The manner of giving is worth more than the gift

Merry Christmas, readers!
Ok, now that that's out of the way, we can continue. Christmas is a funny time. Months of stressing and planning for one (maybe two, if you count Christmas Eve) day of joy. And I don't know about you, but I stress. From the beginning of November until Christmas, I stress about what to get people, and I hope I get them enough, and I hope that they like what I get them, and that everything works out. Why do we worry so? We're giving someone a gift! Something, for free, that they otherwise wouldn't have, or would have to buy it for themselves. Just the fact that someone took time out of their lives to buy you something should be happiness enough, but oh, no. Some people hate what they get (I'll admit, I have been in this position before, I am ashamed to say) So because of this, I always panic that they'll hate the gift.
This Christmas was the same. I might have even overdone the gifts this year, trying to get people what they wanted, but you know, I don't care. Even though this time of year isn't supposed to be about presents, I love to give them. When someone opens the present you gave them, and you can see in their face that it's something they love, I love the feeling I get from that. It's such a relief, like all my hard work was good, and I did a good thing.
I think this year was a good one. I loved everything I got, and I think I picked good things for people to have. And if I didn't, meh. I always have next year to correct this. One of my favorite holiday quotes is: "As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same." And its true-I had no issues battling lines this year, to give those closest to me a smile on Christmas. And I hope I did!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

Not really! Holy crap what is up with all this snow?! Just a few weeks ago, I remember commenting on how it was unseasonably warm for this time of year. Then all of a sudden, bam! We were hit, like a snowball, unexpectedly, like with a punch in the face, the way a real snowball hits. Today's snow fall was the worst-coming out from work, there was so much freaking snow on my car! Getting it all off was fun, dancing around it, and dodging snowballs from a co-worker was just another adventure.
With all the craziness of today, I thought of several things I'm thankful for, so I'm sharing it with everyone.

I'm thankful for the UPS guy who kept making his rounds, delivering my packages to me at 8 o'clock at night, in the gross weather and traffic.

I'm thankful for my dad getting me new windshield wipers, so I could deal with all this snow properly.

I'm thankful for mama, shoveling off the driveway so's I could drive my car in and out of there without getting stuck.

I'm thankful that my car has a heater, and I can travel in warmth.

I know there's loads more things to be grateful for, but these are the things that are in the front of my brain. I know the weather sucks, but you can find all sorts of things to be glad for. Give it a try!

That's what it says in the script...

With this fabulous season of Christmas, one of my favorite things happens. I'm not talking about the presents, or the food, I'm talking about the awesome movies that are on Lifetime this time of the year. The Christmas movies are my favorite. And every year, I Tivo the heck out of them. There are some days I'm recording 4 or 5 movies. Some of them will get deleted withut watching, I just got a little over-zealous when recording, but for the most part, I'll watch them. It helps that there's nothing else on TV right now, so I can focus my attention on the movies.
I think my favorite thing about watching these is that they're all the same. They start with a sweeping camera view of all things Christmas; decorations, lights, snow, presents, with a song playing in the background, usually a classic holiday song. Then we get a view of our protagonist, and male or female, we know already they will have a love interest (whether it be someone they haven't met yet, or the spouse they have, and will rekindle their flame). You already know, there will be loads of fighting if it's a movie about a family, and if it's a romantic movie, the two leads will fight and bicker, but then come together at the end, of course! They're all predictable movies, but I love them all.
I've also deduced from these movies that should I meet someone during the holiday season with the name Nick or Chris, he's most likely Santa Claus himself, and I should marry that guy as soon as possible. Plus, if any thing happens that's bad, say a fight, or anything, I know that everything will work out for the better, and we'll all be better people after it.
If anyone has the time, and the channels, I am telling you to watch any Christmas movie you can. They're so fun, and they are totally getting me in the Christmas spirit. And it's giving me tips to help with any scenario you could come up with-good since Christmas is just days away!

