Catching Up...My Winter Break!

So, it's been quite a while since my last post. Somehow, I managed to survive the last week of work before winter break even with non stop activities. The end of work went well...the Nastys gave us little gifts, but I had not one ounce of feeling like I needed to make a last minute run at lunch. After work, we had our holiday party. It was a fun time and I made off with a $20 Starbucks card. With all the ones I've received, I will start 2009 very caffeinated. The rest of the weekend was spent having sushi and then breakfast with a friend visiting from Hawaii and finally ordering our holiday cards.

On the Monday before Christmas, D had to go in to work for a little bit, so I won the draw to go to Costco (in the rain) two days before Christmas. After 20 minutes of trying to find parking, I was able to get what I needed and it took me longer to park than I was in the store. Then after a quick stop at the grocery store, I headed home. D and I spent some time and were able to make the mail with our cards.

Tuesday, we were both feeling lazy, but then decided that we needed to get out of the house. We hopped in the car and it led us to Viejas where we walked around and had the buffet.

Christmas Eve felt a little off this year...my birthday celebration was postponed to that night, so D and I weren't hosting the family this year. It was also off because we were in grinchy moods and did zero decorating and shopping. Due to the crazy year, the family decided to keep it low key. Instead, I spent some time baking and we gave the family units a box of baked goods that included: Graham Cracker Toffee, Devil's Food Sugar Cookies, Caramel Pretzel Bites, Sweet Salty Spicy Nut and Pretzel Mix and Chocolate Chip Walnut Snowballs. For being a non baker, they all turned out well. D also got Mom a gift certificate to join me at a knife skills class in February while he is on his boys spring training weekend.

Dinner at Ruth's was great...Justin, our regular server, friend and adopted family member, and Tyler took great care of us. The family was all well behaved and had fun...


The Crazy Family less Cousin Cleveland


Meema


Justin being a smart ass while taking his own photo


Tyler

Christmas Day was a rainy day. After a very lazy morning, D and I headed to Ramona to our family friends for dinner. Mom, Meema and Alicia met us there. After dinner, D and I went to see Marley and Me. It was cute, but the best scenes are shown in the previews.

Friday, I was really tired and achy. We ran around a little, but came home to relax again.

Saturday, again, I was tired and achy and spent most of my day on the couch while D ran around. That night, he took me out for some soup to help me feel better. By the end of the night, I felt awful complete with a sore throat...I got the flu!

So, for the last few days and during much of winter break, these have been my best friends...


Now, I feel a little better, but am still not 100%. Hope your winter break and holidays have been good...

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today, December 15 is my birthday...37 (yikes!) years ago at 9:06 a.m. and after 30 hours of labor, I made my entrance (via C section) into the world at a whopping 9 pounds, 8 ounces. Mom still calls me every year at 9:06 to wish me a happy birthday! In deciding to blog about my birthday, I am taking a huge step because I am not one who likes to excess attention. I am the only December birthday at work and have to endure standing alone as the office sings to me. Plus, I was not nervous about getting married, but blushed at the thought of my guests staring at me. Instead, I am celebrating me and the day. Because of my curiosity, I looked up December 15 on Wikipedia to see anything relevant that happened on this date.

Famous Births: Adam Brody (Seth from The OC), Don Johnson (of Miami Vice fame), Tim Conway, and Gustave Eiffel (engineer and architect of the Eiffel Tower) among many others.

Famous Deaths: Walt Disney and Sitting Bull

Famous Events: The Bill of Rights was ratified into law after passing the Virginia legislature.

It's a momentous day...so, happy birthday to me! Here's to another year of more great things!

Highs and Lows...The Recap

I've been a bad blogger lately...I haven't had the presence of mind to sit down and put my thoughts into writing. I must admit that I miss blogging. So, here is a recap and high/low lights of the last...

High...D and I celebrated our first anniversary! While we spent a quiet evening at home to celebrate, it was a great day! I cannot believe that it's been a year already and one full of highs and lows, but it's been so great. I am still amazed that we are married and creating this life together.

Low...D got sick and pink eye. Fortunately, I never got it and I took good care of him. He, like most men, was needy...at times, it felt like he was acting as if his eyes were falling out of his head.

High...Yummy Thanksgiving dinner prepped by Mom with some help from D and I.

Low...Family weirdness at TG dinner...not sure what to make of this, but can't let the drama get to me.

High...Cyber visit with Baby E and his parents. I can't believe how big he is getting and how much he's changed since his Labor Day visit.

High...Lots of relaxation and down time...neither of felt good, but it was still nice to hang out and be a lazy bum.

Now, it's December...where did 2008 go?!? December is a big month for me...Mom, Meema and I hold our annual holiday ornament party; D's work holiday party; my birthday; our work holiday party; getting things done before Winter Break; D and I hosting Christmas Eve; Christmas Day with family friends; and finally, New Year's Eve. I'm sure more will creep into this list, but it's an exciting time of the year. Hope everyone is well...take care!