Ten on Tuesday!

Top Ten Things About Owning a Dog I Never Knew Before

1.  You can fall in love in seconds.  And from that point in time you will NEVER be the same person.

2.  Feed a dog once.  She'll poop 3 times.  Laws of physics are mystical here!

3.  Puppy breath (which I'm told everyone LOVES) smells to me like mild skunk.  Just saying... it's not like fresh baked cookies or anything, I'm kinda disappointed!

4.  When she's sick, your life is on hold.  And you are terrified that you broke her.

5.  The smell of puppy treats makes you hungry.  Mostly because you haven't eaten lunch in the past 4 days being too occupied feeding her a lunchtime.

6.  It doesn't matter what it is, a puppy will try to eat it.  Poop.  Rocks.  Concrete.  Dead worms.  Dead leaves.  Grass.  Sofas.  Blankets.  Slippers.  Mum's toes.  Mum's pantyhose (ARGH!! 2nd time wearing them!) and everything else she can get her mouth around.

7.  Puppies are escape artists disguised in furry wrappings.  And when they escape from their kennel while you are at work they are very proud to show off their skills when you find them when you get home.  (Yesterday was a long day... Sophie was sitting proudly on her blanket when I came home.  Not in her kennel where I left her!)

8.  Puppies think running away is fun.  Mum thinks running hurts my brain.  Puppy doesn't know I'm missing part of C1 and I'm not supposed to bounce!

9.  A sleeping puppy moves and shakes and growls and woofs and snores and whines and runs and twitches and does all kinds of funny little movements.  And has no idea she is doing it.

10.  A puppy sleeping in your lap is your own personal heating pad.  Not to mention cute, wonderful and makes you fall in love all over again.

Sophie with her Wubba Rabbit.  She loves her Wubba!

A Few Minutes to Myself

I have a few extra minutes to myself today :)  Hubby has a dentist appointment right after work, which gives me an extra hour before I would usually start making dinner. What to do?  Sit down and blog of course!

I have to admit, I want to keep up with my blogging, but my spare time is spent doing a variety of other things lately.  Reading puppy books, finally finishing a cross stitch project I started almost 5 years ago (pics will follow once it's framed), physio, yoga, visiting a friend who has just had major surgery again :( and the list goes on.

I'd like to pick up ideas I've seen on other blogs, like Junebug who is tackling the A to Z Blogging Challenge, or even Marla's Ten on Tuesday, but I can't commit.  There are days when once I'm home and away from the office computer I don't even grab the laptop except to input stuff into our food diaries.  And that I can do from my iPod.  

It's not that I don't love all 3 of my loyal readers, I just don't think I'm that entertaining and engaging that people want to read all about my little corner of the frozen world on a daily basis, especially now that I have gone private.  (And I mean it, my world is  frozen, again.  Snowed all weekend... But it's starting to melt.)  And once we get puppy, in just under 3 weeks, I'm sure I'll be on the computer even less.  We'll be walking twice a day, plus puppy school, training and playing.  I will apologize in advance if my future posts are 1. all about puppy and 2.  fewer and further between.  It's just a fact of life.  Now that I'm feeling better, I don't want to dwell on my surgery and my Chiari and my nerve issues but move forward.  I don't try to stay in the past and rehash everything.  I keep moving forward, just as my favourite quote from Walt Disney says.  Especially because I have had such success with the decompression surgery.

I'll be here, now and again, but I can't promise the frequency.  And thank-you, my loyal readers, for hanging in this long!!

Ten on Tuesday

1.  Appointment with my GP today to get the results of the EMG nerve study.  No significant findings.  No permanent nerve damage.  No carpal tunnel syndrome.  My radial nerve demonstrates some issues but as they are improving gradually there is hope the feeling in my thumb and two fingers will come back.  No answers.  So where do I go from here?  My GP has no idea... neither do I.

