@TwoDimes I guess I should add that she would most frequently fly between Chicago and LA or Chicago and Toronto to see her long-distance friends. Would something like a Groupon gc be a good idea?
@GoldenPenguin - Ugh, I am so sorry about the stomach issues...but, as someone who is also see-through pale, I must say: CONGRATULATIONS on the lack of sunburn! That is truly an accomplishment!
You aren't kidding!! I accept your congrats with all the sincerity in the world!!
@labro - As an idea for your friend: I have a "Travel Journal" that I love taking on trips with me. It's helpful to write down specifics about pictures I take and such. I especially love that I can remember the names of locals and other travelers I got to meet.
Also, I think going to the local brew store is an awesome idea. Thank you! I am not sure if what he's asking for is typical, but he more than likely got the idea off a brewing site anyway.
@labro - Last year, when I was still in school and totally broke, I made BF a "future trip" for Christmas. I decoupaged a piggy bank with maps and travel-themed stickers and put "Travel Fund" on it, and then got a map kind of like this and put pushpins in the top so we could mark the places we've been together. I think I put about $20 worth of change in the piggy bank too.
Edited because the link didn't show up at first for some reason.
@GoldenPenguin - I'm sorry your trip had so many sucky parts! FI and I are still trying to decide what to do for our honeymoon and I'm nervous about picking a resort that ends up just being meh@futuremrshistorian - I'd have trouble looking forward to a wedding where I was basically staff instead of a guest - hopefully it will all go smoothly!
@labro - Yay for student loans being paid!! That's awesome!
I would pick Aruba again 100 million times over. Other than the sunburn I got while snorkeling (which was 100% my own fault), it was an absolutely amazing trip.
@AlPacina both grandfathers passed days before xmas {17th and 20th}, a friend of mine who passed away had a bday in December and loved xmas, plus my dad not being around just sucks. My whole family doesn't do great at xmas needless to say. I'm hoping it'll get easier if we have kids, something to focus on. I gotta say, I love shopping for people, so it kinda helps. {I'm going for best wife ever award this year}
@bethsmiles - That's exactly it. They chose a venue where we have to bring in absolutely everything...but then didn't hire people to do any of it. I feel like a caterer/florist/baker/wedding planner, instead of like the groom's sister. I'm hoping all that will dissipate the day of.
@bethsmiles - That's exactly it. They chose a venue where we have to bring in absolutely everything...but then didn't hire people to do any of it. I feel like a caterer/florist/baker/wedding planner, instead of like the groom's sister. I'm hoping all that will dissipate the day of.
I'm so glad I picked a venue where they do most of the work. People think its less expensive to pick a venue where you bring in everything yourself but a lot of times its more expensive to really do it right (i.e. Not just having your family work your wedding). I'm sure you'll be happy for then the day of but its shitty that they put you in a position where you have to wonder if you really will.
There are infinity scarves that have pockets so you can store your passport, wallet, phone etc. nearby without risk of pick pockets.
Wow. YES PLEASE. When I travel I almost always keep a hand in my bag because I'm so scared I won't notice if someone tries to take my stuff. I'm gonna get me one of these!
@MissKittyDanger - I'm so sorry that you have suffered so many losses. A high school friend of mine died on Thanksgiving day right after we graduated. It was a tough holiday for the next few years. I hope your new husband is able to make the season a little more bearable/joyful for you.
@bethsmiles - That's exactly it. They chose a venue where we have to bring in absolutely everything...but then didn't hire people to do any of it. I feel like a caterer/florist/baker/wedding planner, instead of like the groom's sister. I'm hoping all that will dissipate the day of.
I'm so glad I picked a venue where they do most of the work. People think its less expensive to pick a venue where you bring in everything yourself but a lot of times its more expensive to really do it right (i.e. Not just having your family work your wedding). I'm sure you'll be happy for then the day of but its shitty that they put you in a position where you have to wonder if you really will.
@bethsmiles This is absolutely the way to go! I'm glad you won't be stuck with all that extra work and stress. Letting the venue handle it all seriously makes all the difference.
@futuremrshistorian That really sucks btw. I wish your FSIL wasn't putting you in this position and you could just enjoy the day.
@speakeasy14 - I was super bummed for a minute that I didn't draw my mom's name for Christmas, because I was thinking the scarf would be perfect for her. She has a ridiculous amount of traveling planned for the next two years.
Well.... Idiot daughter........ Her freaking birthday is before Christmas too! I think I'm going to get her the one in the first link. You are my hero!
There are infinity scarves that have pockets so you can store your passport, wallet, phone etc. nearby without risk of pick pockets.
Wow. YES PLEASE. When I travel I almost always keep a hand in my bag because I'm so scared I won't notice if someone tries to take my stuff. I'm gonna get me one of these!
