Day 14 and the Weekend

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Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?


Looking at the list from here there is not much on that list I'd say no to! But I will narrow it down to the top five if I must! Wooo greedy much? :P

1. Volkswagen 2012 Beetle - I would so not say no to a new car!!!
2. Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Cruise - Ryan has never been on a cruise and I would love to go on one with him.
3. Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera - *drools*
4. Sony BRAVIA LX900 HDTV with 3D - Not a huge fan of 3D, but HD really does blow my mind. You could see the make up on some people, like the bad TV make up!
5. iPad by Apple - SO fricken cool!


Friday Lauren and I went Christmas shopping for our husbands, so at least I got one person taken care of! Saturday we slept in and I went grocery shopping, it was a lazy day. Josh came over and we watched some TV and hung out a bit.

Sunday we went to get a tree. We looked online and found a farm in Maryland so we made our way out there. First we stopped at the Christmas Attic and got a special "Our First Christmas" ornament and some lights. Then we get all the way out there, find this little farm, get handed a saw and told to go. We start to go to the field and I look at Ryan and say, "Do you have any cash?" ... "No. Do you?" ... "No. Let's ask if they take cards before we hack down a tree."

They didn't.

So off we go in search of an ATM. Luckily the gas station down the road had one! It was COLD and windy, I wish I had gloves (especially after I had to carry a pine tree) and a hat. But we finally agreed on one and carried it back to the car.

Did I mention my husband drives a 2 door honda? Not the best for toting a Christmas tree home. The owner decides the tree can fit in our trunk (mostly) and get tied in. They tried that for a few minutes and needless to say it failed. So we rigged it to the top of the car somehow... we drove 40 the whole way home lest we lose our tree! But we made it. Wait til you see the pictures, I will put those up later.

Then Ryan went to help Josh pack. Ryan's best friend, the best man from our wedding, got orders to North Carolina... so he is leaving tomorrow :( Ryan had to get all his stuff out of Josh's room and then help Josh load his truck. I cleaned the apartment and made lasagna for the first time. When the boys got home we ate and then Josh helped us decorate the tree. Ryan and I bickered only a little, mostly about the lights, but we got it in the end (even with Josh's helpful snarky comments and picture taking!). We then watched the VH1 Divas Salute the Troops live from Kuwait (anyone else realize since was live it was like 3am in Kuwait for this??). Anyone else watch it? I really enjoyed it. I also love Kathy Griffin, as horrible as she can be, and the closing song Katy Perry sang, Fireworks. I just love Fireworks!

My mom is sending a box of ornaments of my stuff from home so they should be here this week, then our tree will be complete!

I am wondering how Ryan will handle Josh not being here anymore. He keeps telling me guys don't talk. They don't call to catch up and chat. He is acting like he probably won't see Josh again but is being very nonchalant about it. I don't want to push the issue... but how do you handle such a thing with your husbands?

Day 13

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Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe

I did this for my favorite holiday recipe, but I will share one more my mom and I always made! (Ok more my mom, but I have helped!)



These pizzelles are light and crisp. Serve them plain or dusted with powdered sugar. Also, they can be easily shaped while still hot right off the iron and formed into a cone, cylinder, or even a cup and filled with your favorite filling. To keep them crisp, store them in an air tight container.

3 eggs
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. anise seed or extract
1/2 c. butter (1/4 lb.)
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Do not use more than 1/2 cup butter and don't use oil as a substitute.
Beat eggs and sugar. Add cooled melted butter and vanilla and anise. Sift flour and baking powder and add to egg mixture. Batter will be stiff enough to be dropped by spoon. Batter can be refrigerated to be used at a later time. Makes 30 pizzelles.




You need a pizzelle iron, but it is totally worth investing in!


This isn't the exact recipe my mom and I use, but they are delicious. I promise! Pictures from here and here

Day 12

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Day 12: Show Us Your Decorations

None yet! Check this space soon (:


Lame I know, sorry guys!

Day 11 and Friday Fun

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Day 11: New Year Resolutions
1. Quit smoking
2. Cook at least three times a week
3. Start Finish my wedding scrapbook
4. Work out. Especially if my surgery is approved I want to look healthy and lean!
5. Be nicer, more patient. Stop letting the little things get to me.

That seems like a good start!

Now I missed the last TWO weeks of my favorite Friday things because of work and being away! So without further ado...


Join at Wife of a Sailor!