2.  The fishies are living and loving their new home!  I moved them over on Thursday and Friday last week.  I added two live plants on the weekend.  In a couple more weeks I will add some more fish.  I decided to wait a little longer than 2 weeks of cycling because I'd like to get some angelfish.  Reason one, the store I buy from is currently out of stock (a good sign - I'll get "fresh" fish!).  Reason two, angels are sensitive to water changes so I'm just being extra cautious.

3.  I can't take it anymore and I booked a haircut for tomorrow.  Growing my hair back out is driving me CRAZY!  It's all shaggy, and really, in the morning I look like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo.  So then it's wet, moussed, blow-dried, styled, sprayed... like 20 to 25 minutes of my life spent on my hair - ARGHHHHHH!!!!!  I'm a low maintenance girl.  This is ridiculous.  So I'm hoping my stylist can give me a style out of this mess and not take too much of the length off.  If not I may resort to wearing babushkas.

4.  I'm happy to have the help at work as I'm feeling absolutely overwhelmed and almost lost it today. 

5.  Hubby and I are watching a Bones marathon.  He bought me season 1 and 2 on DVD for Christmas.  We're into season 2 now.  Soooo in love with David Boreanez.  Always have been... since he played Angel at least.  I wouldn't kick him out for eating cookies in bed.   

6.  My occipital bone is aching tonight... I do some yoga and stretches every night to help the neck, shoulder, arm and my back.  Guess I'll find the Tylonel before bed... Don't need a headache tomorrow.

7.  More news from the GP today.  He says he has no idea what POTS is.  Yet he mentioned it to me at my last visit.  So in order to find out why I'm having the dizzy spells and grey outs, he is going to speak to one of the cardiologists and ask how we should proceed.  So more waiting for more tests...  

8.  Mum and Papa are making stollen (German Christmas bread) tomorrow.  Due to limited space in all of our freezers over Christmas, we didn't get to make the second batch - a batch makes 13 or 14 loaves.  Wish I could be there to help, however I work all morning and by the time I would be free, they'll already be baking.  So not a lot of help to give by that point.  But I get to reap the rewards of contributing the candied peel and raisins :)

9.  I really need to get motivated and get back into doing some type of structured activity.  Whether I go to the pool for aquabics or try to go back to yoga, I've gotta get off my butt.  I haven't even been walking much.  Just 2 nights a week with hubby.  I'm in a rut.  And I might need some help (or possibly motivation with a stick of dynamite) getting out of it.

10.  Have you seen Despicable Me?  If you haven't you should!! The minions are adorable!  Hubby and I have watched it a couple of times now.  It's a cute story.  Wonder where I can get me a minion...   Go, check out the trailer here.  

Ten on Tuesday

1.  The firm has hired a young lady to help me out at work with the administrative tasks like filing, photocopying, and taking the phone calls in the afternoon.  Today is day two.  So far so good.  I hope I have enough stuff to keep her busy!

2.  The new aquarium is set up!! Hurray!! Hubby had the day off on Sunday (finally!) and we dragged his brother over to help move furniture and set everything up.  It is cycling now, I hope to have fishies in it next week.  

3.  Grrr... I hate misleading sales people.  When I bought my truck I bought the extended warranty.  This is the super platinum warranty, "everything under the sun is covered."   Well, not quite everything.  The battery for one, and the cost to check the battery for another.  And my truck needs a block heater cord - remember the -50F we had last Sunday??  At least it's covered under the extended warranty, after I pay the $100 deductible.  I guess in hind-sight I probably opted for the deductible so the warranty didn't cost a small fortune....  But darn it anyways!  Have to shell out the cash tomorrow when the truck gets fixed.  

4.  I need new menu ideas.  I keep watching the cooking show at 3pm and trying to get new stuff when I pick up groceries.  But I'm just so tired of chicken.  I can only eat chicken and shellfish.  And with hubby on a calorie counter, we eat chicken almost every day of the week.  I wish it was a little warmer, I could barbecue in the afternoon before it gets dark...  I'm just stuck in a chicken rut...  Bahk bahk!!!

