I've always wondered

I've always wondered what the lyrics were that are sung and midnight every new year and now I know! Below are the lyrics for those of you that are equally curious in both the Traditional and Modern English Translations. Happy New Year!

Auld Lang Syne (Traditional)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o’ lang syne!

Chorus: For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne, We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes, And pu’d the gowans fine, But we’ve wander’d mony a weary foot Sin’ auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’t in the burn Frae morning sun till dine, But seas between us braid hae roar’d Sin’ auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere, And gie’s a hand o’ thine, And we’ll tak a right guid willie-waught For auld lang syne!

And surely ye’ll be your pint’ stoup, And surely I’ll be mine! And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet For auld lang syne!

Times Gone By (Modern English Version)

Should old acquaintances be forgotten, And never brought to mind? Should old acquaintances be forgotten, And days of long ago!

Chorus: For times gone by, my dear For times gone by, We will take a cup of kindness yet For times gone by.

We two have run about the hillsides And pulled the daisies fine, But we have wandered many a weary foot For times gone by.

We two have paddled (waded) in the stream From noon until dinner time, But seas between us broad have roared Since times gone by.

And there is a hand, my trusty friend, And give us a hand of yours, And we will take a goodwill drink (of ale) For times gone by!

And surely you will pay for your pint, And surely I will pay for mine! And we will take a cup of kindness yet For times gone by!

out 08 - in 09

We're getting closer to the famous midnight, the one celebrated worldwide. What will you be doing at midnight? Kissing your lover, wishing for a lover to kiss or missing your lover far away...



Or perhaps you're more the festive type that will be decked in boas, funny glasses and a head piece of some sort breaking your streamers, blowing your noise makers and shouting for the world to hear "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"



Whatever the case may be, raise your glass in toast to the wondrous possibilities of the near and distant future. To friendships to come, cultivating the ones you have, weeding out those that are fading, to family no matter how strong or weak the relationship, to love, loyalty, honesty and integrity all through out your life and of those that surround you. This is a new dawn, grasp it!



On a semi-side note: I've never been one for listing out an annual To-Do list and calling them resolutions because the majority were really meant for short-term or life happens and the items are no longer feasible. However, bringing in the new year does cause me to reflect on the pros and cons of the year ending and how to learn from them and apply those lessons going forward. A big one this time around is Friendships. As you may have gathered from some of my previous entries, my friends mean a lot to me. I put a lot of emotion and time and energy into all of my relationships but especially those that reciprocate and have been there for me during difficult times. So going forward I'm going to cultivate the relationships that are barely there, spend more quality time with the friends that have been there, hopefully create a couple of new friends and sever the ones that are only sucking my life source away.

Jingle, Jingle

Winter Wonderland.

It trully is the most wonderful time of the year! Even with all of the stress and full streets and crazy drivers... The Christmas music is such a highlight for me. I just love it! And for those especially difficult days it helps to bring the stress levels down and a the frown flipped upside down. :)


I'm not sure which part I enjoy more, hearing, watching or singing the melodious christmas tunes. All though I never sing for an audience there is something real and tactile about personally uttering those magically wonderful words. "For unto a child is born... O Holy Night... Joy to the World... It came upon a midnight clear... Where are you christmas... Silent Night..." I could go on forever!


Whether you'll be hearing, watching or singing along, I hope that you enjoy a wonderful Christmas full of cheer!

Merry Christmas!!

Friendships

According to Wikipedia: Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more people. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and affection and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for many, friendship is nothing more than the trust that someone or something will not harm them.
Value that is found in friendships is often the result of a friend demonstrating the following on a consistent basis:
the tendency to desire what is best for the other,
sympathy and empathy,
honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of one's counterpart
mutual understanding.

And according to Dictionary.com: friend  /frɛnd/

-Noun
1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.
2. a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter: friends of the Boston Symphony.
3. a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile: Who goes there? Friend or foe?
4. a member of the same nation, party, etc.
5. (initial capital letter) a member of the Religious Society of Friends; a Quaker.

–verb (used with object)
6. Rare. to befriend.

—Idiom
7. make friends with, to enter into friendly relations with; become a friend to.

How do you determine when you have gained a friend and when you have fallen out of a friendship?

The term "friend" is used in such a general manner these days. Mainly because acquaintance sounds a bit harsh, especially if it's a person that it in that limbo land between aquaintance and friendship.

Yes, as a close friend you are supposed to be able to be honest, especially when it is difficult. But even after you've uttered an extremely difficult statement of honesty and concern for a person and that friend turns their back further from you, what are you left to do next? Assume they are separating themselves from you? No matter the time invested or the history nurtured over the years? Sometimes I think loosing a long time friend is worse than ending a relationship with a partner. For those closest of friends know your soul.

