Oh Christmas Tree...

Don't know if I mentioned it yet, but we're staying home for Christmas this year. It used to be our habit to go one year to my mom's, the next to Vicki's parents, and the third to stay at home. Then when Mom became ill, we were spending each Christmas with her and my family, in case this was "the last Christmas." Mom told me to make sure that the Christmas after she passed away, I would take Vicki home for the Holidays. And, in all that time, Mom & Dad never mentioned the fact that we hadn't been in Newberry for Christmas in 5+ years. So, after Mom passed away, we were in Newberry for Christmas.

By the way, since I know that Mom W. reads this... I can't express enough what it meant (and still means) to me that you and Dad were so supportive through those long years. Many "In-Laws" would have been clamoring for equal time, but you both remained supportive and patient. And, for that, as well as many other things, I thank you. My In-Laws ROCK!!! :-D

So, where does this bring us? And, does the subject line have anything to do with this post?...

Indeed. Thanks for asking. Well, we've actually started decorating this year. We bought a new tree, and are adding the other little touches that bring back memories of Christmases past. And, for the first time in a very long time, I'm actually looking forward to Christmas with anticipation - not just getting through the holiday. We're talking about what to do with some extra time off thanks to the University (or if we can do anything with it at all, since radio waits for no one...), and are excited to be able to relax and enjoy the holidays without having to pack up, put everything in the van, and drive through the frozen tundra... Not that there's anything wrong with that... It's just nice not to have to travel once in a while.

And, our nieces get Christmas 2 in February. :-D

It's gonna be a fun Advent!

I'm spilling the beans here... but I'm not worried. This is about what Vicki is getting for Christmas. But, since she doesn't usually think to read this unless I tell her I posted something, I should be safe for another week or so...

In my family, the Christmas Stocking reaches Olympic proportions. My mom had a ball filling our stockings with all sorts of stuff, wrapping each item and watching the joy on our faces as we made our way through it all. Everything from soap to toothpaste to treats to... well, suffice it to say that anything is fair game to be in the stocking. Have you ever gotten Odor Eaters in your stocking? I have... :-D

Oh - and a stocking isn't limited to one of those things you can hang from a mantle. We've gotten stockings in grocery bags, Tupperware, and other amazing containers. As long as you put a picture or cutout of a stocking on it someplace, it's fair game.

This is one of the traditions that I've tried to continue in our house. I try to do a stocking for Vicki that is like that... Sometimes, the stocking is the entire gift, and way fun to watch her open.

So, this year... I bought one of those wooden Advent calendars this year at Target. Basic black with numbered knobs on each door. Cute. Vicki knows it's in the house. She even knows that I've been preparing stuff to put in it. What she hasn't figured out yet (or at least I hope she hasn't figured out yet...) is that it's her stocking. And, it'll last for 25 days. :-D

What's in it? Nope... not gonna go there. There's always a chance that this would be the one time she actually reads the blog, and the game would be up. It's ok for her to know that it's her stocking - after all, she'll open the first door next week. But, details will have to wait for another time.

It's beginning to look a lot like... something... :-D

Of light and shadows...

I'm coming to a rather difficult conclusion about something... I think I may be one of those people who have SAD - the seasonal disorder that comes with less light in the winter. Seems odd to me, since I've always loved winter, and always craved subdued lighting and never minded working at night.

But, lately, I can't seem to wake up in the morning, even after having slept 9+hours. And, at night, around 6 or 7, I start getting tired and not wanting to do anything but eat stuff that's WAY bad for me and veg. Or go to bed.

I discovered this morning that I wake up much faster if Vicki opens the blinds to let light into our room. So, I may need to consider one of those clocks that gradually makes the room brighter to help you wake up. I've discovered that maybe I'll need to do some light therapy to help. Strange - I've never had an issue with this before. But I don't want to spend this winter vegging out, eating garbage, and gaining back all the weight I've lost, so I'll do what is necessary to keep moving forward.

And, keeping my eyes on the Light of the World will help too. As it always does. So, as we move into the season of Light, may your eyes and hearts be filled with the Light of Christ. :-D

Life with a camera phone...

... is interesting. :-D The one geek thing about my phone is how it lets me display a picture of someone who is calling me. So, Amanda calls - Amanda shows on the screen. Hannah calls - Hannah is on the screen. It's a useless feature, at least until I get to the age where the little picture on the phone reminds me who that person is.

And, that day draws closer every day. :-D

Mobile AIM is also interesting, as is Mobile Web. The web thing came in handy last night at Hannah's. Levi asked to learn how to play backgammon, so I volunteered to show him the basics, since that's pretty much the level I play at. Thing is, Vicki and I both drew a blank as to how to set the board to start. We play Acey Deucey a lot (a great backgammon variation), but it starts with all pieces off of the board.

What to do? Grab phone, open Mobile Web, hit Google, and see a diagram of the setup for the board. Lovely. :-)

As Paul Simon says in "The Boy In The Bubble," These are the days of miracles and wonders.

There will be another posting soon about my weight issues. In the meantime, if you know me and the situation, please be praying. I'm up 20 pounds, and getting way too close to hitting 400 again. :-( Your prayers are appreciated, especially as it's Sharathon week, and it will be a busy week with not a lot of time for healthy eating or exercise. Hopefully, I can make that a priority...

Thanks, friends. Godspeed in the week to come.

At last! A cooler phone than my boss'!!!!

A new cell phone. It was time. The old one was beat into the ground, so it was time to upgrade. And boy, did I!

If you're curious, either see me, or look up LG VX9800 and feast your eyes on my little doodad. Gotta go and read the manual some more. Eventually, it might even make sense. :-D

Addendum: Failed to mention the neatest thing since sliced bread... a Bluetooth headset. If your phone is Bluetooth enabled, RUN, don't walk to get one of these bad boys! Absolutely amazing - not to mention that the Geek factor is off the chart with this little dealybob. :-D