Top 10, part deux...

So, I'm not very good at these kinds of lists truthfully. It's hard to determine categories for things that happen in any person's life, you know what I mean? So I think it's best for me to just have a final Top 10 of things that happened or had impact in this girl's life in 2009. Good, bad or otherwise.

Again, not in any meaningful order -- just how they come to me.

10. Leaving my job. Wow, had I dreamed of when that day would come but nothing prepared me for the reality of it. It wasn't a bad thing -- it was a great thing, but still a little sad. Of course that lasted oh, about a minute. I don't miss it a bit -- being in business for myself and being my own boss is beyond gratifying. Having friends and family work side by side with me is a great thing; I often get tinges of sentimentality when I see things that have to do with the Air Force or the base -- but other than that....nada. I loved my job and I truly made the best of things, but I was beyond frustrated knowing I was capable of doing great things and was held back because I wasn't in the Government proper.

9. My knee surgery. That was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. I mean, you are awake for CSections and that's pretty interesting but it's not nearly the same thing as actually getting to watch what's happening inside your knee surgically. Definitely one of the more fun things that happened this year. Sounds kind of silly I know - but it alleviated my discomfort and was educational and fun at the same time.

8. Finding out my Mother has Cancer. The news itself of her having the disease wasn't all that shocking, only because it is so rampant. What was shocking, was the poor care (in my opinion) that she had received up to this point. Finally, she is going to Dana Farber -- tomorrow actually, and I am going with my parents -- to get what we hope/wish/pray will be a diagnosis (finally!!!) and hopefully a better prognosis than what she received in Florida.

7. Being hardworking, diligent and patient. While this was a difficult year for everyone on so many levels -- it was a good year for us with business. Patience and hard work, with a sprinkle of due diligence really paid off in allowing us to launch a new business. I have to say that over the last year prior to this opportunity I had been so frustrated; we came so close so many times, but timing can be everything and truly while luck only goes so far -- it's all about the work that goes into it.

6. Spending time with my family. Sounds mundane and not necessarily listworthy - but the truth of the matter is -- that it is. This summer while I was not able to take any time off because of the buildout, I still was on a more flexible schedule than being at work and was able to spend a few days with the family at Water Country, Canobie Lake Park, etc. Even just staying at home later in the morning before heading off to the store site -- it was far more enjoyable of a way to start my day than stressing over traffic and what time I might arrive in the office. Again, it's tied to being my own boss -- and while I'm incredibly busy at times, it offers me a luxury of time with my family that I haven't been able to enjoy before.

5. Having to adjust to the fact that my children think on their own. Let me tell you - that's a tough one. Trying to parent firmly, discipline strongly and not be too stifling is a tightrope I've had to walk on all this year for the first time. Princess Petunia was the first one to challenge -- and her boldness has encouraged her brother to express himself as well. This has been a huge event this year in my life and while it was a change that I knew would come -- I still wasn't quite prepared for when it happened.

4. Abandoning Dunkin Donuts forever. I have completely transitioned to Starbucks. After spending probably hundreds of dollars in coffee that tasted so horrible that I threw it away -- I finally smartened up and actually spend only an extra .25 for a cup of coffee that I enjoy every single time. It feels like a monkey is off my back -- truly. How crazy is that? Discovering that I can really enjoy a cup of coffee consistently -- that's a huge happening in this girl's life after months of being disappointed by Dunks.

3. Achieving many of the goals I'd set for myself. I ran the 5K sooner than anticipated; I did a yoga marathon even sooner post-surgery. I continually worked on accepting the things I could not change and actively worked on changing the things that I could - that needed changing. And some things were just fine the way they were.

2. Seeing a Broadway play front row. Wow, did that spoil me forever. G and I going to see David Mamet's "Speed the Plow" at the Barrymore --with Jeremy Piven and cast practically sweating on us -- was amazing. So impressive, that we're thinking of going back and seeing the aforementioned director's new production of "Race" at that same theatre in the next few weeks. It was an event that truly had an impact on me as far as spending quality time with G, appreciating and loving NYC -- and throughly appreciating theatre even more than I already did. It made me long for what I might have done at one time... but at the same time appreciate the choices I made in not pursuing that career as fully as I could've. Because if I had -- I wouldn't be here today. And I'm pretty happy where I'm at....

