Hours away from 2007

Wow. It's New Year's Eve!! Of 2006, almost 2007. We're hours away from it......

So, as we're getting ready to go to a friend's party for festivities tonight, I realized something. I'm actually excited about New Year's! And it didn't really hit me until this afternoon. The last few New Year's have been so so, and even though we were with fun people, I never got excited about it. It was, as Tasha and I have discussed recently, not a big deal. The older we get, the less excitement there is about this particular holiday. It's just ho hum ordinary. And for some reason, maybe I'll figure it out later, I'm just excited. I have already picked out my outfit, and I'm actually going to DO my hair for once, as much as kinky/curly haired people can DO their hair, and I even made cookies and decorated them....what is wrong with me?? Instead of answering that question, I'm just going to enjoy kicking back and relaxing with Kenny's forever friends, who have know become my forever friends too. There is one thing that I wish I could add to tonight....Tasha is going to do live blogging tonight, and I won't be around to see it! I'm going to miss it! And I thought about using our friends' computer, but out in the boon docks, it's probably dial up service, and I'm just not all about that waiting crap. So anyway, if you are home by a computer tonight, stroll on over to Tasha's site and see what the live blogging is all about.

Happy New Year everyone! I am so thankful to have *met* all my new blogging friends in 2006, and may we continue to enjoy each others' lives in 2007! Love ya!

Congratulations Bekah!!!

I got the phone call from one of my college buds, Bekah, last night, and she got engaged on Christmas Day!! And then she asked me to be in her wedding. Of course, I accepted. She has been with her man, Andy, who is a policeman, for almost 5 years, and he finally proposed to her!! They are already planning their wedding for April 21st! So you know what I'll be doing that weekend!

Here is a picture of me and come college roommates/friends.....

Bekah is the one right in the middle, and I think you can tell which one is me.....

And there here's Bekah and I lounging around our apartment circa 2002...

Being asked to stand up in another wedding got me thinking. I have been in quite a few over the years. I dug out some of the pictures last night and they are actually pictures of the pictures, hence the bluriness, but you get the point!

This is B's wedding in 1999:

Then I was in my cousin's wedding in 2000, but I can't find a picture of that one, so then there's Tim & Amy's wedding in June 2003 (I'm on the right):

And then there's K & J's wedding in July 2003:

And somewhere deep in my mom's photo archives, there's a picture of 6 year old me, standing up in the outside wedding of my aunt & uncle. When I find that picture, I promise to get it on the blog, but until then, you'll just have to take my word for it.

Year End Round-Up Meme

Stolen from Drowning In Kids

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?

Made it through without depression!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I did keep them, but I didn’t start them until November, so does that still count?

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No, but a bunch are preggers!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

A good friend’s mom.

5. What countries did you visit?

My own!

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?

A house?

7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

March 13th, the day my good friend’s mom was buried, very cold and sad day.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Starting a new multi-age classroom at my school

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not blogging enough:)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

A few sinus infections, nothing to complain about

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A new bed!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My mother’s

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Probably my own at times, but I wasn’t so bad this year

14. Where did most of your money go?

Out the window...HA!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The possibility of a new home!

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?

Breathe from Grey’s Anatomy

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? 
b) thinner or fatter? 
c) richer or poorer?

Happier, thinner (finally!), and richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Visiting family members

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Complaining

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

Traveling

21. Did you fall in love in 2006?

Yes, again, to the same man:)

22. How many one-night stands?

HA!

23. What was your favorite TV program?

Desperate Housewives

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No

25. What was the best book you read?

Letters From Sam

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

My rediscovery of VanMorrison

27. What did you want and get?

Peace of mind

28. What did you want and not get?

A house...it’s in the works!

29. What was your favorite film of this year?

The Sentinel

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was sick when I turned 28, but I managed to make it to my dad’s house for a while.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I can’t think of anything....guess that’s good!

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?

Smaller sizes PLEASE.

33. What kept you sane?

Work

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Not Oprah!

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

The War In Iraq

36. Who did you miss?

My parents that live far away and my brother

37. Who was the best new person you met?

Tasha & Lindsay

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.

Fear is projecting yourself into the future...live for today.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Sometimes you need a little help from your friends....

So long 2006!!

New





This is new. To me anyway. I won this cutie Cabbage Patch doll at an auction. I had two Cabbage Patchers when they popular way back when, and when I see them for sale now, I get all nostalgic for them. Like I just have to buy another one, like two aren’t enough already. The cool thing is, this darling redhead is straight out of the 80’s. She’s from 1984, and she came with the real box and certificate and all that jazz. And here’s a little side story to go with her....

