And that is all she wrote. Lol. This is super short, but I just want to say Merry Christmas, happy holidays to you and yours.
We had our dinner and a few small gifts to open. But mainly the eve of the big day is just to enjoy the time with loved ones. To be fair, though, I did just complete the last custom gift and wrap the last few items.
I hope that after your shopping and wrapping and all of the run around, you can take a few minutes to see the magic. With your kids, your family, or your friends, there are so many things to be happy and joyful about. And for those who are struggling or missing someone, just know that I’m out here sending warm wishes and happy thoughts your way. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas day!!
So tonight is the boyfriend’s annual Christmas party with friends. Complete with White Elephant Gift Exchange. I was not prepared and was unaware that there was a gift exchange. We were able to scramble to get a little something for me to wrap and gift.
If you have never played or participated in a white elephant, it is pretty fun. Of course your audience will determine the overall vibes but pick your favorite crazies and wrap some stuff.
For this group of friends, the rule was a gift under $30. Some people play with only regifted presents. Others will do homemade gifts or choose a theme for the gifts. It’s dealers choice. Our host set the under $30 rule. These guys are very into nerdy gaming stuff which isn’t quite my jam, but man, they get excited.
Someone has to start by having their name/number be picked. The first person opens their gift for everyone to see. The second person up has a choice to steal the gift the first person opened or to choose another present to open. And so goes the game. A present can only be stolen from three people before the present is locked in. This is where the heat turns up.
There were a couple of hot items on tonight’s game. A Yoshi Egg desk light, a super Mario’s glass set, a plushy and some Dragon Ball Z Oden character that I knew nothing about. I am new to the group so navigating the stealing and understanding the awesomeness of some things wasn’t easy. They were calling each other out, working side hustles to get the items they wanted, and teasing each other about the snatch and grabs going on.
In the end there were some after game negotiations. The boyfriend got the gift he knew another guy wanted. He waited to see what would be traded. In the end, he is going home with my original present, the Yoshi light that I wanted but got stolen from me. Little does bf know but I am stealing that back when we get home.
It’s been a fun night. I’m getting to see how these guys chill and how cut throat they are in this circle lol. And I got a cute duck light, yes duck light. We are wrapping up the night with another game where you answer the question or you take a dab of hot sauce. I dont recommend it for the weak of heart but I do recommend the white elephant. Set your own rules and see what your friends bring to the table. 🙂
I know it’s a bit late at night but I didn’t want to miss another day. So, it’s a t-minus 55 minutes to get this posted. Lol. Anyways this week and really, this time of year is just so jam-packed full of food. Every activity has food, people bring you gifts of food, there are holiday foods. It is literally everywhere right now and I am sure I am not the only one who has partakes in five too many cookies. But I digress.
Today, we started off with one of our sales reps supplying the store with Cracker Barrel breakfast. It was my idea to do breakfast because the last two days lunch was provided by different reps. Pancakes, bacon, hash browns, and their cinnamon roll pie. Everyone was stuffed and had no complaints. I was full right up til I left work to go to plan Christmas breakfast with my boyfriends mom. And that is how we got to comfort food.
I told the boyfriend I would be at his house and I asked him if he wanted dinner. Usually I give choices but this time he had one for me and one I would really like to make. Beef stew. Of course, him being the goof that he is, he sent me a Dungeon & Dragons recipe. Link attached 😉
Now I didn’t follow it exactly since I didn’t have any Dijon or rosemary. I added some Italian seasoning and some basil. I turned my cooker on with the veggies and some beef broth while I browned the meat in the skillet. Combined it all in the cooker and let it cook down for an hour and a half.
