Christmas is coming!

Today is the first time this entire month that I have felt like excited about Christmas. CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

Maybe this mood has to do with me listening to Pandora's White Christmas station, featuring some of my favorite songs by Mariah Carey, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Burl Ives, and other old people. (For the record, Mariah is not old)

In light of my spectacular mood, because Christmas is coming (!), and the fact that I don't work retail tonight and that I have most of my Christmas shopping done, I'm giving away something pretty awesome.

You can win this book that I picked up from the infamous STRAND store in Manhattan when I was in NYC a few months ago. The book is about this photojournalist named Alison Wright who has traveled the world. In particular, she loves Thailand and Laos (is that in Thailand?) and some other exotic countries. Oh, and she's personally talked with and met the Dalai Lama, which makes her even more awesome in my book.

The book is a super easy read and it definitely kept my attention. It centers around a horrific accident she was in and how meditation kept her alive. Then it chronicles her journey to recovery and how she dealt with everyday life. It's an amazing story, and I'm glad I happened to randomly buy it.

Anyone can win, even if you don't live in the U.S. Because I hate it when people say, "tweet this" or "facebook that" for more entries, I'm keeping it simple kids. All you gotta do is comment. It can be something about meditating, about Christmas, or about what you ate today. I could care less. Just comment. I'll have my dog choose the winner.



Provided I actually get comments, this giveaway will end at midnight on the first day of winter, aka December 21. So get crackin'!

Oh Be Joyful

Yesterday I about had it with people. At one point, I actually told my coworker that I wanted to throw people out of the window. Oops. But I had valid reasons. I had stupid coworkers urgently emailing me saying they needed my help--only when I called to help them, they said they "weren't ready for me." Um. Not. Cool. Then I had a lady email saying she couldn't find herself on our website. I literally did a Google search, and what do I find? HER FREAKIN' ARTICLE. How people do not know how to use Google is beyond me. Then I totally forgot I was meeting an alum who found me on Twitter for coffee, and I wore jeans and a hoodie. Classy, and professional. I know. And then I was supposed to interview an artist, only I misplaced her phone number. And then I finally found it, only to have her not be at home.

But it actually all ended up okay. I interviewed the artist later. I got a free hot chocolate out of the alum. And finished all of the work I had to do.

Today I am literally the only person in the office today. And it's snowing. I had the bus all to myself this morning. Earlier I hated myself for not applying for this job I really wanted but I emailed them my resume and cover letter anyways. And I proved to myself that I can write a cover letter, which I thought was nearly impossible for me to do. And now I'm going to hunt down some last minute gift for my brother so that he has something to open on Christmas because I couldn't get my act together and spend hordes of money on framing his soccer jersey for him. Should be fantastic. At least I'm going home early today. And tomorrow I'm off, and the next day, and the next day, and the next day....Sweet.

How's your week going?

Tis The Season

I had an average weekend---called a few friends from college that I have been meaning to call for months. Hung around the house. Wrapped some Christmas gifts. Our tree still isn't decorated. Slept okay, and babysat my 'lil cousin. And then went to church but left after communion. I know, typical Catholic.

Then today I read Du Wax Loolu, and decided to fill out this meme or whatever you call it. You should do if you're avoiding doing any sort of work like I am right now.

Eggnog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate all the way. I think I'd die if I drank eggnog.

Does Santa wrap the presents or leave them open under the tree? Of course he wraps them! If he left them open, there would be no surprises, and you all know how much I love surprises!

Colored lights on a tree or white? I love colored ones but I do have to admit that white ones look so classy.

Do you hang mistletoe? No, but I've always wanted to be kissed underneath one. Any takers?

When do you put your decorations up? At the last minute. That's how my family rolls. Whereas I'm sure normal people put it up like after Thanksgiving or at least the beginning of December.

What is your favorite holiday dish? Anything with meat and potatoes. And cookies or pie or cake. If you couldn't tell, I'm not really picky.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? I'm not sure. I guess it depends on how many presents you have under the tree for everyone. Like if I only had one or two presents, I'd rather just wait till Christmas day. That way I'll have more stuff to open.


