It seems like there's always at least one more part to a project before I can call it complete, or there's just one more thing to add to the end of a to-do list. For over a month I've felt more prepared than ever for our end-of-year Inventory of our merchandise. Ever since Sunday and especially today, though, I'm realizing just how much isn't actually done yet. First I notice this, then that, oh I can't forget to get that done, wow, why didn't this get taken care of?
At the same time, though, I know that this year will go so much better than the last few have. The staff members in general are more educated about the products, everyone is on board to be there that day, and we actually have less merchandise to count, as I stopped ordering about six or seven weeks ago to avoid getting a lot of new merchandise in right before having to count it all. The only things really left to do are precounts of a couple of areas and finishing touches on the storage rooms. As the store will be closed that day I'm also hoping to get done much earlier than last year (I got in early that morning and didn't leave until sometime around midnight).
Work aside and on to a couple of fun things- I was able to get a couple of tickets to an advance screening of Despicable Me. Michael and I got to the theatre at about 9:15 am, were let in around 9:25, got our popcorn and Sprite and talked about Michael's Dime of Doom to pass the time (I, sadly, only possessed a Penny of Pain and a Dollar of Destruction. They don't even come close to comparing). He is now also known as Dime Person Thing Man.
The movie itself is great, very much so worth all the hype it has received. I think one of my favorite aspects of the movie were the minions, they were hilarious! I also loved how each of the three girls were so totally unique and so totally endearing :) Family relationships play a huge role throughout the entire movie, another dynamic that I really enjoyed.
I also went to see the new Karate Kid on opening weekend. While there are definitely parallels to the original, this movie can definitely stand on its own. The action in a lot of ways feels more intense, partially due to the age of the main character, the location, and the free-hand filming style.
All that being said, I think I'll sign off now. Time to go home and think of more things I've forgotten to do for inventory...sigh. Any ideas on how to celebrate it's completion? I'm thinking jumping for joy and lighting off sparklers :)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
You've Know You've Been Promoted When...
You know you've been promoted when:
~You get to re-arrange the office the way you want it
~You miss being paid hourly for the overtime pay you've lost
~You get to make the schedule and pick when you want to work
~You have to make sure all the hours are covered and end up with the least favorable schedule after all
~You finally get to do something about all the things you think are wrong
~Everyone else is supposed to tell you what's wrong...and now you can't not do something about it
~You get to decide what toys to sell in the store (one of my favorites, let's be honest)
~You are ultimately responsible to get everything sold, stocked, and organized
~You get to train people and delegate your tasks to them
~You are responsible when something goes wrong or gets forgotten
~You get to attend more meetings and know more about what actually goes on
~You pick up things to do in one meeting and then have a hard time getting them done between attending other meetings where you also get handed more to do
~You get keys that open all sorts of cool doors
~...well, let's just say never leave one of them unlocked
~You get to interview and hire new people
~You get to call and talk to the people who didn't get hired
In the end, though, it's all for the good. There are so many things to learn, to experience, to enjoy and to progress in.
~You get to re-arrange the office the way you want it
~You miss being paid hourly for the overtime pay you've lost
~You get to make the schedule and pick when you want to work
~You have to make sure all the hours are covered and end up with the least favorable schedule after all
~You finally get to do something about all the things you think are wrong
~Everyone else is supposed to tell you what's wrong...and now you can't not do something about it
~You get to decide what toys to sell in the store (one of my favorites, let's be honest)
~You are ultimately responsible to get everything sold, stocked, and organized
~You get to train people and delegate your tasks to them
~You are responsible when something goes wrong or gets forgotten
~You get to attend more meetings and know more about what actually goes on
~You pick up things to do in one meeting and then have a hard time getting them done between attending other meetings where you also get handed more to do
~You get keys that open all sorts of cool doors
~...well, let's just say never leave one of them unlocked
~You get to interview and hire new people
~You get to call and talk to the people who didn't get hired
In the end, though, it's all for the good. There are so many things to learn, to experience, to enjoy and to progress in.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
In Sports as in Life
I don't know many women who are as into sports movies as I am. Rudy, Rocky, Invicible, Pride, and Cinderella Man are a few of what I consider to be classics. These movies, while providing intense and compelling sports sequences, aren't actually about the sports themselves but about those who play them, those who put absolutely everything on the line to follow their dreams. To make a difference.
