A Resolution is just a solution that you are trying again. A Re-solution.

Well hello there my fab-lifers!! I apologize for my deliquency in posting - I looked at my December posts and they were very sparse indeed. However, I'm sure you were all just as busy as I was during these past few weeks. I even forgot to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!

Anyways, I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday filled with cookies, turkeys, presents and good times with family and friends. Can you believe we are only a day away from a brand new year?! I can't believe how fast time flies...

This is the time I usually take to think about the year that has past and the coming one and what my goals and wishes are for the new year. I don't believe so much in making New Year's resolutions - only because in my past experience they're good for about a week or two, and then are quickly forgotten. Therefore, to combat that, I'm going to make my resolutions BEFORE the new year. You know, get a head start on it and all.

So this year, I've resolved to: save money, lose weight and stay in touch with old friends. (Then again, these are resolutions I make for myself monthly, if not weekly!) But seriously...

1) Saving money - Well, who doesn't want to save money? I suppose if you call saving 30-50% on stuff that's on sale/clearance "saving money" then I'm pretty much there! In fact, I figure if I only ever buy stuff on sale, then that's pretty much like saving money all year! I'll have my husband drive me around to different stores if it will save me a quarter (though he does like to complain about the gas it takes to get me to the place that's supposedly saving me the money. Whatevs. Gas, shmas). As for actually putting away money I guess I could try that too...

2) Losing weight - Well, this is pretty much a constant struggle. I hate the thought of myself in a bathing suit, but I also hate the thought of going to the gym. And I really hate the thought of missing out on creme brulee (I love me some creme brulee!) Then I get all "what's wrong with being a "big skinned girl" anyways? ( "You mean big-boned"? "No! Her bones the same, skin's BIG!" haha!) then I get all mad at myself for being all "what's wrong with being a big skinned girl" because there is something wrong with being a big skinned girl (if you don't like how you look in a bathing suit!) then I get all "Well why does society think it's so great to be smalled skinned anyways?!" Then it turns into an existential crisis and then I go out and drown my sorrows in....creme brulee. But this year...FOR SURE. I'm gonna go to the gym. I mean, I've been paying for the membership. I might as well go. Maybe I'll reward myself for going...with some creme brules. Just kidding.

3) Staying in touch with old friends - I'm absolutely terrible at this. I mean, I know there's facebook and all that, but first of all - I'm not on facebook (Too stressful for me - when I was on it, I was constantly like "Do I want to have them as my friend? Why aren't they my friends? What's taking so long for them to accept me as a friend? Why are they your friend and not my friend?" It seriously got to be exhausting. So I took myself off it.) Minus facebook, it's a little bit harder to keep in touch. Oh, yeah there's cell phones and home phones and work phones, but really - after high school, I can't stand being on the phone for more than 10 minutes, if that. (Remember high school, when your whole life was on the phone? Everything happened on the phone.) There's also of course, email - which is okay, as long as you have everyone's updated email addresses! I don't mind emailing...in fact, I could make plans to meet up with my old friends for some coffee and creme brules, but then that wouldn't save me money at all (nor would it help with my "big-skinnedness").

See? Good thing I made these resolutions now. I don't feel so bad about breaking them, it's the end of the year after all. There's always next year!

Happy New Year friends!

PS. If you read my blog - why not become a follower? I'd be happy to have you as a friend! If not, then maybe you can tell 2 friends, and they'll tell 2 friends and pretty soon, I can have an international following. I promise I won't forget you when I become famous. See you next year :)

Order in the (Food) Court!

Even though I say every year I’m going to be prepared and not go to the mall the last few days before Christmas, I always end up going – I can’t help it. I think I secretly love the rush of finding a gift when I know that time is running out. This year has proved to be more challenging than previous years but I was up to the task. However, while on the search for the perfect gift, other things (such as eating dinner) get sidetracked. During this busy season I don’t always have time (nor do I have the desire) to go home and cook a meal after I’ve been shopping all evening. I mention going to a restaurant to my husband who says "That's too expensive. Why don't we just eat at Food Court?"

Ah yes, food court. An “oasis” amidst the hustle and bustle of the shopping crowds. A place to sit, relax, fill your tummy and quench your thirst. Choices lined up side-by-side: Greek food, Korean food, sushi, burgers, subs, New York Fries, Orange Julius, KFC, and pizza…the list is almost endless and guaranteed to satisfy whatever you’re craving. Everyone can get something they want. Everyone that is, except me.

