Welcome to the Criffs of Insanity! She's crass, she's loud, she's obnoxious....but she's got a neat & tidy linen closet. These are the rantings of Keebler Jen...careful...watch out for hot lava.
who am i? i'm a mom (got 5), a girlfriend (got 1), an ex-wife (got 1), a sister (got 2), a hell of a friend (got a few) & a should-have-been southern belle (will have a plantation one day...). i'm what you would call compulsive about my linen closet & i have an unnatural attachment to my cat fred.
The first player chose a topic. In this case, the topic is FIVE WEIRD HABITS OF YOURS.
You must then write a journal entry listing those weirdnesses you possess~as well as the rules of the game.
Then, you select FIVE PEOPLE TO TAG and link their names/blogs in your entry.
Go to their journals and leave a comment informing them they have been tagged by you and to read your journal to see in what way they have been nailed!
Those five then MUST write an entry listing their weird habits and tag an additional five people.
since chris is a PITA, she'll bug me to no end to do this. so, i might as well play along & shut up about it. and if i tag you.....humor me. or kill chris, your choice. :)
5 WEIRD HABITS OF MINE:
1). i cannot stand to go to bed if the house if messy. even if i'm incapacitated with my back, sick or completely exhausted....i will clean house from top to bottom or i can't sleep the whole night.
2). i am addicted to lotion. i have a million of them all on my nightstand. i will sit there, for at least 20 minutes, to determine what mood i'm in, so i know which one to put on.
3). i will take everything out of my linen closet & rearrange it, even if i had just done it the day before. I AM OCD about the linen closet.
4). i also arrange the money in my wallet. it has to be in numerical order....doesn't matter which way though. but it all must face forward. i also have the habit of taking other people's wallets & doing it to theirs. used to drive my parents INSANE. lol!!
5). i have this annoying habit of grinding my teeth, but i put my lower teeth in front of my upper teeth. and do a mini biting thing. its really weird if i type it out. lol!! but its an inherited trait. my father & brother also do it. and there were times that you can catch us doing it simultaneously. the taylor clan is weird.
and since she's tagged me & dale....i don't know who to tag. :P cause i know NO ONE on here yet....
but there. don't say i don't play along twin.... :)
i don't know about you all, but i am bushed. what a melee!!
the kids, of course, got way too much stuff. but it was totally fun. and totally worth it. this was the first year that jake really understood what was going on. and it was a BLAST!! he had such a great day. and got tons of cool stuff. he was totally thrilled with everything he got.
my other monsters were spoiled just as well. they all loved what they had garnered from the jolly old elf. and if you read DC's post...about my wonderlings trying to "trap" santa ( and know just how kooky that was....).....they were FLIPPIN' THRILLED to see that santa had not only eaten his cookies.....but that he had set off the trap & had spent a few seconds spelling out (in the snare-trapping wooden blocks) " S A N T A D R O P P E D B Y 1 2 - 2 5 " right in front of the tree.
dc spoiled me rotten (as he was NOT supposed to do...but hell...i won't argue....) and i got way too much loot. my future MIL bought me an AWESOME MP3 player (jesus those things are tiny!!!) and its already filled with my 80's rock & disco!! (much to the chagrin of my jenny & dale.....i was singing at the top of my lungs....)
<-----------is not a singer......no way, no how. will leave that to dale & dona. :)
dale got exactly what he wanted. books, movies & donald paraphanalia. can't go wrong for him at all.
we had a lovely dinner....even henry was nice. which was really a first.
but most of all, i was in the christmas mood. FINALLY. i had all my kids, my love, my cats & my self. we were all together. and next christmas proves to be better than this one....hopefully there will be a bigger, more extended family gathered around my christmas tree.
i hope that everyone had a great holiday. i know i did. i learned a few things this season. had a few good experiences, had a few bad ones, had a few humbled ones. i'm looking forward to the new year. i'm ready to usher in a brand new year. ready to let go of this one....really ready.
now i've got to figure out where all their new shit is going to go. whee. and clean the house in preparation for ringing in 2006. it's already shaping up to be a PITA. oh joy.
are you all tracking santa, as he cruises throughout the world, delivering toys?? you can track santa on NORAD. this is their 50th anniversary of tracking the jolly old elf on his journey! go check it out! :)
well....its down to the wire folks. if you haven't bought it, it more than likely isn't getting bought. they can do WITHOUT. its ok.