In what has become my favorite such movie (yes, Invictus) there is a wonderful scene where Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) invites Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) to tea. After sitting down, Mandela asks after Pienaar's ankle, which he had heard was injured. Pienaar states that in truth one never plays rugby at one hundred percent, at which point Mandela states 'Ah, in sports as in life'.
This statement has stayed with me. As you can tell by one of my previous posts I feel that it is an absolutely wonderful movie about incredible men in an absolutely pivotal time doing the impossible. And succeeding. What really hits me, though, is not necessarily the grand gestures, the great victories. It's the little things. How Nelson Mandela took great strides to truly know the people around him, appreciating their efforts and showing compassion and gratitude. How Francois Pienaar believed in Mandela, in himself and in his team and became such a huge part in unifying their nation. And small statements such as this one. It's true.
There will never be a time where everything will be perfect. Where there aren't multiple lessons to be learned and challenges to overcome. They may come in the form of work, of home, of personal life, of social life. They may present physically, mentally, spiritually, usually all three. There will never come a prolonged time of easy sailing. Frankly I think that if there is, you aren't trying hard enough. There is so much to do, to learn, to teach, to give, to serve. There are so many things that happen every day that we can either take in stride or let overwhelm us. I have been on both sides of the coin and honestly, I prefer to sleep at night. To not experience panic at the list of tasks ahead of me. Panic, stress and fear will get me nothing and nowhere. That is a lesson I began learning at RE/MAX and continue to hone and refine to this day. Am I perfect? Of course not, but why should I let that discourage me?
Life may not hit when I'm at one hundred percent, but I'm certainly going to give it my all!
In what has become my favorite such movie (yes, Invictus) there is a wonderful scene where Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) invites Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) to tea. After sitting down, Mandela asks after Pienaar's ankle, which he had heard was injured. Pienaar states that in truth one never plays rugby at one hundred percent, at which point Mandela states 'Ah, in sports as in life'.
This statement has stayed with me. As you can tell by one of my previous posts I feel that it is an absolutely wonderful movie about incredible men in an absolutely pivotal time doing the impossible. And succeeding. What really hits me, though, is not necessarily the grand gestures, the great victories. It's the little things. How Nelson Mandela took great strides to truly know the people around him, appreciating their efforts and showing compassion and gratitude. How Francois Pienaar believed in Mandela, in himself and in his team and became such a huge part in unifying their nation. And small statements such as this one. It's true.
There will never be a time where everything will be perfect. Where there aren't multiple lessons to be learned and challenges to overcome. They may come in the form of work, of home, of personal life, of social life. They may present physically, mentally, spiritually, usually all three. There will never come a prolonged time of easy sailing. Frankly I think that if there is, you aren't trying hard enough. There is so much to do, to learn, to teach, to give, to serve. There are so many things that happen every day that we can either take in stride or let overwhelm us. I have been on both sides of the coin and honestly, I prefer to sleep at night. To not experience panic at the list of tasks ahead of me. Panic, stress and fear will get me nothing and nowhere. That is a lesson I began learning at RE/MAX and continue to hone and refine to this day. Am I perfect? Of course not, but why should I let that discourage me?
Life may not hit when I'm at one hundred percent, but I'm certainly going to give it my all!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Midnight to Noon
Yesterday was a good day, though perhaps some would not agree. I've been really congested for several days and went through at least 50 tissues. I didn't get a single thing I'd planned done in the office. And I was at work for over 12 hours trying to diagnose a large inventory discrepancy and help form and implement a new policy to prevent it from occuring again. There was a time, in the not at all distant past, that these events would have left me feeling entitled to having a really bad day.
