jhenti

Better times

2009-11-19T13:59:23Z

I am now officially a Target Team Member! Hee! I am owned by the big Red and White machine. I think it will actually be kinda fun. It really looks like a neat place to work, and it seems like they take care of their employees.

I also was offered a job at Animal Friends. Which I think I'll have to turn down. I know, crazy. But, it's 32 hrs a week at crappy pay, and from 10:30-6:60 or 11:30-7:30, which leaves no time for any other job. With Target, I can still work my MDA job from 9-4 and work in the evenings at Target. Plus I know they'll use me during the Christmas/New Year's break. I think I may just concentrate on volunteering at Animal Friends for now.

That is.... unless I get a full-time job. Now, I'm not going to jinx myself, but I had a very promising week. I should know more after Thanksgiving. And that's all I'm going to say about that!!

We've almost finished the dining room painting at C&M's. Just need to hit it again for some touch up areas and where I taped the edges poorly. Not that it's crooked, just that some of the dreaded pepto pink is showing through where I didn't tape far enough over. Easy fix. Oh, and need to tackle the radiator again. With much patience and a small brush.

I tell ya, it's hard to believe I've been off 2 weeks. The time has flown by! And yet, still no Christmas lights up. Grrr!! At least I've gotten them ready to go up. Tested and piled in the attic. Good start. And now it's raining. Blah. Well, I WILL have them up by this weekend. My personal goal! Because next week looks miserable weather-wise. But again, it's Pittsburgh, so I just need to wait an hour.

So, not as bleak as before, though financially I'm still struggling. But really, I can't do a thing about it, so the credit card companies will just have to sit on it. Heat and electricity are more important!! And credit score? Bah, who needs a good credit score!

Updates

2009-11-09T16:37:14Z

I've been very remiss in not posting, and I have very little excuse. Other than I hate to post stuff when I'm feeling 'blah'. And I've been feeling blah for a several months now. Between being sick, and being sick, and still not having a job, it's been a very blah year. I'm hoping and praying that the new year will bring new luck and a new job. Otherwise I'm screwed.

So, I'm on hiatus from my part-time gig with MDA. They simply have no work for me right now. They aren't recruiting for anything, and they have their own mandatory leave-without-pay the week of Thanksgiving. I start back up again Nov. 30 to right before C-mas, and then off again for 2 weeks. But seriously, I need to find a real job before that happens. Finances are beyond desperate. If anyone has tried any of those credit relief agencies and have found them to be legit, please toss a name my way. I have to say, this is the lowest I think I've ever been in life. On a professional and financial front, in any case. I think this even beats The Cancer. On a personal front, friends and family have been fantastic. Thank god for you all. I've been out of work since Feb. 1, and it's truly devestating. I'm a hard worker, have an education, not to mention incredible work experience, and I'm getting rejected constantly. Interviews are almost a joke. I want to say "look, what exactly are you looking for. Let's get to the point. Because I'm tired of wasting my time and emotional energy".

Sigh, and yes, this is why I don't like to post when I'm 'blah'.

But on a very high note, I've spent some quality time with my nieces and nephews lately. I had an absolute blast going out with them at Halloween. And I helped my mom take the girls to my aunt's chorus/singing show (Sweet Adelines) this weekend. They were a bit cranky b/c they woke up early, no naps, and at least one of them was sick. However, I love them to pieces. I babysat them on Friday night with very little resistance. Score!! When they were younger, I would not babysit them all myself. However, Friday was a piece of cake! They went to bed on time, and so sure, only one of them brushed her teeth, but we achieved bedtime by 9:30. Yay for Aunt Lyn!

And I'm gearing up for a craft show the first weekend of December, which means I'll have new jewelry to show. And I now have time to take pics of it all and post it to a website for folks to see and potentially order from. I'm thinking I'll make some homemade cards, too, and sell them for cheap. I keep a good number of greeting cards that I can cut from, so I'll just need hard supplies like the paper to put them on, some glue, and a few accessories. If anyone has any greeting cards they want to part with, I'll take 'em! (and yes, they can be used - I just need the images on the front).