I was on my way home from the auction, and Kenny and I were driving separately, he in his truck, me in mine. I wasn’t too sure about the direction I was supposed to be going in, and we had been separated in traffic, so I was doing my best to navigate home by myself. I pulled up to a stop light, and because I was talking to my mom on the phone, I didn’t pay attention to the street name (I was supposed to turn left) so I went straight through the light and then did a U-ee in the middle of the street praying a cop wouldn’t see me. No one saw me do that. Whew. The light was red, so I stopped, checked to see if anyone was coming, then turned right. Just as I was gushing to my mom about the cute Cabbage Patch doll I now had, I see the blue and red lights in my rearview. I said a string of bad words, and told my mom I had to call her back ‘cause I thought I was getting pulled over. Turned out I was right. Dammit. I was pulled over NOT for the U-ee turn (he didn’t see that), instead for turning right on red when there was a sign that said NO TURN ON RED. Ooops, I told him, I’m not from around this city. All the while this is happening, the Cabbage Patch doll is sitting next to me in the front seat, out of the box already, like a passenger in the car. I always do this with new things....I have to look at them in the car after a purchase is made. Fun? Yes. Safe? No. But so necessary in this situation because I didn’t get a full blown ticket and I ALWAYS GET A TICKET A L W A Y S. Everyone else gets out of tickets from time to time. Not me. So he gave me some bullshit thing with no points...whew hew! I still had to pay up the wazoo, but I don’t care ‘cause there’s no issue with my insurance. My point of this long and drawn out story is that I think he saw the Cabbage Patch doll in the seat next to me and thought that I was an innocent girl who didn’t know her way around that city. Who else would have a Cabbage Patch in the front seat like that?

*Sniffle*

As I'm reading through other blogs this morning, I see that it's not just me that's feeling that after-Christmas letdown. Like someone let the air out of your tires feeling. I know I've already whined about it, but really, where did the time go? I feel like I still need to wrap presents and shuffle around looking for that "one more" gift for someone. Then I look under the tree and see all the presents unwrapped, and remember that there's no more shopping needed, except of course with the gift cards I received as presents, and I can't wait to do that! But, seriously, every year, there is this ho-hum feeling between Christmas and New Years, like I'm floating somewhere, not quite sure what to do. School starts again January 2, which is coming WAY TOO SOON. Our vacation time gets whittled down more and more every year, but seriously, January 2? If I actually drink on New Years Eve, I will have only one morning to sleep off the hangover!! That's not fair! I have spent these last few days spending gift certificates, working out till exhaustion at the gym (too many Christmas temptations that I didn't say no to), and visiting family members that I didn't get to see at Christmas. Since Kenny is back to working, I've been watching some of the new movies we got and completely avoiding the last bit of masters work I have to do. I also committed to making a quilt for St. Judes, and the fabric has been purchased, but I haven't started it yet. My point is that I have plenty of things to do with my time off, and I'm not complaining about the time, but I am just sad that Christmas is already over. Can we do it again?

Thirteen Special Ornaments

On Our Christmas Tree

1. Wooden Santa Clause from my dad

2. Handmade snowman from Tracy

3. Rocking horse from when I was a kid

4. Our names last year

5. Hunting ornament (I gave to it K a few years ago)

6. One of many frogs on the tree (I collect them!)

7. Handmade Florida sand glass bulb (from when my brother lived down there)

8. My VERY first teaching ornament from a student!

9. Circa early 1900s ribbon

10. Carousel from our tree when I was a kid

11. A bulb from my childhood Christmases

12. A new Big Boy ornament, bought last week

13. An antique cardinal, VERY OLD, from my childhood Christmases

*As I finish this post, I'm a little sad. The holidays are almost over! Where did the time go? At least I have good pictures to scrapbook the memories now*

Done Christmasing!

We had our last Christmas celebration yesterday, so we are officially home to stay. Yay! Traveling every day makes me so tired. But it's worth it to be with family, especially for Christmas. Now we can count the days left in December until....*gulp*....2007!

Ahhhh....home at last!

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Christmas!

Our's was very busy. First, Christmas between Kenny and I. That was on Christmas Eve (Kenny couldn't wait to open presents until the morning). Then we went to his parents' house in the morning, and then to part of my family's gathering in the afternoon. Whew! And there was a long drive in there....twice. So now we are home, happy, full, and pooped!

Tomorrow we are off to my other family Christmas, so the holiday is most definitley not over yet. There is still more celebrating to be had.

Kenny's favorite gift is the thumb drive. I'm surprised, because usually he likes the fun stuff, like candy or sweatshirts or blankets that I make him. He didn't know what a thumb drive was (and I didn't before I bought it!) but now he knows and LOVES it because soon he will be back and forth between 3 computers. I also got him a cute MICHIGAN lanyard to put the thing on, so he really loves it now!

