Biggest Loser Alumni Holiday Edition: past, present and future participants welcome!

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD, Saturday, December 17th.
Music is a huge stress reliever for me. What is on your current playlist? Do you have a favorite holiday song?

Guess who just found this thread? I really have to pay more attention

My play list is Christmas music at work or home, and my regular peppiness for workouts. I bought two new cds this year, a Trans-Siberian Orchestra one and the new Glee Christmas. My favorite holiday song right now is the the Glee "All I Want for Christmas is You", which is ironic because if I hear Mariah Carey sing it one more time I will scream Just slightly overplayed, that one is

Maria

 

[SettinSail]

QOTD, Saturday, December 17th.
Music is a huge stress reliever for me. What is on your current playlist? Do you have a favorite holiday song?
*****

I will be back in the morning for replies. My plan is to go to they gym in the morning and then I have a lot of cleaning up and organizing to do!

Like Pamela, I also need to update my playlist. Last added new songs early last Summer. I've been listening to a radio station that plays Christmas Carols all the time lately. When I get tired of that I either switch it to the classical station or a station that plays very upbeat, dance type music from new and old songs. My favorite holiday song is "Mary, did you know?". No matter who is singing that song it always touches me.

Liesel, good luck on your 10K today

LisaH, saw the picture of your DS on the other thread....wow, he is a string bean as you said. VERY tall for a 12 year old! Looks like there are several of us with DS around the same age, or atleast in the 12-16 age group. And, we can't forget Michael. And, then there's Thomas and Matthew. And Rose's son Tom and Dona's sons. Well, we have alot of sons here Oh, and Lindsay's boys. I better stop before I leave someone out Maria, you are included with the 12-16 range....

So, DH had to work today, a once a year inventory of the plant that all employees have to do. DS soccer practice (they call it TRAINING) was cancelled due to wet fields so just me & DS home today. He has community service from 2:30-4:30 at the grocery store for BSA, asking shoppers to buy pre-packaged bags of food for the food bank. The store pays for part of the bag and the shopper pays for part. If a shopper purchases a bag, the Scout delivers it to the big box and makes a big deal of it. Sounds pretty easy for 2 hours of credit. Yesterday he got another hour of credit for singing carols at a retirment center with his Bible Study group so he only needs one more hour for the whole year Later tonight we are going to the High School's production of Nutcracker. I'm very curious to see the dancers as I've only seen it done by professionals and some of the dances are very difficult. Love to see all the talented young people. Going to try to get some cleaning up done in between and hopefully more done tomorrow too.

I am planning to institute a "jobs jar" in the new year and require everyone to do atleast one thing a day. I'm going to commit to all the cooking, grocery shopping, dishes, laundry, cleaning my bedroom and bathroom except for shower, cleaning the laundry room and taking out the trash and recycle (grr for that last one) and one item from the jobs jar daily. There will be a completed jar too and once everything is done, we'll put all the jobs back over into the to-do jar. Hoping that will get everyone contributing more in the New Year. I have been joking a lot that I feel like a maid at a Frat House but it's really not that funny. These guys do NOTHING around here but make a mess. I'm not going to support that habit any longer. I'm hoping they'll each step up and take on a permanent job too. We'll see how that goes.

I've been out of the working world for a few years and forgot how exciting it is at this time of year. Yesterday we had our group lunch and my boss gave us all very cute insulated lunch bags from 31 bags. We have 2 parties this week at work, one for a retirement and one for the Holidays. I got a small Christmas bonus last Friday and a small raise for the new year also
I have still been able to save every check I've made so far although it has felt tight a few times. We lived only on DH salary in Germany for 2 years so we should be able to do it here too. What I've saved so far is earmarked for DS first car and starting with my next check it will be earmarked for the new house fund. I am also contributing the max to my 401K at work and have a defined benefits pension plan too Since I am over 50 I could also make a catch=-up contribution before the end of the year but I don't think I'll do it this year.

Well, enough about me. I hope you all have a great weekend

 

[Rose&Mike]

I came on here to see if there were any open coaching spots and they were all taken! That's fantastic that everyone has stepped in. I'll check in here after my 10K tomorrow.

I hope you had a great race!

QOTD, Saturday, December 17th.
Music is a huge stress reliever for me. What is on your current playlist? Do you have a favorite holiday song?
*****

I like "alternative" holiday music. Like The Hanukkah (sp?) song and Merry Christmas--but I think I'll miss this one this year by The Waitresses. And I really like the DMB--Christmas Song. Makes me cry everytime.

