A year review in pictures:
What a 2012!! Happy 2013!
xoxo,
A
12.31.2012
12.20.2012
My Best Christmas Gift.
Have you ever wanted something really badly? Maybe at Christmastime as a child there was a toy you had to have. When I was young, I had to have Puppy and Kitty Surprise. Do you remember those? It was a stuffed animal literally stuffed with an unknown number of puppies/kitties inside her velcroed tummy. Kind of macabre, since the whole party would count as you pulled the babies out of her belly.
But do you know what I mean? Wanting something so badly, you can feel it? That yearning, that hope? Maybe you wanted to go home so badly you could taste it. Maybe you wanted to go on vacation more than anything. Or maybe, like me, you wanted a husband.
I didn't just want any old husband, or just a male to hang around so I wouldn't be lonely. More than anything, I wanted that one man who God had picked out just for me. I wanted a husband who would be godly, funny, attractive, and my best friend. At times, I wanted it so badly it hurt. Other times, it seemed it would be something I always wanted but would never receive.
Then suddenly, I had it. And I am so, so thankful. My husband is the best gift (other than salvation) I've ever received, because I wanted it so badly and for so long. He is my favorite Christmas gift this year, and probably forever. Here are some reasons why:
He's learning how to act around children, and he does a great job with our niece. He puts on a good show, but I know his insides melt like butter.
He got all dolled up and married me. He chose me, for some reason. And he choked up when we read our vows. That means a lot to me.
He loves many of the same things I love (here, America :) ).
He also loves many of the foods I love (here, Chipotle).
He's really cute, and does really cute things, not even on purpose. I mean, look at him.
He lost 40 pounds. I liked him with his extra 40 pounds, but he was so dedicated to getting healthy. I'm proud of him.
He hams it up and is so handsome, too. Observe my funny, handsome, husband.
He's a great travel companion.
He is just so adorable. And he loves our puppy.
Thank you, God, for my favorite Christmas gift ever.
xoxo, A
12.17.2012
A Moment to Breathe!
I'm shocked. Here it is, 8 days before Christmas, and do you know what I'm doing? I'm sitting in my pajamas on the couch, watching TV as my puppy gnaws happily on a bone on the floor.
My Christmas shopping is done, everything is wrapped, the cookies are made and have been passed out. My house is a little cluttered, as it is often is, but is essentially cleaned. All my grocery shopping for the three desserts (pumpkin cheesecake, double chocolate cake, and apple pie) I'm making for Christmas Eve and the massive Christmas Day brunch are bought and planned. Reviews of these will show up later, trust me.
The fact that I have an evening to myself to relax is an astonishing blessing from the Lord. He is so good to me. After an extremely tumultuous last couple of weeks, my voice is finally on the mend, we bought a car (hallelujah!), and Christmas joy is in the air!!
I know it will get crazy soon, as Saturday we're doing Disney (YAY!!!), Sunday is the last Bucs game with a concert, and then WHAM! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day-- then my parents come for a visit! But for now, here's a moment I'm allowing myself to enjoy. I'm doing nothing, I'm breathing, and I'm relaxing. Aaaahhh.
I hope you get a moment to yourself to do the same!
xoxo, A
My Christmas shopping is done, everything is wrapped, the cookies are made and have been passed out. My house is a little cluttered, as it is often is, but is essentially cleaned. All my grocery shopping for the three desserts (pumpkin cheesecake, double chocolate cake, and apple pie) I'm making for Christmas Eve and the massive Christmas Day brunch are bought and planned. Reviews of these will show up later, trust me.
The fact that I have an evening to myself to relax is an astonishing blessing from the Lord. He is so good to me. After an extremely tumultuous last couple of weeks, my voice is finally on the mend, we bought a car (hallelujah!), and Christmas joy is in the air!!
I know it will get crazy soon, as Saturday we're doing Disney (YAY!!!), Sunday is the last Bucs game with a concert, and then WHAM! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day-- then my parents come for a visit! But for now, here's a moment I'm allowing myself to enjoy. I'm doing nothing, I'm breathing, and I'm relaxing. Aaaahhh.
I hope you get a moment to yourself to do the same!
xoxo, A
12.11.2012
The Christmas Spirit
There's a whole lot working against me in my fight for "the Christmas spirit" this year.
1. I'm staying in Florida, not Chicago, which means:
3. I have entirely lost my voice. It's not scratchy, hoarse, or even, as Hband calls it, "Rusty." It is gone and I am mute but for whispers, which means:
Have any other newlyweds felt a twinge of sadness at this change? I think I might have even felt it if I were living in Chicago with Hband in our own place, because I still wouldn't be waking up at my parents' house and clambering down the stairs to enjoy the bounty under the tree and in the kitchen. It's just a lot all at once, I guess.
