Living Life Abundantly

Dear Santa,
I didn’t write you this year because I realize I already have everything I need… a wonderful (although dysfunctional) family & amazing friends… for anything else that might come up, I have direct access to “the reason for the season” on the main line (I tell Him what I want & unlike you, he always comes through, right on time). Thanks anyway, it’s been real.

There won’t be any cookies and milk out for you tonight either, but you’re welcome to stop by for some Egg Nog & Brandy.

Merry CHRISTmas,
Marenda

Wow, time really flies and not just when you’re having fun. It seems like just yesterday that I was singing Christmas Carols clicking my heels thinking St. Nick would have my back. There must’ve been a mix up or some confusion. I know the North pole is extremely understaffed after all the layoffs…Unemployment in the North Pole is up to like what 80% ?

Anyway, when I called to verify receipt of my letter, I was routed to a call center in India…which was cool I guess… the nice gentlemen informed me that Santa’s workshop received my change of address from the post office in April. As far as confirming receipt of last years letter he couldn’t but insisted I participate in a customer service survey in which he wanted me to rate him a 10 (I did for karma sake).

Well this year, aside from posting on my world renowned blog (lol which has tanked on Technorati like the real estate market), I’m sending my letter to Santa through my old trusted pals at FEDEX; since this letter needs to absolutely positively get there… Plus I really need to clear up a few things with Santa and I’ve gotta do it quick.

Dear Santa,

You and I go waaaaaay back to what? Winter 1975?

I probably should’ve written this sooner …….but I guess my feelings were a little hurt. I can’t remember ever not getting anything from my list. This was a first for me.

As we get closer to the holidays I suppose that holiday spirit is swirling in the air (I’d rather catch that than H1N1). I honestly can’t really get into it totally….until I at least clear the air and keep it (as they say) 100 with you.

So here it goes…

I can’t help but notice how our relationship changed after my letter last year.

I don’t know if perhaps I offended you by leaving out fresh organic fruits instead of cookies and milk or if you were mad about my unapologetic admission to poking fun at Bush.

I was looking at your picture and thinking about some of the things (that I didn’t ask for) that you’ve brought me over the years….it occurred to me that perhaps you and I have differing opinions on some things… I could be wrong…. You know sometimes I tend to over analyze things…

If you were upset about the fruit, let me explain… I thought that a healthier snack would be in your best interest. Man cannot live off cookies and milk alone. But that’s just my opinion… PLEASE Forgive me for being presumptuous. Who am I to try to encourage you to eat different from how you’ve been eating for the last 1663 or so years. My bad, you’re obviously doing something right. This year I’ll have your cookies and milk waiting. If you call me at least an hour before you get to my house, I can have them hot out of the oven ready for you.

I always thought you were nonpartisan despite the red suit. After last year I’m questioning if that is indeed the case. Now I know this is a sensitive issue (my grandfather says not to discuss religion and politics with some folks, I don’t know if  “some folks” includes you).  I believe that religion is NOT much of an issue with us… but I can’t help but think that politics might be a hot button.  I can’t help but think that maybe you were a little upset with me for my views regarding George Bush and perhaps with my activities last year.

I’m almost certain that Sarah Palin can see the North Pole from her backyard (you guys are like neighbors perhaps good friends) which leads me to think that MAYBE you and I were on different teams last year. Look, I can understand you being upset that I was unwilling to apologize for the things I said about Bush. At the time an apology would have been disingenuous. However, now I understand and see that it was just down right mean spirited… and for that I am truly sorry.  I recently read in this good book that I should bless those that curse me and how I should forgive if I want to be forgiven….So I’m putting forth the effort to implement that in my daily routine.  If I offended you or disappointed you with my words I apologize.

As far as I know, you’re a man without a country so our political views shouldn’t be an issue…but IF they are can’t we agree to disagree? Isn’t there some sort of clause about that Santa?

I feel like this whole political thing is spinning out of control Red vs. Blue, Blue vs. Red (reminds me of Ice T’s song COLORS) … Families are politically split (Arnold & Maria)…friendships ruined (Lieberman and the Dems)…  Me and You…  Can’t we all just get along? Now again, I don’t really know if any of this is even an issue… I just wanted to let you know what I was thinking.

