Hoping for the best!

As it turns out, according to my co-workers I am ALWAYS these two (2) things:

1. Cold

and

2. on a diet.

Well, I am ALWAYS cold. I have a space heater at home and a space heater at work and no matter what time of year it is, mostly they are both always on... even in the summer... when it's like 90 degrees outside. I blame this on the fact that I have very small veins and very poor circulation (a doctor told me that, I am not making it up).

And, I ALWAYS act like I am on a diet, but it never really works that way. Anytime someone walks past me with a cake of any kind, I am off the wagon. Candy gets me most days too.

But, right now, since I had TWO thanksgiving dinners (friends and other friends) and I have to fit into my fancy black tie clothes for a few banquets I am supposed to attend, I feel like I SHOULD be on a diet. And, it's like 60 degrees outside, so of course I am wearing sweaters AND have my space heater on full blast.

Anyway, this is what happened in my office today...

Ali: Oh my gosh what is that smell? And, can I have some?!?
Jackie: Brandon made popcorn. Doesn't it smell good?
Ali: Yes, can I have some?
Jackie: No, but you can have regular corn.
Ali: That's not nearly as fun.
Jackie: Well, you can put it in front of your heater and hope for the best!

It's time....

I have been listening to Christmas music since October... mostly just Lionel Richie Christmas... but, still...

Some of you may think that was a bit premature, but now it's time to go all out! Christmas is really the only holiday I have decorations for. Truthfully, I can't really get into decorating for any other holiday, except maybe Halloween, but that's only if you count candy as a decoration... but Christmas is my thing.

I HEART Christmas... everything about it... the giving, the weather, the music, the hot cocoa, the candy, the presents, the horrible sweaters, the wonderful scarves, the family and friends, the nostalgia of it all, the reason for the season, and the decorations... oh the decorations.

While my roommates are out of town I get to decorate the house... and I can't wait.

And, even though there is a recession of sorts happening, I promise I won't do this:

Although, if I am being honest, this is one of the raddest things I have ever seen!

"Haus of Gagas"

We had a Halloween party.

It was rad.

All of my roommates and I dressed up as Lady Gaga... thus, the Haus of Gagas.

I have a TON of photos... but, I am only posting a few.
We thought we were cool.

I should write more about this grand party... but, I am too lazy, it was too long ago, and I don't really remember much, mainly I just wanted my cute family to see my Halloween costume.

Better late than never.

That's what she said...

My darling friends are all about dinner parties. And, I love it. It's fun and social and according to stuffwhitepeoplelike.com makes us SUPER WHITE.

Anyway, in an attempt to assist with some of the planning we had this conversation today.

Ali: Does Derek need to bring anything?
M.E.: Side dish.
Ali: Ok, I'll probably have to help him with that. Wait, is anyone bringing drinks? Or can he bring those?
M.E: Nope. Sounds wonderful to me. Maybe he can get a smattering of sparkling drinks, martinellis, lemonades, etc. from Trader Joe's in those beautiful bottles.
Ali: Ok. I will go with him. I can just see it now "Beautiful Bottles" - He'll come back with root beer!

Ali: D, can you bring drinks in pretty bottles?
Derek: I can do that for sure. You mean IBC?

Ha ha ha....

So, then I tell Jackie this conversation and how funny I think it is to which she responds:

"I am pretty sure the only bottle a man would think is 'beautiful' is the kind that has a genie in it!"

It's official men NEED women. Why is it that none of the ones I know want to fully grasp this fact!?!

Deplorable Confession #5192

I fancy myself in the average range of the intellectual spectrum, which is why I feel OK about admitting what I am about to.

It wasn't until about the age of 14 that I realized November 11th was Veteran's Day. Prior to that I thought it was Veterinarian’s Day... What?!? I grew up in Santa Barbara... they were all about PETA, so it made sense to me back then. It seemed TOTALLY legitimate. Ok... I know... I am retarded!

In all honesty, I am quite patriotic. Last summer when I was at SeaWorld, they honored the military men and women and I cried... which is BIG, since I am mostly dead inside. I have such love for this country. And, I have such profound reverence for all military men and women, past and present. (I even watch Army Wives... I chalk it up to patriotism). I just wanted to thank all those who fight for our country. I don’t honestly know too many soldiers. But, my Grandfather was one. Jonny Volcansek is one, I think. Seth Malley is a gimpy one. And, my cousin, Sandra’s husband is a military man, as well. Thank you to all of you (those that I know and those I do not know) who have fought for our freedom.

Also, you Veterinarians are cool too... I guess. Maybe someday you WILL actually get a day of dedication to honor your noble profession... but, more than likely, you won't... sorry about that!

My 27 Dresses Moment...

Ok, seriously, I have probably only been a bridesmaid about 6 or 7 times. But, still...

This was one of my very favorite weddings.

A few weeks ago, one of my best friends in all the world got married to one of the best men alive.

Most of the guests were people I know, so that also added to the excitement and joy.

I seriously LOVE Robin & Cody.

So... here it is...

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Orvin

My newest "toy" - proof

So ... I am no grand photographer or anything... but, I took my new SLR camera out for a spin last night at the Pumpkin Patch...

and, well... I LOVE IT!