Tuesday

I have spent waaaaay too much time explaining a PayPal transaction to one of my advertisers. I don't know any other ways to tell her she did not pay me twice. Perhaps I need to bust out a laser pointer and some H. Ross Perot-style diagrams.

The A&M/Georgia game was interesting. At least Georgia managed to get some points on their own merit towards the end of the game. Most of them were a direct result of Aggie errors. Blah. They should have put Tannehill in, too, because Jerrod wasn't hitting anything last night. Glad to see the season behind them. I'm still thinking they'll do pretty well next year.

I have a new favorite song of the moment- Theory of Deadman "Bad Girlfriend." I dare you to sit still through it. Unfortunately I can't post the video or Google would flag me as an adult blog. lol. It was fantastic live! You know what she is, no doubt about it, she's a bad bad girlfriend...

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Home Again

It's nice to travel, and it's nice to come home. People always say it's great to be in your own bed, and I would agree, but I think it's even better to bathe in one's own shower. The water pressure is a certain level and you know how to get the temperature where you want it. You have your own soap and shampoo. Oh YEAH!

Random genius idea: Pedestrian OnStar. If you need to pee, you press the button and ask where the nearest bathroom is. If you fall in a pothole while crossing the street (Cathy... *wink*), it says, "I sense that you've been in an accident. Would you like me to call an ambulance?" You know you want one.

Saturday 9: Sam's Last Stand of 2009

1. What did you think of 2009?
It was a year that kind of passed by me without many significant things happening. That can be a good thing!

2. What do you think was the news story of the year?
The death of Michael Jackson. I was not a fan of the man himself, but a huge fan of his older music. Whatever we thought of him, I think everyone was really shocked at his untimely death.

3. What happened this year that you never want to hear another word about?
The untimely death of Michael Jackson.

4. What was your favorite song of 2009?
"Smile" by Uncle Kracker

5. What did you accomplish this year?
Finally remodeled the master bathroom after years of whining about its sad state.

6. Did you learn anything new this year?
I learned how to make sushi. :)

7. What are you looking forward to in the new year?
Spring.

8. What are your plans for New Year's Eve?
I think we're staying home and hanging out. Doing the food and drink thing, etc. Lauren may have friends over.

9. What's the best thing you ever did on a New Year's Eve?
Twice we went to the NYE party at the Hyatt on Town Lake with friends. SO FUN! It includes a room, so it's really nice not to have to designate a driver, or drive home with the drinkers out.

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Bodies

What. I'm here!

We saw Bodies: The Exhibition at West End yesterday. It was exceedingly interesting; however, it is NOT Bodyworlds, the exhibit everyone with which everyone is most familiar. Bodies is the same sort of thing, but is much smaller and doesn't have the pregnant lady or the horse. So don't go asking the docents where the horse is, or say something rude like, "Is this ALL THERE IS?" ...Not that I did that. :)

They have a display of all stages of fetal development, which was very cool. The Exhibition is more "educational" than the Bodyworlds exhibit, and features more of how the body works rather than the "cool factor" with the sheer numbers of people and poses.

This year's Christmas card game was Uno Attack. I highly recommend it! Super fun.

Jeff got me a new camera. It takes way better photos than my old one, and is a third the size. Woohoo! Lauren wins the prize for coolest gift- she gave me a little BMW Z4. In silver, even!! I love it. I accidentally figured out you can pull it back and it rolls. Awesome, dude.

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Merry Merry Christmas

The Dallas touristing continues. We've hit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Cowboys Stadium and attended the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular (more NYC than DFW, but touristy nonetheless).

The BEP was quite interesting, and we were right up front with the tour guide, so we got all sorts of extra details, along with a personal recommendation for the best barbecue in that area. Both he and the cashier in the gift shop made comments about "keeping Austin weird," when they found out we were from there. Ahaha. You know that never gets old... They are currently designing the new $100, which is the final new bill in the series before they start over to redesign them again. Those areas are blocked off so you cannot see them. The coolest thing about the place is the security officers there were the nicest I've encountered in quite a while. All the staff were very friendly.

Cowboys Stadium tour was worth the $15. You get to go into a suite and down into the Cowboys and Cowboy Cheerleaders locker rooms, plus all over the stadium (1.75 miles over an hour and a half). Lots of interesting info on the tour. I will spare you the heaping buttloads of factoids the very entertaining Ivan told us.

Rockettes were great! I had never seen them in person. We were supposed to meet one of them who is the sister of my in-laws' good friend, but she was leaving to catch a plane home for Christmas, so we couldn't.

Christmas Eve we went to my brother-in-law's place where his roommate and roommate's girlfriend made us dinner. Yummo! After that, we drove home in a blizzard. Okay, practically a blizzard. The Dallas freeways are bad enough without a three-inch slab of slush/ice. When you add large amounts of blowing snow, it gets nutty. We drove 5-15mph from Bedford to Irving. The flyovers on 635 were so icy that some cars were sliding just trying to get up the slope. Get new tires, people. This Texas gal is not driving again until the snow and ice melt today.

Merry Christmas all!!