1. Proving that I'm capable of doing great things. Listen, I knew I could do it -- but let's be honest there were plenty who had their doubts. Building the store was a fun, frustrating, stressful and yet enjoyable process. Our new store is something I'd always hoped it would be...and yet at the same time, I look back at G and I and think "wow, who'd have thought that two kids from nothing and nowhere would do all this...." But again, it just shows what a little hard work, good common business sense and a drive to succeed can get you. Sure it's only in it's infancy, but it's off to a good start -- and I'm so very proud. Aside from my children who are my greatest accomplishments in life -- it's up there on things to be proud of. Some people go through their whole life and don't have much to show for it -- and that's okay; there's nothing wrong with that. But we have built goodwill with a brand; we have actually made history in a community.

And how awesome is that?!?!?

Top 10.... the first of a few (I think!)

So, I thought I'd list a few of my Top 10's for this year.
The first one being the Top 10 Surprises of This Girl's Life for 2009.

Truly, not in any particular order because there wasn't any one surprise that stood out -- and they cover all topics, not just me per se -- and here they are:

1o. Finding out that my torn meniscus - was really a calcified infrapatella plica that was lodged in my knee joint & ACL! That was totally a surprise. But, a better surprise than it having been my ACL being torn, which was initially what he thought when he went in there.
9. The circus surrounding Tiger Woods. Truly -- does anyone really care? Not this girl. Moving on....
8. Manny & David Ortiz testing positive for steriods. I have to say -- yes, I was surprised about Manny -- and disappointed.
7. My daughter's PreK closing. That was a total shock and surprise and out of nowhere. Fortunately, she took it in stride.
6. Michael Jackson's passing. Truly, that was surprising, sad and almost surreal. The best thing about it though was the resurgence of his music -- my kids love him. Which is really fun to see.
5. The big discrimination case that got to Presidential Level from the Harvard Professor who I won't even dignify naming. Seriously -- are you kidding me?!?!! Wasted time on everyone's behalf. It was obnoxious.
4. President Obama receiving the Nobel Prize. Truly -- this girl thinks he should've politely declined with the caveat that he'd gladly receive after some time in office should they reconsider him next year.
3. I have not brought home one piece of cheese from my store. Seriously, my favorite thing in the world and I have yet to bring any home for myself to enjoy. Can you imagine??
2. Not signing Mark Texeira. For just a second, didn't we all just scratch our heads and say "huh?" Sure that was December '08 but the effect lingered into the new year.
1. The finale of this season's Dexter. I have three words for that one, and it's "Oh My God." 'Nuff said.


Sure, there may be more.... but this is the first list - and there may be crossover to come.
Tomorrow will be a new list of "Top 10" something or other...!

...and a partridge in a pear tree.

I need a haircut so bad. It's embarrassing actually.
It's too long to wear down and it's so out of shape that even a pony tail looks terrible.
I broke a nail re-arranging Princess Petunia's room last night.
I'm just a mess.

Which is why I'm really looking forward to the week being over. After New Year's, life settles down into something resembling a bit more normal. I can get my hair cut, my nails done and....I can go to Wrentham!! (Insert choirs of angels singing and rays of sunlight HERE.) I got from one of my girlfriends a gift card to Sephora and I can not wait to use it! (Ah, to have my Cargo Texas Lash mascara and Lip Fusion!!! I've missed you both so much!) I also received a an AMEX card from my aunt which I will happily use at the aforementioned Wrentham (angels singing again) to buy something for each of us -- and I will gladly stop in at all my favorite shops to do a little indulging on myself, gift card aside. Practical indulgence I'll call it -- because I'll not buy a purse or something frivolous - it will be things I truly need.

And this girl, can not wait!!!

Four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves....

*Yawn*
So very tired today.

It was a nice day yesterday; that being said, it was one of my least favorite holiday meals that I've made. The ham -- was disappointing. I bought a different ham than usual and I will never do that again. The texture, the flavor - it was all not that good, and typically the ham is outstanding. Such a disappointment. The bisque came out nicely - though I didn't make it with heavy cream like I typically do -- I used half and half and while the flavor was nice - you could tell the difference. The stuffed scallops I overcooked because I was distracted....and I didn't like the flavor of my sauce for the lasagna. The chateaubriand everyone loved -- and yet I thought it was just okay; it was super tender but the flavor wasn't as good as I'd hoped. Probably no big deal to anyone else, but definitely a big deal to me since I take such enjoyment out of cooking on this holiday.