1. If you were given $1,000 right now, how would you spend it?

There is a local country radio station giving away $1,000 an hour every week day for ages now, and Ryan and I discussed this. He thinks he'd want to pay off what is left of his car loan and just be done with it. Truth be told I'd use some for Christmas gifts and some for savings.

2. If you had to choose a movie title (a real one that already exists) for your life story, what would it be?

Oooh that's a hard one! Um... of course Disney movies pop in my head. Not that I've seen Tangled but the name is appropriate (in a good way). That or Serendipity. Just because I think everything happens for a reason.

3. If you were a teacher, what subject would you like to teach?

Drama. Or middle school science because I could show Mythbusters episodes! :P

4. Has being a MilSpouse changed how you view holidays or how your holidays are celebrated? If so, how? If not, what hasn't changed?

Well, this is my first holiday as a milspouse, so I am not sure how to go about answering it. Splitting between two families, mine and my husbands, gave me some new perspective but that is a general newlywed thing, not milspouse. I suppose it definitely makes me more appreciative to all those serving overseas who are away from their families. Those families who are missing loved ones too. It definitely hits a lot closer to home this year.

5. What is your favorite Christmas memory?

Hmm... my engagement was around Christmas... I'll post what I had in our company news letter this month. They wanted holiday stories so here is an abbreviated version of that!

Last Christmas was easily one of the best of my life. My husband Ryan, then still only my boyfriend, had just returned from Iraq the month before and I was finishing an internship at Walt Disney World. My family and Ryan all agreed to come visit me in early December before the holiday rush hit to celebrate early. Ryan arrived and met me in Orlando and came to EPCOT with me while I worked my final shift before our vacation. That night we ate dinner in Italy and I was ready to leave after working a long day, plus Ryan seemed a little jittery. Part of my job responsibilities also covered Fireworks Crowd Control for Illuminations, a show that I loved, but I had seen it quite a bit. I knew with my family we’d be seeing it within a day or so, but Ryan was very insistent on staying for the fireworks that night. He had never been to Disney before so I agreed to stay. A friend of mine, who worked in Guest Relations was monitoring the VIP viewing area near Italy so I went to say hi. I introduced her to Ryan and she let us under the rope! It was so sweet, especially since I still had no idea what was to come. Illuminations is in three parts and towards the end of the first part Ryan starts trying to talk to me.


So I swatted him and told him to pay attention, he was missing the show after bugging me to stay! He tried to say something in my ear but I couldn't hear him over the fireworks and just shot him a confused look and shook my head. Suddenly he loudly said, "Hey!" and I went, “What??” He then reached into his pocket, got down on one knee and I saw him say "Will you marry me?" while fireworks exploded overhead. After I came out of shock I nodded yes as the people around us burst into applause. We enjoyed a great five days together after that with my family, happily sporting our “Just Engaged” buttons and enjoying a Disney Christmas.


Him being home safe from Iraq and there with me was a terrific Christmas present… but becoming engaged definitely takes the cake on all my holidays! I am excited for us to spend our first Christmas officially together this year as husband and wife.



Hosted this week by Maine-ly Taryn

Day 10

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Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Carols

O Holy Night, Especially with Josh singing it!


I also love White Christmas by Bing Crosby. Sadly youtube just died so I will add the video later, but I will tell you why White Christmas is so special...

If you've read my blog for awhile you know my grandfather, (my Poppy (: ) is an 88 year old WW2 Marine Corps vet. Well during WW2 he was on a ship off in the pacific and 19 years old. He was a Sgt Major and terribly homesick. They were off the coast of an island but quarantined to the ship because four men had died of spinal meningitis. My Poppy said it was dismally hot and felt nothing like Christmas. He was ready to jump overboard and just swim home. Across the Pacific to California and walk to New Jersey if he had to. He was only 19, he didn't feel like he belonged leading these men in this war, he was homesick and scared.

But then, this song started playing over the ship's radio. Bing Crosby was doing a special dedication for the troops and the words of White Christmas reached my Poppy. He stood there with tears running down his face, listening to the entire thing. To this day he gets a little choked up in telling the story, but he is convinced it kept him sane that day. It saved him. It gave him the second kick in the pants he needed.

From the time I was little and first heard this story to now, White Christmas will always have a special place in my heart too.

Day 9

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Day 9: Favorite Holiday Recipe

I LOVE Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies!!!!



Ingredients
48 Hershey's kisses
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Granulated sugar

Directions
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.