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Nota Wins "The Sing-Off"

I did watch the finale of "The Sing-Off," despite Nick Lachey's stilted hosting. My favorite judge during the week-long show was Ben Folds. He's a funny guy. Both my favorite groups were in the final, and they were the top two vote-getters. Nota won, which is so cool for them! They get $100,000 and a Sony contract. The best two songs of the night were Beelzebubs with Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, singing "You Don't Own Me"... and Bobby McFerrin, who was so awesome.





An old choir buddy friended me on Facebook. She has become a model and TV personality. I had no idea of her level of success in the media. I had seen a few pics, but wow! I wonder if she still sings. Considering her amazing portfolio photos, I'm guessing she doesn't have to.

We're heading to the in-laws today. I'm really looking forward to all the various outings we have planned, and to just relaxing!

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Well Hello There, Fangirl

This just makes me all warm and fuzzy. Chris Daughtry in Austin, on December 13, at 8-ish on the night of our concert, wearing the clothes he hugged us in (heh), and singing...

"Oh Holy Night."

squee

http://www.daughtryofficial.com/news/never-too-early-christmas-carol

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Four More Shopping Days...

...well, for all o' y'all who haven't finished shopping, that is. Hee!

Preparing to leave for Big D tomorrow. Also delivering gifts to friends today. And KathyL and I are hanging out tonight after she gets home from work. What? People are working today? Pssh.

Yesterday, Cath and I went to the Benini Ranch. We visited the studio and drove through all the sculptures and trails and up the hill. It is completely quiet at the summit where the Beninis' house is. So cool. We got out of the car there to take in the breathtaking 360-degree view looking over miles and miles of central Texas. The breeze was winding around the hill and a bell sculpture was occasionally dinging. I wanted to take video of the ringing bell in the total silence of the hilltop.

So I get out my phone to take the video and I hear a voice on the other side of the backyard. "This place is AWESOME!!! You HAVE to come out here!" The guy starts chattering on over the phone with his friend, telling him all about the ranch-- like every detail, so the friend basically doesn't need to bother coming out to see it. So I wait and we walk around a bit, and eventually he sounds like he's ending the call.

Then he starts talking again. Yeesh. So we wait some more and he walks off towards his car. Then he turns around and comes back. Then finally he wanders off where I can't hear him anymore.

And in the total silence... with a gentle hill country breeze moving the bells... I take this video:



LOL. It sounds like a gale force wind sweeping through. Stupid phone. :-p

Song Lyrics de Noël

Your eyes are green like summer grass
Your lips are red like a fresh-cut rose
Your hair is soft like an Irish stream
And your voice is filled with sweet beauty
And the last words I heard him say were
'I shall return for you, my love, on Christmas Day'

"Christmas Day" Dido

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Sunday Stealing

We went to Melting Pot last night and then hung out at KathyL's. Great night! Today is Cathy's birthday, so after her spanking, we'll have cake. Then I'm thinking we might drive out to Johnson City or something.

Have a great day, friends!

Sunday Stealing: Lola's Holiday Meme

1. What is your favorite holiday show/animated show?
"The Year Without a Santa Claus" with the Heat Miser and the Snow Miser

2. What holiday character do you think you're most like?
Of course, Miss Jessica from "Santa Claus in Comin' to Town"

3. What holiday character does your spouse think you're most like?
Surely he feels the same. :) If he says Lucy from "A Charlie Brown Christmas," he's in trouble.

4. Favorite Christmas/holiday song?
"Oh Holy Night"

5. Most hated Christmas/holiday song?
"The Christmas Song" (a.k.a. "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") So overplayed.

6. If you have an all holiday music radio station when do you start listening to it?
I do not, but I start playing a Christmas iTunes playlist or listen to a Christmas CD in the car the day after Thanksgiving.

7. If you have an all holiday music radio station do you love it or hate it?
N/A. I know.... I need satellite radio, right?

8. Have you ever wrapped yourself as a Christmas present?
No, but that's pretty cute.

9. Who is Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer's father?
Donner

10. Do you drive your neighborhood or one near you at night to look at other people's holiday decorations?
Of course!

11. When you see a heavily decorated house do you think, 'oh that's lovely'? Or do you think, 'oh criminy, that looks like Christmas threw up all over their lawn'?
Depends on the decorations. If they're tastefully done, I love it. If they're cheesy and disorganized, I make fun of it.

12. Are you counting the days to Christmas with excited anticipation or dread?
Anticipation!

13. When was the last time you had your photo taken with Santa? Did you sit on his lap?
I think I was 6 or 7, and I sat on his lap.

14. Do you make a Christmas list for your spouse or significant other or do you rely on them to pick your gift(s) without a clue from you?
Jeff and his family all want a specific list. Personally, I would rather get a useless, questionable or "what the heck is this" something, from someone who thought about me and what I might like, than a fantastic item I specifically told them. After 20-something years, I play along and do the list... if I can think of something I want.

15. When do you put up your tree?
day after Thanksgiving. Sometimes Thanksgiving day if we get bored.

16. Real or fake?
Fake, pre-lit. Although I prefer real, I don't want to transport it or take care of it. I like to visit friends who have a real one.

