Goodbye 2009

As I was looking through my photos I was having a hard time finding just 12 to summarize this year. We definitely had our ups and downs, but really mostly just ups! I am blessed with a wonderful hubs and family to love, friends with whom to share this adventure called life, my health (with the exception of this stupid whooping cough)...what more could a girl ask for!{Pictured from top right: Jan: Celebrating 40th birthdays, Valentine's Day, another 40th birthday in Puerto Vallarta, Easter, Lake Como, White Wine Dinner, 4th of July, Joe's 20th, Maine, Halloween, Ironman and Christmas with the newest edition to our family!} Too many other memories to include! But I am ready for the new decade!

One more day to go

I can't believe another year has almost come and gone. Another decade has almost come and gone! I've been thinking about what I want the next decade to bring...but then this whooping cough I've had since Saturday night (which I can't figure out is allergies or a could) takes over and I stop - hee hee.

Mom left us with some oxtail soup which we enjoyed tonight. One more work day to go this decade and then a 4-day weekend - woot!

Back to the grind

But at least only for 3 days this week. It was still difficult to get motivated this morning - having 5 days off was amazing!

What definitely made the day easier was leaving the office for lunch to visit my little peanut.He is getting so big! I helped feed him today and he was so alert and happy after eating that I didn't want to leave!

More holiday fun

We have been enjoying our second Christmas today with Joe's family. He cooked pancakes this morning and then we opened some more presents and took some more photos!A traditional photo followed bya goofy one! I love this pic so much :)

We followed present-opening with a trip to the zoo. It was quite windy and chilly out - I should've worn a cute hat and scarf with my outfit!Joe is definitely getting better at taking the wardrobe remix photos. I have also decided that I want to use my 50-mm lens more often - I seem to get sharper photos with it and I love the bokeh effect every photo has!

Hanging out

Today was a day of goodbyes and hellos! My parents drove back home to Arlington but Joe's parents arrived from Maine (via Phoenix, where they spent Christmas with his grandparents and aunt). Before we switched off parents we all met for brunch at Le Peep!

Happy shopping day

For the first time in a couple years I am not working the weekend after Christmas so I decided to take the time and do a little post-holiday shopping!The hubs and I went to the Galleria early this morning. We actually didn't do too much damage, but I did take advantage of an extra 40% off sale at the Gap and an extra 30% off sale at J.Crew. Good thing I didn't realized Saks was open at 8 AM with extra 50% off sale items (I'm sure I could've found some shoes that I "needed" but by the time I got there everything was pretty much picked over).

The sis was unable to join us for early morning shopping as the little peanut kept her up last night.Fortunately she did get a little break and I went with her to Highland Village after lunch. We hit Anthro, but the sales were only ok. I did get some more running shorts at Lululemon (my favorite store ever!) and put a dress on hold at Banana (the line was absolutely too long to wait - we'll see if I want it enough to go back!).

The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging over at Tingaling's place, playing a little Scrabble and watching the Peanut :)

Joe's parents arrive tomorrow, so much more QFT to come!

Merry Christmas!

Nothing is better than spending the day with those you love the best.

Christmas eve

Today I...ran and ate breakfast with the hubs...assessed the gift situation to see what last minute things I needed to buy...practiced yoga...went to Borders for gifts...stopped by Fidelity to deposit a check (from work to pay for my CE back in October!)...bought gifts at the Gap and Luke's...bought little stocking stuffers at Walgreens...came home and had lunch at Cali sandwich with the hubs...and just finished wrapping gifts. Whew! I am beat!

Tonight we will be having dinner with the fam...looking forward to it!

Stockings

Our handmade stocking are currently hanging at on my sister's fireplace. This year we are doing minimal gifts and some fun stocking stuffers. I am really behind, as usual, and still need to do some last minute shopping (after I get my CE crap taken care of. I hate that I procrastinate so much and stress myself out like this! usually everything works out, but for some reason I am 2 hours short. lesson learned: next year take the CE early early early!)

I think Mom and Dad are arriving today for the holidays. Joe's parents are going to be in town at the end of the weekend so it is going to be a family-filled holiday :)

In other, more random news, this is my 901st post! Who knew I could blab on for so long ;)

Updated this evening: CE taken care of by the hair of my chinney chin chin, delish dinner with the fam and an early night tonight!

