Traditions

As a family, we used to be really big on Christmas traditions, but, as the kids have gotten older and my dad has moved from the Griswold house into a respectable neighborhood, our out of control lights have stopped and the day o' baking is no more.


But, my dad is crazy proud of me because I was out all by my little self putting up lights last week. Like a boss!

I sent this to a friend and was quickly reprimanded for doing it alone. Oops.

THOSE LIGHTS AREN'T TWINKLING, CLARK!

But, one tradition that has remained, is ornaments. My dad and mom were huge on sentimental ornaments and my dad always seems to find an ornament when he's on vacation or something. Somehow, this has worn off onto me. If I find one that reminds me of someone, I will buy it--whether it is Christmas or not and hang onto it until the holidays. 

Last year I bought my dad a donut one because when I was a kid he took me to the local donut shop on my way to school every single day. I also got my friend an Eiffel Tower ornament because she was going to Paris.

This year, I hit the jackpot at Pottery Barn ornament and scored some lovelies for my family.

Double decker bus for my cousin who's moving to England.

Lady Liberty for the stepmom since we went to NYC

(not pictured, an airplane for my dad, the pilot) (don't worry, they don't read my blog) 

And in continuing the holiday spirit, I let Butchie meet his nemesis:

And one of my new favorite traditions, hanging with these gals.

TPG, me and Heidi. Love them!!

What are some of your holiday traditions?

Merry Christmas y'all!

On bravery, and "bringing it home!"

2012 has certainly been a doozy of a year. I am a very social person, and it is very hard for me to be alone and to do things alone. But, this is the year I've done it.

I've opera'ed alone. I've heard the people sing alone. I have even gone to the movies alone--which for me is the scariest. I don't know why.

Last night there was a concert I was dying to see.

FINALLY

I've been trying to see the Ramin Karimloo in his London concerts for a year--once I even HAD tickets but we ended up getting waylaid and I missed the show.  I have seen him on the West End multiple times and even at Royal Albert Hall once--he's my jam. Musical theatre kid turned folk singer. LIKE ME! If you know me at all, you know bluegrass and folk are in my soul--totally attributed to my Irish and Kentucky moonshiner roots. Not to mention that he can rock some showtunes--boy is my JAM.

I debated not going, surely I could see him in London or New York or SOMETHING. But, I mean, what are the odds he'd ever be in Dallas again?! I had no date and really, really wanted to share the night with someone--anyone. (I was actually meant to have a date, but it fell through) But, I strapped on my brave face and headed out for a night of "broadgrass" (Broadway and bluegrass, get it?!). Even the little usher chick was concerned that I was alone.

At least I looked like this.

And I did fight back tears--for multiple reasons--but, once he started? Once I was transported back to Her Majesty's and Royal Albert Hall when he sang Music of The Night? When I was once again fifth row at The Queen's listening to his "Godddd onnnn highhhhhhh"--when that happened, I was at peace. Alone, but happy.

(please excuse the crappy iphone shots, I was too stressed to remember to bring my fancy camera--duh SP, DUH)

"He is young, he's afraid...."

Texting my bestie, Ro during the show and I laughed for a solid ten minutes. She gets me.

Jammin'. 

Having a chat to the audience. 

You know I love me a banjo. 

So, as 2012 comes to an end, I look back on this as the year that I was brave. The year I saw a zillion concerts, plays and movies that I wanted to, because I wanted to and I do not want to live a boring life in front of my TV. I want to experience! Even if I am alone.

Well, until, he comes to my rescue.

I CAN'T STOP WITH LES MIS I JUST CAN'T.

(Jean ValJackman on set pic from here)
(also, I'm pretty proud of my Jean ValJackman term. Copyrighted by SP 2012, yo)

Daniel Day Lewis for the win

So, a really long ass time ago, I saved The Last of The Mohicans into my Netflix instant que because I absolutely adore that movie, but, it's one of those "must be in the mood to watch" types, ya know?

