Not sure what to say except that this has been a year full of blessings, both expected and unlooked for, and I wish the same for each and every one of you in 2006!

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Just finished some freezer pizza as we unwind and sort through the piles of loot we hauled up from the car.
Sheesh.  Does the stuff multiply on the way here from Fresno?

Must clean before house guests arrive on Sunday afternoon....

What are you up to this fine evening?

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For Vodkapundit Stephen Green and his wife Melissa, on the birth of their son, Preston Davis.

Just adorable

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Supposedly the originators of the Tournament of Roses made a deal with the Almighty:  No parade or game on Sunday, and it has only rained 9 times in 116 years, the last time over 50 years ago.

Well, look at this forecast for Monday....

Then read what they're planning to do for the parade this year.

Excuse me while I rain dance some more.

And for the record, we won't see the performances.  We'll be over 4 miles away at Colorado and Craig.

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Here's a list of the blogs I can't get today:
Dean
Sean Kinsell (The White Peril)
IndustrialBlog (IB Bill)
TMV (Joe Gandleman)

All of them on/using PowerBlogs..... Was there a DOS on PB today? I can get to QOAE, though, interestingly enough...

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DH and I are just lazing in bed. Mostly staying out of the way of the laundry fairy (my mother) and enjoying the rainy gray weather (yay!!!).

Although it's supposed to rain on my parade on Monday..... Oh well.

Went to see Narnia last night courtesy of some movie passes Santa was supposed to leave in my stocking. It was excellent. However, I would think twice about taking younger kids to see it. Much more explicitly violent than I imagined it would be. Hell it's a Disney film. More thoughts on the film in the extended...

On today's agenda: Dressed-Up Family pics with the inlaws. Oh joy Oh bliss. Pray for me around 6:30 PM PST, ok? more...

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Well, as usual I come back to the computer to find that momentous events have taken place in my absence. It is with deep sorrow that I report Jack's father, William Martin Grant, lost his battle with cancer this morning. Understandibly, Jack has comments off, but if you know Jack, drop him a note and let him know how much we're all thinking of him and his mom right now.

On a happier note, junior Diva London Avery was born last Tuesday morning to Phoenix of Villains Vanquished and her Prince Charming.

Also, the fair Jen and her Beau are preparing for their wedding on Saturday. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers, especially the Bridezilla

Christmas was good for us. Lots of presents, most notably one of these for DH and one of these for yours truly.

So, was Santa (or the Hanukkah Fairy, for that matter) good to you this year? What did you get (good or bad)?

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1 Thank you very much for recognizing my Dad. He was a good and honorable man who like so many others labored in quiet obscurity trying to make sure his family was provided for while not asking anything for himself, an attitude he had until the very end, thanking his nurses at the hospital every time they did anything for him. Men such as he are all to rarely recognized, and far, far too rarely thanked. I appreciate your recognition and sympathy of our sorrow. It means a lot to my family and to me. Thank you again.

Posted by: Jack at December 26, 2005 10:30 PM (9A8Mh)

2 Santa, or as he is my world hubby was very good to me this year. As well as giving me better pressies than I deserve, he stopped me going into complete mental breakdown, which is good. As for the pressies, he got me the following: Two more series of Xena on DVD which means I now own the complete set, confirming my position in nerd world ... Also two DVDs of an Australian miniseries, which probably is known nowhere else in the world (Ruth Park's 'Harp in the South' and 'Poor Man's Orange', based on her books that I've read a dozen times) A folder to start organising all my recipes that I have on bits of paper From other people,got the obligatory food like choccies and the such that I probably will not eat and will not be chucked out until the expiry date as I don't like to junk presents. Also, some movie tickets that will certainly get used. Hope you all had a good Christmas.

Posted by: Amanda at December 27, 2005 02:46 AM (h4wHt)

3 Oh, I'm sorry to hear about Jack's father. I don't know him, but any loss is devastating, especially a parent. My thoughts are with him and his family. As for Christmas, we got a few things, but Brandon made out like a bandit!

Posted by: Amanda at December 27, 2005 05:18 AM (C8YO7)

4 I got a new roaster and a couple dvd's I've been wanting. The boy got so many toys he doesn't know what to play with first. Glad your Christmas was pleasant!

Posted by: oddybobo at December 27, 2005 09:26 AM (6Gm0j)

5 Please allow me to offer my condolences to Jack, as well. The holidays are rough enough. . .*sigh* As for your other question? Santa/DH was very good to me. All year. He gave me a baby. LOLL Seriously, we didn't have presents for each other under the tree; we bought a couch and chair with ottoman for the living room and that was Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary, etc. LOL! The Boy™ got a pressie he was totally not expecting so THAT was fun. He reeeeeeaaaalllly wanted it but I told him NO WAY. Santa overrode my decision and put an iPod Nano under the tree for him. He was, to say the least, STOKED. He's growing up so fast. *SIGH* I figured that there are very few opportunities to get him exactly what he wants for Christmas left. You know? He's so sweet - he comes up to me at odd times during the day, still thanking me. ) All my love, M

Posted by: Margi at December 27, 2005 10:00 AM (nwEQH)

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Say what you want about her fashion sense and her latest album, but Gwen Stefani is one of my favorite singers, and until this album, one of my favorite female songwriters.  She's smart and funny and kind of a geek.

