Hey! Wow!

Look at that! I have a blog! Who knew? Considering how I've been neglecting it lately it's like rediscovering the whole process. I feel so out of touch. Forgive my neglectful blog hopping. I'm sure when things settle a bit here I'll be back out in the mix of things.

Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and say hello and let you know I'm enjoying the holiday season quite a bit. The Stair Steps are visiting with their mom (my seeesteer) and my brother is here from NoCal and we are having a bit of holiday fun this weekend. The only blight on my December is my reading. Nothing seems to hold my interest, although I quite enjoyed Stephanie Tyler's HARD TO HOLD and am looking forward to the next book in her SEAL trilogy. Yes, I still have a thing for a man in uniform.

I'd love some suggestions for something to read. Is anybody reading a recent release that's really knocked your socks off? Tell me, tell me.

Enjoy the holidays. I'm thinking about you all.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Like most people, I love the fall and winter for the holidays they hold. Since my social life is pretty family centric this is a win-win. However, each year I'm challenged to focus on what is really important and not get "carried away". Fortunately for me I have an all-purpose, works-every-time, portable conscience barometer for just this purpose. I call it "GG".

There is nothing like hearing that deeply drawn breath before he utters one magic word. It's our own personal code. Depending on how extreme or slippery the slope, meaning my mood swings, it may go like this...

Babe!

Baaaaaay-buh...

Babe?

*eye roll* Babe.

Now Babe...

Since our Christmas shopping is almost complete I've heard all of these already.

In other news...

1. With the busy-ness of the holidays I haven't read much and obviously haven't been blogging or blogging hopping much either. It's that time of year where there just aren't enough hours in the day.

2. Beanie has entered some sort of stand-up contest at a bar. There's a purse of $500. Since he just called me yesterday on his way to work, I don't have any details. When I do I'll post 'em since a couple people mentioned interest in going to see him.

3. Shmoo has one more week of his EMT class and then his final next Saturday. He's nervous. It's been an intense 14 weeks. After he passes the class he still has to take the National Registry. Not a guy who likes school much, I'm so proud of how hard he's worked and studied. If you have a spare prayer or candle, keep him in your thoughts.

4. We still have no heat. Can you believe that? The story is too long and boring to go into, but I will say there has to be a more efficient way to put in a new unit and convert to gas (we were all electric) than the circus we've gone through this last month. Holy moly! Cuh-ray-zee!

5. I can't believe the first week of December is over and my house is only half decorated.

Well I'm off to wrap and get packages ready for mailing. I hope things aren't too crazy in your life and you are enjoying the holiday season.

Do you hear what I hear?

Happiness and joy abound. I'm ready for Christmas. Mostly. I do have the food preparation for the holiday meals, and some pesky house cleaning to do.

OTOH, shopping is all done. Gifts are wrapped. Packages and cards are sent. And, baking is done. Although I've been thinking that I might make some more biscotti and chocolate chip cookies. They are very popular around here and what I've made will probably be gone before Christmas Eve.

I'd like to get caught up with all of you. I see I have 637 posts again in google reader. *very big sigh* I also have a post to write for Access Romance. You know what I'd really love? I'd really love to read. I don't see any of this happening any time soon though. With my family all coming over on Christmas Eve, sisters visiting from out of town, and the actual holiday itself, I think real catching up won't happen until the new year.

Which reminds me... Throw me a crumb and tell me what you are reading. I just picked up Feehan's MURDEROUS GAMES yesterday. I don't know if I'll get a chance to crack it anytime soon, but one can hope. So give a chickie a break and let me know what YOU are reading. I'll have to survive vicariously on your comments.

So, did you catch the 'sisters visiting from out of town' remark? Yep, the fabbo news I received last week, on my birthday no less, (random??? I think not!) my sister is coming out from Georgia on December 26th! My sister Mary, who sometimes comments on ye olde blog, will come down from central coast Cali to join us as well. You know how I love to spend time with my seees-ters. Can't wait for that. I plan to take a couple days off the week after Christmas to really enjoy the bimbos.

Except for missing all of you these past few weeks, Christmas has been pretty darn swell here at Nobody Asked Me central. I love Christmas season. Yes, I'm busy and there's lots to do, but I really don't mind. It means family gatherings, catching up with friends, and reminding myself of what's really important. Yep, I love it.

I hope things aren't too frantic or worrisome at your households. I hope you are safe, and warm and surrounded by those you love. And, I really hope that you are having a chance to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

What a week!