Here's some of the stuff on my running playlist:
So Whatcha Want--Beastie Boys
Santa Monica--Everclear
Lonely Boy--Black Keys
Help is on the Way--Rise Against
The Sound of Winter--Bush
Cough Syrup--Young the Giant
In Bloom-Nirvana
Seven Nation Army--White Stripes
Dogs Days are Over--Florence & the Machine
Sail--Awolnation
New Low--Middle Class Run
The Middle--Jimmy Eat world
Closer to Fine--Indigo Girls

My current playlist is the Tangled Soundtrack. I've been listening to it pretty much nonstop for the past three days or so.

I loved Tangled! Hope the kitchen cleaning goes well!

My current playlist is Josh Groban's "Noel" album and Michael Buble's new Christmas album. I also have a lot of Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Reba Mcentire, and a mixture of rock music (Aerosmith, Linkin Park, Nickelback, etc).

My favorite holiday song: any of them sung (sang?) by Bing Crosby. I also love the Christmas Song by the Chipmunks, . We listened to my mom's vinyl record of that every year as we were putting up the Christmas tree.

We had the Chipmunks when I was a kid! Glad your visit with your Mom went well!

I love Oh Holy Night. It was my fathers' favorite song, and always remember putting on his record for him with that song on it. I love Where are you Christmas lately, and one of my favorite cd's my sister gave me a few years ago is the Partridge family Christmas album. I remember the original album that came with a card signed by them all, and I love all the songs, but especially Our Christmas card to you. I haven't been using my cd's much this year, just have the radio on with the christmas music station.
Living in the dark ages, I don't have a playlist. I should get a cheap mp3 player and put all my favorite songs on it one of these days.

Good morning everyone! We slept late today and am enjoying my coffee before we head out for our morning walk. It's a good weekend for cleaning and organizing, and I'm planning to do some baking, definitely spritz, and maybe we'll do our gingerbread men tonight. We'll have to wait and see how productive i really am today. I'm determined to relax and enjoy the season too. Life is short, treasure all the happy little moments.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

I love Oh Holy Night! It's probably my favorite traditional song.

W
I"m imagining you at the gym right now. Hope it is going well.

Anyhow.... I'm VERY tired of the songs on my playlist right now. I haven't updated it in about a year. I need to add some newer songs because I keep stopping when I run to change the song.

Favorite holiday song? DD and I LOVE the Mariah Carey version of "All I want for Christmas".... and before you are HORRIFIED, let me explain. Mariah sang it at the Disney Christmas parade a few years ago.... and it was the Christmas before one of our family trips... so we really watched that parade with great attention, trying to feed our trip anticipation. I can still picture Woody and Jessie dancing in front of the castle to this song! Anyhow, I love this song because it reminds me so much of DISNEY and a great family trip!!

Thanks Pamela! I like the Mariah Carey song--though it does get played a lot!
Have you all seen the youtube video of the sailers dancing to that song? I think it was British sailers. It was really something!

Guess who just found this thread? I really have to pay more attention

My play list is Christmas music at work or home, and my regular peppiness for workouts. I bought two new cds this year, a Trans-Siberian Orchestra one and the new Glee Christmas. My favorite holiday song right now is the the Glee "All I Want for Christmas is You", which is ironic because if I hear Mariah Carey sing it one more time I will scream Just slightly overplayed, that one is

Maria

Trans-Siberian Orchestra always makes me think of the Osbourne lights! Can you believe I have never watched Glee? I feel so socially inept! Maybe I'll see if it's on netflix...

*****
So are you all doing anything healthy today? Remember it's ok to fall of the wagon a little bit over the holidays, as long as you have a PLAN to get RIGHT BACK ON!!!!! No lagging behind!

I did 5 miles on the treadmill today and it went really well! I am not supposed to be running yet, but I am having some issues with my my pt, and decided to try it and see what happened. I ran a minute walked two minutes and it took me 68 minutes to finish. It was nice to know that I really have maintained my cardio during the last 8 weeks, and that was not what was holding me back. So far my foot is feeling pretty good and I have stretched and stretched and stretched and I am just finishing up icing.

I will check back in later. Time to get some stuff done around here!

 

[bellebookworm9]

Just be sure it goes in the trash and not your mouth!

I loved Tangled! Hope the kitchen cleaning goes well!


Can you believe I have never watched Glee? I feel so socially inept! Maybe I'll see if it's on netflix...

Kitchen cleaning is fine. No worries about going in my mouth, we're not cleaning out the food (most of it's already gone!), but packing up appliances and dishes and such. I took a tupperware inventory and am only missing two pieces. My room is also mostly packed and it looks so sad and empty.