5.  Moving the furniture around to accommodate the new aquarium has given hubby ideas... new book shelf, media / tv centre, sofa, love seat and chair...  It will be beautiful when it's all done.  But it's not going to be cheap.

6.  I want to go on a holiday.  Even if it is only for a weekend away in Duluth or Minneapolis... The trips I've gone on in the last year have all been to Toronto for doctor's appointments or my surgery.  I want to go away and relax.

7.  I entered a contest on a Canadian tv show for a kitchen make-over.  I would really love to win it.  When we bought our house in 2002 we tore out a wall between the kitchen and living room.  There was a 2" difference in the flooring heights so we had to tear out all the flooring too...  And the kick-plates from the cabinets.  And the casing trim and baseboard.  We did, or rather, I did repaint the kitchen so it was fresh, however, we haven't been able to afford to redo the rest of the kitchen.  Cabinets, counters, flooring... all the big $$ items.  The contest asked for a picture and why you deserve to win.  Cross your fingers for me - I'd love to have flooring instead of plywood and scatter rugs!

8.  I've watched what coverage I can of the events in Egypt.  I find it very upsetting.  I also find it hard to  comprehend the difficulties in the political system.  Yes, I understand that Egypt is a dictatorship and does not have free elections.  I understand the people are frustrated and that change is required. However, I don't understand how rioting and looting helps the situation.  When I read they broke into the Cairo museum and destroyed 2 mummies and the ticket office I was heart-broken.  This is their history.  Yes, the mummies were placed in the museum by a dictator, and the country is still under dictator rule, but the mummies were put there 100 years ago... Please honour history.  Don't destroy it.

9.  Wow - I went political for a Ten on Tuesday item!  Something I don't usually get involved with.  You know, the two things to never discuss... Politics and religion.  I'm not a religious fanatic.  I don't follow politics in other countries very much.   I couldn't tell you the difference between right and left and democratic and conservative.  I know for whom I vote at election times and I'm content with that.  I'm not content with the political practices in Canada, but I don't think there is any country where every citizen is completely happy with how things are run.

10.  I'm staring at a very blank wall above the television and decided we definitely need some art above the tv.  In it's old location we have 3 small pictures hanging up.  Now it's a large, 20 ft. long grey blank canvas begging for some colour.  Time to go shopping!

11.  BONUS!  I was invited to join a few people from work at one of two fitness activities... everyone knows how active I used to be before my Chiari diagnosis and surgery.  One is a circuit class and the other is hot yoga.  But I can't get back into the gym or yoga yet.  I'm happy they asked though.  It was nice to be included.

Ten on Tuesday

1.  I, well we, go to Toronto on Friday for my EMG nerve study.  Flight leaves at 6:55am... so at the airport by 6:00am.  Return flight is at 6:50pm, home by 9.  My appointment is at 11:00 and should be about an hour or so.  Fingers crossed for answers!!!  I don't expect miracles, but would like to know what is going on in my right shoulder, arm, and hand.

2.  Sunday morning I had to call my boss for a ride to work.  He asked me to come in and do a few things for a huge file closing on Monday.  No problem working on the weekend... except when it is -37C / -34F, and with the wind chill -46C / -50F.  Yes folks, that is COLD!  Needless to say there is a problem with my block heater in the truck and she wouldn't start.  Heck, I didn't wanna start!  Hubby was working too, so thank goodness my boss lives close and his car started and off to work we went.

3.  I tried to blow up my brother-in-law M on Sunday too.  He tried to kill me.  We're equal!  M came over to try and get the truck started when I got home from work.  He has a block heater tester.  We went outside, the truck was plugged in, and he said to turn on the power to the extension cord.  And my block heater cord arched and caught fire!  He yelled and I ran back to the switch to turn it off, falling on some ice in the process.  Switch off, M comes to the side of the house and made sure I was alright.  I was, just startled and winded from the unexpected slip and fall.  We had a good laugh when I finally got up from the ground.  M,  I'll blow you up, you try and kill me!