Still plugging along with my Christmas list. My google reader is up to 488 again. Oy! I'm not even supposed to be writing this post. I'm supposed to be working on Christmas cards. However, I'm not in the mood.

The big-ass TV is now mounted on the wall. The wonderful piece of furniture I ordered to go under it is back ordered. They call 'em TV media consoles. Who knew? I DO know that I looked at about a gazillion before I found one I liked. I also found a dining room table I really liked. However, a dining room table wasn't on the shopping list. Bummer. Very big, very sad bummer. Dining room tables don't grow on trees, especially ones you really, really like.

I'm still lagging on a few Christmas gifts and have about half my wrapping to do yet. All the stuff that had to be shipped is gone baby gone! In fact I've had a couple reports that the recipients already have their packages. Ya-hooey!!!

I have piles of books on my desk to catch up my spreadsheet and October and November reading lists. No worries about December's list. It's dismal. Maybe two books? Although I did buy this book...

THE TREASURE by Iris Johansen. It's a quick read. It's a bit flawed. The dialogue was redundant. All the characters had the same voice and speech patterns. However, I am as fascinated as ever by Kadar. There could have been so much more done there. I don't regret buying it, even in hard cover, cuz, ya know I HAD to read it to see what happened. As you might recall this book is the follow up to LION'S BRIDE which came out in 1996.

I recently re-read LION'S BRIDE in anticipation of THE TREASURE release and was happy to find it held up pretty well. LION'S BRIDE has more layers and detail to it than THE TREASURE, but I did enjoy re-visiting these characters. I just wish the story wasn't stretched so thin. On the other hand, I'd love to see her do Vaden's book and there was enough foreshadowing in this one to believe there might just be one around the corner. One can hope.

So that's my week. Gotta go do my Christmas cards before GG figures out I'm enjoying myself elsewhere. He's a slave driver. (Not really, but I gotta blame somebody and he's handy) I'd rather read or surf my google reader, but alas duty calls. Hope you all aren't too busy and crazy out there. I'm thinking about you...

A good sign...

I'm actually blog hopping again. In fact I'm staying current and it feels great! I'm just too much a Nosy Nora to stay out of the loop for long. Hey... maybe that's why I got sick??? Too long out of the loop. Could be I'm thinkin'. (That was kind of dorky wasn't it.)

Late morning at home today because I have a doctor's appointment. Crossing my fingers for good news on my thyroid. Feelin' good, so should be.

Work is still a little crazy. After this week though the holiday slow down should hit. I might actually *whispers* catch up with everything. SHHHHH! Don't say anything about it. You'll jinx it.

I'm semi-organized for Christmas. Which is code for I have started my shopping, I have started my decorating, I have started my lists. Nothing is complete. It will all be in good order when I have my lists and everything planned out for which days. Don't mock. I sleep better with a list and a plan.

There was something else I felt compelled to tell you... Dang it! Can't 'member what it was. I hate when that happens because I know as soon as I hit the 'publish' button I'll remember.

Whatever... gotta get ready for the doc's office.

God Bless Us Everyone!

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S!

I HAD to do it I tell you!

If you have a few minutes, and don't we all just 3 days before Christmas *eye roll* waste some time and elf your family. I know I just wasted at least an hour. I didn't do us justice *another eye roll* but I was impatient to see the final product.

Here go forth and enjoy (or point and laugh) our version of the Elf Family.

The Countdown...

The countdown begins... I'm checking my lists for my final shopping at the grocery stores. Thankfully all the other shopping is done and gifts are wrapped. Whew! to that one. My shopping is so done that I actually 'accidentally' did clothes shopping for myself yesterday. Can you believe that? Totally spontaneous because I'd never plan something like that. I don't mind so much looking for the clothes, but I hate the trying on stuff. I'm always weighing out whether I hate making returns for stuff I didn't like worse than stopping to try stuff on in the store.

Anyway, yesterday trying stuff on in the store won out. I came away with a new raincoat (totally needed and 50% off!), 4 tops and 2 pairs of jeans. Retailers are desperate this year and the sale was unreal. Liz Claiborne jeans for $29? I HAD to buy them I tell you...HAD to.

We did a Secret Santa gift exchange yesterday at work and I got a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Is that lucky or what? Seriously, I should play the lottery don't you think?

