Accentuating the Positive

It's that time of year where so many people are writing "end of the year" blogs and lists. Let me be the first to say, "I'm ready to see 2008 to the door!" and have nothing but warm welcome for 2009. I'm expecting a better year. Shouldn't be too hard to meet that expectation as the bar is so low if it's based solely on 2008.

But, even though I'm not sad to see this year come to a quiet close, I feel I should mention the good things that happened in 2008.

Traveling to the Atlantic coast in both North and South Carolina......such beautiful places! Having grown up in a land-locked state, I love to see and hear the ocean any chance I get.

Watching my oldest nephew, Tyler, graduate from high school. He's such a fine young man and I'm so proud of him!

Being true to my word and ending a seven-year relationship because it was no longer the right thing for me.

So many good times with friends.....and usually involving karaoke!

So much good music in the world........it really does lift my mood to listen to music I love! I'm glad to have discovered Julia Nunes and Ingrid Michaleson this year. I'm also glad that Zooey Deschanel is part of the duo, She & Him. I love her voice and am glad to hear more from her!!

I'm happy to have discovered Josh "the Ponceman" Perry and his YouTube serial, The Retarded Policeman. Before you jump to conclusions based on the title of the show, you need to go HERE to read my previous blog about this incredible actor who never fails to put a smile on my face and laughter on my lips! So important to me these days!

Meeting Sugar D......I had no idea how important he would turn out to be, but he has been my northern star which constantly helps me navigate the ups and downs of my journey through unemployment.

I'm healthy and happy.

My parents came to my rescue and helped me by paying for much needed car repairs and don't expect me to pay them back until I'm back on my feet again........thank God for parents who love unconditionally and who will always be Poppy and Lovey Mom for me no matter how old I get!

All of the sweet and marvelous things my friends have said and done for me the last few weeks. I hate to name people because I will probably leave someone out and I don't want to make anyone mad.....but I want to mention a few! Jessica, Jessican, Rebeckah, Kelly, Holly, Amy, Andy, Jeff, Shannen and Sugar D for checking on me on a regular basis and giving me encouragement!
There are so many peeps on Facebook who have been so very encouraging.....because there are too many to name, you can go HERE and look at them if you like.

So......that's my short but very important list of good things from 2008. Let the countdown to 2009 begin!

Songs that Make Me Smile

I love finding new places to eat, good books to read and great music it listen to. Sometimes I find these things on my own, but more often than not, my groovy and ecclectic friends are my source for finding cool, new stuff. And when I find some new gem, I easily become obsessed.

For the most part, I gave up watching television two years ago but in the spirit of full disclosure, I should let it be known that I go to a friend's house every Tuesday to watch Flipping Out and I also watch full seasons on TV shows on DVD....and then there's YouTube.


In the past I've blogged (over on myspace) about my obsession with What the Buck?!? and Sam Harris' "Hello Vlog People!" postings on youTube. But......I have a new obsession (and special thanks to my friend Kelly for finding it first)!

Julia Nunes is an innovative and talented musician who has been posting her music on YouTube for a couple of years. She plays several instruments, but mainly the ukelele and the guitar. She does some interesting covers and many originals.

I love folksy-type music, so her originals really speak to me but other than that, her music just makes me smile. That's why I want to share it with as many people as possible!

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

This is the first video I saw from Julia Nunes. The first thing I thought when I saw this was, "Why didn't I think of this?"


I won't take up space by posting all the videos of Julia's that I think you should see, so instead I will point you to her YouTube page to peruse at your leisure!

Check it out!http://www.youtube.com/jaaaaaaa