Glee is on netflix!

We might watch Sleeping Beauty tonight because it's my housemate's favorite princess movie.

 

[mackeysmom]

QOTD, Saturday, December 17th.
Music is a huge stress reliever for me. What is on your current playlist? Do you have a favorite holiday song?

I'm a big Barry Manilow fan and one of my favorite Christmas songs is a remake he did of Joni Mitchell's "River". It is sort of a sad, love song and isn't necessarily "Christmas-y", but is "winter-y".

I also love Burl Ives' Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer soundtrack. Last night I ditched my usual dance/workout/walking playlist in favor of Burl Ives - it was nice listening to it while walking around the neighborhood looking at the houses lit up with Christmas lights. (I usually walk around dusk).

- Laura

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

QOTD, Saturday, December 17th.
Music is a huge stress reliever for me. What is on your current playlist? Do you have a favorite holiday song?
*****

Add me to the list of those who need some playlist updating. I haven't been listening to my iPod lately, I have 2 Dixie Chicks CDs in the car now, Fly and Home.
Daily listening is all over the map, Etta James, Harry Connick Jr, one hit wonders of the 80's, Black Eyed Peas, Blind Melon, Disturbed, LMFAO, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Celtic music etc.

Running music:
The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Barbra Streisand - Duck Sauce
Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas
Cat & Mouse - Nikki & Rich
Club Can't Handle Me - (feat. David Guetta) Flo Rida
Come Out and Play - The Offspring
Down With the Sickness - Disturbed
Everybody - Ingrid Michaelson
Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride - Jump5
Hey, Soul Sister - Train Hey
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
I'm Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys
Jessica (Single Version) - The Allman Brothers Band
Like a G6 - Far East Movement
Monster - Skillet
Naturally - Selena Gomez & The Scene
Say Hey (I Love You) [feat. Cherine Anderson] - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Sexy and I Know it - LMFAO
Still Waiting - Sum 41
Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves
We No Speak Americano - Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup
Your Betrayal - Bullet for My Valentine
1,2,3 Turnaround - Christian TV

Christmas music:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
And it's not christmas until I hear:
I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
Dominic the Donkey (even though I can't stand it!)
The 12 Pains of Christmas
The Hanukkah Song - Adam Sandler
Baby it's Cold outside - The version from Elf.

 

[Rose&Mike]

I am planning to institute a "jobs jar" in the new year and require everyone to do atleast one thing a day. I'm going to commit to all the cooking, grocery shopping, dishes, laundry, cleaning my bedroom and bathroom except for shower, cleaning the laundry room and taking out the trash and recycle (grr for that last one) and one item from the jobs jar daily. There will be a completed jar too and once everything is done, we'll put all the jobs back over into the to-do jar. Hoping that will get everyone contributing more in the New Year. I have been joking a lot that I feel like a maid at a Frat House but it's really not that funny. These guys do NOTHING around here but make a mess. I'm not going to support that habit any longer. I'm hoping they'll each step up and take on a permanent job too. We'll see how that goes.

I think this is a great idea! My "boys" are ok with doing chores if I leave them a list so that they know exactly what to do and so they can cross it off when they are done! It sounds like you are still handling a bunch of stuff on your own.

I'm a big Barry Manilow fan and one of my favorite Christmas songs is a remake he did of Joni Mitchell's "River". It is sort of a sad, love song and isn't necessarily "Christmas-y", but is "winter-y".

I also love Burl Ives' Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer soundtrack. Last night I ditched my usual dance/workout/walking playlist in favor of Burl Ives - it was nice listening to it while walking around the neighborhood looking at the houses lit up with Christmas lights. (I usually walk around dusk).

- Laura

Sounds like you had a nice walk!

Add me to the list of those who need some playlist updating. I haven't been listening to my iPod lately, I have 2 Dixie Chicks CDs in the car now, Fly and Home.
Daily listening is all over the map, Etta James, Harry Connick Jr, one hit wonders of the 80's, Black Eyed Peas, Blind Melon, Disturbed, LMFAO, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Celtic music etc.

