A Most Thoughtful Stranger

The funny thing about the blogging world is that unless your blog is private, you never know who is reading your blog.  But, once in a while, you make new friends from strangers and you realize how wonderful and thoughtful people you don't even know can be. 

Today is one of those days. 

I'm know my blog has been one of major bummer downness lately considering how I've been feeling and what I've been going through.  But, I am so GRATEFUL that a stranger took an interest in me and did something so kind and generous for me. 

A few days ago, I posted a YouTube video I'd found of a roaring fireplace and blogged about how it made me feel "mentally" warm (which, considering all the blood I've lost over the last 6 weeks, meant a lot because I was CONSTANTLY freezing).  I blogged about how I wanted to find a DVD of a fireplace so I could put it in my DVD player and have it going while I tried to decorate the tree or bake (yeah, right) or whatever.  Well, today when Melon Man got home from work, he walked in with a little Priority Mail box and handed it to me.  He asked me what I'd bought now.  I couldn't think of anything so I blamed it on him and said he had bought something.  He said he hadn't.  We were both puzzled.  Here was a box addressed to me from someone in Rhode Island.  The name didn't look familiar...at first.  I kept looking at it and looking at it.  Who was this from?  To be honest, nowadays, you just get a little nervous opening a box that's taped shut and comes from someone you don't know.  But, I figured if there were a bomb or anthrax in it, it had a return address so the police would know who to go after, so I opened it.

Inside...to my surprise, was a fireplace DVD!  No note to say who it was from (uh, duh, the name was on the outside of the box), just a DVD.  I was so puzzled!  Then, it hit me!  This Linda....the sweet woman who lives all the way across the country, in the tiniest state in the country, where I've always wanted to visit, who I've never met, who sweetly leaves periodic comments on my blog encouraging me, had sent me this sweet gift.  THANK YOU!  It brought simple, smiling tears to my eyes that a stranger would read something on my blog and do such a kind thing for me in my time of need/sorrow/pain/suffering.  I can't wait to put it in my DVD player tomorrow night when I'm all alone trying to decorate this ginormous tree while Melon Man is at work.  What a wonderfully thoughtful gift to someone you don't even know!  THIS is the true spirit of the season!  Linda - may the Lord put His loving arms around you and bless you with all you need!  Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing something so wonderfully simple but meaningful!  I will never forget this!  Merry Christmas, honey!

An update on my progress...yesterday was not the greatest.  I decided to try to go to church - even if only for a little bit.  During Sacrament Meeting, there was one point where I started "spinning" and had to put my head down on the pew in front of me.  I was like that for about 15 minutes.  Yeah, that was enough.  After Sacrament was over I talked with a couple of ladies who were asking how things were going and then we went home.  I laid on the sofa the rest of the night and we went to bed early.

This morning, I woke up around 4 a.m.  I was wide awake.  I felt good.  I got up, got ready, and was able to go to work.  It was nice getting there at 5:45 in the morning.  It was quiet.  It was quiet because even though it was early, there just weren't a whole lot of people around since it's the week of Christmas.  So, since I was able to just sit in my office all day and it was slow, I actually was able to make it through the whole day and not be exhausted when I left or have to leave early. 

On the way home, I stopped at Fart and Smile to pick up the clams for the clam chowder on Christmas Eve, along with Daddo's salami, some pepperoni, and some muenster and provolone cheeses.  Got the 1/2 and 1/2 and potatoes there too.  Melon Man picked up the celery and onions before leaving work, along with a few other things and we met up at home.  Then, we ran to Fry's and bought a ginormous prime rib - a 21 pounder!  We had it cut into two pieces so we could save some for another time, but we'll have one piece of it for New Year's.  Last year, I mentioned my prime rib rub in one of my entries.  Well, I finally posted my "secret" recipe below for those who are interested.  It makes a most yum-a-licious prime rib.

After dropping off the prime rib at home, we went to Barro's for some pizza and wings then drove around and looked at some of the few Christmas lights.  It's sad that there are hardly any lights up again this year - although I must say there are more this year than last.  Melon Man has headed to bed - it's only 7 p.m. - he's coming down with a cold and doesn't feel well.  I'm going to work on some final Christmas gifts and pop in my fireplace DVD while I do so...yay!!!

Oh....and....drum roll please....no bleeding today! 

YAHOO!!!!!