Christmas Tree:

Thanks to Paul's organization (with the help of his wife) I now have a Christmas tree! It is a great looking live tree. I haven't had one of those since Shels and I lived in Crest Hill and had the undertaking of tying it down to her little piece of a car. I was thinking about how to do such a thing myself this year when I was surprised yesterday by a tree with accessories delivered:)

So tonight begins the decorating. I'm might be playing Mariah Carey Christmas cd while doing so. I don't care what anyone says, that is one of the best Christmas albums ever.


Sidenote: I remember for a long time my mom's Christmas tree was all haphazard. There were random ornaments from random places, didn't match each other, etc. Not that this is necessarily bad, lots of people have trees like that but then all of a sudden in the last year or so she has tried to make a "classy" tree. She bought all these matching ornaments and ribbon. It looks nice...but now I kind of wonder where that felt rudolph with the bow tie ornament went - I always liked that one.

Going Home for Thanksgiving:

For some reason this break cannot get here fast enough. I have really needed some time off. Tomorrow I head home for Missouri. I'm looking forward to:

-No commute!

-Green bean casserole yet again

-Sleepover at Becky's

-Game night with HS friends

-Hanging out with the fam and making them listen to Xmas music

-Teaching my niece to say Aunt Tanya

Moment in History: Never before seen, Eli eating Taco Bell.  

Last night I got out all the Christmas CDs. I know its before Thanksgiving but I wanted to start early. I'm taking suggestions for this years Xmas Party Mix 06.

My afternoon off in AZ. After working all week before we headed home we got a few hours off. In honor of Jamie I photographed it. This was the view of the mountains right outside my hotel.  

I thought I'd walk to the "mall" for a bit. I changed my mind after I walked into this boutique and a graphic T was $108.  

The restaurant I actually went to by myself. You know I never do this but I was on my own for the afternoon and really wanted to eat at a place I we don't have up here so I went. It wasn't as bad as I thought, they had outdoor tables so I could people watch and read.  

The best chicken tortilla salad ever. 

Lastly reading by the pool. It was a brutal reality to come back to Chicago weather.  

Sad day for Hollywood:
I really thought this couple was going to make it, they were so cute. It's been the only gossip around the office I've actually made time for this week.