I was talking to my gram the other day and she was reminding me that my clock is ticking and I still don’t have any kids yet. The conversation immediately made me think of you. Why? Well, it occurred to me that your first priority when mapping out your route (from my experience as a FedEx courier I know about prioritizing routes)… You’ve got to get to those households with children first. I get that! I sure would hate to think that your making it to my house means you passing up a child’s house, that would be awful

The other thought I’ve been wrestling with is as I’ve gotten older my lists have gotten shorter. Perhaps I’m not giving you enough to work with…

Over these past 11 months all of the pieces have really started coming together.

Rumor has it you’re trading in the sleigh for a Prius. I always wondered how you fit everything in the sleigh, now I’m baffled as to how you’ll get everything in a Prius. Where there’s a will there’s a way.

The recession has hit everybody, some harder than others. I’m hoping you and the Mrs. invested in gold. I don’t mean to keep bringing up rumors, but the blogs are saying you may have lost some money with Madoff. Oh Santa I hope that’s not the case. I haven’t seen any pictures of you on MediaTakeOut.com so I’m guessing everything is ok.

Before I get into my list I have a request regarding Other People’s List

I know my list should technically be all about me but it would make me really happy if you would make sure the following folks get what’s on their list…. They’ve worked really hard and been REALLY good ALL year. It was really hard narrowing down the list of names so I can only imagine what you must go through….It took some work but I finally got it down to: My hubby, my mom, my grandparents, my siblings (this of course includes Terri and Mesha), JJ, Auntie April, Miece, Ladies of UGG!, My In-Laws, My Godparents, Niko, Vision, Dan, Lisa, Julie, Susan, Asha, Ms. BeBe, Ginger, The mailman, My BFF’s, My fourth grade class, My Godchildren, Barry, My eleventh grade English teacher, SBN, P-PHI, The people that faithfully read my blog, My Facebook friends, Kelly, Leila, TC, Emily, My niece, my nephews, my cousins, my aunts, my uncles, my sister’s roommates, Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, Drew, my cousin’s boyfriend’s sister’s baby’s daddy mother, and YOU. I know every year I’m like “give me give me give me”….I know you have needs and wants too and I hope this year and every year after you get everything you want need and deserve

With that being said here is my 2009 List (*note there are some repeats from previous years. I don’t have room for the pony yet so I’m not including it this year):

It’s that time of year again, the holiday season is upon us. I wrote a letter to Santa last year. I’m glad I did. Santa didn’t bring everything on the list, but I did get #3 and #4 from last year’s list.»

Once again I’m posting my list here because I know how much Santa enjoys reading my blog, so its impossible for this to go unnoticed.

Dear Santa,

Thank you for the wonderful gifts last year. I’m using the MacBook Pro right now its wonderful.  I was going to personally thank you the other day in the mall but you were surrounded by children all waiting to take pictures with you.  You know I’m not big on waiting in long lines so here I am writing you instead…  I did wave, did you see me?

You looked great. Did you shed a few pounds?  You know I’ve been concerned about your health.  This year I’m leaving out a bowl of fresh organic fruits and a bottle of Monavie.

I feel a little guilty for asking for so much stuff for myself last year.

This year I really want to focus on gifts that keep on giving and on gifts that will help others. I believe that will bring me the most joy personally. Is that selfish? I hope not.

I wish that I could say that I’ve been 100% nice, but throughout the year I’ve said some pretty mean (but true) things about President Bush and made him the butt of many jokes. I’m not sorry for what I’ve said, I just want to be open and honest with you. Truth be told, you probably said a few things too.

Now that we’ve gotten the naughty or nice thing out of the way, we can get down to business with my 2008 Christmas List. The economy this year was even worse than last, but I’m sure you and Mrs. Claus made the appropriate provisions for such a time as this. Anyhoo, here’s my list in no particular order:

1. Urban Agriculture Training Program

The course is a series of five, three–day weekend seminars, January through May (participants are expected to attend and participate in all five, three-day sessions).

The program begins on Friday and continues on Saturday mornings with small class meetings. Participants then move into hands-on learning on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

During this time, attendees concentrate on skill building focused on the participant’s individual farming business.