To do

...wrap gifts
...buy some more stocking stuffers
...buy a Christmas movie to watch
...buy presents for Jack and Ruby
...remember to take lots of photos in the next few days
...tidy up the clutter!...eat dinner made by the hubs
...stress out about CE that needs to be completed (ugh!).

Today I

...mourned the loss of the battery to my point-and-shoot camera from yesterdays festivities (good thing Santa know this camera was on its last legs anyways and, being the good girl I am, I should be getting a new one this Friday!)
...got a haircut!
...went to Target to check out the new Rodarte collection...it was pretty much picked over but I did get a cute dress. All the cardis were out though - boo!
...gave baby J a big kiss.
...took lots of photos of aforementioned baby.
...ate lunch with my sis.
...went shopping with the hubs for his Christmas presents (unfortunately he won't be surprised this year {like he ever is!} - he wanted sunglasses and they can't be bought without being tried on! we did get some great deals at Saks Off Fifth!)
...ate part of a dosai with the hubs at Udipi.
...uploaded and edited many photos.
...did some laundry.
...am debating on whether or not to go to yoga...I think I may just rest :)
...received some boots I orderd on Saturday in the mail, but may be returning them for a different pair as they are a bit tight around the calf area and seem to be cutting off the circulation to my feet. The curse of the giant calves lives on!

My friends...

are a crazy, fun-loving, drama-filled group of people. I love them to death and wouldn't know what to do without them!

Dear Santa

Thank you so much for granting my Christmas wish from last year - we have a new addition to our extended family. Baby J has already brought us so much joy and he isn't even a month old! Maybe next year you can bring a wee one for the hubs and me :)

Today was the last Saturday of the decade (!!) that I am working - woot! We had an office party after work, with Lupe Tortilla catered and a fun karaoke machine. It took a little time, but we did get into the singing!

What's for dinner?

Hee hee - that question makes me laugh! My sister and I are definitely not known for our culinary skills. This year we ordered our Thanksgiving dinner from HEB and it was pretty tasty! I don't remember what we did last year - Mom probably cooked. And I know she plans on cooking again this year. What would we do without her?That said, Joe and I did make a yummy chicken-tomato soup last night!

One thing out of the way

We received our Christmas cards while we were in SA this week and this afternoon was spent addressing them. I really really love picking out the perfect card and photo and sending it out. Shutterfly has had some fun designs at reasonable prices so they have been by go-to Christmas card site for the past couple years.While I don't receive near as many cards as I send out, I know I love getting them in the mail and I hope the receipients realize that although I may not talk or see them very often, we are still thinking of them and they have a special place in our hearts!

Grateful

-for a happy healthy family
-for a dear hubs who loves me
-for a bright blue house
-for my many friends near and far
-for a job that enables me to meet many different types of people
-for Lululemon and excellent yoga clothes
-for an Ipod to play in a rental car when it doesn't have satellite radio
-for the color Pink

...this list can go on and on...sometimes it's good to step back, take a deep breath, and remember what is really importantI am also especially grateful for wonderful handmade Christmas gifts!

10 days!

Aaack! I literally have not done ANY Christmas shopping at all. Good grief! I keep telling myself to breathe. Joe and I are going to San Antonio for the last time today and tomorrow and I have Thursday off, which I am going to use to my full advantage...We had dinner with Chris and his new girl Christina tonight. And I forgot to take a photo at dinner, so I was left with this...hopefully the last time I have to pack my bags for work this year!

Gifts

I have been really bad this year and haven't been doing any Christmas shopping at all! I have a feeling a lot of it is going to be last minute, although I am hoping to have this Thursday off so maybe I can get it done then! Fortunately this year we have decided to limit the number of gifts we buy - just because we really don't need any more stuff! I think this year Santa Joe will be bringing me a new point-and-shoot camera to replace the one I dropped last New Year's Ever. It still works, but is definitely on its last leg.

I visited the little peanut today - he seems to be getting bigger and apparently a bit crankier!

My favorite Christmas album

...is A Charlie Brown Christmas. I could listen to it all season, even though it is fairly melancholy. Somehow it makes me feel like the Christmas season is really here.

We decorated our tree today - woot!

