Scientific Nature of the Whammy: December 2008

December 31, 2008

Catch the Frak Up!

If you are looking forward to Battlestar Galactica's January 16 premiere of the final episodes as much as I am, you might want to watch this. Once. Or Twice... or however many times, it just never stops being good.

SO FRAKKING GOOD!

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Kevin Smith, I loves him. I love Jay & Silent Bob, Clerks, Mall Rats, and especially Dogma. I'm always excited to hear that he's got a new project going. So, I decided to go see this movie despite the title.

It was funny. It was a cute story. Seth Rogen was good in it as the charming-underneath-it-all-but-ignored-friend character. But, it wasn't much of a stretch - I have a feeling he's been there before. Elizabeth Banks was just okay. She's cute. But nothing that special or unique about her.

But it's just not quite up to par. What is up Kevin Smith? I totally look forward to your new movies whenever they come out, but I'm afraid it seems that your caliber has dropped slightly.

If you're a Kevin Smith fan, if you enjoy crude humor (obviously - the title is literal), you'll most likely enjoy this one. But you'll probably be just as happy if you wait for the DVD.

Who Wouldn't Love an Award?!

Guess what? The lovely Valerie over at It's a Wonderful Life has passed on this beautiful butterfly award to me!

Isn't it pretty? Thanks Valerie!

Here are the steps:

A. Put the logo on your blog.
B. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
C. Nominate ten other blogs, add links to those blogs, and leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

So, here are a few blogs that I've been enjoying lately! Yes, there are only seven. That should be enough reading for you for today (because I really think you should go read them ALL).

The awesome mind(s) behind Fuck You, Penguin. This award might be too cute for them, but that will only provide me more entertainment.
The Mammas at Mamarazzi
Kimberly at Petroville
Bejewell at The Bean
McMommy at The McMommy Chronicles
Tanis at Attack of the Redneck Mommy
Kelley at Magneto Bold Too

AND, since I started writing this post, the wonderful Mimi of Screaming Mimi awarded me with this award:

So, here's what it's for...

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships!These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I have to admit that one of my favorite parts of this award is that the original giver has identified themselves as CLEVER within the text of their explanation. It just made me laugh!

I like this award because it's one of the things I like most about blogging - meeting new people and making friends. So, here are some ladies who are total winners (and awesome bloggy friends) in my world...

Kori at See Kori Rant

Auds at Barking Mad

Maria at Immoral Matriarch

Shana at Utterances

Maggie at Maggie's Mind

Dawn at Must Love Tots

I decided to only pass this along to six ladies, since I'm still making friends! They inspire me, make me feel less alone, and make me smile.

December 30, 2008

Heads or Tails: What I've Watched!

This week's theme for Heads or Tails Tuesday is watch. So, I thought I would publish my FINAL list of movies watched in 2008! I've kept a running list here all year, and since it's almost the new year, this is my final record of what I watched this year!

To read more Heads or Tails Tuesday posts, click here!

December 29, 2008

Heroes, Villians, Charisma!

*Contains Spoilers* Guess what I did last night? If you guessed 'watched 6 episodes of Heroes in a row', you win! Sorry though, there's no prize. I got WAY behind on Heroes this season. I think that as of two weeks ago I had 10 episodes saved up in my DVR. For some reason, I just didn't watch - partly because it's one of the shows I watch that I actually have to WATCh and pay attention to, so it doesn't work that well for me to be reading blogs or blogging or whatever while I'm watching.

In a way though, I'm glad that I got behind! I've heard a lot about this season and what people thought of it, and watching the six episodes in a row like I did last night made me get really into it and not want to stop watching! Regardless of however the season began, I have to say that by the end, Heroes was BACK in a major way. The last four episodes just got better and better! I love how they do the little teaser previews at the end of each volume. So, here are my questions...

Is Sylar really dead?

I actually hope he is. He was a great character, but how much more villainy can we really stomach from him? I mean, he's tortured, killed, seemed good but then been obviously bad, and then turned into that guy from Saw trying to pit them all against each other. He was an interesting addition, while he lasted, but I am READY for something new, so I hope that was really the end.

What happened to the light when Arthur Petrelli died?

Just wondering. Was the light only a catalyst for the formula, or is/was there more to it? Did it die with Arthur, or did it go somewhere else? Maybe this isn't important, but who knows?

When people were injected with the formula that had and lost powers (ie Peter Petrelli) would they automatically regain all the powers they had before?

Just something I was wondering after Peter injected himself. I don't know the answer.

Will Hiro get his powers back?

Now, Ando has powers and Hiro doesn't. What will happen? Will Hiro get any powers back? Which leads into...

Was the formula really destroyed?

I have a feeling that it wasn't, and that even if it was that Suresh and Tracy are off somewhere trying to recreate it.

Is it awesome that Worf is the new president?

YES!

Can't wait for the next volume... Fugitives.

I NEEDS it!

Look at this:

Holy cow, it's pretty, isn't it? I can just imagine one of my pretty blue mugs sitting under a steaming stream of delicious hot cocoa or tea on a rainy day.

What brought this to my attention?

Well, it just so happens that the ladies over at SITS (which you need to check out pronto because it is an awesome place to be) are GIVING ONE AWAY! Seriously. If you click right here, you can enter. And... I don't want you to win it. I mean, I realize I'm posting the contest right here for you to see. And enter. But I'm really just doing it so that I have a higher chance of winning. Haha.

So, now that I said that, you should DEFINITELY go enter, because I totally just stuck my tongue out at Karma, and you will probably win it now.

You are my Peace

I complained to Daddy about being the one to put you to bed tonight. I looked at him and wished that he would do it, especially when you didn't want to walk to your room. You wanted to play with your new wooden nuts and screws, but I told you it was bedtime.

I picked you up, and you only struggled for a minute. We went into your room, I gurned off the light and turned on your CD player. We sat down in the rocking chair and I cradled you in my arms like a baby.

You're getting so tall now that it's getting harder to hold you that way. But your little warm head still fits in the crook of my elbow. Your body isn't so long that my other arm can't wrap around under your knees and cradle your little butt. You tuck your hand into my chest, then curl up even further so your head rests on my breast, and my cheek can rest on your head.

Your short haircut makes you look older, but I love the feel of your fuzzy head against my cheek. I hear you breathing, and I can smell your breath. It smells like pancakes and love. I whisper to you "I love you, yes I do". "Yes" you repeat softly, "yes".