And so I don't have the Christmas spirit, as they say.
Then I hear Charlie Brown say, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is really about?" Followed shortly thereafter by Linus' reply: "Sure Charlie Brown. I'll tell you what Christmas is all about." And he recites from Luke 2.
So maybe this year needn't be about the snow, the cold, the Christmas carols, the traditions-- but rather about what it's REALLY about anyway. Maybe if I focus on why we celebrate this day: the birth of God made flesh-- Jesus Christ, I will feel Christmas-y, in the best kind of way.
It's so easy to let everything else (good things, even) become more important than the most important thing ever: Jesus Christ, the Savior of my sins.
So that's my goal this year: I want to enjoy Christmas for what it really is, and then maybe the other stuff will fall in line. I have much to be thankful for and enjoy this Christmas; not the least of which is my salvation. I pray that will be what puts me in the Christmas spirit this year. I pray that for you, too.
Meanwhile, here are some kind of cruddy pictures of my holiday trimmings. I promise they look better in person.
xoxo, A
1. I'm staying in Florida, not Chicago, which means:
- missing family
- no cold
- no snow
- no Nutcracker Ballet
- no traditions I've built for the last 28 years
3. I have entirely lost my voice. It's not scratchy, hoarse, or even, as Hband calls it, "Rusty." It is gone and I am mute but for whispers, which means:
- no Christmas singing Christmas carols, something I wait until after Thanksgiving to do and relish for a whole month
- no reading Christmas stories to my classes
- Playing "A Muppet Christmas Carol" for my students
- Having an "It's a Wonderful Life" party
- Cranking up "The Nutcracker Suite"
Have any other newlyweds felt a twinge of sadness at this change? I think I might have even felt it if I were living in Chicago with Hband in our own place, because I still wouldn't be waking up at my parents' house and clambering down the stairs to enjoy the bounty under the tree and in the kitchen. It's just a lot all at once, I guess.
And so I don't have the Christmas spirit, as they say.
Then I hear Charlie Brown say, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is really about?" Followed shortly thereafter by Linus' reply: "Sure Charlie Brown. I'll tell you what Christmas is all about." And he recites from Luke 2.
So maybe this year needn't be about the snow, the cold, the Christmas carols, the traditions-- but rather about what it's REALLY about anyway. Maybe if I focus on why we celebrate this day: the birth of God made flesh-- Jesus Christ, I will feel Christmas-y, in the best kind of way.
It's so easy to let everything else (good things, even) become more important than the most important thing ever: Jesus Christ, the Savior of my sins.
So that's my goal this year: I want to enjoy Christmas for what it really is, and then maybe the other stuff will fall in line. I have much to be thankful for and enjoy this Christmas; not the least of which is my salvation. I pray that will be what puts me in the Christmas spirit this year. I pray that for you, too.
Meanwhile, here are some kind of cruddy pictures of my holiday trimmings. I promise they look better in person.
our Christmas Dachshund train, from Mike's mom, and my sparkly pine cone lights from Bestie :)
our DIY sparkly Christmas banner in the dining room
A close up of the garland.
Above the desk
My DIY canvases... didn't turn out as planned, but sufficient
Above the e-center
Hahahaha... watching "Seinfeld, of course
Notice we have our stockings hung here, including Lucia's little one!
Our living room-- not fancy, but Christmasy
our little tree
some special ornaments :)
our new sparkly sign
xoxo, A
12.07.2012
A Change
On Tuesday, my life changed. It's funny and also scary how just a split second can change everything.
You see that plus sign on the pee stick-- BAM. Changed. Didn't happen to me, though.
You get that acceptance letter to college-- BAM. Changed. That happened a long time ago.
You say "yes" and put that ring on your finger-- BAM. Changed. That already happened too.
The biopsy comes back positive for cancer-- BAM. Changed. Thank God that's not it.
I hadn't thought about how quickly life could change since I lived at home and my dad used to scare the crap out of me by saying things like, "one poor choice--you lose control of the car, you accidentally kill someone, and your life will never be the same. Saying 'sorry' won't help." That's not just me, right-- that's terrifying, isn't it?!!
That's probably why I say "I love you" before I leave or hang up with anyone I love. I realize that in a moment, life could change.
And on Tuesday, my life changed. It's not as dramatic as all that, but it's still pretty big in my life.
On Tuesday, I had picked up Lucia from my mother-in-law's house, as usual, and was heading home like every other Tuesday. I must have driven that route literally 100 times. But this time, as I was driving in the far left lane, a PT Cruiser with an elderly man inside decided to pull out and turn left from a parking lot on the right. Instead of crossing three lanes of traffic and waiting in the median to cross the next three, he decided to pull into my lane and face me. I was going 45 (the speed limit) and swerved into the median, slamming on my brakes. It wasn't enough. He smashed into my front right passenger side. My airbags went off with a deafening POP, filling the car and my lungs with a horrible gun powder smell.