4.  So because of #2 and #3, truck went into the dealership today for a check-up.  The block heater is not working.  (for my southern friends, it's COLD here.  -40s cold sometimes.  We have an electric heater plug in our engine blocks to warm the coolant so our vehicles will start in these temperatures.  Some vehicles also have oil pan heaters.)  The block heater is covered under warranty.  Because the truck isn't starting properly they also checked the charging system.  They found I need a new battery, not covered by warranty.  And they charged me $40 just to tell me that.  ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!

5.  Enough about my princess (truck).  My aquarium is slowly getting set up.  The pressure test last Thursday proved the tank could hold it's 40 gallons of water.  Tonight we started putting the stand together.  It was a couples project.  And a lot of fun.  I usually put together the DIY furniture so hubby was asking me how the lock nuts go in.  It was cute.  And it was fun.  We don't often do home improvements together.  Can't wait until we get the stand flipped upright and start rearranging the furniture to set it up in the living room :)

6.  So because I'm doubling the size of my aquarium I have been researching fishies.  I've decided I would like some angel fish and some gouramis.  And some live plants.

7.  Do you ever hear a song and it can totally change your mood?  One of my favourites is "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawwo'ole.  (Watch the last 2 minutes of 50 First Dates, that's the song)  It just puts me at ease.  Israel was a Hawaiian musician with a wonderful talent.  It's hard to believe such a soft, gentle voice came out of such a big man.  He must have been a real teddy bear in life.  He performed a lot of traditional Hawaiian music, but has a few English titles as well.  Just go to YouTube already ....Over the Rainbow.  And check out his other videos while you're there.

8.  Because it's been so cold, the air is also extremely dry.  My skin feels like sand paper.  My poor nose is soooo raw... thank goodness I don't also have a cold!  I'm keeping Aveeno in business!

9.  At massage therapy today Dee hit a pressure point that made me feel cold on the top of my head into my left side of my forehead.  Very bizarre feeling.  Like the after-effects of Novocain.  Creeped me out a little.

10.  My passion for cross stitch has been renewed of late.  I'm working on a large project that I started in 2006... Yes, it got put away for a long time, partly because I got so involved with my craft show projects, partly because it is a very involved piece.  Once it is complete I will reveal all.  But until it is done it remains a secret as it is a gift. 

Ten on Tuesday

1.  Hubby has a weight loss goal.  I started him on my favourite site for counting calories and exercise.  So every day when he gets home from work we sit down and I input what he's eaten that day.  He may hate me for the 20 questions every day before he's lost the weight!

2.  My aquarium is here!!!  It came in on Friday, and after a 14 hour shift, hubby brought it home.  No, it's not out of the box yet... but hubby has been working like crazy with all the snow we've had this week.  I picked up 2 - 25lb bags of gravel on the weekend.  I haven't decided on plants or ornaments yet.

 3.  My physiotherapist has recommended that I try acupuncture.  I have a call into my massage therapist as she has a great one.  (What is the proper term for an acupuncture person?? ist? )

4.  When you scald your tongue on tea first thing in the morning, nothing tastes right the rest of the day!  The new microwave at work works, really well! My thongue hurths...

5.  How many times do you have to ask the letter carrier not to walk across the lawn, which is piled 4 ft high with snow????  Wouldn't it be easier to go up the walkway???

6.  Watching cooking shows at 3pm makes you hungry for dinner by 4pm...  Having only 2 channels to choose from it's cooking or soaps.  Or find a DVD...  I'm already planted on the couch, so cooking it is!  (hmmmm..... those baked chicken wings look amazing.... gotta try the coating - she used tortilla chips instead of bread crumbs)

7.  Sunday I attended a baby shower for an old friend.  Honestly, I wasn't really looking forward to going, but I'm happy I did.  I enjoyed myself and even won a picture frame playing Baby Bingo.  I stitched her a bib as a part of her gift.

