Thanksgiving Recap

I only had to work Monday and Tuesday last week, so I devoted Wednesday to putting up the Christmas tree and decorating the house for the holidays. I had planned to deck out the kitchen in all things gingerbread people, but after looking at how much gingerbread crap I actually have, I vetoed the idea. I don't want to be saddled with putting it all back in storage after Christmas is over. Yeah, I'm lazy.

Mom and I spent Thanksgiving Day in Springfield with my brother Bart, my sister-in-law Dawn, my nephews Garett and Cameron, and Dawn's mother, Pat. Pat graciously invited us to her home for a wonderful meal of turkey (of course!), stuffing, corn, sweet potato casserole (our contribution), cranberry sauce, rolls, and blackberry pie. After eating, we just sat around and talked, and I spent time playing with Pat's new, 9 week old black and white kitten Patches.

Isn't he adorable? I wanted to take him home.

The rest of my Thanksgiving break was spent taking it easy. I started reading Stephen King's new novel (11/22/63), watched a couple of movies and some stuff I had on DVR, and cheered on the Blues as they beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2, the Calgary Flames 2-0, and the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1I even managed to get a few Christmas gifts bought and/or ordered. Go me!

18 more work days til Christmas break.

Christmas Tree 2011

The Walking Dead: Mid-Season Finale

I don't want to give away too many details if you haven't seen it yet, but I now know why Hershel has been such a jerk about wanting Rick and company to leave his farm. He knew something crucial about the missing girl, Sophia, all along, yet deliberately withheld that information from those who were looking for her. Selfish, cold-hearted bastard.

I wish the zombies would eat Shane already. I can't freaking stand that psycho.

Brain Droppings, Part Two

Bits and pieces of randomness...

1. I had my baseline mammogram on Nov. 11. To my immense surprise (and relief), it was not at all uncomfortable or painful. The results? Everything is normal.
2. The St.Louis Blues fired head coach Davis Payne on Nov. 7 and replaced him with Ken Hitchcock. I'll admit this took me (and many other Blues fans) by surprise; we thought the organization would give Payne, like Andy Murray before him, more time to get back on track. Guess they weren't playing around. So far under Hitchcock, the Blues are 4W-1L-2OT. Not too shabby. My brother Bart, best friend Kelly, and I traveled to St.Louis on Nov. 12 to see the Blues beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-0. My boy, TJ Oshie, scored a beautiful empty net goal in the second period. Kelly pointed out that he has scored a goal in every game we've attended in person. Coincidence? I think not.
3. I'm totally addicted to The Walking Dead and American Horror Story. Hands down, two of the most graphic, downright bizarre shows in the history of television. I tried watching Walking Dead during the first season but, for some reason, just couldn't get into it. When it appeared on streaming Netflix, I decided to give it another shot and found myself hooked. I love the characters (well, not Shane because he's an ass), the suspense, the creepy zombies, and the plot twists. As for American Horror Story, I became intrigued after it was featured in Entertainment Weekly, so I caught the first three episodes on Xfinity On Demand and was blown away by what a mind freak it really is. It's hard to describe what's going on in the infamous "Murder House"- you just have to see it for yourself.
4. I'm seriously considering going back to school next fall to earn a certificate in medical transcription. I'd like to have a reliable career back-up ready should I have to leave my current position as a special ed. teacher assistant, either due to layoffs or loss of benefits. If neither situation occurs (fingers crossed), I figure I can still use the certificate by doing medical transcription work part-time (ideally from home).

I Now Know Why Puppies Are So Darned Cute

It's to prevent you from strangling them when they piss on your living room carpet 8 times in one weekend. Or when they poop on one of your living room rugs 30 seconds after you bring them back in the house after having them outside to go potty.

I adore my brother's chocolate lab pup "Doc", I really do, but damn. Spending my weekend dealing with his toilet accidents- not to mention his hyperactivity- is the last thing I want to do after working all week.

If my brother expects Mom or I to puppy-sit while he's out deer hunting over the next few weeks, he's going to have to bring his kennel. I hate the idea of kenneling Doc, but Christmas is coming up and I don't want to have to deal with him chewing on the gifts, the extension cords, and/or the tree.

Mr. Bean Is A Bad Influence

A nativity scene just isn't a nativity scene without a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Too bad I don't have the robot and army tank to complete the look.

April 15, 1909- November 18, 2011

Rest in peace, Great-Great-Aunt Anna. You had an amazing 102 years here on Earth and will be greatly missed by everyone who loved you. I hope God is prepared for your antics, you cheeky old gal

Pretty Accurate, Except For The "New Habit" Part

If I gain any more weight, none of my clothes are going to fit. *shudder* I need to quit eating, period. Or at least drop a few lbs. before the holiday feeding frenzy begins so I can break even.