Fully Festive...GO.

We've had the house decorated for Christmas since the Sunday after Thanksgiving. But we don't like to get a tree that early, I guess for fear of it drying out. We already have enough potted plants that need regular care, we don't need a forest exchange student, you know? We usually get our tree around the 10th, as another holiday activity. We've gone to tree lots and we also enjoy the the tree farm experience.

But this year, we've had recoveries and sickies and lazies and getting our tree kept getting put off. So last night, my Dad and I headed out in search of tree lots that would be open on a Sunterday evening. I must say that I was a little nervous, but we figured we go as far away from our house as we could and then work our way back, passing several lots on the way. We would for sure find SOMETHING, right?! The first lot we went to was closed, but we don't think it was open at all yesterday, so I feel okay about that. Our next stop - was a WINNER!! Within ten minutes we had our tree picked out, paid for, and on the roof of our car!! Those Christmas tree guys were fast! The infirmed members of our family made sure that the tree spot was ready for our arrival. Thanks to the full team effort, we now are fully prepared for Christmas. YEAH!

Waiting for the CALL

Last Friday we got word from our Bishop that Geoff's mission call is in the mail. As if I wasn't already a freak about checking the mail. The good news is that now I'm not alone in my mail obsession...Geoff is now stalking our mail lady. At our Holiday Home Evening we had a betting pool created - and whoever chose closest to the actual call gets a lemon meringue pie. Sometime this week we'll know where Geoff is headed for the next two years of his life...

Zoo Lights...

Last night was my mom's company Christmas party, which was held at the Oregon Zoo. It really was a fun time and the light displays sure are great. We had dinner and I took pictures of all the families for one of the party favors and then we rode the train. It really was hilarious to be riding a little train around the zoo with my parents. But we laughed and mocked and there were other very funny people in our car and that made it all worth the craziness earlier in the day.
Dad, Rudolph, and Mom...just too festive!!

Chanel and Mom wait for the train...equal parts cold and fun.

Finally!

I have finally had time to sit down at a PC and really update my blog. The tools on the blogger are not super great with a Mac - but now that I have some of the key items in place, it should be smooth sailing from here.

Last night I sang in a group for Enrichment. We were VERY rehearsed (overly so, if you ask me) and I think it was a nice way to close the program.

We're in for a pretty good storm tonight - the tree out the window is pretty mezmeriziing. Off to the CampFire Christmas party tonight, and then down to the Zoo Lights tomorrow!

We Had A Party!!

Last night was the Third Annual Taylor Holday Home Evening. We had amazing performances (lip syncs) of "Leroy the Redneck Reindeer," and the Bing Crosby version of "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" and all kinds of other festive songs. We sure laughed a lot!!

These jokers sure are special. Do ask Mark about his fall in the kitchen at the church...

Our number was "He's The Man With All The Toys" and we also included sock puppets. Geoff is showing off his friend, Saul.

The Graham Girls and their great choreography!

This is the McDermott's and their rendition of of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Chris made an hilarious Bing Crosby.

The Garrett Chin Chorus...I haven't laughed that hard in a while.

Yes, he's our Bishop.

Would you be surprised to know that it only took twenty minutes to find a susaphone and an accordian in the ward? I was.

Our super gangsta missionaries. You know they're good guys if they get invited to the most elitest event of the year.

The Stratford House

In Hillsboro, Oregon we have a lovely tearoom called The Stratford House. This place is cozy and has dress up items like hats and boas. Because when you go for a tea party yous gots to dress up big! So our party today included a lovely lunch, an ornament exchange and a hat contest. This was the first year for the hat contest, so the other ladies just grabbed whatever hat was handy...but Mom's hat was great.

Trixie in her award-winning hat (Most Whimsical)

Grace and Lynn...I assure you they were having a great time...

Georgine and Sue waiting for lunch to arrive...


While I didn't wear a hat, I did wear my exact replica of the Miss America crown - and no one can say much of anyone who can sport a crown.

100th Post!

This makes my 100th post. That's a great milestone!

