Be Me

I forgot who I was again.  Man!  I really hate when I do that.

I spent my morning cleaning the house from a long-weekend's worth of family togetherness.  The work wasn't so bad because JT was keeping me company.  While I wouldn't say this is a style of music that I've always been fond of, he does it so well that it ends up drawing me in.  Except when Jay-Z and Drake interrupt and ruin otherwise good songs...and also make them like ten minutes long.  I'm on a deadline, people!  Stop dragging this song out!  Just kidding.  But not really.  Anyway, I was moving all over the house so I had it turned up pretty loud, and my neighbors probably enjoyed the concert.  Ahhhhh but not as much as I'm going to enjoy the real one tonight!  Yep.  Tonight's the big night.  And I'm not gonna hold the wall.  (OK.  I couldn't even type that with a straight face.  So bad.)  I've obviously developed some favorite songs, and I hope he doesn't start with all of those.  I'm really looking forward to tonight.  As we were pulling in the garage after school today I said to the kids, "In just a few hours I'm going to be in the same enormous room with Justin Timberlake and breathing the same air that he is."  Then we all screamed really loud.  I'm teaching them well, don't you think?

As you're aware by now, I always need to have a reasonable work-to-reward ratio going on (it really is all about the balance, ya know?), so cleaning first, shopping second, and then the fun.  A new outfit might be a reward to most, but after the house was taken care of, shopping for a top suitable for a Justin Timberlake concert was on the agenda.  Huh?  I don't know.  I don't even know.  And once I was out there, I was even less sure of what I was looking for.

I pulled a few tops to take into the fitting room and then, on a whim, decided to also try the skinny jeans that were shown with the tops.  Because everyone wears skinny jeans!  Please tell me--why does everyone wear them?  Or rather, why does anyone wear them?  I don't want to sound full of myself, but I think I'm fairly slim.  Yet, in skinny jeans I look like I have elephant legs.  Do I have on the wrong size?  Why so many wrinkles?  Are they too long?  What is up?  The whole concept of skinny jeans is uncomfortable to me in so many ways.  Not only am I self-conscious wearing something so tight, but these things do not feel right--they're close to my skin, they're hot, and I really don't think they look good on anyone but models and mannequins.  I tried my normal jean size, a size bigger, and then two sizes bigger.  I think one size bigger was the best fit, but none of them looked nice, let alone decent.  I can't, skinny jeans.  I.just.can't.  You're not Sara.  So I grabbed the best top, bought it, and began looking for shoes.

I was on a mission for dressy black shoes.  After thirty minutes of looking at shoes that are stylish, I remembered that I am not the kind of person who trades comfort for trendy fashion.  I don't wear loungewear on a daily basis, but I also don't take my appearance too seriously.  Not even for Justin Timberlake.  Wait.  Seriously, Sara?  Is this what this is about?  Because he doesn't care.  Really he doesn't.  You're paying big bucks to be entertained by him.  He's the one who should be anxious, nervous, and worried about living up to the audience's high expectations.  It's not like you're going to be up there playing the guitar with him.  And if you're concertmates are looking at your outfit and not him, well then they are not getting their money's worth.  You don't even know them, and they don't know you.  Why are you concerned about this at all?!

So I went to the aisle where I belong, and I happily purchased the half boots that look great with my bootcut jeans.  Bonus:  I can wear these boots every day with the rest of my wardrobe.  Whew.  That was a close one.  I'm back to me.  Practical and comfortable.  Deal with it, JT fans.

Back to December

Yesterday while I was at the park with my friends, Brian and the kids assembled and lit the Christmas tree in the family room.  This morning while Brian mountain biked with his friends, the kids and I decorated the tree and rest of the house. Maybe the three of them will put out the outdoor wreaths, reindeer, and lights this afternoon.  Our kids are so busy.  We work them hard!