Running music:
The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Barbra Streisand - Duck Sauce
Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas
Cat & Mouse - Nikki & Rich
Club Can't Handle Me - (feat. David Guetta) Flo Rida
Come Out and Play - The Offspring
Down With the Sickness - Disturbed
Everybody - Ingrid Michaelson
Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride - Jump5
Hey, Soul Sister - Train Hey
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
I'm Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys
Jessica (Single Version) - The Allman Brothers Band
Like a G6 - Far East Movement
Monster - Skillet
Naturally - Selena Gomez & The Scene
Say Hey (I Love You) [feat. Cherine Anderson] - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Sexy and I Know it - LMFAO
Still Waiting - Sum 41
Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves
We No Speak Americano - Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup
Your Betrayal - Bullet for My Valentine

Christmas music:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
And it's not christmas until I hear:
I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
Dominic the Donkey (even though I can't stand it!)
The 12 Pains of Christmas
The Hanukkah Song - Adam Sandler
Baby it's Cold outside - The version from Elf.
1,2,3 Turnaround - Christian TV

We have very similar music tastes Buffy, so you might like some of the stuff on my play list. I have both those DC cds, as well. We saw the Chili Peppers in 89 or 90 when they were still in their big time druggy phase. They opened for The B52s and were so messed up they could barely sing. Then the lead singer kept hitting on the girl from the B52s. It was quite the interesting show!

****
Long day, and I didn't get a lot accomplished, but that's ok. I'm not sure who is coaching tomorrow, but I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend.

 

[jillbur]

QOTD, Saturday, December 17th.
Music is a huge stress reliever for me. What is on your current playlist? Do you have a favorite holiday song?
*****

I'm all over the place with music, too. For running, I have everything from Aerosmith and Lady Gaga to Michael Jackson and Tim Mcgraw to Bel Biv Devoe and Jay Z.

I'm not sure I have a favorite Christmas song.

These guys do NOTHING around here but make a mess.

My boys are only 8 and 5 and I hate cleaning the bathroom. I don't even want to think about when they are teenagers!!

Here's some of the stuff on my running playlist:
So Whatcha Want--Beastie Boys

Can you believe I have never watched Glee? I feel so socially inept! Maybe I'll see if it's on netflix...

I need to add this to my playlist!!

I've seen a couple bits and pieces of Glee, but never a whole episode. I hate to admit this, but DH watches it. Shhhh...don't tell!

Glee is on netflix!

Don't tell DH!!!!

I'm a big Barry Manilow fan

- Laura

So am I! My mom is a fan, so I listened with her. My dad even took her to see him in concert. When I was in high school (I'm 35 now) I called PBS for 45 minutes straight to request "Can't Smile Without You" during a live concert. Eventually someone else requested it and I was devastated. I'm not sure why I just confessed that lol.


Boy...the Dis is like confession tonight! DH watches Glee, I love Barry Manilow...what's going on?!?

I had a very productive day. I planned meals until Friday, grocery shopped, bought gift exchange presents, made 70 Oreo truffles (thought of Gretchen while I was making them), and made chocolate crackle cookies for church tomorrow. I should've ironed, but I guess I'll do it in the morning.

Tomorrow's plan is church and baking gingersnaps. And if it works out, I may be buying moose antlers tomorrow. I know you're thinking I am crazy, but DS8 is very into hunting (and I have no idea how this happened) and asked for a bow this year. So, we bought him a youth bow on Black Friday. Well, DH works at a hospital and saw an ad for mounted moose antlers in their classified ads. I doubt we'll find moose antlers again anytime soon in western PA. If DS wakes up to a bow and moose antlers? They'll probably hear him screaming in WDW or he'll pass out! And the seller doesn't want much for them! The problem is we'll have to get DS5 something else that will wow him. I'm just not sure what that is yet. Maybe it will come to me in my sleep lol.

Have a great night!

Jill

 

[mikamah]

So are you all doing anything healthy today? Remember it's ok to fall of the wagon a little bit over the holidays, as long as you have a PLAN to get RIGHT BACK ON!!!!! No lagging behind!

Not much healthy today, except for walking the dog. We baked spritz earlier, and gingerbread men tonight that we'll decorate tomorrow. Needless to say I ate a few too many spritz, but like you said Rose, it's ok to go off the wagon, as long as you have a plan to get back in. We watched THe Polar Express while the dough chilled, so it was a nice night. Ds did get a little upset with me because I made more gingerbread men than women. So I threw some flour at him thinking it would make him laugh, but it went in his eye. Oops. It was getting late and he was a little tired, but he was fine in a minute.

He just went to bed, and I was going to, but when I put the dog in the crate she started barking, and I wonder if she's not used to me and ds going to bed at the same time, so I thought I'd come out here and catch up, and she settled right down. Fingers crossed she continues on her good sleeping streak.

I have never watched glee either. But maybe I'll check it out on netflix one day. Seems the only show I'm consistent about is Criminal Minds. I haven't even seen greys anatomy this year.