i had a most somber afternoon today. coming home from picking up my eldest from work....we passed a terrible car accident that had just happened. and of course, the mommy in me stops to see what i can do.
pinned in the car is a young lady not much older than my jenny. looking terribly frightened, asking about her father, not concerned with herself in the least. and she was the one worse off.... let's suffice it to say that i hope she makes it through the night. and as i stood there, amongst other concerned citizens, i tried my best to keep her calm & to get her to stop moving and touching her face.
just relax. breathe sweetie. the ambulance is on its way. they'll take good care of you in a few seconds. i know it hurts. just listen to me sweetie. your dad is fine. he's right over there. he's with some other nice people. please try to relax honey. everything will be alright. anything broke, they can fix. you're still beautiful. everything will be fine. you'll see. just lay your head on this towel. its ok. i know it hurts honey. let the nice men help you. its ok. you'll see your dad soon sweetie. i know baby. its ok. its ok.
after finally extracting her from her car, they raced her off. all i know is her name was crystal.
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining; It is the night of our dear Savior's birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! O night divine, O night, O night divine!
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here came the wise men from Orient land. The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our Friend! He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger; Behold your King! Before the lowly bend! Behold your King! your King! before Him bend.
Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name! Christ is the Lord, Oh praise His name forever, His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim.
wow. only 2 days left. i think i'm feeling a bit more christmasy this morning. and its got nothing to do with the weather. (new forcasts show its going to be 79 & 76 respectively on eve & day.....yet on the 26th it will be 66 and dropping......::SIGH::)
last night we had originally intended to go to the DWP lights display over at griffith park (put on in conjunction with the city of LA & the DWP). its really cute, for those of you who don't live here. its a drive-thru lights display. and its all different things that are southern california. they pipe in music too, so its cute. line is long as hell to get in, but its worth it. sometimes.....
but we didn't go there.
i've been a scrooge. i'll admit it. i'm so ready to chuck this whole holiday into the shitcan. well, until last night. we took the kids to hastings ranch. its the perfect example of people who come together, just for the spirit of the holiday.
there are about 40 blocks. ALL DECORATED. and they love to do it. its tradition. its an honor. the community just comes together to spread some holiday cheer to their neighbors. it was lovely. and to see the kids crowded around the Labbe's house (complete with santa's sleigh, large scale toy train & SNOW!! :) ) and to see jake get all happy, was all worth it.
Merry Christmas Everyone! :)
today's submission is compliments of my main squeeze.....he's got a weird sense of music, but he's cute....so it all makes up for it.
Winter Wassail by Faith and the Muse
Wassail Wassail; All merit good cheer We wish thee dear faithful a wondrous New Year Our fine bowl is made of the white maple tree With the Wassailing bowl we honor thee
So here by the fire good spirits renewed We wish thee dear faithful: thy dreams may come true As white snow doth fall o'er the old willow tree Wassail Wassail; We honor thee
So come all young maidens and join us in song For this is the season warm love need hold strong The cold wind doth blow o'er the elderwood tree Wassail Wassail; We honor thee
i think i'm on the brink of madness. who do i have to kill to get this whole thing over & done with? i don't think i have that much pull. damn.
anywho....just cause i'm not in the mood for christmas doesn't mean i can't share more of my holiday ditties with you. so for todays submission.....as i try to get into the mood (again...::SIGH::), one of my all time favorites.
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, in the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland.
Gone away is the bluebird, here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song, as we go along, walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow we can build a snowman, Then pretend that he is Parson Brown He'll say: Are you married? we'll say: No man, But you can do the job when you're in town.
Later on, we'll conspire, as we dream by the fire To face unafraid, the plans that we've made, walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow we can build a snowman, and pretend that he's a circus clown We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman, until the other kids knock him down.
When it snows, ain't it thrilling, Though your nose gets a chilling We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way, walking in a winter wonderland.
Walking in a winter wonderland, walking in a winter wonderland.
and to thank my main squeeze for his attentiveness (and the fact that he tried to finish shopping for me this afternoon all on his own in a hellacious wal-fart), i dedicate today's entry to him. merry christmas babe.
All I Want For Christmas Is You - M. Carey - W. Afanasieff -
I don't want a lot for Christmas There's just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true... All I want for Christmas is you...