I am going to read through my paper one more time in the morning, make final revisions and print it for the last time. Then I'm turning it in and will repeat the procrastinators prayer: "I will NEVER put a project like that off until the last minute again...and this time I mean it. Amen."

In preparation for the Ladies Luncheon tomorrow, Mom and I went searching for hats. There are people in this world who cannot wear hats...and my mom is one of them. The good news is she isn't trying to be somthing she's not and just putting a dumb looking hat on her head and flying a banner that says "Mission Accomplished." We decided to create a hat piece, which is really nothing more than an embellished headband, so we went with that...adding some maribu clips and some faux flowers. I'll post another picture of the whole look tomorrow - but I think this is so great!! And it works perfectly with her hair!

Last day of writing

I'm very close to closure for the quarter. I cannot believe how long semesters are. I'm a quarter girl, all the way!! I think I only survived my undergrad in the semester system because I didn't know any better.

I love that I can "get things done" while I'm writing...like cleaning the oven and doing laundry. It makes me feel so productive when clearly I'm not doing that much more than sitting and writing.

This time tomorrow I will be on my way to the Hinds Holiday Ladies Luncheon at The Stratford House. I will be wearing some sort of fancy hat, as you have to wear a fancy hat when you go to tea with other ladies. DUH. Hinds is the parent company for my mom's office, Columbia Weather Systems and she's been hosting the Ladies Luncheon and Ornament Exchange for one jillion years. They've been so kind to include me - I've done work for CWS over the years (and under the table). They are really nice ladies and I'm so excited to see all the great hats!

And if you're wondering what gets me through these finals...it's this:

A continuing series...

The research paper is finally shaping up, thank you very much. But I also want a subscription to Domino.

Even though reading all the other very creative and clever blogs make me feel like a poseur...I keep figuring that it’s not what you know, but who you know. I know where to go for cool ideas.

What I want for Christmas...

I know I'm supposed to be working on a research project - but when I'm so easily distracted I just need to embrace the distraction and then I can move on.

I want this bag Mango Tango Red Distressed Faux Leather Laptop Bag for Christmas. My cute pink bag has been pretty beaten up...and come on...this great bag is perfrect for my needs...well, my laptop carrying needs anyway.

I cannot believe that I just tried to justify an item on my wish list. No one should have to justify their wishes...except for my brother who wishes for more baseball caps...seriously...you can only wear so many hats, dude.

The Final Stretch

Today brings me midway through finals week. But when you've made up your classes the smart way, you just have a paper or two to turn in. And if you've really been smart you'd worked all along to get them done with little stress or worry. I have two of my classes complete, and I'm driving down to turn that stuff in and gather more reading material from the library for my final final...at Town Town University.

Today is a big day though...Mom is going back to work today. I am so proud of how well she has healed and has been such a great recuperator. Last Friday we went out shopping and tested the energy waters...she really was wiped out by the end of our trip...but so was I!! I'm very confident that she will be fine today - and if she gets tired, she will just come home. Big steps for the lady who wouldn't dream of missing work after having a stroke last year!

Hooray for Wednesday!!

Today I love...

If you've visited The Jolly Porter this morning, you already know about Aunt Linda on SNL. The best part about Aunt Linda for me is that she is actually in my old ward at church - and her real name is Lynna. No joke - but it sure makes me laugh extra hard.

Now, if you're like me, and I know I am, you're really missing Arrested Developement. But I've found a new show that has a similar style and is new on USA. 10 Items or Less is really funny. And it has many airing times so your TiVo should be able to find it with out too many conflicts. You should watch it.

Also, I love checking things off my "to do" list. Like finishing assignments that could have easily been completed a month ago...you know, stuff like that.

I know what you need!

Friends - the best new food product is from the good people at Trader Joe's. They, of course, make their own version of the Oreo, called Joe Joes. Seth Malley introduced me to them this summer and I couldn't be more grateful. Know this: they aren't healthier or anything - they are just really good.

And in the spririt of Christmas they have added candy cane to these glorious cookies. And I love them. And you will too. Cocoa and candy cane perfectly balanced in every bite. Pair this up with a glass of Southern Comfort Egg Nog and you've got a Christmas miracle in your mouth!!

