Holiday Festivities

Even though we've alternately been sick in our household, with me almost well and Suheir on her last leg of sickness (Jeff started it all), we've managed to have some fun in the past few weeks.



We got a tree and decorated it. This was Suheir's first Christmas tree decoration at her house (we both went to a Catholic school and would decorate trees at school every year). She got a couple ornaments, one that says "SISTER" and one that is a doctor and has her name on it. Jeff got a Starbucks cup ornament with his favorite beverage on it. Even Smokey got in on the action :-).



Then, Jeff and I got to go to the Lockheed annual holiday dinner and dance. We enjoyed that so much, we danced for close to 3 hours, including to some awesome bhangra music the DJ played. In the 3 years I have gone to this event, this year, I felt the best about myself and in turn, enjoyed myself so much more. And, that was with only one drink the whole night.



Last but not the least, we went to what's becoming an annual tradition at my boss and friend, Kathi's house. She hosts a holiday dinner and gift exchange/steal, where we each bring a gift and then pull numbers to see who goes first. The second person onwards has two choices - pick up a wrapped gift or steal somebody's already unwrapped one. Just like last year, the booze and chocolates were much fought over. Jeff came away with a Magic 8-ball and Suheir stole a Starbucks gift card from Kathi (which I somehow imagine will land in Jeff's stocking). We also surprised Kathi with a candle on a cookie cake, since it was her birthday 2 days later.





As you can see in the pictures, I did not go with the jeans and t-shirt look. I wore a sari. Yay! There's still a slight belly bulge but I felt comfortable enough to wear one and that says a lot about how I feel about myself on a whole. I haven't talked about it much but since the surgery, I've now lost 90 some pounds. I still have 30 to go but having lost what I have, I have so much more energy and pep that I surprise myself. I have loads more self esteem than the same time last year. I think that makes for a better relationship with my family, friends and even coworkers.

My first Thanksgiving dinner

Jeff's mom and dad visited for a few days the weekend before Thanksgiving. Jeff doesn't get time off around the actual holidays so it was nice they came the weekend before. We did a pre-Thanksgiving dinner with them. We roasted a chicken, had crab stuffed mushrooms for appetizers, enjoyed some nice wine, a good football game and wonderful company. Even Smokey ate well that night.

Just an example of how well we dined:

National Museum of Crime and Punishment

It was awesome!!! We really enjoyed it; Suheir got to see what being in a lineup felt like and Jeff and I practiced passing time in lockup.



Click on any photo to see the rest of the photos; they are cool!

I guess I am not the best driver

So, my Honda Element was taken in to the shop today because I could hear air escaping from the power steering and one of the tires looked really low and well, it was due for maintenance. And among the things they need to do is to flush and fill the power steering fluid. Why does that need to be done?

The power steering fluid flush is due to the fact that the fluid was both low and very dirty. They said this could be from heavy use of the power steering (i.e. cranking the wheel all the way over often or for long periods of time. this will bur and burn off fluid).

Another thing they need to do is align the tires. The alignment on the tires was poor and the tires were wearing unevenly. Caused by potholes, bumping curbs, speed-bumps, etc.

Umm, I guess I should stop driving my car like a NASCAR driver :-(

Please visit us

Now, it's not that we're starved for company or are tired of each other's company. But, Jeff and I would like to request that somebody from our group of family, friends or acquaintances visit us once a month. The reason being I need motivation to clean. When my in-laws were here last month, I spent 3 days cleaning the house from top to bottom. Furniture was moved, things were dusted, dead bugs were vaccuumed and Smokey was bathed. And now, a mere 2 weeks later, our house is filthy. I lay down on the living room floor (my stomach was acting up and the only way to make it fel better is to lie on it, another story for another time), and I realized how dirty the carpet was. Granted it was right by the door we come in and go out of, right by the patio and the dirt and the mulch but still. It made me sad. I now my weakness. I will clean if somebody is about to visit.

So, please won't you help us out and accounce a visit?