How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With Christmas ornaments from my childhood and from places I've traveled.We do the colored lights, with strings of pearls and then have a fancy purple cloth that the tree sits on.

Snow: love it or hate it?Of course I have two answers for this one. I love the snow when I have no where to be, am by the fireplace, or under some warm blankets in bed. I hate the snow when I have to drive in it because I turn into a big baby and drive 20 mph.

Can you ice skate? Nope. Ever since a mean boy in middle school hit me on the rink and made me fall on my butt and bruise my tailbone, I've never really recovered. Now I'm that girl that holds on the railing the entire time. Funzies!

What is your favorite holiday dessert? Chocolate sugar cookies or sugar cookies with lemon icing. They are to die for people. Seriously.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? Probably sleeping together with my brothers the night before Christmas and then waking each other up on Christmas day to shouts of excitement that Santa came and seeing the tree with presents.

Candy canes: yum or yuck? Yum. I don't really partake in candy canes but I don't think they are gross.

Favorite Christmas show? It's a Wonderful Life. It's a classic.

Wait, it's Christmas?

Not to seem all Bah Humbug or anything, but am I the only one out there who isn't listening to Christmas music, decorating the tree, and sending out cards? Anyone? Anyone?

It's not like I don't appreciate Christmas, because I do. And with the heap of snow we got today, it feels like winter. That and the subfreezing temperatures, but who's complaining? And it is December now, so I guess that means we have 3 weeks or so to celebrate the season. But I'm just not feeling it. Probably because this year is a little different than last year was in that I'm living at home. I don't really have free range of the kitchen to bake (because I know my mom will just criticize me in some way or another), nor do I really want to send out Christmas cards from myself. And my ipod is dying so I haven't reloaded its music in forever. And I'm sure if we do get a tree, it will be at the last minute and then we'll be forced into decorating it. It's just not carefree. I should enjoy doing all these things, not feel like it's an obligation. So instead of forcing myself to get in the holiday spirit, I'm just gonna ride it out and wait. Maybe by December 24th I will be so full of the spirit that I'll move to the North Pole and become a full-time Santa's helper.

What about you? Are you in the Christmas spirit?

It's good to be back

After an extended holiday off of work and blogging, I am back. I have lots to update on, and thank you M for keeping me accountable for updating!

I have pictures too! I've updated my entry about decorating my apartment....First Bite Boulder....apple tart making...pot pie recipe....

The holiday was great. M got me an apron! I've never had one. When M's mom came over to make the apple tart with us, she wore one and I've wanted one ever since. Mine is so cute, it's black and white and has cute little pockets with bows on them. It reminds me of Paris. Ironically enough M's mom also bought her an apron and is black and white! M also gave me a Hello Kitty Pez dispenser (loves it) and two framed pictures of us from our Paris trip. I went the practical route and gave M a set of rechargable batteries and charger for her camera, a set of spatulas, and a pastry blender, which will come in handy for the next time we make pie crust.

Kristen gave me this--
even if I did a recipe a day I still wouldn't get through them all in a year!

Santa brought me my very own digital camera, and it's pink! I also got a new 3 in 1 printer, fax, and scanner, a comfy fleece blanket, and a gift card to Payless! It was nice being home, I enjoyed playing Wii with my lil brother and sleeping in. Everyone loved my cookies too! For Christmas Eve, we went to church downtown at Holy Ghost with my aunt and cousin. I saw an old high school classmate--it was awkward, but thankfully I didn't have to talk, as it we were in church. Afterwards we ate at Cheesecake Factory, and then went home. Andrew and I set out cookies for Santa, one oatmeal chocolate chip walnut, one chocolate star-shaped sugar cookie, and a glass of water. Unfortunately we had run out of milk, but Santa didn't seem to mind--he finished all the cookies and drank most of the water.