I could scarcely believe what had just happened, though I watched him slam into my car. It was terrifying. I was shaking and immediately started crying. My mind was racing-- what do I do? I have to call Mike. And a tow truck. What was his license plate in case he drives away? Should I stay in here? Fortunately, some amazing people pulled their cars into the median to help me. Faith in humanity restored. In fact, one young man I would have normally categorized as a "douchebag," knocked on my window. I opened my door and he said, "You should probably get out." Still shaking, tears running down my face, I grabbed the dog, who I hoped wasn't deaf from the airbags, and my purse. The dog peed AND pooped all over my skirt and shirt, and as I stood there for what felt like five minutes, just trying to remember how to find my husband's phone number on my phone, these Good Samaritans called 911 and helped keep me safe from the cars whizzing around me. Some real jerks shouted out their windows, "You can't park there!" Yeah, thanks buddy. I like to park in the median and cry, with dog feces and urine on my clothes. Cool. It's OK-- Mr. Not-Douchebag gave him the finger. Maybe he really was a douchebag with a good heart?
The firetruck came and a nice fireman cleaned the poop off Lucia's butt, and my finger, and I got the names and numbers of two kind people. Well, I got their names and numbers after this girls dug around in my purse for the pen, since I had poo on my finger. Their kindness really touched me.
I was finally able to walk to the side of the road, where I just sat, crying and shaking. Still my mind raced. Mike has work tonight! How will he get dinner? Will he be late? What am I going to do? How are we going to afford a new car?
My mother-in-law came and hugged me. She ordered me to sit down in the car and Hband is pretty sure she would have wrestled me if I hadn't listened to her. Hband made it around the same time and I hugged him like I never wanted to leave him, because I didn't. I was so scared.
A report was filed, the old man was cited, and The Golden Bullet, my faithful car of many years, was towed. And like that, things were quiet again. For those of you who have experienced an accident, this may be tame for you. But for me, this was terrifying. Because I realized that in that one second, life could have changed even more than it had. God protected Lucia and me in a way I don't understand. It was almost a head-on collision. Lucia should have been hurt. The airbag should have hit my face. But she was fine, and I was fine-- just whiplash and a couple bruises.
But life still changed. We went from owning two reliable, albiet old cars, to having to find a way to fit a car payment into our tight budget. That is a big change for a couple who are desperately paying down debt and struggling month-to-month.
But God proved his faithfulness once again. I was alive. Our dog was alive. I didn't have to go to the hospital. We would be fine. God knew about this before I woke up in the morning. Heck, he knew about it before I was born. So he has a plan and will provide, and it will be good.
Meanwhile though, it's a real headache.
But twice that night, Hband said, "I'm glad you're not dead." To anyone else, that sounds caustic and harsh. To me, with a husband who's not very sappy, it meant a lot. Even if I'd be happy to see Jesus, I'm glad I could spend the evening cuddling up to my husband and dog, watching "How I Met Your Mother."
Life changed for me, but part of that change is remembering to savor every moment until it changes again.
xoxo, A
You see that plus sign on the pee stick-- BAM. Changed. Didn't happen to me, though.
You get that acceptance letter to college-- BAM. Changed. That happened a long time ago.
You say "yes" and put that ring on your finger-- BAM. Changed. That already happened too.
The biopsy comes back positive for cancer-- BAM. Changed. Thank God that's not it.
I hadn't thought about how quickly life could change since I lived at home and my dad used to scare the crap out of me by saying things like, "one poor choice--you lose control of the car, you accidentally kill someone, and your life will never be the same. Saying 'sorry' won't help." That's not just me, right-- that's terrifying, isn't it?!!
That's probably why I say "I love you" before I leave or hang up with anyone I love. I realize that in a moment, life could change.
And on Tuesday, my life changed. It's not as dramatic as all that, but it's still pretty big in my life.
On Tuesday, I had picked up Lucia from my mother-in-law's house, as usual, and was heading home like every other Tuesday. I must have driven that route literally 100 times. But this time, as I was driving in the far left lane, a PT Cruiser with an elderly man inside decided to pull out and turn left from a parking lot on the right. Instead of crossing three lanes of traffic and waiting in the median to cross the next three, he decided to pull into my lane and face me. I was going 45 (the speed limit) and swerved into the median, slamming on my brakes. It wasn't enough. He smashed into my front right passenger side. My airbags went off with a deafening POP, filling the car and my lungs with a horrible gun powder smell.
