Christmas Cards & Blogging

December is quickly approaching and I am busy designing Christmas blog templates and working on Christmas cards. With a hectic life and blogging, I have decided to take it easy on the Christmas cards this year. I am still sending out cards, but have ditched the personal message. I think the personal message is a nice touch. Perhaps, I should do a Family Christmas letter, but time is ticking and I want them done already.

It is strange how blogging has changed my life. Christmas cards used to be a big deal to me. I used to spend time making them, printing out matching envelopes, doing personalized letters, and all that. That changed when I started blogging. Last year and this year, I bought cards with a slot for photos. I slip in the photo, print out the envelopes & mail them out. I did take the time last year to write personalized messages. This year, it is just "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year" or something similar. I think by sharing so much of my life on the internet, I am not that inclined to do a letter. On the other hand, I also design & mail out 500 cards for work. That could be a major damper on the Christmas card fun.

Tags: Christmas Cards, Blogging at Christmas

More Flights and Family Time

As we were walking through the door carrying suit cases and Lexi on Sunday, my phone rang. On the caller ID, I could see that it was my mom. She asked how our Thanksgiving trip went and then proceeded to tell me that all of my siblings and their entourages will be visiting her in San Diego for Christmas. That made me a little sad that we wouldn't be going. Then, she stabbed the sad dagger in my chest. She offered to buy our plane tickets. She already checked the flights and we could go Wednesday to Wednesday. Unfortunately, this isn't a matter of paying for the tickets.

We have 2 issues keeping us from going. One (main reason): we both have negative hours of vacation and sick time. This has never happened to me before. I usually get money back at the end of the year for not taking all of my time. This year, however, we had to take many days off for Steve's mom (death bed, funeral, and burial). Given the fact that we can't take time off, flights to California are just too long to only spend a short time there. Two: Steve's dad should NOT be left home alone for his first Christmas without his wife. This isn't such a big deal, because my mom said he could come along. I am guessing he would also have problem getting the time off because of issue #1. Of course, those days off were put to good use, but now I want extra days. We deserve that right? When you have a difficult year because of parents dieing, companies should double the amount of time off they give you. Just a thought. My company would probably let me, but Steve hasn't even been at his job for a year yet.

It looks like we'll be stuck in Miami knowing that we are missing out on an amazing Christmas.

Tags: Christmas Trips, Family Time, Vacation

Amazing Thanksgiving

We had an amazing Thanksgiving thanks to everyone in the photo above. Everything seemed to flow so smoothly from the flights (Lexi took long naps both there & back) to the details like feeding the army of relatives. Even shopping on Black Friday was fun (people were much more courteous there than on any regular shopping day in Miami). We had such a wonderful time that we didn't want to come back.

This trip has made me realize just how thankful I am for blogging. I had only met Steve's cousins (Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Emily) and their families once (several years ago) at a family reunion. We have been reading each others blogs for about two years though. By getting to know each other that way, there wasn't any awkwardness. It was like being with long time friends.

I experienced a similar thing when Shokufeh came to meet us. Reading about each other and seeing pictures has made me feel like we really knew each other and meeting was just a formality. Actually, she is even friendlier and cuter in person if that sounds possible.

There are many things I am thankful for this year, but this trip has made me fully realize that being addicted to blogging is actually a great thing.

Tags: Thanksgiving Trip, Blogging Addict, Meeting Bloggers, Family Reunions

Weird Things Tag

I've been tagged by Dayngr Girl and here are the rules:

Each player of this game starts with the "6 weird things about you." People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

Here's my 6 weird things:
1. My tongue is long enough that it can touch the tip of my nose.
2. I never fail to lose my grocery list between the car and the front of the store.
3. I was a complete movie buff until 1997. I seem to get more out of touch each year, but I still LOVE movies.
4. I always have a headache. When I was 7, I was amazed to find out that most people don't. I have learned to ignore the pain for the most part.
5. When I was pregnant, I dialated to 5 cm without feeling one contraction.
6. I simply can't remember embarrassing moments. I am not sure whether I laugh them off too fast or use mental blocks.

Here's who I'm tagging: WizeUp, 30 & Flirty, Christy, Reformatting My Brain, Pegs, and Rachel.

Memories of Last Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time when you look back over the last year and fondly remember all the things you are thankful for. Steve and I have been discussing this subject quite a lot lately. Perhaps it is because last year, we took our Thanksgiving trip to Houston to see my father on his death bed. I don't think of last year as a horribly depressing Thanksgiving. We enjoyed being around my family and there was (as usual) lots of laughter. Of course, it was a bitter sweet Thanksgiving and will probably be one of the most memorable holidays I will ever have. This year, we are thankful for new babies, healthy family and loved ones, happy memories, our plans for a fun Thanksgiving, and our recently acquired guardian angles.

Tags: Thanksgiving memories, last year, being thankful

Vacation Mode

With our trip quickly approaching and hearing that others have already started the fun, my mind is slipping away into vacation mode. I am so excited about the trip that I can hardly let 2 little downers keep me from looking forward to it. The first (and most serious) is the descent into Dulles. With a baby that just started taking antibiotics yesterday for an earache, this could be a near hellish experience. I have Tylenol and will definitely have the pacifier ready, but I'm praying that she will not end up with a popped eardrum. This is one of those times when you just don't know how it will go. Perhaps, everything will kick in and the landing will be uneventful (crossing fingers). On the other hand, 15 minutes of screeching out in pain and terror would be hell and make us hated on the plane. Last night, we warned her Granddad that he might want to sit far away from us. One great thing about Southwest is that he has that option.

