Wrap it up already...

So today I begin the usually dreaded task of wrapping up some joy....in other words, using paper to disguise those presents under the tree. Although I do not live for this part of Christmas, I can't say that I mind. I buy ribbon and bows, and attempt to dress up these cardboard boxes into something appealing to the eye. I can't seem to simple cover the gift and use the three pieces of adhesive to attach the paper on the sides and bottom. There's some obsessive complex within me that feels the need to create a piece of art for the eye. This may seem absurd, but look at it this way...no matter what's inside the decked out package, it appears I have taken time in both thought and labor to wrap it in style! (Don't knock it....although this is no justification, let me live in decorative denial!)

Along the same subject, with an urge to get some of this gift dressing underway I went to begin the task and realized we had no wrapping paper. I asked JP to pick some up from the store. He came home glowing with bag in tow. He had four rolls of beautiful paper in his sack. He said, "here you go babe. And I got a great deal! At Target they were 2 for $7!" I couldn't help but stare speechless into the bag. My husband just spent $14 on four rolls of wrapping paper, when I could have bought at least 14 rolls with the way I shop. Even with my wrapping and beauty packaging obsession, I would never spend more than 99 cents on wrap. I couldn't break his happy heart though and sucked up the price tag, opened the wrap and began my task. I'll either do the shopping from now on, or send him to a specific store, with the details, price cap, and PC number to avoid another shopping event.

Christmastime

It doesn't quite feel like Christmas yet. A surprising comment, I realize, considering the feet of snow piled up outside our abode. It could be due to the fact that I've been listening to Christmas music since Halloween. While listening to "Holly Jolly Christmas" today and wiping away the tears from the previous 93.9 "Christmas wish" I'd heard, I realized it still didn't quite feel like the holiday was approaching.

To attempt to remedy this disease, I'm going to watch Home Alone, drink some soy egg nog, and possibly wrap some presents. Hopefully this helps!

What do you do that puts you in yule tide mode?

DARE

As I was about to prepare a head of cauliflower my sister dared me to be more creative. I attempted a mashed cauliflower recipe, a low carb alternative to mashed potatoes! My husband, surprisingly loved it. Next time though, I think Ill put less butter and less garlic powder.

Wash, chop, and steam cauliflower in inch of water in microwave until tender.
The recipe said to mix 1/4 cup skim milk/butter and the garlic powder and parmesan cheese with a blender but I used a hand mixer! A bit of a different texture but yummy!

*No Bethany....no gas!

What have you learned today?

Growing up I used to consider my Papa "the man who knew everything." He once told me that he didn't know everything, but simply learned something new everyday. I thought about this today and am going to try and recall three things I learn each day and those who shared these pieces of knowledge.

Today I learned:

1) apple seeds have a trace of cyanide in them. (fact courtesy of my husband)

2) blood pressure has to do with the amount of blood being pumped through veins throughout body (again my husband's knowledge)

3) there is more than one meaning to the words in the famous Italian song: "Zooma Zooma" (fact courtesy of my Mima)

To shop or not

According to the View and several newscasts, these are people I should buy Christmas gifts for:

1. mail carrier (who even actually sees their mailperson?)
2. boss/principal (thats a given)
3. parent helpers (ok I have 17...so thats not happening)
4. hairdresser & any other regular beautician (have trouble affording the monthy haircut alone!)
5. regular doctor (they make enough already)
6. pastor (my church has 13...infiniti and beyond)
7. distant relatives (an entire side of JPs family lives on the east coast...that could get expensive)
8. petcare helper (that would be JP and I- nightly takers of our family dog)
9. assitant (i have one, but not the kind that does my work)
10. close family friends (just got married, still have the guest list...it was a long one...so thats not happening)

who are 10 people you SHOULD buy for?

Down but not Out

JP got some bad news regarding his education test he needed to pass. Of course, he was down and frustrated. I found it the best opportunity to pray over the situation. I prayed a prayer I wasn't expecting. I truly felt Christ pouring through my speech. I prayed a prayer of thanks!
I realized I was truly thankful for all the hard times we have been through in the last few months, and for the circumstances we are currently in. I spoke these words, "I look back and don't regret a moment of what has happened these past few months. I'm glad we didn't receive jobs we applied for, JP didn't pass tests, we couldn't afford an apartment, and that I'm at the job I currently am."
Its funny I should pray such a prayer. When every above situation arose, I found myself angry and asking, "why me?" and "what now?" But I find that I wouldn't trade for the world what it has brought us to, what faith has grown in me, and what a strong bond has been created between JP and I in the first few months of our marriage. I am not"in love" with my job, but am thankful I have one, that I have such supportive parents, and that I will be so well prepared for what comes next! Of course we would love better paying jobs, greater opportunities, our own place, and for everything to fall into place. But my usual pessimistic, overreacting self, has become a patient, step-at-a-time, take a breath, pray for peace and understanding, individual. Never before in my life have I felt such patience and ability to rely on God. JP and I know that five and even ten years from now we will laugh and thank God for these such circumstances: failed tests, anything but the greatest jobs, and living with my parents....I am just thankful that I, in the midst of these circumstances, in the present, can laugh and thank God! Through these situations and through examples such as my Dad, I have learned to be rational rather than run on emotions....most of the time!

Happiest Season of All?

My eldest sister talked me into joining her in the infamous Black Friday shopping spree. Intent on finding the best sales at all times, I couldn't resist. We were up by 3 am and with a few sips a coffee and half a pop-tart, we were out the door into the Winter Wonderland by 330, in an attempt to be near the front of the pack lined up outside Kohls. Having some experience in this shopping phenomenon, Bethany knew to bring a stroller, as no carts would be left to use. When the doors opened, it was like mass chaos, a similar to scene of that when Sex and the City was released in theaters and a sea of stilettos raced for the best seats. Bethany and I had drawn up a plan of areas to hit: me, Men's Wear, Bethany would be at women's. The plan was null and void with the combination of racing women and amazing deals every which way the eye could see. With the checkout line wrapped around the store our new plan was to take turns standing in line while the other shopped. We were out of the store by 530 with more than $325 worth of items and a total of $260 spent. Our next stop was Target. That was an adventure! We waited in line while some believed that had beat the system and waited by their cars until the store opened, hoping to jump in front of the line. Security was prepared for this and stopped their efforts while those who had waited shivering in line pointed and laughed like elementary school children. We definitely had a plan for this store! I was to go to electronics while Bethany waded through the sea of carts towards the accessories. It was like the rapture. People were realizing there was no getting through the waves of carts and began to abandon their buggies in the middle of the store for the sake of reaching the good items. Others used their carts as obstacles with which to block others from the center of the aisle where the coveted items were held. I waited in line for an all important present in the electronics section, not knowing that the item needed to be paid for immediately. With sweat dripping I called Bethany and said, "Abort the stroller! I repeat, abort the stroller! I need the credit card asap!" She left the stroller in the middle of Target and came to my aid. Needless the say I was able to get one of the 50 items in stock of this product.

Its so surprising how while "Its the most wonderful time of the year..." blared over the store speakers, men, women and children alike were pushing families over with carts, knocking over displays and verbally attacking other shoppers for the items listed on their Christmas Wish-Lists. I was mistaken to think that this time of year always brings out the joyful best in people. Until this Black Friday experience, I had been naive.

Next year, Sharon, Bethany, and I have decided we will shop together on the Black Friday, wearing bright green shirts made to say something to the effect of "Black Friday Mamas" and will bring two things: shopping bags (to replace the bulky carts) and whistles (to keep track of one another's locations throughout the store).

Needless to say my jolly holiday shopping is officially finished! Thank the Lord!