Happy December

     Hi everyone! Sorry it took me so long to return to the blogging world. Actually, I returned late last week when our cable/internet/phone was hooked up, but had so much catch up reading to do that I couldn't concentrate on writing yet :)  In sum, November was a whirlwind -- you can expect a recap on our first Thanksgiving in the new house (I cooked for the first time ever!), Dinosaur BBQ restaurant review, Friday Flick, and some exciting news regarding an upcoming job change. Also, on the job front, Jim received a well-deserved promotion in mid-November. Way to go!

     Back to the topic at hand, to me, December 1 is the start of winter -- my least favorite season by far -- regardless of what the calendar says. The geese have all flown south, harvest themed decor is returned to storage and any remaining  mums have turned a hideous shade of brown. Soon our entire yard will look like this (minus the cute seal, of course):

    Last night, Jim and I had a productive trip to our storage facility. We were able to locate some of our Christmas decor and I had to tear the boxes open when we got home (couldn't help myself)! Our stockings are hung and the nutcrackers are standing guard on either side of the fireplace. I haven't decided where to hang our mistletoe just yet because our house has a very open floorplan, i.e. there just aren't that many easily accessible places where he and I will just happen to run into each other :) 

    While Julie and I are taking in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in NYC with a heavy dose of shopping this Saturday, Jim and three  friends are taking on the task of cleaning out the rest of the 12 x 20 storage bin. Who got the better end of that deal? 

     In the next week or so, I must start my Christmas shopping. For once, I think I know what I'm getting everyone (except for those last minute stocking stuffer gifts) and the best part is that most of it is online! 

     Now, I just have to remind myself that we still need a TON of furniture for the house, so I have to stick to a budget. Jim and I are considering going in on a Wii (he has a very outdated PS2)...I've been the one promoting the idea and he's starting to come around after we chatted about it with some influential friends (thanks Jim and Melissa). We'll see...

     Have you started your holiday shopping and decorating?