Just a Hula Girl
I am perhaps the only 30 year old who got a hula hoop for Christmas. I am slightly obsessed with this hip rocking goodness. Mine is pink and sparkly. I love the almost hypnotic feeling--that and the really good core workout it gives,
This has been a week of goodness. I got to see my oldest friend the lovely miss Jenni Lou. YOu always make friends, but there is something special about your first friend that remains important.
Last night we went to a good party. I was talking to Tom about the end of the world as we know it--we pretty much both agreed that destroying civilization is impossible because people, neighbors will find a way to survive. This conversation and an article I was reading in Cooking Light have inspired me to try to know my neighbors in more than the most superficial manner. Why should we be strangers in such close proximity? I don't even necessarily just mean our physical neighbors. This is going to be the year I reach out.
My other goals are bitch less and do unassisted chin ups. Everyone needs a resolution.

Merry Merry
Christmas was wonderful full of cheer, love, joy and family. That being said, I am really glad to be back home with over a week of unplanned (kinda) time ahead of me. I'm getting ready to slip on my new fuzzy socks and settling in for a snuggle with my baby.

Spreading the Elfin cheer.

Make Like a Tree
I have defeated the leaves in my front yard. All quake when I have a rake.

Wow, I really did just say that.

Vacation rocks the casbah. Last night the lovely Turners came over, we hit Esparza's for delicious tex-mex and margaritas and then did some hot tubbing while listening to Christmas music. It doesn't get much better than that. Oh, wait, did I mention watching Once More With Feeling? Yes, pure happiness.

Quote of the Day
"That's the kind of fuzzy headed liberal thinking that leads to getting eaten."
--Principal Snyder, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

I hate the kind of thinking that leads to getting eaten.

In other news, only one more day of school! Jingle all the way!

Wacko
In the spirit of equality, we met our amigo Petey at a 1/2 point. Unfortunatley that half way point was Waco where there is not much happening. Still, we made the most of it. I got to say "I'm a Pepper!" at the DP Museum which let me relive a lot of late nights doing tech theatre. Plus seeing Pete made it worthwhile. Still, aside from stopping at Fazoli's to pee, I don't think I will need to go to Waco again.
One more week till revolution. This last week before break is a little less like teaching and more like trying to wrestle greased sharks while coated in chum. The more I think of it, the more I think the analogy is apt. Luckily the light is at the end of the tunnel. Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Froggy
I've lost my voice almost entirely. For most people this would be inconvenient, but for a person who talks for a living, the situation is pretty sad. I think I need to show a bunch a movies for the next two days. We might watch "The Lost Clause" on Adjective Clauses or "Insubordination Jane" on Subordinate Clauses. Oh yeah, baby. We've got some quality grammar videos!
We had our faculty Christmas party tonight which was nice, especially since they gave us a nice bonus. It's not even so much the money I appreciate (although that is wonderful), but I really love the fact that they are gratful for the job I do. On a day to day basis we can all lose sight of it, but just when I get completely fed up someone reminds me of why I'm there. Plus besides my crazy boss, I love the people I work with. I'm so blessed to have some good friends who make evey day a little better.
E's been at some Java conference, so I've been curled up with Project Runway which I'm strangely intereted in. It's nice to chill in my sweats on the couch with trashy tv as my only company. If only Magnum was on my life would be complete.

Best thing about the holidays? Playing dress up!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1226177341
Aren't we good dancers?
I think I need an elf suit--I just look too cute with the pointy ears.

Word to the Wise
I have a new obsession. www.freerice.com It's a site that gives vocabulary quizzes--for every answer you get right, they donte 20 grains of rice to starving people. I am not sure if the rice really gets to hungry people, but it's a good cause. I'm really good at letters A-L! Anyway, check it out.

The Christmas tree is right beside me, but I'm having trouble getting in the mood because it is supposed to be 80 degrees tomorrow. My sweaters are going woefully underused.
Tomorrow we have a party for E's work which I'm looking forward to. It's going to be at some hotel in Sundance Square. I'm jazzed about the chance to get dressed up, eat yummy food, drink nice wine and play casino games. It's what Martha Stewart would say is a good thing. Besides, if it stinks,we can just enjoy the tres cool Sundance Square area. I might need to visit Flying Saucer for a beer flight.

Is it Christmas break yet?

30
As I was at the gym today, the elliptical asked me how old I was. For the first time I had to admit--30. Still for an old lady I feel pretty good. I bought a cute little outfit for tonight featuring a size 2 skirt--I could not have said that at 20, so I'm feeling pretty good.
Eric and I had a wonderful celebration last night--we went to Ferarri's Villa which was uber yummy, and then we had candy cane icecream and went to look at Christmas lights. We ended with champagne and prezzies at home. E got me perfume and the complete Buffy collection. Yeah, baby, once more with feeling!
I also had a realization. Even though it was a Friday and my birthday I went to the gym yesterday after work. I went not because I had to but because I really wanted to, because it makes me feel good to be there. The joy I get out of running is liberating. Thus I treated myself to new running shoes today!
Tonight is the big partay at Lee Harvey's.
It may be the end of the world as I know it, but I feel fine.