Christmas is on the way.....

I finally decorated my Christmas tree today. We've had the tree since last Thursday, and we've put off decorating for a number of reasons - usually consistent with lack of time or energy. I know Joe wanted to decorate together, but I just didnt' see that happening for another 3 weeks - and of course, Christmas would be long gone by then - so my ambitions were on fire today for the tree.

I found out today while decorating that I have minor allergies to pine and cedar. Go figure. My arms are covered in red itchy bumps. But my tree and mantle look good. Where's the cortaid??

Its been a hard week. Joe's company VERY UNFAIRLY lost distribution rights of beer for the county straight south of here. The county had a vote Tuesday, allowing the sale of beer. A few weeks ago, Joe and his co-workers gave a BEAUTIFUL presentation to Anheuser Busch about why THEY should have the rights to distribution for this county, should they go wet. There were two other distributorships in the running, but neither one of them were as qualified as Joe's company. They announced yesterday that one of the other two wholesalers were awarded the rights, not because they were the "Best" for the job, but because of "hardship" - apparently when they went into their lobbying efforts, they went with a sob story about how they'll lose their distributorship if they don't get the rights. Bull shit - ((sorry mom)) - but they are going to go broke anyway. Plus, the president of that wholesalership is also a good "huntin' buddy" of the man that made the decision to award them the rights. Joe was simply out-politicked. That's all. I have other conspiracy theories, but I'll keep them to myself.

My Christmas cards are done. I have 98% of our shopping done. We didn't go nuts this year. Funds are low, bills are hight - you do the math. Christmas shopping - over-rated, thank you!

I wish I could afford to go to New York City. Its my favorite time of year to go. I don't think I'll be going for a few more years though. We're hoping to try for another baby early next year, which will count me out until ... probably 2018. Ah well. Maybe I'll get surprised. Annie and I are going to try to take a "girls get a way" to Hilton Head this February. I haven't told Joe that yet, nor have I asked my sister-in-law if we can borrow her place yet - I'll bring it up when we pick a date.

I've been diving into "The Secret Life of Bees" lately. It pains me to put it down when I have to break away. What an amazing book.

Joe and I saw "No Country for Old Men" last night. GREAT movie. Big time bloody. Not for the kids. But great. I love the Coen brothers' directing.

Elfed

I spent some time on this, only to look like stupid fools, so watch it, dammit!

Joe is only too eager to do the "Macerena" in this..... a little scary.

The Azar Elves

Mom

Mom and Dad were in Missouri last week and became refugees at our place instead of heading back north to a snow and ice storm. Nice surprise for us. We had a great time and it was perfect timing for a little visit.

My mom continues to amaze me. Lately, she's been saying funny things out of the blue that just shock me. Two things t-boned me yesterday that I loved:

(#1) We were getting JOey out of the car yesterday at a restaurant, and he was excessively whiny. He was terribly hungry so it wasn't his fault. We just couldn't get to feeding him right on the schedule. But my mom, she grabbed him from my arms so I could morph the back of my car into a changing table, and said "Shut up, kid. Life's a bitch." I busted up laughing, turned around and looked at her. She said ".....What?!?!"

(#2) Joe was prepping dinner with Dad and he said "Hey Kate, make us some drinks! Dad and I want Jack and Coke's, your mom wants a barcardi and coke." I gathered all my bartender needs and went to making the drinks. I know mom and her ability to NOT hold an alcoholic beverage, so I was careful not to make her's too strong. I accidentally made it stronger than I should have, but figured, ehhh...she's not driving. I handed her the drink and said "Mom, it might be too strong." She replied with a "It might be just right!"

Mom.... she's great. What a hoot.