I couldn't stop looking at you, baby. In that moment, the enormity of my love for you was overpowering. My wonderful son, you are an amazing boy. You amaze me.

I rocked you to sleep tonight. We don't usually do that anymore, but you were tired, I could see your blinks getting slower, your eyelids getting heavier. I didn't want to let go, I just wanted to hold you and feel your heavy warmth against me for a few more minutes.

You cried out, a tiny wail, as I laid you in your crib, then drifted back to sleep under your soft green blanket. I watched you sleep, so peaceful. And I was at peace.

December 28, 2008

Seven Pounds

*Spoilers!*

I went to see Seven Pounds today. I was disappointed. I didn't read that much about this one beforehand, I'd seen previews and the few things I had read seemed to imply that it was sort of a cool movie, that there were plot twists, and that the whole story wasn't really revealed until the end.

Will Smith plays a man who has done something terrible, something that haunts him, and has turned him into this meek, lonely, sad, somewhat suicidal guy. The problem is that although you get to like him more over the course of the movie, in the beginning he just seems sort of like an oddjob guy who comes off a little creepy at times. He looks like he's pained most of the time, and on the verge of tears.

It becomes clear over the course of the movie that Smith's character is hunting down people who need help, with the intentions to help them. It is almost immediately revealed that he did something bad at some point that he feels immensely guilty about, and want to somehow try to make up for.

So... I agree that the whole story wasn't revealed until the end. Unless you're smart. And watch a

significant number of movies. I figured out probably half an hour in that Smith's character was planning to off himself so that he could donate certain body parts to people in need. I figured out shortly thereafter that he was probably going to use his super poisonous pet jellyfish to do the deed.

Having figured those things out, I found the whole romance between he and Rosario Dawson's character sort of... pointless. I mean, he fell in love with her, but the entire time he was planning to kill himself to save her. So, what was the point really? A moment of happiness before death? The fact that he would die for her even more willingly because he loved her? I don't know.

I will say that one thing that WAS good about the movie was Rosario Dawson. Her character, who is dying of congestive heart failure, is cute, likeable, and believable. She's a beautiful actress, and she fit the roll wonderfully.

Basically, it wasn't terrible. But it wasn't great. For what I was EXPECTING to see in the theater, I was disappointed. Perhaps part of my problem was that the story was pretty unbelievable. I can see a man spiralling into a depression after what happened (a terrible car accident caused by Smith's character that killed 7 people, including his fiance). But posing as an IRS agent to help people and actually making things happen - giving away a kidney, part of a liver, a lung, and a house? Falling in love and then killing yourself and giving your heart to that woman? It's just a little hard to swallow.

It's Back!

Know what's hot? Christian Bale.

December 27, 2008

Updated Winter Premiere Calendar!

E! Online published an updated winter premiere calendar here. Here are the most important ones to watch for:

WINTER PREMIERES

* Denotes series returning from a winter break, rather than season or series premiere.

Sunday, Jan. 4

Desperate Housewives (ABC)

Monday, Jan. 5

Secret Life of the American Teenager (ABC Family)

Tuesday, Jan. 6

Law & Order: SVU (NBC)*
Nip/Tuck (FX)

Wednesday, Jan. 7

Law & Order (NBC)*

Thursday, Jan. 8

30 Rock (NBC)*
ER (NBC)*
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)*
My Name Is Earl (NBC)*
The Office (NBC)*
Private Practice (ABC)*
Ugly Betty (ABC)*

Friday, Jan. 9

Flashpoint (CBS)
Monk (USA)*
Psych (USA)*

Sunday, Jan. 11

24 (Fox)

Monday, Jan. 12

Samantha Who? (ABC)*

Tuesday, Jan. 13

American Idol (Fox)

Thursday, Jan. 15

Bones (Fox)*
Supernatural (CW)*

Friday, Jan. 16

Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi)

Sunday, Jan. 18

American Dad (Fox)*
Big Love (HBO)
Family Guy (Fox)*
Flight of the Conchords (HBO)
King of the Hill (Fox)*
The Simpsons (Fox)*

Monday, Jan. 19

House (Fox)*

Tuesday, Jan. 20

Fringe (Fox)*

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Lost (ABC), two-hour premiere

Thursday, Jan. 22

Burn Notice (USA)*

Monday, Jan. 26

The Closer (TNT)

Thursday, Jan. 29

Hell's Kitchen (Fox)

Monday, Feb. 2

Chuck (NBC),* 3-D episode
Heroes, Vol. IV: Fugitives (NBC)*
Medium (NBC)

Friday, Feb. 13

Dollhouse (Fox)
Terminator (Fox)*

Sunday, March 8

Breaking Bad (AMC)

Monday, March 9

Castle (ABC)

Tuesday, March 17

Reaper (CW)

Tuesday, March 24

Cupid (ABC)

Wednesday, April 8

The Unusuals (ABC)

EXACT DATES TBD

Amy Poehler, Beyond Thunderdome premieres on NBC in April.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent returns to USA in March or April.
Life returns to NBC in February.
Prison Break and 'Til Death return to Fox in the spring.
Rescue Me returns to FX in March or April.
Rules of Engagement returns to CBS in the spring.
Saving Grace returns to TNT in March.
The Tudors returns to Showtime in April.

December 26, 2008

Haiku Friday: WINNERS!

Hey, guess what? I did
my first contest, it started
back here, ten days back.

Today is the big
day, for three lucky readers
Christmas comes again!

Over to random
dot org, and it picks my three
lucky winners - yay!

So, today is the end of my first contest, and I used random.org to generate 3 numbers. It came up with 15, 9 and 10.

The grand prize winner, who will receive 3 DVDs from this list is Cathy from Semi Happy Homemaker!

The second prize winner, for 2 DVDs is my 9th commenter... Heather! I admit she won my heart over when she named The Women as her least favorite movie of the year. Heather, I don't have an e-mail address for you, so if you are reading this, please e-mail me to claim your prize!

And finally, the third prize, for 1 DVD of her choice, is my 10th commenter, Mama Wheaton from The Unperfect Mom!

Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to everyone who entered! Hopefully I will think of another fun giveaway soon!

Raising the Bar

We just got caught up on TNT's new show 'Raising the Bar', which stars Jane Kaczmarek and Mark Paul Gosselar.

My favorite character on the show though, is Charlie (Jonathan Scarfe), Judge Kessler's law secretary . I loved the progression which ended up in him coming out, first to Kessler, then to MPG. Then, coming out randomly at the bar to his lawyer friends, it was perfect. Then being forced to resign... that sucked for him, but he WAS carrying on an illicit affair with his boss.

