Welcome to the YaYa's: YYotC at Castaway Cay

[helenabear]

Lily, that sounds like fun! I know some people have more "rules" with what they bring than others. The funny gifts are always my favorite!

Karen, glad the back is better.

I am tired and honestly too cranky for much else. Good night all!

 

[Poohnatic]

Morning, all. This is a drive by, I've got a 10 hour day. I want to sleep in!

Suzanne

 

[TLinden16]

Hi everyone!

Sorry I haven't been around much since I've been back. I've had the week from h-e-double hockey stick since I've been back from Florida, and it has me wondering why I even bothered coming back.

As you may recall, we were without heat for five days Thanksgiving week. They fixed our furnace the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It broke down again last Wednesday, just two days after I returned home from Florida. We were without heat until Friday night (did I mention that it was only in the high 20's on Thursday and Friday, and the house was about 32 degrees inside?--oh, and there was a snow storm that dropped about six inches of snow on us).

The furnace broke down again yesterday--yes, just two days after the thing had been fixed again. We had three guys in the house last night working for about 90 minutes trying to get it fixed. They got it up and running. And it was dead again by morning. It was 55 degrees in the house when I woke up this morning.

My brother is insisting on calling the gas company again. He thinks they should be able to fix it. I'm not so sure. I think we should just look into getting a new one at this point. I just don't know what to do anymore. It's supposed to be 20 degrees by mid-week.

On top of that, Friday, I had a weird vision problem. Everything was looking wavy our of my right eye, and I could tell I wasn't using my right eye to see. I could see out of it if I closed myleft eye, but if I had both eyes open, I wasn't using my right eye at all. I called the eye doctor, and they intially told me to come in, but then they called back and said it was most likely and optometric migraine, and the condition would be gone within two hours. So I ended up treking home in the worst of the storm on Friday, and going to my aunt's house down the street and lying down on her couch all afternoon (rather than going to my house, with no heat).

This morning, I slipped on black ice as I was getting ready to board the bus and scrapped up my hands and knees. I wasn't really hurt, but my hands are sore to the touch.

So, it's been a crappy week to continue my crappy year.

Karen

 

[helenabear]

Having trouble with the DIS this morning which means I will probably get up soon to go do other things

Suzanne, don't work too hard!

Karen, sorry about everything going on. How old is your furnace? It sounds like you might just need a new one if they can't fix it. After more than one try I'd give up and get a new one. Though I am shocked that the ones fixing haven't suggested that yet

Cold and snowy day again... what fun

 

[Meriweather]

Good morning.

Aww...Karen sorry about all the problems. Sounds like that furnace doesn't want to work. I think I would look into a new one too. I like being warm
Sorry about the slip too.

Lily, that is the same kind of White elephant exchange we do at the office party. Next Sat.....they finally got the details to us of when and where
I need ideas for a gift. Can be serious or funny.
We did hot chocolate packs several years. That was always a big hit. Once did a remote control Santa serving tray...that was also a big hit.
M'Cori just went to her first office party and they did one also. She got a BaB!!
She is going to dress it professionally and keep it in her office (when she gets one). It says the firm's name

Elaine, thanks for sharing pictures.

We had a good day yesterday.....even though it started late. Christin and troops didn't arrive until about 12:30. Cut a tree. Went back to her place and deocorated it, went to Claim Jumpers for dinner.
We ordered the I Declare! Wow!! It was the bigget eclair ever!! LOL.....Christin was smiling the whole evening

We hopefully will hear of a couple of exchange arrivals today

 

[TLinden16]

I can't find the receipt for the furnace, but I'm pretty sure it's less than 10 years old. It's ridiculous. I'm so frustrated. I can't wait for this year to be over.

 

[helenabear]

Nancy, let me think on the ideas for you... I will be getting out all of our Christmas stuff from the basement and I might run into a good idea. Though I have always liked (more seriously) the mug sets with cocoa or the like in it. Of course dancing musical Santas, Reindeer and hte like are always funny to me too

Karen, that does kind of stink. I wouldn't imagine that a furnace would die that quickly. What do the repair people say is wrong with it. If it is that "young" I would be pushing them for not fixing it hte first time

I need to get back to doing house stuff... very behind due to last week

 

[Kama89]

Elaine, I have to admit, I had to smile when I saw that picture and I was thrilled to see everything RIGHT again! That photo still touches me. Alone yet peaceful. Solitude. I like that. There's something there I can relate to. It's a beautiful location. ...Also that is a very sweet picture right below it too.


Hmm... still waiting. Bummer. My package was mailed out on Monday. I think. I gave it to Tom to send out. I think he said it went out late Monday afternoon, so technically I suppose it didn't go out until Tuesday morning. Sigh. Hope it gets to its new home soon!!!

Speaking of packages, I just have to say Thank You again to RoseMary!! I had a ball going through the box, finding goodies tucked into every nook and cranny.

