In 2009

I will....

...Lose 10-ish pounds (bonus points if it's before family Florida trip in February... I can do it... I think)

...Feel better about me (because, let's be honest, I'm pretty awesome, right?).

...Finally re-do the upstairs bathroom (it's the bane of my existence. I pretend it doesn't exist. Until we have overnight guests. Then I remember that I'm schlepping them up to a 1990s ghetto bathroom and I feel bad.)

...Write more (and, more often. And, maybe, you know, send out a manuscript or two).

...Grow professionally.

...Actually speak in Italian on a semi-regular basis (this scares me).

...Hopefully add to le royal family.

...Become more crafty.

...Be happy.

What will you do in 2009?

(you will of course, keep me honest and help me stick to these, no?)

Happy New Year lovelies! Hope you have a magical New Year's Eve!

I will probably be in bed by 9:30. (don't judge) I'm a tired little girl. Family entertaining for a week is hard work.

xoxo,
SP

When I'm having a bad day, I ....

Eat loads of Indian food, drown my senses with Trish McEvoy # 9, and smear my mascara with big crocodile tears.

Yup, it's been that kind of day kids.

You ever have those days where you feel all snappy, you slept well, and you're going to kick a** at work, maybe even leave early to go for a run and test out your new shoes (because boss is gone and so is big boss man)?

And then you get to work and it all comes crashing down around you?

Yup. Yup. Yup.

And, I ate to much lunch. Who knew that there was such a thing as too much curry?

But, it's not all bad: I get to go to Target after work. I feel that I deserve it.

And, I smell delish, so, that helps.

What do we do on a boring Monday?

Besides paint our nails at our desk, eat chocolate croissants and not go to the gym (it's closed, kids)? Nothing. No work. Noope (not really, I've got a stack of papers I'm proof reading).

Yup, I ate a chocolate croissant that my boss force fed me (OK, she force fed it to me as much as she force fed me the gelato). And it was soooo good. And, when I lamented about "I'm trying to lose weight" she replied "That's what January is for. It's December."

I love her.

I love my Nike Plus iPod and new running shoes too (thanks, Santa!). They'll help me determine how many calories of that lovely croissant I burn when I go running. Key word: when. Ha. funny. They're still in the box. They look so pretty. I can't get them dirty!

How was your Christmas? What did you get?

Buon Natale!

That's Merry Christmas in Italian! Slacker SP has not signed up for next semesters class because she's kinda sorta shy on the $$ and waiting until pay day. I have always been good with $$, but, this holiday has done me in. Entertaining is expensive!

Anyways, I have been busy shopping, decorating, watching movies, running (yay!), trying to avoid missing my mama, not thinking about December 22nd and being a semi festive little elf.

I'm sure everyone else is busy too!

I just wanted to wish all my bloggy friends a very Merry Christmas. I enjoy you all so much and have loved "getting to know" you all via your blogs. Thank you for your kind comments and amazing friendship. Thank you all for so much.

I hope this holiday finds you with joy, happiness, family and love. And may 2009 be a blessed year for you.


Merry Christmas!

xoxo,
SP

Can I keep it?

I am currently holding hostage* darling M family's carseat in hopes that a le bambino will magically appear in it (Santa?).

If not, I am willing to babysit darling baby Z and her furry sister Minnie at any time.

(*And, I'm not really holding the carseat hostage. They're visiting family and I get to pick them up from the airport after Christmas, thus necessitating the use of a carseat. )

Or, I could just strap it in my car and drive around and feel all cool because my kid is at daycare. Or something.

I haven't had any caffeine. And, it's Friday. I have issues.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Did I just make you start humming that song? Cause I am. Stuck in my head. That, and that song about sleigh bells. I swear. And, I'm le grinch. Who woulda thought?

Preppy Pettit tagged me for this lovely holiday meme, which is quite timely since I spent a good 3 hours wrapping presents last night (and I'm not done! --this explains why I am broke!). So, happy holidays y'all (and you thought I was going to stay all Grinch-y....wait until next week kids, I'll go back to grumpy. Family + no sleep + the 22nd = no bueno):

1. What is/are your favorite Christmas Movie(s)?: Christmas Vacation is pretty fabulous. But, my favorite "Christmas movie" isn't really a Christmas movie, we just always watched it while making cookies and whathaveyou-- Little Women (I love Christian Bale). I can't bring myself to watch it anymore, but, I do love that movie. And, clearly, Love Actually is one of my all time favorite best feel good happy movies ever.

2. Favorite Christmas Song?: Umm.. I don't know. Probably Jingle Bell Rock. Or Oh Come all Ye Faithful because I know parts of it in l'italiano, which makes me feel awesome. I'm also a big fan of What Child if This--or, if you're Dwight--"That was Greensleeves, an English folk song about the beheaded Anne Boleyn" (sorry, can't resist an Office quote). All Christmas songs are fantastic. I'm totally the person who would listen to Christmas songs in July.

