Love is worth fighting for.

Paris is the capital and largest city in France and many think it is one of the most influential cities in Europe. With many attractions, museums and art galleries with beautiful parks and magnificent gardens, Paris offers so much to see and do year round. The architecture is incredible. The scenery is beautiful. The food is phenomenal! Paris emits an air of romance! It is one city that is a must see in Europe. Glad to see you had such a great time there, Anastasia!

Weekends have an almost mythical place in the lives of the working man or woman. Those two days hold so much promise.In those approximate 48 hours, you can accomplish anything: partying, relaxing, sleeping, reading, running errands and so much more. The opportunity to finally achieve something the workweek has prevented is a priceless gift. Whether or not you actually cross anything off of that to-do list is another story. Blame it on years of schooling that taught you to behave all week and maybe you can go to your friend's birthday party or the movies on Saturday. Thanks for this great post, Anastasia!

Laughing is contagious!

Your blog rocks! I love it!

I like biking and swimming most. When I can't get out, I like the Wii sports.

I don't believe in premonitions. I simply call them coincidences.

Yeah, sure! Why not if I could afford it!

It's a pain to have to teach children good manners. Remembering those "please" and "thank yous," chewing with your mouth closed, speaking in polite volumes, not interrupting, etc., are not easy skills to acquire. But if we equip our children with these, they will be able to go out in the world and interact without embarrassing us - and as adults, they won't be held back.

Mondays ..hmmm.... wonderful Mondays. It is hard to get out of bed on Mondays (in my experience) because you know you have a long week ahead and it begins in your case on Mondays. My week starts on Sundays, and I tell you ... I drag my butt until the very last moment. It sucks, but I think we all go through it :) The later in the week the better. Am I right? It's just the negative anticipation knowing you have a whole work week in front of you that's all.

Since you like Californian wines, I recommend Altamura 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. It's an excellent red and I'm sure you'll love it.

Not many people in the US celebrate the 12 days of Christmas but in my family it's been a tradition. We burn candles - one for each of the twelve days - and exchange gifts following the tradition of the famous song. Then on the twelfth night we have a big party - it's such a blast!

Yeah, I make resolutions on January 1. I start small - for example, I break down large goals into smaller ones. For instance, commit to losing weight by resolving to join a gym and improve my eating habits. This worked much better than starting a tough diet on January 1. I can't live without bagels!!!

And may all your Christmases be filled with very special memories.

Here's a Christmas quote I'd like to share with you and your readers. To me it sums up nicely the true meaning of Christmas. "There's more, much more, to Christmas than candlelight and cheer. It's the spirit of sweet friendship that brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, It's hope reborn again. For peace, for understanding and for goodwill to men." Thank you for being such a sweet friend.

Anastasia, many people with DSL have these connection problems. I guess you've already called your Internet provider but while waiting try this: http://www.ehow.com/how_5423478_fix-dsl-connection-problem.html

I have just survived Thanksgiving dinner... I felt so guilty that I promised all my family that I'd go on diet first thing Tuesday morning. And first thing Tuesday morning, I visit your blog and wish I could grab that greek milk pie in the pic! But I couldn't. So I asked my wife if there were any of her unique pumpkin cakes with sour cream apple caraamel left. She said no but she was lying!

The Thanksgiving season is a wonderful time to heighten your sensitivity to the blessings bestowed by God. Thanksgiving grabs your attention, shakes the cobwebs loose, and reminds you of all God's most precious gifts. That's one reason Thanksgiving has always held such a special place in my heart. It rekindles in me the kind of God-centered gratitude that our Lord demands and deserves - the kind that should readily be on our lips year round.