It's All Good...

Tiger, tiger burning bright....Check out Lola's bright eyes, as they match the Christmas tree! By the grace of God, I still have a modicum of holiday spirit left to pose for this silly pic.

The last few days were the promised logistical nightmare with the whirlwind of travel and activities, but I survived-none too much worse for the wear. We had a wonderful holiday, despite, with family, food and fun. But of course, there is no place like home for this home girl.

So, today I planned a 'schedule' quite the opposite of the one I just wrapped up. Kinda like a little holiday detox. Please read and keep up if you can.

9:30 wake up without 'aid' and stretch luxuriously. Pinch more-than-an-inch on tummy and vow to hit my treadmill later. And lay off the cookies. Avoid bathroom scale like the black plague. Stumble down a put on coffee and head out to collect days worth of papers and mail. Sip and read for hours. Brunch on cookies.
12:30 reheat leftover lasagna from my sister's restaurant, followed by more cookies. Scrumptious!
1:00 snuggle with Lola and consider treadmill thing.
1:30 shower and nap in front of fireplace till 4:00. Upon waking, more stretching and then ordering 'Sex and the City II" on ppv. Zone out in chick flick heaven. Admire the muscle tone on the 'fabulous four'! Consider doing some crunches, later.
7:00 reheat more leftovers and dine with my family.
8:00 check computer sites and write blog.
9:00 eat more cookies while reading 'Shape' magazine and vow to actually get in shape.
10:00 prepare to call it a day and go to bed. My personal 12 step has me done with indulgence and ready to join reality. After about 10 more hours of sleep.

In case I haven't done it, let me say Merry Christmas to all of you. Rest well tonight--normalcy begins tomorrow. xoxo P.S. the weather promises a warm week with temps in the high 30's by Thursday. Whoo hoo!

Run, Run, Rudolph.....

Let the indulgence begin! After dinner with friends on Thursday, a party at Andiamo on Friday and then a house party with friends on Saturday, can I just tell you, I am fried! Food and drink in abundance always marks the season for me. We saw a dinner show on Friday and were lucky enough to see the Scinta's perform. This talented family provided lovely holiday songs and gut splitting humor that can get you in the spirit faster that you can say 'Rockette'!

I have a shopping/lunch date (Toy's R Us, beware!) with two little girls tomorrow followed by another dinner party. Tuesday brings another lunch and shopping party with my godchild--more Toys R Us! Wednesday we host our annual employee party, and on Thursday we hit the road to Ossineke, to spend some time with my family. We have my nephew's Christmas program on Christmas Eve followed by Christmas Mass. On Christmas Day, we head to Ann Arbor for yet another family celebration. When we finally get home later, we can relax and exchange our presents. Whew! Kinda reminds me like that movie, "Four Christmas's" where the nerves are tried to the extreme in the name of Noel. To those of you lucky enough to have family close by, I envy you. The rest of us will participate in the Christmas Road Rally. I think friends of mine headed to Hawaii on Wednesday have the right idea. Maybe some day...sigh...

So dear friends, pray for the safe return of the Skelton children that have been missing since Thanksgiving, and for safe travels for those of us on the busy highways. Enjoy your holiday and take the time to remember the reason for the season. Have a joyous, happy, holiday and Merry Christmas, good friends. xo

P.S. Me and galpal Kristen snapped a pic while taking a break from the madness to enjoy our Detroit Lions pulling off a win! Must have been our fabulous cheerleading! I think our record now is an astounding 3 and 11! Whoo Hoo!!

Let it Snow....

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

but the fire is so delightful. And since

we've no place to go, let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

It doesn't show signs of stopping,

and I've brought some corn for popping.

The lights are turned way down low.

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight,

how we'll hate going out in the storm.

But if you really hold me tight,

all the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying, and

my dear, we're still goodbying.

But as long as you love me so,

let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

If ya can't beat 'em, ya might as well join 'em. On the first blizzard of the winter, be safe, be well, and be warm. xoxo

P.S. quote o' the day: I used to be Snow White, but I drifted. Mae West

My Only Wish.....

Warning: This is a public service announcement--something I do not usually use my blog for. Bear with me my lovelies....

On Thursday evening I was privileged enough to attend a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser held at the Emerald Theater in downtown Mt. Clemens.

On this frosty night, I learned upon my first visit that the Emerald Theatre is very cool. Kind of like a tired and worn, but still glamorous old gal. Founded in the 20's as a theatre, it is now a more contemporary venue for concerts and such. And it still has it's opera seating, in addition to a large bar.

The food buffet was the usual array of finger food but the real impressor (for me anyway) was the 'candy bar'. Large glasses full of all my childhood favorites were there with little brown bags and scoops to secure said treats. I stocked up on Black Jacks, M &M's, Squirrels, Mary Jane's and Twizzlers. My goodie bag and a glass of Pinot Grigio had me ready to hear the past years report and mission statement of Habitat's president.

The stats are impressive. A banker at our table said that the rate of failure of repayment on Habitat loans is zero-never a default. Habitat housed children have a higher rate of finishing high school and in some cases college. Teen pregnancies are almost none. The whole program was quickly highlighted, before two bands took the stage.

I met and inquired about an all women team of builders and plan to donate some time on a house in the near future. And yep, I bought the t-shirt!

If you are so inclined, locate your nearest Habitat office and check out donating materials, time, money or whatever. In this season of giving, I think it's a totally worthy cause.

Happy December everybody. Enjoy the season..xo