Harper's Birthday - part 3

Wow, is that all? Then it'll be the big 40.

Or thirty-ten, as Deb would call it.

That's right!

Oh, My....somehow this thread dropped off my thread watcher! gosh....Happy UnBirthday again, Harper! How is your New Year going??? So, the Big Four O is coming up, huh? I loved my 40th year!.....met my DH then. Ah, Life is Good!

Really? That's wonderful to hear Louise. I love it. Nothin' but good times ahead.

Happy 39 & 1/4 Harper!

Hey, thanks Dave!!!! How's things with you lately?

Things have been a bit too busy and pressured at work lately but, at last, I have turned a corner.

Howsabout you?

No shortage of people in need, is there, Dave?

Dave - do holiday periods always increase the demand in your profession? I would think so, given the number of people who fight depression during the holidays. I have always felt so bad for those I know.

Well, to be honest, that is only part of it for me these days. Town budget preperation & hearings, employee problems, political turf now take up as more of my time than kids at-risk.

but still every issue of child or elderly abuse, suicidality,etc. has to be run by me. The prevention/youth development/ senior engagement programs that we do keep me sane though. (Well, relatively speaking)

Sounds like you are pretty busy with lots of facets!! Hope you can take some time just for you once in awhile. Not easy at your stage of life, huh?

Donnie, Definitely!

Lost love ones, one's dysfunctional family not being at all what one hopes for at the Holidays, excess drinking make the Holidays tough for a lot of people. Post-holiday letdown, lack of sunlight and finanial problems hit in January.

Expectations are the culprit in many situations.

I spend a pretty good amount of time here, in the garden, etc. for me. It's hard to ever do enough with the kids, spouse, etc.. But I like my life. We do a lot as family. I feel my work has value and, for the most part, I really enjoy it.

Thanks for the cheer-up, Dave!

Mom just left to return home after staying with me for a week. She came in and left like a tornado! Talk about a need for therapy. Or not. I'm very pleased to report that I totally kept my cool. She didn't fail to comment on my weight, housecleaning abilities, diet and other lifestyle choices. She's never been mean, so she says these things as if her suggested changes would make me happier. Well, I admitted that perhaps I could always stand to improve, but I feel that I'm doing pretty well as is. I could live in a ditch and be fine. Phew! Honestly, I think she really never saw me at all. She was wrapped up in so much of her own stuff. Knowing that makes it easier to not take her comments personally.

Eeeek! I didn't think all that would come out.

I'm glad to hear things have turned a corner for you at work, Dave. I hope things come out sunnier for you now.

I think you just did your own therapy, Harper!

Oh, gee. You all were talking while I was posting. Dave, you are totally appreciated here. I hope you know.

I'm glad for you she left! Her remaining alive is a testament to your impulse control!

The darkest 6 weeks of the year are behind us! The 46 brightest remain. (Victor, that's 3/26ths full )

I always felt the same way about every job I ever had. I think we are very fortunate....many, many people I know are not happy in their jobs or in their choice of a profession. Even though I am really enjoying retirement, I miss the people from my job a lot. I was so fortunate to work with so many terrific people. I was never one who couldn't wait to retire.......I was happy working, and am now happy being retired. I may work again........when the spirit moves me! LOL

Administrative functions are always the pits.

I agree!

Cross posted but I agree with both of you!

And I'm impressed with your math!

Dave, I would never have killed her! I can't say that I haven't had impulses to kill others, though! It's funny. She's writing a book about staying young.

Wow, Harper.......patience is such a virtue. I'm glad you were wise enough not to take those "suggestions" personally. You're awesome just as you are......don't change a thing you don't want to change!!! Any changes you make should be your call alone!!

Thanks Louise. It's nice to be in charge of me.

Dave, I love your math! It makes me feel so good!!

Thanks for the morning lift, Dave. I feel younger already.

Harper - you're doing great! You've got a great attitude so hold on strong.

I spent 10 days with my Dad at his house at Christmas and after I left he told my sister that his cat, Argyle was missing me! How sweet is that? I showed him DG and he signed up - at least his cat signed up. Hmmmm. Apples don't fall very far from the tree, do they. LOL!

Great. What's his DG name so we can welcome him? Start a thread for him here on NE.

That would be nice. His DG name is Argyle1 (Argyle was already taken.)

Did you start a thread for him?

No. I didn't think about it. His cats did join the YaYas, though.

Does he have some favorite plants so we could welcome him with photos?

Plumeria. (Not like we have those growing in our gardens here!)

Obviously he's not in the tri-state area! Where does he live?

Welcome Argyle1!!

Welcome Argyle1, too!

Welcome, Argyle1! We are happy to have you and your cats join us! Even down here in Fla. the plumerias are looking too bad after the cold snap for me to capture a pretty photo for you, but that will change in time and I'll try to remember (LOL) to post one for you. We have very cool cats around here, so please show us your cats if you can!