I think it's all just truly a testament to how busy I was this season. Next year - I'll be better prepared. I decided I'll be done with my shopping come October/November of next year so I'm not feeling so overwhelmed. And that will help me feel better planned for dinner as well.

The most important thing is that everyone was together for the first time in two years and while it's not for the most optimal of circumstances, we were together none the less!

Jolly Old St Nicholas, lean your ear this way....

I wish you all a lovely, healthy, happy, and Merry Christmas.

May your table be filled with delicious food, your homes with loved family and friends - and your hearts full of joy.

And I hope Santa is good to you all....

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen.....

I am a rock star.

Why?
Because despite much heckling about my pouring white wine on the red wine spill and immediately sopping it up and washing it --- the stain, has disappeared.

Thank you. Thank you very much....
(said in my best Elvis impersonation.)

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

Or wine glasses clanging as they hit the table....

Today I got my new kitchen set, finally -- and of course, it's got cream colored seats. Fabric, no less -- but I figured I'd scotchguard them after dinner.

Well.... my son was reaching for chocolate that I told him not to get - and while rushing to do what kids do best (not listen) he knocked over my glass of red wine. You know where I'm going with this......

So much for the new kitchen set.
Oh well. Such is life.....

Let it snow, let it snow....let it snow!

1. It was so nice to wake up to the snow today. I left the house early to go to the supermarket -- why go before the storm, when you can go during? C'mon, I'm a New Englander -- what's a little snow?!? So, I went and did the bulk of my holiday menu shopping done - with the exception of the lobster for the bisque because truthfully, I don't want to make it that far ahead. I did however make the lasagna today and promptly froze it. Funny enough - every time I've done that, you know - made it ahead and froze it, people seem to like it better than when I make it fresh. Works for me, one less thing for me to have to do that day.

2. So, Tiger may have gotten his wish. Okay, so I may have mentioned on a sports blog that Tiger is probably praying that a celebrity died or there was some major tragedy to take the spotlight of off him for a change; while Brittany Murphy is by no means Heath Ledger-ish or Michael Jackson-like, she is a celebrity none the less and tragic with a death at 32. There's the breathing room he was praying for.
2a. Brittany Murphy was really only 32?!?! Was she like, 12 in Clueless? I guess she was only 22, but I certainly thought she was closer to 36. Funny how in La La land the ages seem younger and younger. Does anyone ever grow up?

3. Tonight is a marathon wrapping night. Hopefully I have wine in the house because this girl is tired and would love to have a nice glass of wine while wrapping. I don't have a choice -- I have no time between now and Christmas to get it done, so tonight it is.

4. My parents are coming tomorrow. I haven't seen them in almost two years -- and as I mentioned previously in posts over the summer, my Mother is sick and is finally going to see doctors at Dana Farber next week. Finally.

Well, that's about it for now. I'm off to ensure no little people are up so I can get crack-a-lacking.

Hi-ho, Hi-ho....it's wrapping I will go....
(whistles off into the distance.....fade to black.)

Been an angel all year, Santa baby -- so hurry down the chimney tonight.....

Tonight I got a phone call from my girlfriend KMD who told me that her husband was at Fenway today and saw Jason for a press op -- and so he went down and has some OUTSTANDING photos that he's going to email to me. I'll be more than happy to share them...

It's funny, sometimes I think "one of these days..." I'll look up - and he'll be standing in the store looking for advice for wine. Of course, that would be the funniest thing ever because he'd never know I was so silly about him -- I can totally pull off being indifferent. Actually, I got a call yesterday for a champagne delivery to an employee of a very prestigious Sports Marketing & Representation company in Boston (many Sox players are in their portfolio) and for a second I thought "what if...???" Ah, but no such luck. The Captain is not in their client list. Oh well.

