New Favorite Commercial

So I was actually home tonight, and while watching TV, I discovered my new favorite commercial. I think it's hilarious!

Bree Tanner's Story

When this book first came out, I read a bunch on-line before actually purchasing the book, then I set it aside and forgot about it. Then, someone at Tidewater was ready it, so I thought I'd revisit it. "The Second Short Life of Bree Tanner" is a companion to "Eclipse," and definitely adds to the story. I'd finally watched Eclipse not too long ago, and wondered about some things that weren't in the book that were in the movie. Now I know where some of that comes from. And even though I knew how it ended, I was sorry to see it happen.

Dinner and a Movie

That's what Christmas was all about at my house this year. After opening up our gifts, Donnie and I headed out to our annual movie outing, with Tom in tow.

We saw Black Swan, which was good. I thought it started out a little slow, but it definitely conveyed the story well. The psychotic thriller aspect got me a few times, and I left the theater in deep thought over the meaning of some things, and whether or not other things actually happened.
When we returned home, I fixed dinner, and we ate and watched football. Donnie gave us lessons on penalties and the different positions, and I have a newfound respect for the sport and it's level of difficulty. Donnie left after the game, so as to miss the upcoming bad weather and holiday traffic.
Overall, a pretty low key holiday and a pleasant visit from Donnie. I hope your holiday was a happy one.

With This Puzzle...

Well, I finished reading "With This Puzzle, I Thee Kill..." by Parnell Hall today. It drove me batty. The story was decent, some of the characters pretty annoying, but what drove me batty was the wording. Argh! The author wrote the dialog the way people actually speak! Gonna, gotta, wanna - I wanted to pull what little hair I have straight out of my head!

Ravens vs. New Orleans

Today's game against the New Orleans Saints went well, much to my surprise. I was really expecting the Ravens to lose, but we won, 24-30.
For a halftime show, we did a Christmas show. The songs included You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch and Dig That Crazy Santa Claus. We did fine (all we had to do was march onto the field and stand there), but the cheerleaders messed up. They were supposed to get on the field and dance during Dig That Crazy Santa Claus, but they didn't until there was around 30 seconds left!

Ashley's Diaper Cake

At work tonight, since it was pretty slow, I spent quite a bit of time working on another diaper cake - this one for Ashley. She's due in a few days - there's nothing like pushing deadlines to the limit. I found out yesterday that she had moved out of her Dad's house, and in with Amie (another waitress from the Tidewater), and that noone from the restaurant had really done anything for her (except donate clothing), so I felt pressed for time to do something nice for her. I think it turned out kind of cool. She has a giraffe theme, so I found a giraffe print ribbon and some artificial poinsettas in matching colors.

After Amie took it home tonight, Ashley called the restaurant - she loved it!

Secret Santa

At Huber today, in addition to it being the day for our official Christmas luncheon, we held our Secret Santa gift exchange. I got my partner a fleece blanket, matching coffee mug, a bag of Lindor truffles, a small bag of Hazelnut Cream coffee, and two packages of hot chocolate. But really, I wanted to brag about what I got. One of the ladies at Huber sells Stampin' Up products, so my Secret Santa got me a gift certificate for those products. I can't tell you how cool that is. The only problem is, I have no idea what to get. Right now, I'm leaning towards the products pictured below.

I don't know, though, I'm such a bad decision maker...

Door Decorating Contest

Part of Huber's holiday celebration this year is a door decorating contest. Hilary decorated the door leading to both of our labs.

And this is what she did to her door.

Too cute!
This is what I did to my friend, Fitzgerald's door.

He wasn't planning on decorating, and I just had to use my wreath and leftover holly leaves for something.
And last, but not least, here's my door.

Linda found a picture on-line of someone's cubicle decorated as a gingerbread house, so I used that photo for inspiration. It turned out super-cute, and I'm really happy with it.

White Christmas Tag Swap

Today's mail brought the most pleasant surprise.

It was the tags from the White Christmas Tag Swap.

They were all wonderful - thanks to Jane for hosting this fun swap!

Fun Wreath

For the past couple of days, I've been working on a wreath inspired by Pam Garrison, and a class that she taught at Silver Bella last year. It was my initial idea for the door decorating contest at Huber this year, but Linda and I came up with a better idea for the door. I think the wreath turned out really well, and I'm glad I took the time to do it.

Ravens vs. Pittsburgh

Well, another game where I'm conflicted. As you all know, I grew up a Pittsburgh fan, but now I play for the Ravens. Pittsburgh won, 13-10, so I'm kind of glad, but for the first time in my band history, I'm actually sad. I'm really getting hyped up about the possibility of the Ravens going to the SuperBowl this year. ("I want it, Daddy, and I want it now!")
Our halftime show had some good songs in it: I Don't Care, Black Dog/Kashmir, and Seven Nation Army. As usual, we were fabulous.

Rehearsal Dinner on Porch

The party tonight was on the enclosed porch. The theme was quite Christmas-y - poisettas for centerpieces and little frames pictures of Christmas-type items to direct people to their tables.

Their party favors were candle holders etched with snowflakes, filled with green and red M&M's.

Their wedding cake was really cupcakes (except for a small cake to cut and save).

And someone even made them a towel cake, which we displayed.

They even had a DJ and dancing, which made this one of the more fun reception parties I've done in a while.

Dining Room Wedding

The party that we waited on tonight was an actual wedding/reception. They decorated the tables with snowflake ornaments.

And had a very pretty candle for the centerpiece on their "Sweetheart" table.

They decorated the cake with the same snowflakes.

They also put up an arch in the room, which they got married under.

It was all quite sweet - most of the weddings we have at Tidewater are held out on the end of the land, with a view of the water.