It's on like Donkey Kong

Today was my parent's 35th wedding anniversary, so a bunch of the family got together to celebrate. We decided playing games would be the best way to have a good time. Let me preface this by saying, we love games. We are a competitive bunch, and there's usually a game pulled out at every family gathering. There are a few rules that are in effect though. I'm usually not allowed to be banker, because I've been known to...embezzle a little. I'm not saying I've done it in a long time, but I used to grease my own bank a little. And certain people aren't usually allowed to sit by each other, so as to discourage cheating as well. Some games are not allowed to be played anymore, but we have favorites that we usually play-one of which is Scattergories. But we wanted to branch out this time.
We started off with Clue-which we haven't played in a long time, because at this game, I cheat like you wouldn't believe. I can't even help myself usually, I just find myself finding ways to look at people's papers and cards, to ensure I'm the best. I know, I'm horrible! But this time, I didn't cheat! I fought the temptation all night, and in the end, it paid off by...me not winning. But I was honest, and I'm sure that is better in the long run. Next we played Apples to Apples, my new addiction. I find that during that game, I am the loudest. I'm arguing with cards, and I'll yell victoriously when my card is showing. Nobody really fights during that one, it's just a LOUD game, but it's always fun. (PS, I won that game)
The last game we did before we had to wrap things up was Life. Ah, the game of Life. I love this game. We haven't played it in a while either, also because of my cheating ways. I used to rig the cards to make sure I got the best career, and the best salary. I'm a little ashamed now, but I'm trying to mend my ways. I wasn't even going to be the banker this time, but I was voted in at the last minute. Don't worry-I was totally honest this way! I think Mom was trying to cheat though-she kept trying to "change in" her money without going through the proper channels. Good thing I was paying attention! I love how in any game, people start to mistrust everyone. You're carefully monitoring everyone's money, you're paying attention to every roll. The people you love most in the world, and during one game of Life, you're pretty sure they're a criminal, out to take you for everything you have.
I had a blast playing the games today, and I can't wait until the next time we get together to play some more. And believe you me, I'm gonna be brushing up on all my skills-and I'll try to keep my cheating in check!

Life off, game on

Tonight, I went to a Jazz game. I know, right, me, to a Jazz game, but yes, we did. We got free tickets through Five's company, and we took advantage. The seats weren't bad either. I don't know how well you can see in that pic, but that's where we were sitting.
Before the game, we took in the lights at Temple Square, that was fun. So cold, since it had snowed (so much!) yesterday, but I bundled up in my warmest stuff, and we braved the cold weather. It was worth it-that is so pretty to take in.
The game was a lot of fun, and it was too bad we lost. I can't believe how many points are scored in a basketball game. To me, it kind of makes every basket less significant, but I'm not really in charge of basketball rules, so whatev. There was this adorable little kid in front of us at the game too, who would dance every time a song came on, and he was a lot of fun-can you believe I even played some games with him a little? I tell ya-I'm growing all the time! Even though I don't like basketball all that much, I can totally get into games when I'm watching them in person. I hope to have more, but if we don't, I'm ok with it. I appreciate it more when it doesn't happen all the time.

Tagged for Christmas

This really is just an easy way to get a blog-follow what someone else has written! I'm gonna try out this tag.

1. Egg nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate-it warms my insides!
2. Do you wrap presents or bag them? Mostly wrap-bags are too easy to look inside!
3. Colored Lights or White? Depends on the theme of the tree.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No-because there's nobody coming over that I want to kiss.
5. When do you decorate? Depends on how busy we are, but usually about the week after Thanksgiving.
6. Favorite holiday dish? I don't know that I really have one. We don't have a Christmas dish that's the same every year.
7. When & how did you learn about Santa? One of my brothers told me on Christmas morning. Worst. Christmas. Ever.
8. How do you decorate your tree? It changes every year. This year (as I have said) it's black and silver.
9. Snow...love it or dread it? Love to look at it, dread to be in it and drive in it.
10. Can you ice skate? Yes I can. Toe pick!
11. Do you remember your favorite gift? When I was three I got this bear whose eyes and mouth lit up. I still have it to this day-I love it so.
12. What is the most important part of the holidays? I'll get back to you on this one.
13. Favorite holiday dessert? Pumpkin cheesecake, of course!
14. Favorite memory? I don't think I really have one.
15. Do you have a special ornament? Yes, one I made in school. It has me face on it. Adorable!
16. What do you do on Christmas Eve? Hang out...
17. If you could have anything for Christmas this year what would it be? Kyle Beckerman, in my stocking. *sigh*
18. What do you do for neighbors and friends for Christmas? I just do normal things, get them presents, bake them baked goods.

