Naughty or Nice

Most parents use Santa Clause as a threat during the holidays. We all have heard many times that Santa will not give presents to naughty kids. As a result, believing kids shape up during the end of the year. Sometimes they need a few reminders along the way, but for the most part it is all about getting rewarded. After many years of hearing these tactics, you would figure that people would automatically step in line at the end of the year. Right?

The Santa Clause threat still exists for quite a few adults in the corporate world. Some companies believe in rewarding good employees for being responsible, praiseworthy, and hardworking (possibly brown-nosing the best) with a Christmas Bonus. We are near the end of the year when they decide how large the bonuses will be, so as a logical person you would expect everyone to be on their best behavior, right? WRONG! Yesterday, there was major drama and tizzy fits in the office. Thank goodness, I am not in HR and know none of the details (grapevine gossip will probably get us all up to speed in a matter of days). My point is THIS IS NOT THE TIME to act insane!

Forget karma, doing good for the sake of being a good person, wanting to make it into heaven, etc., this time of year is all about the Christmas Bonus. So...all I am saying is watch your p's & q's and smile pretty for the camera (oh, & keep me out of it).

Tags: Christmas bonuses, naughty or nice, good behavior

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

Wonderful Weather

This weekend, we just had to take advantage of the wonderful weather (lower 80s). Can you think of a better way to enjoy it than walking to the beach? I can't. We even waded in the water, but it is getting a bit cold for the local wimps (including me). We'll leave swimming to the tourists from up north.

Not an Adult

No matter how old I get, I feel young. Of course, chronologically I am an adult and I have a lot of responsibilities, but none of the phases have made me feel so mature. There were all the obvious signs of adulthood.

It could have happened when I went away to college, or got my first credit card, or graduated from college, or got my first career job, or used only my credit to buy a car, but nope. I still felt young. How about turning 30, getting married, or having a baby? No, I am young! People my parents' age are adults. People in my age range are young. People 10 years or younger are kids.

I am beginning to wonder when the shift will take place in my mind. Will it happen when my parents are the oldest generation alive, when I become a grandmother, or when I am on my deathbed? Hard to say really.

Tags: adulthood, kids, being young

Momma Bear

Yesterday, I went to a luncheon that focused on a topic that has been on my mind a lot lately. The panel discussed the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. I believe it is vital for business and life.

Looking back on my life, I realize that I have been completely fortunate to have a family that has strong values. I guess that was deeply instilled within me because all of my friends have been amazing people too. Teenagers often experiment and try to find independence through partying, but I didn't. My group of friends in Texas was so fun and about the only "wild" thing we did was stay out late. It is not like we were the nerds of the school; two of the guys were stars of the basketball team. We were always together having fun playing volleyball, watching movies, playing video games, swimming, camping, and basically hanging out. We all just came from good families. (I should note that my dad was very anti- friend camping. He was very conservative & couldn't handle boys & girls camping together. Too much worrying on his part, because nothing EVER happened. We were all FRIENDS.) I think that is how the teenage years should be.

With Lexi in my life, I feel an overpowering need to only surround her with positive people. I want her to have the best influences, great experiences, and fun friends. I hope Steve and I can instill only wonderful values in her so that later she makes wise decisions about friends and her life.

I believe something crazy and amazing happens to parents, but especially women when they have a baby/child. Nice girls become exactly like momma bears. They are fiercely protective of their cubs and quite weary of others. We all know how momma bears react when they are trying to protect their young. It is just part of the love that comes from being a parent.

Tags: momma bear, protective, great friends

Lucky for Me

I have had so much crap on my mind lately, that posting has become rather difficult. Thank goodness the oh so kind and wonderful Princess has tagged me today. Here is a fun meme.

1. Explain what ended your last relationship.
We simply were not meant to be. After 4 years of fighting and COMPLETELY different plans for the future, we finally went our separate ways when he moved back to the Middle East.

2. When was the last time you shaved?
This morning. I am wearing a skirt today, plus I hate stubble & shave often.

3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.?
8 am means I have been at work for 15 minutes. At that time, I am still checking millions of e-mails.

4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
Wishing it was 5pm, so I could be wrapping up work & heading home.

5. Are you any good at math?
I was great until I hit calculus in college & then realized I hated it. Now, math only involves spreadsheets & I can't function without them.