I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I don't need to hang my stocking There upon the fireplace Santa Claus won't make me happy With a toy on Christmas day I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you... You baby
I won't ask for much this Christmas I won't even wish for snow I'm just gonna keep on waiting Underneath the mistletoe I won't make a list and send it To the North Pole for Saint Nick I won't even stay awake to Hear those magic reindeer click 'Cause I just want you here tonight Holding on to me so tight What more can I do Baby all I want for Christmas is you...
All the lights are shining So brightly everywhere And the sound of children's Laughter fills the air And everyone is singing I hear those sleigh bells ringing Santa won't you bring me the one I really need Won't you please bring my baby to me
Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas This is all I'm asking for I just want to see baby Standing right outside my door Oh I just want him for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true Baby all I want for Christmas is you...
yesterday was ok. it was funny. the party (which started out as nothing such, but ended as...) was a hit. the kids kept inviting other kids from the complex over. we had originally intended for only 2 to go, then 4 were invited; the neighbor kids tried to invite themselves (more on this whole drama later...lol!) and in the end, only 3 accompanied us to claudia's shindig.
everyone from henry's side went (well, it seems like everyone, but its really not. to have them all (a good 75+) in one place at one time is a terrifying thought & an even scarier experience. i did it twice. never again. no more leeches, mom. no more leeches, mom.)
so, the kids went in, ran around like lunatics loose from the asylum. grownups ate & gossiped. his family was pleasant to dale. which is a first. they always manage to treat him like he has denege fever. its really quite sad. this from the family that lauded my own, cause we accepted jenette without hesitation, as my own child.
it is my understanding that people out west aren't that accomidating when it comes to inter-twining their family ties.
funny, you'd think they would considering that so many of the families out here more than not have more than one mom/dad/sister/brother/aunt/uncle combo. now, i'm not knocking this. my own immediate family consists of steps. and i myself am an excellent step-mom (just ask jenny....even on a bad day, i'm better than her real mother is (A WHOLE OTHER SET OF DRAMA THERE FOLKS!)
anywho, back to the party. she got lots of nice things. ate too much. drank too much. and definitely FLIRTED too much for my taste. yes, flirted. with the boy 2 doors down from us. he's a cutie-patootie, adam. but i'm afraid that if he comes within 3 feet of my daughter any time in the near future......i'm going to rearrange that cutie-patootie mug of his.
cute or no, back off of the poohbear.
and to top everything off, i was sick as a dog. and thanks to my sweetie, i am feeling somewhat better. i said somewhat. not completely. don't go expecting miracles folks. especially since the southern california weather gods have decided once again to revert back to summer.
i hate summer. have i ever told you all that? i grew up in miami. so i know summer. REAL SUMMER. humidity, bugs, heat, humidity, bugs, heat, humidity, bugs, heat...oh yeah....let's not forget to throw in TONS OF FUCKING RAIN every few hours, just to make things interesting. did i mention there was humidity, bugs & heat? so, i'm no stranger to heat.
and i hate it. despise it. loathe it. with a passion not known to many. it repulses me. makes me ill. makes me meaner than a hornet. and i really hate to sweat. so, i kinda liked so cal with its climate changes. yeah, it gets hot here. but not miami hot. so i can live.
BUT THIS SHIT IS ABSOFUCKINGRIDICULOUS!!!
weather forcasts for christmas day is 86!! 86!! what the hell?? if i wanted a hot christmas, i'd go spend it in miami with my wacko mother, bubba & kat! LIKE HELL I WANT A HOT HOLIDAY!!
WHO IS ASLEEP AT THE CONTROLS?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Yo! mother nature!! you forgot to switch us to WINTER!!
i'm going to have to use the air conditioner on christmas day. do you know how long its been since i've had to do that?? SINCE I LIVED IN MIAMI!! so, 1993?? good lord.
sorry....i digress. its the heat. makes me loopy. (no comments from the peanut gallery)
#1. she still has her pooh-bear blankie that she came home from the hospital with. #2. she loves the color pink. #3. she has a lazy eye that they operated on, but now the other eye looks lazy! but it's ok, she's still a beaut! :) #4. she loves rice and potatoes. #5. her first sentence was, "I want my bankie now!" #6. she loves to watch scary movies & scary documentaries. #7. she loves to help everyone out. #8. wore cabbage patch clothes when she was first born. #9. likes Harry Potter. #10. is very much a girly-girl (much to the chagrin to her mom)
and here is the song that i used to play endlessly for her when she was inutero & once she was here & unable to sleep. Tavares - Heaven must be missing an angel. and they must be, cause she is one. let it load...its so worth it! :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!