I’ve never done well in Food Court. I don’t think there’s ever been a time where I was completely satisfied with what I got. And it’s not because of the quality of the food. I mean, food court food, is usually consistent. You pretty much know what you’re getting. No, it’s not that. With me I always have dilemmas. First, what do I eat? There is so much to choose from! Too much, in fact. I go from vendor to vendor, trying to decide what I want. Looking at the pictures of noodles or greek salad with chicken souvlaki or gooey pepperoni pizzas, getting taken in by smells and seeing other people’s delight at what they’ve chosen. Unfortunately, the assault on my senses is too much. It causes me to be extremely indecisive. Eventually, I’ll see my husband, or sister or friends (whoever I came to the mall with) sitting down enjoying their meals, while I, still wander around the food court back and forth.

Finally, I’ll force myself to make a decision. “I want sushi!” So I’ll go over to the counter and look…I’ll pick up a couple of packages trying to decide which one has the most crab or salmon and walk tentatively up to the line to the cashier. However, if the line up is too long, it causes me to think too much. Then I'll change my mind...I'll look over at the Thai Express counter and think "Hm...those people look like they know what they want. And I should try new things...and the food comes in those cute take-out containers!" So I'll give up my spot in the line and walk over to the Thai Express counter...then I'm faced with the menu. "Hmm...I don't know what to get. That looks good! But hmm...what if it isn't? UGH! Why did I decide to try something new now?! What was I thinking?" And right before I'm the next person to order, I'll look over at the familiar KFC line. "Hm...popcorn chicken. I love popcorn chicken." And...I'll leave the unfamiliar Thai Express line and walk over to the KFC line...which unfortunately happens to be familiar with everyone else which makes the line-up really long. Uh-oh. I look over and my husband is eating already. "UGH! I gotta make a decision! Do I want to stay in the KFC line? Ugh!! Hm...there's no more line at the sushi counter. Maybe I'll just get some yam fries and by that time I'll have figured out what I wanted." So I leave the KFC line and walk back over to the Sushi line. Yes. Yam Fries. But what else should I have? "It's not Tuesday, so I don't want tacos (they're not on special). I don't even have a drink. Hm...that greek food is looking good. I know! I'll have calamari! And I'll get my drink there too." So I walk across the food court to the Greek food vendor and confidently get in line. "Wow, $8.95 for a calamari combo with drink. That seems kind of steep. I mean, I already have these yam fries, which are kind of getting cold now. I should decide now, am I staying or getting something else?" I look around - all the line-ups seem pretty long. Except for the Sushi line. "Hm...maybe I should just get some teriyaki chicken? Yes. Teriyaki chicken on rice." Back to the Sushi line. "Okay for sure I'm gonna stay here now. The cashier is looking at me funny." I look over the menu and think "Geez. I coulda ordered the bento box and got sushi, teriyaki chicken and tempura'd yam! But I already have these damn yam fries. Oh wait, look there's just a teriyaki chicken bowl. Fine. I'll just have that. Ugh, they don't have fountain drinks here. I refuse to pay 2.49 for a bottle drink." I look over at my husband who's almost done his meal. "Yes! He has a fountain drink - I'll just drink some of his." I finally get to the cashier who gives me a look that says "You again?"

I ignore her and order: "I'll have the teriyaki chicken bowl please". I finally get it, sit down and open it up.

There's a little sliver of chicken with TONS of rice, and...yam tempura. ARGH...and in total my food court meal cost me almost $12.00! TWELVE dollars for rice, two yam sides and no drink. So much for saving money. By this time, my husband is done eating. He looks at my meal and shakes his head.

And I say "See! I told you we should've just eaten at a regular restaurant!"

I hate Food Court.

The Gift Exchange

So today at work we had our annual Christmas party and "Steal and steal" gift exchange. Ever since Monday morning when I arrived at work to find the explosion of Christmas baking all over the counter at my desk, we've been waiting for this day to arrive knowing that the goodies and food would be pure craziness! This year we had many new additions to our department which of course equaled even MORE food than usual. I brought my (almost) famous Shmoo cupcakes and homemade "Clodhoppers", but there were also homemade Christmas cookies, cheeseballs, shrimp rings, dainties, brownies, the list goes on and on...and this was even before lunch! By 10:00am there was an email to all stating the "grazing could begin"! Lunch began at 12:30 and we had all the usual suspects: Turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce and stuffing, ham, meatballs, cabbage rolls, perogies, garlic sausage, scalloped potatoes, hashbrown casserole, chicken skewers, spring rolls, 5 different kinds of salads, etc...I got full just standing in line waiting to get the food. Then after the meal, even more treats came out: homemade tiramisu, cheesecakes, chocolates...CRAZINESS.