Christmases past

We used to travel quite a bit over the holidays, especially with my side of the family. Notable Christmas vacations include skiing in Angel Fire, sunning the Maui, deep sea fishing in Cabo and ziplining in Costa Rica, which was our last trip in 2006. The past two Christmases have been spent here in H-town, mainly for lack of vacation time. I like decorating the tree and being festive, but since we don't have any kiddos sometimes it's hard to get into the Christmas spirit.

This Christmas is technically a Kachinski turn (Joe and I alternate spending Christmases with each of our families) but with the arrival of Baby J I wanted to spend it with mine as well. So Joe's parents are coming into town but not until the Sunday after (they will be in Phoenix with his grandparents on Christmas day). I think this is a good compromise!

I really want to be a in Christmas mood, but sometimes it's hard because I have been working so much! We have Lights in the Heights tonight so I am hoping this will cheer me up!Here we are at our Lights in the Heights party at C's house. We are pictured with M and J, Joe's ironman buddy and my fun buddy! I love them so much and am so glad they offered to host a NYE party at their house!

Oh Christmas tree

We bought our Christmas tree yesterday but have yet to decorate it! Since I am going to be working all weekend we may not get around to putting up ornaments until Sunday, but that's ok. At least it here's already and our house is starting to smell like Christmas!

The family has been more in baby mode than Christmas mode this year so I leave with a photo of the little peanut - he is such a cutie!

It's a wrap

I have never been a big wrapper. I'm not very good at it and besides, isn't wrapping just a waste of paper? My sister, on the other hand, loves wrapping and thinks presentation is half of giving a gift! I'm not sure where she got it from since our parents are definitely on my camp of the wrapping issue!We attended a Christmas party tonight hosted by our friend EJ. We ate lots of yummy food, drank some delicious wine and caught up with our friends. What more could we ask for?Oh yes, and I wore one of my favorite dresses from last year!

Traditions

Joe and I don't have too many Christmas traditions, although I think we may be starting some since this year the the 3rd year in a row we have spent it at home instead of traveling! One tradition is our Christmas wreath, that I mentioned yesterday. I also love to watch and listen to "A Charlie Brown Christmas," because even though it is a bit melancholy, it really brings home the fact that Christmas shouldn't be all about the gifts and commercialism.

These days I try to spend as much time as I can with this little peanut,so he will know and love his auntie!

Joe and I went to see The Road tonight. Not the most uplifting or inspiring movie...in fact, it's downright depressing! But I thought it was well made.

And the weather has turned cold again and our heater is still not fixed. Another night with the space heaters!

What I See

If you go out to stores, etc, Christmas is everywhere! Lights, decorations, everything! Even Peg's house was completely decorated for the party. Here at home, not so much. Joe has gotten our decorations out from storage, which is a start. If the weather cooperates today I think we are going to get our tree - yippee!At least we have our wreath up...Joe's parents have sent us one every year since we moved into our house - so this is our 5th! I love it!

Today has been wet and dreary (and humid - over 70 degrees outside!) so we are waiting for a more appropriate time to get our tree :)

Still to do

I can't believe we are already a week into December! Eep! I really have everything on my list still to do:
1) take photo (maybe), print and mail Christmas cards(!) {I'm thinking maybe we'll do NY cards this year!)
2) buy presents for practically everyone
3) put up lights
4) buy and decorate tree
Fortunately we have decided to limit the amount of gifts we give this year - 1 per person - so that should make the shopping a bit easier!

And because a post is not complete without a baby photo; this time we have mommy in it too!Joe and I are going to see The Road this afternoon. Should be fitting for such a dreary day.

Christmas past

Christmas can be such a weird time - everyone is supposed to be so happy and full of cheer but it can be melancholy, a la Charlie Brown Christmas, as well. Some randome Christmas memories: in high school listening to A Very Special Christmas tape (!!) and driving to my friend ADE's house for a Christmas party, Joe and I buying our very first tree together (it was so tiny he could hold it in one hand!) and last year helping Tingaling and Boom put up their multiple Christmas trees!

This year is going to be extra special because we have a new addition to our extended family! Now we finally have a bebe to spoil! And this is what is going to make me happy and full of cheer this year :)

Countdown

I have never been big on advent calendars. Didn't even really know what they were until recently. But my new tradition (started only last year) to count the days to Christmas is what I am doing now...journaling every day, taking time to appreciate the season. Although this year I haven't had time to make an actual paper scrapbook, this blog will serve just fine!