I absolutely loved the season closer, with Dr. Dillon in court for soliciting a prostitute! The cases they process every week are really similar. It usually involves Jerry (MPG) yelling overdramatically at the judge about the unfairness of the system and why things should be different for his client. That's not what makes this show interesting. It has great character backstories, and that's what brought me into it. I'd definitely recommend this as one to watch, especially since TNT tends to give shows more of a chance before deciding their fate.

December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas

December 24, 2008

Wordless Wednesday: Elf Yourself!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

December 23, 2008

Yes Man

A comedy. With Jim Carrey. Usually, it's a pretty good combination, so why not. I thought this movie looked pretty good from the previews.

While I found the movie to be quite enjoyable, I thought it was less funny than the previews made it out to be. It was a comedy for sure, but instead of being one of those joke-a-minute comedies (although at times it was), it was a comedy with a message. It's not slapstick, and it's not always immediately obvious, but in the end it's more fulfilling. Comedy characters with a story and a little depth.

I find Jim Carrey fascinating. As he gets older, and takes on different roles than just the straight up crazy-ass comedy, he gains a depth that only seems to come with age and experience. In this movie, the character played by Jim Carrey is really a profoundly sad and fearful individual in the begining. Carrey has it in the eyes. He plays crazy well, of course - the scene where his character has OD'd on Red Bull after an all-nighter at clubs. But he also plays feeling, plays the man who realizes how much life he has missed out on, and that there is not always an easy fix.

I also find him as an individual to be quite interesting. Since I've read two of Jenny McCarthy's books, and subscribe to US Magazine, I know a little about his relationship with her and her autistic son. We've seen him in some great roles - Man on the Moon was especially memorable. I am really looking forward to seeing him in even more interesting roles in the future. How far we've come from "The Mask" and "Ace Ventura".

Zooey Deschanel was also quite adorable as the love interest to Carrey in this movie. I have come to really like her over the past year or so, she is gorgeous, and plays the quirky but extremely likeable girl very well. I loved her as the teacher in "Bridge to Terabithia".

I thought this movie was great. It was interesting and funny, and it delivered what it promised. Always refreshing. If you just want a care free story that will make you laugh and feel good, this is perfect for watching to stay in a happy Holiday mood.

I'll be Praying

Sometimes at Christmas time, we forget what the reason behind Christmas is. We forget that this holiday, we should really be celebrating the birth of Jesus and everything he did for us.

It's easy to get caught up in gift giving and shopping, to get stressed and overwhelmed and think about all the things we have left to do.

Then something happens. Today while working my way through my google reader, I read a couple of posts that brought me right back down to Earth. Stories of people who will be having a Christmas they'll never forget, and I realized that despite the hardships we've faced this year, we are still blessed.

These are the people that I'll be praying for this Christmas.

- Amanda at The Wink shared the story of her husband's Uncle Dennis, who was hit by a truck last week. Please pray for a full and quick recovery for Dennis. Thanks to Mrs. Chicken, who directed me to Amanda's site.

- Maggie at Okay, Fine, Dammit shared the story of her cousin Ashley, who was in a bad car accident earlier this month. Please pray for Ashley (you can read updates here) and her family, and for a full recovery. Her family will be spending their Christmas this year in the hospital with her. How lucky am I that I'll be at home with my family, healthy and intact?

- Lotus from Sarcastic Mom. Not only is she going through the pain of missing her first lost baby, who was due on Christmas Eve, but she lost her dear little Shaggy at 11w4d earlier this month. I'll be keeping her in my prayers bigtime.

- My 10 year old sister, who will be experiencing her first Christmas with separated parents.

So, what are you most thankful for? Who will you be praying for this Christmas? Is there anyone else that needs my prayers?

To see my regularly updated Prayer Request List, click here.

December 22, 2008

Crying It Out

After over an hour, I break, and tears stream down my face as I cry it out too.

We've gotten into some patterns in this house over the past couple of months. Sam is 2 1/2, but he's back to not sleeping through the nights. He GENERALLY goes to bed fairly easily, but almost always wakes up. It could be only a couple of hours after his bedtime (like tonight). It could be at 12, 2 or 5. And even though Justin says we should make him stay in his crib, that's not how it goes down. Because at 2 in the morning, I just want to go back to sleep. And, I admit it. I like the feel of him cuddling up to me to sleep. And I can't stand the sound of his crying.

I debate it in my head. I know that Justin doesn't sleep as well with Sam in the bed with us. I don't sleep as well either. But there is a part of me that doesn't understand why it's so bad to co-sleep, why we can't give HIM the comfort of cuddling up to us in the night, being close to his parents. All I want in life is to make him feel safe, loved, and happy.

Unfortunately, there is a lot more than that to being a parent.

We have to take care of our kids, but we can't forget to take care of ourselves. Not getting good sleep every night does not make for a happy mommy. Having a daddy who is stressed out because he can't sleep well with the kid in the bed, which leads to a stressed out mommy? Really not good.

I feel like I've been here before, but this is so much harder.

I don't remember it being this hard the first time around. Sam slept in our bed until he was about 4 months old. At less than a year, we moved him into his own room. I remember letting him cry it out. I remember it being hard. But I don't remember him crying for close to two hours then. I just don't. It was only a week before he got down to only crying 5-10 minutes (sometimes less) per night. And for the most part, sleeping through the night.

But things were different then. He couldn't talk yet. He was so young. Now I worry - is he going to remember this? Is he going to wake up tomorrow and be mad at us? What is he thinking? He also couldn't scream like this then. He didn't have the windpower and intensity that can be created by his two year old lungs.

The cries of 'mama' and the screaming are ripping me apart.

I can't handle it. I feel like I might throw up. The combination of the glue from the Christmas cards I just sealed, the tiredness, and listening to him yell are almost too much for me to take. I want to run away, I want to leave the house and not think about his screams anymore.

I feel like a bad mother.

It's been close to two hours, and Justin goes back in for the fourth time. He gets him a glass of water. He stands next to the crib, and listens as Sam asks for mama, asks to be rocked in his chair and whines. He calmly tells him that he's sorry if he's scared and angry, but he needs to sleep in his crib. He waits it out until Sam finally lies down, and lets his blanket be pulled up to cover him.

Thank God for Justin, right? Because I don't know if I can.

