The Last Friday Of 2006

It's Friday!!  Hurrah!! 

It seems like it's been Friday all week this week, because only a handful of people have bothered to come into work.  I like these days..  Sure, there isn't much to do, but, nothing like getting paid for doing hardly anything, right?  Why waste a vacation day?!  Clients aren't coming in, and the courts don't have many cases scheduled this week, so it's been feeling like Friday all week.. 

But of course, our lovely receptionist, Rita is not here again today.  On average she is here only 2 days a week.  She's worked here almost longer than anyone, and management will do nothing about it.  There is security in County Government jobs; a little too much sometimes.  Why won't this woman just retire, so we can just hire someone to be here every day?!  She is always calling in sick, or her elderly mother is sick, or she is falling in gopher holes--(I'm not kidding--that was a real excuse she used earlier this year.)  When she is gone, we have to cover her desk, and it's a pain in the behind.  Oh well.. 

I went to the drug store earlier this week to see if I could get a deal in Christmas cards, and wouldn't you know it, all the good stuff was GONE!  Not only the Christmas cards, but the whole Christmas theme of the store.  The snowman, and candycanes have been replaced by yoga mats, and diet supplements!  The Christmas music is not blaring out of the speakers any longer.  It has been replaced by "My Summer Love," and "Sugar Pie, Honey Bun."  As I was searching in vain for those Christmas/picture cards, there was Kadie Lane singing, "Summer Love.."   It was very surreal.  Where did the winter go? 

Yes, summer is coming.  My mother is planning her very long vacation in the Azores.  It is my hope to go there for a little while.  Not for very long, but, my mom needs me to accompany her on the plane back home.  Can't let my poor mother go alone, you see..  I'm dreading taking a vacation without my hubby man..  But, I think we'll both survive a few weeks away from eachother.  I haven't been back since 1999; it's time to go back.

New Years Resolution:  Hmm..  I haven't thought about it yet.  Will get back to ya'.

Another MeMe

Found this over at  Princess Aurora's who got it at Dan 's journal...

I might as well just do it..  Nothing better to do here at work.. (hee hee hee..) 

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?

    "I look like hell.  I want to go back to bed!"

2. How much cash do you have on you?

A dollar in change.  I'm not kidding.  

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR?

Floor!

4. Favorite planet?

Earth; it's where I live, and where I want to stay..  And then there is Pluto.  

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?

My son, wondering why I didn't pick up the call.  It's still on silent mode.     

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?

I don't really have a favorite..  I'm still trying to figure out how to get it off silent mode.     

7. What shirt are you wearing?

My red, multicolored, flowered blouse that ties up in a little bow in the front.  I'm wearing it with my red cordoroy jacket shirt, and my beige fleece vest..  It's soooo cold here...   

8. Do you label yourself?

I'm a mom.  Is that a label? 

9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing?
    Labels?  I got these shoes from Chadwicks.  They aren't fancy but they are warm and comfie. 

10. Bright or Dark Room?
    Depends where I am.  Generally I like darken rooms--everything/everybody looks better.  I went to the Apple Store not too long ago, and it was so bright, I thought I was going to go blind.   

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
    Aurora is cool; happy woman, proud wife and mom.  We could definately hang out one day. :)

12. What does your watch look like?
    I don't wear watches. 

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
    I fell asleep watching the Disney Channel in my youngest son's room.  I eventually woke up, turned off the T.V. and staggered into my bed with hubby. 

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
    I don't do text messages. Did I mention that I still have to change the silent mode on my phone?

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?

From my house, about 1/2 a mile away.  From work there is one just down the street.  I wouldn't recommend going there however.  It is the hub of criminal activity in this town.   

16. What’s a word that you say a lot?
    "Oh well.." or "Lovely"..  And then there is "Sh t". 

17. Who told you he/she loved you last?

   Husband man :)

18. Last furry thing you touched?

    The cat.

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?

None.  I've been feeling really well lately.  

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed?   

None.  I have gone digital! 

21. Favorite age you have been so far?

    33--The year I claimed my life back. 

22. Your worst enemy?

    Um..  Don't have any.

23. What is your current desktop picture? 

At work it's a picture from Quarto Ribeiras---an oceanfront scene from the island of Terceira, in the Azores.   At home, it's that island with the three palm trees.. Yes, I like islands.    

24. What was the last thing you said to someone?

     "Eat cookies!!"

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?

Hand me the money.  If I flew, they would find me on radar, and probably shoot me down.     

26. Do you like someone?
    You mean, like, like, like someone, or just like? 

27. The last song you listened to?

    I'm listening to the radio right now, "Save The Last Dance For Me" by Michael Buble. 

28. What time of day were you born?

    12:10 am, April 4th

29. What’s your favorite number?
    Four.  For some reason this number always comes up in my life in weird ways..   

30. Where did you live in 1997?

     Watsonville, California.