Today it's the water and soda run at Costco and all the fresh stuff at the grocery store and I should be set for my Christmas Eve soiree. Except we are still debating Christmas dinner in my household. Steak. My boys want steak. Not prime rib, ham or turkey. Steak. Am I crazy or does that seem like an odd Christmas dinner?

Gotta go to work. I'm running behind. I just wanted to drop in and say hi to everyone and hope you aren't too frazzled with holiday preparations. I hope all my friends in the east are staying warm and cozy and not having too much trouble with the snow and cold.

Hopefully I'll be posting again over the weekend if things don't get too crazy!

You Guys Rock

Thanks for your comments and bringing me up to date on what you are doing and/or reading. I've finally had a chance to get through the over 200 posts that were on my google reader. I saw lots of great Christmas pictures, recipes and saw that I'm not the only one dragging my bootie after a couple of rounds of Christmas shopping.

Our dog Emily is the last one I have to shop for... well except I found out last night that 4 more people are coming over Christmas Eve so I have a couple of things to pick up for that evening. But I have to say, now that the majority of the grunt work for Christmas is behind me I'm really getting sort of giddy. I enjoy having people over and Christmas Eve should be fun. We will have a mix of family and friends throughout the afternoon and evening. I especially love that my kids have their closest friends stop by. Beanie has had the same group of friends for 4-5 years. I scold, and lecture, and hug 'em just like my own.

Speaking of my kids, Shmoo is back together with GF #1. All seems well. So we live in the moment expecting the drama to come knocking at our door at any time.

Beanie is working tonight but before he left for work he made me commit to going to see Alvin and the Chipmunks with him tomorrow. We even roped Shmoo (the cynic in the family) into agreeing to go too. I don't have big expectations for the movie. I would just like to smile a little and rock out to the Chipmunk song. That's all. I'm already pretty happy that my sons will still go to the movies with me.

Yeah, it's Christmas, and no, this isn't a Christmas song, but it IS a song that GG and I particularly like. Besides...things like Christmas ARE better when you're together...

I'm Desperate...

For some sleep. For some good quality reading time instead of reading in snatches. For some good quality blogging time. My posts have been less than stellar and I'm dying to know what everyone is reading and watching on TV and seen in the movies.

Yesterday my Time Thief was a special project from work. I was Christmas shopping with a co-worker for a family we are sponsoring. We bought Christmas dinner, a tree with trimmings, and gifts for a family of 7. A very worthy cause I was proud to be a part of but a Time Thief nonetheless.

I did get my column done for Access Romance that will be up today. Go check it out. I wrote it so long ago I can't remember what I wrote. Huh, maybe I better read it again too.

Take a second, have pity on my poor pitiful self and tell me...what have you been up to?

The Scoop

Well my Christmas cards and letters are done. That's me tapping dancing in glee that you hear in the background. It's important to me to keep in touch with people and sometimes Christmas is the only time I do that all year with some old friends who live far away. While I love staying in touch and have no intentions of discontinuing the practice any time soon, the card list seems to grow more each year and so the fingers cramp and it takes a bit longer to get through it all. Thank God for printers and mail merge because I can print all my envelopes in a snap.

I'm also feeling pretty good about all the other Christmas stuff. I only have a couple of small things left to buy and very little wrapping left. My next phase is to get cracking on a menu plan and food prep for my Christmas Eve shindig. Oh and some baking too. All doable and not overloading with stuff at the last minute.

Wonder of wonders I finished MIDNIGHT AWAKENING by Lara Adrian. I really enjoyed the book and agree with other reviews I've seen out there that mention this series seems to be getting stronger. I just wish I had more time to read. I'm anxious as all get out to start TEMPTATION by Megan Hart that I received last week.

My google reader informs me I haven't read 143 posts. Yikes! I've been tempted to open the tab a couple of times while I was working on Christmas letters today but resisted and stayed on task. I don't know how as I'm curious how you are all doing .

Hopefully I'll catch up with you all before the week's up.

That Christmas Feeling...

Yes, my friends I have it. That Christmas feeling. Someone at work the other day, made a comment about people getting all warm, fuzzy and generous at Christmas and forgetting about the feeling the rest of the year. Hey, my warm fuzzies are heightened at Christmas time but they don't go completely away the rest of the year.








Call me crazy, but I think romance readers are generally the warm fuzzy type. After all one of the givens in a romance novel is the HEA. Isn't that one of the reasons we read romance? Real life might not always have a happy ending, but you can count on Nora Roberts, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, SEP, Jennifer Crusie etal to give you a HEA. Sure there might me a whole lot of angst between the covers, but we know, at least in our books, it's all going to work out in the end. That being the case, who wouldn't have a warm fuzzy, Christmas-y sort of feeling most of the year? Lucky us, I say.