A few days ago, I decided I was strong enough to watch it. Bring on early 90s Daniel Day Lewis! Welp, Netflix took it away and although I wanted my DDL fix something fierce, I absolutely did not want to watch My Left Foot, or The Crucible, so, I just sulked like an angry child. Eventually deciding that I would just go buy the DVD.

I had a pretty craptastic weekend, lots of tears, lots of heartache, lots of pain, and on Sunday, all I wanted was a fire, some cider and freaking Mohicans. After hunting all of God's green earth, I finally found it on BluRay but the DVD refused to work. I cried.

Deciding to be a technie genius I sought out to download Amazing Instant Video onto my TV. And that didn't work.

So I cried some more.

Then, eventually, whilst watching my husband Hugh on 60 Minutes (LES MIS OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG I CANNOT EVEN OMG) Amazon suddenly decided to work! Huzzah!

After more tears, remote control throwing and Diet Coke drinking, I finally had fancy pants Amazon Instant Video on my TV and got to watch The Last of The Mohicans and cry even more with his "I will find you. No matter how long or how far away, I will find you." oh DDL, you slay me every single time!!

So, that, my friends, is how Daniel Day Lewis made me insane, but resulted in my TV being the coolest ever.

Now, I have a huge TV with endless movie and TV episode watching abilities, where are the damn men? (well, men who aren't mute half donkeys or dirty peasant wankers....sigh...)

Helllllllooooo....?!

Love actually is, all around

Tonight TPG and I are going to see Love Actually. Never you mind that it was in the theaters 9 years ago--one of our local indie places is showing it so naturally I am all over it.

It's one of my all time favorite movies--I think it's everyone's all time favorite movie.

This weekend is the Dallas Marathon, which, I will always refer to as White Rock, so, let's just make peace with that now--and two years ago, at the White Rock expo, I met my bloggy friend TPG for the first time. And I am grateful for that every single day. I've had some of the best times with her over the last few years and I am 100% certain that we were put in each others lives for a reason. (mostly cheese, crazy cat pictures and Home Depot runs at 8:30PM)

So, it's fitting that tonight, while we're both battling our Scrooge McGrinch (I know, my Griswold side had y'all fooled!) we're going to get the shit kicked out of us by love. And Colin Firth, obviously.

Source: movieoftheday.tumblr.com via Shabby on Pinterest

And, this:



My wee little broken heart could use some love, so, I am very much looking forward to a night with my best girl and my favorite Brits!

What's your favorite part of Love Actually?

"Those lights aren't twinkling, Clark"

I'm not a competitive person--never have been. Don't really care about board games, I'm not the person you want for a trivia night, or a three legged race. I just don't really care. Sure, I give my all to my running, dancing, marathoning nonsense, but, that is individual--see, I'm a loner--sad face.


Not the point.

Point is, my neighborhood has started a Christmas lights decorating contest. And suddenly, I am the most competitive person you will ever meet. I HAVE GOT TO WIN. My 'hood is fairly Grinch-tastic, so, I don't think I have too much competition, but I plan on skulking around and eyeing the rest of the houses tonight. Because that's not creepy at all.


Bestie That Pink Girl took me to Home Depot last night and that's pretty much where I went over to the bad place in terms of buying ALL THE LIGHTS.

So, here's what we currently have:

Here's the goal:

And this, my friends, THIS, is how I'm going to win:

Yes, yes that is a light up boxer. Y'ALL!!! I am soooooo going to win.

(I also plan on white TWINKLE icicle lights, white netting in the bushes and maybe some snowflakes?) (it's all about a consistent theme here, kids)

Oh, and here's my wee pretty little Charlie Brown tree, just cause I like my wee little tree.

Anyone have any tips for my crazy Griswold goal? Any of y'all ever gone over to the bad place too?

(Griswold house pic from here)

Glitter-ific!

Everyone needs a little glitter in their life--glitter makes everything better, don't you agree?

Luckily, my bestie That Pink Girl "gets" me and gave me ALL THE GLITTER for my birthday.

Glitter iPhone cover

And glitter tumbler in PINK, duhhhhh. (the beagle wasn't a gift, I already had her)

But these... these are a whole other realm of glitterific fabulousness.

Le swoon.