Feliz Nabiblah!

With a name like Roscoe, you'd better be good at something.

Tonight while sitting with my mother (as she recuperates) we were watching the evening news - specifically the sports coverage. The local guy, Ron Pivo, is kind of a jackass. He's much more snarky than I think the sports coverage in Portland needs. We only have a professional basketball team and a few interesting college sports teams. Many of his comments were just slams - even when the player or team was doing things right...including the quote that is the title of this post.

Roscoe Parrish is a player for the Buffalo Bills - and today he had a great play...but Ron Pivo's "With a name like Roscoe, you'd better be good at SOMEthing..." just blew me away. It made me laugh - and then feel bad for all the Roscoe's out there that may not be good at something. Also...Ron Pivo just might be a douche.

Piece of cake?

Maybe I'm mixing my metaphors here, but I made my first homemade pumpkin pie on Wednesday. And can I just say how easy it was? I'm not sure why folks freak out about pies - but the crust recipe from my grandma is so easy and SO good. I will say that I was very intimidated and nervous about it - but it was flaky and the right thickness - and I'll say it - really good. I did a good job. I, too, was surprised at how good it turned out.

In other news - my mom's surgery went great. She came home Wednesday afternoon and has been resting. Sadly, this morning she had a small stroke. At this point we do feel that while yes, it's crappy timing, they aren't related. A blood clot would have caused some very different symptoms. But she is resting now and doing much better - even after her stroke this morning.

Thanksgiving was different this year. Sitting around my parent’s bed eating dinner is informal to say the least. The food turned out well - and we are all very grateful. So there you go.

Muppet Serendipity

I've had such a great but mysterious relationship with the Muppets. When I was a kid the idea of a program "schedule" or "days of the week" seemed to boggle me and I would often wake up and hope that today was the day The Muppet Show would be airing. It was such fortuitous luck that would connect the Fraggles or Muppets and myself. Eventually I figured out when they would be on - but by then the show had been cancelled and so there I was in that creek with out my paddle.

Over the years this element of surprise has given me many unexpected and fleeting moments of joy - like two nights ago when I caught a special on TBS called Puppet Up!. It was a show at the comedy festival in Las Vegas that had Muppet performers doing improv. It was also uncensored. So basically we had Who's Line Is It Anyway meets Avenue Q. Good, good, dirty times.

I hoped I might be able to catch it again - but Marfa (our TiVo) cannot find the title with any upcoming showings. It was funny and disturbing and I hope they show it again so you can all share.

A time to prepare and a time to slack...

This weekend has been about the preparation for the upcoming week. A big one by any standard with Thanksgiving coming up...but we've also got my mother headed for a Tuesday surgery and overnight hospital stay. This means that so many things have to be cleaned and in order so that while we are a recovery ward for the next two weeks, life will just roll along.

I'm not sure if I'm the only one who is like this - but if I know there is housework to be done...I can't just relax while dirty dishes just sit there. My final year at BYU made this element of my personality very clear. I was living with half man/half beast Eve Spear, who was a slob. She would cook, but leave the dishes all over the house (and when you're living in a hobbit hole that clutters up the place VERY quickly) and given the opportunity would leave them for days at a time. Each day I would come home from work or school or rehearsal and would have to clean up the kitchen. I didn't spend much time in the living room - despite all the furnishings being mine - because that would mean I would have to clean that room before I could enjoy being in it. I couldn't read or work on anything if the dishes in the sink were dirty and had been since the morning.

After months of her filthy habits, I couldn't stand it. I tried to just leave the dishes because I figured eventually they could gross her out enough to clean them. And I figured wrong. So, thanks to Josh, a dirty casserole dish ended up in her bed...and it was clean the next day. I think she did get the hint that I was unimpressed with her household hygiene and she did make an effort to be cleaner. But even in the end, I never did get my security deposit back from the Shire, because she was the last to vacate the property and it was not clean enough for Old Man Withers who owned the place.