Mmmmmm....mango. Sweet and delicious. We're having breakfast together this morning. I'm savoring some mango, english muffins and coffee while catching up with Romancelandia. GG is treating me to breakfast in the office at the computer desk. The man knows how to keep me happy. He's a sweetie isn't he?

The video above is from the movie LOVE ACTUALLY. It's a current holiday movie favorite. The past couple of years I watch it two or three times during Christmas season. It's a reminder of valuing the people we love most. More warm fuzzies. I just can't help myself this morning.

The Christmas party was fun. Not over the top, "Wow, what a party!" fun. But fun. Two cruises and a couple of weekend trips were raffled off throughout the evening. Each employee got a raffle ticket when they came in...no cost. The trips had been donated. Seeing people win was very fun. Especially since one of the winners was a young couple with small children who wouldn't ordinarily have the means to get away like that. I was very happy for them.

Now I'm off to catch up with all of you and your scribblings from the past few days. GG and Beanie have been hogging the computer. GG has been going to traffic school for a speeding ticket he got on one of our trips earlier this year. He's still in shock because it is his first traffic violation ever. Poor baby. Beanie has papers due now as the semester winds down. So with all that going on I may be posting sporadically.

Take it easy with your holiday preparations. My shopping is almost done. I know, I keep saying that, but I really only have a few more things to get. I'm caught up with my wrapping too. Hoo-yah!

I hope you aren't too harried and crazy and have time to enjoy the season with your families.

The Christmas Party

My work Christmas party is tonight. It's also the annual awards banquet. Since I'm a newbie it's my first one. It's been years since I went to a night time "office" Christmas party. The last place I worked, advised by Risk Management, quit having their night time party and switched to an alcohol-free compulsory (all inclusive) holiday lunch each year. It was nice, but you basically got up from your desk and went to the luncheon.

So, I can't wait to check out this party. Not to mention (but of course I am) that I ended up being included on the planning committee at the last minute. So, I'm all "inquiring minds" about it. I've heard some stuff about past parties and been given a preview of what, and who, to watch out for, but hearing is not the same as seeing something for yourself.

Have any of you got any good Christmas party stories to share? Alas, my office party history is quite bland. There was a dessert table mishap one year at the lunch where several desserts at the swanky restaurant we were at ended up on the floor, but since no alcohol or hair pulling were involved it's hardly mentionable.

The only truly scandalous story I have is about the time I had a bunch of my high school classmates over after the reunion party. (read -- the joint we were renting kicked us out at 1 a.m.) I invited everyone who wanted to come over to my house. Aside from the fact that the police were called at 3:30 a.m. to shut us down because we were noisy (completely NOT true) there was an "incident".

At one point in the evening when one couple was preparing to depart the female half of the couple asked for her purse that was in my bedroom. Since I was in the middle of a conversation I told her she could just go on ahead and get her purse. She explained she had already tried that and my bedroom door was locked.

I figured that someone had used the bathroom in my master bedroom and inadvertently locked the door and pulled it shut behind them. So I reach for the skeleton key we keep on the top of the door jamb (because I had small children at the time and they had a tendency to lock themselves in) and unlocked the door. Uh, yeah, big mistake. We'd knocked on the door several times prior to unlocking it to be sure someone wasn't inside, but when no one answered I went ahead and unlocked the door.

A couple stepped out of the room. Well, couple may be the wrong word seeing how HER husband and HIS wife were in my living room with the rest of the guests. Yeah, talk about awkward. Yikes! Swear to God, true story, my house. So when the cops showed up about a half an hour later due to noise it was sort of anti-climatic.

Oh and to clarify, the noise wasn't people, or even music. A couple of guys from my class (okay about 4 of them) rode their Harleys to my house. Four Harleys coming and then going in the wee hours apparently disturbed one of my neighbors...and I know who, not that I'm holding a grudge or anything neigh on these many years later.

So, what was my point? Oh yeah, I've never had anything half so interesting, shall we say, happen at a Christmas party. So what about you?

Happy Holidays from Book Binge

So those magnificent wenches at BOOK BINGE, Holly, Rowena, Isabel and Casee are having a wang-doodle of a contest this month. Go check it out. All you have to do is answer a few Christmas-y questions.