So as the kids hung ornaments, I sat back with my coffee and looked through the Sunday newspaper ads and wondered who buys the kinds of holiday home goods offered at discount retailers.  I suppose I could go out to Target and get trendy, matching Christmas bulbs and mass-manufactured decorations, but it would feel so empty.  I guess some people buy these things.  Someone must or they wouldn't offer it.  And maybe in a few generations, those items will be treasured heirlooms in those families.  Here's hopin'.

For us, we enjoy the nostalgia from our heart-warming decor.  Our holiday decorations aren't fancy at all, but most mean something to us.  And thanks to modern technology, a camera, and apparently too much time on my hands, now you can enjoy them almost as much as we do.

Let's start with the tree, into which our kids put so much effort.

The tree itself is a hand-me-down from Brian's parents. It was too big for the living room in their current home so they gave it to us.  It's 8 feet tall, has a gorgeous shape, and the branches go all the way to the floor. It's twenty-five years old, but they don't make 'em like they used to.  It looks like a real tree, and we always get compliments on it even though the stand broke a few years ago and the whole thing came crashing down. Not to worry!  There's an engineer in the house.  This tree is literally standing the test of time.

As for the ornaments, I know it's not a very original idea, but we like to collect ornaments from our vacations.  A few favorites are from Disneyland, Park City, Utah, our favorite beach in North Carolina, and a weekend get-away a few years ago for Brian and me to the mountain town of Dahlonega, Georgia.

We also have some vintage ornaments from our childhoods given to us by our mothers.  I think this is our oldest ornament, which is from Brian's first Christmas in 1975.

I guess these brass ornaments were pretty popular back in the 80s because I have quite a few with my name on them and so does Brian.

Many of our ornaments were handmade by my mother thirty years ago.  They're kitschy but will always be cute to me.  How can you not smile at this little Christmas mouse in a raisin box?

Brian's mother gave us this antique Simpich Doll from Colorado.  I don't know much about them, but I'm pretty sure they are expensive.

Then there are the ornaments that mark certain life events such as "Our First Christmas Together," which was in 1997.  Look at those little kids!

Lots of people buy you ornaments the year you get married.

And when you have a baby...

And then again when your family is complete.

Besides the tree, we have some old nutcrackers from Grandma that we set out every year, and an authentic one that Brian's dad bought in Germany while on business many, many years ago.

This beautiful wooden plate, lovingly painted by my mother, is filled with cookies every Christmas Eve right before the kids go to bed.

Arguably the most meaningful of our decorations are our handmade Christmas stockings.  These go way back.  Way, way, back to the days of Bob, Sue, Brian, Mike, and Jason.  GiGi knitted their family these stockings with each of their names, and every time there's a new addition to any of our families, a new personalized stocking is knitted. 

Unfortunately, we do not have a fireplace so there is no mantle from which to hang our darling stockings.  Our entertainment center must do.

It's December 1st, and our decorations are now hung with great care in hopes of a loving and peaceful holiday season.

It's a Big Deal

My soul sister turned sole sister, Aimee, ran seven miles today.  It's the farthest she's ever run so this was a landmark day.  She's training for her first half marathon in January, so there are quite a few more days like today in store for her.  It's so exciting!  I don't remember when I ran seven miles for the first time, but I do remember my first 10K (6.2 miles) that took me an hour and two minutes.  I couldn't get over the fact that I had run for over an hour straight.  A whole hour!  It's cool to reach new milestones and feel that sense of accomplishment and pride, but I think it's almost better to watch a close friend reach them.  Hard work does pay off, and I know she's working hard at this.  Really hard.

I ran seven miles at the park today, too, but we run at different paces so we go our separate ways and meet up when we're both finished.  The trails twist and turn and overlap each other and there are also a few hills where you can get a better view of the park.  While we were out there running, I happened upon her a few times from afar.  I saw her through the trees, she passed by a trail I was on, and I saw her as I was coming down a hill.  She didn't see me, but I could tell she was having a good run.  She looked strong and happy, and it made me happy and stronger.  The girl was doing it!

