Again, pretty ironic with the timing of these questions!
Today just happens to be the anniversary of an extremely memorable date. A friend of mine had met a guy at a club (who was home on leave) and wanted to date him. Since we were 18 at the time, her parents said she had to double date to see this guy again. The guy brought a friend (Hubby) who was also home on leave, and she planned on bringing one of her friends, but that girl got sick the day of the date. My friend called me up last minute, on this day 12 years ago, and asks if I'll go on a blind date so she could go out with the guy she met (Are you following this? Yes? You get a gold star). I was really apprehensive, until she said he was in the military. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for a man in uniform. :)
So, at 6pm on this day in 1998, I went to her house. The guys showed up at 6:30 to take us out. I took one look at Hubby and immediately fell for him, and was beyond excited that he was my date. But even though I thought he was hot, I kept my expectations low- it was a blind date, after all.
About halfway through our date, I knew I was going to marry him. I just knew it. I even tried calling my sister to tell her I found the guy I was going to marry.
We played pool, saw a movie (the theater is now a Babies R Us... ironic, huh?), and went to Dunks (like every date in NH ends up doing). I pulled a ridiculous, obvious move- batted my eyes and feigned exhaustion, then asked Hubby if he would drive with me back to my house. Naturally, he saw right through that and said yes. We had our first kiss, and the rest is history!
It was definitely a memorable Christmas event. This year, we are in NH today and will be going out tonight to kind of recreate our blind date. :)
12/18/10
Day 19- What was your favorite Christmas vacation?
*I'm posting this early because, well, I won't have time tomorrow. You'll see why...
Ironic that this is the question of the day!
I don't usually travel much for Christmas. Sometimes, we'd make it over to my grandparents' house in Long Island. And after Hubby and I got married, we'd spend Christmas wherever we were. But this year is going to be epic.... and it all starts today! We're off to NH to spend Christmas with our families, then Hubby and I are jetting to Spain for a week, sans kiddos (YES!!!).
I'm pretty sure this will end up to be my favorite Christmas vacation of all.
Ironic that this is the question of the day!
I don't usually travel much for Christmas. Sometimes, we'd make it over to my grandparents' house in Long Island. And after Hubby and I got married, we'd spend Christmas wherever we were. But this year is going to be epic.... and it all starts today! We're off to NH to spend Christmas with our families, then Hubby and I are jetting to Spain for a week, sans kiddos (YES!!!).
I'm pretty sure this will end up to be my favorite Christmas vacation of all.
12/17/10
MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #25
1.What is the best gift you have ever received or given?
Wow, that's really tough to narrow down. I'll keep it to this past year. Hubby got me an AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am ticket for Valentine's Day. I got to see Phil, Vijay, and Sergio, and also Tony Romo (ps- not cute in person), Tom Brady, Bill Murray, and Josh Duhamel (the best butt in the entire pro-am, handson... er, down).
I think the best gift I gave were wooden alphabet blocks for a friend of mine who is a new mom. She's from China, and I found these adorable chinese blocks from http://www.uncommongoods.com/. They have pictures with english and chinese descriptions, and even instructions on how to write the chinese character. She really liked them, so I hope that's considered a good gift! :)
2.Do you celebrate holidays differently when your loved one is deployed/gone or do you keep tradition?
I keep tradition. I'm a tradition kind of person. Although, when Hubby is gone for my birthday, I tend to let that one go (I feel stupid celebrating myself). But I still break out the champagne glasses for our anniversary and such. I even danced the couple's dance at GA's wedding with a pic of Hubby (he couldn't be there).
3.If you celebrate Christmas, do you put an angel, star or something else on the top of your tree?
My tree doesn't have a topper this year. The ribbon bow we used to put up was just getting to be a pain in the ass. Besides, I'd like a star on it. Maybe I'll find a good post-Christmas deal.
4.What are your three favorite websites?
Besides the usual email and stuff (I've recently become addicted to Ebay), these are ones I like to frequent to get a good laugh. The youtube link is a band from NH (you may have heard their "Granite State of Mind" song). I went to high school with the lead singer.
http://www.wtfjapanseriously.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/SuperSecretProject
http://www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com/
http://www.shitmykidsruined.com/
(Okay, so I put down four, but I couldn't choose between them. And, SMKR also has "Shit My Pets Ruined", "Shit My Husband Ruined", and "Shit My Wife Ruined" sites, which are just as good.)
5.On your man do you prefer… boxers, briefs or boxer briefs? Or commando? (yeah, I’m starting to get desperate for questions!)
I prefer..... to not tell! ;)
Wow, that's really tough to narrow down. I'll keep it to this past year. Hubby got me an AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am ticket for Valentine's Day. I got to see Phil, Vijay, and Sergio, and also Tony Romo (ps- not cute in person), Tom Brady, Bill Murray, and Josh Duhamel (the best butt in the entire pro-am, hands
I think the best gift I gave were wooden alphabet blocks for a friend of mine who is a new mom. She's from China, and I found these adorable chinese blocks from http://www.uncommongoods.com/. They have pictures with english and chinese descriptions, and even instructions on how to write the chinese character. She really liked them, so I hope that's considered a good gift! :)
2.Do you celebrate holidays differently when your loved one is deployed/gone or do you keep tradition?
I keep tradition. I'm a tradition kind of person. Although, when Hubby is gone for my birthday, I tend to let that one go (I feel stupid celebrating myself). But I still break out the champagne glasses for our anniversary and such. I even danced the couple's dance at GA's wedding with a pic of Hubby (he couldn't be there).
3.If you celebrate Christmas, do you put an angel, star or something else on the top of your tree?
My tree doesn't have a topper this year. The ribbon bow we used to put up was just getting to be a pain in the ass. Besides, I'd like a star on it. Maybe I'll find a good post-Christmas deal.
