All Was Well

I re-read the last Harry Potter last week and now I want to talk about it. So here are my thoughts on Harry Potter:

It is so good.

That's it.

No, just kidding. There's more. Every time I read any of the books (I've read them all at least twice, some three or four times), I am just amazed at the world JK Rowling created and how absorbed in the whole thing I become. I know I am not the only person upset Hogwarts is not a real place AND slighty sad to be a lowly Muggle. A filthy Mudblood, if you will. I am honestly (still) kind of upset the series is over. Yes, thank you, I know it has been three years since the last book was published. The re-read just made the pain all fresh and real again.

I started the re-read on the way home from San Francisco in the car and even though I was completely exhausted and had to get up for work the next day, I just had to finish it that night. Luckily, I read super fast so I was able to do it. Of course, I was crying by the end of it. Basically from when (spoiler alert) Ron finally kisses Hermoine (I was jealous) up until the very end, the tears were flowing. It's honestly because I am so involved with the characters. I wasn't already upset and/or PMSing. I was just really moved by the whole thing. I LOVE when Neville shows up and and is all bad ass, taking charge and kills the snake. I swooned when Ron insisted on rescuing the house-elves. I cheered when Ron punches Draco in the face. My heart literally ached when Snape's story is finally revealed. The whole damn thing, I just can't even stand it. Oh god, and then the kid is named Albus Severus.

People. I just can't say enough good things. Every time I read it, I get lost in the wizarding world and wish the gang would go to Magic College and then onto Wizard Grad School so their stories would never end. Obviously the last story would be nearly impossible to top but I would be ok with just reading about the everyday lives of Harry and friends.

I'm both REALLY looking forward to and dreading the release of the final movie (July 15 2011) because it is going to be epic, but it also means it's all going to be over. July 16 will be a sad sad day. Good thing my birthday will be there to cheer me up 12 days later.

Anyway, I basically just wanted to put it out there that I really love Harry Potter and say great job JK! I'm sure all the hundreds of awards you've won may have clued you in on what a fabulous job you did, but this girl just wanted to spread the HP love.

Yes, I'm a nerd. Don't care. I have a Quiddich shirt floating around here somewhere and will be having a Harry Potter marathon July 14th if anyone wants to join me.

Dream big people!

Uncomfortable Silence

It literally never gets old.

Owls are hilarious

New hilarious website:

http://hungoverowls.tumblr.com/

Read. Enjoy. Thank me later. Dream big people.

I'll Be Home for Christmas

Actually, sad times, no I'm not. I guess that is where the "If only in my dreams" line comes in.

But don't fret, I went to a friends house in Sonoma (near San Francisco) and had a really great Christmas. We had dinner at her family's for Christmas Eve...there were 40 people at one table. Total insanity. And then a 40 person White Elephant. I ended up with a bottle of wine. Not bad. Christmas day we had a super fantastic breakfast...less people but still crazy and fun. Then we opened presents. I got a stocking and even a few gifts! It was so great. That Santa is so smart! He knew where I was going to be AND knew to leave me some things I wanted.

Now I'm at her boyfriend's family's house and though it is a tad bit strange infringing on someone else's family Christmas traditions, everyone has been so super nice to me and it is just really lovely. I can't thank them enough (I started with a potted plant) and am so glad there are such nice people in the world.

There has been lots of crazy stuff going on and I have eaten so much good. I am now in a food coma and must go to bed. But I hope everyone had a very safe and happy holiday! Buon Natale! Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel! Vrolijk Kerstfeest!

Merry Christmas to all and to all, a good night.

Dream big people :)

Feliz Navidad

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas!

And so does the attendant at the parking garage that sings this song over and over with no regard to the tune or the rest of the words. But it's cool because she's festive and I appreciate that. Even if she is making me pay $9 for parking.

I am le tired today. I went into a baking frenzy last night and got all worked up and couldn't sleep. I enjoyed myself for sure, but am regretting it today. I think it's also boredom that is dragging me down. Work is soooo slow. Nothing interesting going on. I burned myself out on making Christmas cards, so I'm over that. But, I will share the ones I did make last week since I finally got them to upload. Enjoy!

Dream big people!