31. Are you jealous of anyone?
    No.

32. Is anyone jealous of you?

    I sincerely hope not!  Jealousy is hurtful--I don't want to be the subject of such bitterness. 

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened?

    In my condo, in Capitola, California--getting dressed for work.

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?

I get mad, sulk, and leave.   

35. Do you consider yourself kind?

    Yes. I'm known for it; but, sometimes I'm taken for granted because of it.

36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be?

I don't do tattoos.  But if I HAD to get one, it would be on my butt.  One big rose on each cheek, just like CHER.  Perhaps it would make my butt look smaller.

37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be?
    Portuguese.  I speak it well enough, but, it would be nice to be perfectly fluent.

38. Would you move for the person you loved?

    Yes, I did it three years ago, and I would do it again.

39. Are you touchy feely?

    Yes.

40. What’s your life motto?

Work to live, not live to work! 
   
41. Name three things that you have on you at all times?

My keys, my purse, and my phone-but I might as well not have the cell phone because I can't hear the damn thing ring.  Can SOMEONE please take the silent mode off for me?!?!!   

42. What’s your favourite town/city?

My hometown, Santa Cruz, California.  It's a weird place--I feel somewhat normal here.     

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?

    My coffee this morning. 

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?

Hmm...  I think it was to my mother-inlaw, sometime this year.   

45. Can you change the oil on a car?

     No; I wouldn't know where to start.

46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her?

    My first crush?  I heard he was a mechanic working about a mile away from my work.  I never bothered to look for him. I called him a few years ago for our high school reunion, but he was a no show. 

47. Howfar back do you know about your ancestry?

According to my mother, her great, great, great grandparents were all born in the Azores, except one great grandmother that was born in Brazil--but her parents of course were born in the Azores.  A cousin on my father's side told us that my father's relatives were once servants of the King and Queen of Portugal who were sent to the Azores to help govern the land after they were first discovered.  Oh, and we are also related to Christopher Columbus--but again, who isn't?!     

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy?

Fancy?  Hmm.. I wore a black wrap dress for Christmas.   

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now?
   
I have a corn on my second to the end toe on my left foot.  It hurts. 

50. Have you been burned by love?
    Yes, but I don't regret it.  I've learned to appreciate the love of my life so much more now.

My Mini Christmas Movie Review

How was your Christmas? 

I don't know about you, but there just isn't enough hours on Christmas Day for me.  Christmas Eve I was unable to get myself out of the door to attend my favorite midnight mass, and it just wasn't the same for me.  It was a bit upsetting, to tell you the truth.  SO, I aimed on getting the kids up and ready early Christmas morning to attend mass.  After the opening of presents, (I was truly spoiled beyond belief again this year) and the big breakfast, my husband had to take his son home, and nothing was going according to plan.  Mass was going to start in 15 minutes, and my oldest was still in the shower, and my son and myself were in pajamas.  This was not going to work; my priorities of the day were totally in the wrong places.  I should have not made the large breakfast of waffles, eggs, hash browns...bacon...  What was I thinking...  I should have just shoved the big platter of cookies in front of my family and told them to "Enjoy your breakfast!" 

So, I made a decision.  Let's go to the movies!! 

Not just any movie.  We went to see The Nativity. 

                   

Despite some of the reviews I had read, I thought the movie was BEAUTIFUL.  I loved it, and I truly recommend everyone to see this movie.  It was raw, beautifully filmed, and could have not been better casted.  The young woman playing the role of Mary touched me.  I cried.  My son made the audience know that I cried, not once, but 4 times. 

"Mom, are you crying?"

Every 15 minutes, there was Andrew looking up to see if I was in tears, and there I was wiping them away, trying to be as unnoticed as possible as I did it, hoping that I didn't have black streams of mascara all of my face.The place was packed, and by the time we got a parking space, and got into the theatre, we were in the first and 2nd rows.  Andrew sat near me, and I sat by an older gentleman and his family.  I don't think he cried, although I did notice him scratching his face a few times..may be he did too.

After the movie ended, Andrew told my daughter how much I cried during the movie, and of course they had to advertise it to the millions of people waiting for the next showing. 

"Wow, mom, a lot of people must have missed church today, huh?"

Later that night at my brother's house, I told my sister-in law, who hadsuggested to me that I should see the movie, that Icried.  She confessed to me that she did too.  I felt better after that. 

To tell you the truth, I'm kind of glad we went to the movie.  Although it didn't take the place of mass, I think my kids "listened" and paid more attention to the story of Christmas; at least that is my sincerest hope.  Christmas is a gift--a gift from inside. 

Merry Christmas--I hope the joy lasts with all of you throughout the new year!

 

Cookies, anyone?!