However, the best part of our Christmas party is always the "Steal and steal" gift exchange! Anyone who brought a $10.00 (or more) unisex gift was able to play. We chose our numbers and the game began...

Now, I've joined this gift exchange ever since I started my current job and I've usually gotten a pretty good gift. However, one year I TOTALLY got shafted. As in, it was a pretty crappy gift. One that no one was going to "steal" from me. Ugh. It was "fake" candy bought at the dollar store. Fake as in, dollar store brand Smarties, dollar store brand LifeSavers, dollar store brand chocolate, all stuffed in a dollar store brand coffee cup. I'm pretty sure it wasn't $10.00 (or more) and I was really kind of pissed off about it, especially since the gift I brought that year was AWESOME. I swore it would never happen to me again. So ever since then, I've employed a strategy that almost guarantees me getting a good gift everytime, if not the one I really want!

See, what you need to do is pretty much in the name of the game: steal. Do that and the following things, and you can pretty much get exactly what you want!

1. Don't get taken in by the gifts' outward appearance. Anyone can buy good wrapping paper or in the case of when I got scammed: a pretty gift bag. (That was mistake number one for me. I love me some pretty paper and gift bags. Sometimes I'll buy gift bags, with no intention of ever using them for a gift. They're just for me to have and admire.) So yeah, this thinking is what got me to choose that gift. Remember: no one wants to spend more than they have to on wrapping paper or gift bags, so those things most likely come from a dollar store. It has nothing to do with what's inside.
2. Try to gather as much information about the gifts currently under the tree. In the days leading up to your gift exchange, start casually asking questions like: Are you in the gift exchange? Do you know what you're planning to give? Of course, most people won't want to tell you what they're planning on giving, so then you can say "I don't know what to get! Do you guys have any ideas?" Gauge their responses. If they suggest a gift card or a bottle of wine, or something that you like, then that person's gift is usually safe to choose. However, if they say something like "Just pick something up at the dollar store" then you will probably not want to choose that person's gift. They're in it to get something better than they put in. Therefore, stay away from their gift. Far away.
3. Once you've gleaned as much info as you can from your fellow gift exchangers, try to hang out in the lunch room the morning of the party - so you can see who's bringing in what package. However, don't be obvious - busy yourself with "organizing" the food for the lunch or any other type of helpful activity that will not call attention to the fact that you are "scoping"out everyone else's gifts. 
4. For your own gift, get something that you like. In fact, get something that you actually want or need (but something that not everyone will necessarily want or need.) Maybe even get something that specifically matches with your own decor or something that maybe requires you to have more than one of. This can be a way for you to kill two birds with one stone: For example, say you only have $10.00. You are planning to use it to buy your gift exchange gift. But then you also need a pretty stocking hook for your sequined stocking to hang on your fireplace and you find one for $10.00! What do you do? Well, you use the money to buy the stocking hook and then put that in as your gift. Two birds, one stone.
5. The most important rule is to always STEAL. Never, EVER get a new gift from underneath the tree. The way our gift exchange works at my work, is that when someone grabs a gift from under the tree, they have to open it, so everyone else can see what it is. This is key. IF you steal someone else's gift, you will never be surprised by what you get - because you've taken something that someone else has already opened.

But then, you ask, how can I make sure to get my gift (or something equally great)? Well, my friends, to actually get your own gift, may take some luck AND some good acting. When picking your number, it's always better to get a later number (ie. closer to the middle or the end). This is where your luck comes in. However, even if you get an earlier number you can still possibly get a great gift. If you happen to get say,  #2, then either choose your own gift (make a big show about trying to choose other gifts, and finally "settle" on your own) OR choose a gift that looks like it may be liquor or wine. Someone will ALWAYS steal liquor or wine from you...this will buy you the chance to be able to choose another gift that someone has already opened, or again, your own gift. If you get your own gift, don't make it obvious that it was your own gift. You can't show too much love for it because if people know that you really like it, they're more likely to steal it from you...just to be mean. Be indifferent.

Some people think the steal and steal gift exchange is pure fun. It's not. It's a battle of nerves. If you want a good gift, you need to be alert and pay attention. You need to remember how many times a gift has been stolen because (as in our gift exchange) there may be a rule where a gift can only be stolen a maximum number of times (in our case, once a gift has been stolen twice, the last person to have it, gets to keep it). If you steal something, hoping that someone will steal it from you, but haven't paid attention to the fact that it's already been stolen the maximum number of times, you are stuck with it.

