49 things

So I haven't had a chance yet to post on the yumminess that was Breaking Dawn. But until then, a meme. And no, I have no idea what happened to #15.

1. Do you like blue cheese? No, but I will eat blue cheese dressing with hot wings.

2. Have you ever smoked a cigarette? Not in a very long time. In fact, it kind of grosses me out now.

3. Do you own a gun? No, I don’t really care for guns. Though I have been eyeing a pink taser.

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Vanilla! It’s better in the Dr. Pepper than the Coke.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Nah, what’s to be nervous about? They have the drugs!

6. Do you like hot-dogs? Yes. Preferably rolled in cornmeal and deep fried on a stick.

7. Favorite Christmas Song? “Hard Candy Christmas” (which is of course not technically a Christmas song) and Trisha Yearwood’s ultra Jesusy “It Wasn’t His Child”

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Diet Dr. Pepper on weekdays and regular Dr. Pepper on weekends. I’m a complex individual.

9. Can you do push-ups? Ick. Why would I want to do that?

10. What’s your favorite meal? Beef stew and cornbread, or a box of macaroni and cheese.

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? I think I love my diamond stud earrings the best. Rob gave them to me the first Christmas we were living together.

12. Favorite hobby? Reading.

13. Do you work with people who idolize you? They must. How could they not? I mean, really.

14. Name a trait that you hate about yourself? Wow, that’s kind of hard. The traits that most people hate about me don’t really bother me. I hate my lethargy.

16. Middle name? Parker

17. Name 3 thoughts at this moment: wheat thins, cheese, stupid work

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: God, were you watching me or something? Hoodies, Borns, star hair clips.

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, and Dr. Pepper, and Diet Dr. Pepper

20. Current worry right now? I’m supposed to be filling in for a co-worker this week and I’m starting to think that I should have figured out how to do her job before she left.

21. Current hate right now? New guy next to me is an aspiring club deejay and I have to hear his crap music coming out of his headphones all damn day. People who stay visiting so long at someone's cube that they hop up on the desk and make themselves comfortable.

22. Favorite place to be? On vacation.

23. How did you bring in New Years? At an Ugly Holiday Sweater Party, though I think we left before midnight cause we’re lame like that.

24. Favorite place to go? Alamo Drafthouse

25. Name three people who will complete this? There appear to be 50 questions, so that would be a big no one.

26. Whose answer do you want to read the most? Mine, of course.

27. What color shirt are you wearing? Orange with white embroidery. It’s supposed to be like hippie/Mexicali style, but I’m afraid that it just comes off looking matronly.

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I can’t imagine why I would. 100% cotton only.

29. Can you whistle? Probably, though I can’t think of the last time I would have done so.

30. Favorite color(s)? Pink and red. Though not together of course.

31. Would you be a pirate? No. My mother made me be one for Halloween in fourth or fifth grade, so there is no need to repeat the experience.

32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don’t. I prefer a quiet, relaxing, yodel-free shower.

33. Favorite girl’s name? Since I’m saving it for my future daughter, why would I tell you and have you steal it from me?

34. Favorite boy’s name? Cooper, of course :-)

34. What’s in your pocket right now? One hand in my pocket and the other one is giving a high five.

36. Last thing that made you laugh? I can’t even remember. This place is so not funny.

37. Bed sheets as a child? No recollection. But I’m sure they were cotton.

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? It’s a tie between the time I broke my foot, and the time I was torn asunder while giving birth.

39. Do you love where you live? Most of the time. Although lately, the 400 degree days have been wearing me down.

40. How many tv’s are in your house? Most people who know me would be surprised to learn, there are only two.

41. Who is your loudest friend? Can’t say, she’ll get all offended. But trust me, she’s loud.

42. How many dogs do you have? None right now :-( Just Moe the cat.

43. Does someone have a crush on you? I highly doubt it.

45. What is your favorite book? I could never pick just one. Loved Lonesome Dove, and The Stand, To Kill a Mockingbird, and all of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander books, and the Anne of Green Gables books. And I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m currently all about the Twilight series right now.

46. What is your favorite candy? Plain M&Ms.

47. What is your favorite sports team? What? Huh? Is Christian Laettner currently playing for a team?

48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Beastie Boys “No Sleep Til Brooklyn”

49. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Enjoying my Tylenol PM induced dreams.

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? Ugh, damn it.

Breaking Dawn Countdown Ends

It's here! It's here! It's finally here!

I arrived at the Barnes & Noble at Lakeline Mall at 10pm, and two and half hours later, the prize was mine.

Normally I could read the entire book in a day or two, but... Saturday I need to do laundry, family celebration for Rob's birthday, and pack all three of us for vacation. Sunday, we need to wake up at 4am, to be at the airport for our 7am flight to Albany. We're spending the week at Lake Otsego in Cooperstown, New York with Rob's entire family (and I'm talking cousins from coast to coast and France). So it might be considered a bit rude and anti-social if I arrive in New York and lock myself in a room until I've assured myself (754 pages later) that Bella and Edward live happily ever after, and the Volturi get eaten by wolves.

So I'll be sneaking chapters in over the next week. Happy Breaking Dawn day!

1 day until Breaking Dawn

I glowered at the sky.

"I'll get you home." He brushed the tiny beads of water from my cheeks.

"Rain's not the problem," I grumbled. "It just means that it's time to go do something that will be very unpleasant and possibly even highly dangerous."

His eyes widened in alarm.

"It's a good thing you're bulletproof." I sighed. "I'm going to need that ring. It's time to tell Charlie."

He laughed at the expression on my face. "Highly dangerous," he agreed. He laughed again and then reached into the pocket of his jeans. "But at least there's no need for a side trip."

He once again slid my ring into place on the third finger of my left hand.

Where it would stay- conceivably for the rest of eternity.


Eclipse

Remembering the Knoxville Tragedy

kangarunitarian wrote a lovely and thoughtful post on a UU's reaction to the shooting at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville.

"I am a Unitarian Universalist.

We believe in freedom. We believe in personal, spiritual, and intellectual freedom. We believe that each person must be free to choose what is true and right in life. We believe in freedom for everyone, not just for people who think and act like us.

We believe that everyone is important and valuable. Old, young, male, female, transgendered, gay, straight, strong, weak, poor, rich, black, white, and purple; liberal, moderate, and conservative. Everyone. Even unemployed truck drivers with shotguns. Everyone."