My family only makes them around the holidays and I just adore them. I used to sneak all the hershey kisses off the cookies when I was little and my mom would get so mad at me! Enjoy!

Day 8

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Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays

I hope this doesn't sound Scrooge-like of me, but the amounts of money that tend to get spent. I know there are thrifty ways to save for the holidays, but I always feel like so much money gets spent! Between travel (gas, pit stops, car maintanence etc), presents (big family, even little things add up!), mailing out Christmas cards (thank you Shutterfly for helping me out there), thank you notes, and other expenses it adds up. Ryan and I are getting a live tree this year, and ornaments, it is our first Christmas together so we don't really have much! Besides the tree we need lights (and other decorations for the apartment itself), a wreath, basic ornaments besides the one we stole from our parents, a tree skirt... it just goes on and on.

Scrooge-like much? I'm sorry! But it is my least favorite thing about the holidays!

Day 7

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Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (or if you are not crafty one you wish you could make)



I wish I could make a really nice Advent Wreath that my family could use and keep for always. Is it selfish to want to create an heirloom? :P

For non-Catholics, feel free to read a really great history of the Advent Wreath here.

My mom sent us one for this year, but my goal next year is to make my own! How about that? (: Even though Ryan and I got home super late last night we did bless the wreath and say the prayers for the first Sunday. It made me extra special happy!



Real update tomorrow - work was killer busy today and we got back so late last night!

Day 6

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Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs...so let them know!)

Oh this is so selfish :P Ok, I like the picture/visual aid method...



Ryan and I are considering getting this for eachother, with a new laptop, care of a Best Buy credit card to build some more good credit. Sort of a gift to each other.

I love sweater dresses, they are perfect to wear to work as well as being so darn cute!
Puppy. 'Nuff said.
Read the book, loved it. Never got to see the movie... so the DVD!!


I'd also love to have my surgery approved so it can happen! (:


Unfortunately I may not be able to do the linky thing until Monday because I will be in SC with the hubby's family, so thanks for reading anyway!

Day 5

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Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

I have a lot (: I will leave it in pictures... any of your favorites up here?











Unfortunately I may not be able to do the linky thing until Monday because I will be in SC with the hubby's family, so thanks for reading anyway!

Day 4

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Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season

I am sadly not the one to ask about this sort of thing. In college I'd work a few shifts at Kohl's and use that money to buy presents. This year we are getting crafty and making something for our families and some friends, but I am definitely not good at the thrifty thing!


Unfortunately I may not be able to do the linky thing until Monday because I will be in SC with the hubby's family, so thanks for reading anyway!

Day 3

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Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received


Ryan and I got engaged in December of last year... it wasn't technically a Christmas gift but it is the best gift I have ever received. He came to visit me in Disney (technically it was for the holidays and with my family, but still early) and proposed during the fireworks. You can read the whole story here.

My ring is gorgeous, I won't dispute that, it is so so perfect. But what it stands for means more to me than anything else. I always told Ryan he could have given me a garbage can twist tie and I still would have said yes!!

Even recently we talked about it. Ryan said, "I gave you a diamond for a reason. Not a ruby or sapphire or emerald... diamonds are under pressure for thousands of years and they come out looking like that. If we are ever under pressure, we will do the same thing." and he also mentions, "I had to get the perfect ring for the perfect girl." (Ok I am nowhere close to perfect, but it is still sweet!)

It is a symbol (along with my wedding ring now) of my love and commitment to Ryan. That I will be loyal and true to him forever and always, under pressure or not.





By the way, Ryan is still trying to work things out for his next step. He is fliritng with Intel (which he doesn't think he will get) and MCCS (which personally I think he will be miserable in, but we shall see). We have an 8+ hour drive to SC for Thanksgiving to talk about it! Thanks for all your good thoughts and wishes. Fingers and toes still crossed.

Day 2 - Black Friday

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Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

I must be crazy, because for the past few years I have never shopped on Black Friday... but I have always worked it! I would request to open Black Fridays when I worked at Kohls. It was such a rush! I would get up around 2am and be there by 3am. I remember the first year I worked there was a LINE outside of Kohls.

I go to ring the doorbell to get let in and the woman who was first in line was like, "Honey, we've been standing out here for an hour. You can't just walk in!" I turned to her and said, "If you want someone to ring up your purchases I can. Otherwise you stood out here for no reason." She then tried to elbow past me to get in when my manager opened the door for me and my manager had to guide her back out! Craaazy.