So despite not knowing how I'm going to pay my mortgage this month, things could be worse. :) Everyone in the house is relatively healthy (a few sniffles here and there, but the worst is hopefully over). Plus now I have time to actually get my Christmas decorations up a) on time and b) just how I want them. Mwa-ha-haaa!!!

So yeah, it's not all that bad.

Brief Post-Pennsic post

2009-08-15T19:50:09Z

So, it's almost a week after I came home from Pennsic. The week really flew by! Not to mention the month - I can't believe it's mid-August already.

Anywho. I must say, while not horrible, my Pennsic this year was not that exciting. I got home and said to David "I really don't miss Pennsic this year". I don't have a ton of highlights. I did have some really cute and snuggly moments watching Josie (like having her sit on my lap during the field battle), but I also got horribly sick on Monday night, thus missing one of my favorite events - Ladies Night. I was getting over a head cold that I had picked up the week of Land Grab, so I was congested at night and still a bit snotty during the day. The camp layout was... odd. People and things were in different places (though Karen did a kick-ass job making sure everyone had a spot and that we still had social areas and our Pavilion!!) and I think it just ended up feeling a little off for me. Though again, I had a truly marvelous experience in Joel's Viking Tent (thank you, oh thank you, thank you, thank you). It's surprisingly spacious inside and is... canvas!! Yay for canvas!! It was so nice not to have to climb in and out of my living space.

So yeah, nothing really exciting to report. And it's mostly my fault. Between not feeling well the first whole half and not being motivated the second half, I didn't get to any classes, only saw a bit of the fighting, didn't drink nearly enough at Karaoke night, and break down was hotter than hell.

The whole unemployed thing is still constantly a downer, so I'm sure that didn't help the situation. I'll just chalk it up to an off year and concentrate on making next year that much better!!

"I'm sorry, the company you are trying to reach is full of IDIOTS!!"

2009-07-15T22:25:09Z

It's Wednesday, but feels like a Monday because I wasn't at work yesterday. Instead I went with my mom as she was "arrested" for MDA. And yes, I suckered her into it. :)

I was really happy for a day off, even though it meant I wasn't paid. What can you do. But I got a few things done around the house, which made me happy.

OH, and I just wrestled with Verizon. Sorta. Turns out I need to talk to billing to determine why on earth I'm getting a collection notice for a $95 charge from Verizon. So, I call and talk to everyone but billing, and when they finally transfer me to billing, turns out that the office closes at 6pm. Are you SERIOUS!?! I was transferred twice before I ended up talking to Sonya, who it was only determined about 3/4 of the way through the conversation, was not actually in billing but in customer service. Then at 5:58, she says, "I better transfer you to billing because they close at 6pm". And I have YET to speak to a supervisor because you apparently need an act of Congress to get through to them. And we all know how affective THAT is.

But really, I'm in a fairly good mood. They helped me out with 2 of the 3 things I needed. Oh, technically four. I hate Verizon. I really do. But at least I'm not seeing as much red as I was before. Joy.

Updates

2009-06-27T13:46:23Z

Just a few updates, since I haven't been very good about daily updates, or even weekly ones!

1. Still at my job at the MDA. It's not very exciting, but it's a job and my co-workers are pleasant. It's still only 30 hrs/wk for not much pay. I guess it could be worse. I could be flipping burgers somewhere, or wasting away on my couch.

2. Basement is still damp in spots. I'm sure we'll have mold. The humidifier and fan have been going non-stop, which I'm sure is killing my electric bill.

3. The pool is full! And thanks to Larry, the pump was up and running! There's an issue now with the Baracuda automatic cleaner which hopefully will be resolved today or tomorrow. I expect to be able to use it in a week or two. The water is a lovely blue/green shade, as opposed to the um...brown...shade it was a week ago. Still not clear, but that's not surprising.