Anyway -- there's a really great video of an interview with him on Boston.com. I just wish I could get past Heidi Watney in the background. I mean, she's a pretty girl -- but I truly don't love her as a sportscaster. Even during the interview -- it just didn't strike me as she was super interested, or paying attention. Maybe she has her own questions she was waiting to ask - but this girl just doesn't buy her as a bonafide sportscaster still.

Just sayin'....

When it seems that we have lost our way...We find ourselves again on Christmas Day

Where is the time going??

I am well beyond the eight ball this year. I know I said that last year too, but if you browse my older posts -- at this point of the month I think I was pretty well set.

G's presents -- almost done. Kid's presents -- almost done. Niece/nephews gifts -- not even close. But that takes a short time, fortunately. Other gifts -- not even close. Again, they don't take much time, but it's finding the time to actually get it done.

Before the store - I could take a sick day or vacation day and get all my shopping done in one day. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Not this year.... I have no days off. No down time. I'm not complaining -- just an interesting observation. Truthfully, I haven't even finalized my holiday dinner menu -- can you imagine?!?! Not one thing is wrapped yet, and today is what -- December 17th? This is the least organized in this perspective I have ever been. But, I'm on a mission and come the end of this weekend, presents will be wrapped and under the tree. And all my shopping will be done.... mark my words.

So, I've decided not to do the Turducken for dinner... I'm a little sad, truth be told - but I don't have the time this year. This is a big learning curve year for me; next holiday I'll have it all better scheduled. So, I'm finalizing my menu tomorrow and I'll gladly share it at that time. I still have a few details I'm working on.....

If anyone's looking for some wine recommendations for gift giving -- let me know. You don't have to buy with me -- but I'll gladly pass on some great advice! I'm actually sitting here right now with a delicious glass of Honig Chardonnay after a long day at work -- and an even longer week.

But that's a story for another day....

I'll be home for Christmas....

It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot destroy peace.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot suppress memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot conquer the spirit.

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.

Life goes by far too fast -- it's important to make all the moments last.

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock...

So, this weekend I got out for a few hours -- and went to the annual La Femme Nikitas ornament swap. (Wow, I haven't referred to us as that for some time now!) We used to get together monthly, but now - with everyone's lives being so busy - we're almost lucky if we can do once a year! There was no way, no matter how lousy I felt that I couldn't make it. And, I'm glad I was able to because it was a good time, as always.

I have more photos, but I haven't downloaded them yet - and this one hit the email circuit today, so... maybe I'll share more later.

"Auld acquaintences" are often the best ones.... and they should never, ever be forgotten. No matter how busy life might get at times. Always make time -- even if it's only one day a year. Because at some point in the future -- we'll all be on the same page, and have plenty of time to do all the dinner parties and movie nights we'd like -- without limitations.

Today's original post has been postponed due to....

....the most amazing television I have ever seen. Ever.
Last night's season finale of Dexter was....phenomenal. The most fantastic television ending of a season, in the history of television. I challenge someone to come up with a better, more thought out and provoking season finale.

I kind of got a feeling about the ending right before it happened - but I thought it would be a cliff hanger for next season. I did not see the exact scenario and the way it ended -- coming.

Absolutely unbelievable. Every season so far I think "they can't get better than this, can they?" and this season is no different. Truly, I don't know how they can.

If you don't watch this show - you have to get the first season, and start watching.
Trust me, you'll be glad that you did.

'Tis the season to be jolly....

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
I actually don't love either one - but I'd prefer hot chocolate.
2. Letter to Santa?
Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is you....
(Jason Varitek would be nice too. Just sayin'....)
3. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?
Santa usually pays someone to wrap the gifts for him.
4. Colored lights on your tree/house or white?
White. Simple, classic.
5. Do you hang mistletoe?
No, I don't. I think I should though!
6. When do you put your decorations up?
The weekend of Thanksgiving. Although I was late this year due to being sick!
7. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Oh, so many to choose! It's a toss up between Goose & Turducken.
8. Favorite holiday memory as a child:
Hmmm. Probably making Play Doh ornaments!
9. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
What truth???
10. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
No. I never liked that concept. Except when I was little, then I loved it!
11. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
White lights, burgundy ribbon, and lots of ornaments. Eclectic mix of photographs of the kids, fun "fou fou" furry ornaments, ornaments my Mom made when I was a kid, ornamements the kids have made. It all blends beautifully I think.
12. Can you ice skate?
Yes I can!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Yes, it's a home made cookbook from my parents.
14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Being with my family.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Probably chocolate pudding pie - but I love it with crushed candy canes on top for a peppermint effect.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
My hosting of dinner.
17. What tops your tree?
A teddy bear angel my mother made when I was about 15.
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
They both have their upsides... but I love to give gifts more.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Oh, so many to choose -- too many to choose! Celebrate Me Home, Same Old Lang Syne, Grown Up Christmas List, Little Drummer Boy, What Child is This, Oh Holy Night... I could go on.
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yum!