The other downer has to do with my lack of preparation. Remember last week when I mentioned the lists? Well, some of them were created. All those ones pertaining to Lexi were created. This morning with the temperature dip (into the 50s), I went into my closet to get dressed. I couldn't find my cute little gloves (only mega warm ones for skiing). I also realized that I am terribly lacking in realistic cold weather shoes. I have a few pairs of tennis shoes and a pair of cutesy boots, but no real shoes. All I have are slip-ons, sandals, and flops. It looks like I'll be wearing tennis shoes or slip-ons quite often. Oh well...the trip is still going to be AMAZING!

Tags: ear aches, planes, lack of winter shoes

Thanksgiving Recipes

I am dealing with a sick baby again. I tried to get an appointment with the doctor, but he wants me to take her to the Emergency Room. He always overreacts. I guess it is better for him to be too cautious, but it makes life more difficult sometimes. I'm just going to take her to Urgent Care this evening. I also think I need to contact an Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialist, because she is having too many problems.

Anyway because of all this and the fact that I still have work deadlines, I'm going to make this easy today. Here are my Thanksgiving recipes that seem to be most popular (people are always asking me for them/to bring them). The best thing is that they are very easy.

Tags: Thanksgiving Recipes, Rolls, Green Bean Casserole

TGIF

I am glad it is Friday even though this weekend will be all about preparing for next week. Besides our trip, I have two pot luck work luncheons to cook for and Lexi's daycare party. Every year, my office designates me to bring a green bean casserole and homemade rolls. That luncheon will be on Monday. A project office is having a pot luck on Tuesday. Fortunately, I'll just be making just the green bean casserole for that one. Lexi's daycare party is Wednesday. Knowing that I will be want something easy by then, I was smart enough to sign up to provide the paper products. I am sure the kids in her class don't really enjoy the Thanksgiving party like the older ones do.

So, it looks like while Steve is at work tomorrow, I'll be doing laundry, running errands, grocery shopping, and basically cramming in the fun. Sunday will be a designated mostly for fun/rest for Steve. He spoiled me several times this week by getting off on time to do the grocery shopping, cleaning, and cooking. I am came home to a nice surprise Tuesday & Thursday. What a sweetie, right? On top of all the hours he puts in at work, I know he is getting worn out. Anyway....BIG TGIF to everyone!

Wickedly Hot

One of my favorite things to do when chilly weather sets in is to grab a cup of hot chocolate from Starbucks and walk around. As you can imagine, my standards for chilly have had to change drastically since I moved to Miami or I would never get to enjoy this wintertime ritual. For the past few years, I have been dragging my husband to the Falls (an open courtyard mall). We hit Starbucks and walk around. This year, I am especially excited about this ritual because there are 2 great locations on the beach for it. First (and the closest) is Ocean Drive. There are even Starbucks near both ends of the street. This place is perfect for the ritual. Besides the ocean breezes, there are few places in the US where people watching is better. The second place is Lincoln Road. With all the amazing shops, this one will be great for the Christmas shopping atmosphere.

While I was in Bath & Body Works last weekend, I went to their little Christmas display and discovered their new scent that has now become my favorite. It is called Wickedly Hot Chocolate. I bought the bubble bath/body wash and the lotiony glistener. Now, every time I use it I hope that the temperature will drop to at least the low 70s. That will be my new standard of chilly, so we can experience this ritual several times this year.

Tags: Hot Chocolate, Bath & Body Works, Lincoln Road Mall, the Falls Mall, Wickedly Hot Chocolate, Starbucks

Holiday Panic Attack & Super Excitement

Someone pulled out a calendar in a meeting yesterday and started discussing timelines. At that moment, I realized that Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK. Right after the meeting, I called Steve to warn him (I usually start giving him a heads up about things way in advance). I am still in complete shock. I haven't even started thinking about packing for our trip or making my designated dishes for the company pot luck lunch. I honestly feel like it is November 1st or 2nd. Where has this month gone? You would think with the Thanksgiving themed blog, I'd be aware that the holiday was approaching, but No. I blinked my eyes and the month is half over. For heaven sakes, it is already time to put the Christmas card list together. I feel totally unprepared. Ok, not that I would have done something by now, but mentally I should be more ready.

On the other hand, I am so excited for Thanksgiving I can hardly stand it. It has always been my favorite holiday. This year will be even better. We are going to Virginia to see Steve's relatives, including The Boss, Elizabeth, and The Princess. We haven't seen them in over 2 years. Between seeing how much the kids have grown and latest additions, I know it will be amazing.

It also seems likely that we'll get to meet Shokufeh, who has a blog that I have been reading for a year and a half. I have never met someone from the blog world before. You really can develop a relationship through reading posts and seeing pictures. She is such a great person and I can't wait to meet her.

The realization that this trip (that I have been waiting for) is actually approaching must be finally sinking in, because I feel the excitement building as I type. Must go, I have lists to make...

Tags: holiday prep, trip to Virginia, cousins, family