Sometimes if there was a good deal the managers would let us put a purchase aside and buy it with the Black Friday price (AND our discount) once our shift ended. Sometimes. It was a sweet deal when they did!

I used to love working because time went by super fast. I was always busy, and never doing menial tasks, I was ringing people up and running around... it was great. There were some massively crazy people but it wasn't too bad. One year we had a TV promotion and my manager had the tickets in her hand that customers would get, bring to the register, and we'd call to have it delivered up to them. When the door opened she got pushed back and into my register counter! She climbed up, stood on my table and yelled, "Back! BACK! Or NO TVS for ANYONE!" They all fell silent and stepped back. She climbed down and said, "Now, form a line and I will hand these out, in a civil manner."

And she did.

Kohls would give us Dunkin Donuts and Coffee in the morning (wish I drank the stuff, a sugar high had to suffice) and catered in lunch. They didn't want us leaving and wasting our lunch in line somewhere or losing our parking spot, so free food! I'd be out of there in the early afternoon and home with my family for the rest of the day (after a nap of course).

Working at Disney Black Friday wasn't bad, nothing changed there... except the traffic. My apartment was by the outlet malls and it was RIDICULOUS. I went the back roundabout way trying to get to work (while a couple of my friends who had later shifts tried to go to Best Buy...noooo way) and it took me a long time to get to EPCOT.

This year? We will be in South Carolina as Ryan's family is Thanksgiving this year. Will I brave the stores? Probably not. I am much more content to sleep off the Turkey Hangover!

TIPS: If you shop... be nice to the person at the register. They got up early and braved the masses and don't even get to get good deals. They don't have holiday pay or anything else special, they're working in madness. So smile, say Thank You, and be patient if something chaotic happens. It is usually not their fault!

I also heard on the radio if you are one of those people who waits in line before the store opens... do a buddy system. Have one person wait in line and the other sit in the car with the heat on, then switch! That way you don't both have to be miserable and cold for hours!

Rough Weekend, Holiday 12

I don't like airing dirty laundry on my blog, that is not the point of it. But we did have a rather rough weekend. Me on the couch Friday, him on the couch Saturday... but we got over it. Sat down and had two glasses of water, a note book and pen, and talked. If we got too emotional we wrote down what we wanted to say and cooled off. We made a pretty big breakthrough in our communication and figured a lot of stuff out. So as sucky as it is to fight, this one I think helped us a lot for the long run!

Enough of that, I am joining in this fun Holiday-ness!

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Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

We have a few... my mom and I would always drive around and look at the decorations on other houses. Or we'd go to Christmas Village in Pennsylvania. We always do the Christmas vigil, it is a gorgeous mass, and I read at it every year. Now, we usually go to my dad's family for Christmas Eve. My dad has a massive Italian family, so I am very much the odd blonde stepchild out (in the physical sense of course, I love my family) when we go!



Can you spot me?

Usually my Dad's cousin John plays Santa and all the kids get a gift from him. It's so cute. Last time I went it was warm in the house so Santa's glasses got a little foggy... haha.



Christmas Day is brunch at my aunt's and dinner at Babci and Poppy's. Too. Much. Food.



Last Christmas I was home (08) we also went and saw the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. Amazing show. I hadn't seen it since I was little and I still got goosebumps when the tree rose out of the stage!



The other tradition is Swedish Christmas. My best friend Sam is Swedish and ever since I was thirteen, and we were friends, I have gone to her house for a traditional Swedish celebration. There is a TON of food, glugg, aqua vit, ginger cookies, this awesome bread soaked in a broth that is my favorite, and tons and tons of other edibles. By the end of the night everyone is completely trashed and we give presents and sing bad carols and watch a movie as all the kids of our age group sleep in a massive line/pile on the floor. Breakfast follows the next morning and we have a delicious breakfast and nurse our hangovers til we can drive again!



But...

I am married now. Ryan and I will have our own traditions. I did none of those last year as I was working at Disney. Ryan and my family visted a few weeks before and we celebrated early, but I worked last year Christmas Eve. I was in EPCOT.

This year, Ryan and I are going to start our own traditions. Ok I called dibbs on this Christmas before we got married because my parents are moving to North Carolina next year and this will be my last Christmas in my childhood home. He didn't fight me on it, but he gets Thanksgiving! So we get my usual Christmas, but together, this year.

I am excited to see what traditions we will have for our family!