Quote of the Day

"A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together." - Garrison Keillor

I adore Garrison Keillor and this quotes always makes me smile.

Music: "The Reason" - Hoobastank

Catch Up and Christmas Preparations

The past month or so has been busy and I have unfortunately gotten out of the habit of posting daily. This is going to be one of my New Year's resolutions I think. So lets see what has been happening since I last wrote. Thanksgiving was wonderful. Having people together and wonderful food is one of life's greatest pleasures, in my opinion. I guess you could say that I have a feeding people thing. One of my first impulses when I find someone attractive is to feed and cuddle them. Maybe it is a nurturing thing.

Last weekend, I accompanied Eric, a coremember, to New York City for a four day vacation. It was lovely. The weather was fantastic, chilly but not extremely cold. We visited many places around the city including Central Park, Union Square, the Met, Times Square, the Hard Rock Cafe, and Rockefeller Center. We stayed with Joe and Nora, friends of the L'arche community, in their apartment in Chelsea in Manhattan. They are so gracious and generous with their time and hospitality. Spending time bonding with Gabi was wonderful! In addition, I had to opportunity to see Alice, who majored in physics with me at Wells. We had dinner one night and it was so fantastic to catch up with her! Plus, the food at the restaurant was out of this world! :D

Getting ready for Christmas always seems like such a herculean effort. There is so much to accomplish and every year is squished into a small period of time. I perhaps would not mind it, if the work was spread out over a greater period of time. But then I am a procrastinator to the end, and even going in with the best intentions and plans, I wait until the last minute. At least my Christmas shopping has been done for over a week. I still need to wrap the gifts, but that is on my agenda for tomorrow. Our tree is finally decorated, and it always astounds me how beautiful it is each year. My parents have a gorgeous collection of ornaments, and my father's application of lights to the tree is a work of art.

I have to next two days off of work and have a great many things to accomplish. Emily arrives home on the 22^nd, which I am greatly anticipating. This is such a busy time of year and yet is one of my favorites.

 


Music: "The Wexford Carol" - Yo Yo Ma and Alison Krauss

OMG Best Thing Ever

Jen showed me something she found in Real Simple Magazine.  It is so unbelievably awesome I am bouncing in my seat I am so excited!  This website will send vintage telegrams that you write.  The price includes both the telegram and postage!  I need someone to send a telegram to right now! :D  www.telegramstop.com

Music: "O Holy Night" - Josh Groban

Quote of the Day (Whoops really late! forgot to actually hit post last night! :P)

"A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch." - James Beard

My mom and I just spent the last 5 hours cooking for Thanksgiving, which is now today. I am very tired but at least almost all of it was done tonight. Very little needs to be done tomorrow! :) This will make a much more relaxed day. When you are eating really good food, there is no reason to think of the calories, just enjoy it. How often do you eat really good food normally?

Music: "Kings and Queens" - 30 Seconds to Mars

Escapades of an Evil Genius

Today I drove Pete to Buffalo so that he could spend Thanksgiving with his sister.  This is a three hour drive each way.  When on long car rides, Pete usually brings his headphones and listens to Mama Mia on repeat.  This would not be problem except that he sings along.  Loudly.  And off-key.  Needless to say I was a little apprehensive about a three hour ride with him.  But, mwahahahahaha!  I am an evil genius.  *Envision rubbing my hands together.*  I got Pete to sleep the whole way to Buffalo!!!!  This was done with some prior knowledge of Pete.  He pretty much always sleeps in the car if it is a longer ride than 15 min, unless he is listening to music where he knows the words.  So, I suggested that we listen to one of his CDs on the car stereo, the Irish music.  ;)  There are no words to sing and within 10 min he was nodding off.  He slept until we exited in Buffalo! It made for a very peaceful drive.  On the way home I listened to a playlist i made for the trip and Kris Allen's album on my ipod with the volume turned way up. :)  Very enjoyable.

And to make today even better, Emmy had a great day in the kitchen at school!   She'll be home in less than 24 hours!!! :D <3 <3

Music: "The Truth" - Kris Allen ft Pat Monahan

Quote of the Day

"When I count my blessings, I count you twice!" - Irish Blessing

Whenever I see this I always think of Emmy.  For several reasons, the first being that she is my favorite person in the world.  Also, my parents didn't know they were having twins, so it was twice the blessing fro one pregnancy. ;)  There are so many people in my life that are blessings, but she would be the first one that comes to mind.


Music: "Storm" - Lifehouse

Ventures in Hanging Out, Shopping and Comforting

This evening I am hanging out at Galster with Jens, Emily, Emily, Mary and Jeff.  Well, before Jeff took a nap.  :)  We mostly just sat around and talked, but later played the game contact.  I enjoy this game immensely.  Now I am watching Jens and Emily play Wii Tennis.  I went shopping earlier this afternoon.  I bought hot chocolate at Williams-Sonoma, spent waaay too much time at Sephora (which included spending more money than I intended!), and bought pins at Hot Topic.  In case you are curious here is what I bought: hot chocolate eye brightener perfume! dino pin nerd pin

 Emily is coming home in two days!!!!  I am super excited! :D :D <3  Talking to her on the phone is not the same as being with her in person.  Emmy had a bad day today and all I wanted to do was drive to Hyde Park and spend time with her until Thurs when I could drive her home.  But I have to work tomorrow which is MAJOR Fail. D:  I just want to give her a hug.  :( 

Music: "Mercy" - Duffy