4. I hate banks. And I hate credit card companies even more. Except USAA, which rocks. "You have to pay your bill". Me- "I have no money to pay my bill". Them- "Well, you HAVE to pay your bill". Me- "I have no money to pay my bill"... ad nasuem... Thanks for helping a person when they're down. I've had EXCELLENT credit for all 35 years of my life, and I hit a bad patch, and I'm a loser. Sigh...

5. Got a screw/nail in my tire on Tuesday. Flat as a pancake. It could've been much worse, but I was in my brother's driveway when I noticed it. Good thing I have road-hazard insurance, right? Wrong. The tire had to be replaced, and b/c the main damage to the tire was caused by the screw (there were bubbles and other crap), it wasn't covered. It wasn't a default of the tire. WTF???

6. I could bitch and moan about still being jobless and having some serious issues with money as of late, but really, what does complaining do? Nuttin'.

7. Verizon is EVIL. I regret the day I EVER switched to this horrible company. Horrible, horrible, horrible. I'm going to have to take a day off work to settle all my issues with them, b/c each issue takes 2 hours on the phone. Like why my bill was $200 this month, when I signed up for the $99 bundle package. Okay, I'm going to stop now before I go crazy... I know, I should take notes from #6. I hate Verizon.

Annnnnddddd.... that's it for now!

Crappy start to the weekend

2009-06-06T02:42:46Z

Something really crappy happened to me today.

I ran over a baby bird robin.

I had just pulled into my brother's subdivision and was heading to the stop sign. There was a bird int he road, and normally they fly away. Well, I've been told and instructed NOT to swerve for animals (though I have been known to do so...) because you may cause even more of an accident, so I kept driving, slowing slightly. Well, the little bird did not fly away and I drove over it, seconds after realizing it was a baby and couldn't fly yet.

The worst part was that I looked in the rear view mirror and saw the mommy robin coming over to check out her little baby, dead on the road.

Some may think me silly, but I'm really devastated that I ended this little life before it even had time to live. I know it's circle of life and all that, but this really sucks. And yes, I cried over this little baby robin. This is why I'm not a vet.

Yeah, crappy start to the weekend.

Weekend at a glance!

2009-05-26T22:41:31Z

So, here's my not so consistent update!

The weekend was great. I had three picnics to go to:

1) The triplets and Ryan all had a birthday party on Saturday at my mom's place. The kids seemed to really have a great time and were happy with their loot. I was a bad aunt and gave the girls a Hello Kitty bubble gum machine that I found at C-mas and the boys all got a foam sword I picked up at Target for $1/each. Well, the kids loved it all, the parents didn't. ;)

2) Went to the family Memorial Day picnic. Quite a lovely time. None of the kids were there, which usually is sad, but I think it was a nice break. I did miss them, but I also was able to spend more time w/aunts. Very little drama and I actually got home at a decent time.

3) Went to Karen's for some pool time, which was extremely relaxing and quite humbling (first time in a bathing suit in 2 years. Yikes!!). Then we headed over to a friend's house for another Memorial day picnic where I had hands-down the BEST burger all weekend! He called them an 'animal burger' and it was slathered in mustard before he grilled it. Deeeelicious!! I had a really fun time there hanging out with friends. It was the perfect conclusion to the weekend.

Missing David, but he'll be home before i know it. And bringing Amy (and maybe more!) down with him. Yay! I better get the spare room cleaned up! (again)

Job is going okay. I got FIVE Jailbirds today, which is great. I need to average 3 a day, so I have a bit of a surplus to start the week. It's definitely not a forever job for me, but it helps to pay some of the bills and to keep me busy. I'm still looking for a 'real' job.

Anyone know anyone at the Audubon Society??

Mice?? WTF??

2009-05-05T02:34:32Z

Okay, so I think this is kinda funny, though David isn't amused in the least...

He found a dead baby mouse in one of his shoes this evening. I of course can't stop giggling about it. It amuses me to no end trying to figure out which kitty left it for him.

