Rule Breaker!

7Up. Not even room temp. In a 7Up bottle at the airport. No apologies. I tried tea yesterday, and it didn't quite sit well.

I've made it to the airport. The dog kennel was kind enough to take Ives last night instead of this morning, as originally planned(it was kind of lonely without her in the evening). I booked a cab last night. And packed. I'm not sure what's in my suitcase though (it was 4lbs over, so I had to pull out a Harry Potter book and my winter jacket to take with me onboard). I stuck fod in the fridge into the freezer and just realized I forgot to dump out my milk. Oops.

I never fly Air Canada, so I'm blaming this whole thing on them. Irrational, yes, but still how I'm choosing to operate. Oh well, I guess the flu saved Christmas. I'm still really glad I called in sick before I opened my e-mail from Air Canada and found out all about how I booked my flight for the wrong day. Otherwise, I'd have probably felt even more guilty, but as you so wisely said: it must be fate.

I've never actually seen so many people in the Winnipeg airport. It is Christmas eve, and I never actually had to wait in a line, but there are a lot of people here for 6 a.m. When I get to Saskatoon I'm gonna meet my grandma for a bit and then catch my next flight. It's kind of fun because my flight leaves Saskatoon at 10:30 and gets to Edmonton at 10:34. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?? I know, I'm such a nerd.

There are flights going all over the place, and it's making me think a destination Christmas might be nice. Chilling out somewhere exotic for Christmas with the family, sounds kind of nice. Will never happen, but it could be good. As a one time thing. A palm tree just doesn't cut it as a Christmas tree afterall.

Anyway, I'm out of random things to throw out there. So I'll end with a confession: I've broken all the rules. I'm like 3 days late in posting (excuse/reason: working, puking, sleeping), drinking cold pop, and no picture (on my Blackberry and like Katie, can't make the picture thing happen).

Ooh! One more random thing. Right now we have a resident on the ward who is Katie. So, it's kind of confusing when people everywhere are saying Katie. I have no idea if it's me or not.

Chaos.

Merry Christmas Katie (and anyone else who reads this)!

Disclaimer: I'm posting from my phone.

Drinking: Little Penguin Shiraz (room temp is almost a warm drink...)

It has been a very busy weekend, work Saturday was followed by the excellent experience of the Carrie Underwood concert. I was honestly blown away by her show! She has an incredible voice, her costume changes were awesome, but oh her gimmicks! A flying blue pickup that circled the 'ice surface', an enormous swing that dropped to the stage for her to swing upon while she sang, a stage pedastal that raised, lowered, lit up, a huge, round screen that dropped, often surrounding her, a dress with a screen that coordinated with the screens behind her. It was a full on sensory experience, and I was blown away! Yep. Loved it!

Finished Christmas shopping today after church and gave Murph his first full bath, he's so fluffy! Oh how we love him :)
And now I'm watching the news, having a glass of wine, all the Christmas lights are on. Kris is outside setting the safety features for the new remote start and Murph is cuddling me. A nice end to a busy couple of days. Tomorrow is another busy day, but for now, the peace is a lovely thing in this tiny home.

Blogging from my phone is weird, but I love the option of doing it! And now, my random babbling must end, its time for bed! Goodnight!!

(Sorry for no pic, I can't figure out how to do that from my phone. Fail)

*to get the most out of this post you must open this in another window, then continue reading once the music starts...you might have to wait for an ad to run first*

I am drinking: Tetley Warmth Cinnamon Spice with Orange Blossom. In a Tim Horton's mug with some sort of skating on a pond image. Some boys are playing hockey, a father is teaching his daughter to skate, and an elderly couple sit on a bench looking on.

The first time I had this tea was at the wedding of Briony's uncle. This was before I met Briony. Ages ago. It was a wonderful tea to sip while people watching as the evening turned chilly. I am finding it is also lovely in the evening, while reflecting on the day.

