Christmas Shopping Relief

This morning, after Justin was out of the shower he asked me why I had gone to bed last night without telling him. I was worried that he would want me to stay up later, and I had just had enough of everything - and needed some rest.

It was another unwrapped present this morning for Justin. I just placed the wrapping paper around it, and set it all on the ottoman for him to open his pack of gum!

In the end, I am VERY happy Justin made my dish for the pot luck. It was actually a big success! Everyone got $50 gift cards from the boss' for the mall. When I went to thank Sheri for mine, she told me what a wonderful job I've done as the Social Club chairperson this year - better than anyone else. That made me feel a lot better about the whole deal.

After work Justin and I finished up the last of our Christmas shopping. He headed to the mall with Corey, and I went to the plaza mall by our house. I ended up going to one of the stores twice, but when I was driving home I had a sudden wave of ecstasy: I was finished Christmas shopping!!

When I got back to the house, I dumped everything in the entryway.

Justin had said to go ahead and eat without him; normally I know exactly what I want to eat when given the option to eat out - but tonight was different. In the back of my mind lately I keep thinking "Mexican Bootcamp." I'm thinking the less weight I add to myself during the holidays, the less work it will be to get rid of it afterwards! I got a frozen steamer meal while I was looking around at Shoppers Drug Mart. I really want to have a few frozen dinners in the freezer specifically so there are no more "fast food" runs.

I moved all my Christmas presents to my scrapbooking room, just before Justin came home. He must have also been tired, and relieved that the shopping is all done - he had a nap on the floor in front of the fireplace!

Today I Was A Scrooge

This morning I gave Justin Four Christmases on Blu Ray for his gift. I really am starting to lack in my creativity, again this morning, it was just there on the kitchen counter for him to spot!

I started getting really crabby during supper tonight. Justin wanted to eat downstars and watch the new movie. I always sit on the floor in front of the coffee table when eating downstairs to avoid making a mess on the carpet, couch or me. It felt like minus ten down there, and I lept up to go eat at the counter. I heard the movie start, and got upset with Justin because I had wanted to watch it together.

Then I made a startling announcement with a swear. I had just remembered that my work pot-luck is tomorrow, and we were going to make the surprise dip (the one with cream cheese, sour cream, green peppers, red peppers, cheese and crab - I like it better with shrimp though). I had wanted to stop at Sobey's on the way home, but completely forgot. Then I was trying to convince Justin that I simply didn't care if I had a meal to provide for tomorrow. It wasn't my idea, and I thought the added stress right before Christmas was a rediculous idea. He went to the store, bought the ingredients, and made my dip. I had a bath, and tried to relax; then I went to bed.

Four Months

I'm kind of getting a bit lazy with these twelve days of Christmas presents! I've run out of steam, I'm not finding new places to hide them, and am not doing it secretively! I tried to be sneaky, but I knew Justin was watching as I put the (wrapped today) box of Turtles on his lunchbox by the door.

After work, we went out for supper at OJ's. It seriously feels like I've been there so often recently (maybe because I have been!). We each had a drink, had wings (Tuesday's special), and enjoyed our meal. We've finally gone for a date on our monthly anniversary - and it only took us four months to get it right! A couple guys Justin works with were there too; Don (who was at the wedding) asked how we've been enjoying married life. He brought up how much fun the wedding was, and how crazy some of our friends were. It was nice to think back on such a wonderful day.

Today is the day that I decided that our Christmas tree is fine just the way it is. We STILL haven't put any decorations on it; we haven't found the time, and to be honest, it hasn't been a priority. I was upset that it wasn't going to be done a few weeks ago. But I now know it's rediculous to pull all those ornaments out, only to have to put them away again in a week at most! I don't have the energy. When I told Justin my non-plans for our tree while out driving tonight, he let out a sigh of relief! And these thoughts really tie up what married life looks like for us: making it our way, with no expectations of it to be "perfect."

The Secret's Out

Originally I wasn't giving Justin's present to him until tonight. I couldn't bare the thought of him waiting all day to come home to watch a movie on the Blu Ray player. Then Sunday night came around, and I was all excited and couldn't wait for him to open that gift; I almost gave it to him then. This morning he was waiting for his gift I caved and gave it to him earlier than I had thought. I didn't even have the player wrapped, so I made him turn around until I got everything set up, then just laid the paper on top of it, and put the wrapped movies on top.

