Out with the old, in with the new!

Happy New Year, everybody!   Let's give this tired old year a decent burial, and start fresh.  Passing the popcorn and champagne.

What's something that was good about 2012? 

Is there something you are looking forward to in 2013?  I'm not asking for resolutions, since mine are generally broken within hours -- but if that is your cup of tea, do share!

I'm pleased that I got 2 giant projects done this past year, that my big election issue made progress (even if we lost), and that now I have not smoked for 13 weeks (which I pretty much viewed as impossible, even though I didn't like being one of those people who scurries out to a secret location during good times and bad).

In 2013, will finish one more giant project (that I know of, so far); we will do some long-delayed work on the house; and my husband wants to take me on a real vacation!  We'll see how all that works out.  Crossing fingers that my daughter finds work soon.

Right now, I'm preparing for the major work-a-thon.  Some important stuff got lost in translation; must recover it.  Updating virus software on the laptop.  We'll celebrate the new year in a convenient time zone.  Tomorrow, the Christmas stuff will go back to storage.

Regular whines and anti-whines welcome, too!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile -- Liz has set up the Wednesday Book Club!  We'll start by asking everyone for one book suggestion -- a favorite piece of fiction that you want to share, available in paperback so everyone can get them easily -- and then we'll work out some kind of schedule.

It is fine to invite folks to join the Book Club!  But lets keep the whines over here and private.  OK?   

'Twas two days 'til New Year

And all 'round the hoose
The wind was a-whistling like a rampaging moose
The Pixies had all whined their holiday moans
And now were awaiting awards for their groans
So I in my turtle-neck and flannel-lined jeans
Sat down to my computer and keyboard and screen
Thirty-four whines! It's a tough bunch to master
But to give no awards would be a disaster
So I've got my rhyming dictionary out of my stash
To perhaps give these awards just a little panache.
Esperanza reports that Sonic did fumble
Gave burgers, not grilled cheese! Causing a grumble
Kathy's shirt some cranberry sauce did attract
Which is all kinds of wrong after her generous act
PK has come down with some kind of bug
On top of concerns needing a soft gentle hug
Debangel's hubs' boss needs a clue-sticking badly
As does her ex (AKA Ari's daddy).
It seems that of all us of, Sue fared the best,
Figuring out the open-house test
Gossip, and nibble, but stay at the fringes
So as to avoid social anxiety whinges.
I hope I missed no-one in my award-giving spate
If I have overlooked any, please forgive...not hate
I wish that my poetical awards may have given some cheer,
And that all of the Pixies have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

'Twas the noon before Christmas and all through the house

Not a creature was stirring but the wireless mouse
All the family were out at Best Buy to see
If they could get a headphone extension for the living room tv
So that I in my jammies with my good cup of nog
Could get some work done at home (what a job!)
When up from the doorstep arose such a clatter,
I leapt up from my desk to see what was the matter
Away to the restroom I ran in a flash
To look out the window and throw up the sash
The sun was hidden by storm clouds of grey
It felt more like nighttime than the middle of day
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a large man in brown equipped with some gear
His truck had a label and I think you can guess
That I was looking at the great "UPS"


And that's as far as this verse will be penned, for I must get back to my paying work again.

SPECIAL EDITION: RECIPE EXCHANGE!

Happy Hanukkah to those celebrating!  And Merry Christmas, Festivus, whatever you celebrate!