On Christmas day we were expecting to have my Dad's side of the family over, but my grandma and her significant other didn't come, as he had gone to the emergency room the night before because he tripped on some ice while shoveling snow and injured his back. I did get to see my aunt/godmother, and my uncle and his girlfriend. It was all very low key and my mom and I made good appetizers. We had a relish tray, chips and dip, and fresh mozzerella over tomato, topped with fresh basil and drizzled in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Yum! I have pictures on my new camera to upload of this wonderful feast. For the main course we had ham from the Honey Baked Ham store, smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, and steamed veggies. We were all so stuffed we didn't even break open the pies we bought--apple and cherry--from Village Inn. Oh well.

I was sad to leave home on Sunday but I had made plans with S, so I reluctantly left. We met up at Il Vicino, where we ended up sharing a side salad; lasagna; pizza with marinara sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, tomatoes, and fresh oregano; and new york style cheesecake with raspberry sauce. It was a full meal, complete with a glass of cabernet for each of us. It was great to catch up and to talk about the upcoming year. I have set some goals (both short and long term) already, so I'm excited to get started. We made plans to attend the jazz festival in February downtown, and have agreed to try and hang out more in 2009. After dessert we exchanged gifts. I gave S a giftcard to Starbucks, and he got me....a HELLO KITTY WATERCOOLER. I was completely surprised because he's always making fun of me and Hello Kitty. I haven't set it up yet but it's so cute, I can't wait to use it. And it's perfect for me. hehe.

Speaking of Hello Kitty stuff, I went to Barnes and Noble yesterday on my lunch hour and I got the new 2009 Hello Kitty Engagement Calendar. It's really cute, and I love that it's hardback and it was 50% off, so I scored a bargin and paid $8.10 total, including tax.

Right now, work is going along well. I am so glad I had last week off--I feel refreshed. I haven't figured out what I'm doing for New Years Eve yet--I was apparently invited to go over to my second cousin's house, or spend it with a boy I don't really know. Whatever I do, I want to have fun and bring in the new year. Hopefully Kristen and Josh will have something planned for us all to do, including M and her bf. So we will see! Time is a tickin, that's for sure.

Christmas is coming...

I've been busy, hence why I haven't been updating lately. All the days have meshed together but I know alot of my time has been taken up by baking cookies. I sent out my cookies for the Cookie Swap last week, as well as Christmas cards. I baked sugar cookies this weekend with lemon icing. And I've been wrapping gifts and shopping the past couple weeks too.

This past Saturday we had friends over and decorated and built gingerbread houses, made paper chains, drank holiday punch, and put up Christmas tree lights and snowflakes cut out of paper on our windows. Our apartment is truly festive this year.

Paper Chains--We made Christmas and Kwanzaa themed ones

Our gingerbread houses!

Closeup of the one Kristen, Josh, and & I made

Closeup of M & Jake's roof--so festive!

On Monday I went to my lil brother's Christmas play and caught up with my parents. I haven't been home in awhile--just too busy or dreading driving in the snow. And then yesterday I had my court date. It went well--I talked my original three point ticket down to a 1 point ticket for a "defective headlamp." And my pictures helped save me on the court fees--I had to pay $69.50 total, most of which was mandatory court fees anyways. I feel relieved. Now all I need is a neck massage and a good night's sleep.

Hopefully everyone is celebrating the holidays in style. I have my company Christmas party tonight & more baking ahead of me this weekend. I will post recipes when I post pictures of my wonderful cookies.

All I want for Christmas...

....is to have all my holiday shopping done!

On Saturday M's mom came over and the three of us baked an apple tart.

Ready to be baked

Fresh out of the oven

Ready to eat!

None of us had done this before, but I think it was successful. We took our time baking and listened to the traditional holiday music channel, courtesy of Comcast. The recipe can be found here.

We sipped mimosas

It was very nice and relaxing, and I have to say, I think the beginning of baking coupled with the holiday music helped me start to get into the holiday spirit. I was telling M that when you're away in college, you miss home, and want to celebrate the holidays. But sometimes when you're already "home," the feeling can be harder to achieve.

Luckily, I have vague ideas of what people want this season, so I can get them soon. Other things I'm looking forward to are decorating and building a gingerbread house, and baking.

Have you done your holiday shopping?