My First Real Tree!
December 17-18 2005
No, I'm not kidding. Justin and I found a great one at Russo's, and although we had quite a time getting it straight in the stand, we had a blast decorating it from our boxes of ornaments.
Some Decorating
December 6th 2005
Yesterday Justin and I picked out a wreath at Target. It's my first wreath. I generally could care less about such things but I love it. I didn't even recognize my door today when I pulled in from work!
Also, I did put the cats' names on their stockings now; after Rattrap died I didn't want to do that and not be able to reuse them, but who cares already.
The Yankee Swap
December 5th 2005
My first fiancee's family first introduced me to the Yankee Swap. Since then, office parties have been big on having them. Apparently our office had some "issues" with last year's YS (I wasn't there), so they sent out the official rules. Those also needing these to keep things orderly can download them in PDF.
My Philosophy About Shopping/Presents
December 3rd 2005
I just can't bear to set foot in a mall after Thanksgiving. So call me anal or whatever you like, but yes, I have all of my shopping done. Everything is either here and already wrapped (I keep a "wrapping station" in my office and wrap as I obtain gifts) or is on its way to my house from an online retailer. Paschal often helps me wrap.
I tried to spend a lot less this year in anticipation of insane home heating costs (I have natural gas) and also because I think in previous years I'd just gotten carried away, thinking lavish gifts would please my friends/family and make them like me more. But now that I'm 30, I figure if they don't like me by now, expensive gifts aren't going to do the trick.
