Yesterday I had a riding lesson. When I go there, Dylan ran up to the car and stood next to the door until I opened it. He said, "Play!" I told him that I had to go inside and get dressed. "I want to go inside!" I told him he could come, but we had to tell Heather first. We found Heather, and I said to Dylan, "What did we want to tell mommy?" Dylan: "About the gate?" I said, "No, we have to tell her you're coming inside with me, so that she won't worry." We headed inside, and as I opened the door, Dylan said, "We're going to take a bath!"

Last night went to a social with a group I'm involved in. It was karaoke night at one of the many chain restaurants in the area. (I do not sing. It's for the good of everyone.) However, many of the guys in the group were into the singing. They did a group rendition of "Bad Medicine" by Bon Jovi. (They all claimed to not have picked that song.) They did not know the words. At all.

Courtesy of my favorite web designer.

1. What kind of pillow do you like? (Thanks Heather!) Down. I love my down pillows.
2. Do you wear slippers? (Thanks Heather!) Not usually. I've put some on my Christmas list for this year, because I am keeping the heat low.
3. Do you sleep with socks on? (Thanks Heather!) No. I don't sleep with much on, really.
4. What were you doing a year ago today? Probably working.
5. Do you send out Christmas Cards? Yes, I love to! If you want me to send you one, email me your address. watergirl.micheleATgmail.com.
6. Do you like to wrap? No, I just see it as a necessity.
7. What are your plans for the weekend? TRgirl and Randy are coming down, and then I am having a birthday party. All of your favorite people from this here blog will be there- Little Matty, 2.0, TRgirl, Randy...

TRgirl and Randy arrived Friday night. We went out to the new Sunset Grille in Cary. Good meal, good 'tinis. Saturday TRgirl and I went for a walk around Lake Johnson with some of my friends. (Was a girls' thing. Randy stayed home and watched Band of Brothers.) We went to the mall that afternoon. (Total purchases: none.) Randy filled my car up with gas and put air in my tires. (I hate car stuff. I can do it, but I hate it. "Must take care of all vehicle related stuff" is on the list. OK, I'll still pump my gas.)

Saturday night was the party! We got there a little early to help set up. Randy and TRgirl put end tables together; I helped set out food. (Side note: I found out Cdub misread the invite and showed up 4 hours early.) The party was a success- lots of wine, good food, and friends. The best part of the night was when I looked around to see my friends, old and new, many of whom had not met each other before, hanging out and enjoying each other's company. I got many good gifts, but that was the best one.

Jasper spent most of the weekend under the futon. Visitors.

Found this at Megan's and Janet's

Step One

• Post an entry on your blog with 10 holiday wishes.
  
• The wishes can be anything at all, big or small.
  
• The important thing is, make sure these wishes are things you really, truly want.
  
• If you wish for real life things, make sure you include some sort of contact info in your post, whether it's your address or just your email address where Santa (or one of his elves) could get in touch with you.
  
• Post these guidelines so that the holiday joy will spread.
  

• Surf around your blogroll (or friend's blogrolls, or just random journals) to see who has posted their list.
  
• If you see a wish you can grant, and it's in your heart to do so, make someone's wish come true.
  
• Sometimes someone's trash is another's treasure, and if you have a leather jacket you don't want or a gift certificate you won't use--or even know where you could get someone's dream purebred Basset Hound for free--do it.
  
• You needn't spend money on these wishes unless you want to. The point isn't to put people out, it's to provide everyone a chance to be someone else's holiday elf--to spread the joy. Gifts can be made anonymously or not--it's your call.
  
• There are no rules with this project, no guarantees, and no strings attached. Just...wish, and it might come true. Give, and you might receive. And you'll have the joy of knowing you made someone's holiday special.
  

1. A peaceful holiday season
   
2. A new job
   
3. A trip to Ireland this spring
   
4. Anything off of my wishlist
   
5. Good Coffee
   
6. Lose 15 lbs (again!)
   
7. A trip to Boston this spring
   
8. A camping companion
   
9. A winter weight duvet
   
10. Happiness for those I love
    

From the lovely Megan, as usual.

1. Do you give yourself a Christmas present? If you did, what would you treat yourself to? I don't normally, but this year I made an appointment for a massage on January 2nd.
   
2. What are you enjoying about this holiday season? Spending time with my friends, and the smell of the wreath on my door.
   
3. If you could chose a place to visit as a surprise gift for someone close what place would you chose and why? [Thanks Leigh!] I'd take Peg to Budapest and Prague.
   
