It's not what it looks like!

Today I went to Seniors. Well, the Seniors Christmas lunch, that is. And I wasn't exactly there, so to speak, but more so in the kitchen... That's right, I was washing dishes for the Seniors! Apparently I was asked for by name... interesting, eh? If they thought I was a top dish-washer than I’m afraid they were mistaken - I must admit I'm an appallingly slow dish-washer... must need practise.

I like helping people. I’m not dynamic or charismatic, but I just like to help. I’d do almost anything you asked me to, not in a passive, can’t-say-no kinda way, but because I care. This makes it a little hard for me to understand people whose help-radar is set to low; not people who are uncaring, just people who have been made to react differently. They’re like getters rather than givers, but not in a bad way. Perhaps it’s all about intrinsic (inner) versus extrinsic (material) motivation (oooh, teacher words!)? I don’t know.

Anyway, I’m wondering… Are you a giver or a getter? Are you first to offer help, or first to expect it? What are the pro’s and con’s of being what you are?

Fifty

For those who are interested, today marks Stoz and my 50th 'monthaversary.' Probably not all that significant, but a nice, round, impressive number nonetheless.

It's funny and kinda cute how new couples make a great fuss about one month, six months, one year... travelling great distances, buying gifts, planning surprises, etc. Would anyone call me silly if I indulged in the newbieness of celebrating 50 months?


Thanks for the big 50, Stoz. I love you.

Funniest. Thing. Ever.

This is just for you, Sammy:

Next time you're playing the Wii, be sure to check the FCC ID on the side of the remotes/controllers...

(picture hopefully coming)

O Tannenbaum

Yesterday Stoz and I went out and bought a Christmas tree! I'd never done that before, so it was very exciting for me. The tree was of course from our favourite store, Aldi (with which I happen to have the good fortune of sharing a street, I might add). The decorations are predominantly gold and blue, with some red for contrast, and as of yet no tinsel. We also picked up some LED lattern-shaped lights, because LEDs use less power and last longer, and so in Stoz's words are "good for the environment, good for the pocket" (plus they just have that 'cool' factor).

Finding the tree-topping star was the hardest part. We couldn't find anything that didn't look really tacky (there were nice glass ones at Aldi though), but finally found one in Safeway of all places. This was another LED decoration which does this cool fade between colours, retro fiberoptic tree style!

We got all the stuff back to Stoz's house and managed to set it up - a feat of several hours. The tree happens to have a 'bald spot' which is at least not so noticeable with the decorations on it. We didn't have enough lights to fit around it, and we hung the lanterns in the back room near the dining table (they look great there). So five hours from when we began, there is now a tree in his lounge room. Not bad for a first effort. In fact, I'd say pretty good.

P.S. O Tannenbaum = O Christmas Tree (German)

Princess Party!

Deep down inside, every girl is a true princess, and we should be allowed to feel like it every once in awhile (and treated as such all the time!) - and that was exactly my intention with my princess party. On Friday night, after much planning and preparation, the royal festivities took place at my house, and I must say, I'm impressed with the effort everyone made! Everyone looked so beautiful, and I think a good time was had by all. Many tiaras, gorgeous shoes, stunning dresses, and some great creativity: a medieval princess, a fairy princess, the littlest princess, and of course the two most gorgeous princesses in white and red. I myself was a princess in pink, complete with tiara. Mum was fretting about not having enough food, of which there was sufficient to sink a battle ship (like always!). Aside from the great food, we had a princess parcel, watched Ice Princess and did the general 'girly chat thing.' I only wish I owned some decent CDs so we didn't have to listen to 1997 flashbacks of Aqua! Sorry girls.

So unleash your inner princess! (Or brave knight if you are male...)

- Princess Steff of Lockwood

Wiik excuse for a post

As many of you may have been eagerly counting down (or patiently tolerating those eagerly counting down) the new Nintendo console has finally been released in Australia. If you're actually interested in that, I suggest you check out Stoz's blog.

Thanks everyone for the overwhelming response to my Santa question - I don't know what to think anymore! It's almost time for another question, but for now I'm busy with preparations for the ultimate party! (More on that later in the week.)

Decemberween

The first of December kicked off with the Odyssey break-up/Christmas celebration on the theme 'old, new, borrowed, blue.' Here's one of the better bon-bon jokes:

Two goldfish were in their tank.
One turned to the other and said,
"You man the guns, I'll drive."

Oh, I love a good pun. In other news, I am pleased to announce the very first of my weekly (or at least hopefully-regular) controversial questions! As we have just begun December, my favourite month, and are rapidly hurtling (tautology?) towards Christmas, why not have a Christmas-themed question?

The question: What would you tell your kids about Santa?
(please comment!)