I’ve always thought Merle Haggard had my theme song already recorded. I tend to go overboard at Christmas, so "if we make it through December, everything will be all right, I know," just fits.

I buy too much, I decorate too much and I certainly bake way too many "goodies" than any family needs. So, I’ve been busy and neglecting my blog. (It was blogging or chocolate – which would you choose?)

2006 was a good year for me. I finally got a web site of my very own. I was published in book length for the first time. I had a phenomenal book signing and follow-up signings, too. I found out who my friends are and probably more importantly, who I can count on and who I can’t. Ouch! But, a valuable tool for the future.

Someone asked me about anger and I was surprised to say I hadn’t been angry with anyone about anything in quite some time. Of course, a lot of that was hard work on my part: several years ago I realized it was detrimental to be around negativity, so I distanced myself from those places and people as much as possible. Life is too short to waste it not having the time of your life as much as possible. I don’t need people in my life who make me feel bad or sad or used. I hope I have not made anyone feel any of those things this last year either, but if I did, I am truly sorry. It was not my intention.

Maybe I’ve mellowed, or maybe it’s just getting older, which isn’t such a bad thing. Age has been given a bad rap as far as I’m concerned.

Yep, a few wrinkles popped up this year that I’d rather not have. I don’t worry about gray hair because I’ve been a L’oreal girl for a long time – because I’m worth it. I do wish I had more time, but I didn’t plan the schedule on that. I can merely fudge it a bit by trying to manage a healthier lifestyle (okay, so that’s for next year after all these cookies and candies are gone, but I’m at least thinking about it.)

All in all, it’s been a good year, a very, very good year. My hope is that yours has been too, but ours will pale in comparison to what 2007 has in store. Happy New Year’s Eve!