And she's pregnant.  Gwen told the audience last night at her concert in Ft. Lauderdale that the baby is due in June and she's taking an indefinite break from the biz.

I know she's wanted this for a long time, and I'm really happy for her and her husband.

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An oldie but a goodie, Foamy the Squirrel and the War on Christmas.  NSFW unless you have headphones....

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But the Princess wouldn't like it very much....

Your Christmas Stocking Will Be Filled With a Puppy

Well - one cute, soft, cuddly puppy... And a very soiled Christmas stocking.

Stolen from the soon-to-be-rich Deb

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But I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of James Dungy, 18-year-old son and second child of Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy and his wife Lauren.

It's always sad to hear of the death of a young person, especially this close to the holidays, but this really got to me, probably because I know the Dungys are a very close family and it must have been hard for them to let their son move back to Tampa, only to lose him so soon.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Dungys and their friends and family as they cope with this devastating loss and search for answers.  I pray that their strong and deeply felt faith will guide them through this difficult time.

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Leaving work until Jan 2!!!!  WoooHoooooooooo!

Merry Christmas everyone!

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1 Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful holiday.

Posted by: oddybobo at December 21, 2005 01:35 PM (6Gm0j)

2 You're sprung from a trap You can walk out (doo da do da doo) You don't have to work until next year They set you free You announced with glee When you posted on your blog today Oh what a Christmas present It's the gift of time Not found under the tree It's the gift of time (Sorry, the tune sprung right to mind when I saw your title.)

Posted by: Jay at December 21, 2005 02:20 PM (ip0hZ)

3 YAY!! Merry Christmas!!

Posted by: Christina at December 21, 2005 04:24 PM (zJsUT)

4 My last day of work this year is Friday. I'm counting the hours!!

Posted by: Amanda at December 21, 2005 06:36 PM (5jGSm)

5 Yay!!! Merry Christmas!

Posted by: phin at December 21, 2005 10:03 PM (DGPlf)

6 And I'll be taking off the afternoon of Christmas Day (I gotta work the morning of Sunday December 25, gee I wonder why and will be on vacation through Friday December 30!!!

Posted by: Paul Burgess at December 22, 2005 05:46 AM (7EVyU)

7 Merry Christmas, CTG! Happy vacation too!!

Posted by: Marie at December 22, 2005 06:40 AM (JfXX4)

8 Merry Christmas! Hope you have a good holiday.

Posted by: Contagion at December 22, 2005 06:51 AM (e8b4J)

9 YEAH!! Free of the man, until after the New Year!! ALways one of the best gifts ever...

Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at December 22, 2005 07:41 AM (zbzGt)

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Elizabeth is having a bad and anxious day.  Drop by and wish her some good cheer and help her break out of her fear-induced funk, would you?

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According to experts, my adult industry job would be... Adult Book Store Clerk It's not just about sitting behind a counter, taking people's money and dealing with shop lifters, you get to meet 'interesting' people as well Take the Adult Industry Job Quiz

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1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate.  Definitely.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? If Santa is me, then yes.  When I was a kid (and even some years since I've been "growed up") Santa even used to leave me a map to a special present.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Multi-colored on the tree, same outside.  This year we have loops on the patio fence and lights wrapped around the balcony railing upstairs.  White lights are boring.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, but my Mom has a kissing ball hanging year round in her dining room.

5. When do you put your decorations up? ASAP after thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? My stuffing or cranberry sauce.  Hard to decide.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Santa Maps (see above).

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What truth?  You mean that he is the embodiment of the spirit of giving?  A long time ago.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes.  My family generally gets together (Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc.) and we open those presents on Christmas Eve

10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? It varies.  Anything from homemade fudge to popcorn to Oreos.  Whatever Santa wants

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it!!!!  Especially how quiet it is outside when it is snowing.

12. Can you ice skate? Oh hell no.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift as a child? Barbie.  Preferably with a fancy dress.

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Being together with the family, seeing everyone enjoy their gifts.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Cheesecake, fudge, and cookies.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas Eve with the family, opening one gift at a time on Christmas Day.  Yes, we even take turns.

17. What tops your tree? A big Winnie the Pooh Angel

18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Both

19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? I have several: We Three Kings, Oh Holy Night, O Come Emmanuel, and Adeste Fideles

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUMMY!  but Peppermint only, please.

What about you?
Found here and here

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1 You prefer hot chocolate to EGGNOG? Outrageous! But, I don't care for what Starbucks has done to it, mixing it into a weird, burnt latte-type situation.

