December!!

Where has the month gone?? Between my birthday, vacation to Pittsburgh, Christmas and now New Years, this month has flown by! What an eventful month, to say the least.

Turning 30 was really no big deal. Just an excuse to get together with my girlies and have a good time. Now, the trip to Pittsburgh...THAT was a big deal. And again, a huge thank you to Monique and Brent for thinking of us and extending the most awesome gift to us. I will seriously never forget it! The trip was a blast. Max and I had never really had a real vacation before. I mean, moving to Florida together was pretty much an extended vacation, and our road trip to Savannah, GA was really stupid, so a real vacation was much needed and very much appreciated.

Our flight there was delayed two hours. Why? Oh, a flight attendant for a flight before ours was running late. But she sure did have time to stop for coffee on her way in. You should have seen the death-ray looks those people flying to Philly were shooting her when she finally arrived, with no urgency in her step, and with her grande latte. Seriously? Skeezer. Anywhoot, Pittsburgh was amazing. The snow was beautiful, the cold weather was awesome and the game. THE GAME! Oh my. I know my pals aren't as big of football fans as I am, so I will spare the details, but that game was the most awesome game we could have ever asked to see live. Simply Amazing. We had a wonderful, amazing and spectactular trip, but we were happy to get back to the baby. I missed her so much. During a dinner phone call I made to my mom, I completely broke down in tears! She was in the background talking and saying "hiii" and I just couldn't stop myself from crying. I knew then, that we were ready to go home. I missed her so much!

Christmas was good. Lola got her big-girl canopy princess bed! She loves it. She also got puzzles, art supplies, fingerpaints, markers, coloring books, play-doh, 3 baby dolls, clothes, a table and chairs, dish sets, pajamas, alphabet toys, bath toys, toys that make LOTS of noise, blocks, etc., etc. Since she racked up the gifts, I was able to purge her old toys and clothes and get everything into boxes and bags to take to Goodwill. All I know is that with all of the donations I've made this year, my tax return will be nice! Actually, I really don't know how the whole charity-deduction thing works, but I have about 10 receipts for all of the donations I've made! Yay. It feels good to get rid of stuff. And I always feel really good about donating. It makes me happy.

So, on to the new year. Haven't compiled a list yet of things I hope to accomplish, but it is coming soon! Because, who doesn't love a good list??

Halloween Ideas, Part Deux

So, following Kerry's idea of a New Jersey Housewives Halloween, I've thought of another possible theme for next Halloween. And I am completely serious about this. We MUST get on this and make it happen in 2010. I know, I know. Stuff comes up and planning something a week in advance often fall through, so, planning something 1 whole year in advance?! Say what?? But, with that being said, I really do want to try to make this work. If not either of these ideas, then something else that is at the same level of awesome. So, my idea? Here we go:

Yes, that's right! 90210 Halloween! We can do this! For seers. Now, I know there's only really 4 main girls, Brenda, Kelly, Donna & Andrea. But, we can throw in some Valerie and maybe some other gals (Emily Valentine!?) to accommodate all of us. I doubt any of the guys would really go there, but this is just for fun.

I'm really digging these outfits. It's something that we can pull off. Simple enough.

And this little snipet of fashion is great. Monique, I totally want to see you in a backless black one piece bathing suit and some jean shorts.

I'm also digging these looks. Totally 90's. Bringing back the tie and button-up. High waisted denims, yes please.

So, there you have it. Another idea to ponder for the next 10 months.

Giving Thanks

This Thanksgiving was spent in Arkansas, visiting my dad, step-mom. step-sister and my aunt and uncle. This is the third trip we have taken with Lola up to Little Rock, and once again, it was a grand time. She did so good on the trip! Specifically, on the car ride. She's usually pretty good on car rides, but we were a little worried since she is a full-fledged toddler now and is always on the move. She had enough toys back there to occupy her between her little cat-naps. We left on Wednesday morning, and unfortunately for me, I was sick as a dog! I don't know what hit me, but waking up on Wednesday morning was awful. I quickly took some Day-Quil and Advil to get rid of the killer headache and wrapped myself up in my scarf and jacket and grabbed my pillow and slept! Thankfully, the little one was tired too because I got a good amount of sleep in, which rejuvenated me, for the most part. I was still pretty cruddy when we got there, but I put my game face on and stayed up and socialized with the family. By the time 8:00 pm rolled around, I was so ready to crawl in bed. Got some OJ, ate about 4 oranges, drank some Severe Cold/Flu Theraflu and it was off to bed. Man, I sweated something fierce that night! Woke up soaked and feeling oh so horrible on Thanksgiving morn. Max took the baby and went out and chatted with the family while I took some more medicine in hopes of breaking my fever. Two hours & a shower later, I was good to go! I guess I just needed some rest and a good sweat. Felt better in time to head over to my Aunt's house. She is a fabulous cook! It felt like my grandma was in that kitchen. Got to see my cousin, who is home from Berkeley, with his fiancee. He is one super smart kid! Currently in the Astro-Physics PhD program. Nice. Anyway, between Lola's obsession with running up and down the stairs, her overwhelming need to go play outside on the deck (in 30 degree weather), her lack of an appetite, and my medicine head and lack of appetite, I really didn't get to sit down and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. Boo. It was good...what I was able to taste at least. I did get to enjoy my Aunt's famous Chocolate Cheesecake, however. That thing was a hit! Friday, I finally started to feel better and I was able to actually enjoy some leftovers. We played a whole lotta Scrabble, Dad took a whole lotta pictures, and Lola played her little heart out. All in all, it was a blast. Watched a lot of football, too! All the makings of a perfect little Thanksgiving in Arkansas.