@MissKittyDanger - I'm so sorry that you have suffered so many losses. A high school friend of mine died on Thanksgiving day right after we graduated. It was a tough holiday for the next few years. I hope your new husband is able to make the season a little more bearable/joyful for you.
I gotta say he's pretty good He knows it's a hard time and is naturally a "go with the flow" kinda guy. He wanted to decorate, but is cool we don't do a Christmas-y theme. Last year when I got upset, he went to get my mum to let her know the situation and to keep things running smooth. So total props to him!
Update: I asked my little sister what color scarf she thinks I should get for my mom and apparently my mom got rid of all of her scarves because she read on MSN that women with big chests shouldn't wear them.
She had about a billion scarves. And she looked great in them. The internet is corrupting our elders!
@TwoDimes - FOR REAL THOUGH! I just got this shirt in the mail yesterday, as a present for my dad:
@alpacina - Thanks. I honestly feel deep down inside he must feel shitty about what he did but I don't know anymore. The whole situation made me question my ability to judge people and it really depressed me for a while.
@labro - How about a chocolate wine with this little bit on top for you for Christmas?
As to your sibling, I like the ideas suggested as well as your idea of a Groupon. Is she based in or around Chicago? A massage or mani/pedi is always like a little mini-getaway for me. One of my favorite spas in Chicago is THIS one and I swear it feels like I'm transported somewhere else when I go.
@futuremrshistorian - I'm going to ignore him the best I can but he runs in the same professional circles that I run in so its pretty hard to do. At least the seminar will be educational.
Hey everybody! It's officially December! Only three more weeks until Christmas vacation
@labro I would get one of those usb/plug chargers. I bought one on amazon for $20 and it saved my life and my electronics when we went to Alaska.
In other news, life is boring. I had a busy weekend (like everyone else) and this week is looking super busy with the trimester ending and teachers going crazy for grades. Hopefully today I can go home and not do anything school related.
Time for the questions: What are you looking forward to this month? Christmas!!! and vacation of course What are you dreading about this month? Too much snow or freezing cold temps Do you decorate for the holidays? Not really, we don't even have a big tree. Just like a mini one. Do you have any December/holiday traditions? I've been trying to create our own because we can't ever decide who to spend time with during the holidays. Is it cold where you live? VERY. Are you taking any time off work this month? 2 weeks How's your shopping coming along? I've only shopped for my SS on NEY. So yeah I have a lot to do! Any holiday or winter-specific things you like to eat/drink? I love all of the comfort food! Mashed potatoes and gray for all!
@500days H actually has received several of them free from work so maybe we'll just toss one in for her! Hope she doesn't mind the company branding all over it.
I'm being a bad NEYer and answering the questions before I read through everyone's responses.
What are you looking forward to this month? - a week off work - going home next weekend (again) to see my friends - fun stuff with my students - my NYE trip to ATL with H, and possibly meeting @labro, @southernpeach89, and Baby Callie!
What are you dreading about this month? - two lock ins - holiday stress
Do you decorate for the holidays? Nope. I'm normally a huge Grinch, but I've surprised myself this year with actually being optimistic about the season.
Do you have any December/holiday traditions? H's family does a huge party on Christmas Eve. His aunt and I have an informal drinking contest and we all gorge on fajitas that FIL cooked all day long. Christmas morning is spent at his Aunt and Uncle's with ALL the family.
Is it cold where you live? It's much colder than I'm used to. I didn't think moving 350 miles north would have made much of a difference, but I'm used to it still being in the low 70's and it's definitely in the low 60's - mid 50's.
Are you taking any time off work this month? Working for a church, we close the week between Christmas and New Years. I'll have to work that Sunday and on Christmas Eve, but that's nothing new.
How's your shopping coming along? I'm actually financially able to buy gifts this year! I've got everything purchased for my SS, and I have the fabric for MIL's quilt. I'm making my mom a photo book of wedding pictures, and I have several ideas for what to get H.
Any holiday or winter-specific things you like to eat/drink? Not specifically? I love stuffing and ham at Christmas dinner.
What are you looking forward to this month? - a week off work - going home next weekend (again) to see my friends - fun stuff with my students - my NYE trip to ATL with H, and possibly meetingdefinitely meeting with@labro, @southernpeach89, and Baby Callie!
Re: DECEMBER
@labro - As an idea for your friend: I have a "Travel Journal" that I love taking on trips with me. It's helpful to write down specifics about pictures I take and such. I especially love that I can remember the names of locals and other travelers I got to meet.
Also, I think going to the local brew store is an awesome idea. Thank you! I am not sure if what he's asking for is typical, but he more than likely got the idea off a brewing site anyway.
Edited because the link didn't show up at first for some reason.
My whole family doesn't do great at xmas needless to say. I'm hoping it'll get easier if we have kids, something to focus on. I gotta say, I love shopping for people, so it kinda helps. {I'm going for best wife ever award this year}
@futuremrshistorian That idea is really creative! I like it a lot!
