Hello 2009, Goodbye Jetta.

Happy New Year to everyone! With a new year, comes new year's resolutions. I'm not sure I've ever actually formulated a list of resolutions. I'm sure it's because deep down I know the list would get lost in one of my many piles of papers and never looked at again. With that said, what do you hope to accomplish, change, or begin this new year? Do you...need to lose a few pounds? Would you like to start eating healthier? Or do you need to get organized? Perhaps spend more time on YOU. Whatever it is, I hope you truly work towards reaching your goals!

In other news, I got a new car on Tuesday! The decision to say goodbye to my Jetta crept up on me quicker than I had planned for. Dad mentioned I should trade in my car at about 90,000, which it was at now (another thing that happened too quickly thanks to my weekly drives to Orlando and drives to Wesley Chapel multiple times a week for work). Dad wanted my car to be in good enough condition to trade in for a reasonable amount of money. So, a few days before Christmas, dad and I visited Honda and Mazda dealers in Brandon. We looked at the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, both comparable to one another and comparable to my Jetta, except for the fact that neither of them are diesel which my Jetta was. I welcome with open arms never having to search for a gas station that has diesel gas. On the other hand, I do not look forward to my average 21-23 mpg car. My Jetta averaged about 43 mpg. Before even looking at cars with my dad, he had visited both dealers. He told me he knew I would prefer the Mazda 3 right away and he knew I would ultimately choose that car over the Civic and he was right. He knows that few things matter to me in a car- mainly, I care about the sound system and the aesthetics (do I like the way it looks?). Of course, I need to feel comfortable driving the car and it needs to drive smoothly as well. We decided on the Grand Touring, Mazda 3 Automatic. It's black with black leather interior and a 6 CD changer, jack for my iPod, moon roof, the works. Dad knows me well and knows that I would appreciate all the bells and whistles and miss them if I didn't have them. One of the greatest things about my new car- everything is automatic. And I mean everything. The wipers are rain-sensing, so with a drop of rain they will turn on. My lights- also automatic, so I don't have to worry about turning them on at night. 

Somehow, I will be paying my dad back for this car. Seeing how it's my second, and he paid for my first as well, it is how it should be. I will be paying a percentage of my bi-weekly paycheck to him and that will go towards my car payments. I'm very lucky to have a family willing to buy me a new car when it wasn't an absolute necessity (IE: my car breaking and not running anymore).

The car drives SO differently than what I am used to. I'm used to a diesel, or as I affectionately called my car, the "putt-putt" since it sounded like a lawnmower once up and running. The Mazda has incredible pick-up which for me, could be potentially dangerous as I'm notorious for having a lead foot. It's handling is a lot more sensitive than my Jetta and it's a easier drive. Passengers' heads are still hitting their head rests, as I'm still getting used to how lightly I need to touch the gas pedal to accelerate. I feel like I'm learning how to drive all over again! All that's left are some all-weather mats and window tinting which will hopefully happen soon as the Florida heat is not kind to black cars with black interiors. Regardless, I had my heart set on a black car for my next vehicle so no words of logic or wisdom were going to change my mind. Sorry, mom, dad, AND sister. ha.

I'll be posting pictures of my car shortly. I know Dee is dying to see it! :)

Merry Christmas to me!

As promised, here are a few pictures of some things I was given for Christmas.  Santa was certainly good to me. :o) 

A beautiful Antonio Melani, plum handbag from my mom. I dream of a closet just for my purses one day.

My brother-in-law John and sister surprised me with a gift certificate (I'm very seldom surprised on Christmas morning) from White House, Black Market-- a truly fabulous store.

Dad calls this the "Death" perfume. I'm thinking it's because of the skulls all over the box!

I've been wanting a Clip It Up for the longest time. Now I can get organized, which I love to do.

Thanks Rachel for these adorable slippers-- I love anything with owls!

Happy Christmas!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, spent with family and friends, filled with laughter. The chance to spend time with loved ones is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. My sister came over in the am on Christmas day. We spent a couple hours unwrapping presents (yes, you read correctly). We like I like for us to take our time and truly savor gift-giving. I spend a lot of time, effort, and thought on the gifts I give my family and friends. Because of this, I hate to rush. I have gotten better through the years and have learned to compromise-- trying not to draw out the process too long. Santa was certainly good to me this year. I will post pictures soon. 

We ended our evening with a trip to the movie theater to see Marley & Me. There are a number of movies in the theater now that I would like to see, but I thought Marley & Me looked like a good Christmas movie. What a great movie it was. Truly a sweet story, and you couldn't help but fall in love with Marley. And so funny! I laughed throughout the entire film and I cried like a baby. But I was not alone. Mom and Ashley were blubbering too, as well as every female around me.  I even saw some guys shedding a few tears. What I liked best about the movie was that almost everyone who has had a pet or has a pet can relate to the story. It was real and wasn't flashy or forced. And more importantly, it wasn't "Hollywood." It was down to earth and very true to the way people live, including the trials and tribulations which come with having a dog, a child, or multiple children. I would recommend this movie to anyone. You must go see it!