My favorite gift....there are way too many. My mom made me a stool for my classroom, that was pretty cool! And she didn't put a topcoat on it so I can have my students put their hand prints on it, then I'll seal it up. I love everything I got, but most of all, I love that I was with LOVED ones today. I have so much to be grateful for.

Here are a couple pictures...I am trying to make a slide show, so stay tuned!

I think he thinks he's like the 3 Stooges...almost, but not quite...

Even Sparky was celebrating Christmas, even if he wasn't happy about it.

Merry Christmas!!

Love,

L & K

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

by Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all,

and to all a good-night."

Scavenger Hunt Photo: Lines

The LINES of a rainbow.....

I was on my way to my mom's house today, about an hour drive, and it was raining. I see the sun come through the clouds on my left, and somehow, I notice this beautiful rainbow on my right. I'm not sure what made me glance to my right, but I did, and there was the rainbow. It's been such a long time since I saw one, and I actually said outloud, "Oh my god it's so pretty!" No one was there to hear it, but I really did say it! Crazy how one minute it's raining hard, skies are all gloomy, and the next minute the sun peeks out from the clouds and there's a rainbow. It was an unexpected and welcomed sight!

** For more info on Saturday Scavenger Photo Hunters, go here http://tnchick.com/archives/686. **

Relaxation....at last........

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......

The first day of Christmas Vacation. What to do with myself?? I actually set my alarm and got up at 9am to work out. Then I'm going to get a massage. I used to get them often, not anymore though, so I'm treating myself. Too bad vacation doesn't last forever.

I thought I was done Christmas shopping, but I remembered that I have one gift left to find. And it's a hard one to locate too. I can't tell you what it is because the person that asked for it is reading this blog, so I'll have to save the story until after Christmas.

Have a great Friday!!

I already miss my students. Does that explain what a great class I have this year?

Thirteen Reasons I Am Happy Today!!

1. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

2. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

3. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

4. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

5. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

6. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

7. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

8. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

9. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

10. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

11. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

12. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

13. It's the last day of school before Christmas Vacation!!!!

I'm home now, and I am just so excited I don't even know what to do with my time. I'm done Christmas shopping, the presents are wrapped, and I actually have TIME to myself for a minute!! This never happens, so I'm taking full advantage of it while Kenny is out and about because the minute he comes home, he'll want me to run around to all the stores and last minute shop with him.....NO THANKS!

Here's a picture of what my students made their parents as gifts for Christmas. They turned out really cute!! And I got rid of all the straggler puzzle pieces that I've been storing forever. As always, they used WAY TOO MUCH glitter, but that's okay because it makes it that much more sparkly. Anybody get a cool handmade gift from your kids?

Christmas Meme

Thanks Tee for this meme!!

Egg nog or hot chocolate? Egg nog!

Does Santa wrap presents or simply leave them open under the tree? He used to do ALL the wrapping. Not anymore though. I think I might hire him again when we have babies.

Do you decorate with colored or white lights? Colored.

Do you hang mistletoe? I wish!

When do you put up Christmas decorations? As soon as I'm allowed to!

What is your favorite holiday dish, excluding desserts? Stuffing.

What is your favorite childhood holiday memory? Walking with my mom, dad, and my brother to our woods to find the perfect tree every year, watching my dad cut it down, yelling TIMBER, and then taking turns pulling the tree back to the house on the sled. Priceless memories. Some of the VERY best I have.

How and when did you find out Santa wasn't real? I was about ten years old, and I FORCED my mom to tell me the truth.

How do you decorate your tree? TONS of colored lights, ornaments from my childhood and ones that Kenny and I have bought together, as well as some very pretty ones my dad bought for me a few years back.

"Snow: Love it or Dread it? LOVE IT!!!!

Do you know how to ice skate? Once upon a time, and then an ankle was busted. So, no.

What was your favorite gift ever? Either the Barbie Dream House (1980's), my Pound Puppy (the 1980's again), or my sewing maching....it's a toss-up.

What is the most important thing at the holidays? Remembering past Christmases and being with loved ones.

What is your favorite holiday dessert? Frosted sugar cookies....yum!

What is your favorite tradition? Listening to Christmas music while relaxing at home.

What tops your tree? An antique star/snowflake with tiny pink lights....very pretty!

Do you prefer to give or receive gifts? To give them....and like Tee said, especially if the gift is perfect for the person receiving it.

What is your favorite Christmas song? Anything with Bing!

Candy Canes -- Yum! or Yuck? Nice to look at, but not a fan of eating them.