While I was waiting for the boyfriend to change and shower from work, I also made up some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Some with walnuts, some without, since not everyone likes or can have them. When he finally came downstairs, I had a hot bowl of stew, some sourdough slices and a fresh baked cookie. Come to find out at dinner, he was having a rough day, and the stew sounded like a good option 🙂
He isn’t one for many words but that bowl was gone and on to another one real quick. He said he was satisfied, and it was awesome. I liked it too. I’m not gonna lie best I’ve had in a while. But I’ll take comfort food for the win! What’s your dish? What sounds good when your day is off this time? Share some recipes 🙂
Guys, I don’t know about you, but the time seems to be going in warp speed to the big day. Not so much for work, that is dragging, but the after hours and all the activities. So many things to get done like shopping, wrapping, baking and all on top of the normal things like dinner, dishes and laundry. The laundry mountain seems to triple in size too. I really don’t know if I will get to check the list twice lol
Yesterday, i wasn’t able to get words to paper or in this case, words to screen. I wanted to have a quick break between our activities, but they spread out longer than planned, and I needed some rest after the long day. I went from work to meet up with my family
In my family, as we count down to Christmas, we try to squeeze in some traditions. Probably not too far off from many of yours. We bake cookies, watch The Santa Clause, and have a shopping trip or two. But the real fun part is going for a family outing. In the past we have gone to play in the snow, take a holiday train, see a movie together etc. This time we took a drive.
My sister, brother in law and my nephew met up with me for the last few items we needed to get to complete the Christmas shop. And then we followed that up with some Mexican food. But the main event we went back to Mom and Dad’s house and the six of us piled in their car, in our matching pjs to go see the glistening lights of Cowabunga Bay. It is normally a water park, but at Christmas, they turn the parking lot into a drive-thru light show.
My nephew rotated between me and his mom’s lap as we drove through the singing animated light bulbs, saw Santa’s reindeer, and right thru polar bear lane. He loved the lit tunnels and told us everything he saw. Something super magical for kid. We had fun rocking out to the station in tune to the lights. Even Dad was bouncing around.
There are only 4 more sleeps til Christmas as some will say. I have a shop night, a cook night, a Christmas party and family Christmas Eve. My countdown includes our church’s Christmas service, family dinner and a present on Christmas Eve. And hopefully, a kiss under the mistletoe with my boyfriend. As it keeps coming up, I hope you enjoy your list, your traditions and maybe a few special family outings. Go see some lights!
Nowadays, it seems like time just flies by. Whether it’s looking back on the year 2022 and thinking it just started yesterday or rounding a 3 year work anniversary at a temporary job. For another friend of mine having a baby who is already 7 months old, or my cousin who just posted 6 months married. The thing is we blink and things change, people come and go in our lives, memories are made. When you look back, it’s the relationships that matter.
The title of the post is Quality Time. It’s a pretty simple concept, but as I was thinking about this weekend, I was thinking about the things/people who matter to me. For whatever reason, the last 3 days have moved at a steady relaxing pace. And I had plenty packed into them. The thing is, none of what I did was anything special, but because I enjoyed the company of others, I give the overall weekend a 5 star 🌟. Let me explain.
Everyone has a love language. There are 5 of them: words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, physical touch and receiving gifts. There are questioned tests that you can take to determine yours. It’s interesting to learn because not only does it help with a partner, but you can even see it on your daily relationships. You may have guessed it by now, but mine is Quality Time followed closely by touch.
You see, I would rather spend a night with family driving around town looking at Christmas lights than spend money on an expensive night out. I would rather end up at two different Costcos on a sunday, trying to find a specific printer with the boyfriend than going out to a show or a football game. I don’t consider it a trade off but a choice well made. I surround myself with friends and family as much as I can, even if it is to do something so simple because the time is important to me.
In another post, I mentioned what I had planned this weekend. A holiday party, date night with the boyfriend, shopping and other things. I feel special when friends think of me and invite me to hang out. I feel right at home running errands and sharing dinner with my guy. Simple things I wouldn’t trade. But your language is different from mine. Maybe you want someone to tell you that you’ve been doing a great job, or maybe you just need that hug from someone after a long day. Your love language is personal and specific to you. I challenge you to take the test, find out which you are and use that this holiday to give you the feels. What better time of year to spread a little love?
I bet that wasn’t quite where you thought this post was going. Keep in mind with me you never can tell where we will end up. But here’s a little spoiler for tomorrow. I am goi.g to give you guys my take on Avatar. We will call it Movie Review Monday. Avatar was already on the list but what movies would you like me to review? Hit me with some in the comments 🙂
Good morning. Where I am it is 6:44 am, the house is quiet and the sun technically hasn’t risen yet. The picture above is the one in my head of what cold winter mornings should look like. While I am feeling warm and cozy, I have been wide awake in my bed since 5:15. Amazing how on the days I have to get up for work I can’t get up and on the days I want to sleep I’m bright eyed and bushy tailed. Cruel irony if you ask me, but here I am.
