CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE

In just about 15 minutes, I am headed to Alabama for Christmas at my mom's. I am so excited! It's the first Christmas I got off from work since I started working in news. The whole family will be there, including my grandmother! Yea!

I had a wonderful birthday...a full week of celebration! On my birthday, I went to lunch with the girls at work--we ate at P.F. Changs. I got several cards, one even had lottery tickets in them. It was my first time playing the lottery, and I didn't win a thing! My mom's gift will keep me from having to pay any speeding fines! She gave me a fuzz buster ( a radar detector for all of you yankees that don't know what that is!). One of the girls at work made me muffins. I thought that was nice.

On Friday, Brett took me to "The Melting Pot." That was so much fun. I really enjoyed it! Then on Saturday, my friend, Lori, and I went out to eat and to the movies. It was a great birthday!

Parents Visit

I got a wonderful early birthday present this past weekend. My dad and step-mom came for a visit. This was the first time they've visited since I moved to South Carolina nearly two years ago. So, it was a special treat. They came Saturday afternoon--I took them to downtown Greenville and showed them the park. Then we went and ate at Sticky Fingers. They really enjoyed it. My dad loves barbeque--and this place has really good food! Then when we got back, my apartment complex was having a Christmas party--complete with free carriage rides. SO, my step-mom and I took a ride. It was fun! They left as I was leaving for church Sunday morning, but it was still a good visit. I was glad they came.

My birthday is tomorrow. I will be the dreaded 29--that's just one year before the aweful age of 30! But I've decided to celebrate anyway--and thank God for another year of life. Some girls from work and I are going out for lunch tomorrow to my favorite--P.F. Changs. Then Friday, Brett wants to take me out for my birthday. We are friends--that is all. And I am happy keeping it that way. Saturday, I plan on celebrating with some girlfriends from church. So, lots of birthday celebrations this week!

My mom sent me a gift a couple weeks ago--and it's driving me crazy, because she won't let me open it until tomorrow--we're almost there!

WEll, gotta go to the gym. I was sick in the bed all week last week, so I haven't worked out in quite a while.

Merry Christmas!!!

SHOUT "MERRY CHRISTMAS"

Twas the month before Christmas,
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Ikea were hanging their trees upside down
At the Bay the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At Staples, Wal-Mart, Future Shop and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas;
it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of City Hall, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS - NOT Happy Holiday