Is It Really Over!?!

I can't believe I'm actually saying this but I'm sad that Christmas is over. It was slow going at first but once I got into the Christmas groove, I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday season and hated seeing it come to an end. I've NEVER felt this way and truthfully I'm a little shocked at myself. I'm usually relieved (elated is more like it!) when it's all said and done.

I don't know why this year was so different, but it was, and I couldn't be happier about it. After all these years I've finally wised up and am learning to enjoy life and all that it has to offer. I have made a conscious effort over the last few years to slow down, calm down, enjoy more, participate more, listen more, give more, and to be all that I can be. I've spent way too many years being wound up too tight and it's exhausting! Life is so much more fun now!

One of the things that made me happy this Christmas was my little Santa tree that I put together. I decided last year that I wanted to put up a Christmas tree this year with just Santa ornaments on it. I already had some ornaments on hand but I started seriously collecting them throughout the year and then picked up a few recently. I was also able to find one of a kind Santa ornaments at thrift stores for next to nothing and ended up with quite a collection. I put the Santa tree in our bar area and every time I walked past this tree, it put a smile on my face...










What are some things that made you smile this holiday season?

Up To My Eyeballs In Glitter!

A good nickname for my house these days would be "the house of glitter!" I have been busy making table arrangements for a Christmas party and I've got glitter everywhere, and I do mean everywhere! I'm sure we'll be seeing glitter sparkles around the house for months to come!

We have a close friend Lynn who owns a restaurant and we've become friendly with some of her other regular customers too. We tease that we have our own "Cheers" group just like the TV show but it's really true. This small group has become like family.

A few weeks back Lynn had a dinner for our group and mentioned that she wanted all of us to come for a special Christmas dinner on Monday, Dec. 20th. At the time, we were all seated at one long table and I told Lynn that I'd make the table arrangement for our get together on the 20th, thinking that it would pretty much be the same. One long table, very casual, no big deal. Little did I know!

Long story short, my husband happened to mention that Lynn was closing down the restaurant the night of the 20th for the party. It seemed odd to me that she would close down the restaurant for our little group dinner so Howard called her and come to find out, she was closing down because it was her employee and special customers Christmas party! She hired a DJ, was expecting about 40 guests, and here I had VOLUNTEERED to do the table decorations! I immediately felt panic but it all turned out beautiful, glitter and all!

Here is a glimpse as to what my dining room table has looked like this past week. Centerpieces for 6 tables, candy in ribbon adorned dishes, and candles, all waiting to be delivered to the party...




The restaurant looked so festive with the red tablecloths and green napkins. Lynn's twin daughters folded the napkins to look like poinsettias and did such a great job...



It was such an enjoyable evening and Lynn was so happy and thankful for the decorations. I was just happy that she was happy!

A Terrible Loss

Such a fine example of grace, dignity, and courage. Elizabeth, I hope you had a joyous reunion with your precious son Wade. May you rest in peace.

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Is it just me or are you as sick as I am of seeing all of the "Christmas vignettes" in blogland? I'm really not a scrooge at all but if I see one more vignette I think I'll switch permanently to Facebook!

Truth be told, I think I just might be a tad bit jealous. I'm so behind in my holiday decorating and I don't have the energy to get started. It can all be a bit overwhelming don't you think? In my mind I have these wonderful grandeoise plans but in reality, I'm just too plain TIRED!

I've never tried those 5 hour energy drinks or ever had a Red Bull (people at work drink them like water...remember, we start work at o'dark thirty!)

Today's feeling like a Red Bull day!

Photo Resolution 2010 and Wordless Wednesday

45/52:

Happy Thanksgiving sweet friends!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: With Thanksgiving just a week away, we're all thinking about our holiday festivities and menu planning. So I ask you, have you ever made a pumpkin pie or will you be making a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving this year? Do you also make your own crust?

I admit I've never made one. I don't even know if I've ever made a pie of any sort. I'm a cake, cupcake, brownie, cookie, candy baking kinda girl.

Plus, I don't care for pumpkin pie...even if it is covered with Cool-Whip.

But now I'm thinking, maybe I should put "make a pie" on my bucket list!

Photo Resolution 2010 and Wordless Wednesday

44/52:


I'm slightly embarrassed to admit it but I'm back in Maui right now. I know, I was just here 3 months ago! We're here at our timeshare and sometime soon I'll talk about our trip to Maui in August. We were talked into the trip by our good friends but the trip didn't turn out so hot for them, which meant not so hot for us too. More on that later.

I snapped this picture today on my walk. I have a regular route and routine when I'm here. Today I saw lots of sea turtles and took a few pictures. Hopefully I'll be able to post them later this week. Internet isn't working in the room like it's supposed to so I'm downstairs in the lobby where I've latched onto their wi-fi!

Take care and ALOHA!