8.  Last night the temperature dropped to -29C / -20F.  The cute over-the-knee boots I have are cute... not warm.  Note to self.  

9.  I went to the library today.  It's been so long since I went to the library that my card had expired and I was no longer even in the computer!  I don't generally borrow books as it takes a long time for me to read one.  Today I checked out 2 books of cross-stitch patterns.  Now I have to remember to return them on time!

10.  My dizzy spells have been better that past couple of days.  Until I missed lunch today because I was at physio.  Definitely have to not miss meals... or I feel like crap!

Ten on Tuesday

1.  It's Tuesday! Surprise, I remembered to post a Ten on Tuesday.  Seriously folks, this working for a living business is really cutting into my internet, FB, craft and social life!  But honestly, I like being back to work, now 4 hours a day, but I'm freaking exhausted most of the time...

2.  We celebrated my mum's birthday over the weekend - well Saturday evening to be precise.  She was pleasantly surprised at the guest list and very gracious about the whole thing.  It was a small affair with 16 guests and enough food for twice that many. (I went a little overboard... what can I say, I don't wanna run out!)  

3.  Last week I picked up my Christmas crafts from the consignment shop as the season is officially over :( I am happy to report I did well and I will bring more stuff back to them to sell when I have some stuff made up that is not Christmas.

4.  On Sunday I had to work for a couple of hours doing hearing prep with my boss.  Nothing major - photocopying, printing, a bit of little stuff.  I like working when there are no phone calls or anyone else to interrupt you.  You can get SO much more done!  (Can I work like 4am to 8am and never see anyone???  Doubt it....)

5.  After work Sunday hubby and I went to the pet store and ordered my Christmas present. Yes, I know, Christmas was 3 weeks ago, however I didn't plan on getting my gift until after the holidays.  It should arrive this Friday or next Monday...  It is a 180 litre / 39.9  imperial gallon tank with an external canister filter system.  I can't wait to move my handful of tetras to their new home and then start expanding my fishy collection!!  Hubby has promised that I get to have a sink-mount syphon and filler hose too so I can eliminate carrying bucket after bucket across the living room floor.  And I'm going with new substrate (stone) and NO theme.  Plants, rocks, etc.  Nothing like my current tank which is a combination of Greek and Egyptian "artifacts".  Given I've had it for 11 years, time for a change!

6.  I've been doing a bit of research on the possible POTS diagnosis suggested by my GP last week.  And if he's right, it makes a whole lot of sense.  I'm just not ready to face more tests, more doctors and another invisible illness.  But the dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, heart-rate increases on standing, near fainting... they all fit the POTS symptoms.  Now I've got to mention it to the neurologist when I go in 17 days!

7.  In 17 days I'm electing to have needles stuck into my muscles of my right arm and electric current passed through to see how my muscles respond to nerve simulation (or that's what I understand from my reading anyway)... Sounds like I'm not going to have a very fun day... Whadda you think??

8. I miss out on all the good super-yummy, probably no-good for you anyway things in life... Most days it doesn't get me down, but every so often it bothers me.   I cheat a bit, I have like a tablespoon of Cheese Whiz once or twice a week on crackers or toast.  But I miss other things... Cheesecake, coffee (even decaf is off my menu), egg nog at Christmas (mind you, soy "Festive Nog" isn't too bad), ice cream, Italian gelato (I lived in Italy, gelato should be it's own food group!) and all of the gooey, lip smacking dips, spreads and such you find on appetizer tables, buffets and at events like my mum's birthday.  I made an awesome spinach dip, but when the ingredients are cream cheese and sour cream.... too risky for me to indulge more than a taste test to make sure I'm not poisoning anyone.  I can live without the beef or pork or fats... I miss the dairy products the most...  But I digress and take another drink of my herbal tea, sweetened with honey, not sugar.

