Wordless Wednesday....Christmas Flowers Around the House....

Christmas at the Brady House....

Some photos from the Christmas decorations around the house....

Sweet Freedom...

Its official. I am on "holiday" from work until January 4, 2010. Woo Hoo! For us working folks, I cannot say enough how much this time means. To have eleven days in a row is something to wrap yourself up in and relish. Now...don't me get wrong....I do enjoy my job. I like to work. In fact, I cannot imagine what I would do with myself if I didn't work. Even if I had children, I think I would go absolutely nuts being at home all of the time. Really. But eleven days in a row...wow. You see, when you know that your time off is limited, well, it just makes it that much more special. I plan to savor time with my family, spend quality time with my hubby, spend a couple of days here and there with good friends, lounge around with the hound dogs, and get some of the little things done around the house that I never seem to have the time to do. And then, when the New Year rolls around, I will be ready to successfully start the year with a bang! Ahhh...sweet, sweet freedom....

100 Things....

I posted this a long time ago when I first started this blog, but thought it might be worth posting again. For those of you who don't know me....

1. I have only really been in love once.
   
2. I am not a natural redhead.
   
3. I am overly cynical.
   
4. I like country music.
   
5. I don't think honesty is always the best policy.
   
6. My favorite movie are "Somewhere In Time" and "White Christmas".
   
7. I do not tolerate ignorance.
   
8. I am blind as a bat.....need contacts or eyeglasses always.
   
9. I hog the covers.
   
10. I've done some things I'm not proud of and I hope my parents never find out about them.
    
11. I hate smoking.
    
12. I am deeply romantic.
    
13. I love to read.
    
14. If there is one place I would move without reservation it would be Key West, Florida.
    
15. My favorite bands are the Counting Crows, SonVolt, and Better than Ezra.
    
16. I prefer gold over silver.
    
17. I think a 5 o'clock shadow on a man is sexy.
    
18. My favorite flowers are daylilies and daisies.
    
19. I am a gossip magazine "junky".
    
20. I prefer a "manly" man.
    
21. I love to grocery shop, but I hate to cook.
    
22. I like a good musical.
    
23. I can only sleep on the right side of the bed.
    
24. I have the tendency to put my foot in my mouth.
    
25. I adore a cute pair of black shoes.
    
26. And a good black purse.
    
27. I am the "anti-techie" - just ask any copy machine, printer, or hard dive.
    
28. I do not like cold weather.
    
29. And I do not like snow.
    
30. My dream is to live on a farm......to grow corn and have a horse.
    
31. I hope I'll make my mom and dad proud.
    
32. I don't think you ever forget your first boyfriend or your first kiss.
    
33. My pet peeve is bad spelling.
    
34. I always get in the longest line. Always.
    
35. I have more men friends than women friends.
    
36. I cannot tolerate a sloppy drunk.
    
37. I believe in fate and karma.
    
38. I am terrified of needles.
    
39. I have a fear of funerals too.
    
40. I love slow long kisses.
    
41. I think my husband is an amazing musician.
    
42. I prefer carpet to hard-wood floors.
    
43. I will always (most likely) have my toenails painted red.
    
44. Wine makes me sleepy....and mean.
    
45. I think dachshunds are the smartest breed of dog I have ever known.
    
46. I secretly love the history channel.
    
47. And an NFL game every once in a while. GO Steelers!
    
48. I am an anal-retentive, obsessive compulsive control freak (okay....maybe you already knew that).
    
49. I love my family and friends with great intensity.
    
50. Even though I am not always the best at keeping in touch with them.
    
51. I am a mid-morning person. Its when I'm at my best.
    
52. I do not like to be touched while sleeping.
    
53. I avoid photos.....I look horrifying in them and am just NOT photogenic.
    
54. I CAN keep a secret.
    
55. I prefer a bath over a shower.
    
56. I think snakes and spiders are beautiful creatures - although I do like to keep my distance.
    
57. I think I'm easy to talk to.
    
58. I think Celine Dion and Josh Grobin sucks.
    
59. I am an eternal optimist.
    
60. And pessimistic people scare me.
    
61. But I can be a snob.
    
62. My mother is my best friend and an amazing woman.
    