Little Saint Nick

Oh, what a fantastic Hanson Christmas song. Don't lie, you know you love it. The entire Hanson Christmas album. You think it's fabulous. I know you do.

Anyway. So some Christmas depression has hit. Not that "Christmas Shoes" song depressing (jeez, saddest thing ever) but pretty dang sad. Remember when I was all mad at LA because I couldn't find a bunch of different grocery items? Well, it has happened again only in a MAJOR way. I cannot find Christmas Tree Cakes ANYWHERE! And by ANYWHERE! I mean, the four different grocery stores I have looked. Seriously, LA, what the hell is going on here? It has already been raining for FIVE straight days, I don't really need this. I also have been waiting to get these delicious treats! I have been pretending that I was holding out on Christmas goodies until the week of Christmas so I wasn't going to buy them until now. Now, my stomach and I will most obviously tell you that I did not keep up with that but I have really and truly been waiting all month to buy these suckers! Little Debbie is my home girl but she is nowhere to be found!

Truly. I am very sad about this. If anyone has a tip on where they are in LA, let me know! And it needs to be in like, a three mile vicinity of where I live or work. Actually, make it a 10 mile radius. I will take a bus for Debbie and her cakes. That is how serious about these things. I am willing to take an unnecessary bus trip. This is serious business.

For some positive news, I have gotten some amazing Christmas cards and they just make me so happy. Thanks friends! Y'all are amazing. Also, work Christmas party on Thursday and the day off Friday! Hooray!

Dream big people!

Oh, and a fun ESL story. I have been helping a student at school and he had to make up questions using pre-existing answers. The answer was: "No, I don't." His question: "Do you eat frogs for dinner?" And another, answer: "No, they aren't." His question: "Are cows blue in the USA?" ahahahah, so silly! Ridiculous English is the best!

Deck The Halls

At last! Christmas decoration photos. I know you people have just been dying and the wait is finally over!

Mmmk, just a tad bit overdramatic, you say? Well then, enjoy if you want, it's whatever.

How cute is our little tree? SO cute! The star had to be tied to the ceiling..otherwise it would be flapping all over the place. That was not my doing, but the genius idea of my roommate.

Happy Holidays folks!

Dream big people :)

Go Tell it on the Mountain

That is as close to a Christmas miracle song I could come up with. A Christmas miracle has indeed happened as I am writing this on my OLD computer! I thought it was dead and gone y'all, but it has risen from the dead and is blessing me with it's humongous screen and iTunes library. This day has sucked otherwise so I'm pretty pleased about the re-birth of the Gateway.

In other news, I have also recently become a professional baker. Well, semi-pro I guess. I have been cooking up a Christmas storm and I don't want to brag or anything, but I'm pretty awesome. The key is simplicity. Everything I make has like, 5 ingredients tops and basically consists of me mixing them together and putting it the oven. Or some variation of that. Sometimes I microwave it and sometimes I put the mixture in the fridge. Just depends. Anyway, I'm still always impressed with myself when I throw things together because it usually ends up being tasty. So go me. Feel free to invite yourself over for a meal or a snack because I like it better when I can cook for other people. For one thing, it's depressing to cook for just one person. And for another, I love getting compliments. So come on over!

That's it really. Posting every day is making me a bit boring I'm afraid. Sorry about that. Don't fret, Christmas is almost here and this will all be over. I actually wish I could just fast forward through Christmas and end up at New Years. Not sure how I'm going to handle this Christmas, not being at home for the first time in 25 years and I would love if it just would hurry up and be over with. Between the Christmas commercials for jewelry, new cars and baking with the family, I'm ready for TV to stop rubbing my loneliness in my face, thank you very much.

Ok, it's not quite that dramatic. I'm actually ok with life right now. I just watched a lot of TV today and was constantly reminded that I will probably not be receiving any jewelry, cars, kisses, toys or surprise visitors this year. THANKS A LOT SANTA! Oh well, let us not forget the miracle of the Gateway. Since it was raining, I also watched a bunch of movies today. Here is a quick re-cap of them for you:

Top Gun: Tom Cruise was super hot. All the pilots were. I need to pilot land or wherever they were...somewhere in Cali, right?
Jerry Maguire: Tom Cruise was still super hot. The love story seemed pretty implausible to me..was I the only one that thought this?
Dear John: Only worth watching to squeal with delight over the places I recognized. It was filmed in Charleston and Sullivan's, so I got to squeal a lot. Other than that, it was quite depressing and not really what I needed today.
Going the Distance (last night): Actually quite entertaining. Loved the supporting cast the most. Charlie from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is so hilarious, as is Jason Sudeikis. The whole movie was funny and I give it two thumbs up.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Gives me hope that I just might get married one day, even if my love life is in the garbage right now. Also reminds me that I'm still mad I didn't get to go to that Greek wedding last year. Boo.

