Fragments are on a Break

No fragments this week because we took a spontaneous vacation. Left the house this morning and will be in New Orleans tomorrow for a few days. Then back home before the first. We will miss (hopefully) most of the crazy football fans for the sugar bow. I say that since I know quite a few of those fans since OU is playing in it. I'm sure Dan will wear a few OU shirts to support the team but I don't want to tangle with any Alabama people.

The Eve of Christmas Eve

As we close out the Eve of Christmas Eve I have just a few thoughts.

Our local family didn't win the Great Christmas Light Fight but it was great that so many people were able to see it. Hopefully people will come see it in person and help donate money to the Regional Food Bank.

I went shopping for last minute stuff today and it was crazy out there. I think everyone had the day off and was shopping or working at a store. It took me 25 minutes to drive one mile at one point but there wasn't any other way. I kept my cool because there wasn't any good getting upset could do. Michaels was having 70% off Christmas stuff so I of course had to buy stuff.

All of the gifts are wrapped and under the tree.




Lots of cooking tomorrow to prep for Christmas. Plus volunteering at church and then attending one. I'm looking forward to the candlelight service.

We've got all sorts of ice now and it won't be going away anytime soon. About an inch of accumulation with lots of trees breaking and power lines down.



These are the crepe myrtles that the neighbor has over the back fence. This one lost a chunk in our backyard and I don't know if it will make it through the melting that will happen.




The lady across the street lost her tree and was lucky her car wasn't hit in the driveway when it crashed. Later on the tree to the left broke off. It seemed that the redbud trees were hit hardest. Our stick tree did fine in the backyard. Thank goodness for new trees without many limbs.

Friday Fragments

It is the week before Christmas and all I have is fragments. So here we go.

So many stupid criminals this week. First we have the woman locally who was taken to jail on disturbing the peace charges. Then as they were searching her they found drugs in her "body cavities". Nothing like trying to smuggle in drugs in your private parts. Not very smart.

Then there is another criminal who was being arrested on outstanding warrants while at a park enjoying Christmas lights with his girlfriend. But as he was being arrested (with the handcuffs on), he asked the officer if he could continue with what he had planned to do...PROPOSE to his girlfriend. The officer let him and she said yes. Then the criminal asked the officer to get the ring out of his pocket to give to her. I'm not sure if this is just stupid, dumb or a combination of the two.

I successfully made two different batches of chex mix this week on top of everything else so that I could give some out at work. Now this weekend will be other baking to give to neighbors. I still need to finish shopping and I haven't wrapped a single present. Thank goodness others in my home have done some wrapping or the tree would look funny.

Mom is performing in a big Christmas concert this weekend put together by the Mormon church. They invited people of all faiths to join in and she has really enjoyed singing with them. I'm hoping the weather holds off and we don't get the ice like is being predicted so she can not worry about driving.

Today is the last day of work for the holidays. I'm amazed at the number of job offers that we are putting out this week. Not to mention a personnel issue that came out of left field that is not going to be pleasant to deal with. Never a dull moment I guess.

Everyone needs to watch the Christmas Light show on ABC on Christmas Eve. One local family will be on it (Downes). We went last week and it is quite good. You drive up and watch the show in your car (they live on several acres). They collect money and food for the Regional Food Bank. Last year they collected 10,318 pounds of food and $40,000. The show is more than 30 minutes long so well worth driving to it.

I hope that all of you have a Merry Christmas. 

image by bloggertone

It's the week before Christmas Hodgepodge

Joyce is providing us with questions this week and then taking off next week for Christmas. Good for her!

1. Do you believe in miracles?

Of course there are miracles. They come in all fashion. I think most people think of medical miracles but there are so many other ways to have a miracle. God is good.

The most recent miracle was a work colleague who's husband had a massive heart attack. After 7 weeks he finally got to go home from the hospital. So many miracles involved from him being at home when he had the attack (he was scheduled to be out in the woods), to his wife being able to perform CPR while the ambulance got there, to being put into a cold induced coma to help heal his heart. He is a living miracle.

2. What's a recent fad you admit to trying?

I tried to make kale chips and absolutely hated them. I'll skip buying kale from now on.