There are a few reasons we may have mice:
1. There's a vacant lot next to us. Though it's all grass, it's like the bahamas for a mouse family.
2. Our neighor to the back of us is clearing out a ton of brush along our mutual fence line. He may have stirred them up. The dogs were really fascinated by a noise along the fenceline last night. A twittering, squeaking kinda sound.
3. The rain may be driving them to dry ground. Dangerous cat-infested ground, but dry ground.
4. Our deck in the back yard comes right up to the house and has a ton of excellent room underneath for a little mouse den.

Now, on that note, shall I point out that we have not one, not two, not three, but FOUR FULL GROWN CATS???

I'm very proud that they caught this one. But seriously, it looked like a baby. Can't they take out the mother or something a bit bigger??

Wimps.

And see, they do love David. I mean, they gave him their prize mouse!! LOL!

New careers

2009-05-04T16:55:51Z

Career moves I've thought about persuing after watching a 2 year old all day:

1. Claymation animator/model maker (of course, Play Dough will do, too)

2. Cartoon voice over actor ("Uh, yup, I gotta dry out the corn")

3. Children's book novelist (Where's Spot? Seriously. I can do that)

4. Children's cartoon choral singer. (I couldn't handle the solo work, but I can hold enough of a tune for "The Snitches Star Song").

Hmm... I may have to look into these.

Take me out to the Ballgame!

2009-04-22T19:07:44Z

I love baseball. I love hockey. I love football. I love most sports (though I can't seem to like basketball or golf). I'm currently listening to the Pirates on the radio, winning against the Marlins. Why on radio, you ask? Because it's not televised. Bah. What kind of nonsense is that?? With all the freakin' channels on TV these days, you'd think they could squeeze another baseball game in there. Bah.

So I realized (many times, actually, but I guess I was reminded) of what an idiot I am when watching sports. I am convinced that my yells and pleas and coaxings will actually help the game any. Um, they don't. As much as I call BS on a refs call, it will not change the call. Or tell the ball to keep going - if it doesn't have the air, it's going to be caught.

But it sure is fun to try. :)

And it helps that 'my' teams are actually doing quite well right now. Would anyone be surprised to hear that my enthusiasm for sports is one of the reasons I moved to Pgh? Where all the sports fans are insane?

"Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks!"

We're talking BASEBALL!!

2009-04-09T13:25:14Z

Anyone out there amongst the unemployed masses want to try and go to Opening Day on Monday for the Pirates?

I'm talking super cheap seats ($8/standing room) and bringing my own snacks (my cousins will be tailgating before the game, so we can probably snag a hot dog or two from them before going in).

I just love baseball!!

Updates!

2009-04-09T13:21:25Z

So, I heard from Animal Friends - I didn't get the job. BUT, they really liked me and I made the decision really hard for them! She told me to keep an eye on their job postings and she anticipates some things opening up. I am so glued to their website!! I've been a bit bummed since I heard the official news, as I really wanted that job. BUT, it might mean there's a better one for me in the future.

Speaking of jobs, I had a second interview (after a phone interview) Tuesday evening for a contract position for a special fundraising project. It was a decent interview, though they had all 3 of the candidates there at the same time in a rotation through different board and staff members. I got there at 6:15 and didn't leave until 8:30. Whew!! I don't feel very confident about getting this job, because they clearly had someone there that they all knew (a parent, alumn, whatever) and I felt that the other 2 of us were there as a formality. I could be reading it wrong, but probably not. I know I could do a good job and have a lot of fundraising experience with volunteers, but I'm just not feeling the love. I could be wrong!

Also, I applied at Half-Price books for a full-time position. I don't think I'll take it, b/c it only pays $8/hour for a 40 hour work week. I'd be busting my butt all week and wouldn't have time for interviews and job searches. If it were part-time, I would take it in a heartbeat. (and heck, they haven't even called back for a follow-up interview!). I have to say, though, it prepared me for my evening interview more than I thought! "What are your strengths? Weaknesses? What is your work style?" Etc.

