Today's Feast for the Brain

I saw this on the Certain Uncertainty's blog @ http://kelly.sincitywolskes.com/ and thought I'd play along.

Appetizer
How much money do you plan to spend this upcoming holiday season?

Well, I had every intention of keeping it reasonable and even started a Christmas Club account last year to pay for this year. Let's just say that I have already spent what was in my Christmas account, and maybe a few hundred more, but I'm done and I didn't charge any of it. So, that at least is a very good thing.

Soup
What was the last television show you watched, and was it good?

The last show I watched was a re-run of Iron Chef America, battle sugar. It was good, even the second time through.

Salad
If you had to paint the walls of your living room tomorrow, what color would you choose?

Something much lighter than I have now, probably a sage green. The living room has the most ugly, dark wallpaper. urgh. Sadly, I picked the wallpaper! In my defense, it was chosen and hung about 12 years ago, and the color of the wallpaper reflects my mood at that time in my life. I hate it and want to change it, but alas, my dh is not the handy sort and it's a big project to take on myself, so it's staying for the time being.

Main Course
Name something clever or practical you have thought of that should be invented, but hasn’t yet.


I have no idea.

Dessert
List 3 things you would like to receive as gifts this upcoming holiday season.

1. Gift cards to clothing stores like Macy's or Talbot's.

2. A new bathroom floor

3. Laminate flooring in my dining room.

None of these things are likely to materialize, but a girl can dream, right?

Hooray!

I did it! I found a "WOW" gift for my hard-to-buy-for-tech-geek husband. At least I think it'll be a wow gift. I can't go into details here, because he might read the blog between now and Christmas. He doesn't usually, but with my luck, he'll decide to check in and lo and behold find out what his present is.
I had already bought him a gift in October that was sure to be a WOW, but stupidly I had it shipped to the house and not to my office. He works from home and there is no way he would not see the package before I did. The box was a dead give-away, so I had to give him his present early. It was a GPS, and he was totally surprised and excited to have it. We've already put it to good use, especially with my trips to Boston to see the TMJ specialist out there. I'm just so upset that I couldn't surprise him for Christmas.
But, today, I got an email for this cool site that shop at occasionally. For the heck of it, I decided to see what they had to offer - especially since it was $5 off a $35 purchase. And, there it was. The coolest gift. He won't be expecting anything like it. I'm so excited!
I'll post after Christmas with his reaction. I hope he likes it as much as I think he will!

It's a Wonderful Life

Why, oh why, didn't anyone warn me what a tear-jerker this movie is?

Finally!

It is December 1, and I can officially start decorating and getting my home ready for Christmas. Now, mind you, I have been listening to Christmas music since the Monday before Thanksgiving, and my Christmas cards are done and were mailed on November 29. I have only stocking stuffers left to buy, and I am done with the "have tos" of Christmas. Now, the fun begins!

My dh bought me a beautiful advent calendar for my birthday. Here's a pic....

Behind each tiny door is a piece of the nativity scene. Alternately, the scene can be set up, and tiny treats placed behind each door. I haven't decided how I want to do it yet.

My Christmas baby and I can hardly wait to set it up and decorate. My baby's birthday is in 10 days; she'll be six. I can't believe it. Where did the time go?

My teenagers are already rolling their eyes at me when I suggest that we all decorate the tree. I guess when you're a teen, stuff like decorating for Christmas is just lame. Oh, well, I never said they had to LIKE it, but I want them to participate and participate they will! I bet they'll enjoy it once they get going (a bribe for dinner out doesn't hurt either).

I love, love, love Christmas. How about you?

A Christmas Movie Poll

Ok, I am not really a TV or movie person, but something about Christmas makes me want to dig up the movies I grew up watching at Christmas time. So, here's the gig. What movies say "It's Christmas" to you? Please leave me your list in the Comment section. I am itching to get watching some great Christmas flicks!

To get you started, here are some of mine:

1. The Year Without a Santa Claus (my all-time favorite)
2. The Santa Clause (with Tim Allen)
3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
5. Frosty the Snowman

New Car!!!!

I was in an accident in August. The accident was a hit and run and my car was totaled as a result. That's my car over there to the left... .nice, huh?








Dh and I were finally able to afford to replace our car and just picked up our new wheels this week! Here's a pic of our new car.


I know it's big and yes, it will take some getting used to driving it, but I really like it a lot! Lots of room for our kids, their friends, and their stuff!

I feel really blessed by God. Not only did I survive the accident with minor injury (broken finger and some TMJ symptoms), but now we have a really neat car!

A Storm is Coming

It's been a long time since we have seen even the remnant of a hurricane in the Northeast, but apparently one is on the way. People are preparing for high winds, heavy rains, and power outages. There's a certain something in the air - people are bracing for something. The weather people are saying to expect several inches of rain. We have canceled our fellowship event at the church. My dh has stored anything that was out in the yard that may go flying due to high winds.

This might sound sick, but I love a good storm. Mind you, I don't enjoy being in the throes of a full-fledged hurricane. I've been through those before and it's not something I care to repeat. But, there's nothing like a good rainstorm when you and your family are comfy and cozy at home. Part of me hopes the weather people are wrong (they often are when it comes to crazy New England weather) because I have lots to do that involves going outside of my home. I won't be doing any of it if the storm hits.

With any luck, we won't lose power and I can cook, clean, and bake. I love the smell of baked goods on a cold, dreary, rainy day. Nothing cures the blues better than something warm and sweet from the oven!