My answers aren't nearly as exciting as you'd think it'd be. We don't really do traditions, nor do half of my family members even show up. But it's still a good time, and I love it every year.

It was very festive

So, we went to Festival of Trees this weekend, like so many of the people in this fair state. We got free tickets since we donated the tree. That wasn't the only reason we went, we would have gone otherwise, but yippee for free! We got there at some point in the afternoon, and even though it was busy, it wasn't crazy packed. The parking lot was insane, we only managed to get a spot because some nice woman showed us where she had just left a spot open. I wish I could have said thank you to her! We got in and went through the small trees first, there were some nice ones there. The thing I was most excited to see, was that our tree had sold. I was sure that it would, but of course, I was worrying a little. But some lucky duck had snapped it up, good for him.
We were going through the big trees, working our way back from the end of the alphabet, and after a while, I was sick of looking at trees. I was sure we must have been almost finished, so I looked at the aisle we were in. It was only the M's! We were only halfway finished! I don't know why it felt so long, but oh my goodness. I guess my adage this year was 'if you've seen one tree, you've seen 'em all'. There were some awesome trees there-I didn't take pictures of any because it seemed like too much work to get the camera out, and stop to take the pictures. I do think its funny that a lot of people thought of the same theme for their trees. There were definitely a lot of Twilight trees this year, holy crap. And a lot of U of U trees.
I liked it this year, I just guess I might not have been in the mood. I would post pics of our tree, but I'm sure everyone that reads this has already seen it, plus I'm too lazy right now to go get the camera and the cable, and hook it up, and blah blah blah. But good times for a Saturday, and it just makes me get into the holiday spirit even more!

Knowledge is power!

This has been another week where I have learned a bunch of things! I will share them with you.

1. When your keyboard isn't working, instead of beating the keyboard (with both your fists and banging it against the desk) maybe look around to make sure all the cords are plugged in and working.

2. Running on a treadmill + singing your heart out = you gasping for breath, unable to keep running.

3. Another treadmill thing: when you have an itch on your leg, don't for one second think you can hop on one leg while you itch it. It doesn't work the same as it does when running on regular roads.

4. I have a name for one of my afflictions: TiVo guilt. According to CNN, this affects millions of Americans. I just happen to be one of them. Read the article if you have time.

5.Apparently, red hair is super ugly on me. I get it! It was a test!

6. People will volunteer way too much information of themselves-if given the opportunity.

7. I am literally the least crafty/creative person in the world. I'm pretty sure there are 8 year old girls who can do crafts better than I can.

I think that's about it. Some of the learning was painful, others were just enlightening. Use my learnings to enhance your life!

The secret is out

Ok, the other day, I blogged about how PJ and I thought of a theme for something that was going to come to pass. Since it all starts tomorrow (well, open to the public anyway) I decided to make it known here and now. PJ and I decorated a tree for the Festival of Trees this year. It was a total split decision, we had talked about it for a little, but then one day, I got an email from PJ about it, and we just jumped on it. It took a while to get a theme and work out our ideas, but once we thought of it, ideas flowed. We only had two weeks-but really, only like, two Saturdays, so we had to pull things together quickly.
We had a dry run to see how long it would take to put the tree together, so we would know how long it would take us on Monday, since there was a time limit. We had only just gotten started when PJ picked up an ornament, and shattered it in her hand. It cut her pretty deep and bled like crazy, but we got it under control. We had decorated the tree, and were about to work on the tree skirt when we ran out of a key material, so we had to quickly run to the craft store before it closed. Luckily, we did. We got everything finished that night, and were pretty confident about our Monday chances.
We finally decorated it at the Festival on Monday. I broke an ornament during the decorating, but luckily, didn't cut myself or anyone else. It looked pretty good when we were done, and it only took us a few hours. The theme we picked was to have a ribbon tree, but I won't include pictures-for now at least. I want everyone to go see it-if possible. I'll probably post some pics of it on Saturday, after we've been to the Festival ourselves, to see all of them. It was a great thing to do, and I'm already looking forward to doing one next year. We already have our theme!