Then on January 5th they'll draw a name from all the participants to win an Ebookwise. Now I've been talking about buying one of these babies for the past three months and been hinting for one from Santa. However, since GG and I bought the new TV for ourselves getting one as a surprise from Santa is out of the question. So woo-hoo for this contest and a chance to win one!

Christmas Meme:

1. What is your favorite Christmas romance to re-read each year? I don't re-read it each year, but by far my favorite Christmas romance is by Marilyn Pappano called, A Season for Miracles. There's a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie by the same name too.

2. What is your favorite Christmas movie/show? This is a toughie. Ummm...White Christmas, it's a musical and I'm a sucker for that. Oh, and also Sleepless in Seattle. I know it's not a traditional Christmas movie, but since it starts out at Christmas time I always associate it with Christmas. I have to give an honorable mention to It's a Wonderful Life, The Muppet Christmas Carol and more recently Elf because my boys love them and watch them every year.





3. What is your favorite Christmas cookie? It's an Italian cookie we make on a pizzelle iron. Americans call the cookie pizzelle. My Italian grandmother called them congelati.

4. When do you start Christmas shopping? Lordy, whenever the mood strikes. If I see something in June that I know will make a stellar Christmas gift I'll buy it and put it away. Mostly about mid-November though.

5. Do you re-gift? Never.

6. What is your favorite Christmas song? Like SL Wendy we love the Chipmunk song too. I have several Christmas CDs I love and most of them are mixes of new and old artists singing Christmas classics. But my family has a tradition of singing The Twelve Days of Christmas each year, so that's a fave too.



7. When do you get your Christmas tree? We put our tree up the Saturday after Thanksgiving. You only get about a month of Christmas decorations so you might as well enjoy them as much as you can.

8. Wrapping presents: Love it or hate it? Mostly love it. Especially when I have time to plan the wrapping. Some years my wrapping is an event. Some years not.

9. Who is the hardest person to buy for? Used to be my Mom hands down. Now...probably my Dad.

10. Christmas tree: Real or artificial? Artificial. The 'real' trees in SoCal leave a lot to be desired. I think they're cut in Oregon and Washington (state of) in early November and trucked down here. We've done a living tree a couple of times, but usually want something a bit bigger so have been happy with our current artificial for a few years now.

So what are you waiting for?! Go do yours now and link back to Book Binge for your chance to win.



Pssst...*whispers* it's sooo much fun to do!

For the Thrifty Shopper

My sister sent me the mother lode of discounts and coupons for both online and in-store shopping. I thought some of you might be able to use these. So have fun...go shopping.