So, the search continues! I know one group that isn't overly eager to see me back to work - my pets!! They are going to so hate me when I work all day again! They are like vultures anytime I sit down these days! I have at least two in my lap within seconds. Especially if I've been gone all day. Oh well, if they want to continue to eat their kibble, they better deal!! I did give both of the dogs a bath last week, and they look and smell sooooo much better! I will actually pet the hound dog mutt these days. And Kizzy (the akita) feels like a fluffy teddy bear. Of course, this was when the weather was 70 degrees. Oi.

Okay, back to taxes. I owe the borough money, so I've been avoiding doing those. State and federal are done, thank goodness.

jhenti @ 2009-03-31T13:17:00

2009-03-31T17:17:15Z

What Greek Goddess are you?

You are Artemis!
You are like Aretmis, goddess of the moon, hunting and archery. You love any and all things wild and unclaimed, and that is how you are yourself. You are independent, you march to the beat of your own drum, and you allow no one to dictate how you will live but yourself. You like your freedom. This is why animals and nature often intrigue you.

How do you compare?
Take this test! | Tests from Testriffic</font>

</div>

Bummed

2009-03-31T17:05:46Z

Okay, I admit. I'm bummed. No word from Animal Friends (and yes, I called) after I thought for sure they'd offer it to me. Not sure what happened. Maybe they felt I was overqualified (which they mentioned). I do intend to call again and at least ask them straight out what happened. I'm very disappointed that they didn't even contact me to tell me I didn't get it. I felt I made more of an impression that that. Oh well. On the plus side, at least I got my face out there. They know who I am now, at least, and I hope will keep my resume on file. I'm debating on whether or not to at least go up there to volunteer to walk dogs or something. I just love that place, regardless!! I don't want to be seen as just a 'volunteer', though. That can backfire. (it's hard to transition from volunteer to paid employee).

I'm also bored. I mean, I'm trying to keep busy, but I actually want to work again. Have a regular schedule. Know what day of the week it is. I'm the kind of person who needs structure. I thought I would at least be able to get to bed at a decent time and start the day before 10am. That hasn't worked so far. I'm weak.

AND, I'm scared sh*tless about money. Unemployement is a joke. Yes, it's better than nothing, but I can't even apply for part time work without it affecting what comes in from unemployement, and seriously, the only reason I need part time work is to supplement what I'm getting from unemployement... Thank goodness I at least got a refund from taxes. But if this goes on much longer...

Okay, that's my 'woe-is-me' post. I guess 2 months without a job is catching up with me!

The day after the day after the day after

2009-03-03T15:38:26Z

Hee, okay, so I haven't posted in awhile. And sure, you think, I have no job right now so I should have tons of time to do all this stuff!

I must tell you, I have no idea where the time goes! I can't believe I've been out of work for a month. I've been able to catch up on some things, go out to lunch with people, run my errands during the day, sleep in (which I've finally been able to do today after this weekend). And there was a a little event to get ready for. I could get used to this, but maybe not for much longer. I need a job! Wah!!

Okay, whining over. Let's see - the event this weekend... I had a great time, and it was really incredible seeing so many people in Japanese and Asian garb. It's funny, those who didn't stood out like a sore thumb (not meant in a mean way, mind you)! Kinda like when any of Kaminari shows up in Japanese to a 'regular' event. I thought the day went well, and it was really great seeing everyone from far off lands, like Buffalo. There were a few hiccups, but overall I think the day went rather well. I keep hearing 'next time' from people. Let us recover from 'this time' first! :)

I was simply thrilled when Karen got her court barony. I was jumping up and down on my zabuton like an idiot. And to see Sharon, Elliott, Rosalia all get awards was just plain heartwarming. Yay everyone!! And I'm still always amazed to see how many people step in to help with some of the thankless tasks, like getting the room ready for feast. Not easy when you're scraping up chairs from nooks and crannies and trying to get enough for everyone (We counted - there were plenty of chairs there when we came by to check out the site!!). And many sacrificed their day to work in the kitchen. Simply amazing.