17. When do you take your tree down?
New Year's Day

18. Do you shop the day after Christmas sales? What do you shop for?
Nooooooooo. Unless I'm at my in-laws. My MIL loves to do the after-Christmas sales, so I tag along. If I'm there, I shop for cards and Christmas wrap.

19. Is your work/office having a holiday party this year? Will you attend?
I'm not working, and AMD hasn't had a Christmas party in years.

20. Do you have your New Year's Eve Plans set yet?
Not yet.

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Hola

CJ is here, so.... woohoo! (I thought I slept in! She's still down for the count.) We'll be whatevering today and going out with Debbie and KathyL tonight.

Saturday Six

1. What location is the farthest north you’ve ever gone?
London. It was Christmas my junior year of high school and I visited my dad. He was living in Brighton at the time.

2. Which location is the farthest south you’ve ever gone?
Roatán, Honduras. This was one of our cruise ports.

3. Which location is the farthest west you’ve ever been?
Mākaha, Hawaii on Oahu. We stayed in Honolulu on our Hawaii trip, but traversed the island quite a bit. We also went to the big island.

4. Which location is the farthest east you’ve ever been?
Berchtesgaden, Germany. This was a family reunion when Lauren was 3. So fun!

5. Take the quiz: Are You North, South, East or West?
You Are South
Like an islander, you are friendly, easy-going and welcoming. You are always looking for good times and new friends. People admire that you are so caring and hospitable. The world would be a much better place if more folks were like you. Sometimes you come across as a little too complacent. You tend to avoid conflict at any cost, even if it makes you uncomfortable in the process. You make an ideal diplomat. You know how to put people at ease and how to promote peace.

6. If you had to move permanently to the location you’ve previously visited that matches the answer to the quiz, do you think you could be happy there?
Well, I can't say I would be happy living in Honduras, considering the violence and all. Roatán is beautiful though.

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Friday Five

Well, it's officially the Christmas holidays. Lauren is out of school and Jeff has forced vacation for two weeks! Yay! I'm done with shopping, too. My only project now is to frame my Daughtry memorabilia. Otherwise, I plan to hang out with friends and family, play lots of games, watch Christmas specials, and as Phil would say on "Modern Family," chillax.

Friday Five

1.What’s your favorite frozen heat-and-eat food?
HEB empanadas. No really, they're very good!

2. How sensitive are you to cool temperatures?
Very. That's why I live in Texas. I'm still not used to the house being cool, so I walk around with a blanket a lot, which makes me look like I have the flu. Maybe I need to turn up the heat.

3. How many ice-cube trays are there in your freezer?
None, we have a dispenser in the door. Ohhhhhhhhh there's a funny story there. Once upon a time, years and years ago, I joined a message board and got to know several really fun women, some of whom I am still friends with today. During one of our group chats, I said something about getting a cup of ice and the dispenser screwed up. One of the women became very angry that I would dare to say I had a fridge with an ice dispenser. She said I was being rude by bragging about how rich I was. Rich! Ahahahahaaa. Away with you, peasants! Ice comes out of my refrigerator door! Practically a private jet. It was a running gag for years-- "Yeah, but does his fridge have an ice dispenser?"

4. What aspect of your life seems to be frozen in place?
The career part. I'll figure it out.

5. What’s your favorite blanket like?
It's green, which is my favorite color, and it's made of ultra soft fleece. (And it's Lauren's. Shhhh.) So warm.

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Meep

The other day I used the word meep in conversation, in the sense of being a subtle version of "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!" (i.e. "George Clooney is picking me up for dinner at 8. Meep.") Haven't used it since the fangirl days, and it was kinda funny because I had to explain it to Lauren.

The next day, I happened to read an article about a high school that had banned the use of the word meep, because among its varied meanings (who knew), one is as a substitute for foul language. The parents were up in arms, as they should be. The administrators would rather the kids use the actual four-letter words? Too much.

So then at Daughtry, one of the roadies had a shirt that said "got meep?" LOL.

In phone news, several guard girls and two teachers saw Lauren's phone on the floor of the dance gym on Monday, but no one picked it up. It was gone on Tuesday of course. We kept calling it, but it was always still dead, so whoever stole it doesn't have a charger. AT&T gave her a new SIM card so the old one is now trash.

She thought about getting a different phone, because the Samsung Impression doesn't handle heavy texting at all. It locks up several times a day for her. When she saw the retail price she would have to pay for a different phone, she decided to go with the $50 deductible to replace hers via the insurance she's been paying for every month. I think it's a great choice.

Because I am such a cool mom, I let her put her SIM card in my phone until hers comes in. That means I have no phone until Friday. I can be reached by several hundreds of other means, so unless my car dies and I'm alone, it's all good.

Cathy is coming up tomorrow! Girls' night is planned for Saturday night (and goodness-knows-what for Friday night). The poor dear has had the month from Hell, but 'tis the season of hard liquor merriment and good cheer, so we're gonna cheer her up!