I’m awake but I am still a bit foggy, trying to organize my thoughts. I’m not a coffee drinker so it takes a little bit of time. There are a variety of studies on the benefits of early risers from health benefits to being more successful and happy in life. And though I dont always get a chance, or really make it a priority, I can see the benefit.
Right now I am taking a few extra minutes to plan out my day. I’m not being rushed out of bed by an alarm just to hop in the shower and go go go. I am setting my intentions like so many authors/speakers say and ill even add in a few minutes of meditating. Meditating is a practice truly because you have to bring back your thoughts to breathing, to calm and not let them slip into chores, tasks, work, drama etc. Reflecting or meditating is best for me at sunrise or sunset, sunset more common lol. Watching the glow and feeling the warmth and light enriches the soul.
Not needing to be anywhere til 9, I have a whole extra hour to do another lesson in an investment course I am enrolled in. Early risers can take that extra hour and better themselves. It could be any number of things from hitting the gym to self improvement reading, checking the stocks, studying etc. I have a few things I am working on. I am taking an investment class because right now the economy and our financial future isn’t looking bright. I am still reading The Magic of Thinking Big and it is giving me inspiration for where I want to be and new things I want to achieve. This time of year I am trying to focus on being thankful for the things I have. And, oh yeah, trying to make sure I keep this blog up 🙂
My flaws at this moment do include my lack of early morning work outs. So many advantages for getting up and hitting the gym or the treadmill first thing. You get that endorphin buzz after a work out that keeps you moving and feeling good for hours after. since you are awake longer you will also burn more calories throughout the day. And sometimes its really tough, when you just aren’t feeling up to it, to jut get it over and move on with your day. It’s good for your mood, your, heart and blood flow, your overall health. I struggle with work out consistency because I am at work by 6 everyday and to get up at 4 to work out is extremely hard for me. But then again trying to pump myself up for a work it after a long day when I am ready for relaxing and dinner, doesn’t always work either. So I add in Saturday workouts at 9, which is where I have to be.
Clearly I haven’t gotten it all figured out. Habits, routines, better sleeping are all things that could help put me on my early risers plan to success. But I am a real person and I have real struggles. And you know what? It’s ok. I am lucky that I have been given this day to get up with the sun and try again today to make things happen. Everyday is an opportunity whether you get up at 5 am or 2 pm. Always strive to be a better you. I promise to do that and tell you about all the bumps along the way. 🙂
I’m not going to miss a day but this is super short. I’m at a holiday party and it’s one of the busiest shopping weekends left of the year. But I was scrolling and saw this. To all of those who can only do the basic, or the little stuff. Let me remind me you it is enough!! Never feel bad or embarrassed to give your best no matter how small.
This makes my 10th post in a row. And today I have nothing but crickets bouncing around in my brain. The middle of the week is usually pretty quiet for me. I might Uber for a few hours after work or go cook dinner for the bf. I like to try to relax and read or watch some tv. But this weekend is where the fun begins.
Holiday parties have begun. I’m only going to go to two this season. A coworker has a PJ holiday party at Home Plate Bar & Grill tomorrow night. The second one is my boyfriend’s annual friend Christmas party. I was going to go for a look a bit more sexy Santa but I decided to go for cute and comfy. I bought theses on amazon of course. I showed my sister and now her and my brother in law are getting matching pjs too. One big snuggly family.
Ill get some slippers or UGG boots out, add some pigtails and some Christmasy make up and head out. Hopefully a cup of cheer (Jack Daniels shot) will be waiting for me. I’m also going to go get my toes in the holiday spirit before hand, not that they will be seen but yay for me time!
Saturday night isn’t Christmas related but it is going to be date night! Weeks in the making, we have our tickets for Avatar: The Way of Water. It’s been a long time since the first one came out. I might watch the first one tonight just as a refresher for the new one. We picked the IMAX 3D showing, I always get a bit of a headache from 3D but I’m still excited. Not to mention I am hoping for either Master Kims which is Korean BBQ or Ramen for dinner before. I’m cravin’ Asian lol
Sunday I am squeezing in some more family time to watch football and go Christmas shopping. Both of which I am looking forward to but I doubt you want all the details for that. I am hoping in my activities tomorrow Ill come up with some food fr though or something interesting to share. But for now I hope that as this slow week has finally gotten to Friday, you have some exciting things planned. And if not who knows what serendipitous activities are headed your way! Ill have a shot for you at the bar to kick things off!