Karen, I'm so sorry you're having a crappy month/year. Hang on, it's almost over.

I've never participated in a White Elephant exchange, but they sound fun. Cam took part in one on Saturday. He came home with an adorable little pink make up case. Snork!! Your exchange sounded like such fun Lily! It sounds like a great group of people!

Narnia! Can't wait! Also King Kong!

Off to drive, shop, spend, wrap. Again. Some more.

Hope everyone is healthy, happy, driving safe while on the various holiday excursions and enjoying some special times with family and friends!

 

[Meriweather]

Sorry for all the frustration, Karen.

Elaine...I like doing the hot chocolate one and it is easy to round up. I already have enough hot chocolate here. I would just go get some mugs, make some chocolate spoons, get some cookies and some colored shaped marshmallows.
If nothing else that is what I will go with.
Dave wants to do a flashlight and beer
My friend Kathy and I have a downtown day on Wed., I will look for something there....but I might not find anything in the buget

I need to go get my housework and laundry down also and Geoff's cookie box ready to go to the PO tomorrow.

 

[Meriweather]

I've never participated in a White Elephant exchange, but they sound fun. Cam took part in one on Saturday. He came home with an adorable little pink make up case. Snork!! Your exchange sounded like such fun Lily! It sounds like a great group of people!

Narnia! Can't wait! Also King Kong!

Kimmie sneated!!

I like that idea of a make-up case Especially since I have one in my gift closet and no one to give it to.
It is loaded with tons of make-up and brushes and stuff too.
I will run that idea by Dave.....thanks, Kimmie

King Kong and Narnia

I wonder if all 3 of those exchanges will arrive today! That would be cool.

 

[Kama89]

I like that idea of a make-up case Especially since I have one in my gift closet and no one to give it to. It is loaded with tons of make-up and brushes and stuff too.
I will run that idea by Dave.....thanks, Kimmie

Yay! With any luck a man in dire need of a makeover will end up with it. Every guy should have a pink make up case dont'cha think? Cam isn't quite sure what to do with his yet. Gee... go figure.

Although.... those chocolate spoons sound awfully wonderful too!


So I hear Andy Serkis/Gollum is also King Kong. True? How cool is that?!

 

[Meriweather]

Dave likes the idea
It isn't pink though Black lizard-skin looking
Maybe the guy that is getting the sex change will get it She direly needs a make-over

Does the one Cam got have make-up in it?
If not, he could load it with fishing tackle and use it the same type exchange next year

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Love the pink make-up case wilt fishing tackle idea! Tee hee!

Kimmie be careful, Cam could say he is looking for the girl of his dreams to give the pink make-up case to her.

JRKaren, I can't believe that the nightmare continues. It is something I agree that should be pursued as a "didn't fix it correctly the first time" thing. You need to go back on vacation so you can get it right. (Kinda like Ground Hog Day). When you come back and all is fresh and right then you can continue.

Off to lunch I skip, tra la la...

 

[helenabear]

I hate spiders... and I hate them when I find them crawling over my Christmas stuff

Kimmie, I love that picture too. And I love how it makes me feel when I see it. I think I was walking with Alan and his clan when I finally saw that they had changed it back! The others just were no where near as calming to me as that one. They might have thought I was nuts for being excited about the change.

For the one waiting on me to tell you about the package, I do promise that I will post as soon as I get it

Nancy, so glad that you got a good idea! I love the make up case one and especially if it goes to that one guy (or gal... which ever )

Lily, I love the way you think. I agree she needs to vacation until they fix it (like Ground Hog Day)

Well I need to sort laundry and other fun stuff. See y'all later!

 

[isyne4u]

hi gang,

been busy getting grading done so that I can do progress reports tomorrow. WE have to turn them in no later than wednesday morning and I hate being late for stuff like that.

Karen...I hope things look up for you. I say go back on vacation and worry about life later!! I read your trip report...great report!!

Had a nice dinner out with my old gang last night at Bravo Cuccina Italiana (or some spelling close to that). It was very good but when we were done I wasn't ready to go home yet, so astrid and I walked across the street and went to Cold Stone creamery for dessert. I had cake batter ice cream with recess peanut butter cups and colored sprinkles. It was yummy! I didn't like the chocolate dipped waffle cone though. It tasted stale under the chocolate. But the ice cream was good.

From the mouths of babes department: Jarrod comes running to me yesterday afternoon practically out of breath, and says, "Mommy I just heard on the radio that christmas is in 14 days. You need to get busy. You have to put up the lights on the outside of the house, you need to put up the tree, you need to decorate the tree, you need to wrap the presents, and you need to finish shopping for me." I looked at him like he had three heads and the only thing I choke out was "uh, thanks for reminding me kid...now beat it!" Oh good lord did he have to put it that way??? Then he says he forgot something, "you have to put the presents under the tree!" to which I reply...well the tree is laying in the floor in my bedroom why don't we just put all the presents in my room on top of the box and call it done??" He didn't like that idea!

