Christmas!

Merry Christmas To All!  I hope that you had a wonderful time with friends and family!

Christmas Eve
Christmas eve, thankfully, was pretty much as it always is for our family.  Although the day did start out very doubtful!  Here, in South Louisiana, we awoke to torrential downpours of rain and tornado warnings.  It was a great day to sit on the couch and catch up on all recorded shows on the DVR! 

I also baked a sweet potato pie.  Homemade!  It is for Christmas dinner.  I've done one before, last year, but I was still a little nervous about baking this one.  It "appears" to have come out ok.

This year, it is my dad, my sister and I.  My mom is still in Omaha with my grandparents.  Pretty much snowed in.  My dad, sister and I went to mass at 4 pm.  Then home for our traditional gumbo dinner.  It was quite yummy!  Then Dad had us open our gift from our mom.  Mom bought us these gorgeous tiger fleur-de-lis silver pendent necklaces.  Then we all settled in to watch "Four Christmases" with Vince Vaughn and Reese Weatherspoon.

Christmas
It has been a good Christmas day.  My sister and I must have been on "Santa's" nice list because we did get some really nice things.  I got a radio/cd player for my apartment.  Various books. The Bon Jovi CD (LOVE THEM!). Some sweaters. Snow White DVD and Dirty Dancing DVD. 

Duke had a good day.  He had a stocking full of new toys and bones for him!  He was even decked out in his "Feliz Navidog"shirt!  He was given a huge beef rib bone to gnaw on.  That kep him quiet for about an hour!!!

Duke tearing into his stocking.  He got 2 new toys and a bunch of rawhide bones! For those who can't see, his shirt says "Feliz Navidog".

Spoke to my niece and nephew.  They were so excited about Christmas.  I love hearing kids talk about Christmas!  Marly was up at 2 am!!!  Parker was up at 5:45 am!!!  However, they were both warned they couldn't come down till 7 am or they couldn't open present till 6 pm!!!  LOL!!!  They managed to keep themselves occupied in their rooms till 7!  They absolutely loved everything they received.

Spoke to all the family members. They were all figuring out how to get to my grandparents for Christmas.  There is so much snow on the ground that church services were cancelled!  I think my mom said the temperature was 9 degrees! Last time we spoke, everyone had made it to my grandmother's for dinner!

Had an opportunity to speak to my friend Jason today.  He is a good friend from college.  This is his first Christmas as a married man although he and his wife are not together.  He went home to Tennessee to be with his dad and she was out of vacation time!  So sad.  However, I think Jason has given me the best news today!  I am going to be an Aunt again!  He and Johana are expecting a baby this summer.  I can't wait!!!

We saw "Sherlock Holmes" this year for our Christmas movie.  I adore Robert Downey Jr. so I LOVED the movie!!  It is dark but does have many numerous funny spots in it.

Saturday
Saturday was an 8 hour shopping marathon with my sister.  I was exhausted.  We shopped 2 malls and one outdoor shopping center.  While we traveled less than 20 miles, I felt like we had traveled the state!  But it was a great day!   Shopping and lunch with my little sister.  Dinner with my dad.  It was an overall great day!!!

We did get some good deals.  Plus we "had" to start spending our gift cards!  They were burning holes in our wallets!!!  Dad sent me home shortly after dinner because he said I was "looking bad."  LOL  Leave it to Dad to be so blunt! 

These are two of the goodies I bought myself for Christmas.  They were my holiday retail therapy!!!  :)

My pretty new Coach purse!!!

A pendant necklace that says "Love Kills Slowly".  My sister also got one for herself!

When I got home, my new radio/cd player was set up and ready to go.  Dad had come over to walk Duke while I was out and just couldn't resist putting it together for me and testing it out!  LOL  I was just so tired the night before that I hadn't put it together.  But now I can listen to my new Bon Jovi CD!  Yay!!!!

I always dread the holidays because it reminds me of how alone I am.  But this holiday, I had a great time! I had a great 4 days with my little sister!  Dad was wonderful.  We did miss Mom but we know she was having a good time with her parents and shoveling snow (she's currently in the midwest where they are snowed in!).