December 21, 2008

Watch Me Embarrass Myself

So, Sam hasn't been a huge fan of the snow this year. He went out in it but didn't like it under his feet and made us hold his hands while he walked. He also did not want to have it near his face and yelled when I tried to show him how you can eat it. So, while Sam was at the babysitter yesterday, Justin and I went out in the snow. And things happened...

December 20, 2008

Merry Christmas from The Heiners

Can you believe it’s Christmas again already? It’s been a tough year, and we’re finally at the end of it. This year instead of recapping everything, we’re going to focus on the areas in which we were blessed this year, and try to remember those.

In March, we moved back up to Bellingham, and have loved being closer to family. Since then, Justin has been working for a local computer company as an IT Consultant. He has recently been getting the itch to start developing software again. Rachael worked until September part time, and is now a full time stay at home mom.

Rachael’s Mom Edie got re-married in June to a wonderful man named Paul. Sam has especially benefitted from being so close to his Grandma Edie, Grandpa Paul and his new Aunt Jemma & Uncle Ian. We’ve enjoyed getting to know Paul and his son and daughter, all of whom are a great addition to our crazy family. In August, one of Rachael’s best friends, Leela, got married, which was a very special day for Rachael. In May we welcomed Rachael’s little sister Lianna and Stepmom Helene to Bellingham, they got to be here to share Sam’s 2nd birthday with us! Rachael and Sam traveled back east in August for two week to visit them, and had a great time. Sam had a wonderful time hanging out with his aunt and her friends, and Rachael had a great time relaxing while they occupied his time!

Sam is doing wonderfully. He is a willful 2 year old – he has his own ideas and opinions, but it’s been easier for us to all get along since he started talking. He’s still learning, but his vocabulary grows every day, and he currently loves to say pretty much anything you say that he can repeat. He absolutely loves to eat hummus (straight from the container with a spoon) and is currently very into pancakes, cheese, and applesauce.

We could not have made it through this year without our friends and family. We want to give special thanks to the people who helped us financially, helped us with Sam, or were just there for us when we needed an ear to talk to or a shoulder to cry on or a cup of hot chocolate to cheer us up. One of the few blessings that have come out of this year has been learning how to live more simply, and realizing how lucky we are to have each other, to have Sam, and to have such wonderful, caring people in our lives.

I know that 2008 has been a tough year for many of my friends and family out there. So, this year we want to wish everyone an extra special New Year full of blessings, happiness, and good things!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Justin, Rachael & Sam Heiner

I've Been Tagged!

Valerie over at It's a Wonderful Life tagged me!

So, I'm supposed to share 7 random or weird facts about myself. Since I already did honest/weird earlier this week, I'm gonna go with random on this one...

1. I am watching Desperate Housewives right now.

2. I read an entire book yesterday. It was "Dead as a Doornail" by Charlaine Harris. By the time I was done (like 1 AM) my eyes were so dry I wanted to pour a cup of water into them.

3. My favorite gemstone is the Opal. I think they are gorgeous.

4. I have four sisters. My oldest sister is 26, and we have the same biological parents. My second sister is 10 years old and my Dad and Stepmom adopted her when I was 18 years old. I fell in love with her at first sight. She lives in New Jersey. My other sisters are not sisters at all, and growing up will probably be more like nieces. They are the daughters of my Stepdad, who was with my Mom from when I was 5 until I was grown, and his new wife, Susan. One is the same age as Sam and the other is going to be 1 in January. Even though I'm not related to them by blood or even by marriage (anymore), in a way they're still my sisters!

5. I discovered a new blog. It's called Fuck You, Penguin. And I think it is hilarious.

6. I can't stand Gary Busey or Andie MacDowell.

7. I believe in ghosts.

Since I already tagged 7 people earlier this week, I'm going to just pass this along to anyone reading who wants it! If you do it on your blog, make sure to comment so I can come read your answers! Have a great weekend!

December 19, 2008

Haiku Friday: Friends

Last night, dinner with
new friends, husband and wife and
little boy Sam's age

I met her when we
moved back home, she leads my play
group and so much more

She is amazing,
truly one of the most kind
people I have met

Now she watches Sam
one or two days a week, and
he really likes her

Her husband and mine
get along just great, we all
have fun together

I see a long road
a future of moments we'll
share, lasting friendship

Isn't it great to make new friends? I met Amy when we moved back home to Bellingham. She's the leader of the Moms group that I belong to, and I noticed right away that we have a lot in common. I noticed how she was always in a good mood and how much I liked her. In October she started watching Sam one day a week, and now depending on Justin's work schedule she might start watching him two days a week soon. We've had dinner with them three times now, and we always have a great time sitting around laughing, talking and eating while our boys play (hers is named Sam too!). It's been great to have another couple to hang out with, and it's wonderful to make this kind of friend - the kind that you keep for a long time. The kind that you get to know really well, that you have things in common with, that you are comfortable with and grow with.

I've also been enjoying watching Sam with his friends lately. At 2 1/2 he is finally at a place where he is actually playing with other kids. He plays with his 'aunt' Maggie, his friend Ty, and his friend Sam. He's at the age where I actually feel like he's starting to have his own friends. And it's amazing. Last night I watched he and the other Sam climb up into an armchair and sit next to each other. And I started to think about how this could be the start of a friendship he might carry into teenhood or adulthood. We don't plan to leave Bellingham, we planned to settle here, in our hometown and Sam will grow up here. And I can't wait.

To read more Friday Haikus, click here!

December 18, 2008

What Would YOU do?

Today, Maria at Immoral Matriarch posed this question on her blog...

If you knew that tomorrow the world would end. No ‘miracles’ possible, no way out, nothing. It was going to happen, with 100% certainty. What would you do? For you? Your children and/or significant other? Would you commit suicide? Would you suck it up and burn?

I started to leave a comment, but it got long. So, what would I do?

I would get my sister up here from Seattle.
I would call my Mom and we would gather.
We would not cry, there would be no time for that.
We would be with Sam.
I would have Cinnabon.
I would take Sam to the grocery store and let him buy whatever he wanted.
When we got home, I would let him be naked, no diapers or clothes to restrain him.
I would hug him.
I would kiss him.
I would let him paint the walls with his hands.
I would eat pizza and let Sam eat hummus and cookies and pancakes.
I would let him have soda.
I would give him play doh and not care where it got mashed into the carpet.
I would let him take a bath and splash as much as he wanted to.