If your own gift has been put out of commission (ie. you were not able to keep it and it has been stolen the max. number of times) make sure you have your eye on a back-up gift that you like. Failing that, if you're going to steal someone's gift, that you don't really like, want or need, make sure you steal one that has great "re-gift" value. Remember, one man's trash, could be another man's treasure. So steal a gift that you wouldn't be embarrassed to re-gift.

Now remember, don't get tempted to choose something unknown from under the tree.  Some people may wrap their gifts in separate containers to lure you with "a two or three container gift" (making you think that you're getting more than just one gift) or they may wrap it in a big box, hoping to fool you into thinking "bigger is better". Don't fall for it! That's for other people to do. Your mission is to steal the perfect gift. If you can follow these rules, I'm sure you will end up with a gift you are very happy with. You're welcome.

I wish you luck in this season's gift exchanging extravaganza! Happy Gift Exchanging Stealing!

PS. In case you're wondering, I did get a great gift today. It was my own gift: a pretty stocking hook to hang my sequined stocking on my fireplace. And...I also got to keep my cute gift bag.

Give = Receive

So, I've been in full on Christmas shopping mode for the last couple of weeks. And I'm actually almost done! (The kids' gifts, that is. I'm like the younger, cooler version of Ms. S. Claus. Seriously.) I have to say that I do enjoy the sense of accomplishment I get when I cross a name off my list! Giving the perfect gift, is almost as great as receiving it! (but not quite.)

Normally I also take pride in the fact that I'm a shrewd shopper who knows her prices and gets good deals. However, taking a look at my budget, it seems that I'm spending more this year, despite my refusal to overpay for anything. So I did a quick check of all my purchases for the past few weeks... Hm...Not only have I been getting gifts for all the kids on my list but it looks like I've been taking care of a lot of stuff on my own wish list! (Heh heh.) It seems that for every present I buy, I end up getting something for myself! (How did that happen??) But I can't help it! I guess it's like getting myself a reward for finding the perfect gift for someone else. So far I've gotten some fabulous fuschia gloves, a nice thick fuschia scarf and an awesome fuschia sweater...(Hm...perhaps that's it for the fuschia?) I also picked up the Glee S.2, Vol.4 cd. (BTW, it's fricken fabulous. I love almost every song on it and I only wish the mash-up of "Umbrella/Singin in the Rain" was on it. But other than that omission, I'm pretty happy with the songs that made it on to the cd. I've been listening to it non-stop at home and in the car (much to my husband's annoyance. However, I think he lets me listen to it because it takes my mind off his driving and my "spatial paranoia". Well, not really. But it still makes me feel happy.)

Anyways... is it really my fault that everything I want happens to be going on sale for Christmas? Sure, I can put it on my wish list or wait until Boxing Day... but then what if it gets all sold out before whoever is going to buy it for me, buys it? Or what if it doesn't go on sale anymore? (Like the Starfrit frying pan I've been looking at all year! It finally went on sale for $24.00 so I had to pick it up! And the Kitchenaid Stand Mixer that I've wanted forever! On sale AND no tax!) Also, I've learned the best time to buy things like salon hair products or makeup, is during Christmas because they have all these combo packs or special editions. And a lot of stores will have "No Tax" days or 40% off days, or Moonlight Madness days...(Oh, I'm sure a lot of the stuff will go on sale even more AFTER Christmas, but then a lot of that stuff is also picked over...)

So I think it's a good thing I've bought this stuff for myself now. Besides who wants that kind of pressure when trying to find MY gift? I'm simply helping out my family and friends...plus what if they bought me something for regular price, but then it went on sale? Or worse, what if I don't LOVE the gift and need to return or exchange it?? I'll feel so bad and their feelings will be hurt. By buying the gift myself right now, we both win. I get instant gratification AND the perfect gift (on sale) plus I'm saving them from having paid too much for my gift and from worrying whether or not I love it. I'm so considerate!

The only problem now is that I don't have anything to put on my list when people ask me what I want...

Wait that's not true. Fret not, my family and friends! My wish list perpetually regenerates...I'm sure I can find something on my list for you to give me! Don't worry. I'm sure I'll LOVE it. (Just make sure you give me the gift receipt).

"Deck the Halls with Boughs of Hol-"Glee", fa la la la la, la la la la..."

So today we experienced "A Very Glee Christmas"! And in typical Glee fashion, we were treated to some funny moments, some heartbreaking moments and of course, no show is complete without some "Sue" moments!

