Day 350: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

There are a number of reasons I love my job and the people I work with. The latest reason is the incredible generosity and joy they are showing by "adopting" a number of families in the Alexandria area for Christmas. One of my contributions is buying books for an 8-year-old boy. Thus I spent an hour in the bookstore tonite, reliving my childhood and trying to narrow down all the amazing choices to four or five. This was really hard because of all the choices, because of the connections I have to so many of them, and the fact that I'm buying for a boy, which I'm more than proven I know nothing about. But I tried and I'll think he'll approve of my choices.

Day 349: And this Christmas, will be...

Pretty much, even more than carbs, my favorite food group is appetizers. Finger foods. Hors d'oeuvres. Bite-size, delectable treats. Little hot dogs, sausage balls, quiche, cheesball, I want it all. Including an English toffee ball, which I first had for my Olympic opening ceremonies viewing in August. Tonite I made another, and got to use my Mamaw's little covered dome dish. I like cute things like this and my toffee fit in it perfectly. Now I want to find other small things I can make to fit in it. A cupcake? Tiny, tiny brownies? World's smallest angel-food cake? I'll keep thinking.

Day 348: So this is Christmas

I told myself all week that I was going to get all my shopping done this weekend, so that I could relax and enjoy the season next week and weekend. Stop laughing, it could've happened. But seeing as how I have gifter's block and I've just needed sleep this week, I was a bit sluggish today. But I did get out and get a good start. And most shocking of all, I went to three of the best browsing stores: Barnes and Noble, Target, and Best Buy, and only spent about 20 minutes in each. I kid you not. Definitely a new thing, and definitely something that will never be repeated again. Ever.

Seriously, last decoration, my new angel. Mainly to show Mom, who was quite worried when I said she wasn't technically for a treetop and that I was going to have to lash her on. (Which I did, with part of her outfit, is that sacrilegious?)

Day 347: Holly and jolly

Today was my first foray to a mall this holiday season. It was far less painful than I thought, and there were enough sales and deals going on that it was less painful on my wallet as well. But still, a long, tiring week and a deadline today, meant once I did get home I unwound with a glass of wine, and a candy cane. I'm sure every wine enthusiast for 10 miles just died a little bit, but, oh well. It's not like it takes much to de-class my $4.99 bottle of red wine from Harris Teeter. Besdies, it was just a mini candy cane after all. And red and red go together, right?
And one last addition to the Christmas decorations, my first nativity scene, bought tonite. Oh, and another new thing.

Day 346: Water, water everywhere

It rained all day today, yet again turning the alley beside my apartment into whitewater rapids. But since I worked from home today, I didn't have to be out in it. At all. (Hooray!) But I did still deal with water in another way, when I made a drinking cup, origami-style, out of computer paper.
It worked perfectly, no leaks or drips, and I am very impressed. No need to buy more glassware, just pick up a pack of paper at Staples and I'm good.

Day 345: Seriously?

It's 11 p.m. now. Time to brush my teeth, pick out clothes for tomorrow, and wind down with a book or music or a Will and Grace re-run. Or I could try and smash my head open against the wall to escape the jack-hammering and construction work that has been going on outside my apartment since 5:30!!! Yes, I know from my FHWA work that there are numerous reasons why some roadwork is done at night. But, I don't care! I want to sleep without feeling like I am living on an airstrip and the enemy is attacking. I'm a pacifist! But instead I took a cue from an episode of How I Met Your Mother, where the girls, tormented by a car alarm, attempt to hum along. Thus I hummed along to the construction noises outside my appointment. Yeah, so not working. A better distraction? Decorations! My non-ornament snowpeople from my collection.

Day 344: Oh adult life

I have client meetings today and tomorrow for work, which means I have to look nice and presentable, i.e., no jeans and no wrinkles. Thus, ironing. Oh the ironing. But this morning when I tried to iron my nice white dress shirt, I got black gunk on it. Not good. Thus I had to clean my iron tonite with a special cream thing. I don't know why it seems strange to me that irons get dirty. I mean, they're just hot things getting the wrinkles out of clean clothes. I don't understand it. Anyway, I had to use way more than the recommend dosage on the back but I finally got the mysterious black gunk off. Now I don't have to worry about looking like Cinderella at my meeting tomorrow.

And, not related at all, but more decorations.

Day 343: Oh Monday

This week is the week of shopping, beginning with tonite, with, no details, I bought a remnant computer part. I know, you're probably thinking "gosh, I hope that's not for me," but trust me, it makes sense, and it's not for you.

And to make this a bit more interesting, finally a picture of my tree.

Day 342: The most wonderful time of the year!

The past two days in DC have been unseasonably, bitterly, unbearably cold. So naturally we decided to go to the open air, completely exposed to the elements, Eastern Market. But of course it was worth it as Mom and Melissa really enjoyed it and we found some good finds. I managed to find a gift for a friend and held out as long as I could without buying something for myself, but caved in the end and I bought, and wore, a hat with ear flaps on it. Kind of Elmer Fudd like, but I don't care. I must wear a hat in the winter for my ears, as after less than a minute in the cold and wind they hurt so bad I feel like I'll explode, and this covers them more securely than all my others.

Later, after I said goodbye to the guests and contemplated taking a nap, I began decorating for Christmas. Though Brandie thinks the apartment looks like Christmas threw up, I think it's warm and cheery and just what we need. Besides, no one ever died of Christmas cheer, except for maybe the roommate if she gets to close to the tinsel. This is also the first time I've had a full size tree for myself.

I'll post more pictures later, I have to get an angel for the top before it's official.

Day 341: Great Scot!

A large reason that the fam chose this weekend to come up was the Scottish Christmas parade being held in Old Town Alexandria as part of the annual Scottish Christmas Walk weekend. It has been two years since Mom and I went to Edinburgh and its environs, and we've missed it a bit. Thus the opportunity to hear bagpipers and see a dozen breeds of Scottish dogs, could not be missed. Thus I went to my first Scottish parade in Alexandria.

Despite the freezing numbness that consumed our bodies, it was a great parade. And a pretty big deal considering the number of Virginia politicians and (Scottish) clansmen from across the country. And of course, Alexandria-born Willard Scott, and two kilt-clad, UNC hat wearing and loving Tar Heels, that were the only ones to give us candy. (Next time, we will rent a kid and then steal its candy.)

Grand Marshall Willard Scott:
I want their socks:Cutest picture ever:
Scottish people are tall:One of a bajillion beautiful dogs:
Bagpipers:They carry swords. I think since my first name is Scottish, I should get to carry a sword in the next parade.

We also visited the newly renovated National Museum of History. This is my favorite DC museum, and though a bit disappointing, I have hopes that once all the exhibits open and the crowd dwindles down, I will love it again.

Outside Star Spangled Banner exhibit:
A button I liked:
I happened to have bought a miniature of this the night before at Mount Vernon:Barbie! And who Mom and Melissa claim is GI Joe, but who I think is Fidel Castro. (As I told them, of course Barbie's a communist. No one could get that many clothes in a free market economy. Though Melissa is correct, she had a lot of jobs.)
And finally, we ate at the Elephant and Castle pub on Pennsylvania. I've been eyeing this for awhile as it's also the name of London Tube stop, and it was a good choice. Best hot spinach artichoke dip ever.