I would pray for a quick end for everyone I loved.
And I would drug him.
I would drug myself.
And I would go to sleep one final time, with my husband one one side and my boy on the other, wrapped in my arms.

Happy, and fulfilled, loved, and in love.

Top Chef NY: Week 6 - You don't win with a deviled egg

It's that time of week again! Top Chef! I wasn't thinking about it and then looked at the DVR and was happy!

You may have noticed that there was NO recap last week. That's because after the two weeks I'd had, last Thursday night I was SO TIRED that I could barely stay awake to WATCH the show, let alone try and write a whole blog post in any intelligent manner.

So, last week's episode the quickfire was a tasting - naming as many ingredients as they could in soups and bases, which I quite enjoyed. For the elimination challenge they catered Gail Simmon's wedding shower, and Daniel was sent home.

Okay, I totally liked the clips of Fabio and Stefan together. So funny!

Quickfire Challenge

Create a delicious Holiday meal with only one pot! The quickfires are getting more exciting, more interesting & challenging. And... MARTHA STEWART! Wow. How freaking intimidating would it be to have her tasting your food?! I like that Ariane and Jamie are kinda partnering up, but it seems like at some point it might become a problem or something. I thought the pork stew was a good idea because it's really comfort food, which we all like around the holidays, right? Stefan's veal Celtic thing I think fit the challenge really well, another kind of comfort food but stepped up a notch. I thought it was funny when Martha Stewart said Jeffrey's dish was PUNGENT. Oh my gosh, my heart would have just sank. So, she liked Jamie, Hosea, and Ariane. Ariane is certainly doing well! She's on a streak!

And the winner... Ariane!

Elimination Challenge

Cater a holiday party for AMFAR. 250 guests, advocates and celebritites. Inspired by one of the days of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.

And... The Harlem Gospel Choir! Okay, I admit that was a little weird, and you could totally see the chefs were like what the eff? What is going on? So funny. Then they sang the themes for the event. It will be interesting to see how they interpret the 12 days of Christmas - some are easier than other (ie ladies dancing vs. french hens).

I liked Hosea's interpretation of doing something smoked for the pipers piping, although I don't think that's what the song means. BUT, it's all about interpretation. The guinea hen/puff pastry/squash thing sounds good! Poor Fabio with the nine ladies dancing. He's hilarious.

When they walked in to the kitchen and the fridge had not been closed completely... DISASTER. I can't even imagine how disappointed they must have been. It's a complete disaster. I feel so bad for them all, and whoever left that fridge open... oh man. I just think it's horrible. I know they have to work with what they have, but this is just so extreme. I'm glad that everyone pitched in though, it's true what Eugene said - what goes around comes around. And for this to happen during the HOLIDAY episode- how perfect, right?

I hate the word CHUTNEY. I don't know why. But, Pear Chutney sounds yummy! Radikha's dish sounded very good. I also love the mushroom representing the turtle in turtle doves. Funny, but you have to make it work!

I thought it was funny that both of the people whose proteins got spoiled in the fridge were in the top four. It made me wonder if that actually GAVE them more of an advantage. And... Hosea wins! He is one of my favorites at this point along with Ariane.

I couldn't believe that Jamie ended up in the bottom three after the way she's been doing. That was too bad. It's never a good idea to listen to the judges and act shocked and like you don't know why you're there. You should always listen, and consider their points of view and take it in and try to learn something. I feel like they should know that by now - if you can't learn and you're just doing your own thing, it's not going to get you anywhere good in a competition like this.

It was sad that all of the judges were disappointed by the food in general, especially with an event like that. Although asking one person to make food for 250 people by themselves is a pretty big challenge, and one that probably would not happen with a real caterer. I think that maybe there should be a shirt this season that says "You don't win with a deviled egg". That's funny.

And they didn't send anyone home! Wow. That is crazy. How amazing, and what a second chance for the people in the bottom three.

Next week's phrase of the week fromt he previews: "This is Top Chef, not Top Scallops".

Thursday Thirteen: Covet....

Thirteen Christmas Gifts I Wouldn't Say No To!

1. Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog on DVD

2. The awesome black & white sweater I saw at Lane Bryant the other day, but can't seem to find a picture of anywhere online including their website.

3. A new subscription to US Magazine.

4. The Dark Knight or Tropic Thunder on DVD

5. Keen Sienna Ballerina shoes in Port Royale.

6. A digital SLR camera with a macro lens and a telephoto lens.

7. A Target gift card that I can spend on whatever I want and not think about hubby or the boy.

8. A gift card to Michael's so I can try my hand at making mosaics.

9. Any of this bedding from Target.

10. A dog (okay I know we don't have room and it would be stressful, but I still want one!)

11. A massage from Ravin @ Atlas Chiropractic

12. A dinner at The Melting Pot

13. A couple of days/night without Sam!

What's on your WISH list for Christmas?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

This is my fifth time doing the Thursday Thirteen - you should join us! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

December 16, 2008

2008 SNOTW Movie Awards & Giveaway!

Today is a special day. Know why? Because today I am starting my very first giveaway on SNOTW!

The nominations for the Golden Globes were just announced, and I started thinking about all of the movies I've seen this year. I decided, screw the Golden Globes - I'm doin' the SNOTW Movie Awards! I managed to see 63 movies this year in the theater. You can see a full list here. Now, it's only mid-December, so chances are that I will see at least one or two more before the end of the year, and in the beginning of January I'll publish a final list. But for now, these will be the movies I'm choosing from.

And the SNOTW Movie Award goes to....

Drama/Action

Best Picture: Australia! I LOVED this movie.
Best Actress: Angelina Jolie in Changeling
Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood
Best Supporting Actress: Georgie Henley in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight

Comedy/Musical

Best Picture: I can't decide so it's a tie: Pineapple Express & Tropic Thunder
Best Actress: Frances McDormand in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
Best Actor: Colin Farrell for In Bruge
Best Supporting Actress: Mary Steenburgen in Step Brothers
Best Supporting Actor: Brad Pitt in Burn After Reading

Screenplay

Best Screenplay (Adaptation): Atonement
Best Screenplay (Original): Australia

The Best of the Rest

Best Action Sequence: The end of Wanted
Best Plot Twist: Charlize Theron's character in Hancock
Hottest Actress: Anne Hathaway in Get Smart
Hottest Actor: James McAvoy in Wanted/Atonement (sorry I am totally biased, and even if these movies hadn't had him being hot in them he might have won.
Hottest Kiss: Bella & Edward in Twilight (all about anticipation)
Actor Most Likely to Turn Your Husband Gay: Shia LaBeuof in Indiana Jones (according to a real live huband)
Actress Most Likely to Turn Your Wife Gay: Angelina Jolie in Changeling/Wanted (I don't generally find her hot, but her character in Changeling was so good, and in Wanted she was more normal than normally which I found appealing)

Oops...

