One More First

So, I dated a lot before I got married. Perhaps I use the term "dating" a little too loosely. I had lots of beaus. I did. They were nice - many of them more than nice.

However, Chris has put them and their romantic overtures to shame. He was the first boyfriend to take me away for a weekend... And now, we've got real New Year's Eve plans. We're getting dressed up and heading over to Chez Pierre for dinner. Then, we're going to a late play - a political satire. It could not be better.

Man, I think this marriage thing is growing on me.

Roughly 28 Hours

Till 2008 - a new year. I suppose I've been paying too much attention to the TV today - as every channel seems to be doing a year in review.

My family had a lovely Christmas - it was beautiful weather down south, even a little chilly. Since we got grades back - and yes, he passed everything - it's been so much calmer here in our little tree-top house. I feel like I can finally take a breath. I can totally (totally) get through the next two months until the Bar Exam. Remind me of this later.

I got an iPod Nano. After admonishing my mother-in-law that I didn't want a big (or little, for that matter) Christmas gift, I am now so overjoyed with my little iPod. I've wanted one for so long... and now I feel like I belong in my generation.

I can't believe that this year is finally drawing to a close. As much as I'm ready to put 2007 to bed, and with as much hope as I have for 2008 - I can't help to pause: 2007 was HUGE. Dude, I got married.

I used to take offense when I heard women say that this was the biggest day of their life. In the moments leading up to and immediately after my wedding day I was let down. That? That was the biggest day of my life? Wowsahs, I have so much to look forward to. It was really huge. It was really great - and what it represents, that I stood in front of God and my family and friends and pledged to be joined to another human for the rest of my life. DUDE.

Unemployment has continued to plague my family. While Chris was figuring out his path and finishing school he didn't work. Which meant that from day 1 of married life - we've been a one-income household. He paid me the best compliment the other day -- he told me I could stretch a penny better than anyone he knew, better than he thought I'd be able to learn. Getting through the past seven months has been daunting, but each day I wake up - and see my life, I smile. January 15th can't get here fast enough!

My grandmother passed away - the woman who I had hoped to learn so many more things... I was greedy. Of course, I find myself saying things or acting in ways that are so purely my grami I cannot help but giggle. I give unsolicited advice and coo at babies, make sure my car has more than enough gas, squirrel away dollars in a re-used plastic container, I pray. She is all around me - us - and I still thank her for giving me the opportunity to experience all this. Sickness, grieving, grace.

I'm so thankful that I like my job - that it's giving me the opportunity to be smart and creative. I'm still trying to jump hurdles and overcome challenges, but I really enjoy what I do. I'm so glad that I've been able to provide for my family.

I have received so many blessings - and so much hardship - and so much joy this year. I cannot help but to hope for 2008. It will be fantastic - with its own mix of blessings, hardship and joys - with its own lessons and new experiences and opportunities. My best to you and yours - Happy New Year!

Festive Us

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Is this for real?

Seriously?
I need a calendar of my favorite conservitave all-stars?
Supplied by the Clare Boothe Luce Foundation.
View it here.

So Poor, So Pitiful.

Last night, I got a comment on my blog (in response to my disgust with the humid weather in Tallahassee) that I was writing dribble - that I was sad, and pitiful.

WOW! That is like SO awesome! I swear, I now sort of identify with Dooce (she publishes her hater mail and it is hysterical!).

"I am sorry to have been alerted to review your blog. It is filled with such dribble and "poor me contments" I find it hard to believe that you still write such stuff. As if anyone cares how horrible your life was. You must work very hard at believing your own propaganda. Of course there is only you that believes your trite. poor you, so sad. so pitiful. "

a) the misspelling is totally his/hers
b) this totally beats the gay-hatemail I got, which was probably from one of my father's spurned lovers anyway.
c) Dude, you're sorry? ME TOO! Growing up with a borderline-personality mother is really the stuff good books are written about -- I need to start writing a book, not a blog! I would make a fortune. I could even have guest writers pen chapters - past friends and family explain their experiences with these crazy people! Oh my goodness, this is a great idea. THANKS!
d) I'm not the only one who believes Tallahassee is hot! Look at weather.com! That's why I put up the picture.