9.  I need a maid.  Hubby does a good job, don't get me wrong.  I'm just finding I have less and less energy to do things around here.  Like fold the laundry hubby brought upstairs for me on Sunday...

10.  I, I use the word I too much.  It shouldn't be all about me.  But right now I'm struggling with a few more issues than I thought I would have to face at 34.  I try to make it more about other people too... but for just today I'm feeling greedy and in need of some attention.  Could be the headache I've had for a day... could be I'm chilled and sleepy... could just be taking some time for me.

Ten on Tuesday

1.  I'm happy the holidays are over and I can start to return to my semi-normal life... Only semi-normal as I'm still only working 3 hours a day.  Holidays are wonderful, but it's time for me to get back in the ol' routine.

2.  I'm off to Toronto again January 28th for a EMG nerve study. It's a day trip.  Appointment is mid morning which allows us to fly down on the morning flight and home in the evening.  Easier on the pocketbook.

3.  I was at my GP today.  He thinks my dizzy spells might be POTS - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.  Just what I need, another diagnosis...  Have to check with the neurologist I'm seeing in TO.

4.  It's finally winter weather here.  -20C / -4F is normal. And fine by me.  The rain and +4C / 37F last week was not welcome.  Neither was the flash-freeze that night.  Or the 1/2 inch of ice on the truck windows... I needed the hair dryer to melt it down.

5.  My hubby bought me the best Boxing Day present - a seat warmer for my truck.  Loving it when it's -20C!

6.  My mum's birthday is this Saturday.  I cannot believe my mummy is going to be ## !!  Ordered a cake today so we can have a little celebration!  

7.  I have no New Year's resolutions.  I've never made them and I'm not starting now.  I make changes in my life and lifestyle all the time.  Why do I need to make that decision just because it's January 1st?  Being healthy and eating right are part of who I am.  I don't smoke, drink, do extra-curricular drugs, etc.  There's nothing to give up except chocolate, and those of you who know me that will NEVER happen.  The 5 boxes of chocolates in the freezer and 4 in the closet are evidence of that!

8.  I'm struggling at work to do a full day's work in 3 hours... I'm hoping I can convince my physiotherapist to increase to 4 hours next week.  With a couple big hearings and deals closing next week I'm ready to pull my hair out.

9.  I hate having short hair.  I know, I'm abnormal.  I miss pulling it back into a pony tail.  I miss being able to throw on a hat and not having to re-style it when I take it off.   This short hair is a nuisance. It's easier to wash, but requires goop and hair spray and styling tools which I'm all thumbs with...  Can't wait until it grows out some more!

10.  I've been trying to save one of my fish for over a week.  He has swim bladder.  I tried the suggestion on the internet - starve him for 3 days, then feed mashed peas for 3 days.  He's been through it all and still swims upside-down and lies on the bottom of the tank.  I think he may meet the porcelain gods soon.

Ten on Tuesday - Christmas

1.  This was the first Christmas without my grandma.  I only started to cry half a dozen times....

2.  Christmas morning started for us at 2:57am.  The phone rang and hubby went into work for a few hours.  He was home by 8 and we had breakfast and opened presents.

3.  Hubby spoiled me.  He always does.  I got a Swarovski crystal Eeyore.  He had to order it.  1 of 10 left in Canada.  Very nice, and very unexpected.  And loads of chocolate... I have shares in Lindt.

4.  Dinner number one...  Mother-in-law's with between 13 and 23 people... it was crowded and wonderful. Although a little loud... my ears were ringing.  But it is only because I'm not used to the noise yet.

5.  Dinner number two... My papa's with 14, including two of my three cousins from out of town.  It wasn't the same, grandma absence was on all of our minds.  We enjoyed fantastic food and great company, but at times we were all quiet... missing the figurehead of our family.

