We got our first snowfall of the season here in my part of Ohio. I dreaded the drive home this morning all night and even packed a day bag Incase I was snowed in at work. It has happened before lol. But thankfully the roads weren’t too bad. I hate driving in the snow.
Chris returned the 2 extra wine coolers, mine is out full of wine. Waiting for me to have a day off lol. I put it on the craft area chris built me in the new garage and Carson said it was he perfect spot bc I could now drink wine and craft. Lol
That child of mine.
Sounds like quite an adventure at the MOA I will make it there one day too. We live near Pittsburgh PA and hey have some awesome malls there so we go there to hit our shopping and we have some outlets near by.
My sister gave me the Deathly hallows AnA for Christmas. I was so excited to
Get it.
Sounds the boyfriend is off to a good start at least if Josh can tolerate him. That will be me with Carson’s girl friends.
Yay for the extra trip. Florida in February sounds much better than Maine in February although I’m sure it’s beautiful!!
Happy New Year!!!
Glad you made it home safely... I don't mind driving in the snow very much anymore - I have 25 years experience and counting, LOL... I just hate the cold... Or when it's both. LOL
Awesome!!! Drinking wine and crafting...
For me - that would be disastrous. LOL I must be sober to work.
It is very nice to be so close to the MOA - we do go often, but I avoid it as much as possible between November and early January - if I have to go during that time, it's a random Tuesday or Wednesday morning at opening - and i get out of there fast! LOL It's terrifying driving there with all of the people who don't go there often.
That is AWESOME!!! I have none of the HP AnA bracelets - I love the sorting hat, but I am totally OK with getting none of them - as my collection is so huge, I've started to wear it in "themes" because there is no way I can wear them all at once.
He's OK... believe me - we've had worse for dinner.
Yes - I am super excited to see Suzi again!
Thank you - same to you!
We love dinner at The Wave and scheduled a breakfast this trip. Can’t wait to hear how it is. Enjoy your day with Cindy!!! How fun!!
It's wonderful! I've had to stop talking about it on my PTRs/TRs - as I was worried I'd never get another reservation there.
I try not to brag it up too much - but it is a favorite and a must-do several times on one trip... I've never done any meal other than breakfast.
It must be a weird feeling having your last work day at Target.
Sounds like you got a lot done on Thursday and had a good time while doing it as well
How fun that you are able to meet Suzi again. I'm sure you guys will have a lot of fun.
Congratulations to Allison for getting her first paid vacation
How great that your eating has gone well during Christmas. It's not easy eating well during Christmas.
I imagine that the girls will have a lot of fun at Universal. How nice that you will be able to spend the day with Cindy while the girls are at Universal.
It has been 19.4ºF here yesterday (Friday) and today. That is cold for Tromsø.
Yesterday I was at a geocaching event in town meeting good geocaching friends. It was nice meeting them and hear what they have been up to during December.
Today I've just been at home. I had to charge the battery on my car and today was a good time to do it since I didn't have any plans for today.
Tomorrow on New Years Eve there is a short geocaching event in town that I will attend and later in the evening Ulf and I are going to my parents house to celebrate New Years Eve.
Happy New Year to you
It is strange - though I am technically an employee until our doors close. I did request to work that last week, so hopefully I get one last shift... And I know it's a little weird - I still hate my job there - I still dread every shift, even though I know my time is ending. LOL So maybe this really is a good thing?
We did have a lot of fun - our count down for our trip is getting so close and we are all so excited... Thursday was likely the last day we will get to spend together until we leave on our trip.
I am very excited to see Suzi again!
Yes - my eating has been almost perfect. I've gone back to my strict "no snacking" and that really helps a lot.
I know I will likely gain while in Disney, but hopefully I'll be able to keep that manageable.
They are more excited about Universal, I think - than Disney. LOL They both love HP so much! They actually fight often over which of them loves it more.
It sounds like you have had a busy few days and a nice time to celebrate the New Year too! Have a great celebration!
My husband bought a three piece set of luggage two years ago. It is the kind with the zipper in the middle and the two sides open like a clam, with the clothes divided in half. I find this kind of suitcase to be very annoying. You have to have a big space to lay it out. And it is very hard to slip things in at the last minute unless you plan ahead and leave space in the one side. I would love to buy a suitcase with a normal lid, like the older suitcases have. But I can't justify it.