So, thank you everyone, for helping to make the day a good one!!

Now, back to the job search...

Birthday!

2009-01-30T15:30:33Z

Oh yeah, I plan to be at El Campesino tonight at 6:30 with a very large margherita. If anyone wants to brave the elements, I'll be there!

Jobless

2009-01-30T15:28:59Z

So, I'm on a job search. If anyone has any resources in the non-profit world, I would greatly appreciate the networking help!

I'm looking for something in the fundraising, development or event planning arena. At this point I can't be picky about where, but I prefer arts or animal organizations.

Thanks!!!

(and hey, at least I got some free opera out of the whole ordeal!)

It's my birthday all week!

2009-01-29T14:55:41Z

Sorry for the rather gloomy email about cancelling my dinner last night. I was really bummed! I wanted to celebrate!

However, I think I'll try again tomorrow night (Friday).

Same time, same place - El Campesino off McKnight Rd at 6:30. I think we're still supposed to have some snow, but not nearly as bad (and hopefully my local streets won't be vast sheets of ice anymore!).

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and hope to see some of you tomorrow night!

Lynette

Dinner tonight

2009-01-28T19:31:29Z

Hrumph. Darn weather.

Well, it looks like it's going to be pretty yucky tonight.

Okay, I'm cancelling dinner for tonight. The roads are starting to look really bad and I don't want folks to end up in a ditch!

Sigh... I'll have a birthday again next year, right? :)

See some of you this weekend!

Birthday fun!

2009-01-22T14:34:52Z

Next Wednesday is my birthday. I love my birthday. A day dedicated to the birth of ME! Sure, it also means I'm getting older, but I can't do a damn thing about that, so I might as well celebrate the day being all about ME! I am truly blessed to be alive and experiencing yet another year of life (granted, I do feel that I have so much more to do and that time does seem to be flying by, but I'm determined to live as long as possible and by damn, I WILL go to Ireland before I die!!).

So, that being said, I'd like to invite folks out to celebrate my birthday on:

Wednesday, January 28th, 6:30
at El Campisino Mexican Restaurant off of McKnight Rd

(in the Pep Boys shopping center, across from Red Lobster - and a little further down is Beer for Less). It's on the 'south' end of McKnight, so you don't have to fight too much traffic.

Come out for some tasty enchiladas and marguaritas!

Yay for my birthday!!

PS - Please let me know if you can make it so I can reserve enough seats!

Facebook fun!

2009-01-08T21:13:27Z

Let me say, I'm extremely sorry if you got hit with the facebook virus that my page was sending out. I think it hit all on my 'friends' list. I wish I could make it stop! I think it comes from the facebook site, or they access it through there, as it hasn't affected my computer in any way (that I know of). Grrr...

I wish I had more time in the evenings to doodle on Facebook. It's really fun and I have so many friends from high school on there it's insane. I actually very much enjoyed high school, so I have many fond memories. I even 'friended' the two band directors! Cool! (one of which now directs the Crimson Tide Marching Band!)

Okay, so I have time in the evenings, I just don't have the means right now. I need to get my computer back up and running, or have David clear his laptop and use that. Which is the most ideal solution, b/c I hate sitting at a desk when I get home since I do it all day anyway. Of course, the dishes or dinner may never get done if I start logging on at night... :)

Hope to see many of you this weekend at a 12th Night or two!

Christmas!

2008-12-30T18:48:34Z

And Christmas, and Christmas, oh, and Christmas!

I had 4 christmases this year! Now, I love my family and all, but I think 4 was a bit much. But, overall, it was very nice.