Today was a rather random day. I slept in, a lot, and when I finally got up I ate a peanut butter and jam sandwich for lunch. (I was once laughed at for still eating those, I didn't know there was an age limit!) Then watched some TV and then got ready and went shopping. My ward at work sponsors a family each year. Last year, my first Christmas on D4, we had the most amazing hamper. We all donated so much money and food and presents for a grandmother raising her 3 grandchildren. It was beautiful. This year, we chose a bigger family (mom, dad, 11 year old son, 10 year old daughter, and 1 year old son) and out collection box is oh so empty. Work has changed a lot. We aren't as tight knit as we once were, and apparently our Christmas spirit has left. So, today, I went shopping for presents for the kids. It was incredibly difficult. The 1 year old was hard because there were too many options, and the 10 and 11 year olds were hard because I have no concept of what might be "cool". It is also rather difficult shopping for people you don't know. I obsess over what the perfect gift would be. A friend and I met up for supper after, and dicussed a few other things to pick up for the hamper, so we went to Zeller's and then went to the hospital to drop off our gifts and give some cash to the girl who is in charge of the whole operation (neither Jamie nor I could come up with grown-up gifts, so we gave some cash to Morgan to go shopping with the other money things she collected).

It made Morgan's night too, because she was so sad that the hamper box was so empty. Jamie and I went completely crazy with our shopping, but it made my day. I'm very excited about this opportunity to give gifts. I had such a priviledged childhood. I may not have always gotten exactly what I wanted for Christmas, but I definately got above and beyond what I needed.

In the spirit of Christmas, here are some pictures from one of the most beautiful Christmas tree hunts...it was the Christmas of 2004, while we were at CBC.

Pepsi (and I didn't warm it up, I fail already at the rules.)

I barely slept last night because I felt the weight of all that I need to do before Christmas, which is coming so SOON! So today, after work, was all about checking things off of the list. Yay for lists.

I haven't changed my name yet, mostly because it's such a hassle that I'd have to do it twice in such quick succession since I have to get a new one in January anyways. So waiting til that big 2-5 that's on it's way to greet us. Less than a month, Lord have mercy on my soul.

I did have tea earlier tonight, so maybe that counteracts the Pepsi? I had Read My Lips, from David's Tea, have you had this one? It's unreal, my fave David's Tea right now by far, although a girl tonight at a store I purchased things from (info removed incase my dear hubby finds this blog) told me that Coconut Chai is to die for as well, which I have never thought I'd like, so that's on my to try list right now.

So, this is random, a very random post. But that's how my mind is tonight. Almost done those Christmas cards... sleep is for the weak. Or something.

And here's a random phto to go with the random blog:

The Day After the Beginning

Mint tea.
In a giant green mug with Jimminy Cricket on one side, and a description of a Capricorn on the other side: "A loyal, caring and conscientious friend, your advice is valued because you make dreams come true". (Really quite flattering). It is blue on the inside.

You haven't changed your last name yet??

Thank you for your lovely introduction post Katie dearest. I must make this post quick, as I have to get up at a most cruel hour for work in the morning and still have to read a mandatory chapter of Harry Potter before sleeping, and drink my HUGE mug of tea (decaf, thank-you herbal tea!)

Let me just say, I am most excited about this co-blogging expedition. In fact, I cleaned *most* of my room, and lit a candle in honour of the occasion: (It's a lovely scented Lemon and Lavender candle I found 2 years ago, and occasionally stock up on)

As you can see, I still need to do some serious dusting. Hopefully, when I'm 25, I'll be more organized and cleaner. Although, I secretly suspect that things like that don't just happen overnight.

I've whittled away at half my mug of tea, and am starting to nod off, so I look forward to reading what you have to say friend!

In the Beginning

Chocolate Truffle Hot Cocoa with a splash of Bailey's and mini marshmallow's on top, in a large two tone brown mug

We are 2 Katie's, about to embark on our 25th revolution of the sun. One of us (the Swan variation) lives in Winnipeg, the other (she who has yet to change her last name, but goes as Richter) lives in Edmonton. The both of us enjoy our dogs and tea, and many other things which will most assuredly arise in the coming conversations. The following is a list of the guidelines we have set for ourselves within this blog.

1. The poster must be drinking a warm beverage (tea/hot cocoa/coffee) at the time of posting.

2. There must be at least one pictures shared per post.

3. Each post must begin with what you are drinking, and a description of what contains the drink (mug/paper cup/et al)

4. Following a post by Katie, the other Katie has 48 hours to respond with a blog post.


And now, here we are. Embarking upon this journey of co-blogging. I raise my yummy hot cocoa to you, Miss Swan, cheers to us and our almost 25th year.

I thought this photo appropriate, here's the push off!