Anyway, that's my latest installment.
Whew, that felt incredible!

Thanks Simpsonville, South Carolina! What a great way to start the weekend!

Weather.

I've realized that I bitch about weather in Florida with surprising frequency.
However, seriously? This is ridiculous.

I can't stop.

I'm obsessed with being a foodie.
And I'm so not one -- but I read the food blogs which I equate to "food porn." I see beautiful recipes and gorgeous pictures and read about escapades making tomato confit or tiramisu cake... And I think: I can totally do that.

More often than not, I'm right. Sometimes. Even if it comes out a little different.
I'll admit it, I love to cook.


ps. Tonight I'm making truffles if anyone wants some.

Writers' Strike

Since the Strike, watching television with my husband is a complete annoyance.
He predicts the plot line (and twist) within the first five minutes.
I hate it.

I can't wait for the new 2008 season.

Effort x 2

I have trouble with Christmas. As a kid (heck, as a pre-teen), this season was my favorite time of year. Find me a kid who doesn't look forward to Silent Night and Santa Claus... It started with my Mom's birthday and continued with Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving which led to my Dad's birthday, Christmas, New Year's and my birthday. It was fantastic. Celebrations, happy times with family -- I loved it all.

Of course, Christmas turned into something different as I got older. There was never enough to please certain people and I'm not all that good with pressure. So, not to be a total downer, but this whole Chrissy-re-educates-herself-so-she-enjoys-Christmas-thing is tougher than I thought.

So, I am baking this Christmas, serious baking. We're talking truffles and biscotti and biscuits and flavored vodkas (the latest installment is ginger vodka to mix with fresh pear juice) and I'm sorta feeling the whole Christmas Spirit thing. And I'm enjoying it - I think. Presents are starting to appear below the tree and our house smells like evergreen thanks to a giant fresh wreath and I found my favorite pair of Christmas socks (a skiing santa).

Although all of this sort of makes me wish I was Jewish. I'd almost be done by now.

80 degrees

It is impossible to feel Christmas-y when it's 80 degrees plus outside. At noon.

I hit some biggies today -- Target, Michaels and Big Lots. It was actually fun dodging the carts, looking for the perfect ribbon and right wrapping paper. I watched Everyday Italian yesterday (while incredibly hungover) and came up with some Christmas gift ideas. Dude, I hope our families like carrots. Oh, and I now have a crush on Giada's kitchen.

I'll let you know how that goes.

Best Christmas Card

I've seen in a while....
The Southern Strategy Group has been sending this one out.
(Not that I agree with their politics, but points for panache folks!)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

How I Entertain Myself

And get K. laughing on a Sunday afternoon:
I found a new blog -- Mimi Smartypants.

Go. Go NOW!
You will not be disappointed.

excerpt:
TWO MORE THINGS AND THEN I HAVE TO GO MAKE A PIE OH MY GOD

1. The Chicago Sun-Times, a very mockable paper indeed, seems to have a new slogan---"Let's Get Into It." I wait for the bus near a Sun-Times vending box, and every morning now I feel all challenged and testy. You talkin' to me, Sun-Times? You want to get into it? Oh yeah, let's get into it. I have some things to say.

2. One of our aquarium fish has given birth and now there is an itty-bitty orange fish zooming around the tank. I blame myself. I neglected to keep the fish busy with afterschool programs and organized sports. I thought we had plenty of time to have that facts-of-life talk and that they teach that stuff in health class anyway. And now we reap the bitter harvest, my fish are Parents Too Soon. PAPA DON'T PREACH, I'M IN TROUBLE DEEP GLUB GLUB. We are all coping with the situation as best we can---Nora has named the little fish Hubert and is naively excited about the development, LT pours himself an extra bourbon and tries not to let on how disappointed he is, I yell into the tank about GODDAMMIT YOU NEED TO AT LEAST FINISH HIGH SCHOOL. Oh, and I also am sprinkling in some extra food and hoping that the teen mom does not decide to simply solve the problem by eating her baby. So far so good. Go Hubert!

---mimi smartypants cranberried your sauce.

ps. Craphonso is from Tallahassee. No freakin' joke.