Let's share some recipes!  Someone else will need to bring the latkes, as I am hopeless.  But I'll get the ball rolling with some delicious stuffing.

~~~~~~~~~
ETA:  I republished to move this thread up.

Let the Record Show Awards

* that this week marks the beginning of the Pixie Book Club, where no one pontificates and/or preaches about books he/she has/has not read, where pj's are the required attire, and where there is good food, for heaven's sake. (check out the comments on the whining post to get in on the planning stages).

* that blanketing the country with chocolate truffles may not bring world peace, but it sure doesn't hurt. We have some ideas for the politicians, too, should they care to listen.

* that people whose spouses are away from home, whose children are driving them up a tree/wall/other tall item, and who are behind on work can eat chocolate truffles without consequence. (Hey, I'm making these awards, I can make up the rules)

* that silence is a good thing in the face of unimaginable grief. And that children's laughter is just about the best medicine ever.

* that people who like middle schoolers are a gift to the world. And so are all the other teachers.

* that those who are behind on holiday-related stuff may be relieved of their exhaustion...uh...soon.

* that pity parties must involve chocolate and/or dessert of some sort

Have a wonderful holiday week, pixies. I'm grateful for all of you, and would give you a hug if I could.

Still No Words, but the Whines Remain

um...well...I am immensely thankful for my own Baboos, but that doesn't mean they aren't driving me nuts. Am I the only one?

I will whine about snotty noses (AGAIN), overwhelmed elves (that would be me), and pajama day at preschool (which is somehow supposed to celebrate Jesus' birthday. Don't ask me).

Y'all have some whines? Bring 'em. And here's to a better week.

No words...

... so, I'll share this:  26 moments that restored our faith in humanity this year.   Hugs, and lots of them, to everyone.  And chocolate.

Our regularly scheduled programming will return next week.  The recipe thread remains open for business.  xoxoxo

On your mark, get set, GO!

Whines and Anti-Whines welcome!

The special edition Recipe Exchange remains open this week, so stop by and share!

Not very late Awards

 Some of the stockings.

And some more. You'll have to trust me that everyone will recognize whose is which.


I had this really great art teacher in high school, Mrs. B.  The very oldest ornament that will be on our tree is a diorama in an eggshell, which I made in 1974 in my favorite class, art workshop.  Mrs. B was a fine artist, and she also taught art history, but the main thing she taught was that we should not be afraid of expressing ourselves using whatever materials were at hand.  My kids were lucky enough to have Mrs. S as an art teacher, and her big message was:  "There are no mess-ups in art."  These are among the best pieces of advice, ever.  Work with what you've got.

That being said, Esperanza wins with a Baboo presenting bloody urine, then refusing to pee at the doctor's, leading to the Old Skool Award for this classic:  "So we're reduced to balancing on the potty, trying not to touch her bottom with the cup, and getting enough pee in it. I don't even care if she pees on me. Ugh."  Yes, our old nemesis UTI is to blame.  Yay, meds!

The Classic Parenting Award goes to Miranda, who observes with admirable restraint:  "One day I will have all three of my offspring like me at the same time."  Hear, hear!  Secret but heartfelt kudos to Tween Son, who is being especially sweet.

Liz continues to be Our Holiday Hero, making Seventeen Dozen Chocolates, and then worrying that is not enough.  Is she fearless and dedicated, or what?  The Pixie consensus is that we will do anything -- seriously -- if you'll make a few more for us.

The Truer Words Were Never Spoken Award goes to Sarah, for this:  "W: Sometimes I want things to happen really fast. And they don't."

Sue earns the Bringing Comfort Award, and the Loving the Memories Award, for doing what she does best.  A beloved matriarch gone after a good life; another friend in a long-term care home.  xoxo

Debangel and Liz win a Major Spa Day, for their respective upcoming medical encounters of the "oh dear no" varieties.  Once you are off the narcotics that we almost need just reading about it, we are sending quantities of nice wine, hi-test chocolates from reputable non-Liz sources, and a lot of house elves.

The Siverware-Rearanging Award, with complimentary cluesticking of white-gloved visitors, goes to Neighbor Lady.  Hope the visit/inspection went OK!

Cluesticks to stupid people, soon to be ex-spouses of the difficult variety, and anyone else deserving.  The medical profession in particular needs to watch its behavior, going forward, because we are taking notes.  Hugs and chocolate to everyone.

Random bullet points

• Down, dooby-do, down down.  A third big storm within 5 days blew through this weekend, with wind and 4 inches of rain.  Some trees in my town fell over.  An underground creek (it runs through a culvert) was so swollen that it blew through a metal cover on one street and flooded the vicinity.  Whee!    
• Then all the clouds left, and it was a glorious sunny afternoon on Sunday.
•  
• My stupid internet went out for a good number of hours, and I had to go to the $t@rbuck$ to check my email.  Which is invariably the prompt for the internet to fix itself.
•  
• Somebody attempted to trash me and another person in a professional internet setting.  Got supportive emails!  (If that group gave out j@ck@$$ awards, I would not be a nominee; the other target and I were rational, ever so polite, and our comments were generic rather than personal.)  Cheers to the admin, who put the kibosh on the ugly and misguided.
•  
•   Stocking project report:  snowman with guitar; dog with santa hat; japanese doll; underwater scene; fox; stars of david falling like snowflakes; jack-o-lanterns arranged like a snowman; cactus; and the flying pig and the owl.  Nobody is going to need a nametag...  We'll make a few more for donations -- got ideas? 
•  I'm not really a fish person, but had this wild idea for a stocking, so that one is mine.  Maybe I'll add a cat paw dipping in from the top.  ;)
•  
• I swear I'm going to cross a dozen things off the to do list today.

What's happening with you?

Better watch out!

Here are the first two stockings, made of glorious FELT, the best of all craft fabrics!  Your host is in danger of spending the next month making these, since they are so much more fun than paid work. 

This week's door prizes include a virtual stocking in the color and design of your desires, filled with chocolate from Liz, a rice pudding recipe from Debangel, purse-sized lotion from Sue, mistletoe from Sarah, and star decorations from Esperanza.

Sue wins the Five Minute Sermon Award, crafting a concise but pithy gem. 

The Ribbon of Highway Award goes to Esperanza, off on another loooooong drive.  Hope someone left her crankypants at home.  ;)

Congratulations to Liz, who wins the Pursuit of Justice Award for litigating openness in government.  Which is kind of win-win, even if she lost the first round, since this is gaining some attention.

The Looking Forward to 2013 Award goes to Sarah.  We're raising a toast to moving forward (or, getting "unstuck").  Sounds like you've met a nice guy in the bargain.

Esperanza wins the Ultimate Craftiness Award, for her several holiday-related projects.  Such an inspiration!

The You Can, Too, Do It Award goes to Sue,  who admits to making creations greatly beloved.

Debangel wins the Personal Chef Award, for all the deliciousness in her kitchen.

Best to all who are suffering from afflictions, including but not limited to:  shoulder pain; strep throat; the horror of having to visit the mall; losing stuff; upcoming procedures; headaches;  too little time; tiredness;  dry hands;  missing a beloved one;  sadness of any kind.

See you next week!