I want to take a minute to reflect on some lessons that I learned and share them with those of you who have been so dear to me.  I don't do resolutions, because I try not to set myself up for failure; but, what I do is reflect.  2005 taught me several things and trust me, I am most grateful for the lessons.  I believe that man can learn from "my mistakes, yours and others" therefore, we can also learn lessons from one another as well.  So here goes my 10 favorite lessons of 2005...

1. Live in the dash...Meaning the dash they put on your name when it's all said and done...example Ms Manae 12/24/1965-??  Forget the past because it's gone and don't live for the future, because it is not promised.  Instead live, laugh and love TODAY...yes, live in the DASH!

2.  Count your blessings everyday, because no matter how bad things can get for us there is always someone else who has it worse.  Proof of this is written in the paper daily and shown on the nightly news.

3.  Put your "eggs" in the people basket...not the things basket.  Things break down, rust, get stolen and can be replaced.  People cannot!

4.  Take time for yourself to inhale nature's beauty. Time is so rare in our busy world...I hear it whizzing by daily!  Look at the mountains, and palm trees and sunsets on your drive home from work and count the beauty as a blessing.  There are people staring at miles of barren desert in Iraq, people in New Orleans wondering where to even begin in the devastation, etc....so enjoy our state.

5.  Let the laughter of a child warm you, not irritate you.

6.  Don't let the sun go down on an argument...resolve issue daily.

7.  Allow people the grace to screw up and make mistakes.  
We are all "only human."  By all means, JUDGE NO ONE!

8.  Kiss and hug your loved ones daily...there is healing in the human touch.

9.  Invite others over  for BBQ's, football games, or poker nights. Who cares if your house gets messy!  Take pictures of your times together...for pictures can be priceless.

10.  Say "I LOVE YOU" daily.  They are three of the most important words in our language and can make a world of difference in someone's life.

God bless you all and know that I have been BLESSED by each and every one of you!  I thank you for making me laugh when I wanted to cry, for being understanding when I had no understanding, and for being patient with me when I was out of patience.  You all are beautiful people in your own unique ways.  HAPPY NEW YEARS and may 2006 be the best year ever for all of us.

Much love,

MsManae