I got an electric toothbrush which RULES! and a beautiful gemstone butterfly necklace. And a featherbed mattress, which is just bliss. We got a new mattress back in February, but it turned out to not be as soft as I would've preferred. However, it's a good sturdy mattress and will last forever, but with the featherbed underneath me, it's just awesome. I've slept like a log this past week.

Lots of food, lots of sweets, lots of shopping. Of all things, though, I forgot to look for calendars. Now I'm stuck with the dregs of calendars - hairless dogs, lame TV shows, 365 days of cars, landscapes of random places. Drat. I'm sure I'll find a cute cat calendar or two somewhere, but I missed out on my Lang calendar "Cats in the Country". And Thomas Kincaide for my mom for her birthday (Jan 15).

But I did score a really nice 6 foot pre-lit christmas tree for next year! An upgrade from the 4 ft I currently have. :)

The pets absolutely loved having me home for so long. Now I'll really freak them out and be home again for 4 1/2 days in a row! Sweet!

Hope to see lots of you at the New Year's party or brunch!

Bleh...

2008-12-23T18:16:18Z

I, too, have now suffered from the horrible, wretched, awful, miserable, no-darn-fun stomach virus.

It had me on my ass for two days. I'm at work now, but very reluctantly. The stomach is still not 100% and I'm still being very careful of my foods (no cookies, fudge, candy, dips, chips, cupcakes, etc.).

Did I mention this is awful? Especially around c-mas? On the plus side, I suppose a complete detox before the holidays isn't such a bad idea, however I would strongly recommend AGAINST this method.

Oi.

No work being done today!

2008-12-19T19:23:04Z

So, the holiday office party is today. Starting at 4pm. No one is doing any work right now. Surfing the web, buying c-mas presents online, finding new user pics for LJ...

Good thing about the office party - there's lots of alcohol.

We do have to wear slippers or socks in the house, though. Which is weird. We had to bring our own.

Did I mention lots of booze?

Holiday post!

2008-12-17T15:43:19Z

Okay, I've been lurking way too long. I need to post something.

As usual, the holidays seem to come upon me waaaay to quickly, and I have waaaay too little done. BUT, here's what I have done:

1. Addressed 80% of my holiday cards. Now I just need stamps
2. Put up my 4 ft c-mas tree - complete w/lights and ornaments. I no longer like my bow tree topper, so I'll look for something after c-mas for it. The top is currently naked.
3. Helped my mom make 30 dozen cookies. Yes, 30 dozen. Six different types. I have to hide them from David, as they are c-mas gifts. My mom and I split them, so I only really have 15 dozen cookies. But still. Yum!!
4. Put up the outside light garland on the front porch. Put candles in 3 of the 6 windows. Put out the wreaths on the upstairs windows (then realized I hung them too high and can't put a candle in them b/c it won't show up - it was supposed to be in the middle of the wreath. Oh well, at least I didn't fall out the window!). I still want to do more, but heck, c-mas is next week. Sigh.
5. Arranged the attic so I can get to all the c-mas stuff. That sucked up more time than I thought, so I didn't actually get all the indoor decor done. The nifty metal deer I bought last year at the end of the season still have tags on them sitting on the mantle.
6. Speaking of mantle, I have c-mas stockings up! One for me, one for David, and one for the pets. I know, I should have more for the pets. I do ahve six after all. At least one for the dogs and one for the cats. I'll work on it. The animal stockign IS cheetah spotted, though. Sweet!
7. Done, hmm, maybe 65% of my shopping? I tried to get stuff early. What that means is I have no idea where I put stuff or who exactly I already have stuff for. Ooops. I'll figure it out. Christmas eve.
8. I think I have all my holiday food shopping done. Need to check on the status of the green beans. And no, I'm NOT doing the nifty green bean casserole from scratch this year. The canned version is adequate...
9. Decorated my cube at work. I have lights and a mini tree. :)
10. Shopped for my secret santa. Except I couldn't find the beads I wanted to use to make the necklace I had in mind, so I had to go to Plan B. Which is still good, if I do say so myself.

Happy Holidays everyone!!