xxrunwithitxx showed me this forever ago, and now I have to share it because I just spent an hour watching it. XD

I absolutely love this video.

Here's to spending time fighting crowds, fretting over the weather, travel headaches, wrapping presents, slaving over a hot stove, drinking too much eggnog (YUM) and all in order to spend some of the best time you can with people you care about, eating too much food, tearing paper off presents and (of course) drinking too much eggnog. :) Happy Holidays.

I just have to show off pierhias's work on my super seekrit badger buddy gift! I asked for a new header for my layout: amdragonfly123. OMG Johnny so pretty!!!! I tried to create a background to do it justice, but that can be fixed later. Did I mention, OMG Johnny so pretty! Just what I need to cheer me up after my fall down the stairs.

I've had a rough day or two with medication withdrawls and sleep problems. Unimportant. But I thought I'd take a step back and share something I've been given to meditate over in therapy.

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

-Max Ehrmann
copyright 1952

Be yourself, be aware of your relationships with others, be careful (but have fun), trust that the world is as it should be and be at peace.

Thanks, Max. I'm trying to keep that in mind.