No we did not go see him today but I think I might make a trip to go see him this weekend at Bass Pro Shoppes. The thing is I dont have any kids. And it might not be age appropriate for me to sit on Santa’s lap. But going on an outing to meet good ole St Nick did cross my mind today.
You see a friend of mine and I chat during work using Marco Polo. It’s an app that basically lets you send video messages. So she sends me a video that I can respond to when I have a chance. It’s basically video voicemail. Anyway, she lives inn Colorado and its our way to keep in touch about what our weeks hold. She was telling me that yesterday she took her 6 month old to see Santa. He wasn’t very impressed or amused, just kind of sat there like “now what?’. The way she explained it made me giggle.
I was thinking about kids and my mind wandered to my Boyfriend and my dog Kona. Lots of time to figure out kids for the future but right now Kona is my baby. She’s a spoiled brat of a dog, even more so now that the boyfriend and his mom are sneaking her extra treats. Boyfriend thinks he can train her not to be so barky. Lets just say its a work in progress. We are taking her out more and socializing her more so maybe in time she will be good. A good girl so we can get dressed up in our Christmas jammies and go see Santa. This is her in one of her Christmas sweaters. isn’t she cute?
I’m sure I am not the only one to take their pet to see Santa. So anyone have suggestions or tips to make it a fun, easy, happy dog process? Anyone have an fun pictures they would like to share? I am going to see if boyfriend wants to have a Santa date. Ill post if we get Kona with the big man. Could be a great photo op 🙂
WARNING! Santa pun coming. I’m writing this post about tonight’s Christmas activities and ill just finish it in the “nick” of time. I know, bad right? Lol. Moving on. Tonight I went over to my moms house for a bit of Christmas fun. I initiated it of course, mainly because I thought the 12 days of Christmas was a countdown to Christmas Day. Nope. If you are surprised too I’ll fill you in before we get to the fun.
I wanted to post a picture of a 12 day calendar, and I was doing my fact check that it starts today the 13th but in fact the 12 days of Christmas starts Christmas Day. Straight from Google “ The 12 days of Christmas is the period in Christian theology that marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 6 (the Epiphany, sometimes also called Three Kings’ Day.” Growing up in a Christian home I feel kind f silly not knowing this. Anyway there is your fun fact for today.
This Auntie can’t miss out on an opportunity to make cookies and memories. Or maybe I just like to make messes, who knows? I stopped by Smith’s after work and grabbed two packages of pre made sugar cookie dough. I was planning to make homemade last night but as I mentioned I wasn’t feeling well. I took that, my Christmas cutters and sprinkles for decoration to moms house. My nephew is 5 and can’t focus too long on a “project” so skipping straight to roll and cut was a much better idea.
That kid got flour everywhere. So much that he kept saying he was itchy. But he sat there with me and rolled the dough out all by himself. I helped a bit with the stamped cookies. Getting them from the cutting board to the baking sheet in one piece was tricking since he made them really thin or really thick. We wont be selling them at any bake sale but we had fun sneaking bites of dough while grandma wasn’t looking. Grandma even helped.
Getting to the frosting/sprinkles will have to be a task for me later. As a whole, just getting them all cooked was a tremendous feat with a 5 year old. He had no trouble though getting popcorn and candy with all of us to sit and watch a Christmas movie. Dad made us stove top popcorn, he has to have a snack if he has to watch these movies “again”.
First we watched Santa Clause is coming to Town! Classic claymation, good old Christmas.My nephew like me loved Topper the Penguin. Definitely add it to your list if you haven’t seen it. We followed it up with Tim Allen’s The Santa Clause, which I am sure everyone has seen. I am still waiting to find out how to prevent Santa from falling off a roof. If you know you know. Lol
I am just about ready for bed. One day down of my 12 days. What will I be up to next you ask? Time will tell but I can say I do not have Christmas activities planned for the next 12. I have a party here and there but not cookies or movies every night til the big day. One night with family a week for fun is working for me right now. Cut out some time and some cookies with yours, it will be a blast!
The Distracted Damsel 