63. I long to be a more religious person and a better Christian.
    
64. I prefer the beach to the mountains.
    
65. I want to write a novel.
    
66. I think a little sun on your face is healthy.
    
67. I judge people too often.
    
68. I think my husband is the smartest and funniest person I have ever met. Stand-up comedy funny!
    
69. I still chew my fingernails when I'm nervous.
    
70. I am envious of people who have musical abilities.
    
71. I miss my brother and wish he lived closer.
    
72. I think the career path I chose is extremely boring.
    
73. I have never been outside the United States.
    
74. I love a good back rub.
    
75. I believe no person is perfect.
    
76. I prefer a DVD at home over the movie theatre.
    
77. I can be an anti-feminist at times.
    
78. I can be overly feministic at times.
    
79. I am rarely late and do not tolerate tardiness.
    
80. I am not as politically conservative as my parents wish I were.
    
81. I have had music move me to tears.
    
82. My favorite meal is a huge juicy steak.
    
83. I love museums.
    
84. My in-laws are wonderful and I feel fortunate to have them in my life.
    
85. I struggle to get a tan.
    
86. I always know - to the penny - how much money I have.
    
87. I hate exercise. Although I try to be consistant.
    
88. I have the ability to laugh at myself.
    
89. I am an ungraceful klutz.
    
90. I am addicted to diet soda.
    
91. I get car sick and sea sick pretty easily.
    
92. Even so.....I love to travel.
    
93. But I love to come home more than anything.
    
94. I prefer a cold, dark, and quiet room to sleep in.
    
95. Olives gross me out.
    
96. I rarely go out in public without lipstick and mascara.
    
97. I am ALWAYS in awe when I hear one of my husbands band's play.
    
98. I admire my parents love for each other.
    
99. I'm not as picky as I pretend to be.
    
100. I love my husband....he has made me a better person.

'Tis the Season....

My husband is a true believer that if something is worth doing in the first place, then its worth over doing. That is why he loves the show 'Family Guy' and the fact the when Peter Griffin fights the man-sized chicken for 15 minutes of the 30 minute show, he's okay with that! He also has a habit of picking up quirky little sayings that he uses the "over doing" theory with....sometimes to the extreme. This holiday it just happens to be "TIS THE SEASON". For example:

Me: "We are out of toilet paper in the downstairs bathroom."

Jon: 'Tis the season

Me: "I think the dogs are thinking about peeing on the presents..."

Jon: 'Tis the season

Me: "Does this mole look funny to you?"

Jon: 'Tis the season

Me: "Oh my God....the house is on fire!"

Jon: 'Tis the season

Okay...okay. I'm sure he wouldn't say it if the house was on fire, but I have to tell you....I probably heard it at least a dozen times last night. Seriously. And with every time the words came from his lips, he would have the biggest shit eatin' grin on his face you've ever seen. Oh well....'Tis the Season!

Picture Thought

A mini orchid I bought myself for Christmas....to brighten up the workspace! It is only about 10" tall with tiny little flowers! It makes me so very happy!

Shoes to Note....

Today as I was walking into work in the 35 degree December weather....bundled up in my huge overcoat with a warm and cozy scarf wrapped around my head....I witnessed a woman walking across campus who had on no coat and no scarf, but a sweatshirt, long shorts, and gladiator sandals. No lie. Thats what I said.....gladiator sandals! REALLY! The whole time I was wondering if I could get the cell phone out quick enough to snap a photo. But....I was so bundled up and carrying so many bags I could officially be deemed a 'bag lady', there was no way I could do so without making a spectacle out of myself trying to make a spectacle out of her. Regardless, there are a couple of issues I have with her outfit. First of all, is the bottom of your body so warm that you don't feel the need to cover it? Really? It was 35 degrees. I can only image what she was thinking when she first came outside and felt the rush of frigid air upon her legs. Secondly, although she had already chosen to wear shorts in this weather....she also chose to pair them with gladiator sandals? For the love of God woman....have you really looked at these shoes? Really? These shoes are ugly. No....these shoes are fugly. These shoes are not good for anybody....anytime. In any weather. Really.