4. Would you rather it snow hard on a weekday or weekend? [Thanks Janet!] Weekend. That way I don't have to worry about getting out, and I can just enjoy it.
   
5. Have you heard of James Blunt, and if so, what do you think of him? [Thanks Janet!] Nope, but I'll check him out later.
   
6. What are your plans for the weekend? Tonight is my company's Christmas Party. Tomorrow Cdub and I are doing some Habitat for Humanity work, and then we are going to dinner and then to see The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
   

Girl at Pretzel Shop in Mall: May I help you?
Watergirl: Yes, I'd like the pretzel bites combo, please.
GAPSIM: What size did you want?
WG: Umm... I guess small.
GAPSIM: The combo is only available in medium.

The weekend started out with the company Christmas Party. I won a special award. The "It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want to" award. It's really cute and funny, and I'd scan it so that y'all could see, but there's no way to hide the company logo. Anyway, the menu was good, the company was good. There was dancing, once they started playing more recent music. (Seriously, they started out with "Wolly Bully" and "The Twist." )

Saturday, Cdub and I helped build for Habitat for Humanity. Someone is getting a house that I put the flashing up on. There were ladders involved. And Cdub saying, "Don't fall!" (Me: If I fall, you have to call my mom.) Then we got cleaned up and went out to dinner (The Rockford! Oh how I love you!) with 2.0 and CP. Then, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Loved it! Even though we got there 10 minutes before the movie started, so we had seats in the second row.

Today, I went shopping. I got a skirt I need for an event Thursday. Also, I finished almost all of my Christmas shopping. 2 gifts left! And I got a birthday card from Bud, with a funny cartoon that he drew me. He's a pretty good brother- the card was late, but he did call on my birthday, which is something I can say for only 2/3 of my siblings.

Shocker of the weekend? Cdub likes curling. Will yell at the curling on the TV.

Last night I put up the Christmas decorations. (Well, technically, just the ones in the living room. Just didn't feel like getting all of them out this year.) I had to chase Orion around the living room and fish garland out of his mouth three times. This morning I caught him eating the plastic green roping on the banister.

Have I told y'all that Orion is stupid? Really, really stupid? I can't light candles in the house because he's set himself on fire 3 times. First time I thought, "Oh, he'll learn." Second time I thought, "Now he's definitely learned." Third time I thought, "Oh, he's not going to learn." Cdub and I once watched him try to eat the same piece of fuzz off the carpet 5 times. He' spy it, decide it might be food, put it in his mouth, and then shake his head to get it off of his tongue. Two minutes later, he would forget that it wasn't food, and repeat the process.

Last year I tried having real greenery in the house. I had white pine roping wrapped around the banister. He ate it and then puked it up for the entire 4 weeks it was there. Every day I had to clean up regurgitated pine needles. And the regurgitation of the pine needes? Was clearly not comfortable. So now the only real greenery in the house is the wreath on the door. Hence the eating of plastic and foil.

It's a good thing he's really, really, ridiculously good-looking.

Found this over at Monique's.

You Have a Melancholic Temperament

Introspective and reflective, you think about everything and anything. You are a soft-hearted daydreamer. You long for your ideal life. You love silence and solitude. Everyday life is usually too chaotic for you. Given enough time alone, it's easy for you to find inner peace. You tend to be spiritual, having found your own meaning of life. Wise and patient, you can help people through difficult times. At your worst, you brood and sulk. Your negative thoughts can trap you. You are reserved and withdrawn. This makes it hard to connect to others. You tend to over think small things, making decisions difficult.

Y'all wish me luck for the thing I can't talk about. It's tomorrow. I had a phone conversation last night that made me even more excited about it.

(If you really want to know what it is, e-mail me (watergirl.micheleATgmail.com).

We got some freezing rain early this morning, and there are many accidents. I have decided that since I am only working a half day anyway, it would be very inefficient for me to take an hour to drive to work. (Also, I cannot wreck my car today!) Luckily, I had the forethought to bring work home with me. So I am working from home. Yay to working in yoga pants and a sweatshirt!

How kick-ass are these?

Today, before the thing I'm not talking about, I got some packages in the mail, including my Secret Santa gift! Thank you, Secret Santa. I'm not opening it until Christmas.

From the lovely Megan, of course.

1. What is your #1 winter beauty product? Kiehls Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. Not greasy, and works wonders on my laboratory-dry hands.
   