Workshop Location: Growing Power Community Food Center 5500 West Silver Spring Drive Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218

Workshop Dates: January 9-11, 2009 February 20-22, 2009 March 6-8, 2009 April 17-19, 2009 May 15-17, 2009

Santa if you could kindly include airfare and lodging that would be awesome, See Ace 4 Travel has great deals f.y.i.

2. Gift Ark: Changing the World Two By Two

The Heifer Gift Ark offers hope worldwide to families who are poor and hungry. This particular gift from the Heifer Project Gift catalog, helps children and families around the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant. The Gift Ark is an opportunity to participate in helping families start on a journey to fulfill a seemingly impossible dream – to secure food and a source of dependable income.

3. The Ultimate Breakout Package

1,000 CD’s in jackets, 24 custom-printed T-shirts, 300 11″x17″ posters, and 1,000 2″ square stickers to promote our long over due 1st official release.

4. Black Kenmore 8.8 cu. ft. Chest Freezer

This one should be self explanatory.

Shopping in bulk requires additional freezer space.  I learned a lot this summer watching and trying to get rid of the ants.  They store food.  There’s only so much that can fit in our refrigerator.

My grandparents always talk about freezing things for hard times (they remember the days of the depression).

With the rising costs of food and this awful economy I think a freezer is practical.  Don’t you?

5. Google Stock

I’m thinking long term.  I know people have lost their life savings in the stock market.  I know the stock market is volatile right now. I believe that Google is solid and I would love some shares

6. Apple iPhone

The ability to take quality photos, check email, blog, talk, get directions, access information while on the go is important for a woman like me. It’s almost a necessity but I understand that it is a luxury.

I’m sure the iPhone is a common request and that I probably should’ve written my letter sooner. Just keep me in mind

7. Sea World & The San Diego Zoo

A weekend in San Diego with my grandmother…we want to take the train (my grandmother likes the scenic route).  She’s never been to Sea World and wants to go.  I’ve never been to the San Diego Zoo (neither has she). We’ve been talking about taking this trip for over a year now but have yet to do it.  So Santa if you could pull a few strings that would be great.  My sister Michelle wants to go too!

8. Vacation for My Mom

My mother could really use a spa day and a relaxing vacation on a tropical island.  She’s never been to the Bahamas.  I think she would enjoy a weekend with a friend in the Caribbean.  I know a site that has great travel deals fyi.  If you could slip some tickets in my mom’s Christmas stocking this year that would be great!

9. Holiday Party

You know I don’t throw too many social gatherings at my house…but this year I’m feeling really festive.  It would be awesome if you could gather up my closest friends and family members…find a way to free up all of our schedules (everybody is soooo busy) so that we can enjoy each other’s company and get in the true spirit of the holiday season.

10. My Husband’s List

My hubby never sends you letters but I know he makes a mental list every year.  I don’t know how you get his lists but obviously you do because you always come through.  This year he’s been extra good and has worked really hard.  Even if it means that you can’t bring me anything on my list … can you please bring him everything that he asks for… he never asks for much…and he certainly doesn’t ask for as much as I ask for…

Well I guess that sums up my list.  I thank you in advance and send lots of love your way.

Happy Holidays,

Marenda

A new gadget that may change the publishing industry is making waves. Everyone is trying to get their hands on the new wireless reading device that lets you download and read books, magazines, newspapers, and even blogs in seconds.

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a Christmas list that was actually of things that I want not things that I want to buy for other people. This year I’m going all out. I figure Santa has gotten high tech so to make sure he gets my wish list I thought I’d post it here in the form of a letter. I’m certain he reads my blogs daily so there is no possible way for this to slip by him.

Dear Santa,

I haven’t asked for anything since 1992. Its been 15 years that should count for something right? (smile). I tried emailing you but it kept bouncing back. I was wondering if you save letters and Christmas lists for future use? Every year I seem to get something that I asked for years before.

I thought it best I tell you to please hold off on the pony until further notice. I figured using the Internet would expedite the process and perhaps ensure that my 2007 list is actually processed in 2007.

Anyhoo, I know you’re really busy especially with all the toy recalls… I heard due to hard times you had to lay off most of your elves and do some outsourcing to China for toys. I’m sure the whole lead issue has thrown a monkey wrench in your plans. Read the full story