I wholeheartedly agree.

Does 'Twilight' Suck the Brains Out of Teens?

Martha Brockenbrough of MSN Parent's Movie Guide and Lorie Ann Grover of readergirlz debate: Is the Twilight series a worthy obsession for our teen girls?

They both have excellent points, but I think they both underestimate the importance of - in this day and age - simply getting teenagers to read is a monumental accomplishment. Who cares what they're reading? At least it's not MySpace, PlayStation or iPhone texting related.

2 days until Breaking Dawn

"How are you going to do this right?"

I took a deep breath. "Responsibly. Everything in the right order. I will not leave Charlie and Renee without the best resolution I can give them. I won't deny Alice her fun, if I'm having a wedding anyway. And I will tie myself to you in every human way, before I ask you to make me immortal. I'm following all the rules, Edward. Your soul is far, far too important to me to take chances with. You're not going to budge me on this."

"I'll bet I could," he murmured, his eyes burning again.

"But you wouldn't," I said, trying to keep my voice level. "Not knowing that this is what I really need."

"You don't fight fair," he accused.

I grinned at him. "Never said I did."


Eclipse

With my freeze ray, I will stop the world.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog appears to be back for free streaming on Hulu. Watch while you can!

You're welcome.

3 days until Breaking Dawn

He pulled back a few inches to look at me, and his eyes did nothing to help my resolve. They were black fire. They smoldered.

"Why?" he asked again, his voice low and rough. "I love you. I want you. Right now."

The butterflies in my stomach flooded my throat. He took advantage of my speechlessness.

"Wait, wait," I tried to say around his lips.

"Not for me," he murmured in disagreement.

"Please?" I gasped.

He groaned, and pushed himself away from me, rolling onto his back again.

We both lay there for a minute, trying to slow our breathing.

"Tell me why not, Bella," he demanded. "This had better not be about me."

Everything in my world was about him. What a silly thing to expect.


Eclipse

4 days until Breaking Dawn

"It's beautiful. It's just right for him."

"But is it just right for you?" she insisted.

"Yes, I think is is, Alice. I think it's just what I need. I know you'll do a great job with this... if you can keep yourself in check."

She beamed.

"Can I see your dress?" I asked.

She blinked, her face blank.

"Didn't you order your bridesmaid dress at the same time? I wouldn't want my maid of honor to wear something off the rack." I pretended to wince in horror.

She threw her arms around my waist. "Thank you, Bella!"

"How could you not see that one coming?" I teased, kissing her spiky hair. "Some psychic you are!"


Eclipse

5 days until Breaking Dawn

"I'm sorry you had to see that," I said. "That wasn't fair to you."

He put his hands on either side of my face.

"Bella... are you sure?" Did you make the right choice? I've never seen you in so much pain-" His voice broke on the last word.

But I had known worse pain.

I touched his lips. "Yes."

"I don't know..." His brow creased. "If it hurts you so much, how can it possibly be the right thing for you?"

"Edward, I know who I can't live without."


Eclipse

6 days until Breaking Dawn

I turned to look at him without speaking. His eyes bugged wide, and he lurched to his feet.

"What happened? Is Jacob...?" he demanded.

I shook my head furiously, trying to find my voice. "He's fine, he's fine," I promised, my voice low and husky. And Jacob was fine, physically, which is all Charlie was worried about at the moment.

"But what happened?" He grabbed my shoulders, his eyes still anxious and wide. "What happened to you?"

I must look worse than I'd imagined.

"Nothing, Dad. I... just had to talk to Jacob about... some things that were hard. I'm fine."

The anxiety calmed, and was replaced by disapproval.

"Was this really the best time?" he asked.

"Probably not, Dad, but I didn't have any alternatives- it just got to the point where I had to choose... Sometimes, there isn't any way to compromise."


Eclipse

7 days until Breaking Dawn

Two futures, two soul mates... too much for any one person. And so unfair that I wouldn't be the only one to pay for it. Jacob's pain seemed too high a price. Cringing at the thought of that price, I wondered if I would have wavered, if I hadn't lost Edward once. If I didn't know what it was like to live without him. I wasn't sure. That knowledge was so deep a part of me, I couldn't imagine how I would feel without it.

"He's like a drug for you, Bella." His voice was still gentle, not at all critical. "I see that you can't live without him now. It's too late. But I would have been healthier for you. Not a drug; I would have been the air, the sun."


Eclipse

8 days until Breaking Dawn

"You know that sotry in the Bible?" Jacob asked suddenly, still reading the blank ceiling. "The one with the king and the two women fighting over the baby?"

"Sure, King Solomon."

"That's right. King Solomon," he repeated. "And he said, cut the kid in half... but it was only a test. Just to see who would give up their share to protect it."

"Yeah, I remember."

He looked back at my face. "I'm not going to cut you in half anymore, Bella."


Eclipse

9 days until breaking Dawn

"Is it really better than if I was still in the dark?"

"Don't you think you ought to know how you feel- just so that it doesn't take you by surprise someday when it's too late and you're a married vampire?"

I shook my head. "No- I didn't mean better for me. I meant better for you. Does it make things better or worse for you, having me know that I'm in love with you? When it doesn't make a difference either way. Would it have been better, easier for you, if I never clued in?"

He took my question as seriously as I'd meant it, thinking carefully before he answered. "Yes, it's better to have you know," he finally decided. "If you hadn't figured it out... I'd have always wondered if your decision would have been different if you had. Now I know. I did everything I could." He dragged in an unsteady breath, and closed his eyes.


Eclipse

Dr. Horrible

I was seriously lax in my duties last week in raving about the incomparable Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog from Buffy/Angel/Firefly God, Joss Whedon.

A musical in three acts, starring Neil Patrick Harris, (Doogie can sing!) Nathan Fillion, and Felicia Day, Dr. Horrible was made during the writer's strike and posted for free online viewing last week.

However, with the me being lax and all, it's actually too late to view it for free and it's currently only available for download on iTunes. But seriously? It's totally worth the $4 - $6 download fee.

I have already located Dr. Horrible goggles, but I will need assistance locating a dental tunic/lab coat, and knee high white boots. Halloween is only three months away you know.

10 days until Breaking Dawn

"Perhaps this isn't the best moment for that," he suggested, too calm for my liking.

"Why not?" I grumbled. There was no point in fighting if he was going to be rational; I dropped my arms.

