Bang! Boom Boom Bang!  The fireworks ring in the new year..2010!  The year was like those fireworks, it would explode in an array of activity, light and colors.. then fizzle out for awhile, just in time for the next to shoot up.   The highlight of the year was our family’s vacation to the sunny beaches of Huatulco, Mexico.  We had spent too many long hours working, and hauled up in the house. It was time for fun in the sun..  The beaches were clean, the water warm.  Huatulco isn’t overly touristy, so it was nice to not have all that usual hassle.  We ate traditional food of that area, dined by the moonlight with the waves washing up on shore next to us.  What an enjoyable family vacation. The least enjoyable was the legal battle we were dealing with.  As a result of multiple court summons, it was necessary to spend a lot of time and money on travel expenses to get from our home to the court.  The case turned out in our favor, but boy was it a hassle.  Here’s to 2011 not being as crazy.

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The future is out there waiting for those willing to grab it.  We need our children to grow up having good, sound beliefs.  To hold value in themselves, in their communities, in the world and people around them.  The scouts teach these values to children.  If I were to give money to charity, it would be to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. I have seen first hand what an impact scouting can have on children. They help to build moral, character, self-esteem, team building skills.  The scout leaders take genuine pleasure in helping children learn new skills.  The best troops also include the parents in many of the activities.  Insisting that “A scout who is dropped off will drop out.” It is fun and educational for parents and scouts. If I had a million dollars to give, it would definitely be to scouting, as I do give to them already..not quite in that quantity, but I do what I can!

I had a brand new beautiful crossover, but I got ill, and couldn’t afford it any longer.  I “down-sized”.. boy did I down-size.  I got a 1997 minivan.  This thing has been a blessing, and it has suprisingly lasted me much longer than I ever expected it to. The thing that I dislike about the vehicle is that it’s parts are not interchangable with other years, and the parts are no longer made.  This is a real pain because I have a great mechanic, but he always has to struggle to find parts when ever something breaks.  We generally have to go with used parts from the junk yard.   I have had the van for 2.5 years and I have put nearly 100,000 miles on it. For that reason, we call it “the Spirit of Adventure” It has travelled to many US states, as well as, more than half of the states in Mexico as well. It has served my family well. I hope I can get another 100K out of her. Though an old dog of a van.. She is a really good, old dog!