Trying to decide what to watch next. Another Tom Cruise movie? I just might do it.

Dream big people!

All I Want for Christmas is You

Which is too damn bad apparently because no one is interested in having me for Christmas. This is not anything new but it always sucks when unrequited love rears it's ugly head and reminds me of just how little game I have. LAME! Also, the one I really want is way too far away. Shitdamn.

Moving on. Hollywood beat me up last night! It was raining and I fell and twisted my poor little foot. I also acquired a few other random bruises, who knows from where. It was a fun evening, just a little on the painful side.

Well, I can't really think of anything else to say.I think I killed off one too many brain cells last night and now I don't really know what to do with myself. So until I can think of something positive to share, I'm out.

Dream big people!

Silent Night

This night isn't exactly silent, but it's a short little post. So it's closs. I had this whole plan to show you all my awesome Christmas decorations I have around my house and the office. But then I tried to upload them and it didn't work and now I am frustrated and am leaving to go out soon. (Yes, Dad, I'm going drinking...again!) So I was all, screw that. But don't fret, I'll be uploading the rest of them soon and all you beautiful people will be able to see my beautiful decorations. For now, you will just have to admire one of my cards I made for the troops. You're welcome!

Oh man, he is just the cutest thing! I was kind of sad to send him off. I hope whatever service member gets him hangs him up on his/her wall to admire all year round. I'm not vain or anything.

Ok, more to come!

Dream big people!

O Holy Night

...of baking!

OH my goodness, I did a lot of baking/card making tonight. I honestly got a little sick of it. I think it's because I have zero patience and I don't like when I can't finish projects in a timely manner. I had a lot of cards to make, things to bake, packages to put together, etc and it took me a few days. I was hoping it would take an hour. ish. But whatever, it's done for the most part.

I always go way overboard with Christmas cards and gifts. I just have so many people I want to do stuff for but it is SO expensive to mail things! And now, without a car, it is quite the pain to gather the materials to send things AND figure out how to get them all the to post office. BUT I'm going to get it all done, dammit! Some people may getting gifts after Christmas, but they WILL be getting them. I don't want to hear any whining about it either!

The other problem with baking is that I want to eat everything I make! I ate pretty much only cookies for dinner which is a really terrible idea for a lot of reasons. Among other things, I then don't have as many to send to people. It also gives me heartburn and will probably make me gain 5-10 pounds. I'm pretty sure I'm going to gain at least 15 pounds by the end of December. Christmas food is just so delicious and everyone likes to give me candy/sweets as presents! I'm not complaining, but I would probably be better off with SlimFast or a subscription to Weight Watchers. Getting free cupcakes for National Cupcake Day yesterday didn't help things either. Especially when there is a "Yummy Cupcakes" across the street from my school. And let me tell you, they are not lying when they call themselves yummy. Fabulously Delicious Cupcakes would also be a good name.

Ok people, off to a sugar induced coma/bed. Looking forward to the weekend!

Dream big people!

I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas

Only a hippopotamus will doooo...

Specifically, only this insanely cute little baby Pygmy hippo will do:

Can you even fucking stand how cute this thing is? I can't, I really can't. I found this amazing website: http://www.zooborns.com/ that posts pictures of ridiculously cute animals born at zoos recently. I look and I am literally overcome with cuteness and longing to touch/hold/pet/squeeze/love the shit out of these animals. I get really upset that I'm looking at them on a computer screen, and not in real life and am thus, unable to do any of the aforementioned activities. It's really kind of a downer at work.

But I just found an upper:

Movie trailer for a movie named after one of the best songs ever made. The movie itself looks kind of silly, but I have a feeling it's soundtrack will be enough to make me happy. Reminds me so much of college. Can't wait!