I know she was nervous about today's run.  New distances can be scary.  But I also knew that she had it in her.  She has so much more in her, too.  If I wasn't confident of that, I never would have suggested a half marathon to her in the first place.  She likes to tell people that I talked her into this race, but the truth is, I didn't have to twist her arm at all.  She really wants it and she's going after it.  And in less than two months, she's going to have it! She's also going to have lots of people celebrating with her--her husband, her boys, her mom and dad, and lots of friends, but you better believe I'll be the one at the finish line cheering the loudest.

Hustle & Bustle

It's here--the most wonderful time of the year.  Well that's what it's supposed to be.  Instead, I usually turn it into the worst time of the year with a long to-do list that gets the best of me and stresses me out:

• Get family photos taken.
• Shop.
• Design and order photo holiday cards.
• Put up the tree and the rest of the Christmas decorations.
• Address, stuff, and mail holiday cards.
• Shop.
• Get ingredients for holiday baking.
• Bake.
• Go see Santa.
• Shop.
• Get prints made for GiGi's cards.  
• Address her cards.
• Shop.
• Wrap gifts.
• Bake.
• Mail packages to Mom & Dad, Bob & Sue, Jason & Meg, Nick & Theresa, and Mike.
• Shop.
• Bake more.
• Go see Christmas lights.
• Celebrate the holidays!

This year, my list is the same but my attitude and mindset are better.  I can do this.  I want to do this.  I'm looking forward to doing this! 

The first item was crossed off this afternoon.  I asked my friend Aimee to take our family photos, so we met her at the park and she snapped away for about thirty minutes.  She sent me some previews this evening.  I was so excited I immediately tried to open the attachment on my phone.  It was taking forever so I literally ran to the computer and impatiently waited for them to load.  Here are some samples:

She's such a meanie for initially sending me bad shots and awkward, blurry photos.  She knows I get excited easily!  Cruel joke, Aimee.  Cruel, cruel, cruel.

It's okay.  I'll get her back.  Somehow.

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the rest of this weekend with the family and then hunker down and focus on this list as soon as the kids go back to school on Monday.  It's going to be the most wonderful time of the year for real!

Keep Calm and Give Thanks

Today was the most relaxing and laid back Thanksgiving I've had since I was a child.  Thanks to a good effort towards preparation yesterday, I really was able to enjoy the holiday today.  That included running at the park and drinking coffee with my friends early this morning and even a little guitar playing this afternoon.  Brian, the kids, GiGi, and I had a good dinner and dessert, and we topped off the day with Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving special.  Shopping?  Not on your life.  I just put the kids to bed, am in my pajamas, and Brian and I are going to watch something.  I don't even care what.  And everyone gets to sleep in tomorrow!  Yay!

I'm grateful for so much in my life, and at the park this morning I reflected on everything and silently thanked whomever was listening.  I'm a lucky girl and I don't ever want to take my good fortune for granted.  I hope your Thanksgiving was as peaceful and gracious as ours.  Much love to my family and friends.

Thanksgiving Prep

I love Thanksgiving.  When I was little, we'd always go to Grandma's house with my aunt, uncle, and cousins.  We'd all squeeze around the table, some of us sitting on her piano bench, and eat her delicious meal prepared with love.  Her mashed potatoes were my favorite--fluffy and buttery, oh so buttery--and I remember loving the rolls.  (I was a carboholic like every other kid back then.)  I also remember being deathly afraid of her electric carving knife and that Pap Pap would always ask someone to pass the beets (actually the cranberries), and everyone would giggle.  Ahhh, holiday memories.

Though our celebration today is small, normally just the four of us plus GiGi, I like to make a big deal about it.  Besides, I enjoy cooking and entertaining so hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter are big affairs at our house.  Sometimes my parents or in-laws are in town, and last year we hosted Brian's co-worker who was here from Malaysia.  Brian thought it would be nice to show him a traditional American Thanksgiving, and I agreed.  Cultural differences made themselves known when he arrived two hours later than Brian had told him, and GiGi was not amused.  As we waited, I strategically tried my best to keep the meal ready and warm without drying out but that proved difficult as time went on.  I coped as best I could then when the doorbell finally rang GiGi said, "Now, Sara, don't act drunk."  Whee!  What a day!

