The Week in Review

Sometimes, I just have to wonder where the time goes. It's been a week since I last posted but for some reason, the days just kind of blended in to one another and I lost track. I have kept busy, and am very happy that this year I am organized, and completely ready for Christmas. The tree has been decorated for a while.

In fact, I am holding my breath because the tree is quite dry and I'm hoping that a) the needles will stick to the tree for another week, and b) the tree doesn't become kindling. I'd hate to have a forest fire in my living room. But I am happy with the tree, and have acquired a few new ornaments this year, namely red birds, and glass pine cones.

Shopping this year was not at all stressful, well, not until last Saturday anyway. We celebrated Christmas on Sunday with my mom and brother as my mom is going on a cruise over the holidays. At first I was a little miffed that she will be away, but in truth, it will make for much less running around to please everyone. And, Sunday was a complete success. In the past, for some reason, family dinners have turned sour as family dinners sometimes do. This year, there was not a single glitch, even though Greg's brother was an unexpected dinner guest. My mom seemed genuinely glad for him to be there. And, as an added surprise, Salena showed up with little Liam, who is growing like a weed. He is only 6 weeks old, but has nearly doubled his weight already! He is so adorable with his chubby cheeks!

So, Saturday was a bit of a nightmare battling the mall but in the long run, I'm happy that I ventured out and got the last of my shopping done. I woke up early that morning, threw on my track pants and a long-sleeved T, my boots, my winter parka, and headed to the mall. Now, first of all, let me tell you that we have been having unseasonally warm temperatures up here in Canada. Let me also tell you that I did not check the forecast. So there I am at the mall, dressed for a blizzard and ready for subzero temperatures, pushing my way through throngs of slow-moving people (wearing belly-tops and flip-flops.) I was sweating, my feet were boiling, I was thirsty, and I was miserable. I also definitely was not looking like super-model material, so I did hesitate before venturing into Sephora. And, I really didn't know what I was doing in there because I truly was not about to spend $40 on a lipstick for Two-Four. But, when the salesgirl gave me one of those looks, you know the one (or maybe you don't) where she v-e-r-y slowly and purposefully looks me up and down and can't hide her horror at my appearance, and I'm mortified that she noticed, but then she very sweetly(sarcastically) offered to give me a FREE makeover (like I couldn't refuse) I nearly ripped her frickin' head off! And marched right out of the store...and ran into someone I knew from work. Shit! I should have gone for the makeover. It was FREE. So, I made my way home and then yelled at Greg because I was feeling bad about myself. For the billionth time I complained to him about my weight, how nothing fit, how I looked awful. He then very tactfully reminded me how no woman really looks great in those free T-shirts that come with a case of beer and maybe I should stop wearing them. Which, of course, didn't make me feel any better. So, I got offended. But then he tried to cover his tracks by telling me he didn't mind me wearing his "skinny T's" and that clothing size was really just a matter of perspective. Uh-huh, I feel better.

So where was I? Oh ya. I'm all ready for Christmas. I have even been quite crafty, and made my very first wreath for the front door.

And, Martha gave me an idea too. This year I threaded tiny glass beads onto wire ornament hooks to snazz them up a bit. I really liked the result, the only downside was that it took a lot longer than I had anticipated. The Santa ornament is hanging from one of my little creations.

For dinner on Sunday, I also made the third cake I've ever baked in my life. Kristi, from Interrupted Wanderlust sent me a Pumpkin Pound Cake with Cinnamon Glaze last month and so I thought I would replicate it. It turned out very nice, and everyone seemed to like it. I know it wasn't very Christmassy, but I really wanted to try the recipe. Thanks Kristi!

And, lastly, while I've been busy decorating, wreath-making, ornament-hanger-making, baking, and shopping while looking like a sweat-hog, Pez was dealing with the Storm of the New Millenium in Seattle. Her power was out for 55 hours! Thankfully, she and her family survived the experience, and The Grinch turned the Christmas Lights back on.

If, for any reason, you are looking for some really, excruciatingly awful Christmas music to play over the holidays, you must Check This Out.

C'est tout.