Christmas Survey

I found this on Dee's blog (see Dee, I do read it!)...

1. Which holiday movies are on your ‘must see’ list every year?

I love Miracle on 34th Street.

2. Which holiday movie will you NOT watch, under any circumstances, including torture?

A Christmas Story.

3. What is your favorite Christmas song?

Carol of the Bells, Mary, Did You Know?, and anything by Mannheim Steamroller or Tran- Siberian Orchestra. 

4. Which Christmas song sets your teeth on edge?

Not sure...

5. What is your favorite thing about the Christmas season?

Christmas music, Christmas decorations/the lights, hustle and bustle of the season, the chance to give gifts to others I love and also, getting to spend (extra) time with friends and family.

6. What is your Christmas peeve?

The traffic and being able to wear shorts on Christmas (I hate Florida weather-- we have no winter!)

7. What food item do you grab as soon as you see it because it’s only available during this time of year?

I love egg nog.

8. What ‘traditional’ holiday food do you detest?

Fruitcake.

9. Stocking gifts: Wrapped or unwrapped?

Unwrapped

10. Christmas presents: One at a time, free-for-all or something in between?

One at a time. I want to see what everyone gets and be able to watch family unwrap my gifts to them.

11. What holiday icon is on top of your tree?

The 'rents have an almost 2 foot angel atop their 12 foot tree.

12. To and From: Do you buy your tags? Make them yourself? Write with a magic marker? How do you ‘label’ your gifts?

I cut a strip of the wrapping paper I used and fold it in half. Then, I write the To and From inside.

13. What items should NEVER be considered a Christmas present?

I'm not sure? Dee said any cleaning products, but I personally would like a Dyson Vacuum cleaner as a present. 

14. What tradition is followed every year at your house?

We open at least one gift on Christmas Eve.

15. What’s on YOUR list to Santa this year?

A bed set I've been eyeing at Pottery Barn, a purse, $$ for the winter sale at Pottery Barn, and gift certificates are always on my list.  I often know most of what I'm getting for Christmas.

KnK- 12 Days of Christmas

Above is the wall (or door) hanging I did for the 12 Days of Christmas at Kit n' Kaboodles. The background is made from a piece of cardboard from a box. I tore from the surface some of the outermost cardboard which left it corrugated in places. I added Making Memories paint (in spotlight and honeydew) to the edges in addition to MM Specialty Glaze in Pearl to add some glimmer. To the torn areas, I added some green glass beads and Pink Paislee brown glitter (Pixee Stix). Papers are from SEI's Alpine Frost collection.

My "Dee Time"

I had a wonderful Sunday evening and Monday. After work Sunday, I headed to Dee's for the first time, in Venice. The drive was quick and painless and now that I know how easy it is, I plan to visit more often. ;) I was thrilled to finally meet the much-talked about JD and all her wonderful/playful/crazy/"sassy" pups. They are a trip to watch. And 68 pictures later-yes, I got a little camera-crazy. Of course, Dee and JD welcomed me with open arms, and treated me as much more than just another houseguest. I felt such a comfort in their home. Monday was our lazy day, spent chatting and eating with music, picture-taking, and a little scrapping (although, not enough). The night crept up on us far too quickly, but I stayed up later to scrap.

We headed over to Dee's thrift store early Tuesday morning and then I hit the road at 1:30 and drove to St. Pete to see Jen at Whim so doodle. We discussed different things related to their Design Team as well as teaching at the doodle. We also started planning my first class, which will be in February! It will be the class I taught at the MS Crop for Hope, and you can find the canvas at the store. It should be displayed soon. Thanks Jen for all your help and information, I am so looking forward to joining your wonderful team at the doodle! I had the great pleasure of meeting Jo and we were at WSD until 9:30 prepping for some other classes I plan to teach (of course, all still in the planning stages). Jo couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating. Everything is so overwhelming right now, and she was so patient with me- especially considering I picked out supplies and papers for 5 different classes. Eeck!  Hopefully me being so ambitious won't backfire on me.

Below are pictures of the altered frame I made for Dee for Christmas. Her favorite color is purple, so I thought it fitting to use Basic Grey's, Eva line. I hand cut the bird out and the frame is a wood frame from Michaels. And Dee, I will sign in, I promise!

Let me leave you with a text I received late this evening, "There be a shoe in my pasta." And no, I have no idea what he meant. 

Hair God

I got my hair cut last week. It had gotten way too long- long for me, that is. I've pretty much kept my hair short since my drastic change from shoulder length to ear length back in high school, sophomore year. I love it and decided having my hair short worked best for me. Every once in awhile it starts to creep back towards my shoulders, but I nip that in the bud quick. Below is a picture of John and I (post haircut), or as I like to call him, a hair genius. He is truly amazing- a master cutter. Thanks to my sister, I have been going to John since I had long, blond hair and braces. I won't even think of a time when I will no longer be able to go to him to cut my hair.