at 2AM. (yes, this is going to be an ode to my poohbear....)
and off to the hospital i went at 8, only to be sent home by 9. by this time, i had decided that labor & hospitals BOTH SUCK ASS!!
then at roughly 3PM, my water broke. but being a 1st time laborer, i had no clue. i thought i peed all over myself. thank god my ex-husband had the presence of mind to say, "I think we should go now."
but i wasn't hearing it. i had changed my mind. this labor shit is for the birds. i think i'll just stop now. (yeah....riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...................) then the pushing started. i think it was then that i decided to go to the hospital.
on the car ride (which is now happening during early rush hour....4:30PM) to the lovely Kaiser Bellflower Hospital, both legs are braced against the dashboard of our 89 toyota.
henry driving, screams, "you aren't pushing are you? you're not supposed to do that until they tell you to....." me grunting & really pissed off, "YEAH....LIKE I'M GOING TO WAIT FOR THEM?!?!?!?!?!? THEY SENT ME HOME!!!!!!!!!!" "well knock that off! you can't have her here in the car!" "YOU WANNA TRY TO STOP ME?? TRY IT & DIE ASSHOLE!!" "i don't know why you have to get so hostile." "HOSTILE?? YOU WANNA SEE HOSTILE??? LEMME RIP YOU OPEN!! THEN WE'LL BE EVEN!" "this isn't the time to make threats, jennifer." "YEAH....I'LL THREATEN YOU.....P.O.S." "look, there is the hospital. lemme park the car." "PARK THE CAR?!?!?!? ARE YOU DAFT??? DON'T YOU SEE I'M IN LABOR?!?!?!?" "well i don't know if i'll have the chance later on to move the car. and what if they tow it?" "LIKE THEY NEVER HAVE WOMEN GO INTO LABOR HERE? WHEN EXACTLY DID YOU FALL OFF THE TUNA TRUCK?" "more insults. thanks. like i'm not under enough pressure here?" "YOU MUST REALLY WANT TO DIE, DON'T YOU? WHO ARE YOU???" "look, there's a parking spot."
mind you all....he parked my laboring ass up on the 3rd floor. nice.....
"NOW I SUPPOSE YOU WANT ME TO WALK?" "well, how are you supposed to get inside?" "OH GOD, IF I WEREN'T IN LABOR RIGHT NOW I'D BRAIN YOU. YOU ARE A RETARD, KNOW THAT?" "you know....i'm not making fun of you." "OH MAN, ONCE THIS PAIN IS OVER WITH, I'M GOING TO KILL YOU. I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE NEXT FEW HOURS CAUSE AFTER THAT, YOUR ASS IS MINE. AND NOT IN A GOOD WAY EITHER." "hurry up so we can catch the elevator!" "???????????????????????????????????????????????"
meanwhile, there is this nice couple coming out of the hospital...
"do you need a wheelchair? HEY GUARD!! SHE NEEDS A WHEELCHAIR!! Honey, why are you parked up here?" "DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU?!?" "oh, sorry. the chair is coming. should we kill him for you?" "WOULD YOU PLEASE??"
they laugh....i was serious. i finally get a wheelchair and an orderly.
"we're going to get you to L&D in two shakes." "GREAT, CAUSE I'M ABOUT TO RUPTURE RIGHT HERE." "well don't go doing that until they see you upstairs." "YEAH, LIKE I COULD QUIT RIGHT NOW IF REALLY WANTED TO. CAN I? I MEAN, YOU ALL HAVE DRUGS TO START LABOR...HOW ABOUT STOPPING IT?" "um....i don't think you really want this stopped now." "LIKE HELL I DON'T. YOU HAVE NO CLUE. YOU'RE JUST A MAN." "oh man, you sound like my wife did.", chuckles. "PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME KILL YOU TOO."
we finally arrive up in L&D and i get into triage.
"well, what do we have here?" "ARE YOU SHITTING ME? THIS IS A HOSPITAL & THIS IS L&D, RIGHT? THE DUDE DIDN'T TAKE ME TO THE WRONG FLOOR, RIGHT?" "yes, sweetie. you're in the right place. now hop up onto this table so we can check you out." "NUMBER ONE, I CANNOT HOP IN THIS CONDITION, SO BITE ME. NUMBER TWO, IF YOU SEND ME HOME AGAIN, I'M NEVER COMING BACK HERE EVER AGAIN." "well you need to get up here so i can see how far along you are." "FINE." "ok, let's see.......you're.....OH MY! WE NEED A ROOM HERE!!!" "is there a problem?" "you are ready dear." "DON'T I GET AN EPIDURAL?? I NEED SOMETHING!" "oh no dear. you're ready to go!" "WHAT?!?!?!? ALL THIS & NO DRUGS???? I HATE YOU ALL." "well, you'll feel different in a little bit." "LIKE HELL I WILL"
i get wheeled into a delivery room. oh joy.
