Why is it that we need a new year or change of season (spring cleaning, fall cleaning, etc) to get in the “mood” to organize. I know there are many that are uber-organizers, and on a daily basis, everything is neat and tidy, but I am not one of those…. although I am working toward that goal! I guess it is the hope for new beginnings, wiping the slate clean. Ah, this is so the story of my weight loss journey as well. My motto for 2009 in general is going to be LESS is BEST!

I am sitting this morning, at my cleaned out, reorganized, and relocated desk. Yesterday’s project. I had always kept a separate desk for work and home, however, my home desk was seriously falling apart. I decided consolidated workspaces for the last three months of my employment and get greater enjoyment out of this desk. I LOVE this desk it is the most expensive piece of furniture I have ever purchased. It’s a very tropical looking Tommy Bahama desk, that once in my home, I realized was REALLY big. It feels so nice sitting here to type this morning, the fit for me is so much better than my small, put together yourself for $89 desk for Tar-get!! I cleaned and organized the drawers and sorted out papers that I no longer needed. I’m trying to get “like” things together in the house! School supplies from years past, needlework projects left uncompleted, pictures everywhere, and pens and pencils enough to supply a classroom for a year! It feels good to get things in order, and purge out the old. I also found something I had been missing for months (over a year really) fallen behind a drawer in my kitchen, victim I am sure of an over stuffed junk drawer. It was a little “wallet” that held several of Tara’s Disney trading pins, some that I was very upset at the thought of misplacing. I knew I was responsible for it’s disappearance, and was sure after this past week of going thought boxes packed 18 months ago in haste, to prepare our house for showings, that somehow I had discarded it! I was overjoyed at finding it last evening.
I ended 2008 with the “death” of my beloved camera, only to begin 2009, finding something that meant a great deal to Tara and I! Wow, this does not sound much like I am overcoming my materialistic views… I love my desk, my camera was like a best friend, and finding $30 worth of pins, made my day! But to me, each of these things holds a deeper meaning!
1. The desk was a “treat” to myself after 10 years of working at home 8 (or more hours a day) sitting at various assemble yourself desks from Wal-Mart or Target that all cost less that $100. I had not planned on such an extravagant desk, but when I saw this, it really was love at first sight. It made my office look professional rather than something used by a college student, and I felt good sitting at it each day to work.
2. My camera is (was, will be) an avenue for my creativity. I am not an artist with brush or pencil, nor am I really that “crafty”, I’ve done counted cross stick, hooked rugs, and other various types of needlework, but it was never a passion. With camera in hand, I really feel like I can create and express myself. I will continue for the next few months, with my borrowed Point and Shoot camera from my mom, that I know from experience takes good photos. It really is the PHOTOGRAPHER that makes the photo, the camera’s technology only helps to enhance the image. I will SPLURGE on a brand new NIKON DSLR camera when I retire.
3. The pins… pin trading at Disney is a hobby that Tara and I enjoy together. I recall many visits to the parks that we excited because we were able to trade for a great pin, days where we made a “haul” of several new Chip and Dale pins, or we were able to complete a set of Cast Member trading pins (you can’t buy them in stores you can only trade for them). I loved listening to the conversations Tara would have with the Cast Members while trading with them. She remembers details of the “trade” for many of the special pins. This collection is something that she will be able to keep with her for years to come… and hopefully for her like me, it will bring back memories of wonderful times we spent together!

Today, (as every day) I remember my dad, who passed away on Jan 2, 1986, it is hard to believe it has been so long. He was my hero, and I miss him every day. The picture you see if you click on the link, was taken by me, in 1970 when we were in one of his favorite vacation spots in Vermont… shortly after that picture was shot, my cousin cast his fishing rod and the hook went right into my dad’s scalp. Ouch. You can see that the photo is a little worn, it is my favorite of my dad.

Tonight’s dinner is going to be my ex-Mother-in-Laws (my ex DH favorite dish) Baked Chicken. I found the recipe yesterday, and had chicken thawing for dinner. I realized that the chicken needs to marinate, so I opted for quick and easy Tuna Noodle casserole (very traditional New Year’s day food right?). Will probably serve with couscous and brussel sprout.

Here’s the recipe for the Baked Chicken, I have not had for YEARS, but I do remember it being a great dish:
1/4 cup each catsup, lemon juice, soy sauce and honey
6 chicken legs (I’m using thighs and one breast)
Combine all ingredients and pour over chicken… how easy is that?
Marinate in the refrigerator at least 8 hours.
Bake at 350 approx 1 -1 1/2 hours

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