Here's to a new year of gaining new friendships and reflecting on the possitive values of those you may have lost over this past year.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

I do not want to sit and reflect.

The actions of this past weekend have left me empty.

Within 48 hours I had a terrible lovers' quarel and the biggest event of personal disrespect. The first originally seemed so devistating until the latter came into existance.

I've been pouring energy, time, money, food and love into an individual for a year now. Last night I introduced him to the core of my being. My family and church. In turn he spat. He spat on me, my family and my church. Both verbally and in his physical actions.

You really can not help those that don't first want to help themselves. A morally bankrupt person is even worse though. You can express your hurt because of their actions and it doesn't even leave an abbrasive mark on their thick hide.



Rain, rain, go away.
Come again, some other day...

Treading Softly

I love you
Her whispered words hang in the stale night air
It’s too soon for him

I love you
Tracing the words on his skin

I love you

Our Magical Anniversary Celebration

We celebrated our 4th Anniversary yesterday at Disneyland!

Neither of us had been in 12 + years so it was a fountain of youth experience. So much fun and the lines weren't bad either. I think the longest one was only 35 minutes or so but for the most part they were less than 15 minutes. An extremely pleasant surprise.
The best part was that the entire park was decked to the nines in Christmas attire. Tons of lights and ornaments and trees and garland. Just totally made the magical settin that much more special. I had this huge grin on nearly all day and had several random outbursts of happy dances! I think my only complaint was that since it was just the two of us there weren't many pictures of us together but the couple we got I am thankful for. It's just a bit of a pain to have to pick a stranger out of the crowd for a picture.

So for the most part, we settled for self-portraits. :)

Yay for Disneyland!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

This is a year that I have much to be Thankful for, even though one item is bitter sweet.

We have purchased and moved into our first home, we have two wonderful dogs and two awesome cats and I've began new friendships, new projects and really tried to apply myself int a more possitive manner to my job (again).

I am thankful that I even have a solid job right now with all of the uncertainty out there. I've made it over a really uncomfortable spot and back into a state of confidence and happiness knowing that it's a job and an income and that neither have to dictate my life.

I am also thankful that sweet, beautiful, wonderful Tessa has arrived at her new home and that I know she will be cared for and loved for several years to come by her new "mom" and family. I will miss her dearly but knowing that little Em has several years at home left and a very good home means that Tessa will be well looked after.

I am also thankful for my friends. Making them can certainly be difficult but keeping them is the other half of the battle. My gal and guy pals are all great and I appreciate their support, honesty and humor in all things. You guys are awesome and I look forward to many more laughs, cries and pranks over the next several years to come.

And finally, I am thankful that on Monday, December 1st, 2008 Brandon and I will be celebrating having completed four years of marriage. It's hard to believe that five years have gone by since we first began our relationship and four years since we made the ultimate commitment to eachother. We've been through a lot and are only going to go through more but we keep managing to pass the test together on a regular basis. I love you!

Lending A Helping Hand

I'm very excited about two of my current projects. They are groups of women that I've organized to create "patch-work" knit and crochet blankets for some local charities and shelters.

My first group is at work. A small handful of ladies gather every to every other Friday in the conference room during our lunch break to crochet and get a few helpful pointers from me. Eventually we'll move on to knitting as well and they'll all get to learn an art while contributing to their community. The goal is to create enough squares (8") to create at least one twin sized blanket for a local Women and Children shelter.

My Second group is at church. Through e-mail I've recruited the skills of several ladies to also make several squares, both knit & crochet (8"). These will be forming baby blankets and prayer shawls/lap blankets for mothers and babies at a local crisis pregnancy center called Alternatives Women's Center.

Both charities have been extremely excited by my phone calls asking if they are in need of blankets, especially when they find out that they will be hand made. It's really rewarding to be involved in the community in a selfless manner. Especially as the holidays are fast approaching.

Is volunteer work for you? Maybe you should ask yourself that. What are your talents? Whether they be professional, amateur or hobby there is a use for them. Even if its a few minutes of your time, consider giving it back to the community and charities around you that need it most.

A is for Adoption

It has happened. We have had our first discussions about adoption. And not in a "what-if", or "some day" kind of way. We have honestly discussed this very real option to having a family of our own.

Granted it was rather difficult for me the first time but the more I think about it the more I realize that I would be selfish to discard adoption as an option and continue to poor money into attempting to conceive children of my own flesh. Adopting a child should not make it any less my own. Rather I should feel and know how blessed we will be when that day does come that we can attempt to make a difference in a young child's life.

I don't think we're going to try and join the thousands of others vying for the first newborn to pop out in their general direction. But the child will still be young. Most likely 3 years old or younger.

The more I think about this possibility, the more I grow warmer to it. I know that I want to be a mother more than anything. It will just be coming about in a manner I never imagined needing to consider. The Lord's will be done, whether or not I understand in this life time His choosing.