I am not looking forward to this week.  But the bright side is that I only have to work 3 days then off for 4 days!  I'm thinking those 4 days are going to be a lot more quiet than the 4 days of Christmas!!! 

A Moment of Calm

At this moment, it is quite peaceful in my home.  Duke is sleeping on the couch. No tv. No radio.  Just the sound of me pecking away at the keys on the keyboard.

This weekend was hectic.  Hmmm.  Hectic may not be the word.  Stressful.  Stressful is more descriptive.  Two of my friends (may have to rethink that after this weekend) decided that it was time for me to get a cat again.  I had a cat for 10 years and he passed away a little over a year ago on the day Hurricane Ike decided to come through.  Anyway, so it has just been Duke and I since that time.  We've adjusted well.  Duke has especially liked being an only child and getting all the attention. 

My friends were at the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning and saw a rescue group showing cats.  One of the cats was a flamepoint himalayan.  He was beautiful.  Very laid back.  Declawed. Neutered.  1 1/2 years old. Sounds pretty good, huh?  They instantly thought of me.  So they both chipped in on the adoption cost with the condition that if I didn't like the cat, I could return him.  So, thus I became an owner, rather reluctant one, to a cat. 

He really was a good cat.  Didn't come out from under the bed for almost two whole days, but when he did, he made his presence known.  He loved to talk.  Meow, meow, meow, meow!!!!  And did I mention he was 13 pounds?  13 pounds of pure love!!  He had a way of making his presence known! On the second night, as I was trying to sleep, he came out of no where and landed on my chest.  All 13 pounds of him.

Duke was ok with him.  As long as he didn't get too close to me or his toys.  And other times, he enjoyed chasing him as he attempted to hump the cat.  You would think I'd never had him neutered!!! How do you explain to the dog that the cat is not his sex toy?

But the 2 main problems I had with the cat was I just am not ready to have another cat.  I actually think I will never want another cat again.  And the second was that, my mother is right, I am allergic to cats.  I've had this nagging cough for weeks now (and according to the doctor could last a few more weeks), then add a long haired cat who liked to sit very close to my nose.  I thought I couldn't breathe before, I really couldn't now. 

It was very hard to do but I returned him to his foster mom.  He really was a sweet loving cat and I think that Duke liked having a companion around.  Maybe in 2010 I'll get another minature poodle or a poodle mix dog.  But for now, no more cats!

Weekly Update

The week wasn't so bad at least until the end of the week.  That's when it decided to go "BOOM"!

Another Bites the Dust.....
And yet again, we have turnover in our office.  One of the newest employees has been offered a position that she just couldn't refuse.  I completely understand.  More flexible hours, a little bit more money, Friday afternoons off, and able to wear jeans or scrubs to work.  Awesome!!  Just really sucks because she was really good at her position.  She will be missed.  I better rest up!  This means more work for me!!!

And they keep falling...
This seemed to be the year for changes and for people to come and go in my life.  I guess that happens.  Each person serves a purpose and when it is time to move on, poof!!!  There they go.  I think that as a person I've grown a lot this year because with the latest departure of a friend, I'm not "devastated".  I am definitely learning to "roll with the punches."  Makes life much easier!!!  I worry enough as it is, don't need to worry more than is necessary!

The Return?
But as friends leave, others come to replace them.  Or rather swap out?  An acquaintance from the past has reached out to me.  Twice this month.  Indicating that a visit is coming at the end of the month.  I'm typically not a skeptic but I am not going to hold my breath.  I will believe it when it happens but I have to say, I'm looking forward to it and hope it happens.

There's also been a re-connection with friends with whom I've grown apart from.  We'll see how that goes.  Can't assume that it will be just as it always was in the past but it's nice to know that something is completely lost!

Classics and Zombies?

I was out Christmas shopping on Saturday morning.  I am terrible at trying to figure out what to get someone.  Especially if I don't know what they already have or what is on their list.  Anyway, I have a friend who doesn't really like horror or vampires or supernatural but she adores zombies.  Go figure.  Anyway, there is a book out "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies".  Yes, that is correct.  Zombies.  How perfect?  She loves Pride and Prejudice and add the additional element of zombies to it.  I hope she enjoys it.