4.What are your three favorite websites?
Besides the usual email and stuff (I've recently become addicted to Ebay), these are ones I like to frequent to get a good laugh. The youtube link is a band from NH (you may have heard their "Granite State of Mind" song). I went to high school with the lead singer.
http://www.wtfjapanseriously.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/SuperSecretProject
http://www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com/
http://www.shitmykidsruined.com/
(Okay, so I put down four, but I couldn't choose between them. And, SMKR also has "Shit My Pets Ruined", "Shit My Husband Ruined", and "Shit My Wife Ruined" sites, which are just as good.)
5.On your man do you prefer… boxers, briefs or boxer briefs? Or commando? (yeah, I’m starting to get desperate for questions!)
I prefer..... to not tell! ;)
12/16/10
Day 16- What is your favorite outdoor Christmas activity?
When I was a teenager and young adult (meaning, before I moved in with now-Hubby), my sister and I would string the lights outside my parents' house. We would bring a boombox outside, put in a CD of the Nutcracker Suite, and spend hours stringing and rearranging. I thought I had a pic of it... I guess I don't, but imagine this:
All white lights.
Strung on about twelve bushes and trees.
Wrapped around three light posts.
Wow, that doesn't do it justice... I'll have to dig up a pic.
All white lights.
Strung on about twelve bushes and trees.
Wrapped around three light posts.
Wow, that doesn't do it justice... I'll have to dig up a pic.
Day 15- Christmas / holiday crafts
This year, I attempted to make Non-edible Cinnamon Ornaments. My mom has made them before, and they always smelled really good. Plus, I thought it would a fun thing to do with the boys. I bought glue and googly eyes, and glitter (yes, glitter with two toddlers... I guess I'm a glutton for punishment). Here's how they turned out:
The googly eyes turned out creepy, because they were huge, but LB loves them anyway. I did this during naptime- I think JC is still a little young to do this craft, but whatever, LB & I had fun and the house smells like cinnamon. :)
12/14/10
Random Tuesday Thoughts
Here are our two carseats with the covers removed:
Which one do YOU think is safer? The one on the left with a hard plastic seat, or the one on the right with styrofoam covering the hard plastic seat? I was pretty shocked at the lack of impact protection with the carseat on the left.
(By the way, the one on the left is the Alpha Omega Elite, and the one on the right is the Evenflo... I guess you really do get what you pay for)
I found this in my kids' Goldfish crackers this afternoon:
Overcooked fishie? Or demonic fishie plotting to take over the world, one toddler at a time, mwahahaha?
I'm so excited for the Biggest Loser finale tonight! Partly because I'm glad this season is over with. I'm not impressed with the contestants, not like I was last season. And I'm beyond shocked that Elizabeth is in the final four.
Target was an interesting experience today. LB wasn't listening at all, so I put him in the shopping cart. Luckily, I know the layout of the store and where to find everything, so besides mulling over a facial clay mask (can't wait to try that tonight), it was quick. Good thing. He threw an EPIC temper tantrum. I mean, you could hear him throughout the entire store. A lot of people stared. I kept talking like I usually do to my kids, then JC started crying. It was so humiliating, it was funny, and I laughed the entire way out of the store. I'm pretty sure I can never show my face in Target again because they all think I'm a callous nutjob.
On a related note, I picked up a six pack for tonight.
How do I address thank you cards for the postman and garbage man?
I get hungry every time Norton tells me it has found and fixed cookies.... mmmmm, cookies. Maybe I'll pick some up to go with my beer.
Head over to The Unmom to link up and find more random shit.
(By the way, the one on the left is the Alpha Omega Elite, and the one on the right is the Evenflo... I guess you really do get what you pay for)
I found this in my kids' Goldfish crackers this afternoon:
I'm so excited for the Biggest Loser finale tonight! Partly because I'm glad this season is over with. I'm not impressed with the contestants, not like I was last season. And I'm beyond shocked that Elizabeth is in the final four.
Target was an interesting experience today. LB wasn't listening at all, so I put him in the shopping cart. Luckily, I know the layout of the store and where to find everything, so besides mulling over a facial clay mask (can't wait to try that tonight), it was quick. Good thing. He threw an EPIC temper tantrum. I mean, you could hear him throughout the entire store. A lot of people stared. I kept talking like I usually do to my kids, then JC started crying. It was so humiliating, it was funny, and I laughed the entire way out of the store. I'm pretty sure I can never show my face in Target again because they all think I'm a callous nutjob.
On a related note, I picked up a six pack for tonight.
How do I address thank you cards for the postman and garbage man?
I get hungry every time Norton tells me it has found and fixed cookies.... mmmmm, cookies. Maybe I'll pick some up to go with my beer.
Head over to The Unmom to link up and find more random shit.
Day 14- Show us your tree
Please excuse the fugly plastic gate that overwhelms the awesomeness of the tree...
The tree is minus three ornaments this year because the little ones can reach over the gate and have broken them. *sigh*
12/13/10
Day 13- What is your favorite Christmas cookie / sweet treat recipe?
Well, like I said before, Martha Stewart's sugar cookies turn out excellent every single time, but with the two boys, I've been reduced to cookie mix level. I know, I'm slacking.
Betty Crocker makes sugar and gingerbread cookie mixes, which turn out really well, too. The boys liked "helping", which was throwing the cookie cutters on the ground and playing with them, and eating the frosting.
My parents love my snickerdoodles. I don't usually make them for Christmas, but since that's when I'll be home, they'll definitely be made for them. :)
Betty Crocker makes sugar and gingerbread cookie mixes, which turn out really well, too. The boys liked "helping", which was throwing the cookie cutters on the ground and playing with them, and eating the frosting.
