now) works full time at the airport and takes a class here and there when she can. She has her hands full with work and Hannah. They have an apt at present, decided with the economy the way it is, to hold off on buying a house for the time being. Scotty has decided to teach when he gets this second degree, so the plan is that Kim will have to work full time until Scotty gets done with his student teaching, and then Kim will finish her degree in Elementary Ed. While writing this, Kim called and they will be coming for a visit in May!
My little ladybug, Hannah, turned three in November. She is at that fun age and we enjoyed our time with her this summer. We managed to all go camping (except for Chris and Kassy - due to their wk schedules) and I enjoyed taking Hannah exploring. We picked her first dandelion and I showed her how to blow off those wispy seedy things. We had blown bubbles a few days before that, and when she saw the little pieces blowing away - she exclaimed: "Bubble flowers!". I love that baby!
Johnny (will be 24 in 09) is doing fine. After dating for 7 or 8 years, Katie and Johnny broke up. Broke all our hearts, since they were together ever since jr/sr high. Plus, we love Katie! They are friends still and will continue to see each other as friends. John has started dating Brittany and Katie is seeing someone too. No matter what, Katie will always be a part of our family.
Johnny is still foreman at Alaska Rubber Co. He loves, loves, loves that job and the company in general. They are very good to their employees and are great about giving John the time off he needs to travel for his sponsors - compete and make trade show appearances. He has recently traveled to Phoenix, LA, Minneapolis/St. Paul. Was supposed to come to Tampa this week, but trip was cancelled. We were disappointed, because we had planned on visiting him there.
Rocky is still working as a stock trader. He has done ok, even with the instability - rollercoaster ride the mkt is on. He has had some health issues as well, so if things don't turn around by spring - I will probably have to go bk to work.
We are enjoying the winter weather here in Florida! After years of shoveling or blowing snow, scraping ice off my car and changing out studded tires - it is nice to enjoy the mild Florida winter and sunshine! As I write this, Rocky, Snoopy and I are sitting on the sunporch, soaking up some sun/listening to the birds sing.
I do miss my beloved snow-covered, aspen glowing Chugach Mtns! Most of all I miss living close to the kids and Hannah...Don't know when we will be able to visit again - expensive to fly to Ak! I am hoping that Chris and Kassy can make it down this February for a visit. (Just found out they are coming in Feb for sure)
We have so much to be thankful for: the kids are all healthy and happy, Dad will celebrate his 80th birthday in March of '09. He misses mom, but keeps busy with volunteer work. Was named deputy commander of the Knights of Columbus and was honored a few days ago - named aide de camp to the VFW national commander. Dad is such a dynamo, but we warned him to slow down a bit, he broke is hand several wks ago on one of those volunteer jobs! He ain't 30, but works like he is! His hand is healing nicely by the way!
My brother, Glenn, made it back safely from months in Afghanistan. No easy feat! He had some close calls while there. My sister, Crystal, is enjoying her marriage of almost one year. They just came back from a trip to Cozumel, Mexico - they were married there last January and decided to revisit. Mark and Reese are good. Mark is as hard working as ever and balances his demanding job with raising Reecie. Mark scheduled a week off and took Reece on a Carribbean cruise .
Rocky's mom, Dixie, is in good health and quit smoking! Hurrah! I am lucky to have such a sweet and caring mom-in-law. Rocky's sisters are all well and we see them fairly often. As I said, we have visited two of them (Tina and Terri)in North Carolina and Tammi - who lives in Pensacola has come here a few times. We love it when she visits!
Oh, and my ex, John, and his wife, Ronda, moved here to Gainesville as well! John grew up in Lake City, Florida which is just 30 mins from here. I am thrilled to have them so close by, because that means the kids can visit us all at once! No having to figure out who to see this time, etc...I am so happy about that!
That is all our family news...hope this catches you up - sorry we don't write more often.