'Tis the Season

As we enter into this supposed most joyous time of year there are many faced with the holiday blues.
Those in need of work, those who can't wait to get out of their job,
those in want of children, those wishing they could better handle the children they have,
those in a less than desirable relationship and those longing for companianship.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to revert to that innocent time and place in your childhood when the best thing was a new box of crayons with a big coloring book and the worst thing was a little scrape to the knee or being denied that third cookie?
Silence is golden and innocense is platinum.
The days of instant friendships, just add toys.
Warping back into the today brings responsibilities, maturity & daily heartache.
Where friendships and relationships are scraped together
then fought for with all your vibrant life.
Just to have many fade away.We all could use a kindred spirit.
Especially now.

Life

*sigh* so much has been going on in the bubble I claim as my life!

I've reconnected with a friendly flame; I've realized how much I hate bills and hope none of our pets get sick inbetween their annual visits; I've stood by a friend in joy, a friend in happiness, and a friend in injury; I've come to the bittersweet realization that I must part with a long time companian - very soon; and I've reconnected with my husband yet again.

Isn't it interesting how it seems like there is so much time in the day and it does such a good job at dissapearing when there are things left to do? Especially now that it gets dark earlier. I definitely don't think there are many "wasted" moments in my day. Take this past Monday for example. Upon waking up for the day I pulled a load of laundry out of the dryer and sorted it while Brandon fed the dogs and showered. I laid out his work outfit then fed the cats and fish and got our lunch out. Then I showered and got myself ready (even a little makeup!) before grabbing my breakfast, lunch and purse and jetting down the road to work. After puting in my 8 hours I went straight home to change my pants and shoes. Walked down the street to get the mail, fed the dogs, cats, & fish. Gathered up my recent issues of Rachel Ray Everyday, a cookbook, pan and a few ingredients. Sorted through the mail to weed out the junk. Then helped Brandon take the trash out and go to Albertson's to get a few veggies and missing ingredients for dinner. Went to his best friend's apartment (who had a back surgery on Thursday). There I combined the ingredients for a turkey meatloaf and popped it in the oven before cutting up the veggies (eggplant, squash, red bell pepper & green beans) for steamed veggies in the microwave. While I was waiting for the meatloaf to finish in the oven I flipped through the magazines I brought to begin planning Thanksgiving lunch (which will be hosted at our house this year!). Once everything was done I dished up a plate of food for myself and "K" our healing friend. We ate dinner then I knit a few rows on the baby cartigan I'm working on for a friend. Then Brandon and I helped clean some of their dishes before heading home. Once home I put in a load of laundry and vacuumed the entire house. I knit a few more rows on the cartigan before calling it a night at 11:30. PHEW. Survived another day. And yes, that is pretty typical. Actually, maybe even a little underactive. Sometimes there are several stops in the evening and more activites at home, including walking the dogs.

Needless to say, when people say "you don't have children, you really can't be all that busy" I am rather eager to prove them wrong. Because we do not have children we apply ourselves to many different situations and people. Constantly helping others while we know we can. Because when we're up, others are down and we want to see the people we love, happy. We have created a wonderfuly loyal small circle of friends.

Speaking of the no children thing. I have had some rather difficult moments of depression upon the reality of it all. But now that we have the full house of animals I am kept rather distracted. And they have a great way of telling when I could use an extra prrrr or face full of kisses. I love animals and can't imagine my life without several at all times.

Well I do believe I have rambled on long enough for this post... ah the therapy session comes to an end for the time being.

Happy hooker/Stitch & Bitcher

I think it is very important for each person to have their own stress reliever(s). Whether it be writing, knitting, crocheting, swimming, running, riding, or boxing. Discovering those wonderful little outlets are what help keep us sane in this ever crazy world we live in. And boy is it ever.


Mine are writing, knitting & crocheting. For writing I can get things out and on paper or in a blog that simpley will not leave me alone until they've been transferred from my mind. For the longest time I didn't really have a good friend, at least not one that would agree with the things I do enough to listen to the woes of my life (personal, family, & work). So that therapeutic writing time was like a good coffee session with a best bud.


Over the past several years I have brought my knitting and crocheting back to the forefront of my life . Enjoying what little time I get to spend with my different fibers. And the sweet, successful joy of teaching another my passion. I go back and forth between claiming a favorite (knit vs. crochet). I've come to realise though, they are like children, there never will be one favorite, rather what works best for what I want to achieve.