6.  Spoiled.  Rotten.  Family overdid themselves once again.  I have the choice of a new aquarium from my hubby and mother-in-law.  And more chocolate than I could ever imagine.  I put 6 boxes in the freezer... there are at least 4 in the closet where we keep the treats!  (I'm a closet chocoholic!)

7.  Boxing day we DID NOT go shopping.  But we did go out 27th shopping.  No crowds.  No lines.  And the only size small lavender wool jacket at Old Navy for 70% off!  LOVE!!!!  I saw it Christmas Eve when I rushed in for a last minute gift for my nephew.   The clerk told me about the Boxing Day sale and I figured it wouldn't be there on the 27th, but lucky me, it was!!

8.  Food.... so much food....  And baking.... And pies....  And chocolate.  I even made it over my normal 1,300 calorie count for Christmas and Boxing Day!

9.  I'm already thinking about next year... what to make for whom... ideas run through my head all year.  Thinking of cookie mixes in the canning jars, homemade calendars, a new style of Christmas ornament... Have to keep myself busy!

10.  No plans for New Year's.  We never really ring in the year... usually in bed well before the clock hits 12:00.

(Okay... pretty sappy Ten on Tuesday... but there's 10!)

Ten On Tuesdays Challenge

Challenged by a fellow blogger... I'm taking my first crack at Ten on Tuesdays...  So, I'm going to post about the holiday season.

1.  I love when it snows at Christmas.  It's snowing tonight, so just a couple days early.  I love when everything is clean and fresh under a new blanket of snow.

2.  Christmas is ENTIRELY too commercial.  Who needs slippers with headlights (yes, saw the flyer for them!), or the no battery flashlight you shake - never mind, who wants them??  They will end up in a Good Will box, in the return aisle at the store, or in a long forgotten corner of the basement or attic.

3.  I wish we had a real Christmas tree.  But seriously can't make my way to the bush to find one.  Need a team of elves to help with that one.  Can't see the hubby liking that one much either... he usually doesn't want to help with the artificial tree... but this year he did!

4.  I hope that my family and friends enjoy the gifts I'm giving this year.  I'm always worried about disappointing someone, or not giving enough, or "keeping up with the Jones'".  Not this year.  Limits were set and I stuck to them.  I even stopped myself when I said, hey, I should buy that for so-and-so... Nope.  Didn't.  Yeah me!

5.  (You're right Marla, this is difficult!)  My favourite holiday movie is White Christmas.  Yes, I know it came out in 1954, but I could care less.  I love Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.  I've read somewhere that Vera Lynn's waist was like 18" in that movie... and yes, sadly, she had an eating disorder.  But I could care less about their real lives... I love the music, the movie, the costumes.  My favourite song is "Snow" as they ride the train to Vermont.

6.  I used to dread Christmas morning... Dysfunctional family issues.  I'm so much happier about Christmas than I ever was as a child / teen / young adult.  And that makes me happy.

7.  We don't have any specific Christmas traditions.  We don't attend church.  We don't open a gift on Christmas Eve (anymore, did as kids). 

8.  We love food at Christmas, just like everyone else.  I love our Finnish and German foods that are always on the table or dessert tray.  It wouldn't be Christmas without them.  So I guess I was wrong in #7, we do have tradition, traditional food!

9.  This Christmas I didn't ask for much.  I don't need much.  And I don't want much.  I need a new tank for my aquarium.  A few stocking stuffers.  Neither of my favourite authors have a new book out, so that was easy.  Yep.  Pretty basic this year.  Besides.  I don't need anything really.  I have a roof over my head.  I have food on my table.  I have a job.  I have a dear husband and wonderful family.  I have enough.

10.  Last Christmas morning I was on my own for the first time ever.  My hubby had to work.  I did laundry, cleaned the bathroom and vacuumed.  Yep, huge celebration at our house :P

There, made it through my first Ten on Tuesdays!