"so, are you ready to deliver this.....let's see....what are you having....a girl! how lovely!" "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING, RIGHT??? DON'T IT LOOK LIKE I'M READY?!?!?!?!" "well, sure...OMG..." "WHAT?!?!?!?!?" "um....doctor, i don't think this little one is going to wait..." "well she better wait!" "WELL I DON'T THINK SHE IS!!! CAUSE HERE SHE COMES!!"
it was 5:35PM.....we had the news on. henry didn't want to miss it. nice, huh?
"oh my! well wasn't that simple?" "YEAH.....RIGHT. SIMPLE. SO SIMPLE I SHOULD HAVE 4 MORE." (very prophetic.....) "well, what name have we decided to call this little cutie?" "well we haven't really decided. can i see her?" "oh my stars, of course! here you are!"
and they handed me my 3 week premature, 5lb. 6.5 oz., 18 inch, pink all over, no hair, green eyed, baby girl....my claudia elizabeth.
where claudia came from, i have no clue. it just popped into my head at the moment. elizabeth is for my mother & grandmother. (mom is kennie elizabeth & grandma is ora elizabeth)
happy 10th birthday, my twin, my pooh, my girl. i love you liz.
and i feel like death. have i mentioned that? i feel like death. what joy to have children who give you their ailments.
today is just a great carol.....because its sung by who i think is probably the coolest "cat" on the planet....Ms. Eartha Kitt. me-ow baby! (and it also includes tons of shit that i....hell ANY girl....would want! :) )
Santa Baby Music and lyrics, J. Javits & P. Springer Sung by Eartha Kitt (1954) Santa Baby, just slip a sable under the tree, for me. Been an awful good girl, Santa Baby, so hurry down the chimney to me.
Santa Baby, a Fifty-four convertible too, light blue. I'll wait up for you dear, Santa Baby, so hurry down the chimney to me.
Think of all the fun I've missed. Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed. Next year, I could be just as good -- If you'll check off my Christmas list.
Santa Baby, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot. Been an angel all year, Santa Baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa Baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring. I don't mean on the phone, Santa Baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight. Hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa, Honey, one little thing - I really need the deed to a platinum mine, Santa Baby. So, hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa, Cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex ... and checks. Sign your 'X' on the line, Santa, Cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight.
Come and trim my Christmas tree with some decorations bought at Tiffany. I really do believe in you. Let's see if you believe in me. Hurry . . . Tonight.
and you know the funny thing?? I'M TOTALLY CALM! WTF!?!?!?!?!? what has happened to me? it's weird....like invasion of the body snatchers...lol!! i'm totally calm, only have 1/2 of my christmas presents done, tomorrow is claudia's 10th birthday, i haven't got her presents yet, i am coming down with a cold, its gotten hot again, the house is a mess, jenette stayed out too late last night, i have to pee, the kids outside are begging to come in to bake cookies and i've been dancing to disco all afternoon.
why am i not anal-retentively freaking the hell out??? dale, did you spike my tea?
oh well, todays submission is a song that just has to be on my list. a beloved classic with an even more classic cartoon. i give you....
Words by Robert L. May (c) 1947 Music by Johnny Marks
You know Dasher and Dancer And Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid And Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall The most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose And if you ever saw it.. You would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer, Used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games
Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say-- Rudolph with your nose so bright, Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?
Then all the reindeer loved him. And they shouted out with glee! "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer You'll go down in history!"
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (reindeer) Had a very shiny nose (like a light bulb) And if you ever saw it (saw it) You would even say it glows (like a flash light)
All of the other reindeer (reindeer) Used to laugh and call him names (like Pinochio) They never let poor Rudolph (Rudolph) Join in any reindeer games (like Monopoly)
Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say (Ho Ho Ho) Rudolph with your nose so bright Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?