2. What's your favorite kind of Christmas cookies? Have you ever baked pornographic cookies? Thanks ME! Jewel Brooch cookies- it's a recipe from my grandmother. And no, no pornographic cookies.
   
3. Does your company do a holiday party? Yep, we had it last Friday. Was fun.
   
4. What's the most embarrassing thing you've done at an office holiday party? [Thanks Janet!] Nothing. Am boring.
   
5. Have you ever had a martini? If so, what is your favorite? [Thanks Janet!] Nope, the closest I've had is a Cosmo. Love them!
   
6. What's your cure for a hangover? [Thanks Janet!] Phoebs taught me long ago to drink lots of water and eat a cookie before going to bed. It's preventative, and I have never had a hangover.
   
7. Who do you think is the cutest person in your office? [Thanks Janet!] Probably Mark.
   
8. What are your plans for the weekend? Party tonight, party at Jbabe's tomorrow, Goodfellows on Sunday.
   

Look, y'all, Goofy Girl and I are soulmates!

You Are A Blueberry Martini

You are a eclectic drink - liking to change drinks and venues often. You are usually the first of your friends to find a cool new dive bar or cocktail. You should never: Drink mystery drinks strangers hand you. Unless you want to wind up in foreign country. Your ideal party: Is mobile, hopping from party to party. Your drinking soulmates: Those with an Orange Martini personality. Your drinking rivals: Those with a Chocolate Martini personality.

At Jbabe's Christmas Party last night, I was talking with a friend of mine. (I've talked about him before. He's a hunter and has cooked us partridge, grouse, and pheasant.) (Note: He is from Iowa.) We had what I thought was a first, a very odd conversation. We were talking about different cities.

SG: Well, the great thing about Chicago is the otter show they have at the McCormick center every year.
CP: Really?
SG: Yes, well, the center is big enough to host WEFTEC, and they hold an otter show there.
WG: Has only seen Chicago once, from the other side of Lake Michigan. Does not understand why they have a big otter show nor why SG is so fascinated with it.
SG: And it overlooks the lake, and the otter show is just huge.
WG: (realization hits) Oh , you're saying auto.

Friday, I went to the doctor. New work station, having wrist problems. Diagnosis: Muscle strain. Left doctor's with a soft brace (for use while typing) and a hard brace (everything else). Also must mouse with left hand. V. difficult.

Saturday, I ran some errands. Went to Jbabe's to help her set up for party. Later attended party, had eggnog, Beaujolais Nouveau, and confusing otter conversation.

Sunday was the Goodfellows event. I had a very polite, well-behaved little girl. Bought her very cute dress as well as cute skirt outfit. Much fun, but stressful. Not used to events with 100 children. Only made one cry (because I told him not to push another child. I "hurt his feelings". Child must get over.) Afterwards, Playmakers with fellow Jaycees.

I was on the phone the other night when Jasper let out a big yawn. I was able to look in his mouth to see how many teeth he had. Answer? 0.

I have taken to telling the boys that their behavior is "unacceptable". I had no idea where I had gotten this, until I was watching Oprah the other day. It's from Supernanny. If I ever talk of putting them on the "naughty spot", y'all must stage an intervention.

However, we are currently trying to re-train Jasper. He's gotten into the habit of bothering me when I'm on the phone (yes, like a 4-year-old child). So, I am currently ignoring him while on the phone and giving him attention once the call is done. Anyone think it will work?

From Megan.

1. What is your favorite family tradition? [Thanks Michele-my belle!] Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning.
2. What's the best gift you ever got from a yankee swap? What's the worst? Is that the same as a white elephant swap? I’m going with yes. I got an ornament of a horse and rider jumping. Is there a bad one?
3. Your work yankee swap is in 5 minutes and you forgot to buy a gift. What item from your desk do you wrap up? My handmade pencil cup (Target!) and the origami diamond.
4. What would you do if Rudolph went on strike? How would you convince him to do his work tonight? [Thanks sLeigh-ride!] Reindeer are like horses, right? Crop!
5. What is your earliest memory of Christmas? [Thanks Kristamas!] I remember waking up in the middle of the night at our old house, bringing my sister out into the living room to show her the presents, and my dad yelling at us to go back to sleep.
6. What's your favorite Christmas movie?! A Christmas Story.
7. You're spending Christmas in a place you'd always dreamed of...where is that place and why? [Thanks Santa-Snape!] Ireland. I don’t know why, but I’ve always been drawn there.
8. What kind of presents are you looking forward to this year? [Thanks Heather the red-nose Reindeer!] Books! And CDs!
9. What do you prefer candy canes or christmas chocolate? [Thanks Smoochy-Claus!] Chocolate
10. What is your favorite christmas food that you only eat at christmas time? [Thanks Smoochy-Claus!] I don’t know that I have one. Moravian Spice Cookies?
11. What are your plans for the Holiday? Heading up to Peg's tonight, Church, dinner at the Holiday Inn and gift exchange Sunday. Back to NC Monday.