Christmas has come and gone, and I still have cookies.. 

Our Christmas Eve celebration began early Sunday morning.  I was busy arranging my Christmas Eve appetizer buffet.  I do it every year, and I always tend to make a lot of stuff, but I enjoy it, and I like how festive the kitchen table always looks.  We had a large veggie plate, a large fruit plate, a cheese and cracker/seafood plate, a Mexican dip/chip plate, a deli pesto plate, a turkey roll sandwich plate, (thank you Costco)and of course a whole other table in the other room of desserts that included about 8 dozen cookies, with chocolate candies...etc..  Fortunately, my youngest was being a little angel that morning, so I had no interuptions as I tried my best to decorate the plates as artiscally as I could with my fancy lettuce. 

At noon, the doorbell rang, and I was surprised to see my neighbors, Mary and Jim Stewart at my door.  (No, I don't think they are related to either Martha or Jimmy.)  Mary Stewart presented me with a ribbon wrapped, homemade loaf of bread.  I gave them both a Christmas hug, which I believe surprised Mr. Stewart a little, but, heck..it's Christmas, right?  I had to do something--I didn't have anything to give them in return.  They probably left thinking I had already spiked up the egg nog, but, again...who cares. 

My brother in law came over first with his family, who feasted upon my buffet table.  Then the phone rang, and ironically, it was my ex-husband who wanted to talk about alternative ways for me to collect my child support..  As I was talking on the phone, in comes in the rest of the crew:  My mom and my brother and his wife, her parents and their kids.  I was as pleasant as possible on the phone.  I didn't tell him what I really felt about his "situation", but reminded him that it was Christmas Eve, and that I had company, and it wasn't the best time to discuss his "situation" now. I told him we would "talk about it" at another time.. (yeah, right).  Thankfully, there was still a lot of food to go around.  Unfortunately, my daughter, and niece and nephews all were working on Christmas Eve (No day is sacred when you work in retail) and not all of my family was there, but despite the phone call, it was a nice get together just the same.

My mom and my brother and his family left a few hour later, and just after my daughter got home from work, the turkey came out of the oven.  We had my famous (the kids call it famous) pork roast with current jelly gravy, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes (with marshmallow), broccoli/cauliflower/green bean/red pepper plate, corn, green salad, and some other dishes that for the life of me, I don't remember.  Thankfully, no one left the table before having seconds, and the boys at the table were in utter silence--while eating away--(that is a good sign).  No one left the table hungry.

So out on the other table, in the dining room, near the kitchen my cookies were left waiting.  The waited there near side my cherry, pudding, whipped creme soufflé, and peppermint chocolate cake, next to the M&M's and the fancy chocolates, and gold wrapped Ferrers...  Just waiting there..  I made the coffee, and watched my brother in law and his fiancée try and eat even more food..  None of the kids were hungry, and everyone "rolled" out of my house into the Christmas Eve night.

My cookies, basically untouched..

I thought I would be able to get rid of them all Christmas morning.  After the morning rampage of present unwrapping, I got out my biggest glass platter and decorated it with as many cookies as I could get on it.  I arranged them in a decorative manner as best as I could, and I must admit to you, that I did do a pretty decent job.  When it was time to go over to my brothers for Christmas dinner, and I was sure that I would eventually be able to get rid of at least half of them.  I placed the cookies right there on their coffee table, among the OTHER plates of cookies... 

When it was time to go, I brought the platter of cookies back with me.  My platter was untouched. 

 

Today, I took the day off.  I'm going to work tomorrow however, and I intend to get rid of these cookies, even if it means bagging them all up and placing them in everyone's in basket.  Wish me luck. 

Empress Julie

Your Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:

Empress Julie the Mellifluous of Oxbridge by Camford

I got this from Duchess Cynthia... :)  Oh I feel so important now! 

To get your own Aristocratic Title, Go:  http://www.masquerademaskarts.com/memes/yourtitle.php

Christmas at the Office, Part II

Yes, this is my second entry for the day..  I am sitting here, at my desk, almost falling asleep.  The radio reception is so bad in this building, I can only get one decent English speaking radio station.  This radio station has been playing Christmas music non-stop all day long.  I cannot tell you how many versions of Jingle Bells, I’ll Be Home For Christmas, and Santa Baby I’ve heard today.  Nothing says “festive” as the Barry Manilow version of It Came Upon A Midnight Clear..  It’s right up there with the every nauseating, “It’s Cold Outside” Rod Stewart and Dolly Parton duet. 

 

Someone just brought in some more chocolate liquor.  I’ve been eyeing the Malibu Caribbean White Rum Coconut and the Stoli Rasgberi..  The little bottles are sitting atop my computer monitor.  Hopefully, Margaret-Ann won’t come in and confiscate them.  I’ve only seen her once today so far, and this is good.  It is raining outside, and yes, she is wearing open toed sandals again.  Believe me, she HAS money to buy boots. 