"Firstly, because it is cold." He reached out to pull the sleeping bag off the floor; he wrapped it around me like a blanket.

"Wrong," I said. "First, because you are bizarrely moral for a vampire."

He chuckled. "All right, I'll give you that. The cold is second. And thirdly... well, you do actually stink, love."

He wrinkled his nose.

I sighed.

"Fourthly," he murmured, dropping his face so that he was whispering in my ear. "We will try, Bella. I'll make good on my promise. But I'd much rather it wasn't in reaction to Jacob Black."

I cringed, and buried my face against his shoulder.

"And fifthly..."

"This is a very long list," I muttered.


Eclipse

11 days until Breaking Dawn

Jacob was right. He'd been right all along. He was more than just my friend. That's why it was so impossible to tell him goodbye- because I was in love with him. Too. I loved him, much more than I should, and yet, still nowhere near enough. I was in love with him, but it was not enough to change anything; it was only enough to hurt us both more. To hurt him worse than I ever had.


Eclipse

12 days until Breaking Dawn

"Do you want me to distract you?" He breathed, running his cold fingers along my cheekbone.

I shivered involuntarily; the morning was still frosty.

"Maybe not right now," he answered himself, pulling his hand away.

"There are other ways to distract me."

"What would you like?"

"You could tell me about your ten best nights," I suggested. "I'm curious."

He laughed. "Try to guess."

I shook my head. "There's too many nights I don't know about. A century of them."

"I'll narrow it down for you. All of my best nights have happened since I met you."


Eclipse

13 days until Breaking Dawn

"As I said, I'm feeling oddly grateful for your presence in her life tonight. It was the least I could do... You know, Jacob, if it weren't for the fact that we're natural enemies and that you're also trying to steal away the reason for my existence, I might actually like you."

"Maybe... if you weren't a disgusting vampire who was planning to suck out the life of the girl I love... well, no, not even then."


Eclipse

14 days until Breaking Dawn

"Do you ever get tired of lying to yourself? You have to know how aware you are of me. Physically, I mean."

"How could anyone not be aware of you physically, Jacob?" I demanded. "You're an enormous monster who refuses to respect anyone else's personal space."


Eclipse

Emmy Nominations

It's official. Holly Hunter has been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for "Saving Grace". Everyone else? Might as well stay home.

15 days until Breaking Dawn

"Now let me treat your hand- you've gotten the cut dirty."

"Let me do it, please."

He took my hand and smiled as he examined it. "This doesn't bother me anymore."

I watched him carefully as he cleaned the gash, looking for some sign of distress. He continued to breathe evenly in and out, the same small smile on his lips.

"Why not?" I finally asked as he smoothed a bandage across my palm.

He shrugged. "I got over it."

"You... got over it? When? How?" I tried to remember the last time he'd held his breath around me. All I could think of was my wretched birthday party last September.

Edward pursed his lips, seeming to search for the words. "I lived through an entire twenty-four hours thinking that you were dead, Bella. That changed the way I look at a lot of things."


Eclipse

16 days until Breaking Dawn

"Bella?" Alice asked in a sad voice, shifting over and curling against my side. Her voice sounded so miserable that I wrapped my arms around her shoulders in comfort.

"What's wrong Alice?"

"Don't you love me?" she asked in that same sad tone.

"Of course I do. You know that."

"Then why do I see you sneaking off to Vegas to get married without inviting me?"


Eclipse

17 days until Breaking Dawn

"Now, I want to do this right. Please, please, keep in mind that you've already agreed to this, and don't ruin it for me."

"Oh, no," I gasped as he slid down onto one knee.

"Be nice," he muttered.

I took a deep breath.

"Isabella Swan?" He looked up at me through his impossibly long lashes, his golden eyes soft but, somehow, still scorching. "I promise to love you forever- every single day of forever. Will you marry me?"

There were many things I wanted to say, some of them not nice at all, and others more digustingly gooey and romantic than he probably dreamed I was capable of. Rather than embarass myself with either, I whispered, "Yes."

"Thank you," he said simply. He took my left hand and kissed each of my fingertips before he kissed the ring that was now mine.


Eclipse

Have I mentioned lately...

that I have the cutest kid ever? For real.

Only if you hate the summer camp counselors of America...

Should Parents Take ADHD Kids Off Meds in Summer?

Although their intention may be to avoid sticking their child with a "problem" label at camp, the effect is often just the opposite; counselors and camp directors, who review all campers' health forms before a session begins, are more likely to misread a camper's disobedience as insubordination or a discipline issue if they don't understand the disorder behind it. Jeff Freedman, the director of Camp Winaukee, an all-boys' sports camp in New Hampshire, says that's the case for a handful of his campers each summer: a boy is having a hard time following directions, Freedman calls the parents, and the parents say they forgot to mention that the child is typically medicated for ADHD.

I've got news for you sneaky parents. We always knew exactly what you had done.

Many camp activities, such as water sports or archery, can be dangerous if kids aren't paying enough attention, says Walton. And a child with ADHD may have a harder time dealing with camp's intense social environment if he is taking a hiatus from his regular treatment. Beyond the effect on campers, Walton says drug holidays can also put an "unfair burden" on the counselors. "It's difficult to ask someone who's just meeting your child, just forming a relationship and trying to keep them safe and happy, to do that if the kid is not at his best."

For some ADHD kids, medications help with social interaction, allowing them to better read social cues and exercise self-control. Carrie Wilkerson says—with maternal adoration, of course—that when her son Mark is off his meds, "it makes him very, very annoying." He chatters uncontrollably and laughs nervously at inappropriate times, she says. And that kind of behavior probably wouldn't go over all that well at a campfire sing-a-longs.

so many things going on here

I still can't decide which I find most objectionable; the wig or the make-up. I really hope that the film's make-up person knows a little bit more about subtlety.

Okay, so I still squealed like a little fan-girl when I saw it. But December 12th?? That's like 151 days away! That's a whole nother countdown.






Edited to add: When did anyone stand around in the water? But I like this photo far better.

18 days until Breaking Dawn

I reached for the ring, but his long fingers beat me there. He took my left hand in his, and slid the ring into place on my third finger. He held my hand out, and we both examined the oval sparkling against my skin. It wasn't quite as awful as I'd feared, having it there.

"A perfect fit," he said indifferently. "That's nice- saves me a trip the jeweler's."