Wordless Wednesday....Christmas Candies....

The Shame of It All....

Two things. First, I got my first speeding ticket in 21 years today. I could not believe it. I was going 41 mph in a 25 mph zone. I honestly thought it was 35 in this area so - yes - I was still speeding. However, I just didn't think I was speeding as fast as I really was. Secondly, I did get a ticket. I could not believe it. I honestly thought I might be able to smile my way out of it. No go. The very young and attractive cop was - for lack of a better description - oblivious to my charms and quite frankly, an ass. So....he did reduce the ticket from 4 points to 2 points and from $180 to $80, but I absolutely WAS getting a ticket. The last thing he said as he walked away was 'Merry Christmas'. And, of course, all I could say in response was 'Boo and Bah Humbug to You'! Oh well....a good friend said if all I got was an $80 ticket in the last 21 years - especially for all the speeding I do - then I should be happy because that nets out at around $3 and some change per year for the last 21 years.....Go figure. Thats actually less than I pay for a PARKING ticket on the USC campus....

Simple Woman Daybook

Outside My Window....its still cool and foggy. Just dreary and sort of depressing. I'll admit I like for the weather to be much cooler around the holidays, but this is just depressing. And weird.

I am thinking....that I am ready for the holiday break . I get December 23rd thru January 3rd off for the University break. I must say, I am in dire need....and looking forward to it.

I am thankful....that I 'think' I may have the Christmas gift shopping complete....with the exception of a few small things. But I'm much further along than I thought I was yesterday.

Someone who made me happy....my father. Because even though he's in his early 70's, he still answers the phone in funny voices and tries to make me believe I've called the wrong number. I always get a great laugh out of it....

How I made someone happy....Ted. Okay....I've made him very happy by playing hide and seek in the mornings. The twinkle in his eye from the excitement it brings is overwhelming. I love that little man!

I have created....a sparkly centerpiece. My parents will be coming over for Christmas Eve dinner of Jon's shrimp creole and I wanted to set a holiday table that would be festive. I've chosen a glass bowl containing a green sparkling tree and bright red ornaments surrounding it. Hopefully, once the table is set, I'll remember to take a photo to post.

I am going....to dinner with Pam and Sue at California Dreaming tonight. A nice night out with the girls. Hopefully we will refrain from dessert....NOT!

I am hoping and praying....that I'll get back to the gym this week. The plan is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday....and then on Saturday morning. Its amazing to me how sluggish I feel when I miss a couple of days. That's a good thing though!

On my mind....Jon's back is still bothering him from his fall. I worry that we should have gotten an x-ray done. I feel certain he will get better, I just hope it doesn't deter him from doing the things he loves to do......Hmmmm Hmmmm.....fishing.

From the kitchen....my mother and I baked like mad women this past weekend. Two batches of chocolate fudge, two batches of peanut butter fudge, chocolate covered cherries, and praline cookies. It was speed baking at its best....and I enjoyed every moment of it!

Around the house....I really DO plan to get a few of the things I've been meaning to do around the house done over my break. For one - and I mean it - finish painting the hallway and trim work!

I am reading....recipes. After baking with mom this weekend, I've decided I'd like to try my hand at making a cake for our Christmas Eve dessert. At this point, it looks like a Red Velvet Coconut cake is the front runner. Another photo I will need to post....along with the recipe.

Pondering these words....'Silent night, holy night! All is calm, All is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy Infant so Tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace.' ~ Christmas Noel by Father Josef Morh

And the Band Played on....

Photos from the Dutch Fork High School Bands Winter Concert! Thank you to Denise Stumler Reese for sharing....

