Ushering 2009 Out In Style

In baggy sweat pants drinking a glass of merlot eating a piece of pie.

Truth be told, I'll probably be asleep before 10:30. I'll need my rest for the sugar detox that's sure to follow these last couple of weeks.

What Lies Ahead

In preparing for 2010, I started reading this book. Seems my main two focuses most years are losing weight and getting rid of stuff/organizing.

Normally this time of year I am super excited by the start of a new year. All the possibilties that lie ahead. I can't wait to develop my goals, etc.

Right now all I feel is super stuffed. Probably the pizza I had for lunch. Or the 5lbs I gained this month. It's a toss up.

I am hoping to keep it simple. Maybe focus on 2 goals at a time once their mastered move on to something else. Or do I want/need to set a goal/focus in each major area of my life - health, home, family, finances, spiritual, work etc?

Do you make resolutions, set goals, etc for the new year?

Merry Christmas

May  your troubles be few and blessings be many today.

Brrr its cold

Almost 20yrs of living down South has greatly diminished my winter survival skills and my ice removal abilities.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Stuck In The Middle

I saw this at Target last night. Middle Sister Wines ($9.99) and we're all about cheap wine at The House of Fowler.

I thought it was hilarious and so wanted to by it for my sister, the middle child. But alas, encouraging my sister to drink would not be keeping with the Christmas spirit. Trust me.

Overwhelmed, Over Stressed, Over Stuffed

That's how I feel right now. I leave for Indiana on Thursday and I feel like Christmas has snuck up on me with so many last minute things to do before leaving. But I know once I hit the front door of my parents house everything will be fine. I'll feel like a 12 yr old again.

Happiness

I was given the Happy 101 award from the super cute The Wife at The Cobia Family.

The Rules:

1. List 10 things that make you happy.
   
2. Top 10 bloggers that brighten your day.
   

10 Things That Make Me Happy:

1. Traveling
   
2. Running
   
3. Watching a good movie
   
4. Hanging out with Lolly
   
5. Comments on my blog
   
6. Taking care of Mister and Lolly
   
7. Seeing God work in my life
   
8. Reading a great book
   
9. Returning home to visit my parents
   
10. Getting things monogrammed
    

10 Bloggers That Make Me Smile:

1. Jennifer at The Pink Chick
   
2. Elizabeth at The Thirty Divas
3. Sasha at Sasha Says
   
4.  Coco at Coco’s Cuckoo World
5. Cathe at Just Something I Made
   
6. Martha at Elizabeth Hill Cottage
   
7. Wendy at A Southern Accent
   
8. Kenady at being me ...
   
9. Muffy at Muffy Martini
10. Hopsy at Monograms and Manicures
    

Freak of the Week

Kate Gosselin: Kids are devastated without reality show camera crews

Of course they're sad, whose going to pay attention to them now? Kate? Probably not.

Seriously, Kate Gosselin as One of the 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009? Really?

Catholic Panic

I read this tweet a few minutes ago from @AndrewWarner

the whole office building is empty today because it's Immaculate Conception day in Buenos Aires. I might be the only one on my floor.

And panic set in and I almost broke out in a cold sweat compliments of Catholic guilt. Today's a Holy Obligation (Immaculate Conception) and I completely blanked. My excuse - I spent this past Sunday on the couch sick so I missed the heads up.

So now I am feeling guilty that all I want to do is go home and put on my pj's. I really shouldn't skip it since I already feel guilty from missing on Sunday when I felt bad. But if I am honest, I could be setting up a pattern here. I missed a Sunday mass when I was in San Fransico and injured so I haven't been able to go to communion since I conveniently keep forgetting to go to confession which makes it easier not to go mass.

Alright, it's settled I am going. I'll feel better afterwards. I am even going to try to go confession on Saturday. I am telling you so you'll hold me to it.

Win Win

Lolly left on Saturday for a week in Orlando with her Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin.

She just sent me this picture. She's having a great time. (win) and I didn't have to endure Disney. (win)

Christmas Alway Comes Early

for me and probably a lot of you. I do my best shopping for myself during the holidays. I use to feel bad about it but now realize that it's just because I am out shopping more and there are more deals. It just makes sense.
I saved a ton of money shopping at LLBean online on Cyber Monday for myself. I've picked up a few finds out at the stores while shopping for others. But my favorite find of the season, is this...

sterling silver monogrammed ring I got yesterday, thanks to a co-worker who took me along to the AmericasMart Atlanta. (sorry for the blurry picture). What I love the most about this gem is that it cost me no more than $13, that's including the engraving!!! And it was ready before we left the Mart. Love it!

Your Sister is the Creative One

that was a quote from my mother when I was younger and told her I wanted to go into design.

I like to think I did ok in the creative area anyway. I can throw a mean party. Painting, maybe not so much though.

Lolly and I are headed to Sips n Strokes tonight to paint the funky tree. I am hoping my tree turns out more funky than my funky vase. It turned out looking like " uptight women needs to relax"

It's Takes A Village

and I have at least two. A Dickens Village and then some has been handed down to me by an Aunt. On my last trip home, I was given half of what she has. I couldn't fit Lolly, myself, our luggage and all my village in the car. I had to leave some behind.  My Aunt is awaiting my return to give the other half. My mom, to have me take what was left behind.