I could hear some strong emotion burning under his casual tone of voice, and I stared up at his face. It was there in his eyes, too, visible despite the careful nonchalance of his expression.

"You like that, don't you?" I asked suspiciously, fluttering my fingers and thinking that it was really too bad that I had not broken my left hand.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Sure," he said, still casual. "It looks very nice on you."

I stared into his eyes, trying to decipher the emotion that smoldered just under the surface. He gazed back, and the casual pretense suddenly slipped away. He was glowing- his angel's face brilliant with joy and victory. He was so glorious that it knocked me breathless.

Before I could catch that breath, he was kissing me, his lips exultant. I was lightheaded when he moved his mouth to whisper in my ear- but his breathing was just as ragged as mine.

"Yes, I like it. You have no idea."


Eclipse

19 days until Breaking Dawn

I shook my head, and laughed glumly. "You make me feel like a villain in a melodrama- twirling my moustache while I try to steal some poor girl's virtue."

His eyes were wary as they flashed across my face, then he quickly ducked down to press his lips against my collarbone.

"That's it, isn't it?" The short laugh that escaped me was more shocked than amused. "You're trying to protect your virtue!" I covered my mouth with my hand to muffle the giggle that followed. The words were so... old-fashioned.

"No, silly girl," he muttered against my shoulder. "I'm trying to protect yours. And you're making it shockingly difficult."


Eclipse

20 days until Breaking Dawn

"Lets, clarify your prerequisites first."

"You know what I want."

"Matrimony." I made it sound like a dirty word.

"Yes." He smiled a wide smile. "To start with."

The shock spoiled my carefully composed expression. "There's more?"

"Well," he said, and his face was calculating. "If you're my wife, then what's mine is yours... like tuition money. So there would be no problem with Dartmouth."

"Anything else? While you're already being absurd?"

"I wouldn't mind some time."

"No. No time. That's a deal breaker right there."

He sighed longingly. "Just a year or two?"

I shook my head, my lips set in a stubborn frown. "Move along to the next one."

"That's it. Unless you'd like to talk cars..."


Eclipse

21 days until Breaking Dawn

"A hand-me-down," he reminded me sternly. He pulled my left wrist away from my leg, and touched the silver bracelet for just a moment. Then he gave me my arm back.

I examined it cautiously. On the opposite side of the chain from the wolf, there now hung a brilliant heart-shaped crystal. It was cut in a million facets, so that even in the subdued light shining from the lamp, it sparkled. I inhaled in a low gasp.

"It was my mother's." He shrugged deprecatingly. "I inherited quite a few baubles like this. I've given some to Esme and Alice both. So, clearly, this is not a big deal in any way."

I smiled ruefully at his assurance.

"But I thought it was a good representation," he continued. "It's hard and cold." He laughed. "And it throws rainbows in the sunlight."

"You forgot the most important similarity," I murmured. "It's beautiful."

"My heart is just as silent," he mused. "And it, too, is yours."


Eclipse

Avoid scurvy, drink a Slurpee!

It's that very special day that only comes once a year. July 11 = Free Slurpee Day!

22 days until Breaking Dawn

"Don't apologize," he said, smiling just a little. "Never be afraid to tell me how you feel, Bella. If this is what you need..." He shrugged. "You are my first priority."

"I didn't mean it that way- like you have too choose me over your family."

"I know that. Besides, that's not what you asked. You gave me two alternatives you could live with, and I chose the one that I could live with. That's how compromise is supposed to work."

I leaned forward and rested my forehead against his chest. "Thank you," I whispered.

"Anytime," he answered, kissing my hair. "Anything."


Eclipse

23 days until Breaking Dawn

His eyes narrowed. "Everyone else is able to get away with giving you things. Everyone but me. I would have loved to get you a graduation present, but I didn't. I knew it would upset you more than if anyone else did. That's utterly unfair. How do you explain yourself?"

"Easy." I shrugged. "You're more important than everyone else. And you've given me you. That's already more than I deserve, and anything else you give me just throws us more out of balance."

He processed that for a moment, and then rolled his eyes. "The way you regard me is ludicrous."


Eclipse

Emergency Zombie Outbreak Kit

What Twitter would look like if we were under attack by Zombies.

24 days until Breaking Dawn

"One more thing," Edward said slowly. "I'll be fighting for her, too. You should know that. I'm not taking anything for granted, and I'll be fighting twice as hard as you will."

"Good," Jacob growled. "It's no fun beating someone who forfeits."

"She is mine." Edward's low voice was suddenly dark, not as composed as before. "I didn't say I would fight fair."


Eclipse

25 days until Breaking Dawn

"I'm in love with you, Bella." Jacob said in a strong, sure voice. "Bella, I love you. And I want you to pick me instead of him. I know you don't feel that way, but I need the truth out there so that you know your options. I wouldn't want a miscommunication to stand in our way."


Eclipse

26 days until Breaking Dawn

"You could do so much better, Bella. I know that you believe I have a soul, but I'm not entirely convinced on that point, and to risk yours..." He shook his head slowly. "For me to allow this- to let you become what I am just so that I'll never have to lose you- is the most selfish act I can imagine. I want it more than anything, for myself. But for you, I want so much more. Giving in- it feels criminal. It's the most selfish thing I'll ever do, even if I live forever."


Eclipse

27 days until Breaking Dawn

"It's late," he said again, murmuring, almost crooning now, his voice smoother than silk. "Sleep, my Bella. Dream happy dreams. You are the only one who ever touched my heart. It will always be yours. Sleep, my only love."


Eclipse

28 days until Breaking Dawn

"But I want you to know something- when it comes to all this enemies nonsense, I'm out. I am a neutral country. I am Switzerland. I refuse to be affected by territorial disputes between mythical creatures. Jacob is family. You are... well, not exactly the love of my life, because I expect to love you for much longer than that. The love of my existance. I don't care who's a werewolf and who's a vampire. If Angela turns out to be a witch, she can join the party too."


Eclipse

a confession

I'm known as a pretty organized person. Maybe even obsessively so. But this is the one area of my life that is never organized.

I'm somewhat of a compulsive shopper, and I have trouble getting rid of clothes. And shoes. And purses. I go through my closet several times a year, and every time we move, and I get rid of numerous bags of clothes. But my closet is still a floor to ceiling disaster area.