Some of the things I've made that I'm most proud of are: a self-designed baby blanket for my niece, a turtle who's shell comes off like a sweater vest, a granny square variation blanket, miniature christmas ornaments (sweater, mittens & hats), and a toy zebra. There have been the many scarves, hats and little things but my current focus is in designing pieces, toys, and custom pieces. A good challenge. ;)


One thing I particulary enjoy with my knitting and crocheting are my "stitch & bitch" sessions. It's when I get together with a friend (or a few) to knit/crochet and chat about life. Usually this is accompanied by a tastey cup of coffee or tea and some juicy gossip, thus the name. I currently don't have a scheduled session and really hope to get back to a weekly S&B session.


As we approach the hollidays I will become increasingly busy with orders and gifts of my own. I'd love to hear any suggestions, requests you may have.

Update on Tessa

An update on my beautiful horse, Tessa. The lady that came to interact with her last Saturday (who was an hour late and still stayed nearly two hours) has yet to return any communication to me. We have now posted Tessa on Craigslist and Horsetopia. Below is the link to her Horsetopia ad. If you know anybody that may be a good match for her, please send them to her page.

http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad348111

ALL Dana's fault

more animals


more animals


more animals


more animals


more animals


more animals

With one end, comes another begining

Isn't it interesting how when one thing comes crashing to an end another begins? While I was sitting at the County Clerk with two of my very good friends waiting to get married I got a text that two of my other great friends had come to a sudden end the night before. So you want to smack one and hug the other...

And now I'm living through the slow death of terminating my services with with my current employer. And at the same time desperately trying to find a new employer. FUN.

I'm pretty sure I'm boiling my own brain in the process.

Picasa Web Album

Here is a link to our web album of the house and our lives since becoming home owners. The album is updated fairly often so bookmark it and check back from time to time.

http://picasaweb.google.com/sarahnbrandonbaker/House?authkey=vGMlcOIqHsA#

Holiday Season 2008... Bring it on!

Today marks the begining of the "holiday season" for 2008. Halloween should be nicknamed the gateway holiday. I'm really excited for our Annual Halloween Party tonight and it's actually ON Halloween this year. Imagine that! Even so I'm already putting in my requests for time off for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Is it really that time again? Wow.

Tonight/Halloween: Get all costumed up while Brandon hands out candy then it's on the the BIG party for final prep. I did the majority of the decorations and set-up last night but still need to finish the last minute details and put the food out.

Thanksgiving: Now that we own a home and have a little more space we are going to be hosting Thanksgiving at our house. The body count will be between 11 and 13 people, most of which are adults. Yes, a lot of people. But it should go well. I will be splitting the cooking with my mom and sister. We'll be doing the meal at lunch time then go over to Kit Carson park to stretch everybody's legs, even Chico and Dartanian will join. :) And at some point will be the name drawing for assigning buyers to receivers for Christmas. This time I'm going to be a little more prepared so we don't have another "Joseph" situation this year. Poor guy (more information under Christmas).

Christmas: This year Brandon & I will spend Christmas Eve day with my family then Christmas day with Brandon's dad. Hopefully this year will be better than last. Somehow poor Joseph got "forgotten". His buyer was my parents and they didn't realize it so he ended up with three little trinkets in his lap while the two youngest had heaps around them. Thankfully, James gave me the entire Harry Potter set in soft-back (Brandon had given me the hardbacks) so I handed them over to Joseph. That made him happy but at the same time I felt SO bad for the guy. He handled it so well, didn't get upset or anything, unlike nearly anybody else had it happened to them. And he was only 12 at the time. When that happened though I made a mental note to be more thorough with the name drawing "ceremony" this year and I would rig the system so that I was the buyer assigned to Joseph.

New Year's Eve: We haven't gotten that far yet. Ha! Soon though.

Oh the joy of the Hollidays! I hope you have a Spooky Friday Halloween and are looking forward to the next two months filled with food and drink.

Trying to sell my horse

Oh the joy. I am in the process of trying to sell my horse, Tessa. She's my baby but I also want what's best for her and I've just not been able to get to my parents' house to care for and ride her on a regular basis. So now comes the fun part of trying to actually find her a good home. With this recent heat wave there have been more flies which have not only been eating her alive but also causing her to rub the top of her tail and base of her main off. Wonderful represenation of herself and all of her beauty... We've already have a few people proclaim their love and extreme interest and then vanish into thin air. Right now I've got an interaction lined up with a potential buyer on Saturday afternoon. So I'm hoping and praying (a few fingers crossed too) that all goes well, Tessa behaves and the lady isn't a quack or white trash, and my mom doesn't try to interfere too much with the actual interaction process. A lot to pray for, I know. If you'd like to help too, that'd be much appreciated.

Entering the blogging world...

Funny that this is one of the last means of communication that I join on the world wide web. I have a MySpace, Facebook and now Blog Spot. I don't like writing anything on the others though, too much high school style drama there. I'm looking forward to see if this ends up being a nice outlet for me and my writing. Thank you to any willing to read & listen. Here's to a new blogging lifestyle!