No Pics From Me

My sparse blogging of late is a result of a few things. My days seem to be busier these days, and it's probably a good thing that I'm getting other things done and not just blogging all day. But the main reason my blog hasn't been getting as much action as in previous days is because Chris takes our laptop with him to work every day, so I don't have access to our pictures. I could put them on Chris' grandma's PC I suppose, which I'm blogging on right now. But, after almost 3 years with a Mac, PC's are confusing and a big pain. I can't even manage to post a picture of a Christmas tree from the internet. Fooey. (Excuse the Harold Patz expression.) Tomorrow I hope to post some recent pics while Chris is at work at Starbucks without our iBook.

I am pleased to report that I've gotten several items checked off of my To Do list. Yesterday I tackled the filing - something I've neglected for several months. What a pain in the dupa (Wow, two HP expressions in one post). We used to have AT&T Wireless, but as you probably know, we now have Cingular. The first few Cingular bills we got were an average length of 12 pages (six 8.5x11 sheets, double-sided). Then, some one at Cingular got the bright idea to change the format of the bill, and we now get a bill of a smaller size page that is a whopping 38 pages long (19 pages, double-sided). Does this not makes sense to anyone else? Don't they wan't to save some trees or something? I remember the first time we got a bill in the new format. They actually included a note that said, "We've reformatted our statement into a more user-friendly format." I laughed out loud. Seriously, I feel like changing service just to get less paperwork. O well, we can't enter any contracts with cell phone companies because a year from now, we won't be living in the U.S., God-willing.

Speaking of not living in the U.S., we haven't heard from the University of Aberdeen yet. Chris had a profitable meeting with his professor at ETS a few weeks ago, and he was told that he should hear something in a few weeks. So, no, it's not official that we're heading to Scotland because Chris isn't officially accepted at the University. But, we will be surprised if he isn't - not because he's so smart and there's no way they wouldn't want him (though he is and there isn't), but because it generally isn't too difficult to get into the University. He should easily make the requirements. It's actually easier to get into Aberdeen than, say, Trinity. And, have I told you that Chris will be able to finish his degree in 3 years - possibly 2 and a half? PhDs usually require at least 4 years in the U.S. Anyhoo, if Chris is not accepted, it will be a clear shut door from the Lord.

It's December 1st! I can hardly believe Christmastime is here again. I have most of my decorations up, and we're hopefully getting our tree tonight. I have a gingerbread house waiting to be assembled too. Luke is getting into Christmas so much more than last year. He can't wait to get our tree. I know he'll love hanging the ornaments. I'm probably 3/4 done with my Christmas shopping and hope to finish up soon. I have to get started on my Christmas cookies too. My favorites that I make every year are Butterfinger Balls, Russian Teacakes, Double-Decker Fudge, Special K Wreaths, and frosted sugar cookies - Betty Crocker recipe. What are your old standbys that you make every year?

I'm proud to say that I tried 3 new recipes for supper this week. Sadly, I wasn't crazy about any of them, though I truly disliked only one of them. They were ok, but not good enough to put the recipe in my box. I got them from my weekly email from Kraft Foods. Tonight I'm making one of our all-time favorites: homemade pizza! I make the dough in my Kitchaid Mixer - what am I going to do when I'm in Scotland and don't have my mixer?! I'll have to have my sister-in-law Molly give me some real bread making tips. She's amazing. Martha Stewart. Except WAY better.

Hope your December is off to a good start and you have lots of great plans for Christmasing.

Over and Out.