I could scarcely believe what had just happened, though I watched him slam into my car. It was terrifying. I was shaking and immediately started crying. My mind was racing-- what do I do? I have to call Mike. And a tow truck. What was his license plate in case he drives away? Should I stay in here? Fortunately, some amazing people pulled their cars into the median to help me. Faith in humanity restored. In fact, one young man I would have normally categorized as a "douchebag," knocked on my window. I opened my door and he said, "You should probably get out." Still shaking, tears running down my face, I grabbed the dog, who I hoped wasn't deaf from the airbags, and my purse. The dog peed AND pooped all over my skirt and shirt, and as I stood there for what felt like five minutes, just trying to remember how to find my husband's phone number on my phone, these Good Samaritans called 911 and helped keep me safe from the cars whizzing around me. Some real jerks shouted out their windows, "You can't park there!" Yeah, thanks buddy. I like to park in the median and cry, with dog feces and urine on my clothes. Cool. It's OK-- Mr. Not-Douchebag gave him the finger. Maybe he really was a douchebag with a good heart?
The firetruck came and a nice fireman cleaned the poop off Lucia's butt, and my finger, and I got the names and numbers of two kind people. Well, I got their names and numbers after this girls dug around in my purse for the pen, since I had poo on my finger. Their kindness really touched me.
I was finally able to walk to the side of the road, where I just sat, crying and shaking. Still my mind raced. Mike has work tonight! How will he get dinner? Will he be late? What am I going to do? How are we going to afford a new car?
My mother-in-law came and hugged me. She ordered me to sit down in the car and Hband is pretty sure she would have wrestled me if I hadn't listened to her. Hband made it around the same time and I hugged him like I never wanted to leave him, because I didn't. I was so scared.
A report was filed, the old man was cited, and The Golden Bullet, my faithful car of many years, was towed. And like that, things were quiet again. For those of you who have experienced an accident, this may be tame for you. But for me, this was terrifying. Because I realized that in that one second, life could have changed even more than it had. God protected Lucia and me in a way I don't understand. It was almost a head-on collision. Lucia should have been hurt. The airbag should have hit my face. But she was fine, and I was fine-- just whiplash and a couple bruises.
But life still changed. We went from owning two reliable, albiet old cars, to having to find a way to fit a car payment into our tight budget. That is a big change for a couple who are desperately paying down debt and struggling month-to-month.
But God proved his faithfulness once again. I was alive. Our dog was alive. I didn't have to go to the hospital. We would be fine. God knew about this before I woke up in the morning. Heck, he knew about it before I was born. So he has a plan and will provide, and it will be good.
Meanwhile though, it's a real headache.
But twice that night, Hband said, "I'm glad you're not dead." To anyone else, that sounds caustic and harsh. To me, with a husband who's not very sappy, it meant a lot. Even if I'd be happy to see Jesus, I'm glad I could spend the evening cuddling up to my husband and dog, watching "How I Met Your Mother."
Life changed for me, but part of that change is remembering to savor every moment until it changes again.
xoxo, A
12.06.2012
Ode to Sweater Weather
Oh sweater weather. I love it dearly. It has, however, eluded the Gulf Coast, and we are "enjoying" a heat wave in December. Puke. How can one properly get into the Christmas spirit when it's 80 degrees outside?!
But seriously, I love sweaters. I love how they hide the mysterious bulges that are evidence of my love of all things carbohydrates and sugar. I love how if it is sweater weather, it is also pants weather (one would hope), which means I don't have to shave my legs for three months. Well, alright-- because I love my husband, I'll do it more frequently than that. But only for Hband.
But see, it's not sweater weather here. I still have to shave my legs every day because-- gag-- shorts are still climate appropriate here. In rebellion against the Florida weather, I've put all my shorts away in space-saving bags under my bed. In their place in my drawers are sweaters. Glorious sweaters that make me sweat like a Siberian Husky unless it is precisely 50 degrees or colder outside. Beautiful sweaters that, while masking mysterious fat bulges, still somehow make me look like a cardboard box wearing a sweater.
Maybe sweaters aren't so great after all.
Nah, I still love 'em. But I love sweater weather even more.
xoxo, A
But seriously, I love sweaters. I love how they hide the mysterious bulges that are evidence of my love of all things carbohydrates and sugar. I love how if it is sweater weather, it is also pants weather (one would hope), which means I don't have to shave my legs for three months. Well, alright-- because I love my husband, I'll do it more frequently than that. But only for Hband.
But see, it's not sweater weather here. I still have to shave my legs every day because-- gag-- shorts are still climate appropriate here. In rebellion against the Florida weather, I've put all my shorts away in space-saving bags under my bed. In their place in my drawers are sweaters. Glorious sweaters that make me sweat like a Siberian Husky unless it is precisely 50 degrees or colder outside. Beautiful sweaters that, while masking mysterious fat bulges, still somehow make me look like a cardboard box wearing a sweater.
