Thank you Christine ~~~ I’ll look into that. Hope your New Year is better. Take Care.

Hey, thanks Chrome Toe. I guess we are going through some similar stuff. My friend has had some health setbacks before this, fibromyalgia, arthritis, panic attacks. In fact, for the longest time, we always thought she suffered a lot of stomach problems due to stress. But it’s sad because she keeps going over the risk factors for this cancer (drinking, smoking, heredity) and questioning why this is happening to her because she doesn’t fit the profile. It’s just a lousy break. My daughter, I don’t know. You know how whenever you think of what may possibly happen with your kids, and what you think there’s no chance of happening? That would have been anorexia. She comes from hearty eaters of Polish and Italian stock (which are, in her words, “bad genes”) and this is a first. I’m so happy for you that both of your daughters have begun taking positive steps out of their addictions at such young ages. It’s very hopeful and I really admire them. Happy New Year to you.

Not so much a resolution as just trying lately to let go and discover the essence of me, whatever that is, and live accordingly. Part of that is learning how to live as a woman in her fifties without being defined as such. In other words, I still see myself as an attractive, sensual, vibrant woman, probably more so than ten years ago. I guess I’m trying to accept that even if you are a “woman of a certain age,” that does not preclude you from being all those things mentioned above. For the longest time, I felt that I was no longer appealing unless people viewed me as much younger than my actual age, but now I’m slowly understanding that may not necessarily be the truth. Sorry if this sounds shallow; I want to go out and do my part to save the world, too, this is just a personal issue that I’ve been working on. Happy New Year!

Jeannot, I’m far from a genius, but I think I know what you mean. Sort of like that old saying (not sure exactly how it goes) “life is what happens to the best laid plans.” That doesn’t sound right to me, but I like your vivid description better, anyway. I wish you serenity in your retirement in 2009.

Oh Frannie, I’m so sorry to hear that. Putting our sweet animals down is one of the hardest things we have to do in this life. Among my menagerie are two senior citizen dogs, so I try not to think about it. My daughter works as a vet tech, and some of the stories she comes home with; I tell her I don’t think I could see that every day, it’s too sad. On another note, I wanted to let you know that I think you such a thoughtful and warmhearted person. You are always there, showing interest in people, asking concerned questions and giving positive acknowledgment. It’s appreciated. Take Care.

The election of Obama and the renewed hope that brings was the defining moment in what otherwise seems to have been a year that was a real trial to many. I also feel grateful for finally finding a job at a time when so many are facing unemployment. The holidays were kind of bittersweet; my daughter is still in the throes of her eating disorder and it’s very hard to see her so completely miserable at what should be the best time of her life. I also started really seeing how much my mom seems to be slowing down, especially mentally, and it scares me. My best friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and I know I sound like a child, but besides hating to see such a wonderful person go through this, I don’t want to lose her. On Christmas day I also realized just how bad my marriage has become (actually, I already knew this), and I have the feeling there’s a life out there I was supposed to have lived but never will. So I send out comforting thoughts to Aileen and Belinda and all the others who have experienced loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, loss of dreams they have been holding close. As long as we wake up on January 1, 2009, there is a chance that it could be the best year ever.

Belinda: so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother.

Marjorie, this is funny. You answered the question I asked a Kohl’s salesperson just yesterday, and she didn’t know the answer! Yesterday made my payment one day late, and I was afraid they would pull something like that. Whenever this happens (rarely), I at least try to get them to waive the late fee. Sometimes if they see this is unusual, they will. P.S. Love the hair…. Happy New Year.

Hi Frannie, I would like to build my arc and float away somewhere warm and balmy where nobody knows me or needs me (Christmas hangover.) Hope Christmas 2008 was a happy one, and all the best to you in 2009.

Like Lorraine above, I’m in Chicago and no one should even be allowed to leave their homes today, but, alas, I am the new kid on the block on my job at a hospital, and was expected at work this morning. Not surprisingly, none of the patients have shown up as yet. Apparently, as it warms up later in the day, heavy downpours are expected and massive flooding. The weather reports lately sound more like epic bible stories.

I love warm, cozy sweaters and thick fuzzy socks and sitting inside with hot chocolate and a good book. I also enjoy the chance to hibernate a little bit. I have always imagined living somewhere like California as having to be “on” all the time. If the sun is always shining and the weather is beautiful, when do people get a chance to cozy up? However, the worst part of winter, for me, is worrying about my girls out on the roads and worrying about my mother stuck in the house getting depressed or going out and slipping or something.

I enjoy giving, but sometimes I do feel pressure to find the “right” gift, and if I have no idea, it gets frustrating. It is more fun for me to find little treasures at a resale shop or something throughout the year that I know would be perfect for someone, and they are so much more thrilled to get that unexpected gift. I also enjoy receiving, but, for me, it’s not as much the gift itself, as being remembered and thought of and acknowledged.

Yeah, Elaine, a lot of what you say is probably true. Sometimes it’s hard for me to really get that we take all our lifetime’s worth of baggage with us no matter who we are, even Oprah.

I am an early morning person to the extreme. Sometimes by 4 am I have a pot of coffee brewing, I’m feeding animals, writing bills, giving myself facials, cleaning out the refrigerator, you name it. Not surprisingly, I wither by early evening and don’t accomplish much at night.

Peggy Sue, I think I kind of understand what you’re saying. Oprah has gotten so much larger than life that when she got thin and fit and was running marathons, it was too much in a way. I remember thinking that her weight issues were the only thing that kept her connected to women in real life. I just don’t believe someone can be that successful and powerful and still relate to the average woman; that’s why I stopped watching her long ago. Maybe she uses her weight as a kind of subconscious tool in her career. Somewhere deep down, she realizes it keeps her humble and empathetic.