Whenever I "clean out" my closet, I try on everything, and if it fits and is in good condition, I keep it, and get rid of the rest. That sounds like a good plan, right? But the problem is, just because it fits, doesn't mean I've worn it in the last year. Or ever. The same goes for shoes and purses. Because really, you never know when you might need that reversible Esprit purse (purchased when I was in college) and those Steve Madden platform suede sandals (worn to my bachelorette party- eight years ago).

So this week I decided to tackle the task ruthlessly. I took the afternoon off from work, so there would be no toddler underfoot, and no husband pretending to watch said toddler while also playing the banjo.

I took EVERYTHING out of the closet, and tried to be brutally honest about what needed to be kept. There were far too many clothes that I'd been holding on to for years "just in case" I needed something to wear to a wedding, or a job interview, or a funeral. Or wherever it is vinyl pants get worn. Did you know I owned vinyl pants? I'm somebody's mother for God's sake. And I had far too many shoes that hardly ever get worn because, although they're super cute, they're viciously uncomfortable.

I also had numerous belts. Why? I don't think I've worn a belt since 1988 (and it would have been worn low on top of my over-sized shirt, not through my belt loops).

It was extremely painful getting rid of so many things that I hadn't worn much, or even at all. I do a lot of online shopping, and tend to keep things for the wrong reasons. Because it's such a pain to return items, I convince myself that I'll find a use for them at some point. So now I have to comfort myself with the thought that some lucky plus size girl shopping at Goodwill is going make out like a bandit.

After filling seven Hefty bags, I somehow still seem to have a lot of clothes, shoes and purses. But it's a much more organized selection (now with extra hangers). And now I have room for new stuff!

29 days until Breaking Dawn

"See," I explained. "I don't care who's a vampire and who's a werewolf. That's irrelevent. You are Jacob, and he is Edward, and I am Bella. And nothing else matters."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "But I am a werewolf," he said unwillingly. "And he is a vampire," he added with obvious revulsion.

"And I'm a Virgo!" I shouted exasperated.


Eclipse

30 days until Breaking Dawn

I looked up, intending to make a sarcastic remark, but his face was closer than I expected. His golden eyes were smoldering, just inches away, and his breath was cool against my open lips. I could taste his scent on my tongue.

I couldn't remember the witty response I'd been about to make. I couldn't remember my name.


Eclipse

31 days until Breaking Dawn

It was a face any male model in the world would trade his soul for. Of course, that might be exactly the asking price: one soul.

No. I didn't believe that. I felt guilty for even thinking it, and was glad- as I was often glad- that I was the one person whose thoughts were a mystery to Edward.

I reached for his hand, and sighed when his cold fingers found mine. His touch brought with it the strangest sense of relief- as if I'd been in pain and that pain had suddenly ceased.


Eclipse

32 days until Breaking Dawn

"Thank you," Edward said, and his voice throbbed with the depth of his sincerity. "I will never be able to tell you how grateful I am. I will owe you for the rest of my... existance."

Jacob stared at him blankly, his shudders stilled by surprise. He exchanged a quick glance with me, but my face was just as mystified.

"For keeping Bella alive," Edward clarified, his voice rough and fervent. "When I... didn't."


New Moon

33 days until Breaking Dawn

"Oh!"

"Bella?"

"Oh. Okay. I see."

"Your epiphany?" he asked, his voice uneven and strained.

"You love me," I marveled. The sense of conviction and rightness washed through me again.

Though his eyes were still anxious, the crooked smile I loved best flashed across his face. "Truly, I do."


New Moon

toe ring tattoos

34 days until Breaking Dawn

"But how could you believe me? After all the thousand times I've told you that I love you, how could you let one word break your faith in me?"

I didn't answer. I was too shocked to form a rational response.

"I could see it in your eyes, that you honestly believed that I didn't want you anymore. The most absurd, ridiculous concept- as if there were any way I could exist without needing you!"


New Moon

35 days until Breaking Dawn

"Well Alice," Edward said conversationally as we walked. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to see you here."

"It was my mistake," Alice answered in the same tone. "It was my job to set it right."

"What happened?" His voice was polite as if he were barely interested. I imagined this was due to the listening ears behind us.

"It's a long story." Alice's eyes flicked toward me and away. "In summary, she did jump off a cliff, but she wasn't trying to kill herself. Bella's all about extreme sports these days."


New Moon

Here’s hoping for 99 years.

On April 23, 1996, 19 year-old Stacey Stites was found murdered on the side of the road in Bastrop county. Stacey’s fiancé, Giddings Police officer Jimmy Fennell was briefly a suspect in her murder.

When Stacey Stites was found, her fingernails were cut to the quick, roughly and not filed, which prevented the medical examiner from collecting any trace evidence. She was strangled with her own belt which left no finger prints.

Investigators never requested a search warrant for the apartment Stacey Stites shared with Jimmy Fennell, the last place she had been seen alive.

The truck apparently used to transport Stacey’s body, which contained fingerprints from only Jimmy Fennell and Stacy Stites, was returned to Fennell six days after the murder (before DPS had even completed all of the necessary forensic testing). Fennell sold the truck the next day.

Fresh beer cans found at the crime scene contained DNA from Stacey Stites and police officers David Hall (who was also a good friend of Fennell’s) and Ed Salmela.

Ed Salmela was originally assigned as lead investigator of Stites' murder. Three months after Samela began investigating the case, he committed suicide.

Dallas police sergeant Mary Blackwell told investigators that she overheard Fennell during an officer training course in 1995. "He said that if he ever found out that his girlfriend was cheating on him that he'd strangle her."

In two polygraph tests, Jimmy Fennell failed the question: "Did you strangle Stacy Stites?"

In 1998, Rodney Reed, a black man who claimed to have been having a secret affair with Stacey Stites (as an explanation for why his DNA was found on her body), was convicted of her murder and sentenced to death. He maintains his innocence and is currently awaiting a ruling on whether he can be retried due to the evidence (including the DNA evidence on the beer cans) that was not released at his trial.

_________________________________________________

In February 2007, Jimmy Fennell, now a Georgetown police officer, was charged with sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint while he was on the job. He was subsequently fired by the Georgetown Police Department.

Under a deal reached in May 2008, between prosecutors and Fennell’s attorney, Fennell pleaded guilty to felony charges of kidnapping and sexual misconduct.

On June 24, 2008 District Judge Burt Carnes denied the plea agreement that would have given Fennell a two-year prison sentence, 10 years probation and a $5,000 fine. The case will go to trial on Sept. 8.