My parents love my snickerdoodles. I don't usually make them for Christmas, but since that's when I'll be home, they'll definitely be made for them. :)
12/12/10
Reflecting and realizing
Yesterday, I got a package from my dear friend GA. She sent some Vermont maple syrup and maple candies (btw, GA, the boys are all over those!). Because when a good friend is in VT and knows that you are missing New England like crazy, that's what she'll do.
And it got me thinking about another friend who I thought was that kind of friend. At one point this past year, after leaving her voicemails and emails and such, I said to myself, "The ball's in her court now. I'm going to stop contacting her and see what happens." And guess what happened?
Nothing.
I've forgotten how long ago I made that promise to myself. That's how long it's been. It's too exhausting to be on the giving end of a one-way friendship, so I think I need to "break up" with this friend for good.
I read some articles on toxic friends and how to spot them. I admit, I have a hard time with that. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt repeatedly. Sometimes, I end up with friends that are not good for me- either they are too needy, make me feel bad, or are not trustworthy. And since I move so much, it makes it all that much harder to maintain the good friendships.
I don't know why it's so hard for me to break up with this particular person. Maybe it's because I want her to be the friend I thought she was.... perhaps I just need to smack myself upside the head and realize that she isn't a good friend at all (not for me, at least... maybe someone else would appreciate flying 6,000 miles and spending two months back "home" without any effort from her to get together.... oooh, I'm getting bitchy, I'll stop).
Unfortunately, she's been involved in significant events in my life, which is also why it's hard to just say buh-bye. But when is enough enough? When will I stop making excuses for her? When will I stop giving her the benefit of the doubt? When will I stop complaining about her?
I told her once, while we were in college, that I felt like we were always following her agenda. She never came to my concerts or attended any recitals with me, but she expected me to go to her psych lectures. Our weekend plans were whatever she wanted to do. After I said that, she cried and asked how I could say something like that. I'm ashamed to say that I felt very guilty about it and apologized. Apologized. For my own feelings. Horrible, I know- I wish I could roundhouse kick my 22 year old self...
See? That happened years ago, and I'm still friends with her?
It's time to get over the fact that she let me down and just throw in the towel. Oh well. I guess I just have to keep my eyes open more.
And it got me thinking about another friend who I thought was that kind of friend. At one point this past year, after leaving her voicemails and emails and such, I said to myself, "The ball's in her court now. I'm going to stop contacting her and see what happens." And guess what happened?
Nothing.
I've forgotten how long ago I made that promise to myself. That's how long it's been. It's too exhausting to be on the giving end of a one-way friendship, so I think I need to "break up" with this friend for good.
I read some articles on toxic friends and how to spot them. I admit, I have a hard time with that. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt repeatedly. Sometimes, I end up with friends that are not good for me- either they are too needy, make me feel bad, or are not trustworthy. And since I move so much, it makes it all that much harder to maintain the good friendships.
I don't know why it's so hard for me to break up with this particular person. Maybe it's because I want her to be the friend I thought she was.... perhaps I just need to smack myself upside the head and realize that she isn't a good friend at all (not for me, at least... maybe someone else would appreciate flying 6,000 miles and spending two months back "home" without any effort from her to get together.... oooh, I'm getting bitchy, I'll stop).
Unfortunately, she's been involved in significant events in my life, which is also why it's hard to just say buh-bye. But when is enough enough? When will I stop making excuses for her? When will I stop giving her the benefit of the doubt? When will I stop complaining about her?
I told her once, while we were in college, that I felt like we were always following her agenda. She never came to my concerts or attended any recitals with me, but she expected me to go to her psych lectures. Our weekend plans were whatever she wanted to do. After I said that, she cried and asked how I could say something like that. I'm ashamed to say that I felt very guilty about it and apologized. Apologized. For my own feelings. Horrible, I know- I wish I could roundhouse kick my 22 year old self...
See? That happened years ago, and I'm still friends with her?
It's time to get over the fact that she let me down and just throw in the towel. Oh well. I guess I just have to keep my eyes open more.
Day 12- What is your favorite Christmas song / carol?
Wow, it's tough to pick a favorite. "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson is a favorite, even though it was written in July (true story... that's what you get asking a music major about this kinda stuff). And I really like "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch". And any Burl Ives song from Rudolph is very festive, too.
The traditional ones remind me of being a kid, especially when I was learning the piano. I had an entire book of Christmas carols, illustrated and autographed by Tomi dePaola.
I would sit at the piano for hours, learning all the songs in the book, even the ones I'd never heard before. My favorite one to play was "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "What Child Is This". For some reason, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" always tripped up my fingers- it still does.
But I can't narrow it down to just one. Sorry!
The traditional ones remind me of being a kid, especially when I was learning the piano. I had an entire book of Christmas carols, illustrated and autographed by Tomi dePaola.
I would sit at the piano for hours, learning all the songs in the book, even the ones I'd never heard before. My favorite one to play was "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "What Child Is This". For some reason, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" always tripped up my fingers- it still does.
But I can't narrow it down to just one. Sorry!
12/11/10
Day 11- Show us your Christmas decorations (indoor / outdoor)
The Evolution Of A Gingerbread House:
9pm- Gingerbread house is completed post-bedtime.
8am- Gingerbread house is discovered by two toddler boys (note the missing head of the gingerbread man).
8:05am- LB breaks off a piece and gives it to JC.
8:30am- LB transforms the picture-perfect house into something from a war zone.
9:00am- LB succeeds in breaking off the roof.
10am- Destruction of gingerbread house complete.
Somehow, the snowman ended up losing a nose in the scuffle...
12/10/10
MilSpouse Friday Fill-in
1.What do you see your life like in 10 years?
Hubby will finally be retired from the Navy, so hopefully settled down somewhere. The boys will be in middle school, so I'll probably be going to band concerts and soccer games. As for me, I hope that I'll be back at work.
2.What do you like most about your job?