In unrelated Christmas news, we are home but the house is FREEZING!! Our heater is broken and the part to fix it probably won't be in until next week! Luckily J bought a space heater, but the house itself is about 42degrees compared to 35 degrees outside...brrrrr!

In more unrelated Christmas news, I took lots of photos of baby J today but this one has to be my favorite:

We had our annual girls' Christmas dinner and ornament exchange tonight. Much merriment was had but I think I had a bit too much wine!

Taking a deep breath...

I can't believe that Christmas is 3 weeks away! Eep! I have actually gotten a few Christmas gifts already, so I am not completely behind. This year, probably like many folks, we have decided to buy less - we seriously have all we NEED so I would rather spend the season enjoying time with friends and family rather than WANTING more stuff.

So I am going to take a deep breath and not get stressed about it...today at least!

Today is also our last day in San Antonio. I am hoping we don't get snowed in!

Dear Santa,

This has been a rough year...my goodness, a rough DECADE, for the world in general. Personally, I think I'm doing ok. I have a roof over my head, clothes on my body, food on my plate and people I love, especially my new darling nephew. So I can't complain, and I try to remember that when my work stresses me out. I am hoping the new decade brings some new happiness...a good job for the hubs, a new job for the BIL, maybe some more additions to our extended family (and even possibly our little family of 2!)...so I am doing my best to be good and appreciate what I have.Love, ee :)

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

Well, not really. I think the rain has finally stopped and we are not going to be swept away by the water. But it is definitely chillier and we may even get some snow come Friday (but I won't hold my breath)! It seems like this is what happened last year as well - December started off nice and chilly but warmed up like is always does. That's ok though - a mild winter is one of the reasons I love living in Texas.
Today I am going to do my best to take a better POTD and not wait until the evening when no light is around! I was a bit stress about work yesterday but am trying not to get too worked up about it.

I had a two-hour break for lunch (yay!) so Joe and I headed to Panera Bread for some more soup and dessert at Red Mango. Pumpkin Spice yogurt = yum

Holiday Manifesto

Starting today, December first, I will keep a Christmas journal. In it, I will write something every day to reflect on the holidays of my past, enjoy the holidays of the present and dream about the holidays of the future. To some, this would be a stack of papers and trivial scribbles, but not to me. I am taking back my Christmas, I am letting it be something I relish and most importantly I am giving at least fifteen minutes to myself, every day, no matter how crazy this season becomes. I will make something with my own hands, my own words and my own memories.The last few months have been super crazy and I am trying by best not to get stressed out about being behind. I hope this is my last week to go out of town for work and then I can really get into the holiday spirit, but I am also trying to bring it with me!

Today I drove to San Antonio, worked, ate lunch with the hubs, worked some more, picked up dinner at Whole Foods, and watched The Hangover. I can't complain!

Good Grief!

Every year around this time I think the same thing: "Where did the year go?" This year I really wanted to get more organized and write lists of things that I needed to get done...unfortunately that lasted probably the first week of January and I was back to my old ways (trying to remember everything in my head, which isn't very efficient!). I am not sure what I am going to plan for next year...

I also feel like I am behind on holiday schedule, mainly because of my hectic traveling. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this week will be my last trip out of town this year (but I won't hold my breath!).

Tomorrow starts my December daily. I am not sure if I am going to be able to create a mini-scrapbook but I am going to do my best to blog and post a photo everyday. With this little guy in my world I am sure it won't be hard to do!

My cutest baby nephew

Love him so much already!

7 lbs 3 oz!!

Baby J has arrived! Mom, Dad and babe are in recovery and we will be visiting this afternoon - can't wait!

Back to H-town

Where did the weekend go? I can't believe the holidays are almost upon us...it's coming way too fast! Fortunately only 2 days to work until Turkey day :). But then more work after turkey day - boo! Oh well, be thankful to have a job (is what I keep reminding myself!).

I am going to see New Moon with some friends tonight - not because I'm a huge fan but because I promised I'd go. Hopefully it won't be too cheesy!

So proud

My babes just finished his 4th Ironman today. He did it in about 10hrs30min, his fastest yet! I am so proud of him! Unfortunately I don't think it will qualify him for Kona but still, he's an ironman!

