"It Was a Very Good Year" by The Brothers Four

A couple of days ago I wrote a blog post for today and scheduled it.  But I decided this morning I need to write a different blog for today.  I need to write a special post about what an amazing year 2014 was.  (I have moved the original post I made for today ahead to Jan 2nd.)

If you have been reading my blog in the past few months, you know I have mentioned that this year has been quite the roller coaster ride.  I have been debating whether it was possible that your best year ever and your worst year ever could be the same year?  But I have decided 2014 was the best year ever, there were just several very bad things that happened this year.

I feel like I am 100% better than I was one year ago...  in fact I will go so far as to say I am 200% or even 300% better than I was last year at this time.  While I certainly still have problems from the MS, I can say my memory is definitely better, my thinking is clearer, my hands are even better.  This morning I even trusted my right hand to carry a cup of hot coffee.

One of the things that I feel was major part of my improvement is loving myself and doing the best I can to take care of myself.  Even with MS I still feel amazing and wonderful.  And changing how I felt about myself, changed how I view the world.

The other major thing that helped me was all the support I got.  I was going to all the people who helped me, but the list is so long...  I will try to do that as soon as I have more time.  I forgot the rec center is closing early today and I haven't got my final jog for 2014 in yet....  gotta run (literally).

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbL5HegH0GU
YouTube (Frank Sinatra): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHJ3iZpfBRI

"War" by Edwin Starr

Here is a song that I have meant to to post for a long time.  Yesterday's post reminded me, so I thought I might as well do it now, lest I forget again.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d8C4AIFgUg

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon

Damn, I almost forgot I wanted to post this song.  Unfortunately war isn't over.  It would be so nice if the human race could stop hurting each other and learn to love and accept one another despite our differences.  I think one of the most wonderful things about the human race is it's diversity.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN4Uu0OlmTg

Here's a birthday message from Yoko Ono on John Lennon's 70th birthday:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhd2v4sAyNg

" Viva! (Viva Tirado)" by The 5th Dimension

I'm feeling better this morning, last night I think all of the stress and eating less than healthy caught up with me.

This is a great song that I had completely forgotten about.  It starts off Tape #25 of my "favorites" cassettes from the 70's (see my post from March 1st, 2013).  I loved hearing this song so much, I couldn't wait until I get to posting the songs from Tape #25 to post it.  (I'm currently only starting to post songs from Tape #7.)

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEhxUljtb10

"Little Altar Boy" by Carpenters

I'm not sure why I had a new found attraction to this song this year, I've played it many times.  Maybe it's just the beauty of Karen's voice.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lt87fGKaSA

"Snow" by Claudine Longet

Here is another great (obscure) song from the famous "Something Festive" A&M sampler album (I mentioned it in my post two years ago).  Yes we had a white Christmas this year and "all I see is snow" this morning.

Rachel Update 2016-12-20: added another video and a cover photo of the album.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIXXq7XiV1Y
YouTube (vinyl): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQeIAazpNGw

"My Christmas Card To You" by The Partridge Family

This has always been a favorite, and really says what I would like to say to everyone.  I'm even looking out the window at the softly falling snow.  :)

To you and all your family, your neighbors and your friends
May all your days be happy with a joy that never ends
May peace and love surround you
at Christmas time and all the whole year through

May your life be filled with sunshine, may your every wish come true
May you find the sweet fulfillment in everything you do
May your days be blessed with the very very best
both now and the whole year through

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDstBj8h8UI
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blClzgifrdU