Posted by: Cardinal Martini at December 21, 2005 01:43 AM (nLV11)

2 Forgive me, I'm getting all emotional. You share many of the same traditions. I use to get so annoyed with my dad when he would, on Christmas Eve make us take turns opening presents. I definitely prefer multi-colored lights. White are boring. And, the MUST blink. Hot Chocolate, most definitely. Egg Nog is too much like Pepto-Bismol. My favorite toy was undoubtedly the Cabbage Patch Doll-Everett Jeffy. Loved him. Although, I loved fancy Barbie's. Santa, for our girls, leaves the presents unwrapped. It's just more Santa'ish. Besides, it's too hard to buy special santa wrap with two little girlies with you all the time. I'll shut up now. This was the best little meme.

Posted by: thirdee at December 21, 2005 08:18 AM (mtexj)

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I love this time of year!  When I can go to the mailbox and there's no bills in it.  Nothing in it but Christmas Cards!

Yay!  And I got 4 today!

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I was tagged by Contagion with LeeAnn's Christmas Movie meme, so here goes.

5 movies that mean Christmas to me:

1.  It's A Wonderful Life:  This is my Dad's favorite movie, and for my whole life it's been a part of Christmas in our family.

2.  A Christmas Story:  It isn't really Christmas until Ben calls to tell me how many of TBS's 12 reruns of the movie he's seen that year.

3.  Love Actually:  It's a movie about Christmas in that it's a movie about love.  And it happens at Christmas.  If you can't tell someone you love them at Christmas, when can you tell them?

4.  White Christmas:  Probably my favorite Christmas movie.  I can watch it any day of the year.  Maybe because of the snow.

5.  Meet Me in St. Louis: Have yourself a merry little Christmas.....

And now for the taggy part:
Ben
DH
Margi
Ith
Jay and Deb

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For those of you who are tired as hell of your stupid blog editor (especially you MuNus), and in love with Firefox, Performancing has come out with its blog editor as an extension for Firefox.  It's awesome, too.

See how nice this post came out?

h/t phin the blasphemous phishy

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If you're searching for this:
"how does 8th grader 1,530 SAT score compare with other 8th graders in 2005"

Ummm, it blows them away. And the 11th and 12th graders too.

you're pretty f*cking smart, ok? Now go play outside and quit being such a frigging nerd. Get some real life friends, ok?

I've been there. It ain't pretty.

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I have el zilcho for motivation today. Not for work or blogging or anything.

But I suppose getting woken up at the ass crack of dawn because DH couldn't find his school keys AGAIN doesn't help either.....

So here are some random thoughts while I wait for cuppa coffee #2

Bubbles in the water cooler are nice.

The mall is empty on Sunday morning. You can even park.

There's nothing I would like better than to get the hell out of here and go home and curl up with the princess under my favorite blanket next to the Christmas tree.

Eggnog Chai Latte is about the worst possible culinary idea of all time. Yecch. Of course it is served by Whorebucks.

Speaking of, my cup at a time takes less than 5 minutes to brew.

Saw about 3 minutes of the Prez on the CNN rerun last night. The man has balls. Stupid like a fox, I tell you.

There's nothing quite so good as The Full Monty on one channel and Sherlock Holmes mysteries on the next. With staggered commercials!

Damn the Redskins kicked the Cowboys' asses! Yay! (Hope my boyz in Charlotte are watching the tape..... they play the Cowboys next week)

Holy Crap! Christmas is in 6 days!!!!

It's amusing to sit down on Sunday afternoon and chat with a friend over IM and then realize that it's Monday where she is. Hence why she is working at home (hi Amanda!)

I seem to be a magnet for friends named Amanda. Or maybe it's just my age. My best friend growing up is Amanda, my best friend in grad school is Amanda, and two of my best blog buddies are also Amanda. Bizarre, I say. Bizarre.

The sad thing is, I want to go home to get things done, but I know I wouldn't. So I sit here and try to think about work.....

More later, and perhaps even coherently

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1 I relate to the motivation problem today!!! I have no friends named Amanda -- how about that!

Posted by: Marie at December 19, 2005 11:17 AM (JfXX4)

2 For me it's Jen.

Posted by: Ith at December 19, 2005 11:17 AM (76QAm)

3 My best friend growing up was Amanda. Now it's...hmmmm....noone. It was Becky, Rebecca, Rebekkah in college. Three in one dorm of 16. Good grief. Two were in my room. Torture, I tell you..torture.

Posted by: thirdee at December 21, 2005 08:24 AM (mtexj)

4 Happy to say you are my best blog buddy! Was pretty cool chatting with you on IM,spins me out that on a Monday morning you've still got Sunday evening to relax in! Merry Christmas to you and yours,from me,hubby Brian, and doggies Billy and Benny, shame we can't get together to raise a glass and say cheers to the new year!

Posted by: Amanda at December 27, 2005 02:16 AM (h4wHt)

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