Tuesday Randoms: Christmas in the air...

Hey folks!

Well, I have to admit, I'm feeling a little on the cruddy side today.  I developed a cough about a week ago, and it seems to be at its worst today.  Weirdest "illness" I think I've ever had.  No sore throat, no other cold symptoms, just a deep cough that seems to come from the very bottom of my lungs. ugh.  Last night was the first time it has kept me up at night.  I couldn't stop coughing, and Halls were doing nothing to help because it isn't coming from my throat, it's from deeper in my chest.  So I'm feeling a little rough today because of it.

But I have NO TIME to have the Black Lung right now!  I'm carrying on as if it does not exist!  As I mentioned last week, the Christmassing began on the weekend and the next few weeks are jam-packed with festivities!!  IT'S MY FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR!!!!

So, yes, I survived the first really Christmassy weekend of the year.  Friday evening I did a quick shopping trip to the city, and as it turns out, it wasn't as crazy as I expected for Black Friday.  I swear, the Friday before was worse.  It was fast and productive.

Saturday morning, I got up early (earlier than I normally would on a Saturday) so that I could get a good start on my Christmas baking.  I opted out of going to the Pine Lodge Christmas Market so that I could give my cookies 100% of my attention.  I got about 10 dozen cookies made total, several different varieties, and felt very accomplished.  My heart is SO happy when I'm baking Christmas cookies and listening to Christmas music!  It was my kind of heaven.

I had done as much as I could with the time I had by mid-afternoon, and decided instead of starting into another batch that a nap was a better idea.  I needed to be rested, because our company Christmas party was that evening.  I got a nice snooze in, and it was much-needed.

The party was AWESOME!  I can't remember the last time I drank and danced like that.  Seriously.  The meal was delicious, the company was wonderful, and the band literally had me dancing all.night.long.  It kind of went exactly as I hoped - I had fun, I let loose, but I didn't go completely bonkers.  I drank lots of water in between the rum & cokes and the jagerbombs, so I woke up the next morning feeling not half bad.  My biggest fear was getting sick, and I avoided that, so... WIN!  Most fun I've had in a long time.

Thanks to all the water I drank, I was able to get up the next morning and at least act like a human being, which was good because I had another full day planned!  First up was a very exciting, bustling church service, as we were celebrating the first Sunday of Advent, a baptism, AND communion - and I had been asked to serve communion, so, like I said...I had to act like a human being. lol  I made it through that and breakfast, and then we were on our way to the city with the Sunday School to see the movie "The Star".  It was super-cute, and it was such a fun bunch, but Jill was slowly going downhill at that point... Danica was being a Susie Seat Kicker behind me and driving me nuts, and at one point I even almost fell asleep.  I hung in there, though, and I was so glad I went.  It was just the perfect movie to put me in the Christmas spirit!

We went back to my sister's place, and Chris had picked up pizza, so we had a quick bite to eat, but it was starting to snow so we headed for home pretty soon after.  I got home and didn't even bother watching the Grey Cup - straight up to bed, where I put a movie on and promptly fell asleep.  I don't even think it was 8 PM.  This kid is soooo not used to rebounding from a night of partying anymore, that's for sure!

I still felt a little hungover yesterday, but I pushed through the day, and even went home and made more cookies after work.  I can be a trooper when I want to be lol.  Now today I feel even worse, but it's just because of this cough and the bad night's sleep.  I'm just going to keep pretending it's not an issue, though, because there's another full weekend ahead of fun stuff... no time to be under the weather!!

Let the Christmasing BEGIN!!!

Oh you guys...  I've been trying so hard to keep a lid on it.  Trying to make out that its "just Christmas Prep Season" and that I know it's too early.  But today, it finally feels like it's allowed!!!

Remembrance Day is over.  American Thanksgiving is over.  With a couple of clicks of my mouse this morning thanks to Black Friday sales, my shopping is mostly finished.  (BIG sigh of relief, the shopping part is always the most stressful part!)

And now?  Now?  Now it's...

CHRISTMASTIME!!!!!

Last weekend might have been my first Christmassy weekend of the season, but this weekend we really kick it into high gear.  Here's what I've got on tap:

- Tonight, I"m meeting my mom in the city and we're going to do a little shopping.  I know, I just said I was almost finished, didn't I?  Well, all I'm really looking for is some Christmas treats to fill my mittens for next weekend's Mitten Mayhem Party with friends, so it should be a pretty stress-free shopping trip.  Except that I kind of forgot it was Black Friday when I planned this shopping trip... Oh well.  We will be in no rush, so hopefully I can calmly handle the shoppers who are still out this evening!  Also looking forward to supper out too!

- Tomorrow is officially START THE CHRISTMAS BAKING DAY!!!  I have all the ingredients, and a whole day to just putter in the kitchen, listening to my Christmas CDs (which I found!  woo hoo!!!), and getting my bake on.  I'm taking part in a Cookie Exchange next Friday, so I'm hoping to get the bulk of the cookies made tomorrow.

