My favorite gifts of Christmas

My dad gives the greatest gifts.  He can often be a bah-humbug when it comes to Christmas so it's amazing that he even participates at all.  One year he bought me a shaving kit.  It's awkward getting that for Christmas anyway but from your dad????  Another year he went out and bought us all scratch tickets.  I'm pretty convinced that it was the ultimate last minute gift but it's now my most beloved family tradition (this year I won $25!). 

This year my dad was impressed by the progress I have made in my running so his gifts commemorated all the low points ;)

Maymont 8-Miler

DC Hot Chocolate 15k

Don't get me wrong, I really do love the gifts :)  In fact, the ornament my dad got me actually said mocha on it so he repainted it and added a Pandora running shoe charm.   I love it when you can actually see the thought and time someone has put into your gift....even if it does remind you of the worst race you have ever run.....ever.

The next gift is one that wasn't given to me but is one that my mom and dad gave to Alex (their future son-in-law).

For those of you that don't bowl 300's and don't have a different league for each night of the week, this is a rolling bowling bag.  It's way nicer than mine.  It truly says "Welcome to the family.  We like you better than Andrea."  I'm not kidding.  My brothers gave him bowling shoes too.  I still wear the stinky rentals at the bowling alley!

Finally, the last gift is one that I gave.  It was something that I gave to Alex that was really something I wanted but thought maybe he would think it was cool too and I could pass it off as a Christmas gift for him.

:)

I'm sooo excited to try some of these recipes!  Mmm, Katniss' favorite lamb stew with dried plums and Capitol-grade dark chocolate cake.  Each recipe includes a reference from which book and chapter that relates to it.  There is even a chapter devoted to recipes using small rodents!  Anyone else smell a theme night coming on???
What was your favorite gift?

Do you ever give something so that you can end up using it?

NYC Recap 2011

Just a warning but this is going to be one of those run-on posts that chronicles the past week or so....

Christmas started early with a great trip to New York City!  This was my first trip to the city and it was made possible because Nina is working there and Alex and I were able to crash at her place for free :)  It was a whirlwind trip of two and a half days so we tried to pack our time with tons of touristy things.

I'll have what she's having!

I have to admit, the food there was pricey but pretty amazing!   My opinion may have been skewed since I decided we should walk three miles to get there rather than taking the train.  Lesson learned.

That's a lot of meat! ;)

We also got suckered into Serendipity 3.  I thought the movie was so cute and that the actors would have good taste in food.  No, they do not....it must have been about the ambiance.  We had an ordinary turkey sandwich (thank goodness we split our meal so we only had to be half disappointed) and ended the meal with frozen hot chocolate. 

Oprah made Serendipity 3 doubly popular by raving about their frozen hot chocolate so we had a two hour wait to get a table.  Oprah and I have different standards for our desserts.  Thanks, Oprah.  I was only mildly impressed.  Chocolate slurpee anyone?  No thanks.

I have wanted to see the Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular for years.  They are my favorite part of the Macy's parade and when I found out that they had a Christmas show, I had to see it.  Since we are saving money for a wedding, Alex told me we wouldn't be able to see them on this trip because the tickets were too expensive but in true Alex style, he surprised me with tickets anyway :) 

Apparently, I am the girl with unachievable expectations because I felt that the show was fun but left something to be desired.  I still love the Rockettes but will reserve that love for watching them in the parade.  I will entertain the idea of participating in the Rockettes' experience for next Christmas!

Here are some NYC things that did meet my expectations:

Piano show on the BIG piano at FAO Schwarz...
They played carol of the bells complete with cartwheels!

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Dylan's Candy Bar :)

The best part of NY was getting to know my future sister-in-law (cheesy, I know).  I had a great time and I am excited to visit again!

Thanks, Nina!

What's your favorite part of NYC?

Are you a sucker for tourist traps too?

Way to go, Target.

I hate to admit it but I was cursing Target last night.  I took Julia to the doctor yesterday morning because she had complained of having pain in her ear .  With my upcoming trip to New York, I decided I should get it checked out and make sure it wasn't an ear infection. 

I have to admit that I was a little unsure about how she was feeling because the only time that she complained about her ear hurting was when I was trying to get her to take a nap.  I didn't want to chance it though so I decided to take her to the doctor.  Kids have a very special way of making you look like an idiot some times. 

Not only was she not running a fever but my child was doing cartwheels and acting like a crazy woman.  I'm pretty sure that no one believed a word that I said about her complaining about her ear hurting.  My ego was saved when the doctor confirmed that she did have an ear infection in both ears.

I'm not sure what genius thought it would be cool to make the medicine dropper look like a syringe but Julia was terrified.  You would have thought I was trying to kill her by the way she was acting when I gave her the medicine.  Geez.  I need to get her started on swallowing pills ASAP. 

Really, Target?

Anwyay, I got my butt out of bed this morning and actually worked out!  Hallelujah!  I might keep the weight gain to ten pounds instead of twenty...haha.  I did a very easy two miles on the treadmill and then finished up with some squat jumps on the bosu and weight lifting.  I have to admit that I have missed strength training since ending my sessions with Patrice.  I have asked Santa for weights this year so I'm keeping my fingers crossed :)

I'm off to NY!  Any suggestions on what to do in NY at Christmas time?