Maybe sweaters aren't so great after all.
Nah, I still love 'em. But I love sweater weather even more.
xoxo, A
11.24.2012
Thanksgiving, in Review
I didn't have time to update this blog in time for Thanksgiving, what with all our merry-making. Here's a collage to summarize our week in Chicago:
As you can see, no fancy editing was done. Mostly because I wanted to simply enjoy my vacation without working on ANYTHING. And that's what happened. We had a horrific travel day, but after that, our visit was idyllic. We went downtown and I finally (after 23 years of living in Cook County and 5 years visiting) made it up the "Willis" Tower. We had lunch with family at the Walnut Room in "Macy's," which was fantastic! Notice how I keep putting certain words in quotes? That's because they changed the names of those places against my wishes. They really should consider me in their decision making. We took Christmas card pictures and stuffed ourselves on Thanksgiving, and I even decorated gingerbread men,too.
This trip reminded me of many of the things I'm thankful for. On Thanksgiving Day, we sat at the table, enjoying the bounty my mom had created. We went around the tables (we cousins were still at the kid table but don't mind a bit) and said what we were thankful for. The oft-repeated thing was family, and it's true. I'm very blessed with a wonderful family. My grandpa said it well, though when he said simply, "This. I'm just thankful for this."
This year, I have a husband, a puppy, a nice apartment, a job, clothes, good food, healthy familiy, salvation, good friends, and lots of things I don't need. In addition to all that, God gave me a really special week with my family here in Chicago... probably to tide me over since I'll be spending my first Christmas away from them, ever.
Thanks be to God for all His many gifts!
xoxo, A
As you can see, no fancy editing was done. Mostly because I wanted to simply enjoy my vacation without working on ANYTHING. And that's what happened. We had a horrific travel day, but after that, our visit was idyllic. We went downtown and I finally (after 23 years of living in Cook County and 5 years visiting) made it up the "Willis" Tower. We had lunch with family at the Walnut Room in "Macy's," which was fantastic! Notice how I keep putting certain words in quotes? That's because they changed the names of those places against my wishes. They really should consider me in their decision making. We took Christmas card pictures and stuffed ourselves on Thanksgiving, and I even decorated gingerbread men,too.
This trip reminded me of many of the things I'm thankful for. On Thanksgiving Day, we sat at the table, enjoying the bounty my mom had created. We went around the tables (we cousins were still at the kid table but don't mind a bit) and said what we were thankful for. The oft-repeated thing was family, and it's true. I'm very blessed with a wonderful family. My grandpa said it well, though when he said simply, "This. I'm just thankful for this."
This year, I have a husband, a puppy, a nice apartment, a job, clothes, good food, healthy familiy, salvation, good friends, and lots of things I don't need. In addition to all that, God gave me a really special week with my family here in Chicago... probably to tide me over since I'll be spending my first Christmas away from them, ever.
Thanks be to God for all His many gifts!
xoxo, A
11.13.2012
Where I Draw the Line
I love a bargain like the next girl. Alright, I concede I may love a bargain more than maybe anybody. I get a rush out of spending a little and getting a lot. For example: on Monday, I went to Walgreens, Publix, and Walmart, spent $30.28, got 24 items (including big-ticket items like Tyson pre-cooked chicken, Downy Unstoppables and 2 Sara Lee pies), and saved $40. That means I paid just a little over $1 for each item. Heck yes, coupons and BOGOs!
All that to say, I stinking LOVE a bargain. This has made Black Friday a must in my past. However, I was never one of those who would stand in line for hours, just to get the first of three TVs for half off, or whatever, and risk literally being trampled to death. But I do enjoy going out with my mom and grabbing some cool loot for a cooler price. Last year was particularly fun, as we were getting lots of clothes for my NYC honeymoon!
I found last year that we found sometimes even better deals the day before Thanksgiving (since we weren't looking for that season's most popular toy or overpriced electronics anyway), and then went out at a reasonable hour of the morning (read: not when it was still the pitch-black of night) and caught some good Black Friday deals, too.
One year, I tried to do the 5 a.m. thing. Turns out I had bronchitis and never fell asleep the night before anyway. Hband (who was my boyfriend at the time) didn't think I should go. So instead I lay on my couch, visions of cheap vacuums that I wouldn't own, dancing in my head.
One year, I did do the 5 a.m. thing... with my dad. Mom had broken her leg, and Dad said he wasn't going to let me go out alone and get killed by the crazies (like a 55 year-old man would be any match for those crazy Moms like the lady on the Target commercials?!). So Dad and I got up early and headed for Walmart. Then I fell in the middle of the street, tore up my knee, gave my dad a near- heart attack, didn't even bother with the line, and headed over to Target where it was crowded, but I'll admit... kind of fun. Until we had to get in line. That's where a tag-team comes in handy. I kept a place in line and he ran around to find the items we needed. That year I was looking specifically for an electric toothbrush (stop judging me!). I got it, after rebates, for like, $25. WORTH IT.