- There is also a big Christmas Market on not far from home tomorrow that I'm thinking of hitting up.  I don't need anything, and I'm pretty tapped out when it comes to the finance department (being done shopping so early is both a blessing and a curse), so it might be best if I don't go and just stick with the baking.  But I LOVE the cheerful Christmas feeling at these things, it will be hard to resist.  Maybe if I leave the purse at home and just go to enjoy the experience?  I just might do that...

- Tomorrow night is our company Christmas party, which is always what I consider to be the official "kick-off" to Christmas!  My first year working here at Mountainview (almost 14 years ago! ack!) I made a deal with some of the guys that I would not sing Christmas carols until the day of the Christmas party.  Well guess what, lads... tomorrow is the day!!!  I can't wait for the evening out.  It's been a long time since I "let my hair down", so to speak, and while I'm not intending to let Sadie out, I do intend on having a good time.  Bring it!!!

- Sunday is also going to be jam-packed with fun!! Church will be a bustling service, as we are celebrating the first Sunday of Advent and a baptism as well. Advent is my favourite, and I'm so excited for it to finally begin!!

- After church, I have a quick meeting with our Lay Supervision Team, and then we'll be off to the movie theatre, as the Sunday School is going to an afternoon showing of "The Star", and I'm tagging along.  I love going to the movies, I love this bunch of kids, and I LOVE anything that's related to Christmas. Sign. me. up!!!

I'm literally jittery with excitement over all the fun that lies ahead.  Let the hollying & jollying BEGIN!!! :)

Random Thursday Things

• I actually started writing a completely different blog post this morning.  I was having a bit of a vent session because I felt a little bombarded yesterday - I was getting emails from all directions with a variety of requests and questions.  When things come firing at me all at once like that, I tend to get overwhelmed and stressed out.  But if I write a whole post about it, what good am I doing?  Just feeding the beast, right?  Today is a new day!  I deleted my whole "woe is me" post and decided to move on and let it go.
• So, last night I kind of finished decorating.  I say "kind of" because there are a few little touches left to do - I want to add my orange slices to the dining room tree, but I didn't have any oranges last night to make them.  I also need to cut out snowflakes for the glass panels of my door.  And last but not  least, I need to put the garland on the banister, but I need an extra set of hands to help with that one.  Otherwise, I'm done, and it feels good!
  
• You know what does NOT feel good?  I can't find my Christmas CD's anywhere.  I searched high and low.  They are always sitting in the corner of the dining room with my CD player.  ALWAYS.  And now, suddenly, they are gone. It's as if a weird thief broke in, combed every inch of my home, and took only the small stack of Christmas albums.  *sigh*  I know this does not seem like a big deal, but I am lost without my Justin Bieber, Blake Shelton, Elvis Presley, and Wayne Ronstadt Christmas CD's.  Decorating last night just felt wrong without them.
• I'm a little ridiculously excited about going to Bulk Barn tomorrow after work.  I've come a long way from the first time I tried to buy stuff at Bulk Barn.  I still have a little anxiety over worrying that I'm buying too little or too much - I'm really not good at the "eyeballing" thing! - but the savings in buying it this way is worth that anxiety.  
• I'm a little disappointed that the chip wagon in town closed earlier this week.  I had been planning on having one last snack this coming weekend.  Now I guess I'll just have to dream about that poutine all winter long... *sigh*
• I'm very excited to get my bake on next week.  Now that the decorating part is done, I am excited to start checking things off the baking list!  I'm taking part in a Cookie Exchange on December 1st, so there's no time to waste.  
• One of the things on my Christmas Bucket List is:  "Make Grandma's Iced Sugar Cookies with Mom".  My Grandma made the best iced sugar cookies in the world, and now Mom makes them to keep the tradition alive.  However, I know Mom finds them a pain in the butt to make, and only does them because she knows how much I love them.  I have never learned how to make them, so I think it's about time I learn!  I'm hoping to make a date with her for a lesson, maybe December 9-10 weekend.  I think every weekend is completely booked prior to that...
• I'm not gonna lie, I'm starting to get very excited for Christmas get-togethers!  This year, I think I'm getting wound up about it extra-early because of this one I'm going to on Saturday night.  Usually the MVT Christmas Party is my first of the season (always the last weekend of November), but not this year!  It makes me feel like I can bust out the hollying & jollying even earlier!!  Woo Hoo!!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Wednesday friends!  I'm trying to get back into blogging on a more regular basis (I've been hit-or-miss at best for the past few months) - so today I'm sharing what I'm loving this Wednesday!!

• The Grinch mug that I picked up at the Onslow Christmas Craft Sale on Saturday!  I've been sipping coffee from it all week at work.  And the saying on it couldn't be more true... lol!
  