Well, to some people, I don't have a job. To me, my kids are my job. When Hubby asks "where'd they learn that?" or when people say "your boys are so cute and well-behaved" when we're out, I consider it my job review. And even though my job satisfaction is variable, I'd rather be doing this than putting them in daycare or getting a nanny.
3.What are three things you do every day, no matter what day it is?
Check my email / facebook / whatever, take my pill with a cup of coffee, and stretch. Obviously, stuff like brushing my teeth and peeing is a given, so I didn't include those. :)
4.What would you do with an extra five hours in your day today?
It depends- five hours of daylight? Not sure, but I know I'd be exhausted, because it would mean five more hours of entertaining & refereeing the kids. Five hours of night- I think any mom would say, I'd SLEEP.
5.What is your favorite Christmas (or whichever holiday you celebrate) cookie recipe (please share!)?
This year, I left it up to Betty Crocker and used the pre-made mixes. Just add eggs and butter? Yes, please! I suppose I could share my favorite sugar cookie recipe, by the one and only Martha Stewart. I'd like to try these uber-cute cookie sticks, but I don't have the patience for them. Seriously, she's neurotic but amazing.
Hubby will finally be retired from the Navy, so hopefully settled down somewhere. The boys will be in middle school, so I'll probably be going to band concerts and soccer games. As for me, I hope that I'll be back at work.
2.What do you like most about your job?
Well, to some people, I don't have a job. To me, my kids are my job. When Hubby asks "where'd they learn that?" or when people say "your boys are so cute and well-behaved" when we're out, I consider it my job review. And even though my job satisfaction is variable, I'd rather be doing this than putting them in daycare or getting a nanny.
3.What are three things you do every day, no matter what day it is?
Check my email / facebook / whatever, take my pill with a cup of coffee, and stretch. Obviously, stuff like brushing my teeth and peeing is a given, so I didn't include those. :)
4.What would you do with an extra five hours in your day today?
It depends- five hours of daylight? Not sure, but I know I'd be exhausted, because it would mean five more hours of entertaining & refereeing the kids. Five hours of night- I think any mom would say, I'd SLEEP.
5.What is your favorite Christmas (or whichever holiday you celebrate) cookie recipe (please share!)?
This year, I left it up to Betty Crocker and used the pre-made mixes. Just add eggs and butter? Yes, please! I suppose I could share my favorite sugar cookie recipe, by the one and only Martha Stewart. I'd like to try these uber-cute cookie sticks, but I don't have the patience for them. Seriously, she's neurotic but amazing.
Day 10- What is your favorite Christmas recipe?
Uh, it used to be Martha Stewart's sugar cookies, but now it's Betty Crocker's sugar cookie mix. Seriously, I don't have the time or patience with two toddlers to make sugar cookies from scratch!
As far as recipes I like that I don't make, my mom makes her fettucine alfredo every Christmas Eve, which I could eat buckets of. And I love her chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies and the nut cookies she makes. Oh man, I'm salivating thinking about them...
I want to try Non-edible Cinnamon Ornaments this year. I guess it's considered a recipe, even though I won't be eating them. But beware- I haven't done these yet, so I have no idea if they turn out well or not!
As far as recipes I like that I don't make, my mom makes her fettucine alfredo every Christmas Eve, which I could eat buckets of. And I love her chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies and the nut cookies she makes. Oh man, I'm salivating thinking about them...
I want to try Non-edible Cinnamon Ornaments this year. I guess it's considered a recipe, even though I won't be eating them. But beware- I haven't done these yet, so I have no idea if they turn out well or not!
12/9/10
Day 9- Christmas party: are you having one or attending one?
We will be attending Hubby's annual family Christmas Eve party. His mom's side of the family is HUGE, and they mostly live within a 20 mile radius of each other, so they all get together on Christmas Eve. Hubby and I attended once... that's what happens when you're in the military, I guess!
They have a Yankee Swap, and this year, Santa will be coming and bringing toys for all the little girls and boys. Everyone pitches in and brings a dish (we're in charge of beverages, since we won't have a lot of time to prepare a dish). It's a very busy, very loud party, but it's also very fun.
When Hubby and I went, it was before any of the grandchildren (who lived in the area) had kids, so there was no Santa. This year, the boys will be there, along with Hubby's cousins' kids (I think there will be six total?), so the focus will definitely be on Santa and the children.
I'm really looking forward to this! The boys haven't had much time with Hubby's extended family (his sister has not even met JC yet!) and I think it's important for us to spend special holidays with each of our families.
They have a Yankee Swap, and this year, Santa will be coming and bringing toys for all the little girls and boys. Everyone pitches in and brings a dish (we're in charge of beverages, since we won't have a lot of time to prepare a dish). It's a very busy, very loud party, but it's also very fun.
When Hubby and I went, it was before any of the grandchildren (who lived in the area) had kids, so there was no Santa. This year, the boys will be there, along with Hubby's cousins' kids (I think there will be six total?), so the focus will definitely be on Santa and the children.
I'm really looking forward to this! The boys haven't had much time with Hubby's extended family (his sister has not even met JC yet!) and I think it's important for us to spend special holidays with each of our families.
12/8/10
Day 8- What is your least favorite thing about Christmas?
Oh boy, it has got to be all the crazy people driving out there... oh wait, that's my least favorite thing year-round. ;)
No, I really think that's part of it. When I was preggers with LB, someone smashed the front end of my car in HI... while it was parked. This was a week before Christmas. They didn't leave a note, but they did leave a large dent and white paint on the fender. Luckily, I wasn't in the car at the time (because it was parked), but it just seemed so obnoxious to hit someone's car and not 'fess up. I would have been less mad if that person had just told me about it. I mean, how does that happen to a parked car (did I mention it was PARKED)??