Well, that's what you're going to get when it's near the end of the year, and they keep showing blurbs of your "We will end tyranny" inauguration speech, Mr. Spies-on-His-Own-Citizens.

Friday night, headed up to VA. Arrived at Peg's about 1900. Went to bed about 2 hours later. (Big partier, I am.) Spent most of Saturday reading the current book club book. I'm not sure I like it. Could be because nothing happened until about 100 pages in. I am going to finish it, if only to see if there's been a point. (Yes, national bestseller, critics loved it, yadda yadda yadda...) I also took a long nap in the afternoon and was awakened by Fred knocking down the tree. If it's not my cats, it's someone else's.

The quote of the weekend was from Christmas Eve. We were watching the 10PM DC news, and it was all murders, fires, etc. Peg said, "I don't want bad news. Maybe the international news channel has some good news." She turns on Headline news, where we are treated to Donald Rumsfeld having some kind of press conference. Peg: "Apparently not."

Christmas morning Peg and I were up by 7. We opened our presents. My Sudoku book to her was a big hit (she loves puzzles, so I thought she would enjoy it). I loved all my gifts, and can't wait to read the many books. (Scratch that. One of my gifts was confusing. Mom gave me a Tide to Go stick. She said it was from "Santa". Tide to Go. The gift that says, "Merry Christmas, ya big slob!" We went to Mass that morning, and Mom called while we were there even thought Peg told her when we were going to Mass. (No, I'm not Catholic. Yes, I will still attend Mass with Peg. Yes, she always reminds me I can't take part in the sacraments. No, she did not remember to tell me that while exiting from an Episcopal service is orderly, the Catholics will run you over trying to flee the church.)

Peg, Bob, Steph, Steph's Mom, and I had dinner at the Holiday Inn- they do a big Christmas buffet, and it's quite popular. Good food, no cooking! We went back to Peg's and visited afterwards. Then Peg and I hung around the house reading and watching TV. (Confession time: I watch golf at Peg's.)

Today, I headed back early, because I was supposed to pick a friend up from the airport at 1436. He called to tell me he'll actually be in at 2210. So, the boys and I are just hanging out. Well, Ri and I are. Jasper is ignoring me, because I went away.

I hope y'all had a holiday filled with family, joy, and yelling at the current administration as well.

Yesterday morning I woke up at 4 AM. I could not get back to sleep, so at about 4:30 I decided to head downstairs for the couch (sometimes a change in venue helps the sleeping.) As I was walking down the stairs, I slipped. It wasn't a bad fall, but I did put some weight on the bad wrist.

Work? Ugh. I was all, "I really need to ride today." I headed out to the barn, got out of the car, put my check in the payment box, and walked back to my car to get my clothes. Only I'd locked it. With the keys inside.

Thankfully, lockouts are covered by my roadside assistance plan. And instead I ride on Monday.

I am now Watergirl, PE.

2005 has been a very eventful year. Some crushingly bad times, but at then end of the year, I've accomplished quite a bit. 40 things on the 101 in 1001 list have been completed. The first man to love me unconditionally passed away on April 2. Two Three of my friends had babies. I fell in love. I was dumped, badly. Started dating again. Dumped, badly. (Not in love this time). If I could do it again, I'd only have dated the first guy. (Note: Am willing to fall in love in 2006.) I joined the Jaycees. I learned that some of the people I considered friends were not. I made several new friends, and several friendships became closer. I finally felt "settled" in NC. I began to feel restless at my job. I turned 30. My skin started acting oddly. Bought new skincare regimen, which seems to be working. The biggest accomplishment was passing the PE exam.

I am thankful for my friends. My friends (Cdub, 2.0, Littly Matty, CP, Jbabe, and others.) who are here, who I know I can call upon for anything. I am thankful that I made several new friends this year. I hope that these friendships continue to grow. I hope I meet new people, people who can teach me new things and help me to grow.

I wish you all the best for 2006. I say, "Bring it on!"