• That my Christmas tree is up and the rest of the house is well on it's way to being fully decorated.  I truly do LOVE the cozy, Christmassy feel of my home when it's decorated for the holiday season.  Tonight I'm planning to decorate the dining room and kitchen, and then I'll be mostly finished.
• My Christmas Bucket List!  I shared it on Instagram on the weekend, and so many of my friends commented on what a good idea it is.  (I have Kelle at Enjoying the Small Things to thank for the idea).  I can't wait to start checking things off!
• My new dark "winter hair".  I usually tone down my blonde with some lowlights for the winter, but this is the first time in a few years that I've gone totally dark.  I had to go back to my hairdresser last night, as there was still some blonde showing through and in certain light, the blonde pieces were looking green, so she darkened it all back up.  It's a refreshing change for the winter months.
  
• My Onslow hoodie & raglan tee that I picked up this weekend!  My former elementary school has been selling some new swag, and as a proud former Onslow kid, I knew I had to get some of their merch. As soon as I get home after work, the first thing I do is put on my hoodie!
  
• That Christmas House Tour plans came together in the end and I'm so excited to visit the houses participating!!  It was a stressful few weeks trying to find people, but in the end, I actually ended up with a bonus house - 5 stops instead of the usual 4.  We have a nice variety of places this year, and some very creative people participating.  Woo hoo!!
• I know it's only Wednesday, but I'm loving the prospect of another fun weekend ahead.  Friday evening, I'm planning to head to the city to visit Bulk Barn, to stock up on my Christmas baking necessities.  Then I'll come home and make my squares for the next day, because our church is hosting a Harvest Tea. We were unable to have our annual Harvest Supper this year, so we're supplementing with a tea and it will be lovely.  Then Saturday night, I have an early Christmas get-together with some friends, and I'm very much looking forward to it!

What are YOU loving this Wednesday??

The Christmas prep has begun...

I had my first "Christmassy" weekend of the season. 

I know what you're probably thinking... TOO SOON!  TOO SOON!!!  But for me?  It felt wonderful.

I should note that I don't really consider it "Christmastime" yet.  I'm just thinking of it more as "Christmas Prep Time".  I get easily overwhelmed and flustered when too much is going on at once, and while Christmas is my favourite time of year, it can also be a very busy and stressful time of year.  I'm just trying to stay on the ball and keep my plate balanced. 

Also, I've noticed this year especially that a lot more is happening earlier in the Christmas season.  It kind of feels like everyone wants December to be relaxing and care-free, so more and more is getting bumped back into late November/very early December. 

Which means "Prep Time" has to start earlier. 

My first "official" Christmas event is actually this coming Saturday.  I have an annual get-together with some friends, and this year, it's happening on Nov. 18th.  Then the MVT Christmas party is Nov. 25th.  I have a Cookie Exchange party booked for Dec. 1st, and another friends Christmas gathering which I'm hosting Dec. 2nd. The Christmas House Tour is Dec. 4th. Then, it's Christmas Book Club pot-luck at my place on the 8th.

That's a lot of holiday parties and events loaded into the back end of November and early December.

I like it, because it leaves the rest of December wide open for last-minute shopping, wrapping, and cozying up to watch all of my favourite Christmas movies and specials.  (I literally get stressed out when I don't have time to watch all the movies. lol)  It gives me time to really savour and soak up the best time of the year.

But it also just kind of shifts the stress into the month before.  Hence why I have to start prepping on November 12th.

Yes, that's right.  My trees went up on Sunday, and a lot of the decorating is already done.  My front hall, living room, bathrooms, and bedroom are pretty much finished.  I still have to trim the dining room tree and decorate in there, as well as the kitchen, and also put the garland on the banister, but that will all get done this week, after my decorating injuries have healed.  (Yes, you heard me right.  The backs of my legs are aching as if I ran a marathon, which I'm assuming is from running up and down the stairs bringing decs out on Sunday).  Next week, I will start the baking.  I also started the shopping in late October.  Far from being done, but it feels good to at least have a good start on it.

I have also taken Kelle's lead and created a "Christmas Bucket List" - which isn't really a "bucket list" so much as a "to-do list", but created in a way to increase fun and decrease stress.  Little reminders of fun holiday things I like to do, along with the bigger important events mixed in, and I'm already excited to start checking things off.

I feel so much better being on top of things, and if starting the day after Remembrance Day helps accomplish that, then so be it.  I know people think I'm crazy - people have told me to my face that they think I'm crazy - but honestly, I look at it as securing my own mental health.  I'm doing everything I can to ensure I don't have a pre-Christmas meltdown.

And also?  I just really love Christmas.  So sue me.  What harm am I doing to anyone if I enjoy sitting cuddled up on my couch by the glow of the Christmas tree?  It's not like I'm forcing it down anyone else's throat.  (Well, except for our minister, who kind of has to walk through a Winter Wonderland to get to his office in my front hall right now, haha!)  I've even been keeping my blinds closed so that people won't drive by and say, "Christmas tree up?  Already?  Is she well?"

I am well.  I am ensuring that I will be well.  The Christmas season makes my heart happy, and if I can manage all of the stressful aspects that come with it, then I will, indeed, be very well.

Cheers to the holiday season!  May it be merry for one and all! :)