6. Your prom night?
I graduated early & was gone by the time prom came around.

7. Do you have any famous ancestors?
Do you mean infamous? My mom's side dates back to the royals of England. Actually, King Henry the Eighth's Grandfather. Later on, quite a few were sent on the Mayflower because they were a pain in the butt to the royal family. One ended up being the first pilgrim executed for murder. Yeah!

8. Have you had to take a loan out for school?
I worked through school & my parents were fairly generous, but I had a few loans. Fortunately, I paid them off rather quickly. I should have kept them & paid of my credit card though...dumb.

9. Do you know the words to the song on your Myspace profile?
I am way too old for MySpace.

10. Last thing received in the mail?
For some reason the post office has yet to forward any of our mail (did the form online over a month ago), so we mainly get pizza coupons.

11. How many different beverages have you had today?
two: diet coke & water

12. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machine?
Sometimes

13. Whom did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
Hall & Oats (sounds extra kinky with 2)

14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
No. If I didn't see the beach very often, maybe I would.

15. What was the most painful dental procedure you have had?
Got my 13 year old molars removed.

16. What is out your back door?
Our back door leads to the same hallway as our front door.

17. Any plans for Friday night?
No specific plans, but we usually stick Lexi in the stroller & walk to a nearby cafe for dinner.

18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?
No, makes it look like messy dread locks.

19. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns?
Only at work & I left it for the office to share.

20. Have you ever been to a planetarium?
Twice in Houston & twice in Salt Lake City, but only for laser light shows. Seemed like there was a time when guys liked to plan that for first dates.

21. Do you re-use towels after you shower?
Yep.

22. Some things you are excited about?
Thanksgiving Baby!

23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO?
I don't eat jello.

24. Describe your keychain(s).
A pewter key chain with a moose on it that says New Hampshire. Sometimes, it gets my purse searched at airports.

25. Where do you keep your change?
In my car for parking meters.

26. What kind of winter coat do you own?
hmm..it has been so long since I have used one. When I go on trips in the winter, I usually take rain coat and warm clothes. I have a nice ski jacket somewhere in storage.

27. What was the weather like on your graduation day?
I didn't attend my high school or college graduation. For high school, I graduated the beginning of my senior year & by May, I was so over high school. I finished my last classes of college in June. By the August graduation ceremony, I was living in the Middle East.

28. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
B.S. (before Steve) I slept with it closed. He prefers open and it isn't a big deal to me.

I tag WizeUp, Anna, & anyone else interested (let me know & I'll tag you next time).

Election Day Countdown

For over a month, I have anxiously been counting down to today. My anticipation for Election Day has nothing to do with being excited to vote or in finding out which party will dominate. I am looking forward to the end of campaigning. Honestly, all the money that is thrown into ridiculous commercials, banners, flyers, etc is a complete waste. I am not trying to down play the importance of democracy, just empty campaigns.

What are they all really telling us?

After every commercial, I find myself saying so what???    Ok, every opponent sucks and this candidate will work to reduce property taxes and home owners' insurance. Blah, blah, blah every candidate says the same crap. If they are going to pay for publicity, can't they at least come up with entertaining commercials? PLEASE STOP HIRING ALL THE SAME CAMPAIGN MANAGERS!  I have a great suggestion for the candidates ~ Hire ad executives!!!


That would be the perfect solution.  Ad executives know all about being creative, skewing ideals and images to fit the masses, and entertaining the pop culture audience. Candidates that have oodles of money can hire the same executives that do the Superbowl commercials.  For less fortunate candidates, may I suggest interns? There are thousands of creative students who would jump at the chance to work on these types of projects. Florida candidates can try any of the major schools or even the Miami Ad School.

All I am saying is that for the money, candidates could do A LOT BETTER!   Either hire better people or give the money to needy people.

Tags: election day, campaign ads, ad executives

Too Much and Not Enough

Have you ever sat down to write a post for your blog and realized that you have too much swirling around in your brain to come up with an idea? That is me today. There is so much garbage to deal with and freaky bits of this and that, so I end up with nothing. Do I go on a tirade about a certain person that isn't living up to his end of the "we paid you off to get out of there bargain," or do I think about my crazy workload, or the relatively boring weekend I had while Lexi recovers from being sick, or blahblah blah? Maybe I should just day dream about what I would like or things I am looking forward to like Thanksgiving. All in all there is just too much and not enough going on in my blonde head today.

