the incident with the snowglobe

This morning I was sitting at my desk, minding my own business. I had just pulled out my two office Christmas decorations, one being a new wreath purchased on Black Friday, and the other being a very cute miniature snowglobe. As I was reaching for the snowglobe, I dropped it and it shattered, sending water, glass, and synthetic snowflakes ALL over my desk and within a 400-mi radius of where I was sitting. Plus, I had to run to the bathroom to grab towels and it looked like I had wet my pants. A big accident, mind you. Worse than the time I spilled my glass of water in my lap during our flight to Chicago. One guy even chuckled as he passed me in the hall. Not amused, buddy. To top it all off, I had glass in my hand. And who wants to break a snowglobe? I think it ranks up there with the cardinal sin of cutting tags off of mattresses--it just isn't supposed to happen.

HB to my CK

I have always loved these two pictures of Corey and thought they were befitting to post on his 29th birthday. In lieu of a cake, I made my very first pie from scratch (pictures to come): he said that it was good (I think he would tell it to me straight if it wasn't). I don't quite have the crust part down yet, but I'm working on it. Happy birthday-- je t'aime, bebe. I know you're not big on birthdays, but hopefully my celebratory nature will wear off on you as we age. Plus, who can forget a birthday when we stopped to change John Baggs's flat tire?

Speaking of Nov 15 birthdays, Corey know knows his birthday twin, Ryker Spence Doudrick! Congratulations, Janell & Jeff; we are so happy for you.

the first (real) snowfall

This picture was taken this morning at the airport. It took Corey about 90 min to get to work, with 3 attempts at various routes. Now we are seriously considering purchasing a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Luckily I can snoeshoe if I had to. Only to work, that is. I still feel like a little kid--in awe and amazement--when I see the first snowfall of the season. Usually that majesty doesn't include a snowplow, however.

I'm getting the fever

Liz & I both ordered these monogrammed stockings from Pottery Barn last week & mine arrived in the mail:

I know Thanksgiving's not even here yet, but I am getting excited for Christmas. Here are the reasons why I am excited to prepare for Christmas:

• decorating--it's like breathing for me. Especially when everything is happy, shiny and smells good (the tree & candles)
• listening to Christmas music. I know every artist in the world has their own Christmas album, but I never, ever get sick of listening to the music. Growing up my parents amassed a collection of probably 50 Christmas CDs. Part of our tradition of decorating & baking cookies was pulling out those CDs. Some of my favorites include:

1. Nat King Cole
2. John Denver "Christmas Like a Lullaby"
3. Amy Grant
4. Mariah Carey
5. Manheim Steamroller
6. Anything sold @ Hallmark

• Making Christmas cookies. Last year I had 2 major baking sessions (the first time at my own house!) and our book club did a cookie swap. Yes, there is a reason why we make those rediculously messy & nitpicky cookies, like the mini mint cookies & the chocolate-dipped pretzels. Because they are Heaven on Earth and are the reason from Halloween until New Year's that I cannot give up refined sugar. Really, I was on a roll and then last week it all went to hell in a handbasket.
• Watching friends & family open gifts. I know the holidays aren't supposed to be about presents, but I love making/finding a gift that is perfect for that particular person. Plus, people need to spoil themselves, & often it's easier for others to do it for them. Unfortuntately for any relative under the age of 10, that perfect gift must have a binding & contain words.
  

That being said, I know my desire to shop in a commercial sphere has dwindled. Corey, his mom & I went to the mall yesterday and it was CHAOS. Those people make me crazy. So, as I prepare for the upcoming holidays, I'll try to focus on what's positive & not the normal hustle & bustle that people often stress about.

Weekend begins early

My co-workers & I just got back from St. Paul after attending a great conference. We drove down Thursday afternoon & were pleased to discover our hotel was connected to the Liffey, my favorite (US) Irish bar, and that we had a gorgeous view of the Cathedral. We had dinner at W.A. Frost, a very cool restaurant in a very cool downtown neighborhood. That night after dinner we got a note in our hotel room that they were going to be starting repair work on a pipe at 2:00am. OK, big hotel, shouldn't matter. Um, that wasn't really the case. I think they were RIGHT above our heads. And the banging on the pipes was so loud that maintenance people had to should back & forth to hear one another. Then a very un-sober gentleman next door decided to pay a visit to someone who obviously wasn't there. Maximum caffiene was necessary for the second day of the conference! Saturday my friend Gina & I bought beads & materials so I can make some jewelry for the holidays. Hint: always spend time with people who have talents you admire: they will rub off on you! That night we headed to the Berrisfords for a get-together & several friends of ours were there. I am amazed that any child in their house--let alone the block--could have slept that night. The Guitar Hero my husband purchased was a hit & to say the Catch Phrase tournament was raucous would be the understatement of the year. Thanks for the fun! I know the feeling when your house looks like a tornado the next day.