3. Peppermint-are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite food or beverage containing peppermint?

Peppermint is ok but a little goes a long way. My favorite would be peppermint schnapps in some hot chocolate. Yummy.

4. Break the ice, on thin ice, as cold as ice (emotionally, not literally)...which phrase have you run into most recently? Explain.

When I saw this list I immediately had to think of Foreigner singing Cold as Ice. I don't think that is the answer but it brought back great memories of middle school.

5. Have you ever broken or spilled something in someone else's home? Still friends?

I can't remember breaking or spilling anything at other people's houses but I remember one time we had a party and two little girls decided to get into nail polish in my daughter's bedroom and spilled it all over the carpet. We ended up moving the bed over the spot. We don't see them anymore but the spillage incident doesn't have anything to do with it.

6. 'Tis the week before Christmas...are you feeling more like Buddy the Elf or the Grinch before his heart grew?

I don't think I'm ever like the Grinch so I'm going with Buddy. He's a little more hyper than I ever get but that could be all the sugar he's on.

7. Share a favorite quote relating to Christmas.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm looking forward to having 10 days off of work. The best part of working for a university!

Thank Goodness Friday Fragments

My weekly post that joins with Mrs. 4444 for Friday Fragments.

I'll start off with the stupid criminal. Two men robbed several homes in a nearby county. They were pretty easy to find. The police just followed the footprints in the snow. Guess Oklahomans just aren't used to crime in winter.

Last night was my annual sushi/martini night with a friend. I know it sounds like a weird combination but we always get the special holiday chocolate peppermint martini and they are to die for. The sushi was extra good this year. Now I just have to remember which ones they were so we can order them next time.

This week I spent now one but two days in meetings with powerpoint presentations that were done via videoconference. Both were sufficiently boring to make me wonder what I was even doing there. At least I didn't fall asleep and start snoring. Looking bored was probably bad enough.

The Christmas tree is officially non-topped. We just don't like any of the angels/stars we've bought for the tree so we are going to wait and try again next year. It doesn't look bad without anything on top so I'm ok with that right now.

Yesterday when I filled up with gas the shutoff didn't work. So about 1/2 gallon of gas spilled over the side of my car. I was super lucky and not get any on my clothes or coat. I tried wiping it off with paper towels which helped. Today it's raining so I'm hoping that maybe more will wash off.

This week Year Without a Santa Claus was on. I taped it just so I could watch the Snow Miser/Heat Miser song. I've even kept it with that place on the DVR so I can watch it again. I love Snow Miser but Heat Miser has the better backup dancers. Snow Miser is even my profile pic on Facebook currently.

Whitney comes home today for four weeks. She is working two of them back at school but she can commute to do that.

Wednesday Dan and I took the orientation class at the gym. A personal trainer walks you through machines and gets you set with where to put the settings and you actually do a workout. Two days later and I'm still sore in some places. Guess I really should go back and work the muscles again.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'll be spending it at church a lot for the spectacular. I can't wait to see what is in store this year.

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.

Hello Early Winter

Day three of school being closed here. Well public schools...not universities. It is finals week.

The main roads have been clear since day two. The neighborhood is getting better except this morning the turn onto the main street was an ice slick. It seems people weren't smart enough to drive straight out and then turn. Why I am smarter than these other people I don't know.

The temperature is going to be a balmy 34 today with sunny skies. That should melt lots of stuff.

And create great icicles off the roof as the snow continues to melt. 

These were hanging off the back porch last night. They have been knocked down so they don't fall and stab the poor dog on the 30 seconds she is outside.

Cold Friday Fragments

I'm joining mrs. 4444 for fragment time.

Stupid criminal is the one who went to a convenience store and announced that he was going to rob the store later. Yes he did and he was caught since the clerk had warned the police and gotten his license plate number. Pretty dumb.

Cold weather here means we are closed. Good news is we had gotten stuff to make gumbo and they told us the day before. Sleep in time.

I finally passed a huge candy crush level and I think I really have hit the level that I'm never going to pass. 356 is going to be the death of,e.

I think our new angel is too big for our tree. Plus have to get used to these white lights. The corner is so bright.

We did get a bunch of snow last night.



And the trash men did come by this morning. I'll cut them some slack for missing the curb.




The neighbor kids are trying to sled but have limited options for hills. They are using the driveway that hasn't been cleared yet. I love how they can have fun with just that little bit.