But I've determined I don't really want to ever do that again. What does it say about me, really, if I want something, nay, think I need something so badly that I'll get up when all decent people are sleeping, worry myself sick that I won't get it, and fight back the crowds like the greedy little buzzard I am to get what I want? Maybe you do it more gracefully than that, but essentially, that's the game.
And now, retailers have let their greed ooze right past their moral strongholds of all that is good and family and tradition, and have completely passed right over Thanksgiving. It's not bad enough that they start playing Christmas commercials, Christmas music, and putting up Christmas decorations as soon as Halloween has said goodbye... I've felt for a while now that they're just skipping over Thanksgiving, probably because it only makes money for grocery stores. Now, they are starting their big sales at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening. That means, if you want in early, you have to be lined up all throughout your Thanksgiving dinnertime, or run (maybe waddle?) right out after eating it. Forget about family time. Forget about tryptophan (how in the world is that spelled)-induced naps. Forget about yelling at the TV during a football game or playing a wild round of spoons (no? Just my family?). I take umbrage to that. Leave Thanksgiving alone, and keep your grubby little greedy hands out of my pockets until the next day, when all heck can break loose.
Anyway, I'm not planning on doing the early morning Black Friday thing ever. I'll do my Wednesday before and my normal time of day on Friday, and the Cyber Monday. Leave the early morning hours and the Thanksgiving Day shopping to someone else. I will be enjoying my family, my turkey, and my sleep. That's where I draw the line.
xoxo, A
All that to say, I stinking LOVE a bargain. This has made Black Friday a must in my past. However, I was never one of those who would stand in line for hours, just to get the first of three TVs for half off, or whatever, and risk literally being trampled to death. But I do enjoy going out with my mom and grabbing some cool loot for a cooler price. Last year was particularly fun, as we were getting lots of clothes for my NYC honeymoon!
I found last year that we found sometimes even better deals the day before Thanksgiving (since we weren't looking for that season's most popular toy or overpriced electronics anyway), and then went out at a reasonable hour of the morning (read: not when it was still the pitch-black of night) and caught some good Black Friday deals, too.
One year, I tried to do the 5 a.m. thing. Turns out I had bronchitis and never fell asleep the night before anyway. Hband (who was my boyfriend at the time) didn't think I should go. So instead I lay on my couch, visions of cheap vacuums that I wouldn't own, dancing in my head.
One year, I did do the 5 a.m. thing... with my dad. Mom had broken her leg, and Dad said he wasn't going to let me go out alone and get killed by the crazies (like a 55 year-old man would be any match for those crazy Moms like the lady on the Target commercials?!). So Dad and I got up early and headed for Walmart. Then I fell in the middle of the street, tore up my knee, gave my dad a near- heart attack, didn't even bother with the line, and headed over to Target where it was crowded, but I'll admit... kind of fun. Until we had to get in line. That's where a tag-team comes in handy. I kept a place in line and he ran around to find the items we needed. That year I was looking specifically for an electric toothbrush (stop judging me!). I got it, after rebates, for like, $25. WORTH IT.
But I've determined I don't really want to ever do that again. What does it say about me, really, if I want something, nay, think I need something so badly that I'll get up when all decent people are sleeping, worry myself sick that I won't get it, and fight back the crowds like the greedy little buzzard I am to get what I want? Maybe you do it more gracefully than that, but essentially, that's the game.
And now, retailers have let their greed ooze right past their moral strongholds of all that is good and family and tradition, and have completely passed right over Thanksgiving. It's not bad enough that they start playing Christmas commercials, Christmas music, and putting up Christmas decorations as soon as Halloween has said goodbye... I've felt for a while now that they're just skipping over Thanksgiving, probably because it only makes money for grocery stores. Now, they are starting their big sales at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening. That means, if you want in early, you have to be lined up all throughout your Thanksgiving dinnertime, or run (maybe waddle?) right out after eating it. Forget about family time. Forget about tryptophan (how in the world is that spelled)-induced naps. Forget about yelling at the TV during a football game or playing a wild round of spoons (no? Just my family?). I take umbrage to that. Leave Thanksgiving alone, and keep your grubby little greedy hands out of my pockets until the next day, when all heck can break loose.
Anyway, I'm not planning on doing the early morning Black Friday thing ever. I'll do my Wednesday before and my normal time of day on Friday, and the Cyber Monday. Leave the early morning hours and the Thanksgiving Day shopping to someone else. I will be enjoying my family, my turkey, and my sleep. That's where I draw the line.
xoxo, A
11.09.2012
Overwhelmed.