I found this quote attributed to Nadine Stair: Thought it was good advice - we can start over! 2009 is just around the corner:
"If I had my life to live over, I'd dare to make more mistakes next time. I'd relax; I'd limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I'm one of those people who lived sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after the other, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had it to do over again, I would travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to live over again, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances; I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies". -Nadine Stair
Wishing each of you a safe, healthy and simpler- happier 2009!
Know that you are loved and cherished!
Happy Holidays,
Rocky and Barb
Wow! 2008, what a year, right? An election that seemed to go on and on and on, plus the financial mess we are in - severest/longest recession since the Great Depression - really makes for a jolly holiday season! HA!
It would be easy to just wring our hands and rant - give in to the depression and mistrust/anger at our poiticians and financial moguls. I refuse to do that though, instead, I plan on being proactive/positive.
Yes, we all are suffering due to this meltdown, but why not use this time to revert back to those simpler times and ways - isn't Christmas season a great place to start?
Christmas is about giving, but I don't think when God gifted us with his only son's life, that he wanted us to translate that into giving each other flat screen tvs, diamond rings, Rockband, and Wii. He didn't say hey, go forth and multiply your credit card debt!
Maybe when we give each other Christmas gifts, we should remember this quote by Kahlil Gibran: "And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name - let us remember that He has given us the Sun and the Moon, the Stars, and the Earth with its forests, mountains, and oceans. All that lives and moves upon them...He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms - bears fruit. All that we quarrel about and all that we misuse. And above all else to save us from our own sins, He came down to earth and gave Himself".
What better way to put things in perspective than to remember: what we hope for, pray for, live for - comes as a gift! Put God first in our lives and appreciate all we have!
We are going to cut bk on what we usually spend this holiday season, enjoy more time with family and friends, help out our neighbors/perform random acts of kindness, and work to make our lives more financially sound. .
What we are grateful for in the past year/08:
Rocky, Tiffany and I enjoyed two weeks in Alaska (June-July) with the kids and Hannah Banana. It was Tiffany's first visit and it was fun showing her the sights! She also met her two stepbrothers (had already met Kim), and my sons' wife/girlfriend. I am grateful that our two families have melded together so well. Everyone gets along and likes each other - we really like each other!
Speaking of the kids...as I said Tiffany was able to take a little time from her busy schedule at UF to come with us on that trip. She has a full load, plus volunteers several times a week at the Womens' Crisis Center here in Gainesville. She made the Dean's List and is working on two degrees: Psych and Economics with the thought to do premed next. Tiff is actually in her junior year, but is classified as a senior, because she has done summer semesters as well. She is dating Jordan. Great guy and treats her well.
Chris (egads! he will be 30 this May) and Kassy are good. They have been enjoying their new home in Palmer, Alaska. Palmer is a tiny town right next door to Wasilla (of Sarah Palin fame). Kassy is still an RN at Alaska Native Hospital and Chris was fortunate to get hired by Schlumberger (oil field svc company). Chris works up on the North Slope. The work is hard - can only stay outside on the job for a few mins at a time due to the negative temps! He loves the $$$ and the two wk on two wk off schedule. Because they have that two wks off, they have been able to travel a bit. They have enjoyed trips to Belize, Vancouver, etc...Chris still has his video production company on the side. No kids yet, sob.
For those of you who don't know we lost Timmy in Oct. of '07. We think of him everyday and carry him in our hearts always...He would have been 27 in Feb. He is in Heaven and HEALED!!
Kim and Scotty are well! They are busy with work and school. Hard year for them, since Scotty's mom, Ginny, is sadly losing her battle with lung cancer. Please keep her in your prayers - we are thankful, however, that she has lived two years since her diagnosis. Two years in which she got to spend time with her kids and Hannah. Good enough health to take a cruise with her husband.
Scotty is the senior photographer at CBS and is working on his second degree. Kim (who is 25 now) works full time at the airport and takes a class here and there when she can. She has her hands full with work and Hannah. They have an apt at present, decided with the economy the way it is, to hold off on buying a house for the time being. Scotty has decided to teach when he gets this second degree, so the plan is that Kim will have to work full time until Scotty gets done with his student teaching, and then Kim will finish her degree in Elementary Ed. While writing this, Kim called and they will be coming for a visit in May!