Fennell is charged with aggravated sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, improper sexual activity with a person in custody and official oppression — all of which could exceed two 99-year terms if he is convicted by a jury.

36 days until Breaking Dawn

"But he... he left! He didn't want me anymore! What difference does it make now? He knew I would die sometime!"

"I don't think he ever meant to outlive you by long," Alice said quietly.


New Moon

37 days until Breaking Dawn

"You look like hell, Bella."

"I drowned today," I reminded her.

"It goes deeper than that. You're a mess."

I flinched. "Look, I'm doing my best."

"What do you mean?"

"It hasn't been easy. I'm working on it."

She frowned. "I told him," she said to herself.

"Alice," I sighed. "What did you think you were going to find? I mean, besides me dead? Did you expect to find me skipping around and whistling show tunes? You know me better than that."

"I do. But I hoped."

"Then I guess I don't have the corner on the idiocy market."

New Moon

38 days until Breaking Dawn

"It hurts to think about them," I whispered. "It's like I can't breathe... like I'm breaking into pieces..." It was bizarre how much I could tell Jacob now. We had no more secrets.

He smoothed my hair. "It's okay, Bella, it's okay. I won't bring it up again. I'm sorry."

"I'm fine," I gasped. "Happens all the time. Not your fault."

"We're a pretty messed-up pair, aren't we?" Jacob said. "Neither one of can hold our shape together right."


New Moon

39 days until Breaking Dawn

He frowned at me in the darkness. "Try to sleep, Bella."

"No, I want you to kiss me again."

"You're overestimating my self-control."

"Which is tempting you more, my blood or my body?" I challenged.

"It's a tie." He grinned briefly in spite of himself, and was serious again. "Now why don't you stop pushing your luck and go to sleep?"

New Moon

40 days until Breaking Dawn

"You were deeply asleep; I didn't miss anything." His eyes gleamed. "The talking came earlier."

I groaned. "What did I say?"

"You said you love me."

"You knew that already," I reminded him, ducking my head.

"It was nice to hear just the same."

I hid my face against his shoulder.

"I love you," I whispered.

"You are my life now," he said simply.


Twilight

41 days until Breaking Dawn

"Don't be self-conscious," he whispered in my ear. "If I could dream at all, it would be about you. And I'm not ashamed of it."


Twilight

tattoos

Blue dragonfly - October 1997
Red daisy - March 2004
Black flaming chalice - April 2006
Black zodiac symbols (Libra, Leo, Aries) - June 2008

You, like Rob, might be wondering... isn't she done yet?

Since I don't have a toe ring tattoo, a pink crown, or a John Prine homage... nope, not done.

Excellent.

Alfred Hitchcock + Barbie = Awesome

42 days until Breaking Dawn

"How often?" I asked casually.

"Hmm?"

"How often did you come here?"

"I come here almost every night."


Twilight

flickr meme

1. Kandis BBQ flower(1), 2. Pepperoni Rolls, 3. Sidney Lanier High School, 4. i can taste summer! a.k.a. childhood summer! a.k.a. childhood reminiscence! a.k.a. those were the good times!, 5. My cousin George!, 6. Drink Dr. Pepper!, 7. Morton Castle, 8. 14th August 2007 / Day 226, 9. Back from my Méditerranée villa, 10. Cooper, 11. demanding, 12. Future Knitter?

You can play too.

corn dog air freshener

Why don't I have this??

43 days until Breaking Dawn

"Bella, I couldn't live with myself if I ever hurt you."

"You are the most important thing to me now. The most important thing to me ever."

Twilight

44 days until Breaking Dawn

"So what you're saying is, I'm your brand of heroin?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

He smiled swiftly, seeming to appreciate my effort.

"Yes, you are exactly my brand of heroin."

Twilight

45 days until Breaking Dawn

"Do you truly believe that you care for me more than I do for you?" he murmered.

"You're doing it again," I muttered.

"What?"

"Dazzling me," I admitted.

"Oh," he frowned.

"It's not your fault," I sighed. "You can't help it."

"Are you going to answer the question?"

"Yes I really think that."


Twilight

46 days until Breaking Dawn

"You're dangerous?" I guessed, my pulse quickening as I intuitively realized the truth of my own words. He was dangerous. He'd been trying to tell me that all along.

He looked at me, eyes full of some emotion I couldn't comprehend.

"But not bad," I whispered, shaking my head. "No, I don't believe that you're bad."

"You're wrong." His voice was almost inaudible.

Twilight

47 days until Breaking Dawn

"It would be more... prudent for you to be not my friend," he explained. "But I'm tired of trying to stay away from you, Bella."
His eyes were gloriously intense as he uttered that last sentence, his voice smoldering. I couldn't remember how to breathe.

Twilight

48 days until Breaking Dawn

"Honestly , Edward." I felt a thrill go through me as I said his name, and I hated it. "I can't keep up with you. I thought you didn't want to be my friend."

"I said it was better if we weren't friends, not that I didn't want to be."

Twilight

49 days until Breaking Dawn

That was the first night I dreamed of Edward Cullen.

Twilight

50 days until Breaking Dawn

"My name is Edward Cullen," he continued. "I didn't have a chance to introduce myself last week. You must be Bella Swan."

Twilight

Breaking Dawn Countdown

Breaking Dawn, book four in the Twilight Saga, will be released on August 2. To celebrate the most exciting thing to happen since the birth of my son, I'll be posting some of my favorite moments from the series leading up to the big day.

Wanted: Shallow, TV and junk food addicted BFF

• If you cry like a baby at episodes of "One Tree Hill"...
• If you are desperately in need of a pedicure...
• If you still love Hole...
• If you wonder why the kids on "Gossip Girl" disparage the '90's but then wear Alice bands without a hint of irony...
• If you consider Honey BBQ Fritos and a Slurpee to be a complete lunch...
• If you miss "My So-Called Life", "Veronica Mars", and "Deadwood" on an appallingly regular basis...
• If you have a "What would Buffy do?" bumpersticker...
• If you plan to be at the theater on Dec. 12 (possibly calling in sick to work) to see the premiere of Twilight with all the other 13 year-old fangirls...
• If you can eat your weight in chocolate chip cookies...
• If you have Robin Hood Prince of Thieves currently sitting on your DVR...
• If you have your next three tattoos picked out, but don't know where to put them...
• If you have a spare ticket to the New Kids on the Block show in San Antonio...

