The most festive

For the staff/elder Christmas party we were supposed to wear ugly/festive Christmas outfits. Only about 4 of us actually did anything, but there was a prize. Ya'll know I'll do anything for a prize.

Turns out, I won. My outfit was complete with a turtleneck covered in poinsettias, a sweatshirt with snowmen decorating a tree, dangling snowmen earrings, a snowman pin, a bow in my hair, and a jingle bell around my neck. You can't forget the jingle bell. Hubs even donned his Christmas tie!

Afterwards we had a white elephant gift exchange. I laughed hard. Richard got these really cool glasses though!

We played some cards and then headed home to our sick puppy. He got in a little squabble with another dog and was bit on the chest. Blood was squirting, he was limping. Before we left, we thought he'd be fine. When we got home, it seemed more serious. He could barely walk and he was still bleeding. The worst was his yelping with every move he made. Even if we touched him, he would wince and cry. It was a very sad sight.

This morning, he woke up feeling better. He is still a little sore, but definitely on the mend.

PS all you Nebraska friends, we are headed your way next week! Looking forward to seeing your faces, hugging your necks, and seeing those rounded bellies (those who are pregnant, that is).

The Old Wall

I must be super predictible. Out of all the votes, only 2 different answers were given: Israel and Oahu, Hawaii. Wow.

This wall is located in...



Tel Dan, Israel. It was built sometime during the 9th century BC, most likely by King Ahab, and is part of the second gatehouse area. You can read more about Tel Dan here.

The person with the first correct answer was Sarah. She has won a gift certificate to shutterfly.com, one of my favorite sites. And, personally, I think it is a perfect gift for her since she has an adorable little boy and a mom who takes amazing pictures.

Thanks to those of you who played, and to those of you who didn't, you missed out on a ton of fun. Well, maybe you just missed out on the prize.

Who knew Santa Claus coming to town would win me $98?

At 11:10, I put on my radio headphones at work. Why? To listen for the "cue to call" in for a radio contest.

I heard it and started dialing. Then, in a momentary lapse of brain power, I couldn't get my fingers to work the phone in my normal speedy, efficient fashion. Hello! This is part of my job. So, after wasting a whole bunch of time trying to use the "redial" and "release" buttons, I just dialed the phone number again in the old-fashioned way. To my utter astonishment, it was ringing and I was the magical 7th caller.

Usually, the contests I play are taped, but they did this one live. It was the longest minute and a half waiting for the song to end. The contest is: they play a part of a Christmas song, when it stops play, you have to finish singing the phrase. My Christmas song was "Santa Claus is Coming to Town;" I finished the phrase and won a $98 gift card to the local mall!

I was recently asked how I win this stuff. My answer is that I just try to win. I drop my business card in fish bowls all around town. I call into the radio station if I want to win something. How many people, though, hear about a a contest and just never enter or call? If you want to start winning, just start trying. You won't win them all, but you'll definitely increase your chances!