My little ladybug, Hannah, turned three in November. She is at that fun age and we enjoyed our time with her this summer. We managed to all go camping (except for Chris and Kassy - due to their wk schedules) and I enjoyed taking Hannah exploring. We picked her first dandelion and I showed her how to blow off those wispy seedy things. We had blown bubbles a few days before that, and when she saw the little pieces blowing away - she exclaimed: "Bubble flowers!". I love that baby!
Johnny (will be 24 in 09) is doing fine. After dating for 7 or 8 years, Katie and Johnny broke up. Broke all our hearts, since they were together ever since jr/sr high. Plus, we love Katie! They are friends still and will continue to see each other as friends. John has started dating Brittany and Katie is seeing someone too. No matter what, Katie will always be a part of our family.
Johnny is still foreman at Alaska Rubber Co. He loves, loves, loves that job and the company in general. They are very good to their employees and are great about giving John the time off he needs to travel for his sponsors - compete and make trade show appearances. He has recently traveled to Phoenix, LA, Minneapolis/St. Paul. Was supposed to come to Tampa this week, but trip was cancelled. We were disappointed, because we had planned on visiting him there.
Rocky is still working as a stock trader. He has done ok, even with the instability - rollercoaster ride the mkt is on. He has had some health issues as well, so if things don't turn around by spring - I will probably have to go bk to work.
We are enjoying the winter weather here in Florida! After years of shoveling or blowing snow, scraping ice off my car and changing out studded tires - it is nice to enjoy the mild Florida winter and sunshine! As I write this, Rocky, Snoopy and I are sitting on the sunporch, soaking up some sun/listening to the birds sing.
I do miss my beloved snow-covered, aspen glowing Chugach Mtns! Most of all I miss living close to the kids and Hannah...Don't know when we will be able to visit again - expensive to fly to Ak! I am hoping that Chris and Kassy can make it down this February for a visit. (Just found out they are coming in Feb for sure)
We have so much to be thankful for: the kids are all healthy and happy, Dad will celebrate his 80th birthday in March of '09. He misses mom, but keeps busy with volunteer work. Was named deputy commander of the Knights of Columbus and was honored a few days ago - named aide de camp to the VFW national commander. Dad is such a dynamo, but we warned him to slow down a bit, he broke is hand several wks ago on one of those volunteer jobs! He ain't 30, but works like he is! His hand is healing nicely by the way!
My brother, Glenn, made it back safely from months in Afghanistan. No easy feat! He had some close calls while there. My sister, Crystal, is enjoying her marriage of almost one year. They just came back from a trip to Cozumel, Mexico - they were married there last January and decided to revisit. Mark and Reese are good. Mark is as hard working as ever and balances his demanding job with raising Reecie. Mark scheduled a week off and took Reece on a Carribbean cruise .
Rocky's mom, Dixie, is in good health and quit smoking! Hurrah! I am lucky to have such a sweet and caring mom-in-law. Rocky's sisters are all well and we see them fairly often. As I said, we have visited two of them (Tina and Terri)in North Carolina and Tammi - who lives in Pensacola has come here a few times. We love it when she visits!
Oh, and my ex, John, and his wife, Ronda, moved here to Gainesville as well! John grew up in Lake City, Florida which is just 30 mins from here. I am thrilled to have them so close by, because that means the kids can visit us all at once! No having to figure out who to see this time, etc...I am so happy about that!
That is all our family news...hope this catches you up - sorry we don't write more often.
I found this quote attributed to Nadine Stair: Thought it was good advice - we can start over! 2009 is just around the corner:
"If I had my life to live over, I'd dare to make more mistakes next time. I'd relax; I'd limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I'm one of those people who lived sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after the other, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had it to do over again, I would travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to live over again, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances; I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies". -Nadine Stair
Wishing each of you a safe, healthy and simpler- happier 2009!
Know that you are loved and cherished!
Happy Holidays,
Rocky and Barb
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