 

       

I am very amused by what I’m reading online lately..  The Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump saga continues.  Can you say “stupid, un-needed drama?”  Okay, sure, Trump is giving Miss America a second chance to save her crown, and yes, sure—it’s giving Trump more media attention, but leave it to Rosie to make a big deal about it.  First it was her accusations against Kelly Ripa being homophobic, announcing to the world that Clay Aiken was gay on his behalf, and now, she is talking about Trump’s moral values..  Oh brother.  Sure, Trump is a money hungry, horny man with bad hair.  He also can be very UGLY and insulting.  Nope, I don’t plan on inviting Mr. Trump anytime soon for dinner and cocktails, but I don’t plan on inviting loud mouth Rosie either.  She might find insult with how I’ve decorated my home, or how unpolitically correct I raise my children..etc..etc..  Oh brother.  These two people are far too into themselves.  They should put the both of them in a room together and see how long it takes before they kill each other, or drive eachother crazy.  Like Oscar and Felix..  Donald will be the clean freak, and Rosie can be the slob.  Great reality show, I think. 

 

 

 

Okay I just read what I wrote, and I think I’m spending way too much time in front of this computer. 

 

I’ve gotten some really nice Christmas cards this month.  Thank you Maria Carmina, Shermeen & Sister Mary Teresa for your very thoughtful and humorous cards.  Yours are my favorites!  I still haven’t received my cards from Donny & Rosie, but we shall see.. 

                                        

Christmas At The Office

Our receptionist is here today; and it’s quite a sight.  Poor Rita broke her prescription glasses yesterday.   We don’t exactly know how she broke them, but since she doesn't have a spare pair, she has been wearing her dark prescription sunglasses all morning.  She is quite a sight.  She is sitting there behind the glass, all bundled in a purple coat, scarf, black sunglasses, wearing her receptionist headset on her head.  She looks a cross between Stevie Wonder and a dark haired Madonna.  It’s kind of scary.  I’m wondering what the clients coming in are thinking.  I try not to laugh each time I pass by.  It doesn't help when Stevie Wonder is on the radio singing Jingle Bells.  I’m wondering how she is going to drive home tonight.  I mean, it’s dark by 5pm, and today is Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year.  Apparently, she is blind as a bat without glasses.  I would offer a ride, but I don’t live near her anymore.  May be another co-worker will offer her ride.  Unless Rudolph is out there to guide her, I don’t know how she is going to drive home with sunglasses on. 

 

People are slowly leaving presents on other people’s desks.  I’ve received 2 so far, and I hope not to get too many more.  I did buy some thingsfor the clerical people I work with, and I also brought my homemade banana bread just in case someone I didn't buy for happens to come by.  It’s my security stash, so I won’t be left empty handed.  I keep expecting to see Carol walk in with gifts of poinsettias like she normally does each year.  Some former employees we just can’t get rid of.  I didn't mention it in my last entry, but at the potluck, her name was brought up again because of that damn wooden salad bowl she got me.  Apparently, there have been Carol Sightings all over town—it’s a fairly small town.  She is quite the sociable one.  She was last seen at the mall having a Cinabon with her lady friends, and then again at a county board meeting that she still sits in.  I welcome her and the poinsettias.  She can ask me as many questions as she wants.  I’ll trade her a poinsettias for some banana bread. 

 

I need to rush over and get poinsettias.  I don’t necessarily need the poinsettia, but I want them for my front door.  I also need to buy a few more things downtown, and I have a grocery list that is a mile ½ long.  I will have to wait to grocery shop until tomorrow, or tonight.  I will have to stay up again tonight until at least 11pm when my daughter gets out of work.  I’m sure the grocery store can’t be too crowded after 10pm on a Thursday?!?  Oh, and when should I take my turkey out of the freezer to thaw?  I’ll need to ask mother. 

 

Which reminds me..  Do any of you know of a good stuffing recipe?  I need a “out of the bird” recipe.  If you have a tested, good one..let me know, PLEASE! 

 

 

 

Office Potluck

Well, today was the day of the office potluck that I and a few people helped organize.  All I can say is..  What a yawner..  I mean, I had the radio blasting out Christmas music, but an office potluck is not what a consider a party.  No dancing, no liquor..  Yawnsville.  I've had more excitement at a church social--I'm not kidding.  At least when I worked for the courts, we had a party after business hours, where you could actually dress up if you wanted to, complete with prepared food, drinks, and live band..  Oh well.. 

The NEW people that invaded the building is having an office party too and it just officially ended at 4pm.  Nope, I didn't go.  I doubt if anyone from this office even bothered to venture there.  A co-worker I know just found out that someone visiting that office just slammed their car door into her cute, silver BMW.  Bah humbug...  Now the new people will know that we are just as unfriendly as the mysterious IRS people. 