I'm so glad I have all my NEY friends who are way more creative than me. This is seriously helping A LOT! (@AlPacina @TwoDimes)
There are infinity scarves that have pockets so you can store your passport, wallet, phone etc. nearby without risk of pick pockets.
Travel charger - power bank
Scratch off map to scratch off all the places traveled to - or cork board so dream places can be marked
Packing cubes
Travel journal
Picnic backpack/basket
Wow. YES PLEASE. When I travel I almost always keep a hand in my bag because I'm so scared I won't notice if someone tries to take my stuff. I'm gonna get me one of these!
@MissKittyDanger - I'm so sorry that you have suffered so many losses. A high school friend of mine died on Thanksgiving day right after we graduated. It was a tough holiday for the next few years. I hope your new husband is able to make the season a little more bearable/joyful for you.
@futuremrshistorian That really sucks btw. I wish your FSIL wasn't putting you in this position and you could just enjoy the day.
@speakeasy14 - I was super bummed for a minute that I didn't draw my mom's name for Christmas, because I was thinking the scarf would be perfect for her. She has a ridiculous amount of traveling planned for the next two years.
Well.... Idiot daughter........ Her freaking birthday is before Christmas too! I think I'm going to get her the one in the first link. You are my hero!
Update: I asked my little sister what color scarf she thinks I should get for my mom and apparently my mom got rid of all of her scarves because she read on MSN that women with big chests shouldn't wear them.
She had about a billion scarves. And she looked great in them. The internet is corrupting our elders!
@TwoDimes - FOR REAL THOUGH! I just got this shirt in the mail yesterday, as a present for my dad:
@labro - How about a chocolate wine with this little bit on top for you for Christmas?
As to your sibling, I like the ideas suggested as well as your idea of a Groupon. Is she based in or around Chicago? A massage or mani/pedi is always like a little mini-getaway for me. One of my favorite spas in Chicago is THIS one and I swear it feels like I'm transported somewhere else when I go.
@futuremrshistorian - I'm going to ignore him the best I can but he runs in the same professional circles that I run in so its pretty hard to do. At least the seminar will be educational.
Sunday brunch will be with @cu97tiger , @Hummingbird125 , AND @Peaseblossom55 !!!!!!!!!!!!!
@labro I would get one of those usb/plug chargers. I bought one on amazon for $20 and it saved my life and my electronics when we went to Alaska.
In other news, life is boring. I had a busy weekend (like everyone else) and this week is looking super busy with the trimester ending and teachers going crazy for grades. Hopefully today I can go home and not do anything school related.
Time for the questions:
What are you looking forward to this month?
Christmas!!! and vacation of course
What are you dreading about this month?
Too much snow or freezing cold temps
Do you decorate for the holidays?
Not really, we don't even have a big tree. Just like a mini one.
Do you have any December/holiday traditions?
I've been trying to create our own because we can't ever decide who to spend time with during the holidays.
Is it cold where you live?
VERY.
Are you taking any time off work this month?
2 weeks
How's your shopping coming along?
I've only shopped for my SS on NEY. So yeah I have a lot to do!
Any holiday or winter-specific things you like to eat/drink?
I love all of the comfort food! Mashed potatoes and gray for all!
What are you looking forward to this month?
- a week off work
- going home next weekend (again) to see my friends
- fun stuff with my students
- my NYE trip to ATL with H, and possibly meeting @labro, @southernpeach89, and Baby Callie!
What are you dreading about this month?
- two lock ins
- holiday stress
Do you decorate for the holidays?
Nope. I'm normally a huge Grinch, but I've surprised myself this year with actually being optimistic about the season.
Do you have any December/holiday traditions?
H's family does a huge party on Christmas Eve. His aunt and I have an informal drinking contest and we all gorge on fajitas that FIL cooked all day long. Christmas morning is spent at his Aunt and Uncle's with ALL the family.
Is it cold where you live?
It's much colder than I'm used to. I didn't think moving 350 miles north would have made much of a difference, but I'm used to it still being in the low 70's and it's definitely in the low 60's - mid 50's.
Are you taking any time off work this month?
Working for a church, we close the week between Christmas and New Years. I'll have to work that Sunday and on Christmas Eve, but that's nothing new.
How's your shopping coming along?
I'm actually financially able to buy gifts this year! I've got everything purchased for my SS, and I have the fabric for MIL's quilt. I'm making my mom a photo book of wedding pictures, and I have several ideas for what to get H.
Any holiday or winter-specific things you like to eat/drink?
Not specifically? I love stuffing and ham at Christmas dinner.
"You're our early 20's BSC scarecrow. They cower at your maturity." - lennonkdc
I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO COME TO ATL!!!!!!!!!!!