Then we should be best friends.

I'm starting to worry...

that they have discontinued my beloved Hamburger Helper Three Cheese.

love

It's official. I am a 13 year-old girl.

It took me a day and a half to read the 544 pages of Twilight. It’s the completely absorbing love story between Bella, a 17 year-old girl and Edward, a beautiful 100 year-old vampire. Very “Buffy” yes, but with much less ass kicking and set in the Pacific Northwest. Bonus? Lots less sunlight.

The story manages to be amazingly romantic in spite of being bizarrely chaste (apparently the author is Mormon). There’s a bit too much “grimacing”, “glaring”, “glowering” and “hissing”, but it is a first novel, and the heroine is a teenager.

The novel is classified as Young Adult, which definitely makes it embarassing to read in the doctor's office. Especially when you're the person who when people rave about Harry Potter, you say "that's nice, but I'm an adult". The teenage characters and the lack of sex are probably enough to qualify for the YA distinction, but I personally found it far more riveting and well written than the equally chaste Da Vinci Code.

All in all, ridiculously entertaining fluff. I’m moving on to the sequel as soon as it arrives. Gives me just enough time to catch up on “Gossip Girl”.

This time last year, we got the best present ever.

Happy Birthday Cooper! Mama loves.

Am I too old to be a groupie?

They may be pushing 40, but the New Kids are returning to the block.

An album and a tour? I am ridiculously excited.

since I was really just twittering anyway...

I might as well Twitter.

white

"When engaging in a conversation about corporate evils it is important to NEVER, EVER mention Apple Computers, Target or Ikea in the same breath as the companies mentioned earlier. White people prefer to hate corporations that don’t make stuff that they like."

Stuff White People Like

Bitch is the new black!

I'm predicting a Hillary win in Texas.

Bitches get stuff done.

Did I mention the only movie I saw last year was "Knocked Up"?

Okay, eight out of 12 isn't so bad.

I should have gone with my first instinct and skipped over Atonement for Adapted Screenplay. I still maintain that Sweeney Todd should have won for Costume Design. Elizabeth: The Golden Age was very elaborate of course, but haven't we been there, done that? Sweeney Todd was far more creative.

Right before Oscar weekend, I started to hear things about Marion Cotillard in La Vie en Rose, but I dismissed it. Who could have forseen a big win for a subtitled performance? And then Tilda Swinton? For real? She had to have been the least favored in that category. Someone won a lot of money on that bet, but it sure wasn't me.

You mean he doesn't wear that blue shirt just because it's my favorite?

So I was checking CNN to see if my first love, Anderson Cooper, would be moderating the Clinton/Obama debate in Austin tonight. But apparently, he's going to settle for commenting from his studio. Then I came across a recent blog entry of his, and apparently he's become quite adept at spotting the stalkers:

"As most of you know, there is a big difference between being a fan, or a regular viewer and being a stalker. What’s the difference? Well if you have to ask yourself that question, that’s probably not a good sign. But here’s a handy guide in case you are…well…confused.

1. If you’ve been contacted by authorities and asked not to attempt to contact me further… but you still do, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed the line.
   
2. If you’ve attempted to gain entry to my apartment under false pretenses, and can’t imagine why that might be inappropriate, that’s another red flag.


3. If you believe I am secretly communicating to you online, or with the clothes I wear, or by telepathy through your radiator, that’s a problem as well.


4. If you have read the last three items and laughed, or said, “wow, that’s weird” you are not a stalker.


5. If you have read items 1-3 and notice they apply to you, but then tell yourself they actually don’t apply to you. Well, that’s not good."
   

P.S. Anderson? This is stalking.

Do think she told the plastic surgeon "just make me look like Jessica Rabbit"?

2008 Oscar Picks

No money will be changing hands. This year is simply too easy. Not like last year when I couldn't pick Best Picture for the life of me. The only categories I don't feel really confident about this time around are Best Documentary and Adapted Screenplay. And really? Nobody cares about those categories except the nominees. No Country for Old Men seems a shoe-in for Adapted Screenplay, but I feel like the Academy will want to show Atonement some love somewhere. And I have to sort of disagree with Ebert again.

"My heart cries out "Juno! Juno! Juno!," but my brain dashes a pail of cold water and sternly corrects me: "No Country for Old Men." To be sure, "There Will Be Blood" cleaned up a lot of the year-end critics' prizes, but is a little too dark and odd for the academy. "Atonement" and "Michael Clayton" are excellent, but don't have the buzz. Dark horse: "Juno," because the Academy may go for an upbeat audience pleaser. Besides, according to me, it really is the best film of the year. "

Juno will not be winning Best Picture. They're this year's Little Miss Sunshine. Universally beloved, but too feel good for the Academy's highest honor.

Performance by an actor in a leading role
Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Julie Christie, Away from Her

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Ruby Dee, American Gangster

Best animated feature film of the year
Ratatouille

Achievement in cinematography
There Will Be Blood

Achievement in costume design
Sweeney Todd

Achievement in directing
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, No Country for Old Men

Best documentary feature
Taxi to the Dark Side

Adapted screenplay
Christopher Hampton, Atonement

Original screenplay
Diablo Cody, Juno

Best motion picture of the year
No Country for Old Men

my Valentines

Vote, and don't get run over by a float.

Did you know that today is not only Super Tuesday, it's Fat Tuesday?

It's an all around impressive Tuesday.

Spring time in January

You've been warned.

Do not try Cherry Chocolate Diet Dr. Pepper.

Unless of course you like the taste of a liquified NutraSweet Tootsie Roll.

In which case... Freak.

It's uncanny. It looks just like me!

You can have one too.

What does a girl have to do to get some pants on Eternia?

Screw Christmas.

This is the most magical time of year.

"We're Texas Rangers! Our jurisdiction is wherever we happen to be!"

I haven't really been watching "Comanche Moon". I've read Lonesome Dove probably 50 times, and have seen the movie nearly that many times. But I still haven't gotten around to reading the prequels Dead Man's Walk and Comanche Moon. I briefly attempted the sequel, Streets of Laredo, but it was dismal.