Worst Picture: The Women (a remake that never needed to be made)
Worst Choice in Greenlighting a Movie: Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson for Mamma Mia!
Most Inappropriate Casting: Merryl Streep in Mamma Mia (she needed to be 20 years younger, or the daughter needed to be 20 years older)
Movie With the Most Potential That was Completely Screwed Up: Another tie - Indiana Jones & Jumper
Worst CGI: Max Payne (freaking snow/debris)
Most Gratituitous Violence: Doomsday

Most Unforgettable Moments:

Bull Stampede in Australia
Hugh Jackman's response to seeing Nicole Kidman's character alive in Australia
James McAvoy in the coffee shop in Atonement
"If I were from a farm, and I were retarded..." Colin Farrell in In Bruges
Kumar smokes out with Bush in H&K Escape from Guantanamo Bay

And here is the SNOTW awards gift bag...

And now, here are the details on my very first giveaway! There will be three winners. The first will win their choice of 3 DVDs from this list. The second will win their choice of 2 DVDs, and the third will win their choice of 1 DVD. To enter, here's what you have to do:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite and/or least favorite movies of the year were.

2. If you post the contest on your blog, with a post about your favorite/least favorite movies of the year, best and worst moments, most memorable moments, or thoughts on any of the movies on my "seen it" list for 2008, you will earn 3 extra entries in the contest.

Winners will be chosen on December 26! Can't wait to hear your take on this year's hits (and misses)!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Buzzed!

That's my little boy! Yes, we cut off all his hair. And it was gorgeous. But, it was also getting in his eyes and covering his ears. And he ABSOLUTELY HATES getting his hair cut lately. So we figured the shorter we cut it, the longer it would be before his next one. And I was curious what it would look like short. So... we buzzed it. It was horrible. It was him wrapped in a towel crying and yelling. For a half hour. But, then it was done, he took a bath and had some chocolate chips and was happy again. And he looks so cute.

Sorry about the photo quality, took it with my cell phone because my camera is... misplaced right now.

To see more Wordless Wednesday photos click here!

December 15, 2008

Scrappy Ladies Unite!

Temple over at Cookies Mean God Loves You tagged me! She passed along this excellent Honest Weblog award! What a sweet lady. First, I'll tell you 10 Honest, Random things about me. Then you can check out Temple and her ten things!

1. Some people pick their cuticles until they bleed, or bite their nails. I pick at my chapped lips. It's a bad habit.

2. Sometimes I don't think we discipline Sam enough, but I don't care that much.

3. I don't believe in the death penalty, I used to, but then one was all over the news and I felt weird about it.

4. I don't eat vegetables in general except for when my best friend forces them on me in her cooking, and I don't mind it.

5. My husband and I talked about getting married within 2 months of when we started dating, but we didn't tell anyone because we were 19 and knew they would think we were crazy. We've now been together for 9 years, married for 5.

6. I don't think the world is as dangerous as people think. I'm not paranoid about germs, I don't disinfect my house or my kids toys every night, and I think that people are generally good.

7. I love some of the people I've met online as much as I love my "real life" friends.

8. I didn't become a Christian until I was 26 years old, and my faith has gotten me through some really hard times in the past year and a half!

9. When I was in middle school, I was totally in love with Jonathan Brandis. I used to have BOP magazine pictures of him all over my bedroom walls and Seaquest DSV was one of my favorite shows.

10. I love the song "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips. Shut up.

Who's next for random honesty? I get to choose 7 blogs to pass the Honesty Torch to that I 'm reading and think you should be reading too, and list them for you to check out....

Shannon @ Welcome to the Nuthouse: She is one of the bloggers I discovered through SITS. I love reading about her crazy life as a Mom, and I think the picture in her header really says it all!
Scary Mommy: Another new SITS discovery (are you seeing a theme here!?). She is funny and I love her latest post about being starstruck - made me think about those times that make me feel like a middle schooler again!
MamaDuckky @ Princesses and Pickles: Another SITSta! Not only is she funny, but she is crafty!
Megan @ Newly Wed, Newly Bred: SITSta number four. She is gorgeous, funny, and has a totally adorable little guy.
Jaci @ Ravings of a Mad Housewife: I love Jaci! I loved her the minute I clicked to her blog and saw her profile picture. Another SITS discovery!
Heather @ Mindless Junque: Okay, I discovered her blog through my Google Reader 'recommendations', then discovered SITS, then realized that she is one of the people who runs it! Which makes her doubly cool.
Amy @ Samuel's Mom, Mark's Wife: Amy is one of my "real life" friends - she runs the Mom's group that I'm in and does a terrific job, she watches Sam a couple of days a week, and she's also a really good friend. I am blessed to have her in my life!

Head over and check out their blogs!

December 14, 2008

Star Trek vs. Star Wars

Here's something to sweeten up your Sunday.

December 13, 2008

Snow

It's snowing. Seriously. I just looked out the window after I read a tweet from Anne-Marie about sledding with her kids tonight. Normally, I am ALL FOR snow, and would be looking forward to taking Sam outside in the morning since he won't have any memories of snow. BUT... my yearly book club holiday brunch is tomorrow. In Seattle. And if I have to miss it, I'm going to be REALLY sad. So, here's hoping that it won't be too bad in the morning for me to drive down there... sigh...

MidSeason Update: List of my watched shows

This list includes shows that are premiering in Jan that I plan to watch as well as shows currently on break.