Hodgepodge

Joyce came up with some interesting questions this week.



1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere? Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?

First of all I think that is a stupid word. Once again people do not recognize the brilliance of my own new words such as gunkified. I digress. I think they are silly and have only taken a couple of them myself. The last one was me on the Great Wall of China since I thought I should have a shot of that.

As you can see, not my finest photo. I prefer to be behind the camera but I'm not afraid to have my picture taken.

2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?

We haven't sent out cards for several years and I doubt we will this year. In fact when I was unpacking all my Christmas stuff I didn't have any boxes of leftover cards. So I would have to buy them this year and I don't think I'll do that. Last year we really didn't get many in the mail either.

3. Do you trust easily?

I think it depends on the place. I probably trust more in my personal life than in my work life. That seems backwards doesn't it?

4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?

I love three of the four (no pine for me) and I just got some tremendously good smelling cinnamon pine cones at Kirkland's. Really these are the best ones I've ever gotten. So I'll go with that right now. Next week it may switch to vanilla.

5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?

I'm writing this on Tuesday so on Monday I probably talked more than listened. Especially at work when I have to explain stuff.

6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now : )

Since is is the Christmas season, I'm listening to those songs all day long. So it has to be Heat Miser/SnowMiser.  My favorite cartoon song.

7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why?

This is the big thinker question of the day. Wow. Maybe Neil Armstrong going to the moon? Although I would be pretty scared about getting into the spacecraft.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The tree is done and I'm off to help my mom set up her tree tonight. Things I've learned with the new tree is that we don't need to have it on the wooden box like the last one and the angel is super big. The tree isn't as big as our old one but all my ornaments look nice on it.

You can't really see the ornaments in the tree with the lights on but they are there.

December is Here

Well a four day weekend and back to work. And can I just say that I really need one more day to finish up the house. But alas I don't have that so will try and cram stuff into my evenings.

Thanksgiving started out at 32 degrees and bundling up for the Turkey Trot to benefit United Way long term tornado relief.

Having never done this before we didn't know what to expect and got there much earlier than we needed to. But we stayed in the car until the race started. It was chilly going but we warmed up. I had two layers on plus gloves and I ended up taking the gloves off at the end. I also ditched Dan within 100 feet of the start as we started weaving through all the people. But that's ok since we both had our music and hadn't really planned on walking together.

Turkey dinner was later than normal but we had good food and good company with both of our mothers visiting.

Friday I did nothing. Really I feel like I wasted the day. But we did learn a new game that my mother-in-law brought...Mexican Train. Its a dominoes game and pretty fun. Other than that...absolutely nothing was accomplished.

Saturday Whitney and I ventured to Walmart and it wasn't crowded at all. Loading my cart full of food seemed ironic after we had just had a big turkey dinner.

All of the decorations were pulled out of the attic.

I seem to keep expanding the box collection and then I still buy more stuff.

The snowmen have gathered together in solidarity. Mr. and Mrs. Claus have since been kicked out of their group and have moved on to a place of honor high atop the entertainment center.

After spending hours decorating the house I was tired and decided to put off the tree until Sunday.

Sunday was super foggy on the drive to church. In fact it was so bad that I would slow down everytime I came to an intersection because I couldn't see the stoplight until I was almost on it. It was a good thing that traffic was light.

Whitney went back to school and then I tackled the tree. I had forgotten how much fluffing you have to do with a new tree. After one hour I had the first section done.

I was getting worried I wouldn't get it done.

Another hour and all of the fluffing was done but then we ran into a big problem. My new angel was much bigger than the one we used to have. And it was too heavy for the top of the tree. Dan googled how to keep the toppers on and ended up calling the store we bought the tree at for suggestions. We ended up getting a dowel to add stability to the top and that seemed to help. And then we have to figure out how to get the angel's dress to lay right so you aren't staring up it and seeing the plastic cone. By now it is after 5 and I've been at this tree for three hours. I just couldn't work up the energy to finish the fluffing, unpack the ornaments and put them on the tree. So there it sits, pulled out from the wall and looking forlorn.

Tonight's task will be to shore up the angel a bit more and add the ornaments. I think we are skipping the garland this year so that helps.