Parker's Present

I finally finished Parker's present this weekend.  It is a scrapbook which I covered and added the Buzz Lightyear crossstitch to.  It's the first time I've ever finished a cross stitch project any other way but framed.

Pampering

Saturday was a nasty day, weather-wise. But despite that, I went and had my hair colored and then treated myself to a manicure.  I went short with my  nails this time.  I can't tell you the last time I went short.  I feel naked! I also can't seem to pick up things now!  But it has made typing and stitching so much easier.  I did go trendy with the polish though.  I went super dark.  Not black.  I belive the color was OPI Black Cherry Chutney. 

I also bought myself a pair of new black boots.  I needed a pair with high heels.  Amazingly, they are quite comfy as I wore them to a Christmas party that night.

Now I must go and finish up the laundry and get ready for the upcoming week!  Besides work I have two parties to attend and a few gifts left to pick up.  Not to mention a trip to the post office!

Busy Busy Busy....

I feel like I jammed so much into this weekend, I need a weekend to recover from my weekend!!

Snow
On Friday evening it snowed.  The rain started at about 4 pm and by 5 or 6 pm it was sleeting.  Many people around the area were reporting snow as early as 5:30ish but I didn't see any till almost 10 pm.  Duke and I went for a walk and there were big fluffy snowflakes.  That makes two years in a row that we've had snow in South Louisiana.  The next morning I bundled Duke up in his Harley Davidson sweatshirt and we took a walk outside.  The picture below shows the tiny bit of snow that was left:

Shopping
Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOATHE shopping.  I just don't do it if I don't have to.  But Saturday was an exception.  I had a list of gifts I needed to get and I was determined to do it.  I started out at 9:30 am and didn't get home till 3:00 pm.  I was able to get everyone's presents with the exception of my mom's.  I visited 5 locations: Bed Bath and Beyond, Petsmart, Hobby Lobby, the Outlet Mall, and the Mall. I drove all over town!!!!  I can't remember the last time I shopped for that many hours!

Christmas
With most of the shopping done, it was time to wrap everything.  I spent a good portion of Saturday night wrapping presents. I'm still not done but a majority of it is done.  As I was wrapping, Duke decided that he wanted to get in on the action and do some snooping around:

Even Duke's presents are ready for him on Christmas morning!

Here is my tree loaded with presents.  Most of the presents will be gone by the end of the week though as they are for friends who live out of town. But don't forget, I still have other presents to wrap.  I spoiled everyone this Christmas!

Football
The SEC championship.  What a disappointment.  The one, and only time, I will ever root for Florida and they lose to Alabama. I'm still in shock!  But not as much shock as I was over Texas' field goal with 1 second left to beat Nebraska.  I do not think that Texas deserves to go to the National Championship game but I guess we'll all find out in the bowl selection show!

It was nice to find out though that USC is going to the Emerald Bowl.  Awwww, darn, it's their first non-BCS bowl game in 7 years.  That makes me very happy!  :) 

The Saints!!!  Woo hoo!!!  Can we say: UNDEFEATED!!!  12-0!  It was a crazy game with lots of ups and downs.  Pretty exciting up to the very end.  I liked what one of my colleagues posted on Facebook: "I always thought Tom Benson was the devil.  Now I just think he made a deal with the devil!"  What an exciting time for us in Louisiana to have our team undefeated!!!

Mexican Hot Chocolate
With the cold weather, I've been wanting something warm to drink.  I don't like coffee nor tea. So that leaves things like apple cider or hot chocolate.  Well, on my way home Friday, I stopped at the grocery store with the intent to purchase some hot chocolate.  The shelves were EMPTY!  There was no hot chocolate left!  With the exception of Nestle's Abuelita.  What is that you ask?  Well, upon looking at the box, it said it was "mexican" hot chocolate.  Now, how different can it be?  Chocolate is chocolate, right?  So I purchased a box.  I have to say, I like it BETTER than normal hot chocolate.  It has just a touch of cinnamon which I guess makes it mexican.  If you ever get a chance to try it, I highly recommend it!!!