May the merry bells keep ringing, happy holidays to you....

So tonight we're jaunting out, complete with hot cocoa for our first Christmas Lights ride of the season. So exciting!

I'm completely exhausted. This pneumonia has kicked the crap out of me the last two days; it's funny how in the beginning I was still like the Energizer Bunny....but the last two days it's like I hit a wall. I'm tired, exhausted -- and to make things worse, my stomach's all out of whack now because of the antibiotic. I lost 5lbs that I really didn't need to lose over the past 24 hours....and I'm not really feeling up to eating still. I'm just sick and tired of being sick and tired....

(Sorry, that's like the third time I complained about it this week. Note to self: must. slow. down.)

So, I've been paying less attention than usual to the Hot Stove this season; it's a rather boring off season, prospect-wise. The last I heard on the local sports radio is that the physical reports are being awaited on Mike Lowell, so....I'm guessing that's close to a done deal, if not done already. (I'm sorry Dawn!). I did however enjoy listening to Larry Lucchino this a.m., on the radio - although I was rather surprised at how rather rudely the portion of the interview went, at least the part I heard. I get that you don't want to pitter patter the person you're interviewing but I thought that the disdain was too obvious, in my opinion. It was almost uncomfortable to listen to at times. But hey - that's the way the morning show crumbles at times...

Well, this girl is off to fill the travelers mugs and hit the road.
Happy Friday!

Every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings.

So there must be bells ringing all around me right now.

I just agreed to give up my "best possible seats in the park due to being given to us by a very important person" ticket to the Winter Classic at Fenway Park.

*sigh*

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....

Tonight would've been a fabulous night to have a fire going. Unfortunately, I forgot to pick up logs so pillar candles are going to have to do the trick.

Can you believe Christmas is two weeks away? I absolutely can not.
Clearly, time is going by far too quickly for this girl.
Holiday cards....still not ordered yet.
*sigh*

I think Friday is going to be the first night of our annual Christmas Lights jaunts; I get home from work, the kiddies get changed into their cozy clothes and have dinner. We pack up hot cocoa for the road, and drive to different parts of our town and other neighboring communities on each time out to admire all the pretty lighting displays. We have Christmas music playing, and it's one of the few times that the kids don't fight with each other and we just have a really great time. It's probably one of my most favorite traditions -- and one that I'll be sad when they outgrow. It's just nice quality time -- and it doesn't cost more than a gallon of gas.

What traditions do you have at the holidays that are really quite simple - but yet so meaningful?

Let it snow, let it snow....let it snow!

Or so the rumor goes.....
We'll be graced with a little snowstorm tomorrow. Pardon my skepticism but I think I'll believe it when I see it. Around these parts, it's truly just guesswork - and so when they say the Cape will get rain and we'll get snow -- I often hesitate at where they determine that whether line truly is. They know where they "think" it might be - but weather changes on a dime travelling across the country, so....we'll just see what happens when it gets here!

If so, the kids will be mighty happy because tomorrow is a half day at school -- and then there will be lots of playing and hot cocoa to go around.

And long commutes as well....!

Sleigh bells ring....are you listening?

I can't get over how quickly the days are flying.
It's already going to be the 8th - and my holiday cards aren't even ordered yet, let alone in the mail. I designed them weeks ago -- but figured I'd order them the first week. Well, I suppose so long as I get them out by the 15th I'm still in good shape.

It is time for me to start thinking of the holiday dinner...the only problem is I don't quite know how many people I'm having just yet. I think it's somewhere in the 10-12 adults and 4 children range, but I'm not positive yet. That's actually less than I had last year, and I'm not complaining! We always have an open house for dessert, so that's always fun. Dessert's not my strong suit, I typically make only one - and then ask everyone else to bring something.