I once worked with a guy who kept a village up year round in a room in his house. Since downsizing space is at a premium.

Anyone out there have a village? Where do you put it?

Thanksgiving Day

also known in some parts as taking one for the team.

Hope your day is filled with family, friends, and blessings.

Is Black The New Crazy

Many years ago when I worked in retail I longed for the day when I could be one of the "normal" people out shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Flash forward and I've shopped many a Black Friday.But last year I realized after getting out early, finding what I wanted, and then waiting in an ungodly long line, that it's really just not that fun.

I am amazed that Toy's R Us is opening at midnight, Old Navy at 3:00am. Crazy! Oh I just heard Old Navy is opening Thanksgiving Day from Noon-7:00. That's a new retail low, if you ask me.

So do you love or hate Black Friday?

Public Service Annoucement

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph do not, under any circumstance, run to Trader Joe's and buy the Peppermint Bark White Chocolate Bar. Whatever you do not open and taste it. Don't question. Don't argue. Just listen. You'll thank me later. Because Trader Joe's doesn't deliver and when you run out you won't be able to get your next fix quick enough. I am just sayin.

Let Me Check My Calendar

I recently ordered this calendar from Say It With Style on Etsy.

I originally saw it on Katy Shops which I try not to visit too often because I always find something I want to buy from reading her blog.

I've seen the calendar with fancier frames but I opted for a basic frame. I don't have the wall space in my kitchen, so it sits on the counter.

I also bought some chalk ink markers

I thought it would get the thumbs down from Mister due to the size but he loves it and Lolly loves the chalk markers.

The instructions say it's easy but I'll be honest. I broke out in a sweat applying the calendar to the glass. It was a bit stressful.

I've Lost My Love

Yesterday I spent hours, hours, changing my blogspot addresses to their own domains on 4 blogs. It would have gone a little faster had I realized I bought TheHouseofFolwer.com rather than TheHouseofFowler.com.

Today I realized that my list of favorite blogs is missing. I am not sure how it happened but I will be working in as quickly as possible to get everyone listed again.

The Best Laid Plans

Otherwise know how my Thanksgiving has been hijacked. Last year I stayed home with just me and the Mister. Total bliss. PJs, watching movies on couch,cooking, bottle of wine. It was so wonderful I told Mister, I don't intend to go anywhere next year either. Feel free to invite your family here but I am not leaving the house. I was feeling pretty happy with myself. Certain I had set myself up for another enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Imagine my surprise Friday night when Mister mentions going to his brother's for Thanksgiving. Certain I was going to need to be rushed to the emergency room because my blood pressure was so high, I begin to ask how this went down. I learn

• that 2 weeks AGO was the first sign of trouble, but no word to me.

(2 paragraphs edited to protect the guilty and protect the peace)

I hoping for a Thanksgiving miracle. Maybe I'll be visited by 3 turkeys on Wednesday night and wake up Thursday absolutely giddy to get dressed, drive across town, and sit and make small talk.

Point To Ponder

I came across this quote today which is really pretty timely, in that I've spent the work week sure that everyone I come across has been placed here to cause me pain, irritation, or both.

“Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if he or she were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness, and understanding you can muster, and do so with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.” --Og Mandino

That's a tall order. I'd like a nice change. I could stand to go from feeling like this

to this

I may have to get that tattoed on the palm of my hand as a reminder because I am sure at the sound of a certain someone's voice I'd completely forget care, kindness, and understanding in one full swoop. Ugh, I've got work to do in the "being a better person" and "growing" departments.

The Table Has Been Cleared

I'm putting a halt to Table Topic Tuesdays. The majority of questions left are of a more racy nature. I have no problem answering the questions or with sharing too much information. But, Lolly some times reads and things are just starting to click into place for her about things of a racier nature. References on tv, in songs, etc. You get it. So to save her from overload, I'll have to think of something else to blog about on Tuesdays.

Thanks to all who played along!!! I loved learning more about you!

Manic Monday

It's Monday with a capital M.

work irritation

• christmas shopping stress
• organization and household mess

Hanging on till Tuesday.

Let The Celebration Begin

This is how I started my day. I got ready to leave for work and found thisLolly had decorated my car for my birthday. How sweet is that.

On my birthday, I want to say thanks to my mom who taught me that birthdays should always be special and celebrated. I think I've been successful in passing that lesson along.

This is how I plan end my day
It's the last Pokeno of the year and I plan to win my share of prizes and all the money and drink an adult beverage or two minus the fancy dress and tiara. Well maybe I'll break the tiara back out.

Thank You

image: from the every talented, always sharing, and very generous Cathe at Just Something I Made

Table Topic Tuesday

which chores do you enjoy and which do you despise?

I enjoy doing laundry, I despise folding and putting up clothes. Go figure.

what do you enjoy? despise?