24
30 Rock
American Dad
Apparitions
Battlestar Galactica
Bones
Boston Legal
Breaking Bad
Burn Notice
CSI
CSI: New York
Castle
Chuck
Criminal Minds
Cupid
Desperate Housewives
Dirty Jobs
Dollhouse
ER
Eleventh Hour
Eli Stone
Eureka
Family Guy
Flashpoint
Flashpoint
Fringe
Ghost Whisperer
Grey's Anatomy
Hell's Kitchen
Hell's Kitchen
Heroes
House
House
In Plain Sight
Kath & Kim
King of the Hill
LOST - Wed Jan 21
Law & Order
Law & Order: SVU
Life
Medium
Middleman
Monk
My Name is Earl
Mythbusters
Numbers
Private Practice
Project Runway
Psych
Pushing Daisies
Raising the Bar
Reaper
Samantha Who
So You Think You Can Dance
Sophie
South Park
Supernatural
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
The Cleaner
The Closer
The Mentalist
The Office
The Simpsons
The Unusuals
Time Warp
Top Chef
True Blood
Ugly Betty
Weeds

December 12, 2008

Haiku Friday: An Evening in Three Parts

An Evening In Three Parts

Un:

He didn't want to
leave the sitters today, the
first time for that one

Wanted to stay and
play with his friends, we smiled
at our growing boy

After days of not
eating, picking like a mouse
he finally eats

Hummus! Hummus! He
is excited and eats spoon-
ful after spoonful!

Deux:

A sweet symphony
Of yells and cries mixed in with
Scripted TV talk

Have you ever heard
of this thing, fluffer nutter?
Have heard but not tried

Until tonight, my
tongue basked in the glory of
PB, Marshmallow

Savor every bite
lick marshmallow from fingers
and go to comfort

Trois:

I rock him lightly
cradling him in my tired
arms, talking to him

"I'm sorry I made
Daddy put you to bed, you
asked me to do it"

"I love you so much,
but it's time for bed, time to
go to sleep and dream"

Put him in the crib,
he whines but lets me cover
him, tuck in blanket

He whines when I leave
but doesn't get up, the day
is finally done

Have a great weekend! For more Friday Haiku's click here!

Mid-season Premieres & Schedule Changes

Today I just have some very important information for you! Here's some things you need to know about what's premiering in January, and some schedule changes coming up for shows that we've been watching.

Premieres*

Dollhouse - FOX Feb 13 @ 9 PM
Joss Whedon's new show, which I am VERY excited for...

They can be anyone you want.

The Dollhouse is a very secret, and very illegal, place where wishes come true. Clients with the right connections and enough money can hire "Actives", people who have been programmed to perfectly fulfill the needs, and desires of their clients. The Actives are people who have chosen, for their own reasons, to surrender their bodies and minds for a five-year stay in the Dollhouse. Now they can be imprinted with any personality, skill, or even muscle memory. They can be the perfect companion, lover, spy, assassin; and when the job is done they forget everything.

But something is wrong with the Active called "Echo". No longer just a blank slate waiting for her next assignment, Echo is remembering flashes of the lives that she has lived and the games she has played, and she is starting to wonder just who she really is...

Castle - ABC Mar 9 @ 10pm
I LOVES me some Nathan Fillion. He plays the title role.

Meet Richard Castle: he's a successful murder-mystery writer who has just killed off his main character. However, it seems one of his fans liked his books just a bit too much when a copycat murderer starts running around killing people as described in Castle's books.

The weary writer is called in by the NYPD homicide department to help them catch the killer.

The Unusuals - ABC April 8 @ 10 PM
Sounds cute!

The Unusuals is described as a comedic procedural. Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, as in the morning Casey Schrager is a vice detective working undercover as a hooker by the Lincoln Tunnel and later finds herself a part of the homicide squad because she is considered one of the few honest cops and the Lt. Little wants to clean up the precinct. As Casey gets to know her new co-workers she discovers that each one has their own sense of humor and their own secrets. Sgt. Brown has the hots for Det. Beaumont. Det. Delahoy has a brain tumor but wants to die in the line of duty. Det. Banks just celebrated his 52nd birthday and is afraid he won't make it to 53 because that's how old his father was when he died. Det. Cole is very religious but seems to have had a shady past. Casey herself has her own secrets, she grew up as a member of New York's high society and didn't like that money can buy justice.

Cupid - ABC Mar 24 @ 10 PM
Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas is back.

ABC Studios and Sony Television team up with Rob Thomas to bring back his 1998 series about a man who believes he is Cupid, who has been sent to earth by Zeus to help 100 couples get together as punishment for his arrogance-without any magic. Bobby Cannavale takes over the lead role created by Jeremy Piven in the 1998 series.

Hell's Kitchen - FOX Jan 29 @ 9 PM

Reaper - CW Mar 17
Scheduled for at least 13 episodes.

Medium - NBC Feb 2
Joins Chuck & Heroes on Mon nights.

24 - Jan 12
2 Hour Season Premiere

Battlestar Galactica - Jan 16 @ 10 pm
Final season!

Schedule Changes & Return Dates

Chuck returns Feb 2
Flashpoint returns Jan 9
Heroes returns Feb 2
Supernatural returns Jan 15

Bones - Jan 15 moves to Thurs @ 8 PM
House - Jan 19 moves to Mon @ 8 PM
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - Feb 13 moves to Fri @ 8 PM

The Office - Feb 1 Special 1 hour episode after the Super Bowl
ER - Mar 12 two hours series finale

* Show descriptions for new shows are from TV.com.

December 11, 2008

Mid-season Reviews: Old Favorites

Today it's time to talk about what's going on with the old favorites. The comfortable, sweatshirts of shows that I've been watching for however long. I must contemplate how I've felt about them this year!

Grey's Anatomy - I love Grey's Anatomy. I absolutely love it. I am a sucker for the shows that make me cry and pull my heart out while also making me laugh and enjoy the stories. Hence my love of Gilmore Girls, and all things Joss Whedon. This season, there have been some things I like. For instance, McJourneyman. How hot is Kevin McKidd? As an angry doctor? Seriously. He and Sandra Oh... they're the couple of the season. I was disappointed by the sudden departure of Brooke Smith's character, butI do believe that it wasn't about her being a lesbian, and I hope they'll do something interesting with Callie. Although I REALLY hope that it doesn't have anything to do with Melissa George - annoying new intern. I didn't like her on Alias, and I don't much like her here. As much as I absolutely love Jeffrey Dean Morgan, I have a little bit been hating the Dead Denny Ghost Sex storyline. Okay, I admit it. I read a spoiler. Click here if you want it. And it makes me really happy/relieved. Because if they were going to try and make him be 'real', I was going to be pissed. This isn't Ghost Whisperer. The only other complaint that I have this season was the whole interns doing surgery on each other storyline. I mean, really? How completely idiotic could you be? And I don't believe that those interns would have been just given a tiny slap on the wrist and allowed to continue. No way. But I still heart you, Grey's.