Today, I expected an easy day in my classes-- they had quizzes and tests to do, and for once I got all of my teacher-type work done early. I expected to be able to either work ahead or kick back a bit.
Oh, that was not how today went at all.
Today I came into work with very little stress. Hband had generously let me end our date night at 9:30 when I fell asleep watching "30 Rock." Yeah, that's how our date nights roll: Little Caesar's pizza that we later regret and what was supposed to be a "30 Rock" marathon. It ended after I couldn't keep my eyes open during the second episode. So I got almost 9 hours of sleep last night, which is what I get if I'm lucky on a weekend night. So waking up was a pleasure. Going to school with a chill, holding my hot chocolate was a delight. Heck, even standing outside for twenty minutes because of "morning duty" had its charms.
And then, I had my 6th period journalism class.
This year, I was assigned to teach journalism. Awesome-- I love journalism. You know what I don't love? Having to be the yearbook advisor, which is what journalism is short for, I guess. I had no background in composing a yearbook. I didn't do it in high school. All I knew was that when my dad created it all by himself, he'd be sitting at the dining room table, giggling to himself as he swapped heads and wrote in voice balloons. I was pretty sure that's not how we'd be composing the yearbook. To top it off, I also had to jump-start a school newspaper.
After I got the hang of it, it started going OK. We were in a groove.
Then came the tsunami. Suddenly a deadline is upon us and the students aren't ready. I'm not ready. The stupid photographers aren't ready because they haven't sent us the portraits. I lost some paperwork. I have a hundred questions. I'm the one taking pictures because no one else takes initiative and I don't want them to have a crappy yearbook.
So I'm overwhelmed. What I'd really like to do is let them take control. Let them steer this sinking boat straight to the bottom of the ocean. But I feel like I can't let them do that, because not only am I not guaranteed they'd learn anything about responsibilities, deadlines, creativity, or hard work, but it would let all the 7th-12th grade students down.
Why are teachers paid so poorly, again?
xoxo, A
Oh, that was not how today went at all.
Today I came into work with very little stress. Hband had generously let me end our date night at 9:30 when I fell asleep watching "30 Rock." Yeah, that's how our date nights roll: Little Caesar's pizza that we later regret and what was supposed to be a "30 Rock" marathon. It ended after I couldn't keep my eyes open during the second episode. So I got almost 9 hours of sleep last night, which is what I get if I'm lucky on a weekend night. So waking up was a pleasure. Going to school with a chill, holding my hot chocolate was a delight. Heck, even standing outside for twenty minutes because of "morning duty" had its charms.
And then, I had my 6th period journalism class.
This year, I was assigned to teach journalism. Awesome-- I love journalism. You know what I don't love? Having to be the yearbook advisor, which is what journalism is short for, I guess. I had no background in composing a yearbook. I didn't do it in high school. All I knew was that when my dad created it all by himself, he'd be sitting at the dining room table, giggling to himself as he swapped heads and wrote in voice balloons. I was pretty sure that's not how we'd be composing the yearbook. To top it off, I also had to jump-start a school newspaper.
After I got the hang of it, it started going OK. We were in a groove.
Then came the tsunami. Suddenly a deadline is upon us and the students aren't ready. I'm not ready. The stupid photographers aren't ready because they haven't sent us the portraits. I lost some paperwork. I have a hundred questions. I'm the one taking pictures because no one else takes initiative and I don't want them to have a crappy yearbook.
So I'm overwhelmed. What I'd really like to do is let them take control. Let them steer this sinking boat straight to the bottom of the ocean. But I feel like I can't let them do that, because not only am I not guaranteed they'd learn anything about responsibilities, deadlines, creativity, or hard work, but it would let all the 7th-12th grade students down.
Why are teachers paid so poorly, again?
xoxo, A
Cinnabon Love
Am I the only one who, growing up, used to wish her walls were made of a particular kind of food? I am, aren't I? Signs of a gluttony problem, you say? Probably. I used to wish my walls wee made of cheese, among other things.
Today, I realized I wish my walls were made out of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls.
Not just any cinnamon rolls. None even come close to the indescribably luscious taste of a Cinnabon cinnamon roll. Pillsbury? Please. Nice try, Dough Boy.
My mother-in-law got us some mini rolls from Burger King today. The smell and taste were so familiar; they brought me back to the beginning of summer as a child, when my dad would take me to the mall for a Cinnabon. Only I'd get a BIG one, and eat it ALL. I remember one summer in particular when Dad wheeled me around in my wheelchair in the rain after I had broken my growth plate before the third grade.