Then all the reindeer loved him (loved him) And they shouted out with glee (like toothpaste) "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (reindeer) You'll go down in history!" (like George Washington!)
and holy shitzola, there is only one (THAT'S 1) week left until the most unholy of holy days (good lord....i'm goin' to hell for that one!) is here. i don't know about you all, but i'd much rather it all be over & new years be here. that way i can get schnockerd and forget this whole bloody 2005. anyone got a magnum? :D
i digress....sorry about that. today's submission is a holiday fave sung by the lovely ms. brenda lee.
just for the hell of it, another meme (what is that WORD?!?!?!?)
1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider? mostly hot cocoa, but sometimes cider 2. Turkey or Ham? my world famous turkey 3. Do you get a Fake or Real Christmas tree? this year fake, but ordinarily real. 4. Decorations on the outside of your house? yep...candy canes, a train, lights (C7 & twinkle...) 5. Snowball fights or sledding? sledding...the kids are really good at it... 6. Do you like hanging around the fireplace because it's warm? we don't have a fire place (YET!) but it would be for both warmth & ambiance. 7. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping? now that's a scary thought.....downtown los angeles. ::SHIVER:: 8. Favorite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir 9. How do you feel about Christmas movies? i even watch the cheesy made for TV ones! 10. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music? never 11. Stockings before or after presents? before 12. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them? i've never seen carolers here in LA, but when i lived back in VG, we got some. and yes we listened & even participated! :) 13. Go to someone elses house or they come to you? i love being the hostess with the mostest! :) 14. Do you read the Christmas Story? yes 15. What do you do after presents and dinner? drug the kids & play all their cool new games! :) 16. What is your favorite holiday smell? christmas tree 17. Ice skating or walking around the mall? i should say ice skating, but i'd give up my 1st born to shop! :) 18. Most surprising gift you ever got? when i was in 7th grade, we had a gift exchange in french class. the most geekiest boy in school (yes, there was another one besides dale...) pulled my name & everyone teased me about it. i was mortified. but on the party day he got me a lovely Love's Baby Soft gift set. it was the nicest one out of the whole class. i was impressed, he scored points & all the other girls were jealous. lol! 19. Favorite Part about winter? snuggling 20.Favorite Christmas decor? my mini ornament christmas tree 21.Lights...colored or clear? both 22. What is the best Christmas gift you ever received? my stuffed chewie doll. 23. What is your favorite Christmas tradition in your family? the jesus stocking 24. What is your least favorite thing about the holidays? the crowds 25. What is the one thing that you would like to see under the tree this year? my brother & sister, but that won't happen. so i'll settle for a nintendo DS. 26. What is your favorite thing to do/build in the snow? watch the kids play in it. 27. What is your favorite holiday drink? since dc turned me on to it, comfort & joy hot tea. 28. Who is your favorite reindeer? Vixen....of course! :) 29. What is your Christmas Eve ritual? go to church, drive home by way of really cool christmas lights & then milk & cookie santa! :) it USED to be wrap until 4 & then collapse dead until 6. lol! 30. Are you a Friday after Thanksgiving shopper? I WORSHIP AT THE BLACK FRIDAY ALTAR!!! 31. What is your favorite holiday food? toss up between turkey, lima bean and carrot cassarole & pumpkin pie 32. How did you find out that Santa wasn't real? when i was 12, my mom was laid up with a bad back & she taught me all about being "santa" 33. Who do you want to be under the mistletoe with? since val kilmer will be unavailable, i'll settle for dale 34. Have you bought all your presents yet? almost 35. Do you spend Christmas with a lot of family? this year, just the kids. hopefully next year it will be with a huge group of family! :) 36. Do you still make snowmen and snow angels? when i have the chance i do. 37. How long will your tree stay up? until january 20th. my sisters birthday. 38. What do you plan to do for New Year's Eve? the usual. have a finger food feast & then keep the kids up until 12. 39. What's the most expensive thing you've gotten for Christmas? in 89, my panasonic cd/dual tape deck/turn table stereo from my daddy! :) 40. How early do you wake up on Christmas morning? as early as the kids get up. usually about 6. 41. What do you usually get in your stocking? candy, mini toys, etc... 42. What would you like to see this Christmas? snow, but it never snows this low in the valley.
did you all know that my lovely 2nd eldest daughter's 10th birthday is this coming tuesday?!?!?? WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LAST 10 YEARS?!?!?!?!? i am in serious panic mode folks. i can't believe that my poohbear is going to be 10. it seems like just yesterday, she was a preemie. and here she is.....loud, obnoxious, opinionated......good lord, SHE'S ME!!! oh no......
well, for today's submission, i give you one of claudia's favorites.....