There is a woman that I work with that I just can't stand.  You know the type of person who needs to have the last word on everything?  They type of person who supposedly gets paid for doing a lot of high tech stuff, and likes using fancy words just to explain the most simplest process?  You know the kind a person who sends you worthless, pointless emails, with so much computer jargon, that you simply find yourself deleting automatically, because you've learned from past experience, that her emails simply don't make sense?  You know, the kind of person, that  thinks she is "entitled" to your attention at all times-no matter if you are on the phone or sitting in the bathroom stall next to hers?  The kind of person that will ask you to "fetch her a cup of coffee" and never bother to pay you for it?  The kind of person who enjoys airing her dirty laundry in the work place?  Well, this is the person that truly annoys me.  She walks in the room, and I just want to run.  Mind you; I smile as I walk out of the room and exchange pleasantries with the woman, but her arrogance just annoys me to no end.

At thelast potluck "party", people were chatting away and admiring my wooden salad bowl that I had received as a wedding present.  It was given to me by a former co-worker, who had since retired.  This former co-worker, was known by many people.  Carol was a very respected employee that worked for the department for years.  She was totally "old school", and was known to tactfully be a real snoop around the office.  She was an office gossip, who spoke her mind, and could get information out of you like a true detective.  She should have worked as a private eye.  Anyway, many people have mixed feelings about the woman, and when I announced that the salad bowl was given to me by her, the annoying lady blurts out: 

"Carol liked you?!" 

A silent hush went through the room.  I look a the annoying woman, speechless. 

"Uh..  I guess so, Margaret-Ann.." 

She later apologized for being so blunt, but it's not the first time she has said stupid, idiotic things in front of people looking for a reaction.  I don't know if Carol liked me, but at least she was one of the few people who bothered to give me a gift for my wedding.  I didn't even get a card from people I once considered close family members, so I thought that it was very nice of her to give me a gift.  Sure, Carol was a snoop, but she gave me a real nice wooden salad bowl--which apparently is admired very much.

Sure enough, I used it yet again today for the potluck, and I got more compliments on it.  I looked over to the annoying Margaret-Ann, and she apparently didn't hear them this time.  Thank God.  She was more captivated by the peanut brittle and homemade fudge. 

I've discovered more openings for more jobs, and I'm projecting that tomorrow, there will be plenty of uninterrupted time to work on my resume, and fill out more applications.  I'm terrible, I know..  But, right now work is coming in slow.  Doesn't seem like anyone across at the court house is doing any work either. 

12 Days of Christmas in Santa Cruz

I come from a very libral, polictically correct town.  (Santa Cruz, California.)  The following "song" was sent to me by a good friend.  Enjoy.. 

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS.... SANTA CRUZ STYLE...


On the 12th day of the Eurocentrically imposed midwinter
festival, my Significant Other in a consenting adult, monogamous
relationship gave to me

TWELVE males reclaiming their inner warrior through ritual
drumming,

ELEVEN pipers piping (plus the 18-member pit orchestra made up of
members in good standing of the Musicians Equity Union as called
for in their union contract even though they will not be asked to
play a note),

TEN melanin deprived testosterone-poisoned scions of the
patriarchal ruling class system leaping,

NINE persons engaged in rhythmic self-expression,

EIGHT economically disadvantaged female persons stealing
milk-products from enslaved Bovine-Americans,

SEVEN endangered swans swimming on federally protected wetlands,

SIX enslaved Fowl-Americans producing stolen non-human animal
products,

FIVE golden symbols of culturally sanctioned enforced domestic
incarceration,

(NOTE after members of the Animal Liberation Front threatened to
throw red paint at my computer, the calling birds, French hens
and partridge have been reintroduced to their native habitat. To
avoid further Animal-American enslavement, the remaining gift
package has been revised.)

FOUR hours of recorded whale songs

THREE deconstructionist poets

TWO Sierra Club calendars printed on recycled processed tree
carcasses and...

ONE Spotted Owl activist chained to an old-growth pear tree.

Merry Christmas  Happy Chanukah. Good Kwanzaa Oh, heck! Happy
Holiday!!!!


*Unless, of course, you are suffering from Seasonally Affected
Disorder (SAD). If this be the case, please substitute this
gratuitous call for celebration with a suggestion that your have
a thoroughly adequate day.

 

           

Ho Ho Ho...!!  Little boys and girls!  Only five more days until Christmas!! 

ARE YOU READY?

I am so sick of the mall.  If I go inside another mall this year, I will vomit!  Besides being there shopping for what seems to be eternity, I have been picking up my daughter from the mall where she works every night.  She has been working very long hours, and sometimes not getting out until after midnight.  I usually go to bed by 10pm, so naturally, lately, I've been feeling a little tired. 