So anyway, I stopped to watch for a few minutes tonight and got drawn in for a while. The reviews I read weren't very good, and I mostly agree. The actors just aren't the same caliber as the original. I was a little bit put off by the casting of Steve Zahn as Gus McCrae (you know, one of the most beloved characters in American literature?). Zahn always comes off as so goofy in his films. Though I know Gus is supposed to be somewhat of a joker, it just didn't seem like the right choice. But I've actually been surprised at how captivating he is. That is one masterful Duvall impression. Now I might have to watch the whole damn thing... Except then I'd have to put up with Kilmer. And that's asking a bit much.

Helena Bonham Carter = Crazy

But in an awesome way, not in a Britney way.

cleaning house

So, not to brag or anything, but I get to throw all of this stuff away.














(How I have managed to amass this much stuff is a whole nother entry. Seriously, how many contact lens cases does one person need?)

This Friday afternoon, I'm getting Lasik! And by Saturday, I should be able to drive without glasses. I've been legally required to drive with corrective lenses since I was 16 years-old. So this is a little exciting.

One down side, I won't be able to wear eye makeup for at least a week, which to me, is way scarier than having my cornea sliced open with a lazer. And hopefully, when it's all said and done, I'll love my new eyes. Because I'll be paying them off for the next five years. Although just out of curiosity, what happens if you default on your Lasik financing? Do they take their 20/20 back?

Happy New Year, Texas Style

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.

Chuck Norris bites the hand that made him relevent again.

This means you.

There's a person at work who is forever talking on the cell phone while in the restroom. For a while I thought I was the only one maddened by this rude and inconsiderate behavior. But at the office Christmas party, I learned I wasn't the only one driven to insanity by this woman treating the ladies room as her own personal phone booth.

Shortly after the office Christmas party, the following sign was placed on the restroom door:

Please be courteous.
The public restroom is not the place for a cell phone conversation.
Thank you.

And for a couple of weeks, all was well. But yet again, the woman was spotted walking into the bathroom with her phone glued to her ear today. I can only assume she thought that sign was meant for someone else, surely not for her. So in order to make things absolutely clear, I'd really like to make the following edits to that sign (when no one is looking):

Please be courteous.
The public restroom is not the place for a cell phone conversation, Hacky McSmoker's Cough.*
Thank you.

*Offender's actual name will be substituted on the bathroom sign.

This is only a test.

We had a fire drill today at the building where I work. And the building management has made a habit of providing ice cream in the parking garage where we all gather after evacuating. One time it was Amy’s ice cream, our choice of chocolate or Mexican vanilla. And the last two times, it’s been bins of popsicles, ice cream sandwiches etc. like the ones they have at convenience stores.

I predict that in the event of an actual emergency, we’re all going to be very disappointed by the lack of snacks.

the newest outsourcing

Wombs for Rent in India

This is what obsession looks like.

These are my newest favorite things (not counting the cutest baby in the whole world).

They're called Sugar Shoes. They're so cute and fun, and vegan (I'm not, but hey, it doesn't hurt) and affordable. And I can't get enough of them. I have them on my Amazon and Kaboodle wishlists, I troll for them online constantly, and I bought the green ones entirely because they were on sale. Now I have to buy more green clothes.

The shoes are extremely comfortable. I buy about a 1/2 size bigger than I would normally, simply because they tend to be narrow, and I have wide troll feet. The canvas flats are only around $35, and I picked up the silly green ones for $10 at Amazon. I'm currently coveting the super cute wedge style. Feel free to make that my Christmas gift!

All shoes should be this fun.

Christmas meme

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, though I like the act of wrapping presents. It makes it feel more like Christmas. Although my OCD tendencies shudder at the thought of wrapping oddly shaped presents.

2. Real or artificial tree? We always used to get real, but we have less and less room for them every year. So last year we bought a very narrow artificial one. It's tall enough to feel real, but without the mess, and gives us more options for placement. But I miss the smell of a real one.

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually not until the first weekend in December. But this year we put it up Thanksgiving weekend since the in-laws were going to be in town. And hey, bonus of having a fake tree? It won't be dropping needles and dying on us come Christmas day.

4. When do you take the tree down? The day after Christmas, without fail. Once the presents are unwrapped, it doesn't feel like Christmas anymore.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, but in moderation. This year we discovered the joys of eggnog ice cream. Yum!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? It's tough to remember. My mom wishes I'd say "the horse" I got in fourth grade. But I think I'll have to go with my beloved Speak & Spell.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Puhleeze. Have you met me? We're one step away from pagan equinox rituals.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Rob's dad. If he wanted it, he already bought it.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Myself. I have not just an Amazon wishlist, but a Kaboodle wishlist, for all the stuff that can't be found at Amazon. Oh, but also Cooper. He's only eight months-old, so he hasn't collected every toy known to man yet. And he's not very choosy, since it all just goes in his mouth anyway.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? There really aren't any bad presents.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Some years we manage mass produced cards with photos of us on them, and this year I had every intention of ordering them. But God, then they have to be addressed, and I have to buy more stamps, and there are never any photos of me without my double chin, so just, no.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Scrooged, Bad Santa, The Family Stone, and I will totally be watching any Lifetime network Christmas themed movie featuring Rob Lowe.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Sometime in December, usually before I have to start paying for express shipping.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I doubt it, but if I have, like I'd admit it?

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My chocolate chip cookies, red and green M&Ms, whatever my mom has baked up, and gingerbread with whipped cream (not gingerbread cookies).

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear only. And for God's sake, no freaking tinsel. And yes, I have a lot of rules.

17. Favorite Christmas song? "So This is Christmas", "Hard Candy Christmas" (which is not a Christmas song, but that's the only time it gets played on the radio), and I have this unexplainable love for Trisha Yearwood's Jesusy "It Wasn't His Child".

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Usually only travel as far as my mom's in Bastrop. Some years we've gone as far as Dallas. Some year we're going to make it up to Rob's family in New York. But damn it's expensive to fly at the holidays.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Donner, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Prancer, Vixen, and Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A lighted rattan star. It's rustic without being redneck.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? One present on Christmas Eve, the rest on Christmas morning. Unless we have to leave early the next morning, then we open them all at night. But don't tell.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Crowds, crowds, and more crowds. And people who think they need to spend a lot of money to make Christmas nice.

23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color? All kinds of individually selected ornaments (lots of snowmen and Barbies), with some matching ones and candy canes interspersed. And white lights of course.

24. What do/did you leave for Santa? Cookies and milk. I never understood why Santa didn't finish all the cookies. I could never let good cookies go to waste like that.