winding down

The days are winding down, the after-cookie/sweets/etc glow is waning, and I'm starting to feel the sense that all the holidays are gone (except for New Year's, but that has never really been a favorite of mine - it's so stressful trying to find something fun to do that doesn't involve lots of money and too much drinking). Plus, the days are getting closer to the impending "back to school" which is never a happy thought because January just blows. I wish my attitude were better, but it just does I'm afraid. (written in grand old 2006)

However, the new year (because it's now 2007) is always a sense of rebirth and the mind-set that I can do anything if I put my mind to it! Yeah! I can watch what I eat, exercise, keep in better touch with my friends and family, and just be the best person I can be! So much optimism from one little ordinarily pessimistic. I guess the new year just involves taking care of business and just doing it, not dwelling on it all (which is usually my problem).

As far as my holiday season, all was a-ok. It was warm and sunny in California, enough to enjoy a Christmas Eve hike with the brother, and enough food to hold me until February! Then a couple of lazy days at home making sure I didn't get sick from the upbrupt weather change and then New Year's Eve which was okay overall. Amazing view, nice people, pretty low-key. Not much more you can ask for. Yesterday was a bit slow, as the champagne always proves more than just bubbly fun the next day.....a perfect day for watching movies and football, eating sandwiches, and snuggling.

But big news - now you can view some of my pictures on my Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/59302364@N00/. Be patient though. I'm still figuring out how to do it and it may take me awhile :). But for now enjoy these pics; maybe soon i'll link directly to the flickr page - whoa, crazy things are in store for 2007!

holiday....ho!

Think of Dave Saleski's "weekend...ho!". I am so very ready to be done with all this school shisse and such (oooh, love the aliteration!). We can't use the water other than using the restroom, we just had a fire drill and it's FREEZING outside. I should be on winter break. Supposedly if the water problem isn't fixed tomorrow, we won't have school so pray tonight that we don't have water!! Plus, I really have to go to the restroom, which I guess I'll just have to leave early to go do. Hope holiday plans are going well for whoever is reading this in Internet land! This is one tired lady who needs a break from it all........calgon, take me away. Heck, I would even settle for Dave Saleski taking me away. Hmmm, no not really - that's just the crazy talking.

hot cocoa can change the world

The past couple of days have been pretty tough I must say. Lots of stress brought upon by my job, the upcoming holidays, and the usual internal stresses that pop up evern now and again. I was gone the whole weekend on a retreat for school; therefore, I did not get a break from the crazy kiddos. And while it wasn't a bad weekend by any stretch, I'm just physically and mentally tired. To add on top of that, my fiasco with the Bally's folks is still not resolved, especially because they just lied about a supposed conversation that never took place. *Sigh*. [well it wasn't sighs yesterday - more like gigantic crocodile tears that turned into a plea for everything else to go right during this blissful time of the year]. However, after feeling sick the whole day, I skivved off school a bit early and went home to some hot cocoa and 'you've got mail', of which I promptly fell asleep to my delight. Then, I made dinner, decorated the happy christmas tree, and am now getting ready to make some holiday cards. Life could be approaching bearable if only I can get through it all. On a different note, here are some pictures from the past couple of weeks and my adventures:
A few weeks ago, I got all culinary up in here and made a delicious Thai chicken pizza courtesy of Rachael "EVOO" Ray. It was so tasty I must say.....Mr. Q was so very happy.








In November, Carrie's friend Heather threw a wonderful baby shower for her and we played all sorts of weird games and such. As of December 9th, Carrie and Simeon are proud parents of the most gorgeous child ever, Ana Diann. Kimberly and I visited all of them in the hospital and I am so glad we did because it was delightful to witness their elation and happiness over their bee-yoo-tiful bebe.




The picture below is our happy little Christmas tree for this year. Lots of love and lights went into this lovely tree. I'll leave you with this last picture and happy wishes for these days of preparation and anticipation for the jolly man's arrival!