Jill_ I hear you on cleaning the bathroom. What is it with boys?

Shawn_I like the idea of a jobs jar. Ds has a few chores he's pretty good about, but I could definitely make him do more now before we hit the more difficult teen years. We do have a lot of boys here don't we.

Pamela-Shaun Cassidy was really my dreamboat, and my sister loved David. I think there are some other old partridge family fans here also.

Hope you are all enjoying the weekend!!

 

[donac]

Good Sunday morning everyone. Just one week left.

QOTD I can't believe I found 2 more Manilow fans. Jill and Laura. Ii have seen a couple of times in concert and he does a great show. I can't believe that they have never done a show of his music on Glee (that would take care of both Jill and her husband.)

I love very old music. Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney but I also like that style of music done by Michael Feinstein. I have seen him in concert and love his style. He has such interesting backgrounds to the songs he sings.

I also love showtunes.


My favorite Christmas album is Bing Crosby but also Barry Manilow's. They do the same version of Jingle Bells.


Busy day yesterday like everyone else. Tree is up and lights are on. The ornaments are today's job. I made some cookie dough to make some cookies for a friend who had an operation last week. I am taking her the cookies and a 4 pack of Sandra Bullock movies to keep her occuppied while she recuperates. Just a few more things to buy and we will be finished. Dh started wrapping yesterday. The only thing I don't think I am going to get done is my parent's quilt. I will work on it all this week but I won't stress myself out. Cards will be finished today and mailed out tomorrow so I feel like I am in good shape.


Question of the Day

Do you open presents before or after breakfast?

We open presents when the guys first get up in the morning but not their stockings. We then go to church and come home and have breakfast. Then we open our stockings.

Off to get somethings done before church.

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

We have very similar music tastes Buffy, so you might like some of the stuff on my play list. I have both those DC cds, as well. We saw the Chili Peppers in 89 or 90 when they were still in their big time druggy phase. They opened for The B52s and were so messed up they could barely sing. Then the lead singer kept hitting on the girl from the B52s. It was quite the interesting show!


Here's some of the stuff on my running playlist:
So Whatcha Want--Beastie Boys
Santa Monica--Everclear
Lonely Boy--Black Keys
Help is on the Way--Rise Against
The Sound of Winter--Bush
Cough Syrup--Young the Giant
In Bloom-Nirvana
Seven Nation Army--White Stripes
Dogs Days are Over--Florence & the Machine
Sail--Awolnation
New Low--Middle Class Run
The Middle--Jimmy Eat world
Closer to Fine--Indigo Girls

LOVE LOVE LOVE the bolded!! DH used to hang with Amy and Emily (Indigo Girls) when they were still doing Atlanta night clubs and such, waaaayyyy back in the day!! He also remembers seeing REM open for the B-52's in Athens, Ga.
DS15 is the biggest Rise Against fan ever. I listen to a few songs, mostly off his play list.
We just scaled down all of our music (oh yeah, forgot to post that pic) so now that DVDs and CD's are more accessible I can add new stuff. There were CDs I totally forgot we even had.

Pamela-Shaun Cassidy was really my dreamboat, and my sister loved David. I think there are some other old partridge family fans here also.

Mine were Rick Springfield, Kirk Cameron, Ricky Shroder, etc. I used to get all the Teen Beat magazines and plastered my rom with posters. They were even on my ceiling.

I love very old music. Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney but I also like that style of music done by Michael Feinstein. I have seen him in concert and love his style. He has such interesting backgrounds to the songs he sings.

We listen to a lot of old music too. DS11 loves Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, that kind of stuff. My brother has compiled a playlist of a hit some every year from like 1940 to present for DS11. He loves it!!

Question of the Day

Do you open presents before or after breakfast?

Stockings, then gifts, then breakfast. DH will sneak out long enough to make coffee but with little kids gifts come first.
We do have a rule though that you can't go down stairs until everyone is awake. Since Santa doesn't wrap here, we don't want anyones surprises ruined.

 

[lisah0711]

Thanks Rose for coaching yesterday and to Dona for coaching today!

QOTD, Saturday, December 17th.
Music is a huge stress reliever for me. What is on your current playlist? Do you have a favorite holiday song?

I'm another one who is all over the board in musical tastes. My favorite holiday song for running is Wizards in Winter by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I love This Christmas Day by TSO, too, but it's not good for running. And, of course, all of the traditional carols, especially the instrumentals with bells.

