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!

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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.

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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