Not any more :) After several heart-felt conversations with my parents (thanks to Dad especially for the after-midnight ones) I've decided to appreciate what I have, what I do, and who I do it with. To be honest, I actually thoroughly enjoyed what happened yesterday. Not that I want inventory discrepancies, but I enjoyed working with others to try to find out where it went wrong, then to determine the parameters of the new policy and then taking the time to write up and distribute it. I was involved in almost every aspect of the process. It was a puzzle that I was able to help put together and solve.
Is the problem fixed? We hope so, but any time such a policy is implemented, time must be spent working out the kinks and analyzing the results. While this will affect everyone in my department, adding time to what used to be the easiest transaction at the regisers, I will have to sit down every day and try to figure out if it works, if there are any errors or holes, and track any more discrepancies. Do I mind? Nope, not really :) While it adds time and tasks to my day, again it's a puzzle that I get to help put together.
So what does that have to do with midnight and noon? I got home just after 10 last night and took Nyquil around 11. I was asleep right around midnight and slept, with perhaps a few interruptions, until noon. Ah, happy day :) I'm feeling well-rested, I'm less congested, and I had lasagna and nutty bars for breakfast. I'm watching Burn Notice and, well, writing this blog. A good start to a good day off :)
On another good note, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!
Not any more :) After several heart-felt conversations with my parents (thanks to Dad especially for the after-midnight ones) I've decided to appreciate what I have, what I do, and who I do it with. To be honest, I actually thoroughly enjoyed what happened yesterday. Not that I want inventory discrepancies, but I enjoyed working with others to try to find out where it went wrong, then to determine the parameters of the new policy and then taking the time to write up and distribute it. I was involved in almost every aspect of the process. It was a puzzle that I was able to help put together and solve.
Is the problem fixed? We hope so, but any time such a policy is implemented, time must be spent working out the kinks and analyzing the results. While this will affect everyone in my department, adding time to what used to be the easiest transaction at the regisers, I will have to sit down every day and try to figure out if it works, if there are any errors or holes, and track any more discrepancies. Do I mind? Nope, not really :) While it adds time and tasks to my day, again it's a puzzle that I get to help put together.
So what does that have to do with midnight and noon? I got home just after 10 last night and took Nyquil around 11. I was asleep right around midnight and slept, with perhaps a few interruptions, until noon. Ah, happy day :) I'm feeling well-rested, I'm less congested, and I had lasagna and nutty bars for breakfast. I'm watching Burn Notice and, well, writing this blog. A good start to a good day off :)
On another good note, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Le Petit Prince
I think one of the saddest things about moving to Washington State when we did was that the middle school I left in Logan offered French classes much earlier than I was able to take them again in Marysville. It was one of the only classes I ever knew for sure I wanted to take each year from the moment I could up there, from 9th grade on. I collected a couple of books in French that I've kept (not like I would ever get rid of any of my books without a very good cause) through the years and I finally pulled one off the shelf yesterday.
As you could probably guess after the dead giveaway in the title of this post, that book is Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Not having really done anything involving French since I graduated from High School almost 8 years ago, I honestly had no idea how far I could possibly get. I struggled with the dedication (great for my self-esteem, I must say), but forged ahead nonetheless. I found myself laughing after only a few pages, allowing myself to be drawn into the story without fussing about each individual word I couldn't remember. I am still rather surprised at how much I do remember after not taking a French lesson since 2002. Its also a great refresher course in French grammar, where (like many other languages) nouns have a given gender. I also had to dredge a bit through vaguely remembered lessons in order to remember the difference between the present and past tenses. I think this is the part I've liked the most so far:
"...je dis au petit bonhomme (avec un peu de mauvaise humeur) que je ne savais pas dessiner. Il me repondit:
Ca ne fait rien. Dessine-moi un mouton.