What made my broken-ankle-summer better? Starting it with a Cinnabon.
xoxo, A
Today, I realized I wish my walls were made out of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls.
Not just any cinnamon rolls. None even come close to the indescribably luscious taste of a Cinnabon cinnamon roll. Pillsbury? Please. Nice try, Dough Boy.
My mother-in-law got us some mini rolls from Burger King today. The smell and taste were so familiar; they brought me back to the beginning of summer as a child, when my dad would take me to the mall for a Cinnabon. Only I'd get a BIG one, and eat it ALL. I remember one summer in particular when Dad wheeled me around in my wheelchair in the rain after I had broken my growth plate before the third grade.
What made my broken-ankle-summer better? Starting it with a Cinnabon.
xoxo, A
11.08.2012
Christmas Brunch Inspiration
I saw my first Christmas TV commercial two days before Halloween. I heard Christmas music playing the Saturday after Halloween. As excited as I always am for the holiday season, I am simply not ready for all that.
And in complete and utter opposition to that last statement, I've been thinking about this upcoming Christmas a lot. This will be the first Christmas in my entire 28 years that I'll be spending away from my family I grew up with. I phrase it that way because technically Florida is my home and Hband is my family. But you know what I mean. This is going to be rough. But I have some plans to help me through it.
1. Go around and look at Christmas lights and listen to Christmas music, perhaphs with Bestie Jr. & Co.
2. Pick out a real, live Christmas tree with Hband and set it up together, complete with all my ornaments from my parents' house, and all of his, too.
3. Traditional Christmas Eve seafood dinner at my in-laws. They also open gifts on Christmas Eve.
4. Christmas day brunch. Technically my family has always done this, but not on purpose, and it was only ever just our immediate family. This year, this is my way of trying to invest myself here during the holiday. Here is my plan:
I will invite all family and friends in the vicinity, plus those within facebook reach who may have nowhere to go on Christmas. We will feast like we've never feasted before. We will sit in a veritable winter wonderland.
Along with coffee, hot chocolate, and fruit juice, here is the projected menu:
Pumpkin French Toast Bake
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
{source}
{source}
Quiche Lorraine
{source}
Cinnamon Rolls
{source}
{source}
Bacon
{source}
Roasted Potatoes or maybe even SWEET POTATOES!!
{source}
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
{source}
Spinach and Cheese Strata
{source}
We will view this:
{source}
We will look at these:
I think I will write the menu on mine.
{source}
I'm going to spray paint tin cans with rose gold, gold, and silver paint and fill them with white poinsettias!
{source}
And we may have one of these:
Hot chocolate bar!!
{source}
These aren't necessarily links to recipes. I'm going to try to make all of these, so if I have some real winners, I'll come back and add the recipes. So if you're going to be in my neck of the woods on Christmas day, please pop by to taste and see that this smorgasbord is good!
And in complete and utter opposition to that last statement, I've been thinking about this upcoming Christmas a lot. This will be the first Christmas in my entire 28 years that I'll be spending away from my family I grew up with. I phrase it that way because technically Florida is my home and Hband is my family. But you know what I mean. This is going to be rough. But I have some plans to help me through it.
1. Go around and look at Christmas lights and listen to Christmas music, perhaphs with Bestie Jr. & Co.
2. Pick out a real, live Christmas tree with Hband and set it up together, complete with all my ornaments from my parents' house, and all of his, too.
3. Traditional Christmas Eve seafood dinner at my in-laws. They also open gifts on Christmas Eve.
4. Christmas day brunch. Technically my family has always done this, but not on purpose, and it was only ever just our immediate family. This year, this is my way of trying to invest myself here during the holiday. Here is my plan:
I will invite all family and friends in the vicinity, plus those within facebook reach who may have nowhere to go on Christmas. We will feast like we've never feasted before. We will sit in a veritable winter wonderland.
Along with coffee, hot chocolate, and fruit juice, here is the projected menu:
Pumpkin French Toast Bake
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
{source}
Banana Bread Scones
{source}
{source}
Cinnamon Rolls
{source}
Slow Cooker Oatmeal
{source}
Winter Fruit Salad
{source}
Roasted Potatoes or maybe even SWEET POTATOES!!
{source}
Baked Egg Boats
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
{source}
Spinach and Cheese Strata
{source}
We will view this:
{source}
We will look at these:
I think I will write the menu on mine.
{source}
I'm going to spray paint tin cans with rose gold, gold, and silver paint and fill them with white poinsettias!
{source}
And we may have one of these:
Hot chocolate bar!!
{source}
These aren't necessarily links to recipes. I'm going to try to make all of these, so if I have some real winners, I'll come back and add the recipes. So if you're going to be in my neck of the woods on Christmas day, please pop by to taste and see that this smorgasbord is good!
xoxo, A
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