Christmas is just around the corner!

Am I excited? You bet! Not because of the gifts, but because two of my sisters made it here safe and sound, and I am having a blast, not to mention appreciating their helping me out at work. So I feel blessed. A few days ago, my Mom went to Thunder Bay to go shopping with my Aunt, and I think it was late afternoon on the day they were to return where I began to think about one of my cousins, and how I missed him, and how I wished he was here. Just at that moment I turn around and there he was. Sweet. I have another cousin popping in for Christmas I haven't seen in years, and its going to be a great Christmas! I can just tell!
Another happy note...the weather has been cooperating in my corner of the world, and temperatures have hovered around 0 degrees. A bit slushy, but ok. Out here we think thats balmy...I was so warm, I toyed with the idea of changing into a pair of shorts.
I have some thoughts on the whole gift giving thing. Have you noticed that every year it gets more and more expensive to go shopping for loved ones and friends? Well, I know its a little late to fix that prob this year, but I came across a great gift idea that I saw on the news that I think really brings us back to the true spirit of Christmas. I saw this on the news, where a lady decided instead of buying gifts for family, she bought a goat for a struggling family in Rawanda. That was amazing. Theres an organization that will for a small sum, bring a goat of chickens to starving families in third world countries, and they give you a video of them presenting the animals to these people. It was amazing to see, and it really warmed my heart, because lets face it people...we do have more than what we need...its high time we help everyone else that is less fortunate than we are. So next year... donate money to dig a well for clean drinking water...sponsor a child....hell...buy a goat on behalf of each member ofthe family to give to those who see this gesture as a true gift of life, and hopefully a step out of poverty. Now there is a Canadian website thru the CBC that has a huge listing of charitable organizations that you can check out, and the website is www.canadahelps.org. Check it out, and make plans for next year. By the way, the goat cost 31 Canadian dollars....think about how much money you spent on all those gizmos and gadgets this year, and think about how next month some of those toys and trinkets will be broken, tossed aside, or possibly collecting dust in a closet somewhere. The way I see it, I'd rather spend the money making a difference in someones life, by giving a gift of survival and life to those who need it, rather than blow money on a present for someone just because they wanted it, or that it would match the decor or something. My Blooger question today is...what do you think about Christmas spending, and if you've taken a moment to peruse the site, tell me what you tink you will do for next Christmas?
Alright...another rant acomplished! My apologies to everyone for not Blogging more often...I will try to blog more (I think that will be a New Years Resolution for yours truly) but rightnow, I'm sharing my comp with my sisters while they're home. If I don't Blog before Christmas, whatever your faith...have a happy and healthy holiday season. And please, for the love of all thats good and holy...DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! Peace and love to all my Blogger family.

Holy Cow! It's cold outside!!!

Yup....-31degrees tonight and I feel like climbing into the freezer to warm up! We've been in the deep freeze for a few days now...some people here say we're getting it because we've been "spoiled rotten" with the nice weather wehad right up until November. What? Does Mother Nature really have a beef with us enjoying nice weather? I find that the spoiled rotten comment is pretty silly. Take advantage of the warm days my friends, and simply accept the fact that yes, it does get cold here, and not worry too too much about Nature having some vendetta against us.
On another note...am well on my way with my driving lessons. Today (or rather yesterday) I drove to Marathon to learn the finer points of being behind the wheel. I drove on Highway 614, and I drove on Hwy 17 (Trans Canada). Considering that there was glare ice on the road, and colder than a witch's tit, I did very well. I actually got the car up to the speed limit and maintained it for most of the trip. When I got to Marathon the instructor gave me instructions about how to park, where the double lanes are, and gave me an opportunity to drive around the areas where he knows I will be tested. If all goes well, come January, I will have my G2, and then it's only one more year before I can have my complete G license. Sweet. I like the graduating license thing....its a recent thing, but I think it's great for those who are learning to drive because they really have to earn the right to drive. And it was money well spent to take driving lessons. My instructor is an excellent teacher, and I'm glad I didn't have just anyone here teach me because I would have learned their bad habits. I've noticed a lot of other drivers on the road who don't do things such as stop completely at a stop sign, or worse yet, neglect to shoulder check or even use their turn signals! I wonder how the hell they managed to get a license? I have a lot more driving practise to do before I feel I'm ready, but I know I can do it. Better late than never, eh?
Okay...Blogger question time...what is the worst thing you've seen a driver do? Another question..what was the hardest driving technique you had to learn? Let me know! Thanks!