That is rather scary. It seems a little negligent of the manufacturer to not have a fix for it yet. What if that was your only car?
They would be more annoyed if you were like Eeyore and gloomy all the time.
We had to go to the in-laws on Christmas Day, a 90 mile drive one way. But it was sunny and no snow, which was good.
We need to revisit the plans. I finally have time this weekend since it will be the first time in weeks that we aren't busy. I just have a mountain of laundry to tackle and a Star Wars movie to go see. And then there is the $60 in Kohl's bucks to spend. We did a lot of Christmas shopping at Kohl's this year.
My EB parka has been perfect for my downtown commute in this cold weather. The only part of me that has gotten cold on my 12 minute walk to and from the train has been my legs. I love my coat.
DH and I received a lot of Disney gift cards for both Christmas and for my birthday, so we have a few meals paid for during our upcoming trip.
He sounds like a great guy. I love his comment about seeing triplets.
That sounds like a good plan. You've been to Universal more than the girls have, haven't you? And they will have fun together. Do both girls have a wand?
That is great that they gave her a paid vacation.
You did really good at Christmas. The February trip will be motivation to be careful during the January trip.
I love that outfit.
After hearing rave reviews of the breakfast buffet at the Wave, we finally made it over there during our November trip. I loved that they brought me freshly made French toast. Our favorite breakfast buffet is still at Trail's End, though. But it is really hard to get there for breakfast.
That is good to know! The set I am looking at is a rolling duffle... It has good reviews and a lifetime warranty. The only reason I am looking at those is because Jan and Machteld do a LOT of traveling and these are the ones they recommend - I'd love to get one before we leave for Disney to try it out - but it's looking like they are all back ordered until after we get back - so I may have to wait. I might try to run to the outlet today - if V and I have time - to see if they sell them there? I've never seen them, so I don't think they do? But that would be the only way I'd get one before our trip - is if I can find it local.
Exactly - it's very scary!
Glad you had good traveling weather on Christmas - that is quite rare, it seems there is always something when everyone is trying to travel at the same time.
Let me know if anything changes... I already have an alarm set on my phone to contact you that day, so I'll need to change my alarm.
I agree - I have not worn my white EB jacket in a few weeks... It's been parka weather all the way - I am SO GLAD I kept the parka too! I am never cold - except for below my knees. LOL
That is awesome! No one ever gives me Disney GCs for any holiday... I do get cash though - once in a while - and I've been known to turn that into a Disney GC a time or two.
"Technically" - Yes, I've been to Universal twice - once with each girl.
V didn't purchase a wand last time - I think we brought Allison's with us? I can't remember now? Allison is planning to bring her wand though... However, the other day, she was rethinking that, because she doesn't want to have to get lockers all the time, and if she brings her wand, she will have to get a locker... They are both thinking of traveling "light" that day and just wearing a lanyard/wallet combo. We'll see.
Yes - Allison has been banking her vacation time since she started there... That was also an issue - because I guess they won't give you any time off unless you have vacation time to support it... So, we had to calculate whether she would even have enough time saved to take this time off or not... Where Josh - he can "borrow" his vacation time if he needs to - they frown upon it, but he could - though he never has. We are just glad that Allison doesn't have to worry about that part of it and she can just go and have a good time - and get paid to do it... I plan to remind her while we are down there, that she is getting paid to be there... I think it will be a great feeling for her - I know my first paid vacation was very nice.
Thank you - yes I am super motivated to stay on track! I have so much going on over the coming weeks - I can't afford to be naughty right now. LOL
Thank you - I am so excited to wear my new SBW set - I am just sad that I won't be wearing it in a park... Oh well - then I will have a "new" park set to wear next time.
I have not been to Trails End yet... I've heard great things about it - but I always avoid it, like you say, it's so hard to get to.
Maybe one day I"ll be rich and get to stay at WL? LOL
It must be nice to have 2 Florida trips to look forward to and get away from this cold. I caught the flu right after Christmas even though I got a flu shot. I saw an article about how rampant it is right now in Minnesota. It also said the flu shot is only about 50% effective but may minimize the effects if you get it. I told my husband if this is minimized I'd hate to see what full blown is as I've been miserable for 4 days and am just starting to feel a little better. So far he's trying to stay away from me as I have coughed so much I'm sore.