Comme je n'avais jaimais dessine un mouton je refis, pour lui, l'un des deux seuls dessins dont j'etais capable. Celui de boa ferme. Et je fus stupefait d'entendre le petit bonhomme me repondre:
Non! Non! Je ne veux pas d'un elephant dans un boa. Un boa c'est tres dangereux, et un elephant c'est tres encombrant. Chez moi c'est tout petit. J'ai besoin d'un mouton. Dessine-moi un mouton."
(My apologies to those familiar with French for the lack of appropriate accents)
Essentially, after his airplane breaks down in the middle of the desert the author is approached by The Little Prince, who demands that he draw a sheep for him. Baffled, the author eventually concedes, but after having been discouraged from art at the age of 6 years old he begins by showing the strange boy a copy of his first drawing. Always mistaken by others to be a drawing of a hat, the Little Prince knows right away that it is a boa that has swallowed an elephant and demands a sheep. His first attempt is rejected as being too weak. The second one because of it's horns. His third attempt was shunned as being too old. At his wits end, the author draws a box with small air holes in the side and tells him something to the effect that 'here is a case. The sheep you want is inside.'
Excited that this may be exactly what he wanted, he asks how much it eats, concerned that his home was too small to support it. After being assured that it is a very small sheep, the Little Prince is finally satisfied.
I love this part. The exchange shows great creativity and imagination, enhanced by original illustrations of each sheep. I confess I do find it all the more endearing in French, knowing that I would most likely never have read this book in English. That being said, it is a very charming and yet thought-provoking tale that I am happy to own.
As you could probably guess after the dead giveaway in the title of this post, that book is Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Not having really done anything involving French since I graduated from High School almost 8 years ago, I honestly had no idea how far I could possibly get. I struggled with the dedication (great for my self-esteem, I must say), but forged ahead nonetheless. I found myself laughing after only a few pages, allowing myself to be drawn into the story without fussing about each individual word I couldn't remember. I am still rather surprised at how much I do remember after not taking a French lesson since 2002. Its also a great refresher course in French grammar, where (like many other languages) nouns have a given gender. I also had to dredge a bit through vaguely remembered lessons in order to remember the difference between the present and past tenses. I think this is the part I've liked the most so far:
"...je dis au petit bonhomme (avec un peu de mauvaise humeur) que je ne savais pas dessiner. Il me repondit:
Ca ne fait rien. Dessine-moi un mouton.
Comme je n'avais jaimais dessine un mouton je refis, pour lui, l'un des deux seuls dessins dont j'etais capable. Celui de boa ferme. Et je fus stupefait d'entendre le petit bonhomme me repondre:
Non! Non! Je ne veux pas d'un elephant dans un boa. Un boa c'est tres dangereux, et un elephant c'est tres encombrant. Chez moi c'est tout petit. J'ai besoin d'un mouton. Dessine-moi un mouton."
(My apologies to those familiar with French for the lack of appropriate accents)
Essentially, after his airplane breaks down in the middle of the desert the author is approached by The Little Prince, who demands that he draw a sheep for him. Baffled, the author eventually concedes, but after having been discouraged from art at the age of 6 years old he begins by showing the strange boy a copy of his first drawing. Always mistaken by others to be a drawing of a hat, the Little Prince knows right away that it is a boa that has swallowed an elephant and demands a sheep. His first attempt is rejected as being too weak. The second one because of it's horns. His third attempt was shunned as being too old. At his wits end, the author draws a box with small air holes in the side and tells him something to the effect that 'here is a case. The sheep you want is inside.'
Excited that this may be exactly what he wanted, he asks how much it eats, concerned that his home was too small to support it. After being assured that it is a very small sheep, the Little Prince is finally satisfied.
I love this part. The exchange shows great creativity and imagination, enhanced by original illustrations of each sheep. I confess I do find it all the more endearing in French, knowing that I would most likely never have read this book in English. That being said, it is a very charming and yet thought-provoking tale that I am happy to own.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
What Makes it Good?