The Percussion Ensemble - A Mallet Quartet

The Trumpeters!

Clarinet Section

And the performance begins....

The intensity and emotion!

The final bow....

Dutch Fork High School Winter Concert

The maestro and me: Pre-concert

The Dutch Fork High School bands held their Winter Concert on Tuesday evening. All I can say is WOW! It always amazes me to see Jon working with his concert bands. They are wonderful musicians who play beautifully and with intense emotion....I enjoy the concert setting because it is so different from the marching band arena and emphasizes that this is where they really learn to play music. Concert band is truly the focal point of music education.

This year he had a percussion ensemble made up of a mallet quartet to start....with the holiday selection of Jingle Bells. It was a great way to start the show as it really highlighted the work the percussion students have been studying. The concert and symphonic bands were combined and you could see the improvement in their playing skills. These are the two younger bands, but you would have never known it listening to them play. Lastly, the wind ensemble played. Mostly made up of juniors and seniors, they played several hard pieces - one which included the Grade six "Suite No. 2 in F" by Holst. My favorite piece of the evening. It was incredible!

The turnout for the evening was impressive too. I am noticing more students that are coming to hear their friends play and I love this because its a wonderful cultural experience. Plus....it may get more young people interested in being a part of band. Also, my parents attended and I got to sit with them in the audience. It was a pleasure to share with them and it made me incredibly proud that my husband does something so special and makes such a difference in the lives of so many children!

CONGRATS TO JON AND THE STUDENTS ON ALL OF THEIR PERFORMANCES.....VERY WELL PLAYED!!!

Wordless Wednesday....Some of my most favorite photos from the 2009 marching band season....

Thank you to Denise Stumler Reese for her fantastic photography and for sharing all of her photos with me! (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge...)

Pet Peeve

Today....driving into work...there was a woman talking on her cell phone and putting on mascara at the same time. Some people would call this multi-tasking. I just call it stupidity. Needless to say, she was driving like "poo". Terrible. Horrendous. Just darn awful. All over the road and slamming on her brakes. Due to the traffic flow, I couldn't get away from her either. Seemed every time I stopped at a light, she was right there beside me. I have come to the conclusion this is one of my biggest pet peeves....Multi-tasking while driving. Seriously, I've seen readers, eaters, talkers, child rearing (and that includes diaper changing), fighting, and most notably, the drivers who are applying their make-up....all while driving or sitting at a traffic light. I just don't understand. How can they be defensive drivers when their knees are doing all the work? How can I be a defensive driver when their knees are doing all the work? What I would give for a 5 minute commute! WHY PEOPLE? WHY?

Simple Woman Daybook....

Outside My Window.... cold and cloudy, but perfect weather for the holiday season!!! Really gets you into the Christmas spirit. Only thing better....and I cannot believe I'm saying it....would be snow....a white Christmas might be nice.

I am thinking....that I am ready for the holidays. I have a little more shopping to do and a lot of wrapping to do but feel that I might - just might - have it all under control. I hope stating this out loud won't jynx me now....

I am thankful....for dinner out this past weekend with new friends. Although I have known one half of the couple for years, we got to spend time with their spouse as well. It's always nice to get to know someone new.

Someone who made me happy....my husband. For letting me move the furniture in the bedroom around, clean like a woman gone mad, and hurriedly decorate this weekend. All the while, getting out of my 'har' by cleaning up leaves and going fishing with a friend.

How I made someone happy....I gave a 30% off EVERYTHING coupon to a lady standing in line behind me at Kohl's. I had two....why not share? She was ecstatic!

I have created....a festive home. Outdoor decorations include wreaths on all the windows and doors, lighted garland on the front porch banisters, candles in the windows, and lighted packages by the front door. The tree is up, the mantle and hearth are decorated, and packages are slowly being wrapped too. Think I may buy some live poinsettias to sit around the front entry!

We are going....to have a busy couple of weeks in the Brady house. Christmas concerts, shopping plans, lunches with colleagues, dinners with friends, baking, and holiday parties. Busy....but FUN!