As generous and joyous this time of year is, it really brings out some of the worst in people. I mean, a Marine in GA got friggin' stabbed on Black Friday while running Toys For Tots. He was helping to catch a shoplifter and got stabbed in the back. Seriously, the guy was doing two good deeds: helping to provide children with toys and stopping a thief, and that's what he gets??
It makes me want to stay home and avoid the general public until January 2nd.
But with one extreme comes another. Even though people get out-of-control, bat-shit crazy around this holiday, there are plenty of instances of good deeds. Enough to not make me a hermit.
No, I really think that's part of it. When I was preggers with LB, someone smashed the front end of my car in HI... while it was parked. This was a week before Christmas. They didn't leave a note, but they did leave a large dent and white paint on the fender. Luckily, I wasn't in the car at the time (because it was parked), but it just seemed so obnoxious to hit someone's car and not 'fess up. I would have been less mad if that person had just told me about it. I mean, how does that happen to a parked car (did I mention it was PARKED)??
As generous and joyous this time of year is, it really brings out some of the worst in people. I mean, a Marine in GA got friggin' stabbed on Black Friday while running Toys For Tots. He was helping to catch a shoplifter and got stabbed in the back. Seriously, the guy was doing two good deeds: helping to provide children with toys and stopping a thief, and that's what he gets??
It makes me want to stay home and avoid the general public until January 2nd.
But with one extreme comes another. Even though people get out-of-control, bat-shit crazy around this holiday, there are plenty of instances of good deeds. Enough to not make me a hermit.
12/7/10
Thank you, Secret Santa!
Okay, maybe Santa's not so secret any more. But a huge thanks goes out to Uncork & Unwined for my Secret Santa package!
Btw, if you haven't checked out her blog, head on over. Like, now. I'll wait..........
This chick is awesome. She obviously read about my obsession with Yankee Candle, because she tucked in not one, not two, but three votives, all in my fav color red and in different scents. She must have known that I'm a Martha Stewart wannabe, because she also put Christmas cupcake liners and napkins in there. And, a beautiful scarf to keep me toasty warm and an adorable blue glittery ornament for my much-obsessed-over tree.
Wow. Just.... wow. Thank you so much!! :)
Btw, if you haven't checked out her blog, head on over. Like, now. I'll wait..........
This chick is awesome. She obviously read about my obsession with Yankee Candle, because she tucked in not one, not two, but three votives, all in my fav color red and in different scents. She must have known that I'm a Martha Stewart wannabe, because she also put Christmas cupcake liners and napkins in there. And, a beautiful scarf to keep me toasty warm and an adorable blue glittery ornament for my much-obsessed-over tree.
Wow. Just.... wow. Thank you so much!! :)
I have a fifth sense. It's like I have ESPN or something.
What do you think about forseeing the future? Do you believe in a sixth sense? ESP? Clairvoyance? Precognitive dreams?
Personally, I've had a long history of precognitive dreams. Usually they are small and insignificant. I'll dream about a mundane conversation with someone, then the next day, I could predict exactly what they were going to say because I've heard it in my dream. Kinda like deja vu, but not, because technically it hadn't happened. These lame dreams of the future happen frequently, but sometimes they're much more significant.
When I was 6, we moved to a different town in NJ. I had a very vivid, colorful dream about a large pool with two diving boards. When we arrived in our new town, we checked out the community pool, and it was exactly how the pool in my dream appeared, right down to the landscaping.
When I was 10, I had a dream that my grandfather died. When I woke up, my mom came into my room, visibly upset. I said, "Grandpa died, didn't he?" She asked how I knew, but I didn't want to tell her something so absurd that I had dreamed it.
And just last year, I was napping on my parents' couch at their house. The phone woke me up, and I had a feeling it was my aunt telling us that my other grandfather died. It wasn't a precognitive dream, but more like a feeling I had.
Last night, I dreamt of a friend back on the east coast. I saw that she was very pregnant, wearing a red shirt. I told her about it, and she wrote back saying she is 7 weeks pregnant.
What do you think about all this? Coincidence? Or a sixth sense? Or do you all think I'm just nuts? :) Now, if only I could dream up the winning lottery numbers...
Personally, I've had a long history of precognitive dreams. Usually they are small and insignificant. I'll dream about a mundane conversation with someone, then the next day, I could predict exactly what they were going to say because I've heard it in my dream. Kinda like deja vu, but not, because technically it hadn't happened. These lame dreams of the future happen frequently, but sometimes they're much more significant.
When I was 6, we moved to a different town in NJ. I had a very vivid, colorful dream about a large pool with two diving boards. When we arrived in our new town, we checked out the community pool, and it was exactly how the pool in my dream appeared, right down to the landscaping.
When I was 10, I had a dream that my grandfather died. When I woke up, my mom came into my room, visibly upset. I said, "Grandpa died, didn't he?" She asked how I knew, but I didn't want to tell her something so absurd that I had dreamed it.
And just last year, I was napping on my parents' couch at their house. The phone woke me up, and I had a feeling it was my aunt telling us that my other grandfather died. It wasn't a precognitive dream, but more like a feeling I had.
Last night, I dreamt of a friend back on the east coast. I saw that she was very pregnant, wearing a red shirt. I told her about it, and she wrote back saying she is 7 weeks pregnant.
What do you think about all this? Coincidence? Or a sixth sense? Or do you all think I'm just nuts? :) Now, if only I could dream up the winning lottery numbers...
Day 7- What is your favorite thing about Christmas?
Gah, it depends on how old I am, haha. When I was a kid, of course it was Santa and the presents. As a teenager, getting ready to go off to college, it was spending time with my family. As a young adult, it was the food (I partially blame Christmas for the freshman 15) and midnight Christmas mass at church. And now as a 30-something parent (oh gross, I'm friggin' old), I think my favorite thing is giving presents. Watching LB's reaction to unwrapping and playing with his new toys is priceless.