How often do you evaluate the movies you see? About the movie as a whole, or the plot, the characters, the acting, the graphics, the music? On these topics I imagine we analyze them both conciously and subconciously throughout the experience as well as right afterwards. We talk of how the parts came together to create the whole, about the merits of this actor/actress, how they brought out their character. How the movie was too slow in this part or how everything blended together perfectly. Perhaps we discuss the pros and cons of sequels, either to eagerly anticipate the next installment or shake our heads and wonder why they're wasting their money when they should have spent it making this one better first.
Though I've never studied film-making, acting, or any such portion of the movie industry, I invite myself in as a movie lover. Without those such as myself there would be no blockbusters, no midnight releases, no box office top ten lists. There would be no thought of a sequel, for who would have gone to see the first? I've never spent time and money listening to critics and professionals tell me how to appreciate their version of a "good movie" or cast disdain on their version of a "bad movie" simply because I don't care to let others decide what makes me happy. What has never occured to me before this, however, is why they make me happy.
Our family owns hundreds of movies. Literally. VHS, DVD, BluRay, Digital. I myself own 40 or 50 (pithy in comparison, I know, but as I still live more or less at home, why bother spending my money on those I know my family will buy?). My favorite movies include Star Trek, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella Man, and The Lord of the Rings to name just a few. I think the ones I love most draw on some aspect of my passion, my romanticism, my perception of my identity, to allow me to be drawn in, to relate to the characters and story and appreciate the work that went into them. Does this make them "good"? Perhaps, perhaps not. Who am I to decide for anyone but myself?
Tonight I saw a movie that truly blew all other movies I've seen this year completely out of the water. And lets face it, there have been quite a few incredible movies this year: Julie and Julia, Up, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Star Trek (I've watched my copy alone over 10 times), Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, Terminator Salvation, and Transformers 2 just to name a very few. I appreciated many of these for their plots, their music, their casts, their special effects, their expansion of their genres. So what is it about this movie that rises above all these others? Simple. It not only drew me into the story, the lives of those portrayed (brilliantly, it must be said), but gave me much in return. What is the movie I've taken four paragraphs to get to? Invictus.
It's not often that I walk out of a movie theater feeling truly better than when I entered. It's even more rare when I walk out with more self-esteem. I don't know the last time, if ever, that I walked out of a movie with a positive sense of purpose to truly improve, progress, challenge myself to raise the bar because the standards I only subconciously set for myself are proven to be lower than what I know I can truly attain in this my life.
If you want special effects, go see Avatar, you won't be disappointed. If you want a good, solid, fast-paced sci-fi, by all means watch Star Trek. If you want a wonderfully diverse family-friendly flick, I highly recommend The Princess and the Frog. If you want to learn more of the world, see Invictus. If you want to learn more of how public opinion shapes politics, and how politicians can shape public perception see Invictus. If you want to see Morgan Freeman in a role that truly brings out his genius, see Invictus. Perhaps most of all, though, if you want to learn more about yourself, about what draws on your heart and intellect both, about the effect that one person can have on the lives of many others no matter who they are, please, see Invictus. While I can't speak for anyone else, I will tell you this: I walked into that theater alone and a bit lonely, and walked out feeling loved.
Though I've never studied film-making, acting, or any such portion of the movie industry, I invite myself in as a movie lover. Without those such as myself there would be no blockbusters, no midnight releases, no box office top ten lists. There would be no thought of a sequel, for who would have gone to see the first? I've never spent time and money listening to critics and professionals tell me how to appreciate their version of a "good movie" or cast disdain on their version of a "bad movie" simply because I don't care to let others decide what makes me happy. What has never occured to me before this, however, is why they make me happy.
Our family owns hundreds of movies. Literally. VHS, DVD, BluRay, Digital. I myself own 40 or 50 (pithy in comparison, I know, but as I still live more or less at home, why bother spending my money on those I know my family will buy?). My favorite movies include Star Trek, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella Man, and The Lord of the Rings to name just a few. I think the ones I love most draw on some aspect of my passion, my romanticism, my perception of my identity, to allow me to be drawn in, to relate to the characters and story and appreciate the work that went into them. Does this make them "good"? Perhaps, perhaps not. Who am I to decide for anyone but myself?
