2013 - Hoping it's a great year.

This past year was pretty busy and we hope that 2013 is an even better year.  Today we relaxed and made kapusta as we do every year.  I woke up to a smell that only needs to be smelled once a year.  My first thought was that Charlie (Tyler's dog) had had an accident.  I then remembered that I had the kapusta in the crockpot overnight.  Stan Sr. came up for the meal and drinks.  Now I'm moving on to the usual new year's resolutions.  I did start the year with a trip to the gym.  I also plan to lose weight, finish projects, get organized, and generally try to be a better person.  As I was going through some paperwork I came across an old email and thought I'd put it on the blog (and get rid of the paper).  We all can use some Instructions for Life from the Dalai Lama.  This was for the new millennium but I think it is always pertinent.


1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risks.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the 3 R's: Respect for self, respect for others, and responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge.  It's a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

# 8, 13, 15, 16, are some of my favorites..........................
Happy New Year!!


"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." - Dalai Lama