We went to Walmart on Saturday..  It was crowded to say the least.  No deli at this WM Lisa, but it would have been nice to have seen you there.  I kept on looking for you just the same---is that strange or what?  Yes, it is.  The Walmart is a little farther away from my home, and I don't go there unless it's around Christmas.  The prices were very reasonable, and shampoo and hair products are very cheap--but it was so busy, I didn't dare go beyond near the toy aisles with the baby stroller in tow.  I only got "hit" once in the ankles by a shopping cart this time, but didn't want to press my luck. 

I think I'm finally DONE buying presents.  We just mailed off two more packages yesterday, and now all I have to buy is food for Christmas Eve and dinner..  I've made my lists--checked them twice, and finally got a menu ready with ingredients I need to buy.  Yesterday, with the help of my youngest, critter, Nicholas, I made 4 dozen cookies, and banana bread.  I wrapped them up and put them in freezer bags, but I'm afraid to but them in the freezer.  They are sitting in the cupboard, and later I will put them in the fridge. 

Something funny happened yesterday.  Nicholas was upstairs being awfully quiet, so I decided to come upstairs to check on the little mischief maker.  I found him sitting on my bed, talking quietly to himself.  I quietly went up closer to listen to what he was saying, and discovered he had what must have been a half a dozen of packaged tampons with him.  He was pretending the tampons were people, and they he engaging all the tampons in conversation.   

"Lizzy!  Nicholas is playing with some of your very personal things!"  I exclaimed.  Her boyfriend was over, and I didn't want to embarrass her. 

"Is he playing with my tampons again?!"  shouted Lizzy from downstairs.

Oh well; forget about being discreet. 

Apparently, unknown to me, this isn't the first time Nicholas has found her personal hygiene stash.  Her boyfriend later confided in me that Nick had even stuck in a few tampons in his backpack, which were discovered in a very embarrassing moment in his sixth period class.  

                               

Today is the day where the department gets together for the annual Employee Recognition Meeting.  "Everyone" has gathered together for this event, everyone, except myself, and the rest of the clerical staff from this office.  It's not like we weren't invited--because we were, and we are probably "expected" to be there,  it's just... We don't want to be there..  :)  The meeting is from noon to 2pm, so this means, that we in clerical have 2 hours of uninteruppted time without dealing with the public or fellow co-workers--it's a gift in itself. 

I mean, the people I work with, for the most part, are nice people and easy to work with, but, I think it's nice to have a "break" from one another sometimes.  We clerical staff are always there for them, and they do appreciate what we do for them, but we are also the ones that give them their work.  I'm sure, underneath those smiles of gratitude they are secretly telling themselves,

 "Damn, clerical!  They just left another stack of new clients on my desk..." 

I'm feeling a little naughty not being there..  But I have my reasons:

Reason #1:

If I did go, I would have to use vacation time because I use my lunch break to pick up my son from school, and he doesn't leave until 2:15 pm. 

Reason #2: 

They are serving Chinese food.  Chinese food always makes me sick.

Reason #3:

I didn't nominate anyone for employee recognition, and the only people that tend to turn in those sheets to nominate anyone are the loud, and self-serving ones..  It's about office politics, and I'm not interested in any of that.  I'm clerical, and I have no desire to become Chief of Probation one day...none whatsoever. 

Reason #4: 

It involves driving into another town.  I drive too much already...  No thanks. 

Reason #5:

I have to leave early today because I have a test to take for another job for another county.  :)  (This is a secret of course--may be that is why I feel a little guilty.) 

So, the four of us clerical women are alone in the building.  This could be dangerous.  Clerical women gone wild--coming to a video store near you!  Watch the girls go crazy in the file room!  Whohoo!!  We don't have to open the doors to the public until 2:30 pm.  This calls for a late Mexican lunch and strawberry margaritas!!   

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

A few weeks ago, I was decorating the tree, with help of my youngest son, Nicholas, who is just about grasped the idea of Christmas.  Excitedly, Nicholas went on and on exclaiming,  "How happy Santa is going to be to see all this!"  It really is a joy to see little ones excited about Christmas.  You tend to take it for granted until you have older children who no longer believe.  I remember finding my mom's Santa's Christmas present stash tucked away in the closet under the stairs.  There it was, that Holly Hobbie doll, and that inflatable Barbie furniture I had circled in the Sears Christmas catalogue.  I was bummed.  Reality struck, and I closed the door of the closet very disappointed.  Santa Claus was not a jolly, white bearded man who rode a sleigh to my house every Christmas, but rather, it was my mom and dad who drove the green Nova Chevy.  What a let down!    Earlier last week, me and my son Andrew stopped at the Taco Bell after school.  "It kind of sucks that there isn't a Santa Claus, mom.."  I looked at him disapprovingly (I hate it when kids use the word "suck"), and told him that there was a Santa Claus, and reminded him of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint and protector of children. "But St. Nick is dead!" "The Christmas spirit never dies!"  I reminded him. I wish I could express the words written in the following letter. It just says it all, and I get teary eyed reading it.  Enjoy!  Article found @ http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/stories/yes.html Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus A famous letter from Virgina O'Hanlon to the editorial of The New York Sun, first printed in 1897. We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: Dear Editor I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so." Please tell me the truth, isthere a Santa Claus? Virginia O'Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not thestrongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

