Nobody Asked Us, but ... Reader shares some words to live by

If you didn't read the "Holiday Memories" that the Appeal published before Christmas, you should have. They were all heart-warming, but one, by Elaine A. Harris (no relation to M) spoke of her Christmas many years ago. In her "memory," she made a statement that should be heard by all of us. She said, "That Christmas 78 years ago, I learned a lesson far more valuable than the new doll that waited for me at home. I learned that happiness does not come from having everything you want. It comes from wanting everything you have." Ponder those last two sentences ... they are words to live by.

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Along with that thought, we heard of a family here in Carson City who had a "recycling" or "regifting" Christmas. Instead of going deeply into debt, they looked around their houses and gifted the things that were good, but never used, to various and assorted members of their family. Talk about a great idea. We all have things lying around the house that we don't know what to do with. And think of the money you would save. Even if the gifts became "jokes," you would have fun seeing people open them. With a nice dinner, and love and hugs, the holidays would become much closer to the original meaning of Christmas. Think about it for next year. No credit card debt ... no being strapped for cash ... no crushing crowds ... just a big sigh of relief.

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Hearty congratulations to Carson City's Florence Phillips, the Reno Gazette-Journal's Person of the Year. She is the one responsible for getting one-on-one tutoring for English as a Second Language in the area, and has organized the volunteers who teach those wanting to learn. A really deserved honor.

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Thank you's go out to the paramedics who assisted Carolyn's sister recently; and to Rick, with Charter Communications, who "healed" Maizie's TV connection in 10-15 minutes. Both deeds were mightily appreciated. Happy Birthday's go out to Judy Lowther, Carl Dahlen, Aaron Brown and T.J. Olson. Just remember, "It's better to be over the hill than under it" (snicker, snicker). Tom Jacobs, DMV's public information officer, has retired from the military after 20-plus years. Our question is ... is the world safe with Tom retired? Now, maybe, he'll have more time for acting (although he does do the DMV commercials). Congratulations, Tom, and thanks.

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A "concerned citizen" made us aware that many athletes change their names ... Muhammad Ali from Cassius Clay, and Cincinnati Bengal's Chad Ochocinco from Chad Jevon Johnson, to name two. But now there's another. He hears Tiger Woods is changing his name to "Cheetah" Woods ... the result of all that "catting around." (we just "report" the news ... we don't make this stuff up.)

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Proscenium Players, Inc., will present "Murder at the TonyLou Awards" on Jan. 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30 at the Gold Dust West banquet room. It's a dinner theater event; reservations are a must. Call Eloise at 883-6442 or Jonni at 883-9386. A no-host bar opens at 6 p.m., dinner is served around 6:45, and the show goes on about 7:30. As you eat dessert, the mystery is solved and the villain trounced. General admission is $35; seniors, students, PPI and Gold Dust West Players Club members are $32. If you want to make it a real getaway, there is a great room, dinner, show and breakfast for two deal, all for $107 (call GDW at 885-9000). Dressy clothes aren't required, but feel free to go all out on an outfit if you want to. Should be lots of fun.

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For those of you who object to the new health care bill ... be sure you opt out of Social Security and Medicare ... fair's fair. For 70 years, our government has been "discussing" it ... sort of like paying "consultants" for that period of time. It's about time they have something to work with.

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Hope you survived the snow, cold and New Year's parties, and that 2010 treats you well. And write down what you think will happen in 2010, then see how accurate you were on next New Year's Day. Good luck.

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. They can be reached at editor@nevadaappeal.com.