Here is a selection from one of my running playlists:
Delirious - Prince
Space Cowboy - Steve Miller
4 Minutes - Madonna/Justin Timberlake
Pump it Up - Elvis Costello
Rolling in the Deep - Adele
He's A Pirate - Klaus Badett
I'm into You - Jennifer Lopez (feat. Lil Wayne)
Telephone - Glee Cast Version
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
Derezzed - TRON: Legacy
California Man - Cheap Trick
T.H.E. - will.i.am (featuring J.Lo and Mick Jagger)
Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO
We Found Love - Rihanna
There Must Be an Angel - Eurythmics
Get Ready for This (Calimocho Mix)
SexyBack - Justin Timberlake
Fabulous - Phineas & Ferb

Funny how so many of us remember the old vinyl records.

Kathy, I'll have to check out the Partridge Family Christmas album. When I think of the Partridge Family I squeal "Oooo, David Cassidy!" and in my mind. Same thing for Bobby Sherman!

Guess who just found this thread? I really have to pay more attention

We would have come and found you if you were lost. Thanks for telling me about the Glee version of all I Want for Christmas.

I have never seen an episode of Glee either but I do like their versions of songs.

Shawn, yes we do have quite a collection of boys on this thread. Luckily we have people like liesel, Pamela, Buffy and Taryn with Disney girls for our Disney boys.

And a big old for living with people who don't know how to clean up after themselves. My guys will do things if they are asked but no one else seems to know what needs to be done without being told, over and over and over! It is a constant source of tension in our house but I'm trying to put my zen on.

Rose, I'm glad that the run went well today! I will have to check out some of the songs on your list.

Laura, I always enjoy a Burl Ives song too. I think it's from all those Christmas specials when I was growing up. A walk at dusk admiring the lights sounds fun!

Boy...the Dis is like confession tonight! DH watches Glee, I love Barry Manilow...what's going on?!?

And I'm sorry but I have no idea how to top mounted moose antlers for Christmas.

Isn't it funny how kids get interested in different things?

Question of the Day

Do you open presents before or after breakfast?

We open presents and stockings as soon as DS gets up -- which of course now is getting later and later. We don't do a big Christmas breakfast because we have Christmas dinner around 1 pm.

In my family we always opened before breakfast and things were over pretty quickly. In DH's family they each take turns opening a present, then you talk about it, then you pass it around and it goes on forever. Thankfully DH did not want to carry on that tradition in our family.

Have a great day all!

 

[bellebookworm9]

Question of the Day

Do you open presents before or after breakfast?

Before. We get up pretty early to open them, have a quick bowl of cereal, and then go back to bed for a while.

This morning I'm going to do some laundry. I'll have to do more tomorrow before Mom gets here (sheets and blankets). Then I'm going to the grocery store to get a few more things for dinner. It's my week to cook and I'm also having a few friends over to say goodbye. I'm making spaghetti and meatballs/chicken parm, salad, garlic bread, and picking up a dessert as well.

 

[SettinSail]

My boys are only 8 and 5 and I hate cleaning the bathroom. I don't even want to think about when they are teenagers!!
Jill

I love my steam mop for cleaning the floor around the toilet

Pamela-Shaun Cassidy was really my dreamboat, and my sister loved David. I think there are some other old partridge family fans here also.

Count me as one of the old Partridge Family fans

Question of the Day

Do you open presents before or after breakfast?

We open presents to each other on Christmas Eve, after my Mom's family party, just the 3 of us when we get home. Then on Christmas Day, DS opens Santa gifts before breakfast. We always make a breakfast casserole the night before and put it in the oven first thiing. DH actually makes and cooks this


I am down 2.4 today so the scary number is gone Going to try and have another light eating/high activity today and see what else I can get rid of

DS community service yesterday went great, they sold many bags of food for the food bank and the store gave each Scout a backpack filled with school supplies. We haven't gone through it yet; looks like it was meant for younger child but I am sure there's something we can use or donate.

The HS production of Nutcracker was outstanding. It was based on a Duke Ellington score of the Nutcracker music. I had never heard of it but it was written in 1960. A combination of ballet and modern dance. I loved the few boys that were in it. They were all very talented..

Time for breakfast...

 

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD I can't believe I found 2 more Manilow fans. Jill and Laura. Ii have seen a couple of times in concert and he does a great show. I can't believe that they have never done a show of his music on Glee (that would take care of both Jill and her husband.)

Add me to the Manilow fans! I have a dvd of him in Vegas. He was on vacation when I was there earlier this year, or I would have gone

Question of the Day

Do you open presents before or after breakfast?