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Golden Globe Noms

I have no idea what look JT was sporting at the Golden Globe nomination announcements yesterday. Geek chic? Just geek, perhaps? And the glasses look non-prescription. Do they even have glass in them? *squints to see*

It looks like an SNL skit, right? I kept waiting for Kenan Thompson to come running out in a dress. (Justin IS my very favorite guest host ever on SNL. Hilarious.)

George Clooney was nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actor for Up in the Air. Squeee! Finally a film where he looks like his gorgeous self, without an extra 60 pounds of body fat and/or facial hair. Although I do prefer him a little heavier than he is in this film. Manlier. More testosterone-ish. But this will work, thanks.

Where was I going with that?

Oh yeah. I LOVE the Ricky Gervais ad for the Globes---



Does he have the best laugh or what?! He is... So. Funny. Always great on Letterman, too. And I love watching the Globes because they are more casual and everyone is drinking and relaxed. Great stuff happens there, since it's not as stuffy as the Oscars.

I have been watching Glee Meets American Idol a.k.a. "The Sing-Off." I only like two groups though- Nota (from Puerto Rico) and Beelzebubs (from Tufts U). The others are all kinda blah. I just can't sit through it. Maybe I'll catch the final if they are performing. Nick Lachey is a very stiff host, and worse yet, he pronounces the word singer as sing-ger, and singing as sing-ging.... on a singing show, so he can say it all night, which makes me crazy.

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Can You Hear Me Now?

Oh tragedy of tragedies- Lauren has lost her phone. I haven't seen her without a phone for a few years. She's handling life remarkably well without it. She says she will have a phone by tonight, even if she has to pay for a new one. Luckily we have insurance on it, so she only has a $50 deductible to pay.

Finals have begun for high schoolers, which means a weird schedule for this last few days before break begins. The kiddo goes in late some days and comes home early every day, by 1pm at the latest. Again I ask... where was this schedule when we were in high school? Oddly, the kids were hanging out here last night playing video games. Studying is evidently for wimps.

I have three more Christmas gifts to purchase and I will be finished. HA. Next year I am definitely planning ahead like I used to, and getting this done early. December gift shopping--- NOT for wimps.

Chris' awesome cover of "In the Air Tonight" (from their Toledo show... drums enter @ 2:40-ish):


For anyone still waiting on my famous annual Christmas newsletter... there isn't one this year. I don't have enough interesting stories to work with for 2009. If you're reading this, you are well aware of that, so don't give me any lip. :p

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Daughtry

The VIP thing went really really well, other than the failure to receive timely notification of the arrangements from the company that runs the paperwork (not Daughtry's people). Luckily I requested and received information the morning of the event, where several others never got the info. A few missed most of the activities, including a group who had flown in from Maryland. Many of the VIP group for this show were from out-of-state, as many fans fly around to the weekend shows. I wouldn't have a clue about that *cough*. We met others from Minnesota and New Mexico.

Daughtry's head of security kind of ran the VIP group, keeping us wherever we were supposed to be at the moment. I'm really sorry I missed his name, because he ROCKS. He's handled security for U2 and Rob Thomas and a lot of other bands as well. Lauren and I kept trying to get a picture with him, but couldn't, usually because he was running around... I don't know... working. :)

There were maybe 60 of us. We started by watching a couple of songs in soundcheck. Very cool. Then we lined up to meet and have our pics taken with the band. You could have the photo taken alone or with friends. The security guy warned us not to kiss anyone or grab anyone's butt. Curses! Foiled again.

The guys are so nice. I'm sure they're exhausted as all get out, but you wouldn't know it from their attitudes in there. Before we posed for the pic, they each shook Lauren's and my hand and Chris gave us each a hug. Nice. For all the AI votes we gave him way back when, I'm sure. ;)

After photos, they gave us pre-signed programs and we got to shop the merch tables, which is great because they always run out of Lauren's size or shirt choice at concerts. Then we were routed back to the VIP area, where they opened the VIP bar and we had snacks and stuff. We stayed there and the ticket folks came through and scanned our tickets. They let us into the arena ten minutes before the doors opened, so VIP'ers with GA floor seats (like us) were right on the barrier up front.

We were allowed to go in and out of the VIP lounge all night, but there was no way we were leaving our standing area. We got to know the Erwin Center security guys pretty well there. They were very chatty. When Daughtry came out, our VIP security guy happened to be right in front of our section.

Cavo was good. We didn't know any of their songs though. Theory of a Deadman was really great, and David the Erwin Center Security Guy gave Lauren the set list that was nearest us when they left the stage. So nice!

Daughtry- amazing of course. We knew all the songs except the very last one they sang during the encore. lol. Did anyone know that one???! I don't think many did! I was sure "No Surprise" would be one of the encore songs, but SURPRISE! they sang it during the set.

The single lowlight of the night began when this guy fell into me and then apologized "I'm sorry... I'm really drunk." Luckily our Daughtry VIP security guy saw it and came right over. He pulled the guy up to the railing and told him to straighten up. The guy moved over and stood behind Lauren, and I eyed him like a hawk. I didn't realize he was way too close for her comfort (she could feel his gross breath on her neck). Within a few minutes his being there really started to upset her. At that point he happened to leave. Smart move, buddy!