IMAZ

It's that time again...IRONMAN time! Today was spent travelling to Phoenix (upgrade - woot! but spent too much time on the computer this morning and forgot my IPod and reading material - boo!) and hanging out with Joe's sibs, aunt and grandparents. I am not uploading any pics yet because I forgot to pack the battery charger on my camera and don't want to risk losing juice tomorrow.

Looks like tonight is going to be an early night and I am going to be dreaming fast thoughts for the hubs...maybe a trip to Kona next year is in our future? Fingers crossed!

I have nothing to wear!

Ha! That is probably the silliest thing I could say. Being out of town and wearing scrubs all day make me miss my clothes (is that weird). And also make me want to shop. So as I was examining my new purchases, I also tried to rearrange my closet, but because it is stuffed to the brim it's hard to get organized.Being alive the better part of 3+ decades has caused me to accumulate much stuff and I really have no business buying any more clothes!

Must.stop.shopping.

Procrastinating

I really should be leaving for work this morning, but instead I'll blog a bit first! Today may prove to be a busy day if T, one of 2 techs, is still in the hospital with a kidney infection! The staff here is bare bones and today is a treatment day so I am hoping for the best...

I am pretty much all packed up. I can't believe the amount of stuff I have for a 4 day trip (i guess the shopping doesn't help - hee hee). I am stopping by Tingaling's to say hi to them and mom (and hopefully have some home-cooked food) before returning home to pack for Phoenix. And then back home for Thanksgiving week.

I am so ready for all this work travel to be over (I think we still will be coming here in December but hopefully the new doc will start soon!).

Doing my part

The main problem I have when working out of time is the uncontrollable urge to shop. Since I really have nothing better to do, and since we are close to some of my favorite stores, that's what I ended up doing this afternoon.

Fortunately most everything I bought was on sale (except some accessories from F21, but those are cheapie anyways). Old Nave was having their extra 50% off clearance items so I bought a few choice items on the cheap. Gap was having an extra 25% of clearance items too so I found a dress I had been eyeing.Some things I have learned about shopping this week: almost everything eventually goes on sale so NEVER PAY FULL PRICE (this even includes most designer duds with the exception of LV...I really need to make friends with someone who works there - hee hee). If the item sells out before going on sale, you probably don't want it anyways - everyone already has it!

One other thing: Forever 21 is a good source for cheap trendy itmes, but steer clear of skirts, dresses and pants: most of their bottoms are made for teeny boppers with no thighs or hips! Their tops work for the most part, just don't feel bad if you have to size up.

The last thing: Wear what you buy!

Thank goodness I am going home tomorrow. At least I can say I have done my part to stimulate the economy!

Namaste

The best part of working in San Antonio is the yoga studio I found. I have been practicing the first part of primary series as well as a vinyasa yoga hereIt's nice to get a different perspective from different instructors. Tonight Lisa gave us a hint to help with jump backs. I'm still not quite there yet, but I know what to work on!

In other family news, my soon-to-be nephew Cash Money, is making an early appearance! We are meeting him the day after Thanksgiving! Now that's definitely something to be thankful for :)

Up way too early

I was pretty tired last night but wok up at about 3:30 this morning and I couldn't get back to sleep. So I am surfing and posting. I guess I'll go work out here in a few. Ugh.

Obsessed

I have been obsessed with following fashion blogs and taking pictures of daily outfits lately. Don't know why, but it's making me happy so I'm going with it. {Unfortunately this leaves little time for scrapping, which I feel a bit guily about...but I figure it's ok to take a break from a hobby every once in a while. I am still taking photos like a madwoman tho!}

I have been especially obsessed with different types of necklaces. I have been stalking a couple from ATLoft, and finally took the plunge with my 30% FnF coupon!This 1st one is from Lisa for Loft and I had been eyeing it for a while but didn't want to pay full retail.This other one I had been eyeing the 1st time I came to SA for work but again, wanted to wait for a sale.

I really need to stop travelling for work so I stop shopping! What else is a girl to do when she's out of town?

Really behind!

The week home has been busy busy! Besides working like a mad woman (which is not necessarily a bad thing) I have been hangout with a housebound sister,making fun of my friends and their I-phones,practicing some yoga,, and eating some cupcakes!
Joe leaves for Arizona tomorrow and I head out to San Antonio. Hopefully this will be the last trip!