Ok, well feel free to send me that pygmy hippo for Christmas. It's getting so close! I can't believe how time has flown.

Dream big people!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

I'm so sad because...

1. I just had to say bye to my dad and sister and

2. I realized we did not even listen to our Christmas jam by NSYNC! Super sad times indeed.

However, we did have a super great time, so it was not a total loss. Even if we did had to pass by the scary La Brea elephants multiple times. Seriously, what is going on with those things? I hate them more and more each time I see them.

Anyways, yay for family! We had such a good time! Good food, (mostly) good shows, awesome apartment, GREAT weather, and I got to driiiivvveeee! So fun! Really just can't say enough good things about the whole weekend. :)

And nooowww, it hit me that Christmas is in TEN days! I need to get my shit together, quick! I have Christmas cards to mail, packages to send, goodies to bake, all sorts of things! Plus I need to get home and put together my fantastic new Ikea lamp, unpack and catch up Ellen! So much to do, so little time! So people may be getting their Christmas goodies after Christmas...sorry! It'll be more like a New Years present. Possibly later in January present. I had a strong cup of coffee this morning so my mind is racing! I am giving myself a tiny bit of anxiety because I feel like I have to do so much stuff! In actuality, none of this stuff is super urgent or importance, I just put pressure on myself to get it done.

So, in order to make myself chill out a little, I'm going to stop blogging and get back to Christmas cards. Whilst listening to NSYNC Christmas.

Dream big people! :)

Frosty the Snowman

...was a jolly happy soul! He was also made out of WHITE snow, and Jay Leno has WHITE hair, and Jay Leno is who we went to see tonight, so that is how this post all ties together. I'm so very clever.

So yes, The Tonight Show was very entertaining and so much fun with the fam. It was nice and quick, which was a lovely change from the Lets Make a Deal marathon of Sunday. There was a lot of unnecessary walking involved, but we had like, VIP tickets and did not have to wait in the audience holding area with all the common people. The band was also super awesome and fun to jam out to while sitting in the audience. We had REALLY good seats so that was great as well. We were front row! It was amazing. I high-fived Leno!

No, not really. But some other people did! And some people got to take their picture with him, with a polariod. Jay seemed really nice, he came out and talked to people, even this really annoying girl. The guests were Marky Mark (I was really hoping the band was going to play Good Vibrations, but they did not), Olivia Wilde and Good Charlotte. A great time, overall.

I dragged my family around Ikea for a good two hours (I could probably spend all day in there, easy) and then we had really good sushi as a last meal. I could probably eat sushi everyday, for at least one meal. The other meals I would have to change it up because there is just too much good food out there.

Ok, enough about that.

Dream big people!

Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer

No, not really. But I wish someone had run me over with a reindeer today. Holy crap, I was at a taping for Let's Make a Deal for SIX hours. It was ridiculous and after about 3 hours, it got to be pretty un-fun. At the end of it all, I was tired, hungry, crazy thirsty, and had NOT made a deal with Mr. Wayne Brady. I was not a happy Mrs. Claus. Which is what I was dressed as. AND the damn show won't even air until like, April! I'll let you know when you can look for me though. We were sitting right in the line of the camera.

But it's all over now. I sadly did not win a car (apparently it helps to be in the armed forces for that) but I did have a yummy sandwich for dinner, so all is well. My family is still here. We are having a great time and I get to drive! It's a win-win!

Dream big people!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

And he looks like this crazy guy:

hahaha!!! I wish Santa wore red leather pants! This guy was SO amusing! I couldn't stop laughing at him. And his coat had flashing lights in it!!!! He was the creator or owner or something of this completely ridiculous party I went to and I really needed photographic evidence of him. I also wanted everyone to admire my super awesome Santa outfit I made myself. And by that, I mean I sewed on the white trim. It took a long ass time and I stabbed myself multiple times. Please admire.

Also coming to town today: My dad and sister! Yay!!!! Need to go pull myself together for their visit.

Dream big people! :)

This Christmas

...I went to the post office. And some silly things happened.

First off, there was a crazy long line. And I thought, why in the world are there so few postal workers right now? It's Christmas and this is ridiculous. But I kept those thoughts to myself. However, the man in front of me apparently REALLY wanted to know what the deal was so he asked the postal worker wandering around helping people. "I have a very important question. Is it illegal to have more people working right now?"