ONLINE DISCOUNTS
Alloy Coupon Code: ALYGIFT (20% off entire order til Dec. 3, 2007)
American Eagle Outfitters Coupon Code: 64152219 (15% off from Nov. 27 - Dec. 11, 2007)
Armani Exchange Coupon Code: STYLE20 ($20 off $100 from ? - ? )
Banana Republic Coupon Code: BRHOLIDAY (20% off from Nov 27 – Dec 24, 2007)
Bare Escentuals Coupon Code: BEFAMILY (20% off from Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Barnes & Noble Coupon Code: T4N3B6W (25% off Single Item on Nov 27 – Dec 10, 2007)
Bath and Bodyworks Coupon Code: VELVET10 ($10 off $30 from Nov. 27 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Bed Bath Store Coupon Code: holiday07 ($15 off $75 from Nov. 28 - Dec. 10, 2007)
BeBe Sport Coupon Code: FAMILY25 (25% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
CCO - Closeout Catalog Outlet Coupon Code: CC10040 (extra 30% off your most expensive item - ends midnight Thursday, 11/29/07)
CCO - Closeout Catalog Outlet Coupon Code: CC10042 (extra 30% off your most expensive item - ends midnight Tuesday, 12/04/07)
Children's Place Coupon Code: FFTAHPVAC7 (30% off from Dec. 2 & Dec. 3, 2007)
Cloud Veil Coupon Code: 7LJ400 (45% off from ? - ? )
Crazy8 Coupon Code: C8ONLINE (20% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Designer Linens Outlet Coupon Code: FRIENDS77 (50% off from Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2007)
Disney Store Coupon Code: HOLIDAY25 (25% off from Nov 27 – Dec 2, 2007)
***Eastbay Coupon Code: EMEB72GC (20% off Giftcards from Nov 17 – Dec 20, 2007)
GameStop Coupon Code: AFF25 (25% off Used Games from ? – ? )
Golf Smith Coupon Code: FFD07 (UP TO 30% off from Nov. 28 - Dec. 4, 2007) Exclusions, here's the original post
Guess Factory Stores Coupon Code: FNF30F (30% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Hasbro Toy Shop Coupon Code: FRIENDS20 (20% off from Dec 2 - Dec. 9, 2007)
Illuminations Coupon Code: 999201329 (20% off from Nov. 27 - Nov. 30, 2007)
J. Jill Coupon Code: FFNV25 (25% off on Nov 27 – Dec 2, 2007)
JC Penny Coupon Code: CHAMPION (20% off from Dec. 9, 2007)
Joann.com Coupon Code: NOVA740 (40% off 1 Regularly-Priced Item from Nov. 28 - Nov. 30, 2007)
Levis Store Coupon Code: LOJVWYJ9 (20% off $75 from Nov 30 – Dec 2, 2007)
Limited Too Just click link for savings (25% off from Nov 27 – Dec 9, 2007)
Linen & Things Coupon Code: 223823997733 (20% off from Nov 30 – Dec 31, 2007)
Liz Claiborne Coupon Code: FRIEND40 (40% off from Nov. 30 - Dec. 3, 2007)
Macy's Coupon Code: MACYSFRIEND or MACYSFF or CFF117 (20% off from Nov 28 – Dec 03, 2007)
MetroStyle Coupon Code: MSTYLE50 (50% off Single Item from Nov. 28 - Dec. 31, 2007)
New York & Company Coupon Code: 9897 ($30 off $75 from Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2007)
Nike Coupon Code: 2PCTH7A (20% off $125 from Nov 27 – Dec 24, 2007)
***Overstock Coupon Code: 73989 (10% off $45 from ? - ? )
***Ralph Lauren Coupon Code: HOL2007 (30% off 11/10 - 12/10)
Red Envelope Coupon Code: AMX25WISH ($50 off $200 from ? – ? )
restaurant.com Coupon Code: THANKS (60% off from Nov. 28 - Nov. 30, 2007)
Sephora Coupon Code: FF2007 (20% off from Nov. 28 - Dec 31, 2007)
***Sharper Image Just cick link for savings ($10 off $100 from Nov 27 – Jan 31, 2008)
Snap Fish Coupon Code: FRIENDS07 (25% off on Nov 27 – Dec 25, 2007)
Speedo Coupon Code: FRIENDS4 (25% off on Nov 27 – Nov 30, 2007)
Sports Authority Coupon Code: TSASAVE25 (25% off on 11/29-12/2)
Timberland Coupon Code: 3421273 (40% off from Nov 30 – Dec 2, 2007)
Toys 'r' us Coupon Code: TRUFRIENDFAMILY (15% off $150 from Nov 27 – Dec 1, 2007)
Ulta Coupon Code: 84447 (20% off Single Item from Nov 27 – Dec 1, 2007)
Victoria's Secret Coupon Code: FA78113 or FA78449 ($15 off $100, $30 off $150, $75 off $250, & $150 off $500 from Nov. 28 - Dec. 20, 2007)
Victoria's Secret Coupon Code: WARM25 (25% off Single Sweater from Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, 2007)
Warner Bros Coupon Code: HGFFWB (20% off from Nov 27 – Nov 30, 2007 )
WinkFlash Coupon Code: G3F8E7W4 (40% off from Nov 28 – Dec 15, 2007 )
Yankee Candle Just cick link for savings ($10 off $25 from Nov 27 - Dec. 22, 2007)
Zales Coupon Code: SAVE50FRIEND ($50 off $200 [works on 199.99] from Nov 28 & Nov 29, 2007 )

