Friday Fragments - I'm Alive!

Believe me the last few weeks have had me swamped at work with little time to think so I haven't be able to blog. I even had a whole week where I couldn't read anyone else's blogs I was so busy. But I'm taking a breather this morning to participate in Mrs. 4444 Friday Fragments.

So what have I been doing the last few weeks? Two people's jobs that's what. My assistant took another job a month ago so I've been trying to parcel out her work to others in my office which requires extra supervision. Because I could do it but then I would be violating separation of duties and I can't have that. Good news is I've hired a new person but she isn't starting until we get back from our winter break. 

The other reason I was so busy was we had a site visit from our major sponsor get thrown at us right before Thanksgiving. For last week. So I spent the week entertaining them, planning the visit and all around drop dead tired activities. I wasn't home until 10 pm for several nights. I don't do well in that kind of environment. I needed a break.

Last Friday I took Whitney to see Justin Timberlake in concert. It was a good concert and he is a great entertainer. At one point there was part of the stage that moved over the floor all the way to the other side (much closer to us).

Our view of the stage

After the stage moved closer to us

It seems to me that we have a few houses in our neighborhood that are trying to out Griswold each other. We've always had one but a couple more joined the party. I need to take photos to do them justice.

This weekend is our church's Christmas Spectacular. I can't wait to see what they do this year. Every year is different and it is always entertaining. We'll be attending tonight with both grandmas and Whitney coming down from school. She still has finals next week so she won't be home officially until next Thursday.

I'm going to miss the Mom's weekend at her college tomorrow. Just didn't seem like a reason to go this year since we wouldn't be attending any of the shows they are doing. So she had better get my ornament that they give out. I need it for my collection.

Just a few things but I needed to prove I'm still alive and kicking. I seem to be able to post more on twitter so you can always follow me there!

Its a Cold, Cold Hodgepodge

1. Are you doing anything special to mark this season of Advent? If so please share.

We got advent devotionals at church and I hate to say it but I haven't opened mine up. Very bad of me I know.

2. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen...and of course you recall, the most famous reindeer of all...so, which reindeer name best describes you this week?

Blitzen...because that sounds like the one who deals with the cold and ice. And really doesn't that describe everyone in the US right now (except Florida)?

3. What's worse-too quiet or too loud? Which have you had more of lately?

Too loud. I can't think when it is too loud. I think having an only child makes you extra sensitive to groups of children and the noise that comes from them.

4. This question comes to you from Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens-thanks Zo!

When you are administratively gifted, how often do you find yourself not trusting less gifted people to do what they've committed to do? If you are not so gifted that way, but are reliable, how do you feel when the stronger person (in that area) goes ahead and covers it before giving you a chance to come through?

This is one area I excel at. It is difficult to let go and trust others but you have to do it or else you drive yourself crazy. But man when it doesn't get done like you want it to or in the timeframe that you have in mind, yikes.

5. What is your most dreaded task relating to the holidays? Your most looked forward to holiday task?

Dreaded task is putting all the Christmas stuff away. I like seeing lots of twinkling lights on house, on trees, just everywhere.

6. Facebook has released its list of the 'most talked about' topics of 2013. Pope Francis took the number one spot. Does that surprise you? He was followed by election, royal baby, typhoon, and Harlem Shake. Your thoughts? What was yourmost talked about topic in 2013? (Facebook, around the kitchen table, or wherever it is you talk)

Was the Harlem Shake this year? Man I thought it was in 2012. I wonder how they compile these lists. Do they really have a scientific way to figure it out or just make it up as they go? Most talked about would most likely be weather and family.

7. What's something you consider a necessity that others might view as a luxury?

Coloring my hair. I realize that it costs money that many don't have but I have to get it done. In fact Saturday morning I'll be sitting in a chair meeting a new hair stylist.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Christmas Spectacular is at our church this weekend. It is so popular that they have 8 services for it this year. We are going Friday night and then I'm going to usher three more times. I don't know what's in it this year but I'm hoping it continues to live up to the SPECTACULAR names.

Spectacular Weekend!

As I have talked about the last two weeks, this weekend was Christmas Spectacular at church. I was there for five services...about 10 hours in total and boy are my feet tired. But it truly was a wonderful experience. 266 people accepted Jesus into their lives (that's a pretty big return I would say). Here's a few photos that I took off the Journeychurch website.

This is the band performing. So many instruments.

Just one of the food tables. The red and green cookies were delicious.

This is a view of the lobby Friday night.

Whitney had her picture taken with RemoteKontrol afterwards. 

There were lots of people taking video of this group. They are pretty spectacular.

I can't wait to see what next year's spectacular brings. How do you top this?

Friday Fragments - Spectacular Time

Joining up for another edition of Friday Fragments with Mrs. 4444. Always a good way to end the week.



Church is getting ready for the Christmas Spectacular. 7 shows starting tonight. I went over last night to help out and they had all the food done! 660 dozen cookies, 7,071 bags of caramel corn, chocolate covered pretzels and puppy chow, s'mores fixings all ready to go. Yes you read those numbers right. They are expecting over 10,000 people this weekend.

Here's a few photos of the church decorated.

 A giant playtube covered in lights and wood to look like a lincoln log house.

I can't wait to see the show. Because look who is performing at it:

If you have watched So You Think You Can Dance, the middle guy should be familiar. And yes they have performed on that show too.

In other news...Whitney came home from college today. She's home for a month. Next week she will be back in the city for three days of work and allergy testing. Of course I'll be at work so it really doesn't matter if she isn't home during the day.

Merry Christmas everyone!