I think I will save my little pennies and buy them for my wedding to Mr. Jackman. Very "Aussie marries a cute redheaded Texan", right?

This is my point.

What's you're favorite color? Is it glitter? ;)

It's Great to be 28

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday! I spent mind jamming around New York City with family and friends which was just delightful but I am super happy to be home.

Yesterday was my birthday and I spent it flying home and then my bestie That Pink Girl came over for tacos and queso and then I did my traditional viewing of Les Mis 25th and started to decorate my house for Christmas. I still have loads to do, but, tis the season and all!

Our first night in the city, I forced my family up to 45th to see my favoritest favorite play on Broadway--Once. OH MY GOD I FORGOT HOW GOOD IT WAS. I'm seriously obsessed with this play and so glad I saw it last spring when it opened and that I got to see it again. I could literally see this every single day, it's so special. My family hated it, of course, but, it was my birthday gift to myself and all I really wanted. Well, besides Hugh Jackman.

I did my traditional Patti LuPone stalking, of course. 

On Thanksgiving day, my Madrid sister, Christy and I ditched the parade and marched over to a little Ukrainian restaurant for cheese blintzes and French toast and catch up. We need to see each other monthly or we have withdrawals, I swear!!

After breakfast we went to see Anna Karenina--so, clearly we continued our little Soviet Bloc day in New York City, ha! I personally loved the film! I hadn't read the book, but the film was different, lovely and unique--just divine! And the costumes! Oh the costumes! And Kiera Knightley was just ethereal. My favorite thing ever though, Christy says "It is a sin to make Jude Law so unattractive!". WORD. 

The kiddos had waaaaay too much Thanksgiving fun! From the time I went to the bathroom and came back, Jackie had passed out on the table. Naturally, we all took pictures and posted them online. Because that's what family does!

After dinner, we went to see The Radio City Christmas Spectacular--which was, of course, spectacular. I felt like I was cheating on my niece, but, it was really fun. 

Following day, aka Black Friday I took my sister to Central Park to go skating. 

The Plaza, natch. No tea this time, but, we got to wander past.

Skating sisters!

To finish off Broadway Birthday Hoopla we saw Annie, which, oh my gosh! So great!

Saturday the girls went skating again, and I took my stepmom up 5th.

Where we spent several hours in Burberry, of course!

Kate Middleton coat in black! NEED

The Omega window display on 5th. Daniel Craig, my love.

The Broadhurst. My favorite theatre on Broadway for obvious reasons! (it's where Les Mis once showed and where we saw HUGH!)

 On Saturday, we celebrated my birthday at John's Pizzeria on 44th and had a lovely time. My dad was joking that I was all dressed up for PIZZA. It's my damn birthday and I wanted pizza!

Boobs. Oops.

Birthday cupcakes from Magnolia. I didn't know there were candles and took a bite early--oops.

Traditional pose with the Phantom. And yes, I block out Christine. If I can't have him, no one can!

I ended the night out with my favoritest Ginger ever and we had waaaay too much fun, catching up with old friends in the East Village and then dancing our faces off in Midtown. Was a great way to ring in 28!

And the absolute BEST part of the weekend and my birthday? Getting this text from my bestie girl Sara--this is Mac's first Chipotle. Which, if you know her and I at all, you know that Chipotle is our mecca. So, Mac will not only remember my birthday but he'll know it was the best day of his life EVER!

Anyways, I hope you all had a great holiday and let's bring on Christmas!!!

xoxox

Thankful

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving. A holiday I've never been a fan of because it always got in the way with my birthday (yup, I'm selfish) and well, as a girl who has struggled with her weight and appearance since birth, a holiday dedicated to food isn't ever going to be fun for me. Just let me have my apple pie and Diet Coke and I'm happy.

Also, you haven't lived until your father has put birthday candles in a turkey. You're welcome.

There have been a lot of crappy things this year, a lot that I am not thankful for, but, also plenty of things that I am thankful for.

I got to go to Madrid and run a marathon with Christy. I spent two weeks catching up with my Canuck, Rachel.

I went back to London with my cousin.

