So, it’s new year’s eve! I can’t believe 2010 is already upon us. Some are ready for the change, some aren’t, and some just want to party!

I am super grateful to have had a great 2009. I am getting older and my time is passing faster, but I am making the most of it. Funny how I never thought that would be! I hope for those who had struggles in 2009 that 2010 will bring change and happiness.  And to everyone I wish you a happy and healthy new year!

I started looking at the NYE celebrations that have already happened “today” and it made me realize how big the world is!  I always think of life in my time zone and never reflect on how awesome it is that there are millions of other lives going on a moment before or after mine.   When I get rich I would love to plan trips to NYE events all around the world year after year.  I have been in Japan for NYE but would love to go back; also, Australia, somewhere in England, New York, and Paris would be great places to visit!  Aaahh, a girl can dream, right?

I posted some videos below to get you in the NYE mood   Alright, go make your resolutions and toast in the new year! Cheers!

I love baking; cupcakes, pies, cookies, brownies, cakes, or any other sweet delight. I have started my holiday baking and so far three creations were awesome and one was…ugly. Big Top cupcake round one was unsuccessful.

I baked a rum cake for the local nursing home and it was fabulous! I had to test it to make sure I wasn’t sending over something yucky. I’ll admit I didn’t want to deliver it after the tasting haha!

Update:

I finished 2 more rum cakes. They are also fabulous! I might have made 2 without oil but I’m not sure if I’m admitting that yet.

All in all this was a successful year of baking. It is Christmas Eve and I am heading home from work soon to make some brownies and cupcakes. I am super grateful to have the time and means to bake, be with family, and enjoy life.

I wish you all happy holidays!

It surprises me when someone can be ungrateful 95% of the year, even during the holidays.  Soo…95% of their life they are ungrateful and complaining.  I can say I only know a few people like this and it is a shame to live like that.  That is a hard life and I don’t wish it upon anyone.  If I had a glass-half-empty way of looking at life I would be miserable – and I think those people are.

This brings me to a story – not a very nice one – about a person I invited into my small home because she had nowhere to go from a tarnished relationship.  We agreed my home could be a place she could stay until she got her life together.

My home is no Waldorf Astoria.  It is not a mansion.  It is not luxurious. It does not have a nice yard or fireplace.  But it is a place to rest my head.  It is good enough for anyone I know and better than the cold streets.

This person was delighted at first to have a place to go for a very minimum rent.  She pays a bit lower than I pay because I have more belongings inside.  But the other day I overheard her talking on the phone complaining how she can’t have friends over, how she can’t store mass amounts of groceries because of the lack of space, etc. – which her other half living in their old home does benefit.

Our partnership was never meant to be the return of Animal House.  I’m not sure what she wanted out of this but I told my family and friends it was like a half-way house for her.  We obviously didn’t communicate correctly.

She is correct that there is not much room in the kitchen, but there is enough room to store a month’s worth of food each.  And she had one of her man friends stay over about 10 times and I never was overly hospitable because he has a reputation of being a dirtball (and he didn’t flush the toilet one time) – but I never said he couldn’t come over. 

This person has never lifted a finger to clean one thing in the house in 8 months.  She has bought no paper towels and only 48 rolls of toilet paper (1-12pk & 1-36pk).  I’m not a nazi but I do remember the 2 times she has bought toilet paper and the one time she took the trash out LOL.

I have found countless “presents” that I have cleaned and never said a word.  One time I told her to hold down the toilet flusher and maybe flush twice because the toilet is old and she barked “I know, you just have to hold it down.”  No hun, you obviously don’t know because I cringe when I see the toilet cover down, wondering what’s in there.

Anywho – after 8 months she is finally STARTING to make plans with her old home, etc.  This should have been done on day 1…or at least month one.  She said she will be out by March so I am hoping I do not have to ask her to leave sooner or at that time.

Moral of this story = try to look at what you do have, instead of what you don’t.  If you have food, shelter, and love, you are doing mighty fine

Am I hypocritical when posting this complaint?  I am certainly blessed and if this is my only complaint I am doing fine

Remember to help your local church, food bank, nursing home, youth center, charity, or friends/family/strangers in need this holiday season if you can   Happy Holidays everyone!

haha! pic by nataliedee.com - this site is my favorite! go out and catch this attitude y'all!

* Other than gift buying all over town, I have been buying items to make special treats for everyone.  I am mostly making rum cakes this year.  I might squeeze in a boxed brownie or two though  

* It’s not too cold where I am, but it is cold enough.  This brings a good feeling to a lady who sweats 90% of the year (shhhh, we’ll keep that fact to ourselves).

* My lights are up and Miss Lextra Dirty gave me a pre-lit tree I put up outside the house.  I have yet to put my tree up inside but I will shortly.

* Well, i’m off to wrap, sort, and enjoy the holiday season.  I’ll post a pic of the rum cake when it’s done!  Happy holidays everyone!

* Oh! And I’m watching Elf right now…Again…Happy Holidays! 

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I have watched Elf 6 7 times since Halloween.  That movie really put me in the mood, especially because I have a trip planned to “a magical land called New York City.”  I will be watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live this year!

I will definitely be busy until the New Year, but mostly with family and friends.  I can’t believe this year has nearly passed.

Things to do before Christmas:

-Go to NYC and have a Fabulous time!
-Bake a lot of sweets. Yum!
-Buy presents for my huge family!
-Enjoy the weather.

“You smell like beef and cheese. You don’t smell like Santa.”
All quotes are from Elf.

(and we are hated )

The second picture is of the IT pumpkin and my other house pumpkin.  The IT pumpkin actually looks nice compared to the alien.  Scuuurrry!

Happy Halloween Everyone!