PRINTABLE IN STORE COUPON
Barnes & Noble (10% off on Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2007)
Bath and Bodyworks ($10 off $30 from Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2007)
BeBe Sport (25% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
BestBuy ($20 off $175 from Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2007)
Borders or Waldenbooks (20% off from Nov 27 – Dec 6, 2007)
Crazy8/Gymboree (20% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Foot Locker (30% up to $100 or 30% + 10% over $100 from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Champs (30% up to $100 or 30% + 10% over $100 from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
FootAction (30% up to $100 or 30% + 10% over $100 from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
Gordmans (20% off Single Item from Nov 27 – Dec 9, 2007)
Guess Factory Stores (30% off from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2007)
H&M (25% off from Dec. 7 - Dec. 9, 2007)
J. Jill (25% off from Nov 27 – Dec 2, 2007)
JC Penny (20% off on Dec. 9, 2007)
Kirklands (25% off Single Item from Nov 27 – Dec 31, 2007)
The Limited ($30 off $100 from Nov 26 – Dec 2, 2007)
Limited Too (25% off from Nov 27 – Dec 9, 2007)
Linen & Things (20% off from Nov. 27 - Dec. 31, 2007)
Loehmanns (15% off Reduced Item & 20% off Clearance Item from Nov 27 – Dec 31, 2007)
Lord & Taylor (15% off from Nov. 9 - Dec. 24, 2007)
Macy's (pdf)(20% off from Nov 28 – Dec 03, 2007)
New York & Company ($30 off $75 from Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2007)
Niketown, Nike Women, Nike Outlet - Front / Back 30% off 11/29 - 12/2 YMMV
oshKosh ($10 off $50 from Nov 26 – Dec 11, 2007)
Radio Shack (Various Deals Dec 1, 2007 from 7am - 9am)
Sharper Image ($10 off $100 from Nov 27 – Jan 31, 2008)
Staples (12% off from Dec. 2 - Dec. 8, 2007)
Ulta (20% off Single Item from Nov 27 – Dec 1, 2007)
Yankee Candle ($10 off $25 from Nov 27 - Dec. 22, 2007)

Praise be I finished a book!

I finally finished MOUTH TO MOUTH by Erin McCarthy. Cute. Sexy. Predictable. One different twist was the heroine was deaf. Made for some interesting moments in the book. I haven't liked Ms. McCarthy's Vegas Vampire series too much. Just not for me, but I've enjoyed a few of her romantic comedy contemporaries. This sort of falls in that category.

Now I have Lucy Monroe's new book DEAL WITH THIS staring me in the face, but I think I'm going to dig a couple of westerns out. Yes, I know I've mentioned this about six times (more?) recently but I haven't gotten the books out yet. But I'm really in the mood. Anybody's guess why Christmas puts me in the mood for a western?

You know I feel like my reading has been paralleling my eating habits. I seem to be indulging in a lot of desserts and not anything I can really sink my teeth into. It's not for lack of choices. I think I just need to sit my butt down and honestly go through my tbr and choose.

Having said that I'm eagerly anticipating BLOOD BROTHERS by Nora Roberts which is due out on Tuesday. I so enjoyed HIGH NOON that I have high hopes for BLOOD BROTHERS to be something I can really dive into.

We are hoping to make a Christmas holiday trip to Disneyland this afternoon. Both GG and I are off and the boys each only have classes in the morning. I love seeing the seasonal decorations so that will be a highlight for me. Besides we all seem so busy lately that I've learned to really embrace and enjoy the moments we can all be together these days.

I think I finally have my top ten favorite heros list put together and hope to put it up tomorrow. I hope none of my favorite literary romance heroes feel slighted. Rather than have trouble picking ten like I originally thought I would I actually had to whittle the list down. I think I'll work on a top ten heroines list next. This was fun and gave me a chance to reminisce about some favorite heroes. Can you have a favorite hero and the book not necessarily be a favorite?

This Makes Me Happy

I went to the mall to pick up my layaway of Christmas ornaments at the Hallmark store last night. Every year Shmoo and Beanie pick out an ornament. It's not always Hallmark, but as it happens this year that's what they chose. Anyway, when I was in the store to pick up the ornaments I saw this clever little bit of business. A snowman, a penguin and a puppy. C'mon who could resist all that cuteness. Certainly not me.

Click on the picture and you can see why this makes me so happy. Trust me. You'll be glad you did. I love this time of year!

Where Have I Been?

Well, the mysterious Christmas project that ate part of November and all of December was heritage scrapbooks for each of my siblings and their families. You might not think from the sound of it that this should take up so blasted much of my time. Well, neither did I. In fact while it is a project I've been contemplating for many years, it was something I'd been putting off due to lack of time to devote to really doing it right.

Like many people, I have an interest in our family history. Because my father's parents died when he was so young, we got very little information from him about his family and family history. On my mother's side both of her parents were first generation immigrants from Italy. Fortunately, we heard stories about coming over to America from Italy and about their families while growing up.