Then I had a question for him. It was very important. "Is it necessary for you to be a total douche? And why do you smell so bad?" Since I only asked it in my head, I never found out the answer. But really, people, did he really think the poor woman would have an answer for him? I get the feeling a lot of really angry people come into the post office, and even more so at Christmas. I just don't really like being witness to it, is basically what I'm trying to say here.

There was also an old man wearing a cowboy hat and boots on with a snowman bell as a zipper pull on his jacket. He was cute until he started yelling "NEXT" really loudly once someone finished their postal transaction.

There was also a dodo brain wandering around asking everyone in line if forever stamps were still valid. Yes, fool! That is why they are forever stamps! Someone get this man a brain.

Just when I was about to lose faith in the post office-going public, the woman behind me taps me on the shoulder and tells me I have beautiful long eyelashes. How nice was that?! Made me smile. And proud to tell her they were all natural (she asked). Then she talked me into going in the stamps only line, even though my letter had to be weighed (it was my cards for the troops) and the stamps only line does not weigh things. I didn't want to go because I was afraid there would be a riot if I had to get back in line (she said she would hold my spot if I was refused service), but the stamps only woman took pity on me.

Then I left and that is the end of my post office adventure. Thank you for reading.

Dream big people!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

That's actually a lie, because I hate snow and would hate a white Christmas, but it is currently playing on my Pandora "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" play list. So there you go.

It's quite nice here in Santa Monica, actually. And it supposed to get into the 70s for the weekend! Hooray! I finally would rather be here than back in Charleston, where it's rumored to be freezing this week.

I don't really have anything interesting to say today, but I want to try and post every day this month with a different Christmas song. I guess I can share that last night I was playing Apples to Apples and I mistakenly gave credit to Ernest Hemingway for writing The Great Gatsby. Sorry F. Scott! Damn, I felt like an idiot! And yes, it's still bothering me today. I'm blaming it on the two glasses of Arbor Mist Raspberry Champagne and because the covers are sometimes similar. I did, however, rock Charades so I can revel in that for a bit. And then I got to sleep in a real bed!! Always a plus.

Getting excited about: Family this weekend! Hooray!

Not getting excited about: Work office field trip. Awkward.

Dream big people!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

...and make someone else's a little merrier too!

I know it's SUPER last minute, but I just thought of this and acted on it today. BUT, if you have a spare few minutes and/or couple of dollars, send a Christmas card to the troops!





Do it!!! I'm making mine at work today! Make sure you follow these guidlines:

Do...
-Include your heartfelt sentiments and sign all cards
-Entitle cards with generic terms such as “Dear Service Member, Family or Veteran”
-Limit cards to 15 per person or 50 for school class or business group
-Bundle groups of cards in single, large envelopes

Don’t...
-Send letters, care packages or monetary gifts
-Include personal information such as home or email addresses
-Use glitter – excessive amounts can aggravate health issues of wounded recipients
-Include inserts of any kind as they must be removed in the screening process


And pop it in the mail by Friday!

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456

If you do, you're awesome! Let me know if you do!

Dream big people :)

PS-if you're reading this, say hi! I know I have random readers out there...I'd like to hear from you!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

ELLEN! I haven't been watching the Days of Giveaways (haven't had time, not because I don't LOVE Ellen with all my heart) but apparently this year she is into pulling people's heartstrings and YANKING them because she's just kidding with these sob stories! Tricky, tricky Ellen! I was all involved in this poor army wife and then bam! Guess I should have been watching before. Also, sorry if that makes zero sense to anyone that also hasn't been watching. And shame on you, you should be watchng Ellen! She will make your day better, guaranteed.

Ok anyway, today was so great because I slept in a BED in my ROOM! Woooohooo! That's right people, I am the proud owner of a nneeewwww beeeedddd!!! (In the Price Is Right voice). So that is very exciting and I wanted to share. Now I just need some new pillows because the old ones are struggling.

In other news, my family is coming this weekend! Hooraaayyy! Now I'm going to get sushi. And remember when I went to Disney? That was awesome. Life is good.

Dream big people! :)