I actually think I'm going to make the Turducken again this year; it was a huge hit last year and really would be worth serving a second year in a row. I'm torn between having ham again like I did last year - or possibly chateaubriand as my second main course. I do think I'm skipping the soup....unless I feel like making lobster bisque. I haven't made that in a few years, having made different soups over the past few -- so maybe I'll go back to my classic family favorite. And with chateaubriand it works nicely.

Things to think about....!
I'll keep everyone updated as I finalize the menu....

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

And that's why no matter how sick I am, I still took the kids to get a Christmas tree and restrung the lights on the house. Why? Because I'm a great Mom! No, truly - it's all about them. And it's worth it for me to do it, so long as I am not so sick that I need to be bedridden. They're only little for a short time, and Christmas is so important to them. Last thing I want to do is disappoint them for something so simple....

I have pneumonia in not one - but both of my lungs - I found out last night at the ER. And I knew I was sick with it, of course didn't realize it was that bad. But, I had promised that after a birthday party we were supposed to attend today - that we would do the tree. And while I did not at all feel up to attending a laser tag party (while I do have an "S" on my chest--figuratively speaking of course -- I know my limitations!) I felt I could muster up effort to get the tree, even if we didn't decorate it today. (Truly, could I not decorate it today? Me, Miss "Can't Sit Still"? No. But it was a nice thought to keep in the back of my mind.)

So, the disappointing thing is that our previous tree died last year. Sort of. Half of the lights were out -- and it was a gorgeous, gorgeous life like tree with 1000 lights on it. This year, I went to 4 Home Depots, 1 Lowes, and 1 Sears and I was horrified at how ugly the trees were. Truly disappointing. So, I ended up going with a last ditch resort tree at Home Depot today because I couldn't disappoint the kiddies. They don't care about the perfection of the tree....! They don't have little Type A personalities like their Mom just yet. So, this is the "pretty but obviously faux tree". And it only has 750 lights, and truly - the difference is noticeable. It wouldn't be quite so bad if it wasn't for the big gap between the base and the tree itself. (Once Santa places presents underneath, it should help some.)

Oh, and I did buy new lights to replace the ones that wouldn't work yesterday. I did get them to work today, but they aren't as pretty as the ones I got so -- I used a string of them in my house to outline the patio door. It works, considering I wasn't up to putting garland around the door this year. There was no way I was climbing on the roof to do the top layer, so just around the porch works for this girl just fine!

So now, the kids are awaiting the chocolate chip muffins to finish cooling so they can enjoy their final snack before bed....and this girl is glad to be finally sitting.

And then tomorrow is Monday.....

Wrapping up the week with some randomness.....

Just a little potpourri of thoughts going around this girls head....

1. What is all this drama about Tiger for? Seriously people, get a grip. Did any of you truly think that this was a surprise? You can't be serious. Unfortunately in the realm of celebrity, it's the rule - not the exception. I'm only surprised that this is such a shock to everyone else.

2. The Sox doin' the Shortstop Swap, yet again. Why there's such an issue with this position is beyond me. I get that Orlando Cabrera was not welcome in the organization - which is so unfortunate given the fact that he's absolutely the perfect fit -- but seriously, can't we get it right just once with this position? Jed Lowrie was never the answer, but I'm not sure that Scutaro is either. I suppose only time will tell... but it's a short time. Call me crazy, but two years in a contract isn't really the answer either.

3. Now I get why stringing up the lights is such an issue at Christmas. I have a prelit tree - so that's not an issue.... and even when I had a real tree, it didn't matter - I never really had a hard time. But this morning, I was out front and hung icicle lights from my farmers porch. Well, hanging them in the store was a breeze so I figured why not? Yeah, not so much here at home mostly because I used different lights. I had bought these last season and held onto them for this season, and so I suppose I shouldn't have been too shocked when I plugged them in just to find.......they don't light up. *sighs*.

