Should have stayed in bed

A change is a comin.'

Monday was one of those days where all things that could go wrong did go wrong. Am I going to rehash it for you folks? Nope. I'm moving past that.

Christmas is a week from today. I am promising myself not to get caught up in the same ol' b.s. at home. I am going to do what I want when I want and ignore the bah-humbug mumblings of Kenny G. He will not steal the Christmas spirit. Even if I have to lock him in a closet and throw away the key.

Happy Holidays!

The Picture Post

Sorry some of these pictures are turned to the side, I couldn't get them to rotate. I would like to note that the first tree is the teeny tiny one that the roommie had in her bathroom and adorned with 180 lights - that could be controlled by a remote. I. Sh*t. You. Not.

Notice the fireplace? No, our apartment doesn't have one with a little collaboration from me, the roommie created it!! I say it is made of love since the three boxes we used to put it together are weighted with close to 100 romance novels.

Updates

Christmas Party was a success! We ate delicious food, played charades again and generally had a fabulous time. The trees (six in all) looked fabulous and we just enjoyed hanging out with everyone that came. That's the beauty of good friends, right? I am going to post pictures of the decorations in the next couple of days. I am pretty sure they will inspire you to do great things this holiday season. Oh, and best charades clue this time around? That would have to be KY Jelly. Our team cheated and used it as a clue (you're really supposed to confine it to Movie, Book, Song, or TV titles) and it was totally worth it.

As for the Teddy complaint...I spoke with the leasing agent and she said that the person was not really implying that I mistreat him (which I think is B.S. b/c saying that I don't walk my dog would be saying I don't take care of him properly). I still think it's creepy that someone has been watching me, but the truth is - I couldn't give a flying f*ck what this person thinks of me. I know the truth and so does anyone who's opinion I value.

Party of the Year

Sorry I've been out of touch as of late. I was out of town for the funeral and pulling some important friend time. You know who you are and you know I love you and will answer my phone at anytime...even 6 am.

On another more cheery note, next Saturday the roommie and I will be throwing a kick-ass Christmas party. If you read this and live in the vicinity then you are invited. We are definitely thinking the more the merrier. Lots of decorations, great food and perhaps a rousing game of charades? We played charades on Thanksgiving night and I don't think I have laughed that hard in years. It took a pretty naughty turn with very descriptive hand gesturing to "Slob on my knob" - the classic tune by Three 6 Mafia. Well, I didn't say it was a classy game of charades.

Earlier every year

I am that person you hate. The one that loves to celebrate Christmas incredibly early. I am the person that retailers cater to the week before Halloween when they have pulled out their Christmas wares. Oh yes.

I am going to try and stretch out the decorating this year. We have a lovely (albeit small) Christmas tree up and I also strategically placed a tiny arrangement of lights on a Lego house I built over the summer (there is no reason plastic people cannot enjoy the yuletide festivities). I'll have you know I am downright chipper right now. Oh the joy!

A Disturbing Thought

When my dad passes away (or I just can't manage to tolerate his Scrooge-ness anymore) where am I going for the holidays? I've always gone home, but where will I go when there isn't a "home" per se? My brother is getting married in a few months and then he will be spending his time with his new family. Where am I going to go? Okay, I'm putting it out there...who wants and aging (somewhat) single woman for the holidays (not in the too too soon future)? Let me know - I'm accepting offers. I come with presents and my own stocking. All offers will be considered.

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...

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.

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.

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?

First step. Final realization.

I put the fabulous tree up over the weekend and it is just as beautiful as last year. I tried to take a picture of it, but the lights make it impossible to tell what it is (and without lights, what is a Christmas Tree?). Very exciting stuff. I love looking at the tree and in looking at its near perfection, I have come to an important conclusion: Christmas will never be what I want it to be. I watch the movies, read the books, plan the perfect dinner and set the bar too high. I am disappointed every year because I have set my sights on the impossible dream: a storybook Christmas. What should I do about this? Lower my standards or try not to be bothered by my dad and his scroogy-ness. Abandon the movies, books, and dinner plans and just take it as it comes? I just don't know, but something needs to change. Are you perpetually disappointed on Christmas or is really just me?

The List

The best part of Christmas is that when you get presents from your friends and family it doesn't matter if you are naughty or nice. They will still give you presents. I will still give you presents even if you were bad. Only Santa can judge. With all of this said, I have started my list of people to give presents and what I should give them. I have already figured out what to get some people, but there are several stragglers. My father is one of these stubborn "hard to shop for s.o.b.'s" (I mean that in the most complimentary way possible). If you recall, I have already discussed this problem (see posts from Nov. and Dec. of 2005) and my father is never satisfied. I have no idea what I am going to wrap up and put under the tree. It doesn't really matter what I get him. He will hate it and forget what it was within 36 minutes. A loving, generous father he is. Gracious gift receiver he is not. What are you getting your dad?

It's beginning to look...

A lot like Christmas...yes, it's that time again. If you are a little taken aback by my early holiday spirit then you need to read the posts around this time last year. I have tried to put off my celebration of Christmas to after Thanksgiving, but I just can't. I've already bought some hot apple cider mix, candy canes, and seriously contemplated pulling out The Tree. I have resisted the urge to get the tree out, but I am bowing to the need to get into "the spirit." Christmas music is just around the corner. Who's ready?