One of the best songs was Chris' cover of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight." Holy wow. It was amazing. Joey's lit drumsticks were ubercool there in the dark. The cover of "Helter Skelter" had everyone singing and rocking out.

Superfun afternoon and night!! I have around 600 photos to sift through now...

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CHRIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSS!!!!11!!!1!

It's finally Daughtry Day! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! Okay I'm done.

Daughtry VIP Experience this afternoon with Lolo. That's soundcheck, meet-n-greet, early admission to the concert, etc. And best of all... VIP laminates! I KNOW! (Okay, maybe I wasn't done.) The concert is tonight. They didn't spare any time sending me the information on where to meet for soundcheck. I just got it! *checks clock-- 6:40 a.m.*

Stephen and Trina are having dinner with the Prime Minister of Australia right now. No, seriously. How freakin' awesome is that?!

From my FB newsfeed:
John requested help in New York with the Shake Down a City Council Member job in Mafia Wars.
--- Greasy Tony likes this.
Ahaha! It's the little things that so amuse me.

Patrick's Sunday Seven

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:
Name the last seven things you photographed.

1. Texas Stars hockey game with the Davises
2. our room at San Antonio's Hotel Contessa
3. Lauren's bday dinner at Ruth's Chris in San Antonio
4. Hotel Contessa Spa
5. the kids' Halloween cake-baking
6. Band at BOA Houston Regionals
7. Bathroom remodel

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Saturday Six

The link for "Sing Off" that I posted yesterday has a video of some group performance with all the singing groups together. It was awful! The individual groups were great when featured on the television commercial. So I hope the show is good. Eh.

This newest bunch of commentary on the Tiger Woods mess is irritating the crap out of me. Several news outlets are saying we expect too much from celebrities, sports figures, politicians. That we expect them to be superhuman, perfect people. Um, since when does a man have to be superhuman to keep from sleeping with countless skeezes? Superhuman. Seriously? That's quite a slam against the male population.

If sports figures or politicians want/need the public to respect and adore them, they must hold themselves to at least an average standard of morality. I'm talking about the very basics of being faithful to your significant other, avoiding illegal activities, etc. It ain't that hard. The vast majority of people do it every day. If they choose not to, that is their right, but people are going to talk and some are going to change their opinion of the person. If you're a public figure, that may affect your livelihood.

And don't even get me started on this pile of BS that he is a "sex addict." *eye roll*

I am happy to note that these things are being said by various news people and not by Tiger Woods himself, who I think has finally gotten the PR right by staying out of the public eye right now.

One other thing that disturbs me is the very notion that they should renegotiate their pre-nup. He would actually pay her to stay with him? And she might accept? That is sad. Leave or stay because you want to, not because you were paid off. That may be the norm in those circles, but to me, it makes them both look shallow. It's a marriage, not a corporation.

Saturday Six

1. Who was the last person you had an in-depth conversation with?
Laura

2. Would you prefer to talk to this person face to face, by phone, or by internet chat?
Well she doesn't internet chat, so that's off the table right away. Face-to-face. That's how I prefer to talk to anyone, especially if we are having a serious conversation.

3. In a group setting, are you happier listening to a conversation or leading it?
Well, here again, if I don't know anyone in the group, I prefer listening. If I know even just one person, I like to lead! Every time I write this down, it seems weirder and weirder. :)

4. How often would you say that listening to other people’s opinions in a conversation actually changes your own?
20% of the time I would say I am at least newly aware of some aspect of the differing view, maybe 10% of the time it actually reshapes my opinion in some way. I can almost always appreciate points of the other side's view, even if I don't share that view.

5. Take the quiz: Do You Talk Too Much? 
You Don't Talk Too Much
You have mastered the art of conversation. You understand that listening is as important as talking.
Like anyone else, you think that the things you have to say are important and interesting. You just know that not everyone is interested in hearing them. You wait your turn, speak your piece, and quickly turn the conversation back to your partner.You may choose your words carefully, but people consider you to be more of a brilliant conversationalist than some chatty know-it-all!

6. Have you ever had a telephone conversation in which you or the other party actually asked to hang up first?
Like "Hey, let me hang up first"? Can't say that I have.

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TGIF

Jake is the new Bachelor?! Ick. Less genteel types than I would call him the P-word. Cuz if anyone is that, it is Jake. He pathetically latched on to whatshername last season the minute he met her. Then he felt it was his responsibility to come back and save her from the musician yutz at the end. Blech. I won't be watching that. Probably for the best.

HEY. Are you still laughing at the "genteel" comment? I see you out there.

We don't usually watch "30 Rock," but the beginning was so funny last night that we kept sitting there and ended up watching the whole episode. They parodied Facebook with a site called YouFace. One of the best lines- "She changed her relationship status from 'working on it' to 'weirdsies.'" Weirdsies! Ahahaa.

And I cannot wait for next week's NBC a capella singing competition "Sing Off!" Woohoo!