                                     

Tuesday

It's Tuesday, and it's raining, and cold out there.  I just ate a small tangerine, to satisfy my hunger--I really don't want to go outside in the rain until I pick up my son from school.  Not only is it miserable outside, but since the "NEW PEOPLE" have invaded the building, parking is just awful.  Not only do we have the average population of drug induced criminals, sex offenders, and domestic violence abusers coming in and out of the building, NOW we have more than average population of mental health people.  The new tenants belong to a mental health agency.  Since the move, my car and the cars of many others have been side swiped and dented.  If you aren't here early enough in the morning, you may have to park on the city street.  The manager of the building really is clueless.  I will say however, that he did replace the ripped wallpaper that was previously mended with staples.  The building looks a little less ghetto as of lately, but for the most part, because of the old pipes in the aging bathrooms, it smells of wet dog. 

The new tenants include a doctor and a band of counselors.  God knows why a doctor would even consider renting from this building!  It must be because of the location.  It's right across the street from the court house, near the bail bondsmen, and the county jail.  Location, location, location!!  They have spruced up their office quite a bit with new light blue carpet, and fresh white paint, and it is now all adorned in Christmas decoration, with a beautiful lighted tree in their lobby.  They posted up flyers to every other office's door, and have invited us all to their Christmas shindig for next week.  There are sure to be some really good appetizers, and I may just have to go.  Going to this "open house" may involve some small talk with the strange people that work for the IRS.  They work behind closed, unmarked doors, and they are just plain, bland creepy people who have no personality.  Most of them won't even look you in the eye when you say hello to them.  It shall be interesting..  I plan to go.  May be I'll get some appetizer ideas to serve at my Christmas Eve dinner. 

As for our office, we have hardly any decorations, unless you count the 2 foot Charlie Brown tree we have adorned with decorations from 1962.  I'm not kidding.  At least Bonnie put out an effort to decorate.  We may have a pot luck later this month, but nobody has posted anything in regards to that yet.  There is an employee recognition "meeting" for next week I believe, but I don't think I'll be in attendance to that.  I take my lunch hour later in the day, and going to it, I would have to use vacation time.  No can do!  Sorry, but that is not worth a cold slice of pizza and a coke to me...

My "mission" for this week is to be able to stay at home this weekend, do absolutely NO shopping at the mall, and make cookies.  Cookies, cookies, cookies..  Sugar cookies galore..  That is my mission.  Wish me luck.  (I'll need it.) 

 

My Exhausting Weekend..

                         

The shopping frenzy started late Friday evening, on a very rainy day.  I don't know what was more irritating, the rain, or maneuvering a baby stroller around in the store.

STORES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON ARE NOT BABY FRIENDLY!!!

I'm sorry the stroller just knocked down another row of t-shirts and sweaters from the overcrowded isles, but, there is NO ROOM!  How do stores expect people to shop around these overcrowded stores with strollers, or wheelchairs, or larger people?  Doesn't anyone out there in retail realize how aggravating this is?!  After I made my sweep through Mervyns on Friday, I'm afraid I left a mess.  I used to work in retail during the holiday season, and I know what a pain it is to fold, and refold items that people drop on the floor.  I felt awful.  I picked up as much as I could. 

Saturday was much better; the stroller was left at home with toddler in the care of Daddy. 

I don't know if anyone of you is familiar with the store Hollister.  It's a popular unisex clothing store for young people, with very scantly dressed, shirt less male mannequins that wear jeans belong the pelvis line.  I cannot tell you how much I hate this store.  Not only is lighting purposively dark, the clothes on the most part, overpriced, and you may need a flashlight to actually see what you are buying.  I do not recommend this store if you have strong prescription glasses.  If you are familiar to this store you know what I mean, but there is even a more important reason why I can't stand this store---it's discriminatory to people in wheel chairs and strollers.  From the outside of the store, it looks like a beach bungalow with cute little chairs on the porch near the half nude male mannequins, so you have to walk up a few steps, and then walk down steps to get into the store of darkness.  Sure, there are other doors on the side, but they are latched up.  My mother tried to go through them, and couldn't, and almost went through a door.  Not good. 