We open stockings when we get up, then we will start on presents. We eat after presents are done or take a break. My dh makes breakfast, and I don't want him to miss any of the present-opening fun.

I scored a reprieve! I had a rough day yesterday, and I was supposed to take ds to church for confirmation class. Fortuitous circumstances allow dh to drop him off, so I'm going to put on my yoga pants and red Mickey fleece hoodie and relax.

I didn't realize we were posting play lists! Here are some of my favorites:

I Will Survive/I'm a Survivor -- Glee Cast
Cradle of Love -- Billy Idol
Womanizer -- Britney Spears
The Devil Went Down to Georgia -- Charlie Daniels Band
Sexy Chic -- David Guetta
Whip It -- Devo
Tonight (I'm Lovin' You) -- Enrique Iglesias
Bring Me to Life -- Evanescence
Club Can't Handle Me -- Flo Rida
Animal -- Glee Cast
CandyMan -- Glee Cast
Bad Romance -- Glee Cast
Thriller/Heads Will Roll -- Glee Cast
The Middle -- Jimmy Eat World
St. Elmo's Fire -- John Parr
My Life Would Suck Without You -- Kelly Clarkson
Keep the Fire Burnin' -- REO Speedwagon
I'll Fall in Love Again -- Sammy Hagar
Hips Don't Lie -- Shakira
Happy Together -- The Turtles


Oh! And my teen idols were Shaun Cassidy, Scott Baio, and Leif Garrett. Have you seen Leif Garrett lately?

I had the Partridge Family Christmas Card album, too! I got it at a garage sale and it was old, but I loved "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" with David Cassidy

Lisah -- I have a lot of your playlist! I'm going to check out some of the ones I don't have, we seem to have similar taste.

Dona -- I love showtunes, too! I have a cd of Donny Osmond singing different arrangements of some popular show tunes, I love it! I'm also a big Andrew Lloyd Webber fan. I've only met a few of his musicals I didn't like. We would love to see "The Book of Mormon", it's going to have to wait until it's a little less popular, though...

Buffy -- Since we are going to have to set everything out Christmas morning (kittens who are curious and love to chew), ds13 has asked us to do it then tell him to come downstairs. We always had the rule about not going down without waking us up, too. I just wanted to see the look on his face when he saw what Santa left -- Santa doesn't wrap big things or tiny things, so you can get started playing right away, and aren't so bored while the adults are opening their stockings, at least at our house

Kathy -- I baked 4 dozen snickerdoodles and double chocolate chunk bars Friday afternoon. I have to bake again this afternoon so ds will have cookies for his lunch and snacks. He prefers chocolate chip, so those are up. I'm going to do gingerbread before my dad gets here Wednesday, and probably a batch of fudge Thursday evening. I'm just going to do one thing each day, and then they can eat on them for the long break

Jill -- Moose antlers sound like they will be a big hit! I can't think of an odd thing my ds wanted, but when my youngest niece was 7 she asked for a pole for Christmas. Yes, that kind of pole. My SIL and BIL have no idea why that seemed like a good idea to her. They think she saw a billboard for a gentlemen's club

Rose -- I love the Waitresses Christmas song! There is a Glee remake on their new Christmas cd, but the Waitresses win this one! I am so glad the 5M went well. We are going to have a blast at the Princess!

Laura -- omg, Burl Ives! You can't have Rudolf without Burl Ives! He is a Christmas classic

Gretchen -- Add me to the list of those who have never seen "Tangled"...I see I'm going to have to rent it, just like I did "The Princess and the Frog".

Shawn -- Your jobs jar sounds like a good idea. Working at this time of year can be fun, and can be nerve-wracking. No bonus for me, just a really uncomfortable office party -- and a difficult task for each day I'm working next week, so I can't really relax until Wednesday afternoon (I'm not working Thurs - Tues!). So there is a silver lining! I'm glad I'm able to take a decent amount of time off, I'm out of the office much more than I'm in it the next three weeks

Pamela -- Sorry, I didn't mean to rain on your Mariah Carey parade! I do like the song, it's just played constantly on all the radio stations here, so I want to hear something different. I have to rotate my workout playlist. I get too bored with the same music. I've actually added back in ones I started with back in the Stone Age. "Eye of the Tiger" is making a comeback, along with Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield".

Everyone have a great day!

Maria

 

[my3princes]

QOTD, Saturday, December 17th. Music is a huge stress reliever for me. What is on your current playlist? Do you have a favorite holiday song?Question of the Day.

QOTD, Sunday, December 18th. Do you open presents before or after breakfast?

