January 2010 Trenches...

During my monthly procrastination rituals prior to writing this note, I stumbled upon a Word document in my computer called “Resolutions 2009.” Hmm … I wonder how I did?

• Start a workout regiment – not unless you consider the laps I do through Target a workout.

• Try ballroom dancing – well, I didn’t miss a single episode of “So You Think You Can Dance.”

• Cut back on my reality TV watching – see above. Oh, and doesn’t “American Idol” start soon? Thank goodness for DVR!

• Paint the living room – the paint colors are definitely still push-pinned to the wall. At least I know I want a shade of blue … or gray … or green.

• Read the classics I skimmed through in college. Umm … I finished all four books in the “Twilight” series in a month.

• Buy fewer pairs of shoes – no comment.

Perhaps I should just rename the document “To-Do List 2010” and try again. Happy New Year! May 2010 be your year!

December's Trenches

December means one thing to me ... Karaoke time!

My mother’s side of the family lives in various places throughout Louisiana and Texas. We get together for one weekend usually right before Christmas to celebrate.

Four years ago, my grandfather, the heart of my family, passed away. We knew the holidays were going to be rough. My cousins got together and got Nanny a special present, one sure to brighten her holiday ... a karaoke machine!

“What?” Yes, we gave my 80-year-old grandmother a karaoke machine! (She rocks a pretty mean “Redneck Woman!”)

Now, on a yearly basis, we gather around the TV to embarrass ourselves and give the younger generation something to look forward to. Everyone has their favorites. The holidays would not be complete without such holiday classics as “Old Time Rock and Roll,” “Walk the Dinosaur,” “Proud Mary,” “Mambo No. 5” and Uncle Charles’ tone deaf version of “Pump Up the Jam.” One of my cousins even wrote a family song to the tune of Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas from the Family.”

Christmas at Nanny’s really is the hot ticket in town. Stay on the nice list and you might just get an invite! “Na Na Sha!”