I know it's coming every year, and I longingly wait for it; the piles of goodies that customers and body shops drop off for us to snack on. Except these snacks turn into meals. The tray that General Collision brings us is my favorite, it's the one I look forward to the most - but this year they did it differently, and it wasn't nearly as good. (It's those pastel coloured chocolate mint milk duds that make me weak in the knees!) A welcomed addition this year, however was a cake from Crazy Cakes! They make the BEST cakes in the entire world (and I still wish our wedding cake and cupcakes would have come from them - the only downfall to that perfect day). Mexico bootcamp will re-start after the holidays!

With Justin having gotten the best (I think) present of his twelve days, I could tell him when he wanted to go to Best Buy that I had gone there to get some of the Blu Rays. In fact, I called Lincoln there on one lunchbreak to ask which of the Boondock Saints movies we own. When he told me he had left Minute, I had to keep it a secret that I knew; how would I explain to Justin without telling him, that I had found that out? I finally had to tell him that I knew, but asked Justin not to ask any questions about anything. I just can't keep secrets from him!

At my Christmas party, we had given away gift cards. Ryan and I were the ones handing them out (and the only people that knew about them), and we each got one - I'm sure everyone else thought we had rigged it! I got the one to Petro Canada for $25; my biggest pet peeve of all time is pumping gas and Ryan told me that if I won that gift card, he'd pump my gas for me. That sounded like a really awesome deal; then I got it, and he backed out of our deal! Justin pumped my gas for me tonight night thankfully!

Finding Comfort In Celery

I positioned present number seven (Tic Tacs, as set of six cases in a Christmas pack, and a red and white case) so Justin can see it on the couch when he walks in the door.

It's always nice to have more Christmas cards in the mail than there is bills to be paid! We got cards from Amber and Mike, Randy and Ginny, Grandma Bea, and Thom, Gloria, Kas and Evan.

One of the shuttle drivers at work loves soup, and his wife won't make any for him. When we had deep fried turkey last year some time, I had made him some soup and he thanked me so much, and said how good it was. While at the Christmas party, he brought up the soup I had made him. I was immediately trying to figure out when I could next have some bones to make soup with again for him. Since we had the chicken the next night, it couldn't have been more perfect timing. Because Justin hasn't wanted anything to do with chicken since he has gotten over his sickness (he thinks cutting up that chicken is what did him in), I decided to make it while he was gone this weekend.

Celery. The smell of it - that crisp, watery, green grass scent has so many memories attatched to it. It reminds me mostly of Christmas, that smell coming from the kitchen as my mum is making stuffing for the turkey; saute that celery, with some onion and my mouth is watery for mashed potatoes and gravy. Makes me want family in a warm house, the sound of laughter at the making of more inside jokes, and Britney Spears on the television as us "kids" wait for supper to be cooked. I cannot wait for our families annual New Years celebration, it will fullfil the need for that comfort feeling that celery brings to my mind.

The biggest pot we have never seems to be large enough for a pot of soup, so when my parents were meeting me for lunch yesterday, I asked them to bring their "soup pot." Maybe an idea for a Chrstmas present for next year!

This is the most flavourful soup that I've ever made. It's amazing, and has such a rich depth of flavours to it. I'm now am in love with those Knorr Homestyle Stock gel packs. And they really are worth it for a little extra money.

Yes, I live in Canada - where else can you put your pot of soup outside on the deck to cool down. The funny thing is, that it must have been really hot because after a couple hours of it sitting outside, it didn't need any microwaving when I sampled another bowl!

The Lunch Date Tradition

Since I packed up present eight for Justin in his duffle bag, he opened it this morning in his hotel room in High River. This is the first time that he's had a room to himself, and I can tell it is making him more relaxed. I talked to him twice on the phone tonight, instead of the one usual time. It's nicer that he has privacy, and doesn't have to worry about keeping anyone up by talking on the phone. He's back home tomorrow, and I'm really excited about having him back home. I have a task for him that we need to get done that I can't wait for.

Remember our wedding vows? More specifically the vows that I said? Mine included me learning to fill the windsheild washer fluid tank on the Blazer, something that I know I can do (I am afterall a Journeyman Parts Technician!), but have never had the desire or urge to do; why do a "man" job when I can just bat my eyelashes and have someone else do it for me? My left rear tire on the Blazer has a slow leak in it (going to get it fixed soon), and with the cold weather I've been really worried about it again. I made the trip to work this morning to get the air pressure checked. I decided it would be smart to fill the washer fluid tank while the car was in the shop, so I did that. Then I remembered that my coolant hose has a leak in it too (again, I'll get this fixed soon), so I checked the reservoir. It was done a long ways, so I ordered some DexCool and had it delivered. I admit, I didn't fill that tank, and got one of the guys to do it for me! I can't let on I know too much, after all!