My playlist has lots of Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney. I like music that reminds me of the Islands. I want to be transported to warm beaches lol

The kids open Santa gifts before breakfast and our tree is usually done after breakfast. Of course the boys push the envelope each year as to how early we can open gifts. They've had us up in the middle of the night because the "heard" Santa and just couldn't wait a second longer

 

[liesel]

QOTD Saturday:
I think my ipod has over 700 songs right now! My tastes are all over the place too. I have a running playlist, a Hawaiian music playlist and a Christmas playlist. My running playlist is most similar to Buffy's. Rose, Maria, and Lisa you all have great song selections too, I definitely am trying to change things up these last few weeks before the Tink. Wierd Al definitely got me through my 10K yesterday, especially his "Skipper Dan" song (if you haven't heard it, you can see a cute animated video on YouTube).

Here's my current Chistmas music playlist:

Songs from the "A Very Special Christmas" albums from a few years ago
Barenaked Ladies: Barenaked for the Holidays
Christmas Around the World
some Zydeco and New Orleans Jazz (reminds me of the Christmas music they play at New Orleans Square in DL!)
Muppets "A Red and Green Christmas"
Phineas and Ferb Holiday Favorites
Chris Isaak
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
a couple of Hawaiian artists: Amy Hanaili'i and Kohala
some songs from a couple of the "Winter's Solstice" albums
Charlie Brown Christmas
Sting's "If on a Winter's Night"

Gretchen I have the Tangled soundtrack on my ipod too! Love it!

LisaH I also have "Pirates of the Carribean" music on my running playlist. I also have "The Black Pearl (Dave Darrel Radio Edit)" by Scotty on there (you can find it on iTunes). Its a dance remix of "The Black Pearl" that is used in BodyCombat (you can see videos of people doing the routine on YouTube) that both reminds me of how far I've come in my fitness level and its Pirates!

Kathy I saw your Gary Sinise CP fantasy on the fall challenge thread, but didn't get to compliment you on having a very specific answer to that QOTD!

Rose I love the DMB "Christmas Song" too, its on my playlist! I'm glad the TM run went well. DH is running again after his injury and is now doing a 5:1 ratio. He was so skeptical of Galloway, but is now a convert! He says he is even faster with this run/walk ratio than he was before he was injured. I think he is now looking to do his first half in April.

Sunday QOTD: We have to open presents right away, its all we can do to hold off the kids until we can get to the living room! I make these special biscuts the night before (I roll the dough into a log and put them in the refrigerator)-they have bacon, roasted onions, and herbs in them! I then toss them in the oven while we are opening presents. I'd rather enjoy opening presents and playing with them than cooking a big breakfast.

Shawn I hope the jobs jar goes well.

Thanks for all the well wishes on the 10K, I think it went pretty well, I finished in 1:25:33, which I think is pretty good for being sick and then having to get back into training. Only 11 people finished after me, it was a fast group! It reflects where I am fitness wise and I hope to only improve from here. I shouldn't have stepped on the scale this morning, I am up 5 pounds in the last 2 days! DH was there talking me down, a race combined with a salty Mexican food holiday party will do that to you!

Have a wonderful day losers!

 

[Disneywedding2010]

QOTD, Sunday, December 18th. Do you open presents before or after breakfast?

It really varies every year depending on how we feel when we get up. Last year we didn't have presents to open because we were at Disney World. This year we'll more then likely open them before we have a light breakfast. We're planning on eating Christmas dinner around mid afternoon. Then a light snack a few hours later.

 

[Disneywedding2010]

Afternoon everyone!

We've been taking it easy around the house. We were going to go see the Muppet movie today but I'm not feeling all that well so we're just lounging. I still need to figure out what we're going to do for dinner. We were discussing our Disney trip for next Christmas a little while ago. I think we're shooting for a week at BLT. I think we've decided Disney Christmas on the even years and staying home on the odd . Its nice living this close because we don't have to pay boarding costs for the animals. Alan will just run over to the house and check on them every other day.

I'm hoping to get some light exercise in today considering I didn't do any while I was in IL for a week. I'll be back later I need to eat some lunch.

 

[donac]

liesel I love Big Bad Voodoo Daddy I saw them in concert a few years ago. They were the back up band for Michael Feinstein. We wished that we had taken our sons since they were into jazz bands.

Just decided to not finish the tree today. I think we are going to wait until ds2 comes home from college on Tuesday. It is up, the lights are on and I have a few ornaments on. I need help with the top. I may be 5'6" but I just can't reach the top.

Off to get the cards done.