Tonight I saw a movie that truly blew all other movies I've seen this year completely out of the water. And lets face it, there have been quite a few incredible movies this year: Julie and Julia, Up, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Star Trek (I've watched my copy alone over 10 times), Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, Terminator Salvation, and Transformers 2 just to name a very few. I appreciated many of these for their plots, their music, their casts, their special effects, their expansion of their genres. So what is it about this movie that rises above all these others? Simple. It not only drew me into the story, the lives of those portrayed (brilliantly, it must be said), but gave me much in return. What is the movie I've taken four paragraphs to get to? Invictus.
It's not often that I walk out of a movie theater feeling truly better than when I entered. It's even more rare when I walk out with more self-esteem. I don't know the last time, if ever, that I walked out of a movie with a positive sense of purpose to truly improve, progress, challenge myself to raise the bar because the standards I only subconciously set for myself are proven to be lower than what I know I can truly attain in this my life.
If you want special effects, go see Avatar, you won't be disappointed. If you want a good, solid, fast-paced sci-fi, by all means watch Star Trek. If you want a wonderfully diverse family-friendly flick, I highly recommend The Princess and the Frog. If you want to learn more of the world, see Invictus. If you want to learn more of how public opinion shapes politics, and how politicians can shape public perception see Invictus. If you want to see Morgan Freeman in a role that truly brings out his genius, see Invictus. Perhaps most of all, though, if you want to learn more about yourself, about what draws on your heart and intellect both, about the effect that one person can have on the lives of many others no matter who they are, please, see Invictus. While I can't speak for anyone else, I will tell you this: I walked into that theater alone and a bit lonely, and walked out feeling loved.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
December-Out like a...frisky puppy!
Well, maybe not a frisky puppy, but not really a lamb either :) The annual Petty Christmas Party was held in Draper on Sunday and was fun. We talked, we ate, and we did a gift exchange. Fortunately Santa Claus had other engagements and didn't make an appearance this year (which was fine with all of us, as the 5 great-grandchildren in attendance were too young and the rest of us too old).
I actually took a Christmas vacation this year-three days, mostly to myself or with family (as Christmas vacations should be spent). On Wednesday I slept in a bit, went to physical therapy, and spent the rest of the day doing laundry, some cleaning, and other odds and ends that I can't really remember but I'm sure I enjoyed. Christmas Eve found me sleeping in again (yay sleep!) and then going downtown with Mom, Michael, Jane and Morgan to DG, where some of us played, and one of us did all of her Christmas shopping (it was pay day, and fortunately only took me an hour) and working (a few things cropped up while I was there). Lisa and Dalton came up too and we all went to lunch together, after which I made another stop back at work before going home, where I spent some time watching White Christmas and wrapping presents.
That night was the Phillips Christmas Party, this time hosted at our house. We ate, watched the three dogs tumble and play, and watched the younger kids open presents from Grandma and Grandpa Phillips. Afterwards those who were spending the night got on our new pajamas courtesy the Pajama Fairy (thanks Mom!). Laura and Chris then joined me in my appartment where they watched White Christmas and wrapped their family's presents while I did my physical therapy exercises, which got rid of a headache I'd been fighting all day. Most of the family started watching our annual movie It's a Wonderful Life, though Chris, Laura and I stayed in my place to finish watching White Christmas (it was a White Christmas marathon on AMC, if you were wondering :)). I fell asleep pretty quickly that night, even before they were done playing Santa Claus--there were three or four people right outside my open bedroom door.
