Happy Holidays!

Just wanted to wish ya'll a belated Happy Holidays, Holiday and Season's Greetings, Happy Hannukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, a blessed Christmas, and/or whatever floats your boat and moves you. Whether you're Catholic, Christian, Baptist, or whatever denomination you practice (or don't), this is the time of the year when families get together. It's the time to catch up on family gossip, eat endless plates of food, and watch the lil' ones excitedly open up their gifts. It's funny because our families have grown so huge that no one even has time to get together, even for one day out of the year. Everyone has their own families, in-laws, get-togethers and whatnot that the result of our Christmases aren't as fun as they used to be. 'Course we make the best of the situation and enjoy the company of who shows up, etc, but really, it's not like it was say, 10 years ago. Now, it's an event in itself to watch the kids rip open their gifts with wide-eyed expectations and literally squeal with joy at receiving that toy or game they've been hoping for. For my niece and nephew, the wonder and surprise of getting what they asked of Santa is just the cutest thing. This year, the theme was ballerinas and cars. The Christmas holidays are really for the kids presents-wise. Hubby and I didn't get many gifts this year 'cuz well, WE were the gifts! Hey, these airline tickets during the holidays don't come cheap, y'know. But in any case, I hope and pray that everyone's celebrations were filled with love and joy.


'Tis Good To Be Home

We left da Bay in the midst of a stormy and rainy downpour only to arrive in the Twin Cities during a light snow. The freezing cold 25 degree weather caught me off guard. Surprisingly, it hasn't really been snowing here in MN and from what I hear, they didn't quite have a white Christmas. It was white, but that was leftover snow from before. Well, I'm sure the lil' break was nice for folks, considering that we still have the January and February snow storms to look forward to. Greeeaaat.

Our flight from da Bay was packed. We took an early morning flight which of course meant we had to be up, ready, and at the airport hella early. With the monsoon-like rain, I was sure we would've been delayed, but we left on time. As we were sitting buckled up and waiting, I noticed the guys outside loading up the luggages. I was telling hubby that to be in that kind of rain would be fun-splashing around in puddles, walking under an umbrella cozied up your honey, taking a walk on the beach and watching the crashing waves, or just listening to the raindrops hit the window of your car or the rooftops of your house. As fierce as it is, there's some romance that could be found within. But to be lugging bags, boxes, purple bins (hee hee, that's ours!), and all kinds of heavy containers, etc, and only wearing raingear with matching galoshes, shoot...I wouldn't want to be them. It was like a Cambell's Soup commercial. You see this big guys strip of their wet gear, sit next to the roaring fire, and eat up a bowl of chicken soup. Yum. But 'twas funny 'cuz as we landed in MN, we saw all these guys unloading planes, this time, in the snow! Just like before, there's the whole snowman, snow angels making thang, and the taking strolls all bundled up with that loved one, but what it all comes down to is yes, Cambell's Soup commercial once again! I honestly don't know which I'd rather be stuck in- rain or snow. How about neither?! Dude...in my opinion, that's a tough job. To all the people who talk smack about those who work at airports, boo on you.

Our flight started out way turbulent for my stomach. I was all nervous with the rain and I'm sure there were those saying their rosaries and prayers for a safe journey. But as we ascended higher, it was cool to break through the rain clouds and into sunny skies. Hubby and I slept for most of the trip. We basically had our breakfast (toasted plain bagel with cream cheese and Total cereal with banana), then put our headphones on and dozed the rest of the flight. Just our luck that there was a crying kid on board just a few rows back.

Arrived safely in MN with all luggage in tow, got picked up by a friend, had coffee and snacks, and just as we were going to head home, de ja vu... 'Member how my car had died on me the first night I got back? Well, lo and behold, hubby's car wouldn't start either! What's with our damn car batteries?! It didn't help that the garage that it was parked in was like a freezer. The temps the last few nights had dropped to below zero and I don't think anyone bothered to start the car while hubby was gone. It's all good though. We got it jumped and after being stuck in traffic, finally made it home to Woodbury.

I feel like it's been a long time since I've been back. Though it was great to see family, friends, and eat out at our favorite restaurants, nothing beats sleeping in your own bed. With all the homesickness that I was having for da Bay, I'm good for the next few months. Heck, we just had leftover E Komo Mai (mochiko chicken, kahlua pig, and mac salad) right here in our living room and boy, did we savor the taste or what?! We were spoiled the last few days in da City with the sun and hanging out with our friends, but honestly, 'tis good to be home. Now, it's hibernation time.

Birthday Shout-Outs

Just wanted to wish Chelle a very Happy 31st Birthday! Hubby and I had a chance to hang with the Lapids and future Opianas the day before our flight. It was a Christmas slash birthday celebration. Da Lapids just moved into their condo and are in the midst of a Trading Spaces-While You Were Out makeover. From what I hear...now that they've got their place, a baby may be in the making! Shhh...ya'll didn't hear it from me! (Plus, there's a pool goin' on to see which Hustlerette will be the first to get pregnant...I'm still hoping for Beej!) We went to a Japanese restaurant for some sushi and well, we had to get outta their place 'cuz mine and Clam's allergies to their cat started acting up. It was so bad...the second I stepped foot into their place, I started sneezing! We did go back though for some dessert and Eye Toy...have you guys heard of this latest craze? It's a PS2 game with a camera that captures the player on the screen. No controls required. The camera uses the player's movements to fight, dance, kung fu, or whatever it is the game asks for. Honestly, it's a game for drunken fools! I see the aerobic advantage, but I think I'll stick to the handheld controllers. So what if my thumbs will get sore! Lol! Hubby and I have totally missed hanging with da Hustler crew- our theme parties, our Cranium nights, dinners, and all the get-togethers filled with straight laughter all around. Great friends, great company. In honor of Mr. Royceton, everytime I hear "Stop hitting the girl bunnies!", I'll always think of him. =) Happy Happy 31st Birthday Chelle! Hope all your wishes come true...now go make a baby!