So I pose this question: When told to put "first things first" - what do you do? For me it's to make sure the kitchen is clean, and then my bedroom and bathroom. Because if I know those places are in order - I can face just about anything. What about you?

He'll get by with a little help from his friends

Geoffrey had his two wisdom teeth removed yesterday. He was very apprehensive about the whole procedure but he sailed through the whole thing and is recovering very quickly. I'm so glad it hasn't been a traumatic thing for him - so many people have awful experiences with oral surgery. But what we did discover is that he is so happy and emotionally gushing when he's high. The pain meds they gave him were rockin' and he thought everything and everyone around him was "AWESOME!!"

I really did toy with the idea of recording him in is stoned state - but I'll be honest, he didn't do anything that would be embarrassing beyond being super loud. He was so kind and thrilled to be alive - and I think we could all take a little of THAT medicine now and again.

I looked out the window and what did I see?

It has been super rainy here in Portland...and oh, my, do I love it!! Flooding is a sad side effect - but otherwise I love it!! I was called to be the Primary Chorister today and will be starting next week. I must say I'm pretty excited and must equally sad to say that I will be missing Relief Society. I never thought I would say that last part!!

I filled in teaching the Mia Maids today. It was crazy as I've known most of these girls since they were 3 or 4 years old. And only one of them was wearing flip-flops to church today, so BONUS! And the lesson was super short due to all other factors running long in time...and they were setting apart the new class presidency. The lesson was about having the courage to try new things...so I gave them a handout (of course I did) with this quote:

"A ship in harbor is safe - but that is not what ships are built for."

The girls in the class were really great and despite not using even half of the things I'd prepared - I think the lesson went very well.

And I will just say this: I'm so glad that I am NO LONGER a young woman...cuz...wow.

This one is for Becky.

I've started a blog update several times - but with so much pressure for clever or funny or whatever that I've made it into a thing. So here we go.

I've gotten back into the rhythm of being home. My London trip was amazing and moving and life changing. I do look forward to going back someday. I am also so glad to be home and doing all the mundane things that I'm sure I'll be sick of so soon (but I'm still enjoying now).

I am so reveling in the weather of Oregon. We've had some really blustery days and it's glorious. But hooray for global warming that will most likely give us very little snow and ice through the winter. (HOLY CRAP I'm talking about the weather)

I've revamped my two classes that weren't fulfilled in Europe, so I'm reading a lot of French plays and trying to make sense of some of them. I'm writing papers and working very hard to to not procrastinate the previously listed tasks. The newest diversion is watching The West Wing. In my defense of watching the first season in 36 hours is that I'm trying to fill the whole that was left in the cosmos by not having a Studio 60 on Monday night.

Halloween was a little disappointment as we didn't have very many tricksters to visit our spooky porch. But we did have a spooky porch, complete with fog machine and scary music.

I'm currently reviewing my Fall goals:
Try: sewing a skirt
STATUS: no progress
See: Wicked...despite not liking a majority of the soundtrack and everyone being shocked that I'm not really interested in seeing it.
STATUS: so I lied. I still haven't seen it...nor will I.
Taste: more curries and Indian food
STATUS: well...I'm not sure how to go about testing foods that may set my internal organs on fire.
Listen To: NPR for a week - despite my normal aversion to talking on the radio
STATUS: I'm starting to wonder why I made these stupid goals...but no I haven't done this one either.
Visit: my Uncle's Aunt in Paris
STATUS: whoops.
Start: making Christmas gifts so they can be mailed on time
STATUS: I've got a list and am checking it twice.
Stop: hitting the snooze button
STATUS: WHEW! I did this one (since I don't set an alarm anymore - har har!)
Organize:an actual play library - instead of just buying a copy when I need it
STATUS: Seriously, what was I thinking?!
Read: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
STATUS: In progress
Play: euchre
STATUS: I hope that this will be accomplished at the New Year when I visit the Malleys. So, at least I've got a plan, right?
Learn: about the history of Portland
STATUS: UHG. I'll work on reading books on this topic instead of books by Terry Pratchett.

So that's all for now...I guess it wasn't that big a "Thing" but now I've updated and can do so much more frequently.