There are also some favorites that stick around, no matter how old I am: putting up the tree, singing Christmas songs, watching Christmas movies, baking cookies, getting and sending Christmas cards, and of course all the chocolate that my mom used to leave in little dishes around the house. My family joked that they always knew where I was because they could follow the trail of Hershey Kiss wrappers.
I suppose as I get older, my favorite thing about Christmas will change again. But for this year, I'm really looking forward to spending Christmas day with Hubby, the boys, and my family, and seeing everyone's reaction to the boys opening presents, and watching the boys go nuts over their toys.
There are also some favorites that stick around, no matter how old I am: putting up the tree, singing Christmas songs, watching Christmas movies, baking cookies, getting and sending Christmas cards, and of course all the chocolate that my mom used to leave in little dishes around the house. My family joked that they always knew where I was because they could follow the trail of Hershey Kiss wrappers.
I suppose as I get older, my favorite thing about Christmas will change again. But for this year, I'm really looking forward to spending Christmas day with Hubby, the boys, and my family, and seeing everyone's reaction to the boys opening presents, and watching the boys go nuts over their toys.
12/6/10
Day 6- Show us your Christmas cards (sent/received)
Well, here are the pics that we sent in our card (I blacked out Hubby because he doesn't want his pic on the blog, no other reason). I didn't scan the card before sending it, oh well. The boys didn't want to smile, but I think they still look cute.
I know, we're totally Americana in all Ralph Lauren, but aren't these boys adorable?? :)
12/5/10
Day 5- What is your favorite Christmas movie?
Hands down, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The original one, not the Jim Carrey remake (which wasn't really that bad).
Hubby thinks it's so weird that out of all the Christmas movies, that's my favorite. I guess I just identify with the Grinch. I'm pretty Grinchy- I find too much holiday stuff nauseating, I can make homemade stuff like a Santa costume, and I can lift a sled full of toys over my head.... okay, the last one was a fib. But I'm not so bah-humbug that I'm Scrooge. I just understand how the Grinch feels. Besides, "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" is such a friggin' awesome song!
I also like Elf, A Muppet Christmas Carol, and Christmas Vacation (Hubby's fave), but The Grinch tops them all.
Hubby thinks it's so weird that out of all the Christmas movies, that's my favorite. I guess I just identify with the Grinch. I'm pretty Grinchy- I find too much holiday stuff nauseating, I can make homemade stuff like a Santa costume, and I can lift a sled full of toys over my head.... okay, the last one was a fib. But I'm not so bah-humbug that I'm Scrooge. I just understand how the Grinch feels. Besides, "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" is such a friggin' awesome song!
I also like Elf, A Muppet Christmas Carol, and Christmas Vacation (Hubby's fave), but The Grinch tops them all.
12/4/10
Day 4- Write a letter to Santa
Dear Santa,
This Christmas, I'd really appreciate a day of total quiet and no responsibility. If you could also drop off a big bag of 100 dollar bills so Hubby and I could go shopping and golfing and see a movie and pay a sitter, that would be great. Also, please fix the clusterf*ck that is government spending.
Thank you,
NHGirl
This Christmas, I'd really appreciate a day of total quiet and no responsibility. If you could also drop off a big bag of 100 dollar bills so Hubby and I could go shopping and golfing and see a movie and pay a sitter, that would be great. Also, please fix the clusterf*ck that is government spending.
Thank you,
NHGirl
12/3/10
Thank you!
What? Three posts in one day? I know, it's crazy, but to be honest, my first two were typed last night.
I want to say a huge thank you to Julie the Army Wife for my new book, Battlefields & Blessings! I won her giveaway and received the book earlier this week. And inside, it was autographed by one of the authors, Jocelyn Green.
I don't know Jocelyn Green, but I know her hubby well. It was pure irony that I won this particular book, because her husband just happened to be my prom date way back in 1998! Small world, right??
He was in school at a different state, but we had met when I was on a band trip (I know, I'm an uber-geek, okay?). I was a freshman at the time, and we stayed in touch through my four years of high school. When prom season rolled around, I thought it would be great for him to go with me. It took some convincing, because he was supposed to graduate the next morning, but he eventually made it there. He wore his uniform (I'm such a sucker for that) and we had a really good time! After high school, we fell out of touch for several years, but thanks to Facebook, we've managed to catch up. And now I win a book written and signed by his wife- what a coincidence.
So thank you, Julie, for the book!
I want to say a huge thank you to Julie the Army Wife for my new book, Battlefields & Blessings! I won her giveaway and received the book earlier this week. And inside, it was autographed by one of the authors, Jocelyn Green.
I don't know Jocelyn Green, but I know her hubby well. It was pure irony that I won this particular book, because her husband just happened to be my prom date way back in 1998! Small world, right??
He was in school at a different state, but we had met when I was on a band trip (I know, I'm an uber-geek, okay?). I was a freshman at the time, and we stayed in touch through my four years of high school. When prom season rolled around, I thought it would be great for him to go with me. It took some convincing, because he was supposed to graduate the next morning, but he eventually made it there. He wore his uniform (I'm such a sucker for that) and we had a really good time! After high school, we fell out of touch for several years, but thanks to Facebook, we've managed to catch up. And now I win a book written and signed by his wife- what a coincidence.
So thank you, Julie, for the book!
Day 3- Gifts: What you're giving
LOL, I'm not going to post here, on a public blog, what I'm getting for everyone! What a spoiler that would be!!
I can say that we've already bought presents for my brother and sister and our niece. We know exactly what we want to get for my parents, Hubby's mom, and our nephew. I have no idea what we're getting Hubby's sister yet, but we definitely want to take advantage of tax-free NH.