Stitching
Oh, I've been bad.  No stitching update to report.  Just too much going on!  I do hope to do some before the New Year but major updates will probably have to wait until 2010!!!!

Off I go!  The Bowl Selection Show is coming up.  While LSU is not going to a BCS bowl game, I still want to know where they will end up and who their opponent will be!!!! I pray it isn't Iowa, as being reported, because that means the game will turn into a family rivalry.  My uncle is from Iowa and that is his favorite team.  I can hear the taunts already! LOL!

Tis the Holidays.....

22 Days....
til Christmas!!  This is what I stared at for about 5 minutes as I sat on the interstate this morning trying to make it downtown for a meeting.  Like I didn't have enough anxiety about getting everything done in time!  Thanks for the reminder billboard gods!!!

Snow
Hmmm, I live in South Louisiana.  Something we don't see much of is the "white stuff".  Last year we had a snow day.  First time in YEARS!!!  Well, we are once again having snow predicted for tomorrow night.  Should be an interesting night!!!!  Here are some pictures from our last snow day, which happened almost one year ago!!!

Presents
Considering that I loathe shopping, I'm doing ok on the shopping front.  I am having some problems.  I don't know what to get some of my friends, especially the ones who say "You don't have to get me anything."  Yeah, right.  Like I'm not going to buy gifts?  I am also looking for a waffle iron for my dad's present.  Mom said that is what he wants so I figured, that's easy enough. NOPE!!!  Every place I've been to so far has been sold out.  Who knew that waffle irons were going to be a hot commodity this Christmas? 

30-4
I gave myself a 30 day deadline. In 30 days I hope to have established an exercise routine and have my apartment clean.  Why 30 days?  To be honest, an old acquaintenance mentioned that a visit might be in the works for that time.  I really want to look good. Or at least feel good because I've been trying to do something, anything to get back into shape.  I want to be "unforgettable". LOL! I also need to get this messy pig sty I call a home cleaned!  So embarrassed to have anyone over right now!!!  So, even if this visit doesn't happen, I see the good in it.  It has gotten me motivated!!!  And I am rolling with it!!!!

The -4 is the number of days that have passed.  Today is the 4th day.  I am happy to report that I have exercised for 4 days in a row now!!!!  Yep, the heart hasn't stopped yet!!!! I've also done at least one thing each night towards getting my apartment back to the immaculateness I know that it can be!!!!

I've promised myself a little treat this weekend if I exercise 5 days in a row.  One more day!!!  If I stick to it tomorrow, I can go and pick myself up a new book, or some girly treat!!!!  I'm going to do it!!!

Decorations
I've decorated my little apartment for Christmas.  I put up my little tree.  I have the stockings hung.  Below are a few pictures of these items.  Yes, that is a stocking for my dog!  Oh crap!  I forgot to put him on the list of presents I need to buy!  Yikes!!!  Can't have him waking up to an empty stocking on Christmas morning!!!  Isn't my new Eeyore too cute?  I've caught Duke twice trying to pull him down to play with.  He's only succeeded once so far. 

I love sitting in my living room by the glow of the Christmas lights with some music on  in the background.  It is so soothing!  And no, the music is NOT Christmas music.  I just can't get myself to the point where I can listen to carols yet.

New Experience...
This Christmas will be a new experience for me.  One that has yet to occur and well, that I am not looking forward to at all.  This Christmas, my mom will not be with our family.  Mom leaves on Monday to go home to be with her family (her parents, siblings and their spouses) this Christmas.  My grandmother is having minor surgery next week so Mom is going to be with her and has decided to not come back till New Year's.  I will still have my Dad and maybe my sister if she is able to make it but we've (my sister and I) have never had a Christmas without her.  This is going to be so weird.  I'm not sure how I'm feeling but I'm leaning to the "I really don't like this" side.

Stitching
Really not much to report on the stitching front.  I've been so preoccupied with everything else going on with the holidays!  I can report that I have picked up Dragon Knot again.  Not sure how brief of a return it will be but I have put a few stitches into it!!!

Ok, enough typing!!  I have things to do!  :)