Song Lyrics vom Weihnachten (...of Christmas!)

...A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn...

"Oh Holy Night" (the best Christmas song ever)

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Worst Song Ever... and Stuff

I so LOATHE the Owl City song "Fireflies." (You'd think I hate puppies and rainbows, too. But no.) It is simply the dorkiest song ever written. I turn off the radio if it comes on, much like I used to do with Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why I Didn't Come." *shiver*

I learned a new word last night during our online Christmas shopping--- "haptics." It refers to touch technology and interactive functions related to the sense of touch, like when a touchscreen vibrates when you press a virtual button. I love the way the word sounds! So cool! Incidentally, the word "haptic" is an adjective meaning 'relating to the sense of touch.'

Facebook privacy changes. Two major things to know:

1) A change- if you allow yourself to be searched for on Facebook and/or by search engines, everyone on Facebook and/or the net can now see your Name, Profile Picture, Gender, Current City, Networks and Pages. You used to be able to pick and choose what everyone could see in search. Now it is an on/off sort of thing for those particular items. So if you want to be found like me, but you want to maintain some sort of respectable image for prospective employers and the like, just be careful what pages you are a fan of and what sort of profile photo you have. Of course, most of us do that anyway, because some of our FB friends are from Strip Poker Friday and others are from church. Also, be aware that if you set yourself to be searchable, strangers who find you on search engines or Facebook will be able to see your full name along with the city you live in (I just deleted my current city) and, if you are in a college or workplace network, where you go/went to school or where you work. Your friend list is also now defaulted to be viewed by everyone, but you can change that by clicking the edit button on your friends list box on your profile page.

2) Any privacy settings you had before, other than the things listed in #1, will remain in place unless you change them. Almost all of mine are various custom settings and they were all intact after the changes, other than the friends list. Whew!

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English 101

u·biq·ui·tous [yoo-bik-wi-tuhs]
–adjective
existing or being everywhere, esp. at the same time; omnipresent: ubiquitous fog; ubiquitous little ants.

I have never, ever, used the word "ubiquitous" because I have never been sure what it means exactly. Seriously! Yeah, I probably shouldn't have admitted that, much like Bob said I shouldn't have posted a certain unflattering picture of myself on Facebook. It's the one where I am three and he says my hair is ginormous. Yeah, well. I had ubiquitous hair growing up.

Speaking of hair issues, guess who's running for governor of Texas. Farouk Shami, inventor of the CHI flat iron. A Palestinian, he moved to Houston and became a very successful businessman. I wondered why the new CHI commercials had him talking about the Texas jobs he's created. Ha!

Random Survey----

Do you go to the bathroom with the door open or closed? closed for gosh sakes

Are your underwear and socks folded in your drawer or just thrown in? underwear is thrown in, socks are folded

Sleep on your back or stomach? side

What would I find if I looked under your bed? dust bunnies and Christmas wrap

Marriage or living together? marriage

Do you de-label your beer bottles? after I drink the first beer, I tend to start de-labeling

Do you talk about your feelings or hide them? generally I talk about them

How long does it take for you to fall asleep at night? 0-15 minutes, once I turn the lights out

What's for dinner tonight? yummy leftover pasticcio

Who introduced you to your significant other? We met in a physics class.

What do you think of when you hear the word "meow"? Mimi singing "Out Tonight" from RENT

Where did you buy the shirt you're wearing now? a Duran Duran concert a few years ago in Houston

Do you remember the name of your kindergarten teacher? Mrs. Brown

What jewelry do you wear all the time? wedding ring, A&M ring, 10th anniversary ring

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Yo Yo Yo... It's Christmas Wrap

Gather around, kiddies, and hear the story of the origins of wrapping paper, as told by some show on TLC or Discovery Channel...

Long ago, Christmas gifts were placed beneath the tree in open view. Only wealthy European people used actual printed paper to wrap gifts. Eventually, the masses began wrapping gifts with plain white tissue paper, stuck together with straight pins. Yikes! Hallmark sold the tissue, but ran out one Christmas in the 1920's and bought some printed paper from France, which was a huge hit in their stores. So they ran with it and became the original US source for modern-day printed "wrapping paper" for regular folks.

I now have wrapping paper and bows and tags. Still not done with shopping, but there you go.

Note to my Austin friends- the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center has free admission during the entire month of January! Of course, there probably aren't a lot of flowers... but I'm sure there are many other interesting things going on!

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Just Another Manic Monday

When I saw Tebow crying this weekend when Florida lost, I felt terrible for him. He wanted that win so badly. Laura called him the P-word. Cuz she is mean like that.

KathyL and I got some major shopping done yesterday! Woohoo! I found a lot of things I want for myself. Isn't that how it always is this time of year? FOCUS. And you know what I do not have? Wrapping paper and gift tags. Did I sleep through the after-Christmas sales last year? Duh.

And now... we meme!

Sunday Stealing: The Can't Sleep Meme

Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed?
Nope!

When is it hard to kiss someone?
if you don't like them "that way," if they're eating something, if you're wearing a ski mask...

