Season's Greetings

it's been a busy season, but it's nearly over.

in october, or was it sept? we started financial counseling - we're STILL not ready for the hubby's retirement. he retired in march, 2009. the experience has been... interesting.

before our first meeting, i had nightmares she would just throw her hands up in the air and inform us "you're doomed!" it wasn't QUITE that bad, but close. now, at the end of the year, after 6 or 7 meetings, we've consolidated our bank accounts, and several mutual fund accounts, and converted two IRAs into two new ones with better management over all. we've actually made a little profit. we've also put more effort into governing our spending, cancelled a few subscriptions and unnecessary services - we're closer to a manageable budget. still not entirely out of the woods, but it looks promising.

the past six weeks, we've concentrated on family. we've seen a lot more of my mom, and actually managed to get in a visit with my brother and his wife. everyone's health is on the upswing - weight is down, glucose levels are better controlled, we're all walking more and eating better.

of course, this month, we've been planning for christmas. #2 son has escorted me on three different shopping excursions, and we've managed to get everything we wanted for the people on our lists. i finished wrapping most of it, yesterday. today, we'll head to the UPS store to ship the two packages that are headed out of town and we can relax this last week before christmas day. it's completely out of character for me. i'm usually still shopping the day before (as i didn't even create a list 'til then) and wrapping 'til 4:00 am on christmas eve. what AM i going to do with my time?

i know! i'll send a greeting out to you :-) this video is a bit long, but it's from a "local". the creator is from sherman oaks, CA. christmas lights are always pretty, and home computing makes it much easier to actually create a "show" for the neighborhood.

Lights On Display 2010 from Lights on Display on Vimeo.