Notable quotes of '09

"How are you?"
Said by everyone I know all year.

"Aunt Karen, I got this. Look at my eyes. I GOT this."
Said by Little Ken as he assured me that he would not let my boys get into any trouble in the Bahama's.

"Let's hear it for the MILF!"
Said by drunk guy at Senor Frog's trying to make me feel good about the ladies hitting on my underage sons. Did not work.

"I hate people."
Sally

"That's how 6'5" people get hurt."
Kandi, upon my description of seeing Black James at my door at 6 am. My reaction is fear. Kandi's is not. I love her spirit so much.

"Mom, be happy!"
Andrew. Thank you.

"I will kick that mouse's ass."
Tracy on Chuck E. Cheese. Our mutual hatred of that "restaurant" is one of the many glues that binds us.

"Jesus came inside of me."
Said by a well-meaning but not very street smart Baptist preacher.

"At least we still have our teeth."
Said from a little boy in Johnny's BBQ as I passed by his table. When times are tough, you find the good.

"LaBatts!!"
Clyde and I.

"Sup my nigga"
Said by me way too much. It's just so catchy.

Feel free to add to this. I know I will remember more. Happy New Year!

Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

Oren Arnold

'09

I always love getting those year summaries from my friends. It's such a nice way to catch up in such a handy, condensed fashion. So I will attempt....

2009 was brought in last year with a classic party at my house. There were kids from all persuasions, and Robin did her now famous "It's Midnight Somewhere Around the World Every Hour" game. So we had a count down each hour and ate or played a game from some other country every hour. Later the tree was torched and I'm not sure what else happened. Robin and I drank some wine and were lots of fun.

Bradley was at LSU in the spring. I was still homeschooling my girls along with the other children that were under my wing. Actually, mine and April's wings. We had a lot of fun, but that ended my illustrious homeschooling career. Bittersweet.

I must say, the beginning of the year was difficult in so many ways. The divorce was in full swing with court hearings and stress. We made it with the help of a few key people. You know who you are. I am eternally grateful.

In May, we (the boys and I) went on a cruise with my family to the Bahama's. We had fun, and I so needed the chance to get away. I saw Little Ken's naked butt, drank some Bahama Mama's, and scooped my boys out of Senior Frog's before the cougars had their way with them.

The summer came, and I took the girls to Robin's beach quite a bit. Those were nice times. I love my Robin.

By then I was working at Johnny's. Thank God for Johhny! I remember the 4th of July came, and I had to work that morning. After work, I went to Robin's where we had decided to noodle in the lake and drink beer all the live long day. Ok, it was my idea, but Robin graciously humored me and called it Karen Day. It was lovely. The best part of the day was when one particular Tracy Miller (aka The Hot Fudge Sundae) kayaked over and joined us for the whole day. It was truly Karen Day after that. We talked and laughed and drank Canadian beer and had the best day I could have hoped for.

School began in August and my girls went to the public school for the first time. It took some adjusting, but they are doing fine. I am still sad that I cannot be with them more, but I know this is best.

In September (the 13th to be exact), I started "dating" Tracy. Can someone tell me a more appropriate term? I will just say that we began our sweet mutual love affair, and I have never been happier. He is smart, funny, thoughtful beyond my comprehension, a perfect man in my opinion. And he be fine! I am blown away that this has happened for me. I never imagined that I could be happy like this.

So, Andrew is rounding the corner on his Senior tear. He is doing well. I love his Chelsea, and I am so proud of him. He is writing and recording music. Evan finished up football. He started on varsity this year and led the team in tackles several times. Bradley is taking classes to get into nursing school. He works with me at Johnny's. Honey is still drawing and writing books. She is honestly amazing. Isabelle continues to be a minx. She is a trick. She is doing greatly in school and loves it. I am so happy with my children, They are good people.

That is about it. We had a swinging Halloween party (Sally), I went to Baton Rouge for Thanksgiving, Evan wnt to football camp, and so much more. My faith has been tested many times this year. I fail constantly. But God never fails. I am helped in the most unexpected ways. Life is good. It will be interesting to see what the next year brings. I am in love, my kids are doing well, and the Saints are on track to go to the Super Bowl! I love you all. Thank you for caring for me.

And On Earth, Peace

In 5th grade, Steve Stiles (Oh, Lord, was it Steve?) and I were chosen to narrate the Christmas play. (We are on the left) It was a grand production with a choir, angels, wise men, and Mary and Joseph. I wore my light blue velvet dress and had to memorize Luke 2. Steve and I rocked it. I apologize to the boy if you are not Steve.

There is no hope greater, to me, than what happened way back in the days of Caesar Augustus. Nothing more subtle and glorious. I think of Mary pondering these things in her heart and cannot imagine traveling that way being "heavy with child". I have been heavy with child. Riding a donkey is not what I want to do. I wonder if she felt like the mother bear, like me. Probably.

Shepherds, hosts of angels in the night sky, miracles, adoring a baby that is supposed to save the world. I love the unexpected and seemingly foolish way God does things. Having babies in barns and what not. Thank you, God.

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Joy to my world

There are people, things, foods, places, and songs that bring me joy. I cannot possibly start naming the people, because there are too many, and if I forget someone, I will haunt myself mercilessly. So, please know, if you are known by me, you bring me joy. I find things about you to love. If you lack lovable qualities, I will find reasons to have compassion on you. Do not try to escape my affections.

But there are a few note worthies (made up word, I think) that I will mention. Stars in the night sky, as well as a cold blue sky, bring me joy. Kindness in any form, music, good lotion, fires, compliments (yea, I said it), fast cars, looking for 4 leaf clovers, playing chess, bubble baths, books, making boys do yoga, candles, and fruit dipped in dark chocolate.

I need to remind myself of these things because life is forever trying to point my head at bad things. Things that make me sigh. So it's Monday, and I will think of the good. Focus.

A little summary

This year is quickly coming to a close, and I must say it's been tumultuous! I have cried more tears than I thought I could produce ,and I have brushed my knees off and kept walking into pitch blackness. I have seen my kids learn how to do this as well. Not pleasant. My kids are phenomenal and have saved me everyday. They still do. All that lactating paid off. I knew it!

I have also had the fairytale surprise of falling in love. It's the twirl your hair kind of love. The don't eat or sleep kind. The daydreaming, picture-kissing, get a tattoo kind. I have not been this happy since I was 9, and that was a very good year, my friend. Never saw it coming! I get to be loved by the Hot Fudge Sundae. Nothing but pleasure. I am a lucky girl!

I have a job and work for the some of the best people in the world. (My world!) Johnny Mason is the most generous, funny, and all around delightful person to work with and for. I cannot express how much fun I have at work. I told Dave (another supervisor of mine) that they should create a position for me in which I get paid to just talk and laugh with them. He dryly said that's what you do now! I love that man! Kelly, Dave's wife, is my dear friend that happens to be my boss as well. She takes care of me, and most importantly, laughs at my stories. Perfect!!

I have more to say, but I will think about how to present those things. I love you all. Happy Holidays (I am rebelling against the notion that you can't say Happy Holidays.) In your faces, judges. Peace and love!

Très bon !

Tracy and I at the LSU game. I like this. I am sorry it is so small. Carole, help!