Back to Reality

I got a case of the Sunday Night Blues a full 24 hours early, on Saturday night. Putting the Christmas decorations away and knowing that soon we’d both be back to a regular work schedule made me a little sad.

The Sunday Night Blues hit Husband on Sunday morning, as he started thinking about everything he’d need to do back at work.

But, we knew that the end of our break was inevitable. After all, you can only spend so much time napping, watching TV, and eating leftover Christmas cookies, right? At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Welcome, 2010!

My new work planner that I ordered recently arrived. I didn’t specify a color, but I was surprised to see that it was bright pink. So this year is already looking rosy (literally) for me!

I’m excited for a new year and a fresh start. Husband and I have quite a bit of traveling planned, and I can’t wait. We most likely won’t have to move this year, which is a relief that we can stay settled here for a bit longer. And I’m sure there will be plenty of other adventures along the way.

I wish the best for all of you this year!

New Year's Goals

I just have to accept that I’m way too sentimental to stop making New Year’s resolutions.

And, if you asked Husband, he’d say that I’m a little addicted to setting goals. When I asked him on our last anniversary what our marriage goals should be, he got a confused look on his face and replied, “Let me get this straight…you make New Year’s goals, Lenten goals, and now you want to make marriage goals??” (The answer was “yes,” but I figured I should cut the poor guy some slack and just forget it.)

So, in short, yes, I’ll be making New Year’s resolutions this year. I’m not sure whether they’re technically “goals” or “resolutions,” but here they are regardless:

1) Read more

Specifically, I want to finish reading the Bible. I’ve had “read the bible” as my New Year’s resolution for more years than I can count, but I think this year I will actually finish it. I started reading it on a somewhat sporadic basis a couple years ago, and I have about a quarter of it left to go. In other words, by the time I finish reading it, I will probably have forgotten everything I read, and I’ll have to start again. (But I guess the point is to continually read it, right?)

2) Write more

Sometimes when I start feeling unsettled or just a little “off,” I’ve come to realize that it’s usually because I haven’t written lately. Writing makes me feel energized and happier. So I figure I should take that as my cue to write more often this year, both on the blog and just in general.

My overachiever self feels like there should be a third goal, but I can’t really think of a good third one. So two it is.

And now I have to ask… Is anyone else overly preoccupied with making New Year’s resolutions each year, or am I the only one?

All in the Family

When we sat down for dinner on Christmas, I noticed the many reminders of our family.

Our table and china were handed down from Husband’s grandma. The silverware was an anniversary gift from my grandma. The napkins were a Christmas gift from Husband’s mom. And my parents were gathered with us around our table for Christmas dinner.

It made me realize how lucky we are to have such wonderful family with us for Christmas and in spirit.

I hope you had a wonderful, family-filled Christmas, too!

Time Travel

Can someone explain to me how it was just Thanksgiving yesterday and this week it’s Christmas? I know that the holidays always seem to go by fast, but this year seems to be on warp speed.

Further proof can be found here:

I realized when I saw this expiration yesterday that 2010 will be here probably before I’m ready for it.

Regardless, my parents arrive today, and I can’t wait! Then Husband and I can finally start devouring the cookies that we baked yesterday. We figured that a plate of crumbs wouldn’t look quite as impressive.

If I don’t post again before then, I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Deliveries

We usually give a small gift to a handful of military friends that live in our neighborhood, and today I made my deliveries. I almost forgot how much fun it is to stop by and offer our Christmas wishes. (I guess it’s like caroling, but thankfully, without the humiliation of me having to sing.)

Last year we did popcorn baskets, which were a big hit. The plastic bowls were only a couple bucks, and I just added a couple bags of microwave popcorn, popcorn seasoning, and some movie-theater candy.

This year the gifts were hot chocolate kits.

I found the containers at the dollar store, and I just added some hot chocolate and topped with marshmallows. The “stirrers” are peppermint sticks covered in chocolate. (Yum!)

And now all of a sudden I’m craving hot chocolate…

Happy 5 days until Christmas!

Snuggie-licious

This weekend Husband and I went to a Christmas party, which included a gag gift exchange.

I had very low expectations about what we would get, as I’ve seen everything at these things from a broken watch to a bag of flour (which I suppose is at least somewhat practical).

But, to my surprise, we took this home:

We’re now the proud owners of a Snuggie.

We were among the last people to choose our gift, which allowed “stealing” an already-opened gift. It wasn’t until I was able to pick a gift that I realized this strong, hidden desire to have a Snuggie. I became so ruthless that I “stole” two different Snuggies – including one from a pregnant woman! I should be ashamed.

I’ll admit, though, that I was giddy when we got home and I tried it on.

And this is one product that does not mislead in its advertising – it truly is a blanket with sleeves! It looks like an oversized wizard’s cloak, or a jumbo poncho.

I realize I look like a total dork wearing it. In other words, it’s perfect.