I was able to do a little after Christmas shopping with my daughter and grandson before I got sick. We quit after 5 Targets and 3 Hallmark stores because it was just too cold and so windy. I did get a new tree for my Disney ornaments and I think it will hold quite a few, so I bought a couple more. Hallmark had a cute ornament of Gringott's Bank with the dragon. I really love Universal. It will go on my regular tree though I think. Then my grandson stopped yesterday and found the angel I wanted for my outside lights for 70% off. He was so excited he found it for me and I was too as it's originally $98.
Your Santa Hawaiian shirts are very nice. Is yours a men's shirt? I thought maybe that's why you felt it was a little big as the fit is diffferent. The sleeves just look a little bigger than a woman's shirt would have. I still think it looks very cute though.
My husband has 2 sisters that now spend the winter in Mesa, AZ. When they heard we weren't going to Disney one invited us to come down. She has a spare room and said they'd love to have us. So we're thinking about that. They both live in 55 plus mobile home communities with lots of amenities. So we are considering it. It would be a very inexpensive way to get somewhere warm and I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon. Right now it's just a thought.
Oh no!!! I hope you are all feeling better soon! Yes, Allison and I were just talking about that the other day... My entire family has had the flu shot, except for me...
WOW! It sounds like you did great with your after Christmas shopping!
And that sounds like an awesome ornament! I never did see that one - though I didn't look either. LOL
Yes - it's a men's shirt... I thought about taking it in on the sides a little bit... but, like you said, the sleeves are enormous too - so it would have to be totally redrafted. It looks OK with leggings, and as long as I put my hand on my waist for pictures - that gives me a bit of shape - instead of it just hanging there. Maybe next year I'll tackle that project?
There you go! That sounds like an awesome way to get warm, and inexpensive too! I hope you can make it happen!
Happy New Year!
Hi!!! I’m so glad you had such a lovely Christmas! I love the slippers josh gave you - so cute! And how exciting that V has a boyfriend and that Josh tolerated him.
Your Christmas dinner sounds amazing. I’ve never had Yorkshire pudding but you’re the second of my friends to serve it for Christmas so I think i need to try it.
I wondered if the girls would try to squeeze in a trip to US while you were down there. They’ll have a lovely day together and you’ll have fun with your friend. It sounds like everything fell quite neatly into place!
I know what you mean about good car guys - alyssa’s car has been in the shop and I’m so grateful for a reliable, honest, trustworthy car repair shop.
Mark gave me a pandora bracelet last year for our anniversary and I love it. I have a few disney charms (Cinderella’s carriage, two swirl mickey head charms, a Spaceship Earth abdminirail charm, and the girls’ initials. I love wearing it. I love you AnA bracelet collection!
We had a nice Christmas although it was different not being in our own home and without Alyssa. It was hard for my MIL but I hope we made things a bit brighter for her. Brie left today to go visit two of her teammates for several days and I think she’ll have a great time. Andrew and Alyssa get home Monday and I can’t wait.
No news right now on the house, although Brie wants us to stop the plans and buy existing construction. We actually saw a couple of new houses online that we liked, and it would be less expensive. So that would be good, especially as we may be taking in a major monthly expense we hadn’t planned on...on the flip side, if we stick with the building plan it looks like I could have a solid chunk of debt paid off by summer and that would offset it. So I don’t know what to do.
Hugs to you!
Hey you!!! I know you have been so busy - I am glad we are FB friends so I can keep tabs on you. LOL
Thank you - yes we had a very nice Christmas and I was able to give and receive a lot of very nice things!
Yes - I hope they can get along long enough for a full day at U/S. LOL That will be the part I worry about most.
Yes - good mechanics are so hard to find! I am so thankful for ours... Unfortunately - I think he is getting close to retirement... Hopefully he can recommend us (and put in a good word) to someone reliable, when the time comes.
I really love wearing my AnA and Pandora bracelets together. I also have one that is exclusively available only in Holland - it's called Biba - and it has all Holland themed charms (tulips, houses, cows... Very cute) - I wear that one often too.
I am glad you were able to spend time with the girls over the holidays! Did Brie ever get the "guest room"? I hope so. I am glad you get to spend time with Alyssa and Andrew for the holidays too!
It sounds like you are making some headway on such a big decision... Something will work out - I know it. Sending you big hugs and Pixie Dust for clarity when the time comes.
Happy New Year Stephanie!
