Last post of 2006

Sorry, guys. I have been pretty busy and my computer has been a Beee-ooootch. Christmas was fine. I got some presents I wanted and some...I didn't. I have found that as I get older presents mean less and less. I'm certainly not wealthy, but I have enough money to buy most of what I want. Gifts don't really excite me. I like giving people stuff they want. I gave my dad a scrapbook of his life, my brother got a three tiered Craftsman tool cart, and Jenny got a beer fridge. I tried to give everyone special present because this is the first year I have been able to buy nicer gifts. So, what about yourself? Did you get something you really liked or just enjoy giving more than receiving?

P.S. Happy New Year's! See you in 2007

Off to Nashville...

I'm heading home to Nashvegas tomorrow in preparation for Christmas. I feel pretty excited about the holiday and just being home. I am going to do my share (and maybe yours, too) of baking. I need to prepare my father's present...oh, I didn't tell you about it? Well, since Scrooge doesn't like anything, I thought I would opt for not buying a traditional present and instead make a scrapbook of his life. I've talked to several family members and a couple of friends and I am going to put them together in one album and give it to him. He may not like it, but I think it will be a nice keepsake for coming years. I'll keep you updated. I'm sure I will post before Christmas, so ta ta for now...

Is it just me...

or does Mary Kate Olson's new platinum hair make her look like Cruella Deville? Ick.

Lost and Found

Yesterday my Christmas spirit was at an all time low. I was pretty upset about this as this is my most favorite time of year. For some reason it's back and I am not letting it go. I just need to accept that it won't be perfect and be happy despite other people's scrooginess. I have to admit that when I shared my lack of Christmas spirit with Mr. Scrooge himself (my father) he was quite alarmed an even said in a worried voice "Katie...that's just not like you. What's happened? Is everything okay?" I guess we both play roles every year. He humbugs while I sing Christmas carols. It's what we do.

Well, give her a cookie!

Lindsay Lohan hasn't had a drink in a week? After her year at AA? Way to go! This 20 year old must feel so proud of her achievement.

The Regression is Complete

I have now taken to tivoing the cartoon version of Berenstein Bears. Good stuff. So sad how much I enjoy watching the stories. I guess I'll be switching back to soft foods soon. We really should have seen this coming after the desire for footy pajamas, eh?

Holiday Movie Party

Tonight was the night. We changed up the movie lineup a bit, but we watched A Charlie Brown Christmas, Christmas with the Kranks, and Love Actually. The food was tasty. We had mini pigs in a blanket, sausage balls (you know, to cover the important processed meat categories), regular and chocolate rice krispie treats, rotel dip, and eggnog. Several of my good friends stopped in and watched the movies. Honestly, the evening ended earlier than usual and very little alcohol was consumed (also, not a regular occurrence for the party). All in all, it was a little more reserved than usual and has me feeling rather old. It makes me actually contemplate abandoning the party. I mean, most of my friends don't even like Christmas movies. It's kind of like I make people come over and watch movies I like to watch and torture them. Oh well. I guess that's what friends are for.

Are we really this lazy?

I keep seeing advertisements for a dvd/cd opener. Apparently, we as Americans are so lazy that we can't even manage to unwrap plastic from cd or dvd cases. I think it should be a rule that if you can't open your own dvds or cds (and don't have a physical impairement) then you should not be allowed to own such items.

You know what makes me warm and fuzzy?

The song "Oh Holy Night." Everytime I hear a good version of it, I am almost brought to tears. I get chills and really feel like I am getting what Christmas is all about. Favorite version: The Three Tenors; Second Favorite version: Josh Groban (trust me, I am as surprised as you); Least Favorite version: Celine Dion (ick. double ick). Do you have a favorite carol?

So Excited!

I get paid on Thursday and then I will be able to go Christmas shopping! I have been waiting for this ALL season! Put your requests in early, who knows how long the money will last?

Torture

I am working at my part-time job right now (the one that I was working at before my library job) and I am listening to the dull roar of ill-behaved children playing foosball and running around and disturbing other people while their parents play tennis and ignore them. Lately, I have found that there are generally two sets of parents in this world: the kind that herd their children and the kind that get herded.

The kind that herd:
They keep a fairly good watch over their kids and make sure that they don't act up too much in public places and don't destroy too much public property. They also seem to realize that other people don't find their children nearly as endearing as they do or have the ability to tune out the noise that they make. I find these kinds of parents to be responsible and doing the best they can. Their children also tend to be pleasant and as well-behaved as children are likely to be.

The kind that get herded:
These parents are being played by their children like a violin. They meekly tell them to "shush" when they are screaming and running around (which has a negligible effect, if any) like tiny yetis. They continue on with their shopping and errands without regard for the suffering of other people. Their children will most likely grow up to be serial murderers or the kind of people that show off their unencumbered body parts when getting in and out cars.

Word of Advice

It seems to me that celebrities (particularly ones of the young and female persuasion) have been making some poor decisions of late. I think you know where this is going...

Britney, Britney, Britney...for someone who has as much money as she does it seems like she could make some allowances for panties. Or longer dresses. Or the skill to get in and out of cars without showing everyone what God gave you and then some. Also, she was working on courting public opinion and basking in the glow of shedding her dead-beat, pathetic "rapper" husband and then she has to start hanging around with Paris "that's hot" Hilton. I may be mistaken, but doesn't she have two small children at home? As a friend of mine suggested, maybe Brangelina adopted them. Can you imagine the horror of being Sean Preston Federline at the age of 13 or 14 surfing the internet and catching a glimpse of your mama's nether regions. Take a moment and pray, people.

And on to Lindsay Lohan. Apparently she has been attending AA meetings. Good for her. Perhaps she might want to quit drinking before wearing her 90 day sobriety chip. I think that's the point of the organization. It's like if I joined Weight Watchers and brought donuts and to the meeting and told everyone I was "thinking" about losing weight. She also needs to invest in underwear as Britney is not the only young lady in Hollywood going commando...and proving it.