Over the years I've been collecting bits of information and just sticking it in a folder. A few years ago my mother gave me her childhood scrapbooks she had done of school events and her early years with my Dad. Then in October I was going though some photo albums of family pictures to look for a particular picture for one of my brothers and thought it might be in Mom's scrapbook. While looking through them I got struck with the idea to make heritage scrapbooks for my siblings. My original intention was just to do something fun and only go back to our grandparents' generation.

You know what they say about plans? Life's what happens when you are making plans. While verifying information on family members on a couple of search websites I kept finding more and more information about our ancestors. I ended up with a book going back three generations on both sides. The end result was a 30-page scrapbook for my 7 siblings. Yes, you read that right SEVEN siblings and their families. And, yes it is one of the more cuckoo ideas I've had because of the short time period I had to complete the research, plan the scrapbook, purchase all the materials and then actually do the books.

A few of them I had to get done right away because I had to get them mailed to be received in time for Christmas. I considered chucking the idea more than once and not trying to get them all done by Christmas, but I just couldn't put the idea away.

Of course, during the two months I worked on the project I was filled with doubt and insecurity whether they would like the books or not...I mean not everyone is interested in their ancestory. After a 8 or 10 hour day of cutting and pasting I'd crawl into bed and ask TGILW if he thought they'd like the books. Thankfully the man is as patient and sweet as he is and he kept encouraging and reassuring me.

Even with TGILW's wonderful encouragement it wasn't the same as sharing some of the "finds" with my family members. Thank God my sister Mary came to visit for my niece's graduation in early December. I had her open her scrapbook on December 8th. Selfishly, I wanted to be with her when she opened it and secondly, I was going crazy without someone to talk to about it. Without her those final couple of weeks, I don't know what I would have done. Not only did were we able to discuss the family history, but she scrapbooks so I had a sympathetic ear to moan about the long hours to complete each book.

By the time Christmas arrived I was very anxious and nervous. Just as Mary and TGILW predicted, I had many tearful and wonderful conversations with my brothers and sisters on Christmas day. Everyone was so sweet and appreciative. I'm particularly happy that the information was so appreciated by my nieces and nephews.

I'm not completely done though. There is still some additinal research I'm doing for my own benefit and I'm finishing up two more scrapbooks to give to each of my sons which will bring the grand total to 10, 30-page scrapbooks. But these last two I don't have to get done in a specific time period and while I hope to have them done before the end of January, it will be at a much more leisurely pace.

So project done, holiday travel done, I'm back home and, I can't believe I'm saying this, anxious to get back to some kind of normal routine. I think I've read like two books the past month. Not because I'm in a funk, but either I've been too busy or too tired. I still bought books though. The TBR looks positively dangerous!

PEACE ON EARTH

Whatever your celebration, whatever your beliefs, have a wonderful, blessed and prosperous one. I'm off to northern climes to celebrate with my family. See you soon!

Good God! A Stye in my Eye!

This has been the most unusual holiday season. My Christmas project has really taken me out of the loop and I occasionally emerge from my cocoon blinking at the bright lights and colors all around me. It's been no surprise I've lost some weight (just a few pounds), I got the flu and now I've got a stye in my eye.

So here I am ready to click my heels and jump for joy because I'm so close to being done (really!) that I can taste it and I have a stye in my eye. I've never had a stye in my eye before...or at least not that I can remember, so if I ever had one before it is so long ago I don't remember it. Trust me that would be long, long ago and in a far off place.

Anyway, here I am ready to finish my project and I have blurred vision and tearing eyes. It slows things down a tad to try and see through tear filled eyes. What a pain! No, don't sympathize because it is only a little stye and I'm sure will clear up as styes usually do in a couple of days, but it IS a royal pain in my caboose and my eye looks like I've been socked in it recently. It's just preventing me from doing what I want to do and, well...you know, that's really irritating! Besides, I just want to get my project done so my life, as I know it, can resume. Other than that...everything is just peachy.

Christmas cards done and packages mailed. Only one more item to shop for, some baking to do, packing for the trip and of course, finish this last part of the project. All doable before Christmas so I'm breathing a sigh of relief I made my self imposed deadline. Now it's time to just enjoy the rest of the holiday season.

After our trip north we will come home and get ready to go to Disneyland on New Year's Eve with our boys and their friends. We've been warned it is pandemonium at the happiest place on earth New Year's Eve, but you gotta try stuff once don't you? Anyway I love the energy of the kids and we should have fun.

I hope you don't have a stye in your eye, or the flu, or a cold and that your holiday season is lovely and joy filled with family and friends.