One of our superiors brought in a massage therapist this week and gave us all 15 minute "chair massages". I was skeptical. How much could that really help?

It helped a lot. She did a very good job at zeroing in on the spots where I get tense, and working my arms, shoulders and even a bit on my lower back.

I think we should have those every week. And so much LESS fattening than the gazillion pounds of chocolate, cookies and candy that we've been getting every freaking DAY!

Not that I don't appreciate it, but...well....I don't really, to tell the truth.

It's like Valentine's Day. We all ought to take the opportunity to tell our co-workers and those we work with at more of a distance how much we appreciate them all the time, not just at the holidays.

It's the same with family. Why should I spend my precious time with people I don't like and who don't really care if I'm there?

*looks around for her tickets to that remote island*

Darn.

As I like to say, there is the way things ought to be, and there is the way they really are. And for me, it really means I have to spend time with people I don't really agree with on many issues, because, well, they ARE the family who sustained me when I had none. They have some good points, but often those are hard to find. And they are loud, and crazy, and spend too much money. The true meaning of things tends to get lost in the wrapping paper and ribbon discarded on the living room floor.

I am grateful to be cared about, though.