December 26

Post-Christmas letdown. Yuck

December 25

Christmas. The Christ candle is lit.

Now we light our last candle to remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As the prophets promised so long ago, you have come to us once again; and with the shepherds, we are filled with wonder and amazement.

Songs for the day: Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful

December 24

Merry Christmas Eve to one and all.

I just have to vent. I am annoyed. Due to aging parents who don't drive much any more we are rearranging our Christmas traditions to accommodate their needs. I do not - repeat DO NOT- mind this in the least. After all, who knows how many more Christmases we will have with them.

What is annoying, though, is the sister who needs a ride yet refuses to call either of the people who can actually provide that ride to make any kind of plans. Believe you me, if we arrive tomorrow without her, though, Dad will be PISSED and somehow it will all be my fault.

Sometimes I hate being the oldest.

December 20

Today is the fourth Sunday in Advent; the Angel's candle is lit.

The Angel's candle reminds us of the heavenly hosts that proclaimed Christ's arrival with 'Behold, I bring unto you good tiding of great joy!" The Angel Candle is also purple, reminding us that it was a King's birth the angels were announcing.

Song for the day: Angels We Have Heard On High

(Many protestant churches have changed the color from purple to blue, reserving purple for Lent. I tend to be rather traditional so I still use purple candles.)

December 13 (again)

You know those commercials for anti-depressants? Yeah, that's me. I have so much I should be doing: finish Christmas decorating; bake; wrap Christmas gifts; call my Dad. I just can't seem to get out of this chair to do anything.

I just want to cancel it this year.

The earlier Dec 13 entry was an auto-post that I wrote a month or so ago.

December 13

Today is the third Sunday in Advent; the Shepherds' candle is lit.

The shepherds' candle reminds us that God sent the angels to proclaim His arrival to common man and that He still uses ordinary people today to spread the good news of Christ. This candle is pink or rose and represents God's love and faithfulness.

Song for the day: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night.

December 12

29 years ago today something wonderful happened. My beautiful daughter, Abby, was born. She has grown from a cute little tow-head:


To a beautiful adult:



I have been blessed to be parent to the most beautiful (inside and out) considerate and caring individuals I have ever met. Happy Birthday baby.

as you sleep

December 9

Saw a meme the other day -- "How did you name your blog?" So here goes

I started my first blog, 'My Empty Nest' a few years ago when my daughter was starting to talk about moving out. Although I wasn't upset at her leaving (it was time) I thought it would be nice to have an outlet to talk about experiencing empty nest syndrome and the memories leading up to that time in her life. Well, daughter moved out, life went on as usual; the empty nest was no big deal.

At some point in time while posting the occasional update to my blog, it occurred to me that the empty nest blog had taken on a life of its own, its own personality so to speak; it just wouldn't let me post what was on my mind. So, I started a new one, one without a theme, no structure, one where I could just post whatever is on my mind. Hence "BlogUnstructured."

Yeah, pretty lame isn't it!

December 6

Today is the second Sunday in Advent; the Bethlehem candle is lit.

The Bethlehem candle reminds us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It too is purple, reminding us that it was a King Who was born in the manger.

Song for the day: O Little Town of Bethlehem

(Many protestant churches have changed the color from purple to blue, reserving purple for Lent. I tend to be rather traditional so I still use purple candles.)

December 4

Work is kicking my butt! I got spoiled while on jury duty which, although boring at times, was pretty much no-stress. Even deliberations weren't that bad.

I wish I could retire.

December 2

Finished the trial yesterday. Found in favor of the plaintiff; awarded damages and punitive damages.

It feels somewhat odd not to be going to the courthouse tomorrow. Now have to get back into the swing of daily life. (And put up Christmas decorations.)

December 1

Back to court today. Had a glimmer of hope that we would be done yesterday, but it didn't quite happen.

Today should wrap it up.

(Side note - I'm glad I'm not being questioned for the 3-month case that is in jury selection now.)