Monday, December 29, 2008

Things I learned over Christmas

1. I wanted a digital picture frame. I didn't know that until I opened the one that Torsten gave me, and surprised myself with my own incredible excitement. Really. Digital picture frames, as long as they're good quality, are really awesome. Everyone likes them. They're the perfect gift.

2. I don't think Torsten will ever get sick of goats. That was the theme of his stocking--there was a children's book about a goat, a t-shirt with a picture of a goat on it, a goat calendar, and a couple of goat photos. He loved them all. I really don't think he could ever get too much of goats. But only time will tell.

3. When you think traffic will be light (as in the ride down to NC on Tuesday), it will be heavy (seven hours). When you think it will be heavy (as in the ride back to DC yesterday), it will often (but unfortunately not always) be light (four hours). This is sometimes very frustrating and sometimes utterly delightful.

4. I really like giving gifts. I mean, obviously I like getting them too, but I was just so excited to watch everyone open the stuff I had picked out for them, and so eager to know if they liked it. Perhaps this means I'm grown up? Or maybe it's just a phase.

5. I want babies. OK, I already knew that, but spending time with two absolutely adorable kids over the weekend just reminded me further. Bonus points if they have red curly hair. Which is a distinct possibility with our kids.

6. I really want to watch Home Alone. I haven't seen it since I was so young that the robbers scared me, and I want to watch it again now that I'm old enough not to tremble every time they appear.

7. Celebrating holidays quietly with small groups of people you care about is the way to go. In that vein, we are having just one couple (plus baby) over for dinner on New Year's Eve. We've planned most of the menu, but we need one more appetizer type thing that can be nibbled on over the course of the evening. Any thoughts on this? And also, is there a New Year's show on TV that's better than the others?

28 comments:

  1. That's too funny about the goats! lol
    I LOVE giving gifts. Nothing gives me more joy than seeing people open something I picked especially for them.

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  2. You spend time with kids and want them more. Sweets and I also spent time with kids and come away with parenting styles we like and those we don't. It's pretty funny when we're knocking our family/friends for the way they raise their kids. Because OUR way will be the BEST way - duh!

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  3. I really enjoy the goats! And there's nothing like spending time with kids to get the estrogen into overdrive - thankfully for Mister, the kid I spend the most time with is excessively bratty.

    For apps I would recommend some really nice cheeses and table water crackers - simple and cheesy good!

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  4. My great grandmother had a goat in her yard when we were growing up- I think about her every time you mention Torsten's love of the goats.

    For some reason, this recipe for jerk beef and plantain chips has been sent to me a jillion times in the last three days. It must be a sign. Voila, your appetizer.

    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Jerk-Beef-on-Plantain-Chips-350909

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  5. You can't go wrong with bacon wrapped dates. I made Gougeres (Guyer cheese puffs) for the first time this past week and they were a huge hit.

    Let me know if you want the recipe.

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  6. haha, i love the goat theme! that's awesome!

    what is on the rest of the menu? given that it doesn't overdo / clash with anything, i agree with christina: prosciutto wrapped dates stuffed with cheese (goat cheese = usually delicious) are always a hit.. :-)

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  7. Home Alone is my favorite christmas movie. :)

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  8. Ditto on number one! We got one, and I really love it.

    Also, I am so jealous of your New Year's Eve party. We are having a party here, and it has turned into something of a chaotic turn of events. Next time, I'm going to sit at home alone and maybe go to bed early ;) (or I'll think about it.)

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  9. Sounds like you guys had a great Christmas! LOVE the digital frame - what a neat, thoughtful gift!

    You must post your NYE menu... we're having a party too, mostly hors d'oeuvres, but I'm at a bit of a loss as well.

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  10. I always like the part in Home Alone where he rigged up the people to look like there was dancing and a party going on at the house. Apparently I thought it was ingenius!

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  11. So with you on the small groups of people thing. Now if only my husband would agree.

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  12. We watched Home Alone over the holiday and I have to tell you I was riveted. Watching Macauly pull off all the tricks and stunts definitely held my attention. It could have also been because I was as sick as a dog....

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  13. I made this really yummy Feta Salsa for Christmas Day and it was a hit. I also have a great recipe for Goat Cheese Bruschetta. Let me know if you want either!

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  14. I love that Torsten likes goats. That's so random (coming from a girl obsessed with camels...) and fun.

    And speaking of old movies, we watched Swiss Family Robinson this past weekend and oh man, it was so cheesy! It was great. Except for that Francis kid....stupid, stupid Francis...

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  15. i love watching people open their gifts from me too. i think i might even love it more than opening my own gifts! it makes me happy to see how much they love what i picked out for them.

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  16. I watched home alone a couple of times this christmas with the kids...it is so much better as an adult!

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  17. I am laughing about the goats! Maybe for his bday, you should donate one in his name through World Vision!

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  18. The goat thing cracks me up every time!
    & as for the digital photo frame, I completely agree. SUCH a great gift to give/ get.

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  19. I'm sure you can watch home alone online! I freakin love that movie!

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  20. I also absolutely love giving gifts. They are my favorite part of the holidays. I love seeing people's reactions and watching them get excited about what they got. Digital picture frames are always a good way to go too :)

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  21. if you have a trader joes nearby, get honey goat cheese and cover it in candied pecans. Serve with water crackers.

    Yums.

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  22. Digital picture frames are nice. Thats awesome that your husband loved his goat themed stocking! Sounds like a great holiday!

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  23. Home Alone is one of those movies that I will watch EVERY time I catch it on tv. No matter the season. No matter how old I am.

    My dad watches it too, lol!

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  24. I'm so glad you had a nice holiday break! Home Alone is a great holiday movie. I appreciate it more now as an adult, I still cry at the end. Dick Clark's NYE is good...I think now it's Ryan Seacrest?

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  25. Maggie has a little friend with red curly hair and I LOVE him! Adorable.

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  26. So...is it safe to say that Torsten is to Goats as Jess is to Purple?

    ;)

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