3. Favorite Holiday Memory?: Making cookies, popcorn balls, fudge (!) and various other treats with my mom while watching Little Women and laughing. Good times...

4. What is your favorite cookie/treat to make?: Spritz cookies mean Christmas. I lost my spritz press, so, I'm a wee bit peeved about that because SP wanted to make them this weekend. Sad.

5. Have you ever made an igloo?: Negatory. I'm a beach dweller! Although, I have always wanted a white Christmas--just once, that's all I'm asking for!

6. Do you love Starbucks?: Not a coffee drinker. And we all know that SP is cheap, so, she ain't spending $4 on hot chocolate.

7. What makes the perfect Snowman?: All snowmen (and women) are perfect.

8. Not sure what happened to #8 so we'll move on..

9. Best gift you have ever received?: Ohh, Remy, my llama. That's right, I had a llama.

10. What is the snowman's name on Rudolph?: Would you judge me if I told you I've never actually seen Rudolph?

11. Silver or Gold?: Why are we getting so picky here? Can't we have both?

12. What is your favorite Christmas decoration?: Lights! Greenery! Presents! (wait, do presents not count?)

13. What's your Christmas decorating style?: It's funny that anyone thinks I would have a "style"

14. Do you hang stockings?: Yes, but we're waiting for my fam to bring the stockings. We don't have our own because we've always been home at Christmas. Oh, and, first house with a fireplace (yahoo!).

15. How many days do you celebrate Christmas?: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

16. What was your favorite ornament on the tree as a child?: I don't remember.... I know that there was this moose ornament that I thought was the coolest. He had a wreath around his neck. But, was he my favorite? I don't know.

17. Where will you be spending this Christmas?: At home! In Texas. Yay!

18. When do you open presents?: We open a few on Christmas Eve, but, we open everything else on Christmas morning--after Santa comes and all.

19. Real tree or artificial?: Well, if husband and I had our way, we'd have a fake one (we're low maintenance types), but, since the fam is coming, it's real. And it's a total Charlie Brown tree.

20. Is there any chance you'll have a white Christmas?: That would be fantastic!!! But, doubtful...

21. Who do you have the hardest time finding a gift for?: My dad. So, solution? He's getting like 2 gifts. If he's not going to tell us his wish list, he ain't gettin' anything. We're non discriminatory like that.

See, I'm not so much of a Grinch after all! Can you believe it?

Is it Friday yet?

What are your favorite holiday traditions??

Current Clothing Lust

Please, Santa, please??

(yes, that's what we've come to at le Royal Abode seeing as SP is low on the $$ this holiday season--thanks hot water heater explosion!... Maybe, just maybe I'll find a stash of $118 + tax hidden somewhere....)

Frosted Sigh Blouse (Anthro, natch)

But isn't it so cute? Don't you just want me to have it? Any fairygodmothers out there?

(What? I can beg and plead. It's not below me. You'd think it is, but, it totally isn't.)

Tuesday Thoughts

(this will have to do since yesterday was a disaster filled busy day, and today, well, I'll be honest, I'm just avoiding anything that is actual work. I have "winter fever" if you will. No.Desire.To.Work.At.All. Shall we?)

1. I woke up to a layer of ice and then, some more ice! Everything was blanketed in white. It was literally a winter wonderland. It was so beautiful. What's not beautiful? Having to go to work on such a fabulously wintery day. The puppies weren't havin' it--they insisted we stay in bed and snuggle. Although, the fuzzy one did brave the outdoors to drink out of the pool. And then eat ice off the cement. Is it weird that I was scared to death that her little tongue was going to get stuck? No, but, seriously, I'm at work. I'm cold. I.Want.To.Go.Home!

2. So, as SP has recently gone to red hair and prided herself in her new locks (and look) everytime dear gelato wielding boss says to her (or someone else)--"I can't believe how much SP looks like Borat's girlfriend". Which, means, Isla Fisher. Did I mention I love her? So, petty, and small and self-centered as it may be, I loves me a compliment like that. I have a point, I swear.

3. Point is: red hair (when you aren't a natural) can be a bit tricky. This means, fading color (getting a gloss on Thursday, lovelies!), and, if you're me, roots. Which are the devil. The exact opposite of how a Princess should look. I nearly considered coloring it myself last weekend when I couldn't get in to my hair stylist (seriously, even have the color in my bathroom). But, the roots! So tacky! I braved the store bought nonsense and tried the Clairol Root Touch Up. My.Heavens. I'm in love. I have no idea how that magical little product works--especially considering I purchased some sort of golden brown versus red (store did not have red and I have braved the cold. I wasn't coming home empty handed). Seriously, works wonders. I am considering stocking up. Now, I'm sure this won't apply to you lovelies, since roots are such a tacky subject, but, should you find yourself in need, this will not disappoint.

4. How am I supposed to wrap the husband's Christmas presents when he's home? Finals are over, so, he's home. And I am not good at being sneaky. And I got really good presents this year!