I spent time with amazing friends.

My best friend had a baby! I got to snuggle said baby.

I went to Maine and saw my Loves.

I collected ALL THE PASSPORT STAMPS.

I am thankful for all of you that have held my hand, dried my tears, made me laugh, upheld me and just been there. Thank you. Thank you--from the bottom of my cold, dark, Grinchy heart.

One Day More (I'm screaming)

There is nothing I can say other than:

OH MY SWEET BABY JESUS. You can probably hear my screams from your house.

Hugh. Russel. Helena. Sacha. I JUST AM ACTUALLY DYING.



(new Les Mis trailer featuring my favoritest song One Day More)

YOU GUYS

(MORE SCREAMING)

McDreamy Moment

When I get bored, or depressed, or lonely, or whatever, I tend to hop onto Netflix and re-watch old seasons of my one time favorite shows.

Currently, my house is all about some early seasons of Grey's Anatomy. Having a major McDreamy Moment these days.

But, I mean, how could you not?

Patrick Dempsey aka McDreamy

The hair. Just, the hair.

I've morphed into a total hair snob (take note, Hugh, I like you best with your longer Wolverine-esque hair) (also, what's up Bradley Cooper).  It's a real problem.

This is probably the only short haired man I'm loving right now.

Damian Lewis aka Nicolas Brody

Something about him being a redheaded Brit or whatever. Homeland for the win.

What are your favorites on Netflix? Who is your McDreamy?

(I have nothing else to talk about, leave me alone) (you know you don't mind looking at these guys)

(pictures from here and here)

La via en Grinch

This is me.

Source: google.com via Shabby on Pinterest

Every year.

Always.

And this year I am sure will be even worse. But, I am going to make a serious effort to counter that this year, to not be so Scroogey Grinchy. After all, I've a lot to be thankful and grateful for. I have friends that keep me laughing, family that truly "gets" me. A roof over my head and showtunes in my heart. I'm lucky.

And as I write this, I am jamming to my Harry Connick, Jr Christmas Pandora station, sipping a cider (holla Starbucks!) and buying ALL THE THINGS for my post Christmas pond hop. If that doesn't get me in the holiday spirit, nothing will!

(fully aware that it's November and I'm just skipping Thanksgiving, so sue me)

What are some of your favorite ways to feel festive?

November, November

Evidently, it's November. Or, so my calendar tells me. Wtf, 2012?! Seriously, this year, whoa (said in Joey Lawrence voice--y'all know you heard it).

Anyways. My birthday is in November. The 25th to be exact (start planning, kids). I was actually due on my big sister's birthday in January--which is why we're the same person--but, because I have always been going 17,000 miles a minute I just couldn't wait and landed my poor mother in the hospital two months early.

I could write some big soliloquy about what this year has meant and what the next year will hold and all that, but, mehhhh, not today. I'm sure one of those posts will appear, don't worry, but, until then, let's discuss the things I want for my birthday, yes? Because it's Nordstrom's semi annual sale and also, you know, materialism for the win!!

(I have no shame)

Source: society6.com via Shabby on Pinterest

Isn't that the cutest thing? I need it.

Or this one, duh.

Source: society6.com via Shabby on Pinterest

J Crew is my crack.

Source: jcrew.com via Shabby on Pinterest

I have this jacket in camel that I bought five years ago and wear it all.the.time, so, clearly I need this one too. I know I'll get my money worth! Y'all, it's seriously the best J Crew purchase I've ever made.

Burberry. The end.

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Shabby on Pinterest

I've waxed poetic about this cast before, but, this can't be downloaded on American iTunes, so, I'm requesting my UK friends to buy me this and send it my way--one item on my list? Check!

Source: amazon.co.uk via Shabby on Pinterest

But, let's be clear, this is what I really want.

Source: lesmis.com via Shabby on Pinterest

The only man who's managed to make Jean Valjean downright HOT. Sweet jesus, is it Christmas yet?

Have y'all started on your Christmas lists? What do y'all want? Who wants to go halvsies and buy Hugh Jackman with me? Surely we could pay him off, yes?