Keeping up with mother can be hard.  It was another rainy day, and my joints were really bothering me; especially my hip.  When I was a small child, I twisted my leg while in Portugal---and whenever it rains, this particular hip tends to feel very sore.  (It's a long story, but I think it has to do with that "doctor" who twisted my leg back into "place" in the back of the taxi.)  We left at 10:30 and returned home at 5:45 with a trunk full of bags of merchandise and boxes.  I was tired and sore. 

I was so sore, that I had to wake up in the middle of the night to rub some Ben Gay on me.  The sheets still smell like Ben Gay--that unmistakable eucalyptus scent that screams "a old woman sleeps here".  The granny flannel pajamas didn't help either.  Even hubby took notice..  Sorry, but it was freezing, and as long as I felt old, might as well play the part to the hilt. 

Sunday I felt better, but I felt like a zombie.  It's Monday, and I have menus of Christmas eve dinner and appetizers dancing over my head..teasing me...  I have lists to make..more shopping to do...  Being at work it's almost seems like a much needed break---there is simply not enough hours in a day!!! 

Christmas Is Coming..

                                           Christmas is coming

                                         The goose is getting fat

                               Please put a penny in the old man's hat

                              If you ain't got a penny, a half a penny will do

                             If you ain't got a half a penny, God bless you!!

                          

                     

Got this from, you got it from:  Russ...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I prefer wrapping paper because the kids can't sneak in and look to see what's in there.  Gift bags are awesome though--they are easy, and I love getting them because I can reuse them again. 

2. Real tree or artificial? I grew up with a very stifftriangular shaped artificial tree--nothing like a real one, but, now after years of real trees, I've given in to the artificial one.  My husband had a very real looking artificial tree before we were married, and for the last 3 years, and we've been setting it up.  Save a tree, buy artificial. 

                                                      

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually it's the first weekend in December. 

4. When do you take the tree down? The first weekend after New Years. 

5. Do you like egg nog? No, I hate it.  I don't know what's so great about it either.  I guess it would taste better with if I added some liquor.

                                                                                            

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmm..  Probably my red easy bake oven.  It's a toss up between that and my Barbie kitchen and Discotec that had a real looking phone booth in it, and psychedelic dance floor! 

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I have two of them.  One high on the shelf, where the youngest can't reach, and another one set on eye level so Nicholas can see.  He has hidden baby Jesus at least a dozen times.  Last night he had put baby Jesus on top of the manger with the lamb and donkey.  I want to make sure that my kids don't forget why we celebrate Christmas--with all the other things going on, sometimes they tend to forget. 

8. Hardest person to buy for? Older children.  I refuse to give them cash, but they are no longer happy getting teddy bears, or dolls...  It's sad when kids grow up and already have everything..

9. Easiest person to buy for? My 12 year old son Andrew always has a list made out of what he wants, and it's always helpful.  My youngest son who is only 3 loves everything.  I could buy him a Dora doll and he would be content. 

10. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? Christmas cards--each with a little note.  E-mail cards to people I don't have addresses to. 

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmm..  I've been pretty lucky, but once I got a fix it wrench set.  I wasn't very amused.  Sorry, honey. 

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's A Wonderful Life--  Because I love Jimmy Stewart.  I however do really like the movie ELF.  It's hilarious..and Will Farrell looks cute in tights.

                  

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? After Thanksgiving, and the insanity doesn't end until Christmas Eve.  I never seem to be done. 

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?  Nope.  If I don't like it, I'll try and return it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cookies!!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored lights with tinsel!! 

17. Favorite Christmas song(s)? Oh gosh..  I dunno..  No 12 Day of Christmas, or anything sung by Barbara Streisand, or Celene Dion!!  Give me ELVIS!!  Blue Christmas is nice, or I'll Be Home For Christmas, or anything sung by the fat snowman, Berl Ives--is he dead?  I grew up listening to Gene Autry Christmas music.  I still remember the cover of the record album.  I loved that record!  Whenever I hear that man's voice, I feel like a little kid again dancing near the fireplace.  "Out On The Rooftop" is my favorite.

     

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home.  I once spent a Christmas in Portugal when I was a teen.  It was really nice; and less commercial that it is in the states, however, home is always best.  I would love to take the kids to Disneyland one Christmas.  May be next year.. 

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yeah, but I always confuse Blitzen with Nixon.  No, Nixon was not a reindeer..

 

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A lighted star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both.  We always open Santa's presents on Christmas day. 

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The rude and inconsiderate shopper, and parking at the malls.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Handmade ornaments, and each of my children's first Christmas ornament.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? We are going to have Christmas Eve dinner with my husband's brother and his family, and on Christmas day we are going to my brother's house.  I will be making turkey, pork roast, potatoes...salads..etc..  and lots of different desserts.  I'm getting fat just thinking about it now.