I am hoping and praying....that the mice are no longer 'squatting' in our attic. Jon has been able to catch two in the traps and we have not had any others so it may be the end to our war against the mouse. I hope so anyway! I still feel bad that we had to murder them, but have come to peace with it as I am still freaked out that they somehow got in the attic 35 feet from the ground....

On my mind....Jon's Christmas concert is tomorrow night. I am really excited to hear the students in a concert setting again. And, of course, looking forward to some sounds of the season. Always beautiful!

From the kitchen....my mother and I are planning to bake this weekend. Chocolate and peanut butter fudge, chocolate covered cherries, and divinity. Of course, I need her guidance in doing so, but am also just looking forward to being in the kitchen with her.

Around the house....there have been a pair of red tailed hawks that have taken up residence near our home. Every morning they are out hunting and I get to see them as I leave for work. I have to say they are truly amazing creatures.

I am reading....tabloid magazines...or People magazine. After all, is it a tabloid? Anyway, I'll admit it. I haven't had time to read a real book, so I've been absorbed in the whole Tiger Woods transgression trauma....I know, I know.

Pondering these words....'I shall do one thing in this life - one thing for certain - that is, love you, and long for you, and keep wanting you till I die.' ~ Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy

Simple Woman Daybook...A day late...

Outside My Window.... a beautiful CRISP morning with the sun shining and frost on my car windows....Brrrrr....at least it's not raining!

I am thinking.... about how much work I have to do at work! Getting ready for an annual board meeting in January, updating a new and improved website that will go live soon, and still managing the budget! Seems that the workload before the holiday break on December 22nd really hit me today! Busy, busy, busy....

I am thankful.... that Jon wasn't seriously hurt when he accidentally slipped and fell four feet from his boat and onto the crossbar of the boat trailer. He busted his tail bone, has been in a lot of pain, but is slowly mending. I am just happy he didn't hit his head or his back....or as scary as it sounds, drown.

Someone who made me happy.... my brother....for coming home for Thanksgiving. It was an all around GREAT time.

How I made someone happy.... when my friend Pam called Monday and asked to go to lunch, I changed my plans to do so. It was good to spend quality time with my friend.

I am creating.... an exercise schedule. I recently had a horrible cold and since then I can't seem to get the daily amount of exercise that I had been getting prior to the cold and that I prefer. I am working on a new schedule for the gym. Very excited to do so, too.

We are going.... to put up the Christmas tree and outdoor lights this weekend. An annual tradition of watching National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" and having a couple of cocktails while decorating. Always a nice time.

I am hoping and praying.... that all my family will be feeling better soon.

On my mind.... my to-do list for home. I did not paint or clean carpet as planned last weekend and want to get this checked off the list soon....hint, hint Jon....

From the kitchen.... healthy cooking. Have revamped the grocery list and have gotten Jon and I back on the low fat, high protein, low carb diet that makes us feel so good. Tonight...baked chicken on a very healthy - and big - salad! I am going to attempt to keep us healthy through the holidays....BAH HUMBUG to fudge, cookies, and pie! We don't need 'em....

Around the house.... well, we have a mouse in the house. The attic actually. Jon woke me up on Monday morning around 3am to make me listen to a scratching sound in the ceiling....very creepy. So...we set some traps in the attic and - lo and behold - we caught one. Now, I fear there are others and am a little freaked out. Luckily, we have no signs of them in our living areas. Everyone says its a common occurrence when the weather turns cold, but....still. So, Jon is on a mission. Mouse hunting. I'm very happy as I want any and all of the mice out of my house, but very sad that they have to be murdered to do so. Wish Jon and the mouse (or mice) could just have a sit down and a pleasant eviction.

I am reading.... nothing new. Due to the busy schedule of Thanksgiving, I didn't get a lot of reading done. Its a shame that I can't read into the wee hours of the night like I use too. Now I just can't make it through the next day!

Pondering these words.... 'We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.' -Aristotle