Sharing the Celebrity Sightings

Going along with yesterday's topic, I decided to mention the celebrity sightings I've had. They absolutely don't compare to Steve's football legends, but here goes. Well, the ones that come to mind this morning anyway.

First and most famous was Robert Redford. Early spring of 1995, I was hiking in the mountains (of Utah) and walked down into the middle of the Sundance Resort. I was looking around at the scenery, but was aware of a few men nearby. When I got closer to the men, I glanced up and locked eyes with Robert Redford. We both smiled and I went on my way. He was directing the guys on future construction at the resort. I must say that I was a bit surprised by how short he was and how old his skin looked. Film makers do wonders.

Second and less well known was Thomas Mikal Ford, who played Tommy Strong on Martin Lawrence's sitcom. He is the tall bald guy. This sighting was about 6 years ago. At the time, I was dating a guy who was simply addicted to that sitcom. While on a lunch break at the Dadeland Target of all places, there he was with his family (& very high maintenance wife). I wasn't expecting to see him. The cashier that ringing up my stuff looked like she belonged on the show so I told her that Tommy was standing over there. She got excited and informed me that he lives around here and comes in every once in a while. When I left, I saw a bunch of young guys run up to him for an autograph.

The third one is very bizarre. In fact, I just went to google to type in these words: female tv evangelist pink hair. I guess only one person fits that description because there she was, Jan Crouch. I saw her at Paradise Island in the Bahamas during Christmas of 2001. At that time, I was working in the Bahamas and decided to use my Christmas break to experience Junkanoo. My old connections got me a cheap rate on Paradise Island. I saw her several times in the Atlantis Resort and she was wearing her big pink wig and fake eyelashes. Other wise, I would not have recognized her one bit.

Those are the celebrity sightings that I can remember today. Odd...I know. Hope everyone enjoys the fact that it is Friday. I'm dealing with a very sick baby today, which means I have to cancel and important lunch meeting with an executive client. I also have to try to battle a crazy workload while taking her to the doc & trying to keep her happy all day. If today wasn't Friday, I'd say just shoot me now!

Tags: celebrity sightings, Robert Redford, Thomas Mikal Ford, Jan Crouch

Steve's Ideal Day of Work

Steve's company is hosting a huge training seminar at Shula's 2. During the lunch break, he decided to peek his head into the restaurant. He had no idea that he would experience a fantastic fanatic fan moment. At a table, he saw Don Shula, Dan Marino, "Mad Dog" Jim Mandich, Joe Rose, and one other old time Dolphin player that I have never heard of. Basically, yesterday was probably be best day of work he has ever had.

What I want to know is when am I going to see some completely amazing celebrity in person while working? Perhaps, I need to talk my boss into moving our office to the Beach. Plus, I can't even think of a celebrity that turns me into a crazy fan like Steve is with these guys. I guess I'd settle for the hilarious celebrities like Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, or Jackie Chan.

Happy to Be Featured

Eric from A New Eric has a weekly feature called Know Your Blogger. He sent me an e-mail a few weeks ago asking me if I would answer the questions & then I'd be featured. Fun, right? I feel honored to be selected for this week's interview. As an added note, I am working on a new blog design with an even cheesier freckle face girl cartoon. I am just having a few problems with the code, so it may take a few days to get it up and running.

Lincoln Road Halloween Extravaganza

Matching Tinker Bells

Mr. Cat Woman
Bumble Bee Family

We went to Lincoln Road last night for Halloween Festivities. The place was CRAZY packed. From 5 - 7pm, the festivities were geared toward kids. Tons of kids were everywhere running from store to store to get their precious sugar fixes. It was fun seeing all of them. From 8 - midnight, the party was centered on adults. That was the plan anyway, but people will still coming with babies and kids when we left.

Lexi and I got there at 6pm and Steve joined us at 7pm. We walked around and grabbed a quick bite at Pasha's. Mostly, we were there for people watching. Let me tell you, that there were definitely interesting characters. If I was bolder and the batteries on my camera weren't dieing, I would have better pictures for you. Plus, we left at 8:30 just as more fascinating partiers were arriving like the gay bondage couple (one with a whip & the other in chains), plenty of authentically flamboyant drag queens, a hooker rainbow bright, etc. The typical trick-or-treat crowd you see in any US neighborhood, right?