We've also sent out 8x10s of the boys in their Christmas outfits (taken by JCPenney... they have a 50% off military discount for the portrait studio, hooyah!) and boxes of homemade jams and fruits. Hubby takes all the credit for the homemade stuff. As Martha as I am, he's the one that can... well, can. He cans all kinds of yummy stuff, like blueberry jam and orange slices in a honey syrup (which I used in an orange upside down cake I created... soooo good).
We're also donating money to charities this year. I've already given to the MSPCA and MDA, and Hubby gave to a program that helps Iraqi War vets when they get back home. All these charities hit close to home for us, so we felt it was important to give to them specifically.
Naturally,we Santa will be buying the boys a few presents to open at Gma & Gpa's house, but we're not going all out since Santa already visited here in CA.
And that's all I'm saying! :)
I can say that we've already bought presents for my brother and sister and our niece. We know exactly what we want to get for my parents, Hubby's mom, and our nephew. I have no idea what we're getting Hubby's sister yet, but we definitely want to take advantage of tax-free NH.
We've also sent out 8x10s of the boys in their Christmas outfits (taken by JCPenney... they have a 50% off military discount for the portrait studio, hooyah!) and boxes of homemade jams and fruits. Hubby takes all the credit for the homemade stuff. As Martha as I am, he's the one that can... well, can. He cans all kinds of yummy stuff, like blueberry jam and orange slices in a honey syrup (which I used in an orange upside down cake I created... soooo good).
We're also donating money to charities this year. I've already given to the MSPCA and MDA, and Hubby gave to a program that helps Iraqi War vets when they get back home. All these charities hit close to home for us, so we felt it was important to give to them specifically.
Naturally,
And that's all I'm saying! :)
MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #22
1.If you were given $1,000 right now, how would you spend it?
I would hire a sitter for the day and take myself to the outlets. My wardrobe (and my me-time) is seriously lacking.
2.If you had to choose a movie title (a real one that already exists) for your life story, what would it be?
Sheesh, that's too hard for me. But if I could pick a real movie that mirrors my life fairly well, I'd probably choose Meet The Parents. The first year of our relationship was rocky between Hubby and my parents! :)
3.If you were a teacher, what subject would you like to teach?
Been there, done that. I taught middle school chorus and general music, and I think if I were to teach again, I'd pick math. In the school I taught at, it was well-known to the students that they didn't need to pass my class (or any non-core class) to progress to the next grade. Hence, I had a lot of students who could have done well but didn't give any effort... which pissed me off, because I tried really hard to adhere to standards and make it as interesting as possible. Come to think of it, I might not teach again!
4.Has being a MilSpouse changed how you view holidays or how your holidays are celebrated? If so, how? If not, what hasn’t changed?
There are two things that I can't do because of being a milspouse: spend every Christmas with my family (my parents and siblings) and play my flute in midnight Christmas mass at my parents' church. Other than that, it's been very much the same, but only because I make a conscious effort to keep it that way.
5.What is your favorite Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate) memory?
When my sister and I were 6, we got a Nintendo DS from my grandparents. It was the most glorious toy on the face of the planet in 1986, and we knew that our parents would never purchase a video game system for us, so we were uber-grateful. Somewhere in my parents' photo collections, there is a picture of me with my mouth and eyes wide open and my sister mid-jump, arms flailing and hair all askew. That was a very memorable Christmas for me!
I would hire a sitter for the day and take myself to the outlets. My wardrobe (and my me-time) is seriously lacking.
2.If you had to choose a movie title (a real one that already exists) for your life story, what would it be?
Sheesh, that's too hard for me. But if I could pick a real movie that mirrors my life fairly well, I'd probably choose Meet The Parents. The first year of our relationship was rocky between Hubby and my parents! :)
3.If you were a teacher, what subject would you like to teach?
Been there, done that. I taught middle school chorus and general music, and I think if I were to teach again, I'd pick math. In the school I taught at, it was well-known to the students that they didn't need to pass my class (or any non-core class) to progress to the next grade. Hence, I had a lot of students who could have done well but didn't give any effort... which pissed me off, because I tried really hard to adhere to standards and make it as interesting as possible. Come to think of it, I might not teach again!
4.Has being a MilSpouse changed how you view holidays or how your holidays are celebrated? If so, how? If not, what hasn’t changed?
There are two things that I can't do because of being a milspouse: spend every Christmas with my family (my parents and siblings) and play my flute in midnight Christmas mass at my parents' church. Other than that, it's been very much the same, but only because I make a conscious effort to keep it that way.
5.What is your favorite Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate) memory?
When my sister and I were 6, we got a Nintendo DS from my grandparents. It was the most glorious toy on the face of the planet in 1986, and we knew that our parents would never purchase a video game system for us, so we were uber-grateful. Somewhere in my parents' photo collections, there is a picture of me with my mouth and eyes wide open and my sister mid-jump, arms flailing and hair all askew. That was a very memorable Christmas for me!
12/2/10
My plan worked!
I weighed in this morning at 155. Whew!
It's not a terrific number, but it isn't any more than what I weighed before Thanksgiving. So I guess I'll consider that a success. It's a little ridiculous for me to expect to lose weight during the holidays. I suppose I just don't have that much willpower. So to stay constant is the best I could hope for, and it worked!
I'm sure it helped that I ran over two miles last Saturday. It's hard to believe that just a few months ago, I had a fractured pelvis. Now I feel so great, although my knees were achy the next few days, but I suppose that's cuz I'm a friggin' old fart.
So, yay me! I'm going to keep trying to lose some weight, but my expectations for Christmas (with travel and vacations and the holiday at "home") will be the same- to stay constant.
It's not a terrific number, but it isn't any more than what I weighed before Thanksgiving. So I guess I'll consider that a success. It's a little ridiculous for me to expect to lose weight during the holidays. I suppose I just don't have that much willpower. So to stay constant is the best I could hope for, and it worked!