House - Seriously, how freaking glad am I that that private eye character hasn't been on in a few weeks?! I hope to heck that they got rid of him. I wasn't digging that storyline. You know what I do like though? The House and Cuddy thing. I love watching House struggle agains being himself for something else. I also love Kal Penn. So, I'm happy!

Law & Order - I did not go into this season enthusiastically. I watched Six Feet Under and Jeremy Sisto was given the creep vibe by that show for me. So every time I see him I'm kinda like... eww. But, I've found that I am actually enjoying him on Law & Order! And Anthony Anderson is much better than I expected. I've also come to like the two lawyers, and Jack McCoy as the DA. It's just a nice change after so many years. They're still pulling cases from the headlines, and my husband and I are still competing to see who figures it out first!

Law & Order: SVU - The first half of the season hasn't impressed me that much so far, although I liked this week's episode. I don't know... I feel like maybe something needs to change or get shaken up a little bit. Maybe bring in a third partner to alternate with Elliot and Olivia? It's just so much the same. Olivia lets things get too personal. Elliot gets mad and goes over the line. I'll keep watching, because I find the cases entertaining, but there's nothing new or special going on here.

Private Practice - I'm sorta so/so on this one. I like it. But it's SO SERIOUS all the time! It's just a little bit heavy handed. And Addison is smug. Yet, I can't stop watching because I love Del. And Taye Diggs. And stories about crazy shit like people who are married to their secret brother.

Samantha Who - I'm still really enjoying Samantha Who. Christina Applegate is just so great as Samantha. She play the innocence of amnesia and the sadness of remembering certain things and the cluelessness just so well! I also really enjoy Jennifer Esposito as her best friend, who is still the kind of person Samantha used to be. If you haven't been watching this show, it's one to pick up. It's funny, it's cute, it's touching. Love it!

Heroes - So, here's the thing... I'm not exactly caught up with Heroes this season. In fact, I'm pretty behind. Like 5 episodes behind. So I can't really say much about it. From what I've watched so far, I'm liking it. I'm not sure about this whole Sylar thing, but anything could change at any moment with this show! I'll post an updated review when I get caught up - that's the great thing about the Christmas hiatus! Time to catch up on shows I've fallen behind on (Heroes & True Blood marathons coming right up!).

Criminal Minds - I don't know why I love this show, but I do. It's the profiling. I get really drawn into that kind of stuff, and I've liked the storyline this season with Dr. Reid and his parents, and trying to figure out the mystery behind his childhood memories. One thing I like about Criminal Minds is that they mix in a pretty good amount of personal backstories, but for the most part they stick to one or two at a time, which makes it easy to keep track of what's going on.

Eli Stone - I can hardly believe Eli Stone is almost over. I'm actually watching the latest episode now as I type this. This is one of the most original and interesting shows on TV, and it has everything. It's serious, but it also has it's funny moments, and I just can't tell you how much I love the visions and the singing. Victor Garber singing? Seriously! How much do I love it. Johnny Lee Miller is just great in this, and the whole cast works wonderfully together. If you haven't watched it, you should make sure to check it out on DVD once it's all wrapped up.

ER - Well, ER is definitely going out on a high note. I feel like they managed somehow to breathe life into the show and let it go out well instead of just fizzling and dying. I've enjoyed the flashbacks and guest appearances - I was pleased with how they brought Anthony Edwards back in the episode about Angela Basset's son, and I thought it was an incredibly excellent episode. Despite the fact that I've been watching for thirteen odd years, I am still a tinge sad to see it go, but it really is time.

Ugly Betty - I'm still enjoying Ugly Betty, although I really feel like if someone worked at a fashion magazine for several years that they would start dressing just a little differently and maybe doing their hair sometimes and... well, you know what I mean. I've enjoyed the developing relationships between Betty, Amanda & Mark. I like that they're developing the Justin character more. Most of all I just like the show in general.

Come back tomorrow for the latest about what's coming up in January and some schedule changes you'll want to keep in mind.

Thurday Thirteen: Happiness is Coming

It's Thursday again! Times have been tough, so I decided that today I am going to focus on things that I am actually looking forward to that are coming up!

Thirteen Things I am looking forward to in the next month

1. In my book club, we don't read a book before our December meeting. Instead we have a brunch and do a little gift exchange and it's always a ton of fun. This year's brunch is coming up this Sunday!

2. My cousin Courtney's daughter Olivia is almost one! I'm looking forward to her birthday party on the 27th. She had a very crazy pregnancy and first year and had to have surgery on her head because she had a small hole in her skull. It was a scary time for Courtney and her family, and I'm looking forward to celebrating her gorgeous smiley one year old!

3. On Dec 20th, my Mom is taking us to go on the Lake Whatcom Railway on the Santa Train! I'm not sure how he'll feel about Santa (probably pretty good if Santa has candy), but he absolutely LOVES trains, and it's going to be so much fun!

4. Dinner with our friends Mark & Amy next Thursday. Amy watches Sam one day a week, and also runs the Mom's Group that I'm a member of. We've had dinner with them a couple of times, and I'm really excited to hang out with them again!

5. Next Friday (the 19th) is my monthly 'Mom's Night Out' dinner! I always love getting out of the house with the girls from my Mom's Group for a kid-free night out with fun, laughter, and usually a couple cocktails!

6. My sister Kira is going to be in New Jersey on Christmas, but the weekend before she's going to come up and visit for a few days. I'm looking forward to hanging out with her.

7. Jemma, my newly gained 'sister' (our parents married this year) is coming home from New York (where she goes to school) for Christmas. I'm looking forward to hanging out with her and getting to know her a little better, as well as having her spend time with Sam - she loves him, and I love watching them play. She's also bringing home her boyfriend, who she met last year while studying at Oxford in England.

8. Making Christmas cookies and other goodies with my Mom and sister.

9. I haven't had anything confirmed, but I am HOPING that my sister and stepmom are coming to visit from New Jersey in January.

10. Being home for Christmas, not travelling, enjoying the season, and trying to relax.

11. We didn't think we were going to get anything from the lawsuit from Justin's motorcycle accident three years ago, but now it looks like all our medical bills will be paid off and we'll probably get around $1000, which we can DEFINITELY use right now!

12. Putting up the awesome Christmas lights that my Mom bought for us last weekend - lights for the bushes, snowflakes to hang from the tree and to put by the sidewalk.

13. Saying GOODBYE to 2008! This year sucked, and I will be super happy for it to be OVER so that I can move on!

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This is my 5th time doing the Thursday Thirteen - you can join in too! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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