You're trapped in a room with your most recent ex for three days, what do you do?
Technically, Jeff is my most recent ex. lol. Evans and I would play video games and talk about our kids.

Does it matter to you if your significant other smokes?
Yes. Cigarette smell gets in absolutely everything. Plus I don't want the smoke around me or Lauren.

Where would you go if you were butt naked and locked out of your house?
Behind the garage, where I would wait for someone to get home.

Do you want to please everyone?
Not really.

Have you ever been called heartless?
No.

Someone calls you at 3:00 AM, who do you expect it to be?
A relative and someone has died.

Does it matter if your significant other drinks?
Nah. I'm not a huge drinker, so if he didn't drink, I would just drink with friends who did. Although I like having drinks together now and then, so it's good he does.

Could you go the rest of your life without doing drugs?
Yes. Well, I would need the occasional Tylenol. Heh.

Which is better, amazing eyes or an amazing smile?
Smile.

Are you easy to get along with?
Very.

Are you shorter than your Mom?
No, she was two inches shorter than me.

Who would you allow to read your thoughts for one day?
Ahahahaa.... Cathy. Maybe Laura.

Are there things in your life that you will never be able to get over?
There are a few things I probably won't ever "get over," even though I have successfully moved on from them.

If you woke up naked next to the last person you kissed, what would your reaction be?
I would worry where my "Spank Me" PJs disappeared to.

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An Open Letter to the Local QB

Dear Colt McCoy,

If you think people actually believe that you intentionally lollygagged around in the backfield and then hoisted a long, airy pass perfectly timed to go out-of-bounds with one second remaining in your biggest game of the season... you must have been sacked one too many times last night.

xoxo

Me

Nebraska vs. t.u. was the worst game ending ever! Boring, low scoring game, then finally a little excitement and the Cornhuskers even get ahead with little time left. Cue a couple of lucky Texas breaks with an out-of-bounds Husker kick-off and subsequent horse collar penalty. The announcers go on and on about McCoy's awesome clock management skills, followed by a clock management screw-up that should have been the biggest error he's made in his college career (he said he meant to do it, but whatever), but then there is one second remaining (lucky break #3 on this drive) and the kicker saves the day. Yeesh.

I think 'Bama is going to run them over in the championship game. Texas has not played well the last few weeks against much weaker teams.

In other news, I am pleased with the Amanda Knox conviction. I'm surprised her family has gotten such positive American media coverage after the way that whole thing went down. You know what convinced me she and her boyfriend were in on it? The two of them happily making out in front of news cameras while police were investigating the bloody crime scene in their apartment. Creepy. That just isn't a natural reaction to such a disturbing thing going on around you, even if you didn't know the victim at all, and especially if you and the victim were such wonderful friends.

After a marathon camp day, the winterguard show is completely choreographed, and the girls seem to love it. I can't wait to see! Two more days of camp for them.

Jeff and I hung out at the Hill Country Galleria yesterday. It's really beautiful this time of year. Hoping to get some actual shopping done today. Merry merry!!

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Freakishly Cold Saturday

SlimFast cans recalled??! I've had that stuff for breakfast every day for two years. What am I supposed to eat now? ...Cereal? ...Eggs? Oh the humanity.

Jeff special ordered these candies called ZotZ from an online candy store. They are regular hard candy with sour, "fizzy" stuff in the center. I tried one, and instead of the center slowly leaking out through a tiny hole, which he says usually happens, my candy fell apart and the entire center came out all at once. My mouth almost overflowed with a ridiculous volume of flavored FOAM. Very airy, bubbly, "foaming at the mouth" foam. Ewwwwwwww!!!!!!!! I just about lost my cookies.

Fun Christmas party at Jean's last night. It was great to catch up with some of the old Bunco girls who actually made it out!

Laura said she is going to make me that bathroom design board Christmas ornament, along with PJs that say "Spank Me" on the butt. Not sure where the second gift idea came from, but if she manages to make them, I will wear them.

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Snow Day?

It's supposed to snow this afternoon. It had better not snow out tonight's Christmas party at Jean's! I baked cookies!

For those wondering, "Degrassi" is a Canadian show on TeenNick, following the lives of students at Degrassi High School. Well, now most of them are in college. Yes, I've seen every single episode... at least twice. I watch "Degrassi" with my teenage daughter, mostly because it deals with serious issues, and I want to see what's going on. Also, it's a good show. :)

Speaking of good shows, "FlashForward" is one of my new favorites. Every single week there is a jaw-dropping bombshell of some sort! It's a show that sparks conversation about everything from science to interpersonal relationships. For those who haven't watched yet, a mysterious event causes everyone on the planet to simultaneously lose consciousness for 137 seconds, during which people see what appear to be visions of their lives approximately six months in the future—a global “flashforward." These visions cause some to change their lives, some to move towards the vision, some to avoid what will happen. The ever-present question is- can we change the future? The FBI and others are trying to figure out what caused the blackout. It's all very cool, watching events move towards the visions. It's finished until March, but until then they look like they'll be running the whole show in repeats. Thursdays at 7pm on ABC.