This is what our cozy and quaint Thanksgivings normally look like, though.  And dessert really is always the best part.  Poor Brian is stuck taking the photo again.  Note to self:  must set the camera timer this year.

GiGi will be our only guest tomorrow.  She always makes the dressing, and helps whip up the gravy right before we sit down to eat.  The rest of the day, I'm normally multitasking like a champ by cooking, cleaning the house, and washing the china and crystal.  GiGi always says, "Don't go to any trouble, Sara," but I'm a stickler on using the china, crystal, and fancy silverware at holiday meals.  If I don't use them then, when will I use them?  Why did I agonize over which pattern to register for fifteen years ago?  Plus I'd feel guilty for leaving all those beautiful gifts from our wedding guests in the cabinet.  No.  They must be used.  But because they are used so infrequently, I feel better if I wash them.  My schedule this year allowed me to cook and clean and prepare today so that I can actually enjoy my Thanksgiving tomorrow.

The china and silverware are ready.

I also polished my silver relish platter, and then got carried away as a domestic goddess by bringing out GiGi's old silver plate and candy dish that she almost sold at a yard sale.  "Sue gave us these for our 25th wedding anniversary, but they're so much trouble to polish."  I thought they should stay in the family so she gave them to me, and I apparently took awful care of them by never, ever polishing them.

Because she was right.  They were a pain to polish, and I obviously gave up on the plate because an hour and a half of polishing was starting to feel like a strength training session.  To show off my work, take a look at this before shot.

They were black!  Oops.  I guess I have a project to work on because I don't intend to ever sell these on a garage sale.  

While I was working on this stuff my sweet potatoes and pumpkin  pie were baking, so a lot of my work for tomorrow has already been accomplished.  Tomorrow I have to roast the turkey and make the mashed potatoes.  Easy!  I'm looking forward to a peaceful and relaxing Thanksgiving.  I hope yours is peaceful, relaxing, and delicious, too.

Unpopular Favorites

I heard this song on the radio today, and it made my day.  Isn't it great?  These are the kinds of songs I love.  Love!  And you don't get to hear them on the radio too often.  Their "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" is a common track on classic rock stations (which is a very good thing), but it's always a treat to hear a more obscure song.  I know I'm weird.  It's weird to not be weird.  If we base it on the music that makes me happy, you could say I was born at the wrong time as other artists I truly enjoy are The Byrds, The Monkees (because who doesn't?), and let's not forget that my guitar is named after The Kinks' "Sweet Lady Genevieve."

These favorites have not, do not, and will not ever make me popular or cool, but I'm okay with that.  I like what I like because I like it.  Sometimes it makes me look like an idiot, though.  A long time ago, I posted a video of The Box Tops performing "The Letter" on our PTO's Facebook page.  I don't remember exactly what I said, but I was reminding everyone to send in their General Mills Box Tops and asked if anyone else sings this song every time they think of Box Tops.  Crickets chirped.  No one gets me.  And that video was hilarious!  It was from the sixties and looked it, they were clearly lip-syncing, not even playing their instruments, and they were trying so hard not to laugh.  It was awesome and silly and lighthearted.  Or so thought I.  Sigh....

No matter.  I don't have to defend my taste in music.  These are classics for a reason.  Though I am afraid my love for them is making my good friend Jennifer rethink her decision to ask me to go with her to the Justin Timberlake concert next week.  I enjoy him, but I have to admit that I'm not really, really, really familiar with his music.  I mean, I only know the ones on the radio.  I did get his latest album and have been listening to it often.  A crash-course in JT is the best version of studying.  I promise not to let you down, Jennifer!  I will be cool.  So cool.