4. I get that defense attorneys have a purpose in life, however..... I have intentionally not been following the Caylee Anthony case for months now. Last year, it really had such an impact on me and it became far too emotionally draining to keep up with. Plus there are so many unsolved and heinous crimes against children that while I don't suggest turning a blind eye to them - I do know that I can't get so caught up in it all. That being said.... I find it horribly despicable that the defense for Casey Anthony is trying to malign the person who found her daughter's remains. I don't care if Ray Kronk isn't a good person in life-- it is reprehensible to try to paint a negative light on someone just to save someone else, who (in my opinion) is guilty. How can they know that a client is guilty and feel justified in being dishonest themselves to free them? Just because this person found Caylee, it doesn't erase the fact that she was missing for a month before the mother told anyone - only mentioned it under duress; lied to everyone about who "took" her when she was clearly not taken at all; lied about everything in general and stole money; searched online how to break a child's neck, and how to make choloroform and use it for drugging; her car smelled of a dead body and forensics proved a dead body had been there;the little girl was found wrapped in items that were taken from the Anthony household;and most importantly -- forensics proved that the body had not been moved from its original spot, contrary to what the defense is going to try to prove.

How these people sleep at night is beyond me. In some ways, acquiting a guilty person knowingly is almost worse than the crime they committed.

It's true that little girls grow up so much quicker than little boys...

So, those of you who read my blog regularly may recall this past summer when my son told me that it was time for him not to hold my hand at the soccer field. He was kind, sweet and sensitive to my feelings about it. And, truth be told -- he still holds my hand on the soccer field occasionally.

My daughter on the other hand....
Not quite so old, not quite so gentle....not quite so sensitive to my feelings about it.

Every morning, I drop her off at school and before she walks down the hall I, (like all the other mothers) say "give me a hug and a kiss - have a great day!". She tends to be hesitant about it -- good with a hug, not so great with a kiss. Well, yesterday when I said it - she whispered to me when I leaned in for my kiss "why do you always have to embarrass me?".

*enter sound of heart breaking...HERE*

So, I made a sad face and said "give me a kiss and have a great day." Which she did.

This morning I asked her if I embarrassed her -- and she said no. So I asked why she would be embarrassed about saying goodbye to me -- all the other kids do it, and besides I'm a cool mom! I'm funny, and I'm friendly - I say hi to all the teachers and other parents; to which she replied she didn't know why she was embarrassed to kiss me, but she was.

Did I mention she's only 5?

I distinctly recall watching The Sopranos when I was pregnant with her, and seeing Meadow be miserable to her mother and I turned to G and said "I'm so not ready for this. I'm not ready to have a little girl who's destined to hate me".

I'm still not ready. And I don't know if I ever will be.....

Its beginning to look alot like Christmas.....

Just thought I'd share a few shots of the new shop -- Christmas style...

Not the greatest pictures - but you get the idea.

It looks so beautiful inside -- it's worth every bruise I have on my body.

You might be wondering why I have bruises? Well, you can't see them in the photos - but there are about 250 snowflakes that were individually placed on all my windows, and I had squeeze between the windows and my racks which is only a 10" wide opening -- in order to do so. Oh, and there is wood framing that I had to balance on and lay against in order to place the snowflakes on the whole glass, not just the top portion. Did I mention it took almost two hours to do those gorgeous snowflakes? They look so spectacular, I'll do it again despite the discomfort.

Oh, and for the record - I got over my fear of ladders pretty quickly.

Now to get my house transformed.....

That will be this weekend.

'Tis healthy to be sick sometimes.”

So, pneumonia is a funny thing.
It doesn't go away too readily.

Think I need to go visit the doctor once again. It's crept back....I can feel it. Of course the fact that I can't stop coughing is a great indicator as well. Pneumonia coughs and discomfort is totally different than traditional bronchial. If you've ever had it - you know exactly what I mean.

Of course, it doesn't help that I've been not having much sleep lately - either due to scheduling, working or social events - or watching that really sad football game last night.

All I can say is that our defense is in a world of hurt. They made many mistakes, and not applying ANY pressure to Brees was just one of them. And this isn't any new topic either -- it's been a weak spot on that team for a few years now. I don't know how quickly it's going to get any better either. Did I hear rumors of salary cap disappearing next year...? Wonder how that impacts the stability of our fabulous home team and it's key players.

Well isn't that just something to think about.....