12 Days

I think it's only fitting that I start the 12 Days of Christmas on the 12th day of the 12th month in 2012.  In fact, I'm counting on this to be lucky.

The 12 Days are really about reflecting over the year and seeing what was really important and made a difference in my life.  Plus, I'm just a sucker for a count down and getting to do one for 12 days is my favorite creative outlet.  The fact that I haven't planned this one at all, and only decided to do this at eight this morning makes it even more fun.

Let the 12 Days begin...

12 Things I Want for Christmas

1. For Blake to be healthy and happy.  More than anything, I just want him to feel better and get rid of the virus.  If I could wish for this 12 times I would, but that might be a little boring for you.
2. Peace of mind.  See above.
3. More time to write... uninterrupted.
4. More time to read.
5. Health.  I'm done wishing for skinny.  I just want to make sure I'm here to see grandkids someday.
6. A new phone.  This one is dying a slow death, and my phone is my lifeline.
7. A weekend vacation with Toby.  We're in need.
8. Season 1 of Revenge on DVD.
9. Happiness.
10. A girl's night out
11. To finish my book.
12. For Toby to find a new job.  Or happiness of his own.  Whichever comes first.  Both would be great.

That's it.  I know I really don't need anything because I'm really blessed, but I am trying to start thinking of things I need instead of just taking care of myself.  Yes, I'm aware the first and last ones are out of my control.  

The rest... well, I can certainly do something about those.

Happy 12 Days to all, and to all a good night.

Revenge

It somehow doesn't seem like a good thing to be grateful for revenge, but if loving revenge is wrong I don't wanna be right.

Like, ever.

And the fact that they have it on Sunday night which is pretty much the one night I need a show, my show, to be on... well that's just divine intervention.

I mean, really.  Does it get better than this?  Today, and every day, I am grateful for Revenge.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I really have to go before it comes on!

Have a fabulous week!

I Heart Fall

Shocking, I know.

But today was the bomb (yes, I still say that), and for the first time in a while, I was happy from beginning to end.  So happy I felt like writing.  So many things to be happy about...

Surprise flowers and jewelry waiting for me at work.  And no, I'm not having an affair.

Done with work at Noon.

Leaving Ashley in charge of Monday learn to skate.  Seriously, sharing the stress is definitely going to be my new mantra, and why I didn't think of it sooner is beyond me.

Watching Y & R while eating lunch.  Technically weight watchers frowns upon such things, but I'm not going to give up a moment like this.

Making P-Dub's Roast Chicken for dinner.  I swear Toby and the boys were downright drooling by the time it was done.  If you've never made chicken like this before, make it tonight for dinner.  Hands down, the best dinner we've had in a long time.

And now I settle down to watch a little tv, and while the repeats of Criminal Minds always call to me, I had to go with The Voice tonight.  Honestly, I love it when the networks start showing the new Fall shows.



So, as I sit here and write, I started to think about all the shows coming up, old and new, that kept me up at night.  Okay, tv's not the reason I have insomnia, but hey, it's fun to blame something.

So here is my line up for the Fall TV Season:

1.  I've already mentioned the first one, The Voice.  I have equal crushes on Blake and Adam.  And sometimes there is good singing.

2.
Last year's addiction, Revenge, is now moving to Sundays.  They could move it to Saturday morning at 3 am, and I'd still find a way to watch it.  Absolutely my favorite show in a long time, and I can't wait for the season premier.  The fact that they're making us wait till September 30 to see it, doesn't quite seem fair.  Sigh...

3.   One of the best. shows. ever. when it comes to families and relationships.  Love the characters, the witty banter, and best of all, I get a good cry at least once a week.  P.S.  It starts tomorrow!!

4. I know many of you might be cringing, but I can't help it.  Blake and I have never missed a season.  Yes, we'll miss an episode every now and again, but thankfully it's On Demand.
Survivors? Go!

5.  Out of all the new shows, this one might have the most promise.  Great story line, great cast, and well, I do love me some country music.

So there, that's my list.

What will you be watching this Fall?

Friday Fun

Seeing as how I am still reading my Friday Reads choice from about a month ago, I'd say it's time to move forward with something else right now.  And I don't know about you, but I am in need of some FUN in life.  This all work and no play is for the birds.  Angry birds, that is.

So, yes, I am still reading Lost and Found, and really do love it.  Sadly, I just don't have the time or inclination to read often right now.  I have figured out that when I am this busy at work, I really have to just do NOTHING on down time.  Nothing is good.  Nothing allows me to watch Revenge and Modern Family and maybe a little Y & R every now and then.

I was looking on a few of my favorite websites yesterday and came across 5 Loves and a Dud over on Chick Lit is Not Dead.  First of all, I love any of these questionnaires that can tell us more about the people we are reading.  I almost feel like I know them after reading something like that.  And of course, I always want to write one of these myself.  So my Friday Fun is about 5 Loves and a Dud.

5 Loves:

1. Down time.  I have to say, if there is anything I have learned to love in the past two months, it's a little down time.  Unfortunately, I haven't experienced it enough lately, but when I do, it's literally the best part of my week.  Sad, I know.  The biggest problem I have is when I do have an occasional moment to myself, I can't unwind or relax.  I will always be a work in progress I guess.
2. Inappropriate Thursdays.  Yes, I said it, and I pray that no one at Corporate reads this blog.  For whatever reason, things will get a little raunchy at work on those days and we will sit and giggle like 12 year-olds about the stupidest things.  For instance, yesterday Debbie was desperate to fit the word tongued into her Words with Friends game, which led us to a discussion of whether it was even a word (it is!), and then of course we had to fit it into a sentence.  Not pretty, and I'm sure I revealed too much, but boy did we giggle.  I'm giggling thinking about it now.

3. Sunday Comfort Meals.  There is something to be said about working all day on Sunday, then coming home to a glass of wine and preparing a meal that will comfort old and young.  A few weeks ago I made sausage lasagna roll ups, and it was the most heavenly experience.  It makes it all okay, and I find myself ready to face the week a little better then.  Mmmmm, love comfort meals.

4. Going to Movies.  Here is another thing I just don't do enough.  I love, love, LOVE, going to movies.  It is one thing that never disappoints me.  Even if the movie is just okay, I still have the popcorn.  I loved the hushed theater.  I love thinking about how the writers, directors, and editors worked behind the scenes to create the movie.  I love it all.  And then when there's a movie with Ryan Gosling?  Wow... I think that says it all.

5. Books.  I can't explain my obsession with books.  It is the one true thing in my life that has been a constant since I was a kid... besides the whole skating thing.  They comfort me in a way I can't describe, but I'll try.  We all know I'm not reading much right now, but it hasn't stopped me from weekly trips to the library and scouring the web for new books.  I want to see what's coming out, who's writing what, and what's popular.  I keep checking books out thinking my down time will consist of reading an entire book in one sitting.  Not so much, but it's not for lack of trying. 

One Dud

1. Guilt.  Nothing can ruin a mood, moment, or life even, than a giant plate of guilt.  Maybe it's a woman thing or a Catholic thing, but I have been guilty my whole life, and quite frankly, I'm sick of it!  I know I will never be "guilt-free", but I am trying to manage it a little bit better.  I am caring a little less about what other's think, which is #1 in the Guilt Commandments.  I'm just trying to figure out what I like and letting go of the baggage of my thoughts.  Stop laughing... I'm really trying. 

So there you have it... 5 Loves and a Dud on a Fun Friday.

I hope you can have a Fun Friday too!