What's Happenin'!

Outside my window: Leaves are down. I'm expecting Robert (our lawn guy) to come soon to handle them and get them out of the beds.

I am thinking: That I have a lot of the "unfun" type of work to do for Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate---or even dislike household chores. But, I refer them as "unfun" work as opposed to the "fun" work I do---getting ready for classes, scrapbooking or creating. Which leads me to what I did for our Thanksgiving table. That's coming up later under what I'm creating.

I am thankful for: Time to enjoy the process of getting ready for the holidays. Thanks to Butch for meeting the plumber at Steph's today so that I have an extra 3 hours at home.

Yesterday, I cleaned out the drawers in the dining room china cabinet and buffet. I left the Thanksgiving things out. I'll be ironing tablecloths and napkins today. Remember, I don't usually iron? Well, I don't mind ironing linens because I really like the looks of freshly pressed. I won't start decorating the table until Monday or Tuesday. I'm trying to decide---since the family wants a poker game on Wednesday night. We'll see. I like to set the table a couple of days ahead so I can enjoy looking at it for awhile.

From the kitchen: I've already put the Thanksgiving menu together---it's always the same (and the same as Christmas too). I've made two slight changes this year---corn casserole (that I've already posted here) and buttered carrots. The family started to get worked up until I promised that for our Christmas dinner, I would go back to the regular corn pudding and carrot casserole. They always want just the same things. I've nixed the oyster casserole this year as Steph, Nicky and I are the only ones that eat it. Even if I make the smallest amount, there are leftovers and leftover oyster casserole is just not good. I'm going to be putting the grocery list together and pulling the coupons today.

I am wearing: black cordoroys and turquoise sweatshirt; socks and slippers. It's a work day, so no make-up. Maybe later if I decide to run errands.

 I am hoping: For a chance to do some scrapbooking on Sunday. At least, that's my plan.

I am reading: Blink. I just finished Killing Jesus. It was so good. I highly recommend it. I would rate it a 9. As for Blink, my friend, Mary Jo recommended it. She wanted to pick it for our book club, but didn't think it would be well received. It's very interesting. It's about how we have first impressions and gut instincts right away. This book goes in to the science of the brain and why these feelings are accurate. In fact, it goes even further to say that you can make a judgement about something (or someone) in only two seconds and it will end up being a correct assumption. 

I am busy creating: Okay, I'm ready to unveil the project I've been working on for Thanksgiving. I always like to have table favors. This year, I had something specific in mind, but could not find what I was looking for. I had a couple of other places to check, but knew that I would end up spending nearly a hundred dollars for them. Instead, I saw these on the Jillibean soup blog. That became the inspiration for my version.

I had all the supplies (except the candy) on hand. I did not have to buy a thing. I got the glassine envelopes from Michaels. The leaves are from a spray in the floral department that I cut apart years ago to use on my scrapbook pages. I used a Stampin' Up punch to make the tags---I printed the words from my computer. The buttons are leftover from one of my kits. I "sewed" gold thread in them. I used glue dots to put everything together. So easy---and the best part, sooooo cheap!!!

I'm bummed: That I have to get my scrapbook room somewhat cleared out so the "ladies" can get through the closet to the attic to get out the outside Christmas decorations. They're coming on Saturday. They usually come the day after Thanksgiving, but with the whole family here, it's just not convenient.

I am hearing: GMA (Good Morning America) on the tv. That's how I get my news. Today---the big news is that some 25 yr. old from St. Louis is going to marry Charles Manson behind bars. They will be unable to consummate the marriage. Good thing. We don't need another Charles Manson in the world.

In other news: The whole family---except Greg---will be here for Thanksgiving. Greg has to go to China. His boss is from Columbia and doesn't recognize Thanksgiving. Plus, it will be business as usual in China too.

One of my favorite things right now: I love the free app "Dots" game for my phone. I never waste a single moment of time waiting around for anything. Try it, but I must warn you, it's addicting! I got the idea from Abi at Creating paper dreams.

I appreciate: Sam's Club. I'll make a "Sam's run" on Wednesday to stock up for the holidays. You can never have too much toilet paper or pecans.

I regret: That I finally motivated myself to get back on the treadmill. I was always so good about exercising every day. I only lasted two days! By Wednesday, I had shin splints. I need to start every other day rather than just jump back in to what I was doing. Why is it so darn easy to fall off the "exercising wagon?" Plus, I've always said, it you want TIME to slow down, all you have to do is work out. Then, 15 minutes seems like an hour!

 How the weekend is shaping up: I'm really looking forward to a shopping trip with my girls. I'm buying Steph clothes for her birthday. Mindy's birthday is coming up on December 7th, so I'll probably get her a few things too. Then we're having lunch and going to the movies to see the new Hunger Games. I'd like to go to 4:30 Mass so Sunday will be completely free. 

I hope you all have a good weekend----don't work too hard!