I'll Be Back

Hi to the 3 people that read my blog! You are awesome and I appreciate your commentary! Just to let you know, I am one of the last people in the USA to have a computer and internet access at my house.
SOOOOOOO, I'm going to be on vacation for the next week!! To spend time with the fam. But, don't fret, you can't be rid of me that easily. I will return later for more enthralling entries on my ever so fascinating life.
I wish you a joyous Christmas celebration as we take time to reflect on the birth of our Savior- Jesus Christ. God's richest blessings to you all.

Cents-able?

Do you every have one of those "It is most probable that I am in need of serious help" moments? Well, I do. What has recently spurred this line of thinking, you ask? Well, most of it just stems from me being extremely anal - especially when it comes to money. Thanks to Nick who puts up with it day after day.

Although I am largely intrinsic, I can't be blamed entirely for my disposition and eccentric behavior. I was taught the basic principles beginning at a very young age. To give you some background, I will start with the envelope phenomenon. One of the norms in my family is that the women keep envelopes of money hidden in the house in case of an emergency. My mom did it, my aunts do it, as a child,I did it in the form of a little box, ect. It drove Nick nuts when we were first married, but, now that it has come in handy and he can see the value in doing it, he has let it go. Is this just totally weird? I need an unbiased opinion.

To further prove my point of financial lunacy, I do an excel spreadsheet of our budget at the end of every month, and then send it to Nick. That's right - a spreadsheet. A crazy nerd, what could be worse! :) Personal behavior, in my opinion, doesn't seem so bad until it is verbalized, and then the wheels start turning. That is what lead to this revelation.

Why do I act this way? Is it my need for achievement (we were able to save more money than last month)? Is it my overwhelming sense of responsibility (must take care of everything and be prepared for the unexpected)? Or is it something else? I guess it doesn't matter. It's not like I am going to change my ways. Praise God that my husband is also frugal, or things could get pretty ugly.

So am I certifiable, or do you have a quirk that is just as bad as mine?.....:)

Charles - The other man in my life.

I promise that I'm not one of those people who obsess over their pet. I don't dress him or buy him expensive food. His toys consist of an old Koosh Ball we found in a box, a toy that one of his "friends" didn't play with anymore, and new as of this week - Christmas ribbon.

But, I must say that he brings great joy to my life. He is pure entertainment for me and Nick. He sits on the counter and watches me get ready every morning. I can say with confidence that no one else in this world would enjoy that day after day. Let's just say I don't look like mother radiance first thing in the morning. I think it's the unconditional love thing that gets me ---poor thing, he doesn't know any better.

This love for animals was so obviously inherited from my father. Despite his ongoing battle with his sinuses, I grew up with a vast array of pets. Now that my sister has moved out of the house, the number of pets exceeds the number of humans! It's my mom, dad, 2 dogs, and a cat (that's almost 17 years old!). Nick thought I had taken him to a zoo when I brought him home to meet my parents! :) I'm ever so excited to introduce him to Charles. I'm sure they will hit it off.

A Nurse, a Guest, and a Priest....Not quite

What a crazy weekend I had! Friday night we spent the night with one of our pregnant friends who is having a horrible time with her pregnancy. (Her husband had to attend his grandfather's funeral.) She is 11 1/2 weeks along, and has been sick sick sick since November 2nd. I pray for her often and hope that she will overcome this wretched illness soon. We had to rush her to the emergency room Saturday morning due to severe dehydration. She received an IV and was released a few hours later. Thankfully, she is doing better. After that, Nick and I came home and crashed for a couple hours before the biggest Christmas bash in Plant City, FL.

Julianna is an awesome hostess and makes a fantabulous cantelloni. Supurb! What could possibly be better than pigging out, watching A Muppet's Christmas Carol, and enjoying conversation with people your own age? Hats off to Julianna for a great night. I'm looking forward to New Year's eve.

Sunday was filled with church activities as usual. So, I still did not get shopping done. I usually live by the 5 P's - Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.*Yes I am a self proclaimed NERD.* However, somehow these principles fall by the wayside around Christmas.

Yesterday was a very interesting day. Technically I married two people. Yes, you heard me right - married. You see, I am a notary in the State of Florida, and in Florida, notaries can sign and certify a marriage licenses. One of my coworkers had a couple of friends that needed their document witnessed and stamped. So, I obliged them and whipped out my trusty stamp. Pretty wild, huh. I'm thinking about opening my own little white wedding chapel - what do you think?

*****So, Julianna, when ever you find the right pair of pants - and the right man- I'm your woman!!! :)********

Last night was productive, as I finally started my Christmas shopping. Today my project is getting some letters printed and in the mail.

Welp, that's about all the excitement going on for now.......until next time.

Television Rage....The new Road Rage

I usually don't get all emotional over television. However, last night was an exception. My husband had to calm me.........I didn't go so far as to reach for a paper bag to inhale and exhale from......but it came close.
For those of you who follow the Apprentice, you will know exactly what caused this emotional stir within me. The season finale was last night where Randall was selected to be (don don DON.....) the next apprentice. I was fully expecting for The Donald to hire both candidates, as both were exceptional, but it didn't happen. The fact that Rebecca didn't get selected was not the reason for my fury. After Randall was chosen, Donald asked him if he would hire Rebecca as well. He said, "No, there should only be one winner." (Cue the emotional outburst) He had already won! Why couldn't he set aside his maleness for one moment and share the spotlight with another. His ego wanted all the glory for himself-typical man for you. Even though I'm sure that Rebecca will be hired "behind the scenes", that was just wrong.....wrong I tell you! That's alright Randall, "Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Lions,and Shopping, and Family, OH MY!

So, as promised, here is my take on Narnia. It was fabulous. The Christian theology was strongly interwoven throughout the entire movie. I don't know how anyone could miss it. Our church, St. Paul Lutheran, reserved the entire theater and sold every seat available. To make the night even more special and noteworthy, it was the theater's opening night! Yes, our city FINALLY has a decent movie theater now.
Anywho, now that all of my finals are over, I have to get crackin' on all of my Christmas shopping, as I haven't even started. I only have 10 more days! Yikes! So, I suppose that I will have to brave the crowds this weekend.
I am excitedly awaiting the arrival of my family. They are flying in Christmas day night and will be staying for a few days. This will be the first time since we have moved to Florida that my dad and sister will come for a visit. I've got to get to cleaning, too! My oh my.......Exasperation is descending rapidly.............

Be gentle, it's my first posting

I have recently been fascinated by this phenomenon we call a blogg, so I thought, "What the heck. I'll give this a try." I would like to give props to the source of my inspiration. Julianna, I know I will not be able to hold a candle to your humorous eloquence. You make my day with your wit. Also, to my dear friend Melly Welly, I'm glad that you have created a blog. It's so nice to keep up with all of your great California adventures.
Tonight I am going to see Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I'll provide you with a movie review next time........