Life is Full

So I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I did, but I'll write about that later...I don't know when I'll be on my own computer in the near future (borrowing my mom's right now). This week I've been just chilaxing and working, plus "Sibling" and I are planning something for New Year's.

Happy Thursday.

Chaotic Madness – That Which is December

Soooo much to do in soooo little time…the stress is driving me crazy!

At least the shopping’s done. Now I have to figure out where I hid those presents…

From December 1st and beyond, there's been something going on. Seriously, it's been anything from decorations, potlucks, shopping trips to the mall, visits from family members, work, laundry (!!!!), baking, more shopping, keeping track of 3 advent calendars, etc., etc., ETC.!!!!! By the end of the day what I really need is a gooooood cup of tea. And cookies. And chocolate....mmmmmmmm.

Now all I have to do is keep track of the holiday movies/shows (now, which ones haven't I watched yet?...Charlie Brown....Christmas Carol - the one with Alister Sim.....).

Oh yeah, I have more laundry to do today.

Tomorrow I intend to veg for most of the day, then head out to my Aunt's place for Christmas. I'm terribly excited because I get to eat lots and lots of progies and sugar cookies!!! YESSSSS!!!!!...or, as much as my waistline will allow me (remembering that I also have to eat at least two turkey dinners from now until the 26th or the 27th).

*Sigh* Soooooo much to do.....

Merry Christmas.

Illustration: c2006 The Becka

A Psychedelic Christmas Show

This weekend I went to a Christmas Cantata with my family. I intended to stay home but was persuaded otherwise.

Where shall I begin with this?

The lights were the most prominent thing in the entire performance (hence the crazy eyes illustration). I have forgotten most of the songs that the choir sung...maybe it's because I was distracted by the lights?

The production itself was...something to be desired. There were moments when Sibling and I were cringing in our seats or smirking to some of the cheese onstage. However, there were some highlights. The kids' choir sang a couple of songs and, even though there were a few kids singing off key or were totally distracted (I wonder why??), it was enjoyable to watch. Then there was a skit near the beginning of the show...which was decent enough...there were a couple of lines where I cringed but I found myself laughing in parts of it.

Then the monitors stopped working. The actors couldn't read their lines.

The monitors came back on eventually but I though the actors were winging it towards the end (they weren't. I was confused for a moment...there were no crazy lights in the skit).

Finally, it was over. Until next year...

Illustration: c2006 The Becka

The Finished Goods

To my readers, NONE of you have any idea of how proud I am for making a couple of *ahem*eatable*ahem* items....

This is the trifle with the whipped cream....


...and the sugar cookies with icing....


....both were a hit at the party yesterday. I am happy. Very happy [clenches fist, bends elbow and says, "Yesssssssssssss" to herself].

Roles Reversed

There are the usual few people in my family who do pretty much all of the baking/cooking, my siblings and my mom. I mentioned my siblings first because they spend more time in the kitchen than anyone else (in a good way though!).

My role in the kitchen is quite simple, I sit, I observe, and I eat something. If there was company coming over, or if there was some other family occasion, I'd be somewhere else avoiding the chaos...well, I'd stick around for the beaters or to lick the (insert decadent dessert ingredient) bowl.

This evening the (almost) unthinkable occurred....

...I baked something! SUGAR COOKIES!!!! You wouldn't know it but there were a few "extra crispy" ones in the first batch.

That problem, however, was taken care of (they were really good!)....

...and I also made this...ALL BY MYSELF!!! (Almost - *thanks mom*) This dessert is a black forest trifle. It just needs some whipped cream on the top but other than that...it's decent.

Tomorrow these will make an appearance at a friend's Christmas party. Anticipation awaits...

WHAT!?!?

Today I've discovered that the BBC has linked to my blog! I'm uber ecstatic (even though they've only quoted two items on My Christmas List post - specifically "items" 1 and 2)!!!!

The "quote" is featured in the article titled "Merry Christmas to Two" on the left hand side in the blue rectangular thingy. It will appear evenually, along with Jo(e)'s Christmas Tree Philosophy.

December Moon

My poor phalages (fingers) were nearly frozen after taking four of these moon shots (this was the only one that turned out), but it was worth it. I finally got a decent moon shot instead of a fireball floating in the night sky (yeeessssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!)!

Now I sleep...

More Gawdy Decor...

(photo taken by mom)

You wouldn't know it, but inside that bubble thing there were chunks of "snow" flying around...
A sight to behold while walking the dog.

This week so far has been INSANE!! So insane that I don't even know where to begin...but that will be told another day. Tomorrow perhaps, if I have time....is it really Wednesday??