We all got up at about 7:00 Christmas morning, where we opened the presents we had received, and then watched Jane open her presents. It took a while, as she totally loved the second or third present--a set of toy dishes. She wasn't at all interested in opening any more until she was told she could play with the dishes afterward. We also called a few people and caroled-Chase (Amy's fiance), Lisa (the only one who answered), and Michael (Chris's brother, who didn't answer and had no idea who was calling :)). Mom made a delicious breakfast, after which I took a short nap and then went to the movies with Amy, Laura and Chris. We saw Sherlock Holmes-what a great movie!!-and then returned home where Laura was a mom again and I spent most of the rest of the day watching Star Trek Voyager (finally on Season 7, yay!) on a new LCD TV. Cool, eh? Ok so it's a 15" LCD, but still and LCD :)
I went to work this morning planning on it being busy but expecting it to be just a regular Saturday for the most part. Fortunately for me (though unfortunately for the museum) it was much like a normal Saturday, though we had a few busy waves come through. I took advantage of our increased staff discount to purchase a Perplexus, a 3D maze game that we got in earlier this week and have already sold most of them. I also brought home some Kapla blocks- a set of blocks that are all equal in size. While it might sound boring, they're actually a lot of fun. You can build almost anything you put your mind to.
Overall I've quite thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas season. I'm looking forward to much book shopping in the near future (I got a total $75 in gift cards to Barnes and Noble) and using my new knives and my other presents. Merry Christmas!
I actually took a Christmas vacation this year-three days, mostly to myself or with family (as Christmas vacations should be spent). On Wednesday I slept in a bit, went to physical therapy, and spent the rest of the day doing laundry, some cleaning, and other odds and ends that I can't really remember but I'm sure I enjoyed. Christmas Eve found me sleeping in again (yay sleep!) and then going downtown with Mom, Michael, Jane and Morgan to DG, where some of us played, and one of us did all of her Christmas shopping (it was pay day, and fortunately only took me an hour) and working (a few things cropped up while I was there). Lisa and Dalton came up too and we all went to lunch together, after which I made another stop back at work before going home, where I spent some time watching White Christmas and wrapping presents.
That night was the Phillips Christmas Party, this time hosted at our house. We ate, watched the three dogs tumble and play, and watched the younger kids open presents from Grandma and Grandpa Phillips. Afterwards those who were spending the night got on our new pajamas courtesy the Pajama Fairy (thanks Mom!). Laura and Chris then joined me in my appartment where they watched White Christmas and wrapped their family's presents while I did my physical therapy exercises, which got rid of a headache I'd been fighting all day. Most of the family started watching our annual movie It's a Wonderful Life, though Chris, Laura and I stayed in my place to finish watching White Christmas (it was a White Christmas marathon on AMC, if you were wondering :)). I fell asleep pretty quickly that night, even before they were done playing Santa Claus--there were three or four people right outside my open bedroom door.
We all got up at about 7:00 Christmas morning, where we opened the presents we had received, and then watched Jane open her presents. It took a while, as she totally loved the second or third present--a set of toy dishes. She wasn't at all interested in opening any more until she was told she could play with the dishes afterward. We also called a few people and caroled-Chase (Amy's fiance), Lisa (the only one who answered), and Michael (Chris's brother, who didn't answer and had no idea who was calling :)). Mom made a delicious breakfast, after which I took a short nap and then went to the movies with Amy, Laura and Chris. We saw Sherlock Holmes-what a great movie!!-and then returned home where Laura was a mom again and I spent most of the rest of the day watching Star Trek Voyager (finally on Season 7, yay!) on a new LCD TV. Cool, eh? Ok so it's a 15" LCD, but still and LCD :)
I went to work this morning planning on it being busy but expecting it to be just a regular Saturday for the most part. Fortunately for me (though unfortunately for the museum) it was much like a normal Saturday, though we had a few busy waves come through. I took advantage of our increased staff discount to purchase a Perplexus, a 3D maze game that we got in earlier this week and have already sold most of them. I also brought home some Kapla blocks- a set of blocks that are all equal in size. While it might sound boring, they're actually a lot of fun. You can build almost anything you put your mind to.
Overall I've quite thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas season. I'm looking forward to much book shopping in the near future (I got a total $75 in gift cards to Barnes and Noble) and using my new knives and my other presents. Merry Christmas!
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