Hi there, that is ok that you don't remember me, it has been a few years, I bought your Toy Story bag, it was a larger one and you had said one of your favorites, it has Buzz and Woody on the front and Slink is on the back, I just love it!!!!
The pictures finally came up for me, what a lovely family and it looks like you had a great Christmas, beautiful gifts. Love the Pandora collection.
Looking forward to hearing all about your trip and seeing the photos.
Happy New Year!!!!!
I knew I'd remember you if you told me who you were. LOL Yup - I remember you... I think of you often and wonder how your health is doing? I am glad you are enjoying your bag as well - it is one of my favorites and it matches the UPB set I just sent off to my friend Jackie... She is actually in WDW at this moment wearing it.
I am glad you were able to see the pictures.
Thanks - I am looking forward to sharing it... I have a lot of trips to look forward to in the beginning of 2018.
Thank you, Happy New Year to you too!
**************************************************************************************************************
I wish I could say that I did something productive yesterday - but I didn't. LOL
It was so COLD here, we didn't want to leave the house...
In the morning, I finished up a book we received from Josh's Dad for Christmas called A Year In The Wilderness; Bearing Witness in the Boundary Waters by Dave and Amy Freeman... It was a very good book and a quick read... If you have any interest in nature or the BWCA, I recommend it.
They also have a website/blog
https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/dave-and-amy-freeman
Then I had lunch... Back to salads - and man I missed them... I kind of got away from them between Thanksgiving and Christmas, while I was shopping at Aldi the other day - they had decent prices on berries again, so I grabbed a couple - I've missed my berries! LOL Though this salad was overly large - I need to tone them down a little bit, LOL... I get to making them though - adding a little of this and a little of that, and before I know it - they are gigantic.
After lunch - Josh was already sleeping on the couch (he has my former cold)...
So I went upstairs to take a nap... and I actually did nap.
2 hours later, I got up and started sorting through what I'd already packed... Pulling things out and adding things in... Trying really hard to bring an assortment - yet not overload myself - it's a difficult task. I am getting close.
Josh and I decided to walk down to our local bar/restaurant for dinner last night... I was OK with another salad, and Josh told me he "wasn't hungry" at 4 when I asked him what he wanted me to make for dinner... Then an hour later, he was hungry and I wasn't cooking anything.
So we went down there, sadly we were seated right after a very large group of 16... We ended up waiting an hour for our food - and to be honest, we were getting very annoyed by it... I mean, I get that we got there behind a large group... but waiting for them to get all of their food + dessert before we even get anything - all we ordered was a wrap and a sandwich (I didn't eat the bread)... We eat there all the time and this has never happened to us before - but it's still annoying and frustrating. Oh well - I just needed to complain about it... The owner DID give us our drinks for free to compensate, and we didn't even have to ask... But man - I had a decaf coffee with Bailey's and Josh wasn't feeling well - so he had a 7up - our bar tab was very small.... Had I known - I might have ordered another drink. LOL
When we got home... We came in on this... LOL - I got the boys enormous pillow pets the other day at Aldi, I've been watching them all Christmas season, and thought they would be cute... Finally, they were half off, so I grabbed them... Cooper got a Monkey and MM got a bear.
Today... I am going to town with V... She is getting her nails done - and I plan to go with to make our nail appointments for our trip. I think I have decided to get mine done the day before we leave... I was going to do it the day of, but none of us will let anyone else in that shop touch our nails - except for the owner - and it takes him like 3 hours to do my Disney nails... There just won't be enough time in our day the morning we leave for all of us - so I am going to do mine the day before and let the girls do theirs the morning of.
Depending on when she works... I may try to talk her into going to the outlet mall to see if the EB outlet carries the luggage I want to get, since it's back ordered online until after we leave on our trip.
Otherwise - if they don't, I will just order it and use my current luggage for Disney - it's not the end of the world - it's not as if it isn't usable. Maybe that's a sign? LOL
We really shouldn't be going anywhere - as it's beyond cold out there right now.
I have no plans for tonight - I'll probably not even drink... I don't like that V is working late on NYE, and has to drive...
I'll probably stay up and fret most of the night...
Tomorrow, everyone is off of work... I'll likely get started on this weeks' work schedule - just so I can have a jump start on it.
I'll also do my final official PTR update sometime this week - I hope.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year! Safe travels and Pixie Dust to all!
D~