5. Am fairly certain I accidentally (seriously, I'm not a snooper, I like the surprise) spotted an Anthropologie bag in the guestroom (!), am hoping there is lovely goodness inside for me.

6. Need to mail Christmas gifts today. I loathe going to the Post Office. Such an ordeal.

7. I have soooo much to do before la familia comes into town this weekend, but, at the same time, I so desperately want this weekend to hurry up and get here--um, mainly because I need a freaking break, kids!!

8. I haven't been good about going to the gym, and man, that is not good. It's been so cold out that I can't walk to the gym at lunch (and if I drive I lose my parking spot, believe me, it's a daily battle).... There was the time I went to yoga last week, but, yoga was cancelled and there I was in my flip flops--not really ready to hop on the treadmill. SP needs to lose the chub y'all!!

9. I don't think the hot chocolate is helping.

10. I don't care.

11. Yes, I do.

12. I still want to go home.

13. I told you that I am just not productive during the cold. It is a good thing I don't live in Alaska. I wouldn't get a dang thing done. Ever.

I hope that wherever you are, you are toasty and warm! Can't believe it's the holiday season again. Have a fabulous Tuesday and be safe!

xoxo,

SP

Yum...

+
=

Perfect Christmasy yummy goodness.

I should know. I had some last night (Diet? What diet? psh!).

Mmm, nothing like melty chocolate and festive peppermint ice cream.

What's your favorite holiday treat?

Angry Kitty Goes to Vet

Or, what happens when you capture the best picture ever....

No cats were harmed in the making of this post.

My husband just happens to rock at the whole driving to vet, letting cat out of carrier and capturing the perfect moment-ness.

Is it wrong....?

...That I was totally enamoured by the kid watching Cinderella on a mini DVD player when I got my nails done last night? Because it was awesome. (Although, a little traumatized by the fact that the mother said she herself had never seen the movie. What?!)

...That I'm beyond thrilled for our holiday luncheon today? Not because it's the holidays and all warm and fuzzy, or anything like that--no, I'm thrilled because it's free food, and a good hour away from my desk (this comes right on the heels of my full on sob fest of 'I hate my job' last night).

...That I can't stop staring at my pretty nails? And is it just me or does my ring look sparklier?

...That I had a full on freak out when I weighed myself at the gym yesterday? Let's just say, my lovely wisdom teeth diet has backfired. Stupid gelato from my boss!!

...That I'm literally freaking out about getting the 'fat talk' from step mom in t-minus 1 week? (cranberry juice diet, anyone?)

...That my intern is Muslim and I love her so much, but, I'm kind of at a loss about "holiday/Christmas" gifts for her?

...That my lovely red haircolor is fading and I just feel like a frumpy butterball?

...That next Friday cannot come soon enough?

...That I'm supposed to move offices in oh, 5 hours, and I still haven't packed a damn thing?

Yes, folks, this is SP at her finest: aka, the holidays. And it's only going to get crazier. Don't worry, I'm going to spread the cheer and make cookies and yummies for families in need (I know you're laughing, it's OK, I'm laughing too: 'undomestic klutz attempts to serve others'--the headline just writes itself). Do you think they'll actually want the more than likely deformed cookies I would make? It's the thought that counts, right?

Alright lovelies, it's Friday, I say, it's Party Day. I give you full permission to leave work early, decorate your tree, have some egg nogg and watch cheesy holiday movies. If your boss says anything, just tell them that it's a Royal Ordinance, and you can't break those kind of rules. They trump office policy any day.....

xoxo,

SP

Just hear those sleigh bells jinglin'

So, after forgetting the cookies (it's me, what did anyone expect?) and running late (as always) we made it to our Top Secret Christmas Carol Meeting Location (ok, it wasn't really top secret, but, it sounds cooler.. also, do people say 'cool' anymore? Am I just old?).

During our lovely warm-up/practice session my eyes were teary and Lord help me I couldn't get through a damn song! I was totally giving husband the "please let me go home" eye (plus, it was freezing. I don't do cold.). I wasn't allowed to leave.

We all pile our cars and head out. How I ended up in the car with boys is still a mystery. Silly teenage boys.

The end result of the night? It was fabulous. I love those buggers so much. I was so happy and proud that all these teenagers came out on a cold, cold night to sing songs, share cookies and really feel the Christmas spirit. My little heart was just overwhelmed with warm fuzzies.

Have I mentioned how awesome our youth are? Have I mentioned that I'm trying to set up SIL R with one of my youths older brothers so that they can stay in my life forever? No? Haven't mentioned that? I'm crazy? I know, let's be honest, I'm fully aware.

Capped off by a cookies, hot chocolate and a jam packed car ride home (yeah, safety first kids).

It was fantastic.

And, surprisingly, I'm kinda cheery. I even have a candy cane in my purse (not sure why, but, who cares).

But still, is it Friday yet?