I guess I have a lot to do in the next 14 days!! oh joy

Anyway going bowling tonight and hoping to do as well as I ddi before teh trip!!

Oops, children returning to class.

tara

 

[helenabear]

Been having server busy errors off and on all afternoon. So I did work around the house and watched Dukes of Hazzard instead.

But, Suzanne, it came!!! Finally!!!!! Why it took a week to get here, I'll never figure out!

First I opened and saw the most adorable & soft Pooh dressed as Santa. He is so cute and is sitting next to Lito & Larissa Everything else was wrapped in this cute bear snowy paper (gee, shock). The next thing I opened is a lamp I have never seen that had me rolling on the floor! A cutie Pooh lamp. I need to make room on my messy desk for it. It's so cute! I love it! I also got a really cute Tink (Santa) ornament and a cute Tink magnet (I love Tink and I need tons more magnets). I smiled soooo big when I opened the Santana album she also sent. It was awesome and has my sweetie Bo Bice on it she picked up on my love of Tink (hmmm... Tink and Pooh, there is a huge shock with me) sent a cute Tink keychain that has a very appropriate lime green rhinestone in it. The Santa Mickey toy actually quickly took the interest of my cats... anything soft that moves gets them ya know The Minnie hat, scarf & gloves set is just perfect! It will match both jackets that I wear for winter perfectly!
Oh and Andes mints... a weakness of mine.

So thank you Suzanne! I had one of my "not so good days" today and this really did me good! I truly appreciate everything you sent!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Poohnatic]

Yay, it came! Glad you liked the goodies, I had a lot of fun shopping for you. The cuties lamp was purchased months ago with this exchange in mind, lol. When I saw Pooh was on your favorites list, happy happy joy joy.

Back later, snuggle time with my curly cutie.

Suzanne

 

[Meriweather]

Glad to hear of another arrival

DIS is slowwww.....

But my exchange arrived today too
Thank you to Beth!!
I really need to get scrapping now
Anyway, she sent (all wrapped in so cute Disney paper):
a huge pile of decorative scrapping paper and snowflake die cuts.....
Mickey and Tink brass stencils
2 packs of cute, cute Christmas Mickey stickers
100 Tink stickers....so cute!!
the most wonderful, made by Beth herself, mini scrap book....I just need to add the pictures. I think I can actually do that it is adorable. Mickey themed. I think I might save it for the girlfriend's trip
Tink mini tape and dispenser....so cute.
mini Tink clipboard
2006/07 pocket planner
snowman notepad
12 Disney candy canes
photo album for 4x6" pictures
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader- Christmas edition Dave will steal that. he has quite a collection of them, but not that one.
cute snowman votive holder. It was stuffed with Lindt truffles...yum... and wrapped in a cute felt snowman bag.
Red Mickey head ornament all made of tiny jingle bells...so cute (I think I am saying that a lot ). It is on the tree.
Antenna toppers!! The red and white striped ornament and a Mickey megaphone...they are so cute. Dave needs to build me more holders
And..... A dancing, singing Santa duck/chick??. The cat jumped a mile when I turned it one It is too funny. A relative of Dizzy's??
I hope I didn't forget anything....there was so much!!
Thank you so much, Beth. It was fun opening all those packages.
I love everything

That only leaves us with Tara to check in with hers.

 

[Poohnatic]

Cool, Nancy! Good deal, I wasn't sure that the megaphone toppers were everywhere. Pssst, 12/28, valentine's toppers at the store . They look like conversation hearts, which are significant for me, lol.

After such a long day, and Ed had an equally long day, it's nice to enjoy a glass of wine together. Ed told Kevin that he was having the whole $20 bottle himself! So, I stated that we'll just have to label the bottles with who they belong to, and my sweet adorable son decided to take a sharpie and label all the boxes "Mommy's"! Wonder what we'll do when Santa brings me that wine refrigerator?

My MIL and SIL are officially Floridians. They closed on their house down here today. The furniture doesn't show up until Saturday, so they are in the hotel this week. One less thing to stress about.

Karen, do you need to come down here and stay? I've got an extra bedroom and the weather's much better. Best part, no snow to shovel!

Back to work for another long day tomorrow. Boss is out of town, so I pulled some long ones, but the OT will be nice.

Suzanne

 

[Meriweather]

Cool, Nancy! Good deal, I wasn't sure that the megaphone toppers were everywhere. Pssst, 12/28, valentine's toppers at the store . They look like conversation hearts, which are significant for me, lol.

Never saw the megaphones anywhere. They are very cute.
Cool The 28th is when I am going to the mall for after Christmas shopping.....now just have to hope that store gets them