Percy the Puny Poinsettia by Elmo & Patsy
Percy, the puny poinsettia sitting with gloom and dismay.
If they had just kept him "wetta" he'd be a houseplant today.
Folks like the other plants "betta" now he's alone on the shelf.
Even a plant with no Uncle orAunt shouldn't spendChristmas day by himself!
is going to the ER at 12:30 with your 18 year old daughter who is having a stress induced migraine. only to be the entertainment for her friends & the medical crew.
and to not get any sleep, cause you're busy doting over said 18 year old for 6+ hours. (who is now reduced to a blubbering pile of jelly...)
Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there's no such thing as Santa, but as for me and grandpa we believe.
She'd been drinking too much eggnog, and we begged her not to go. But she forgot her medication, and she staggered out the door into the snow.
Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there's no such thing as Santa, but as for me and grandpa we believe.
When we found her Christmas morning, at the scene of the attack, she had hoof-prints on her forehead, and incriminating Claus marks on her back.
Now we're all so proud of grandpa, He's been taking this so well. See him in there watching football, drinking root beer and playing cards with Cousin Mel.
It's not Christmas without Grandma, All the family's dressed in black and we just can't help but wonder: Should we open up her gifts, or send them back?
Send them back!!
Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there's no such thing as Santa, but as for me and grandpa we believe.
Now the goose is on the table and the pudding made of fig and the blue and silver candles that would just have matched the hair on grandma's wig.
I've warned all my friends and neighbors better watch out for yourselves, they should never give a license to a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.
Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there's no such thing as Santa, but as for me and grandpa we believe.
so, are we all ready? i know that santa is making final preparations on his sleigh & going through his list one final time. so you know what that means....
You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I'm telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town He's making a list, And checking it twice; Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice. Santa Claus is coming to town
He sees you when you're sleeping He knows when you're awake He knows if you've been bad or good So be good for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out! You better not cry. Better not pout, I'm telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town.
so, what do YOU have left to do before the inevitable? (kids bitching cause they didn't get what they asked for....)
as for me....i've basically got EVERYTHING left to do!! LOL!! i've got no santa presents, haven't gotten the kids any clothes, don't have things for my friend(s) .....oh my god becky.....someone shoot me.
CHRISTMAS IS 11 FRICKEN DAYS FROM NOW!!
and for todays submission, one of my favorites from my childhood....(OH MOMMY!!! ((VBEG)) ...and yes, my brother's name is john, i did break tons of shit on his head...just not a bat...lol! sorry bubba! I LOVE YOU!!)
Nuttin' For Christmas S. Tepper, R. Bennett (c) 1955
I broke my bat on Johnny's head; Somebody snitched on me. I hid a frog in sister's bed; Somebody snitched on me. I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug; I made Tommy eat a bug; Bought some gum with a penny slug; Somebody snitched on me.
Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas Mommy and Daddy are mad. I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas 'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.
I put a tack on teacher's chair somebody snitched on me. I tied a knot in Susie's hair somebody snitched on me.
I did a dance on Mommy's plants climbed a tree and tore my pants Filled the sugar bowl with ants somebody snitched on me.
So, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas Mommy and Daddy are mad. I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas 'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.
I won't be seeing Santa Claus; Somebody snitched on me. He won't come visit me because Somebody snitched on me.
Next year I'll be going straight; Next year I'll be good, just wait I'd start right now, but it's too late; Somebody snitched on me.
So you better be good whatever you do 'Cause if you're bad, I'm warning you, You'll get nuttin' for Christmas!!
ok....what is a MEME anywho? i have no clue. but i got this one from Shannon. so here i go...
