Notes to start a writer's week...

1. You finished the first item on your to-do list!!!! Okay, it was the to-do list for a single day, but better celebrate it. You're not going to get any better than that.

2. NO ONE is sick today. Yay!

3. The year is ending, but next year will provide plenty of time for all those items unfinished in your life. And the ones on your lists, too.

4. Note to self: Kids may NOT apply guilt to mom. Dogs may apply level one guilt, so don't buy into anything more severe. Spouse may apply level 2 guilt, but only in an emergency. Remind him of that.

5. Snow = Snow Day. Even if the school district doesn't realize it. Roll in snow to celebrate.

6. The puppy is not dying when he has to go outside to do his business in the SNOW. He's just coddled. Cute, though, so you can keep him--but don't feel guilty.

7. In fact, guilt is NOT a useful emotion at any time of year, much less during the holidays, so substitute another, more productive emotion (such as inspiration, surprise, amusement, or disbelief).

8. Crochet is a valid alternative to meditation.

9. And yoga in the living room is a valid alternative to outdoor exercise of any type when the temp drops below 30F. (Yes, I'm a wimp. Or something like that).

10. AND...it's very, very important that you read a whole lot of great books in the next two weeks, so you can be certain that you give only the BEST to friends and family as gifts. No, that's not a delirious giggle at that thought. Really.

11. Finally: the kids will not kill themselves playing in the snow. Probably. (See photo, above).

:) Cheryl