While I was driving home, I wondered what my parents were up to. It seems we've made quite the tradition lately of going for lunch while Justin's working. When I called they were already on the other side of town, back at home. Apparently my dad had thought early this morning about us all going out for lucn and was surprised it had taken me that long to call them to get together. We went to Original Joe's which is really close to our house. Everything that I've ever eaten there is amazing, and it they didn't let me down today either. Trying to counteract my two suppers, I just had soup and a ceasar salad (this is the third ceasar salad that I've eaten in as many days - I've really been craving them lately).

After lunch my parents dropped off their big soup pot, and I quickly got ready to go skating. Now, I have gone secretively once, two weeks ago (one week after my first which caused me the foot pain), which went off without any problems because I took it easy and took precautions; I wore thin socks and put bandages on my feet where the top of the boot rubs them raw. I didn't take it quite as easy this time, and got in a good workout. I'm pretty sore now actually (not my feet though).

Wanting to keep up my healthier eating and exercise, on the way home from the rink I stopped to get a chicken pita for supper; my only supper of the night!

Nicole came over shortly after I arrived home, and we went to work on the invitations. She had come over once before, and we cut up piles and piles of paper. Since the bridal parties clothing is now officially picked out, she had stopped to get some gold vellum and some light aqua cardstock. She had a different idea for the invites, with these new colours. I got to work making the changes for our template, and we decided we liked this new version so much more; it seemed like something was missing previously. Since she had moved a lot of stuff out of her salon, and was feeling the same as me with my lack of energy after my skating workout. It seemed like we worked SO hard, but somehow only managed to get 18 invites 90% completed (we need to attach the journalling block before they can be completed). She wants them in the mail by January fifteenth, so we better kick it into high gear!

Will Shoveling Twice Counteract My Two Suppers?

This morning I was on the ball. I rushed to get my two presents ready: I put one in his lunch box, and the other in the junk drawer waiting for him to leave the room for a minute to tuck it into his duffle bag (I figured he'd find it at best tomorrow morning, and at the worst tonight at the hotel room). Justin got to the counter, opened up his wallet, picked up his phone, then looked at me with a puzzled expression. He asked where it was. Where what is? He wondered where today's gift was hiding. I told him to continue on his routine, and forget about it. Then he grabbed for his lunchbox, opening it as he pulled it out of the closet. I honestly didn't see him open the present it happened so fast; I suddenly heard "I like these" - ferrero rochers. When he went to start Hewie, I got number eight out of the drawer and made a mad dash for Justin's bag. I tucked it inside, and sat back down in the nick of time. "What about tomorrow's present" he asked, then looked at his bag and said "you put it in there, didn't you?" Seriously, am I loosing my sneakiness, or is he just catching on to my ways?

Since Justin is out of town working this weekend, I decided to start making my December daily album. I was inspired yesterday by Liz's, and decided I needed more supplies; I was off for the scrapbooking store right after work. I bought more of the Dear Lizzy collection, and some other items that I felt would work okay with it.

When I got home, I shoveled the sidewalk. On the one side, our neighbours are simply the best; they always shovel in front of our house for us! It was just light fluffy snow, and a broom would have worked better than the shovel.

Justin being out of town means one thing: sushi! It seems I always eat it Friday night when he's away. Most of the time I order WAY too much from O-Sho's, and end up eating it all, then feeling completely stuffed. My new option is one platter from Superstore, and not only is this route friendlier to my waistline, it's nicer on my wallet too!

While I was at Scrapbookers, Chelsey called and asked if we wanted to get together. We've been planning to do this for a week now: last Friday I was busy and she had hurt her neck while twisting on the ice to avoid falling down. Just because Justin's out of town doesn't mean the rest of us can't get together - we decided to go to Boston Pizza. (Josh was there and is in this picture, but got cut off with the poladroid.)

Chelsey gave us her and Josh's handmade Christmas card.

Lincoln ordered cactus chips, and told us all to dig in. Okay, these things don't look spicy, but they are crazy spicy. And not in a way that the spicy chicken bits are (those things make you crave their heat!). I had just a couple, and knew I couldn't handle anymore than that.

Our drinks lined up in a pretty row - mine, Chelsey's and Amanda's. The martini's were the special, mine was a margarita martini (I love tequilla and will be in heaven in Mexico). I only had one and I'm very happy for that.