Holiday Edition MEME
Welcome to the 2005 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? i like both, but am more partial to hot chocolate. and it would have to be my ghiradelli hot cocoa mix that we bought on our "trip" to san fran. lol! 2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa brings gifts wrapped in individually chosen "SANTA PAPER" for each kid. 3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? well i used to do colored & white on the tree, but since this year we opted for an artifical tree (no sense in having a real one out here...it'll be dead in 2 days...) it came with white lights. and the outside has colored lights. 4. Do you hang mistletoe? yeah. we have mistletoe on the chandelier in the LR....i had a kissing ball, but the ex kept it for his house. 5. When do you put your decorations up? its always been the weekend before turkey day. 6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? would have to be my great-grandmother's lima bean & carrot cassarole. since she passed, it gets made by everyone in their respective houses. 7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? i'm not really sure. i've got too many to remember. 8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? would have to be when i was 12 & my mother threw her back out. i had to play santa that year. and she taught me all about "how to be santa!" :) 9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? when i was a kid, no way. we did christmas morning. now, the ex's family does it & i used to let the kids open just one on christmas eve. but i put the kibosh on that & we're back to the 25th. 10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? it depends....when i was a kid, he used to get berliner kranzers or angel kisses. now he gets whatever is freshly baked! :) 11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? love it, but don't get it out here....that's going to change next winter! :) 12. Can you ice skate? yes. jeanette cook's step-dad taught me when i was about 9. :) 13. Do you remember your favorite gift? would have to be my stuffed chewbacca when i was about 6. 14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? everything. spending it with the kids, making it as picture perfect as i can get it on a shoestring budget & in an apartment....but its going to change....REAL SOON! :) 15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? would have to be my homemade pumpkin pie. mmmmmm...nummy! 16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? the jesus stocking. it started at my mother's & has continued in my house. jesus gets a plain stocking & in it you put your hopes & dreams for either someone else or everyone else in the new coming year. 17. What tops your tree? the angel i bought myself (my very 1st christmas decoration) about 15 years ago... 18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? giving. i like making sure that everyone else has a better holiday than i do. :) 19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? carol of the bells....sung by the mormon tabernacle choir. its breathtakingly beautiful. 20. Candy Canes! i love them, but DC's not a fan.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree!
i'm feeling somewhat better. i *think* my drink was spiked. but i have no way to prove it. but other than feeling like i've been hit by a mack truck, i'm fine. i'll live to fight another day. now i've just got to get up the energy to clean this house....which looks like a tornado ripped through it. oh the joys of being southern during the holidays. (for the record...the house isn't all that messy, but to me, looks like a disaster area.....::SIGH::)
Up On the Housetop
Up On the Housetop reindeer pause, Out jumps good old Santa Claus. Down thru' the chimney with lots of toys, All for the little ones, Christmas joys.
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Up on the housetop, click, click, click, Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick.
First comes the stocking of little Nell, Oh, dear Santa fill it well; Give her a dolly that laughs and cries One that will open and shut her eyes.
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Up on the housetop, click, click, click, Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick.
Next comes the stocking of little Will, Oh just see what a glorious fill Here is a hammer and lots of tacks, Also a ball and a whip that cracks.
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Up on the housetop, click, click, click, Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick.
todays submission.....this is what i need.....someone find me the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! :)
We Need A Little Christmas
Haul out the holly Put up the tree before my spirit falls again Fill up the stockings I may be rushing things but, deck the halls again now...
For we need a little Christmas, Right this very minute. Candles in the window, Carols at the spinet... Yes, we need a little Christmas Right this very minute....
It hasn't snowed a single flurry But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry
Climb down the chimney, Put up the brightest string of lights I've ever seen! Slice up the fruitcake, It's time we hung some tinsel on that evergreen bough!
For I've grown a little leaner... Grown a little colder... Grown a little sadder... Grown a little older... And I need a little angel... Sitting on my shoulder... We need a little Christmas now!
For we need a little music... Need a little laughter... Need a little singing... Ringing through the rafters... And we need a little snappy... "Happy ever after" We need a little Christmas now!
ok...so i'm going to continue putting up my christmas carols...even though i feel like shit, lost $20 bucks, have my period (i know...TMI), my kids are monsters, my ex is freaking weird & today my boyfriend just about sucked.
i am so ready to put this flippin holiday in the shitcan.
but ever the pollyana...here is today's submission.....
18 days... (please turn up your volume & LET IT LOAD!! :) )
remember when you were a kid??
listen!
O Tannenbaum
O Tannenbaum, or, in its English version, "O Christmas Tree" is aChristmas carolof German origin.
A Tannenbaum is afirtree (Germandie Tanne) orChristmas tree(der Weihnachtsbaum). Itsevergreenqualities have long inspired musicians to write several "Tannenbaum" songs in German.
The best known version was penned in1824by aLeipzigorganistand teacher namedErnst Anschütz. The melody is an old folk tune. The first known "Tannenbaum" song lyrics date back to1550. A similar1615song byMelchior Franck(1573-1639) goes: Ach Tannenbaum, ach Tannenbaum, du bist ein edler Zweig! Du grünest uns den Winter, die liebe Sommerzeit.