09. Read a Book or Two

My friend Kat gave me Twilight by Stephanie Meyer for Christmas and honestly, I didn't think I would read it or even like it. At first, the choppy sentences drove me crazy and I was mocking it, but the story pulled me in and I breezed right through it. Now, I'm ready to finish the rest of the series and go watch the movie. I am such a sucker.

Hunter Boots

I've been wanting Hunter boots for almost two years now. Got my first pair of wellies in Ireland and love them, but Hunters look so sleek and stylish. There is only one pair left of the Hunter Royal style (brown boots shown above) on Zappos.com AND it's in my size. But they cost $284.36 ON SALE. They are completely sold out on the Hunter site. Can't wait until I can get some....but don't know if I will ever spend that much money on one pair of shoes. Maybe I'll find a great deal in Ireland! Fingers crossed.

14. Get a Recycling Bin

Cleaning out the garage and getting a recycling bin kind of went hand in hand, I had to do one to get to the other. Jammed as much as I could into the mini. Got most of the recycling but felt like I was doing a Mini commercial, I had stuff packed so densely we couldn't see out the back. Really wish I had the truck today.

Kansas City, Kansas Recycling Center

3241 Park Drive

Kansas City, KS 66102

913-371-2034

Click here for Mapquest.

Hours of Operation

Thursday: 8 am - 1 pm

Friday 11 am - 4 pm

Saturday 8 am - 1 pm

Sunday 11 am - 4 pm

Click here for a pdf of FAQs about the recycling center.

13. Clean Out the Garage

We will never be able to actually park cars in the garage, but at least we have a wide, clear path to walk through. The satisfaction of a task accomplished. Whew. I was so motivated I even did some gardening.

15. Renew My Tags

The fastest I EVER got this done. In Missouri, you have to get your car inspected at one place, pay property taxes at another (can now be done on-line, yay!) and finally, you get to stand in line at the DMV for a couple of hours to get your tags and plates. The process literally makes you want to cry sometimes. This year, I was done in a breezy four hours and this is with the system crashing statewide for thirty minutes. One guy just about exploded. 

My biggest complaint? Instead of posting signs that say, "Due to the increased number of returned checks, we no longer accept..." a better solution would be for the License Bureau to start accepting credit and debit cards. We can only dream.

04. Design Two Holiday Cards

Finally got them done! These were for two different clients. The first card (top) is a loose representation of the Kansas City skyline with holiday/winter elements and the second card has a green theme. Both are done in a collage style in bright, festive colors.

10. Have Long Leisurely Three Martini Lunches

It was actually...

• 1 spicy Bloody Mary
  
• 1 huge Jameson and hot tea
  
• 1 Pickle Martini
  
• 1 Cherry Limeade shot

...which led to a lot of pictures like this.

Thanks, Della. It was loads of fun. :)

Rain, Rain Go Away

(1) Rebecca told me about GinkoPapers.com and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the site. I just got these slide calendars in the mail and they are adorable. Each month has a different die-cut image and they were such a good price ($7.50)! Garin, thanks for the supercute postcard, more to love. :)

(2) Every year, Kansas City's Union Station has a miniature train exhibit in the main hall. The entire thing is set up by volunteers and it is such a treat. This year, they added a Lego section with the iconic Western Auto building in one corner. I also saw a carnival complete with roller coaster, a junk yard (pictured above) and a drive-in movie theater which was playing, "It's a Wonderful Life." If you get a chance, get down there, take a look and support a great Kansas City tradition. The exhibit is free, but they do take donations.

(3) Sophie, left, and Apollo, right, got baths today...just in time for Christmas. It's rainy, cold and they're bored, but quite cozy on the couch. Affectionately nicknamed Gigantor for her big fluffy head, this is Sophie's second Christmas with us.

Bestie Time

Merry Christmas, Jaya! This Bestie was made just for you. "Little Jaya" is wearing a blue corduroy dress with a contrasting cream hem, belt and scarf. Pink ear muffs keep her warm from the frigid Kansas City weather. Looking at her now, Jaya will be getting a mouth in the morning.

Visit bestestbesties.com for details about Jaya and see the rest of the Besties.

02. Clean and Organize Office

I have a bad habit of spreading my projects all over the house, but having a work area is essential if I'm going to get anything done. Pens, buttons, marbles, ribbon, fabric, scissors and magazines are now neatly organized in jars, boxes and baskets. The plants are up on a bench by the south-facing window, getting some much needed sunshine. And the bags and bags of thread I bought recently are on full display. The colors are too gorgeous.

I don't know how long this will last, but for now, I am going to enjoy the order in my life.

The List

01. Paint the bathroom
02. Clean and organize my office.
03. Make lots of Besties!
04. Design two holiday cards.
05. Work on my annual Fresh Fish promo.
06. Ireland.
07. Design a menu "book."
08. Exercise...ugh.
09. Read a book or two.
10. Have long, leisurely three martini lunches.
11. Walk the puppies, Sophie and Apollo.
12. Learn to knit.
13. Clean out the garage.
14. Get a recycling bin from the city.
15. Renew my tags.