Finally talked to Scotty on webcam! Woohoo! We had to do some online somersaults to make it functional, but it was worth it. He showed me around their print shop in Coatza. He has an awesome wall full of album cover art. Oh so cool. Dude, we need to figure out how to get your SOUND working!


Friday Five: iTunes Five

1. What song do you play the most?
"Hide and Seek" Imogen Heap--- amazing song, especially really loud or on good headphones

2. What song do you play the least?
"Over the Wall" Debbie Gibson---The original Britney. I love her, but a few of those Electric Youth songs are not the greatest.

3. What's the last song you added?
"All I Want for Christmas is You" Mariah Carey--- I ADORE this song

4. What's your favorite playlist?
right now it's "Christmas" with 45 holiday songs by various artists

5. What kind of iPod (or MP3 player) do you have?
40G iPod classic, although I do the vast majority of listening via my PC.

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Random Thursday

Who am I kidding? Unless I'm ranting or raving or rambling about something, it's usually random day around here. Put on your seat belt and let's go...

Lauren received both her credit card and her official driver's license in the mail yesterday. I figure she'll be off to Vegas by this afternoon. ;)

While Christina Aguilera was on maternity leave, Lady GaGa successfully usurped her look. I saw Christina on a Dish Network commercial last night, and thought she was Lady Gaga. You know, the gorgeous platinum blond hair and perfect, shiny makeup so heavy that practically anyone could be underneath. The only thing that threw me was that she wasn't wearing a rubber dress or a bikini made of pipe cleaners.

We deliberately did not put radiant heated tile flooring in our new bathroom, because it was deemed an unnecessary expense in warm climates. Well, let me tell you, it is cold now. I never thought I'd miss the carpet in there, but holy whoa. And I saw on "Designer's Challenge" a totally rad (rad--- radiant... okay moving on...) option I never considered- radiant heated shower bench! Now that would be nice. So anyone out there remodeling their bathroom, I definitely recommend doing at least the shower bench.

Song Lyrics del Giorno

...I carry spring rain in my hair
Weighted sorrow in perfect clouds
Bursting in the air
Wash away and drown
I am playing God
I am raising hell
As far as I can tell
I am all alone...

"Rooftop"  Melissa McClelland. So very sad and haunting. It's been on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Degrassi" episodes.

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Mmm! Fresh Nuts!

Dry roasted soy nuts with sea salt. Who knew they were anything but disgusting?? I do not eat soy products. No tofu, especially no soy "milk" *cringe*. Not even the ever-popular edamame. I don't even know why I ventured to put a soy nut in my mouth in the first place, but they are really addictive. I'm not saying they taste better than cashews or several other types of real nuts. However, they are lower in calories and fat, higher in fiber, and they actually taste good. Thank you Central Market! (I've since found them at HEB as well. They're cheapest in the bulk bins.)

Dry Roasted Soy Nuts

1 oz serving is ~ 1/3 cup

110 calories

6g fat

6g fiber

12g protein

Dry Roasted Peanuts
1 oz serving is ~ 1/6 cup

170 calories

14g fat

2g fiber

7g protein

I came upon an entertaining and very informative article about Mafia Wars and gaming powerhouse Zynga...

An Offer You Can't Refuse

...Ultimately, Mafia Wars is just a time management game, and after long exposure it teaches the same lesson as every other time management game: namely, you should stop wasting time playing such a pointless - ooh, wait, I just helped Deborah complete a job. I got seven XP and 1,053 Cuban pesos, and she sent an Energy pack. Clickety clickety click-click, ding! Level 112, woohoo!

Love it.

KathyG was just pondering on Facebook what percentage of people's friends are actually Mafia Wars buddies or other random people they don't really know. I get a lot of Mafia Wars friend requests, but I have a policy not to friend anyone I don't know. Well, I did friend just one player back in the early days- he was the first person I really beat up on, and he wrote me an amusing little note asking me to join his mafia. Plus he lives in Egypt, which is cool. He is one of my most helpful mafia members. Other than him, all my Facebook friends are real.

Have a great day, everyone! Gotta check on my Russian businesses...

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TFF- Where You Get the Scoop!

What did I see all day long online yesterday? News articles declaring the Tiger Woods situation a "PR debacle." You saw it here first, friends! Okay, maybe you thought it in your own head before you saw it here, but that's what I'm here for-- to say what you non-bloggers are thinking. Before the Washington Post. BOO-yah.

We're going to do many tours and activities over Christmas in Dallas. I am totally psyched. One of the things is a return trip to Ice! at the Gaylord Texan. This year the theme is How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I went to the website and I have to warn you that the actual parkas are about ten times more poofy than the ones they show. Of course, part of the fun is knowing that if you fall over, you'll never get up again. Oh and do not wear your own coat underneath like I did last year. Double poofiness.

And a Public Service Announcement..

Men, a handshake is a handshake is a handshake. Just because you're shaking a woman's hand does not mean you have to grasp with a light touch and/or barely move. It's okay to carry through with the normal handshake you'd give a guy. We really find the wimpy handshake kinda creepy, even with another woman.

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