Okay, so when your friends all order something to eat (originally it was just going out for drinks, but then it turned into only me having eaten), and you love food, you decide you will also order something to eat. I was going to have dessert, then thought better of it (I really haven't been craving sweets lately at all) and ordered potato skins - with sour cream. I hadn't actually looked at the menu, heard Amanda thinking about getting them, so I go them too. As I was eating them, I looked at her and asked if she knew they came with chicken - she had read the menu and did know. Not too sure if I'd order them again there: too different from regular skins; they come with BBQ sauce on them and are drizzled with ceaser dressing and sour cream has to be requested!

After our meal, we just sat around and BS'd. It was nice to have spent my Friday night with friends! Our pour waitress must have wondered what was up since we sat there for about an hour talking after supper was done. After dreadfully getting gas (it is my biggest pet peeve, and on more than one occasion I have convinced the guys at work to pump it for me!), I took Mayor Magrath home. In front of Gas King on the North side, there was a firetruck and ambulance in front of the appartment building. After the light turned green, and I got to the other side of the gas station, I saw about five cop cars all with their lights on. At first I thought it was some kind of big accident (the roads are pretty slippery with the new snow), then I realized it was a checkstop.

Since we went through one last Friday on Scenic, I was getting ready while in the lineup. I pulled out my registration and drivers licence, and thought about what I was going to say (the last time I was the driver going through a check stop I only had my learners, and my parents and Grandma were all with me - and I was freaking out, but had people there to talk me through it); I knew I was not intoxicated from my cocktail, but knew it wasn't the best answer to say I had been drinking. "How are you tonight, have you had anything to drink tonight?" Yes, I had a drink a couple hours ago, with supper; whether or not it was the "right" thing to say - it was the truth, and when a police officer is staring you in the eye, you fell intimidated. He did look at me a little bit more than I think he normally would have and asked if where I had come from and if I had liquour in the vehicle. He checked my plate and sent me on my way. I think if I had been chewing gum, or if he had any incling that I had been drinking and I told him otherwise, (even though it was only one drink awhile ago), I think he would have made me pull over. There were many cars on the side, a tow truck hooking up to one, and taxis ready and waiting - very glad none of that was me!

When I arrived home, there was another sprinkling of the white fluffy stuff. While I was shoveling for the second time, I realized how loud the scraping of the shovel on the cement was and decided since it was quarter to eleven, and my neighbours might have to work in the morning, I had better quit. Then I came inside, and started scrapbooking, working on my December daily album with all my new goodies!

Sorry Mum, Think You Lost Your Sweater

This morning I was pretty lazy while I should have been getting Justin's Twelve Days Of Christmas gift stratigically placed. At what I believe to be the last minute, I jumped out of bed to place it someplace. When I saw his phone on the counter, I tucked it under it and waited for him to spot it. I've decided I want to see his reactions to the presents now, and stick around waiting for him to see them and open them. (I am just now wondering how presents eight and nine are going to go since Justin will be away, working out of town. Going to have to give this one some thought overnight.)

Ever since Monday, after staying up listening to Justin being sick, I haven't put much effort into myself. Yesterday was the first day I'd worn makeup (in five days), and my manager at work quizzed me as to my makeup wearabouts. It all started Saturday for my Christmas party when we were running late - I through it all into my purse, to put on while Justin drove. When we were getting ready to leave the party, I suddenly realized I forgot to put it on. Since it was in my purse and not in the bathroom, I didn't have it close at hand Monday morning, and was running out of time anyways. And I value sleep over my appearance any day, but even more so when I didn't get a good rest. Today I wore makeup and did my hair - I should get a treat! Mike this morning thought Justin must have noticed the past few days, and complained about my lack of effort; yea right - he knows better than to do that. I did feel more complete, and better today though; glad my efforts weren't in vain!

I had been talking about a sweater of my mum's to her last week. I have the exact same on in red, and have been really wanting a teal one, but since we bought them last year it's kind of impossible. When she picked me up for shopping on Saturday, she brought the sweater over for me to try on. That's right, my mum and I can share clothes now. I never, ever thought I'd ever see the day that a) she would be relatively my size and 2) thought she'd wear something I actually like, and would want to wear. (Ignore my alphas to numeros - it's a joke I have with Sheldon). Now that both of those have happened, she said we can share this sweater. Hrrrmmm... let's see here, does sharing mean that it's life will now be spent at my house, with me wearing it? I love this sweater in this colour, and really wish I had bought this one instead of the red one originally. Another teal item in my closet, sorry mum, it's camoflauged in there amoungst all my other teal items!