Since I've had the cd for a couple of weeks now, I've been looking forward to watching my fave Gleeks sing the songs - however, I was wondering which ones would make it on to the show. Usually there are only about 5 per show and this cd has 12 songs. I didn't think they'd be able to put in all 12, but they did manage to put in 6 songs, plus one that wasn't even on the cd!

They started right away with "The Most Wonderful Day of The Year" with happy voices and expressions, despite decorating their sad, "Charlie Brown-ish" tree with the broken star and stolen  "gifts" from a mall display. Mr. Schu (in all his sweater vest glory) tells the kids that he is not going to allow them to feel sorry for themselves and that they are going to be carolling to raise some money. Ha! Unfortunately it doesn't go well when they start singing "We Need a Little Christmas", with other students yelling that they are "starting to hate Christmas" because of them and a teacher (?!) throwing her shoe at them. Yikes! Artie learns that Brittany still believes in Santa (which is actually kind of adorable!) And being as sweet as he is, asks the rest of the Glee club to go along with the whole thing so that Brittany can keep believing. Until...what she asks of Santa  is to work his magic so that Artie can walk. Sweet but obviously impossible...or is it? Brittany's child-like innocence could make even the most cynical person believe in Santa again.

And...just because Kurt is not at McKinley doesn't mean we've forgotten about him and happily, him and Blaine treat us to my favorite duet of the episode "Baby, It's Cold Outside". I was bummed that it was in the context of Blaine performing it at a Christmas concert and having to just practice singing with Kurt, because when I listened to it on the cd, I imagined a whole different thing, ending with Kurt getting his REAL first kiss. Aw! Other than that, I loved it! But, I miss Kurt singing with the other Glee kids - perhaps Blaine could just transfer to McKinley??

Rachel is still trying to get back with Finn, who, even though he loves and believes in Christmas, can't seem to forgive Rachel for making out with Puck. Rachel takes any opportunity to try and woo him back, first with a gift of a coupon for the bearer to hear a song of Ms. Berry's choosing and performed by Ms. Berry herself.  Rachel may be annoying at times, but I can't help feeling bad for her, because in some ways, I'm pretty sure I'm just as annoying as she is. Ask my husband. (lol). Unfortunately, I can't sing like her...but I do enjoy many of her song choices.  She chose my second fave Christmas song (originally sung by the Carpenters), "Merry Christmas Darling" which I thought was very nice, especially with her "winter wonderland" of blue christmas trees and fake falling snow. Also, isn't it so like her to believe that her singing to Finn would make him forgive her? She kind of tried again when they went to look for a new Christmas tree and her and Finn sang "Last Christmas" (by Wham!) but alas, that didn't work either! I guess we will have to wait for the new year to see whether Finn will ever find it in his heart to forgive her.

Now, you all know how much of a soft spot I have for Coach Bieste. And as usual, I always want to cry whenever she is on. Artie and the other guys asked her to play Santa so that she could tell Brittany that Santa, try as he might, wouldn't be able to give her what she asked for (ie. Artie being able to walk). To make Brittany understand, she told her a story about a husky little girl who asked Santa to make her look like other little girls so she wouldn't stand out. Eventually she accepted that she wouldn't ever be like other girls, and asked for patience instead. AHHHHHH! Heartbreaking!! Brittany is obviously crestfallen and begins to lose her Christmas spirit.  And then...a Christmas miracle - in "Tiny Tim" style - Artie receives a gift of a contraption ("I thought it was a Transformer") that helps him walk! And Brittany once again believes in the magic of Santa AND Christmas. And we believe in the greatness of Coach Bieste. I heart Coach Bieste!

Lastly, we couldn't go an episode without the requisite mean Sue and today she took it one step further by literally becoming the Grinch Who Stole Christmas (complete with green face, and trusty sidekick Becky as her "rein-dog" to pull along her wagon full of stolen gifts, all done with "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" playing in the background). So mean, but so perfectly Sue! She even had the evil Grinch grin...But as we know, even if she plays the Grinch, Sue's heart is not really two sizes too small. In fact, Sue ends up being so moved by the Glee kids (who haven't given up on Christmas, even after her "Grinchifying") singing "Welcome Christmas" to raise money to buy gifts for the homeless kids, that she breaks into Mr. Schu's place ("I had a key copied ages ago."), and surprises him with a Christmas tree (decorated by the Glee kids) and a gift...of clippers - to cut his "chia pet hair". LOL.

Aww... So I guess that's it until next year. Boo! All I want for Christmas is a few more episodes!

PS. I apologize for the title. I know it's kind of corny.