I'm sure it helped that I ran over two miles last Saturday. It's hard to believe that just a few months ago, I had a fractured pelvis. Now I feel so great, although my knees were achy the next few days, but I suppose that's cuz I'm a friggin' old fart.
So, yay me! I'm going to keep trying to lose some weight, but my expectations for Christmas (with travel and vacations and the holiday at "home") will be the same- to stay constant.
Day 2- Shopping: Your best bargains, favorite stores, game plans and shopping team members
This year, I actually did the whole midnight to 5am Black Friday thing. My partner in crime was Hubby- in fact, I think he wanted to go more than I did. We brought the kiddos along, which was a huge mistake... next year, they'll be sleeping at Grandma & Grandpa's, for sure. We made sure to hit up Carter's, Toys R Us, Best Buy, and Target, mostly for kid stuff, in that order. Believe me, with the craziness of the outlets, I definitely had a plan.
In Christmases past, I usually put off the shopping for as long as I possibly could. I didn't hate shopping- I just didn't know what to get. My brother and sister were pretty bad at letting me know what they wanted, and my parents never asked for anything (although my dad has wised up and will now let us know which dirtbike accessory he wants... cuz it's always a dirtbike accessory... and yes, the man still dirtbikes, at 63 years old).
Christmas shopping is also pretty overwhelming when I'm on a time limit or if I'm with the kids. When I go shopping, I want to have as much time as I need (which means I usually go alone... no one to rendevous with), and I definitely don't want to be responsible for changing diapers and feeding and keeping kiddos quiet. Pretty much, I want to be selfish and care only about myself. Yeah, shopping doesn't bring out the best in me...
I don't have favorite stores year after year, and I can't remember my best bargain, but I hope (and isn't this the point?) that everyone I buy for likes what they get.
In Christmases past, I usually put off the shopping for as long as I possibly could. I didn't hate shopping- I just didn't know what to get. My brother and sister were pretty bad at letting me know what they wanted, and my parents never asked for anything (although my dad has wised up and will now let us know which dirtbike accessory he wants... cuz it's always a dirtbike accessory... and yes, the man still dirtbikes, at 63 years old).
Christmas shopping is also pretty overwhelming when I'm on a time limit or if I'm with the kids. When I go shopping, I want to have as much time as I need (which means I usually go alone... no one to rendevous with), and I definitely don't want to be responsible for changing diapers and feeding and keeping kiddos quiet. Pretty much, I want to be selfish and care only about myself. Yeah, shopping doesn't bring out the best in me...
I don't have favorite stores year after year, and I can't remember my best bargain, but I hope (and isn't this the point?) that everyone I buy for likes what they get.
12/1/10
Day 1- What are some of your Christmas traditions?
Hm, Christmas traditions... we don't have many. But my most important one is putting up the Christmas tree on Black Friday instead of crazy shopping.
This year, I did both. In fact, I think I stayed awake the entire Black Friday, from midnight to midnight. Made me very cranky for the rest of the weekend, but at least it was productive.
And yes, I said "I", because I don't get any help putting up the tree. It's not that Hubby doesn't like the tree, he just doesn't want to do it. And honestly, that's fine by me, because that means I can get it done exactly the way I want it to be done (and let's face it, the way it should be done, because if it was left to Hubby and the boys, the lights would be all clumpy, the branches wouldn't be fluffed, and the ornaments would only hang on the bottom, kid-level half of the tree).
I put on Christmas songs and unearth all my tree branches and decorations. Hubby leaves the room and lets me obsess and critique and rearrange the damn thing. It only takes me about an hour- I have it down to a science, people! And for the past two years, when I'm done, I put a nice, fugly plastic gate around it, so little hands can keep off of it (which, apparently, is all in vain now).
When I was nine months pregnant with LB, I put up that damn tree all by myself. I sat almost the entire time, with the exception of putting on the top part. I was out of breath, in pain, and completely swollen, and it took about three hours, but I was friggin determined to uphold my tradition. That's how important it is to me!
Hubby made the asinine suggestion of not putting up the tree this year, considering we won't be here Christmas Day. I think daggers shot from my eyes... He must have got the point, because this Black Friday, he quietly took the boys out shopping while I basked in artificial evergreen goodness.
Moral of the story- don't mess with me and my tree. It's my most favorite tradition.
This year, I did both. In fact, I think I stayed awake the entire Black Friday, from midnight to midnight. Made me very cranky for the rest of the weekend, but at least it was productive.
And yes, I said "I", because I don't get any help putting up the tree. It's not that Hubby doesn't like the tree, he just doesn't want to do it. And honestly, that's fine by me, because that means I can get it done exactly the way I want it to be done (and let's face it, the way it should be done, because if it was left to Hubby and the boys, the lights would be all clumpy, the branches wouldn't be fluffed, and the ornaments would only hang on the bottom, kid-level half of the tree).
I put on Christmas songs and unearth all my tree branches and decorations. Hubby leaves the room and lets me obsess and critique and rearrange the damn thing. It only takes me about an hour- I have it down to a science, people! And for the past two years, when I'm done, I put a nice, fugly plastic gate around it, so little hands can keep off of it (which, apparently, is all in vain now).
When I was nine months pregnant with LB, I put up that damn tree all by myself. I sat almost the entire time, with the exception of putting on the top part. I was out of breath, in pain, and completely swollen, and it took about three hours, but I was friggin determined to uphold my tradition. That's how important it is to me!
Hubby made the asinine suggestion of not putting up the tree this year, considering we won't be here Christmas Day. I think daggers shot from my eyes... He must have got the point, because this Black Friday, he quietly took the boys out shopping while I basked in artificial evergreen goodness.
Moral of the story- don't mess with me and my tree. It's my most favorite tradition.
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