A week away? WOW!

Ok, I can't believe how quickly time is going.  It's been a month since I last blogged and Christmas is one week away from today.  I really do love this time of year, but it always flies by so quickly. 

All the regular festivities of the season around our home are under way.  Last Saturday was the annual "stay out all day shopping and spending way too much money even though I was already done shopping" Day, but it was fun.  Mom, BlueRose and I spent the day together while our men ran errands, shopped and took care of stuff around the house. 

Sunday was my start to Christmas wrapping, and I am happy to say the wrapping part is all done, but now I need to decorate the packages so they look a bit more pretty.  That will likely take place tonight.

Tomorrow is our Christmas celebration with BlueRose and her hunny, Panther.  They will be leaving for her parents in Placerville (Northern Cali) on Saturday, then his parents (St. Louis, MO) on Monday, so tomorrow is the best day for us to exchange gifts and enjoy some time together. 

The best part of this week is that Christmas Vacation (A.K.A "Holiday Shutdown") for my job begins on Friday, or more accurately at 4pm (quitting time for me) on Thursday.  A 4-day work week...NICE! 

The only part that I don't like about this season began a while ago, sadly...the same thing I griped about last year around this time, actually...the $$MONEY$$ deal.  So, I once again am sitting here shaking my head over how much emphasis is placed on a dollar amount a person gives.  I still think that giving should be from the heart, not from the pocket book.  I keep hearing "I can't believe I spent so much money" and "They will be shocked to find out how much I spent on them".  I just don't understand that.  Why would you want to let someone know how much you spent on them?  That seems like "pride" to me, I don't know.  I'm not perfect by any stretch, but when it comes to gifts, I try to find something that I know the receiver will enjoy, and as long as I can afford it, I'll get it for them, but I do not rub in their face how much it costs.   I feel that it can make the other person feel badly, maybe cause they weren't able to spend as much on their gifts, so they may feel like their gifts don't measure up, and also, because they cost their friends so much money. 

So once again, my wish this year is that people will stop focusing on the Cost and start focusing on the true reason of giving...Care!

Ok, so griping is done for the moment!  It's the wrong time of year to be cranky!  =-) 

Another great thing about this year is the scents!  The Christmas tree, the crisp fresh air, the cinnamon that abounds, vanilla, and best of all, home-baked goodies!  From what I understand, when I get home this evening, the house will be filled with the scents of various cookies, so I can hardly wait to walk through the door tonight.

I hope that the Holidays are going well for all of you!  I will try to get some Christmas pictures taken to share with all in the next few days!

Merry Week before Christmas!

Holiday Season is upon us!

It's amazing that next week is Thanksgiving and Christmas is nearly a month away. Time really does fly. With Christmas time nearing, Mom pulled one of her annoying request cards on me, YET again. Every once in a while she "commissions" a poem of me. It drives me batty, not cause I can't do it, I just don't like to be put on the spot. The one thing that I can not deny in my life is that the Lord has given me a talent to write, not that I use it like I probably should, but the talent is there. What I don't like is being expected to write something. It is why I never wanted to make a career out of writing. I want it to be something that is fun for me, not something I have to do. Who knows, maybe one day I'll have a best seller out there, but for now, I just enjoy writing when I want to.

So, as usual, when mom made the request, I got all huffy and gave some lame "I don't know...I guess...maybe" type of reply. That was a month or so ago, and as always, the poem is complete...but in my time...not hers! LOL!

Oh and don't get me wrong, I love my mom to death, there isn't a better mom out there in my opinion. And I have got to be honest, some of my best poetry has come at her request. Sigh...Mom's always know best, right!

Anyway, all that long spiel to introduce my Holiday Poem 2007. I hope you enjoy!

Take time!

Kat Mosher 2007

No time to write, no time to rhyme,

No time to create, there’s just no time.

So much to do from morn till night,

So much to think about, it can cause fright.

Holidays are here? When did that come about?

I should have months to figure it out?

I don’t? Oh great, just another worry.

I guess that means I’ll have to hurry.

Hurry to buy gifts and cards and wrap,

Hurry to the mall (You know that’s a trap):

“One Day Only” “Lowest prices of the year”

It’s enough to make a wallet shake in fear.

Then there’s the food. It’s more to plan,

More shopping to do with wallet in hand.

Turkey or steak? Ham or roast beef?

There’s so much to be done, and just no relief.

The decorations are another step, too.

So much to spend, so much to do.

And don’t forget that the tree must go up,

And ornaments and lights and all that stuff.

The lights alone can make you cry,

Didn’t they work last year? WHY, OH WHY!

I’ll spend hours looking for the bulb that broke?

Or spend money for new lights so I can go broke?

Are the cards filled out? Did I send them yet?

There’s so much to do, so much I could forget.

There’s people to write to and visit or call,

I don’t know how I’ll ever do it all.

I hurry all over to get everything done,

And forget that the holidays are meant to be fun.

I guess I should take time, and think this through,

I do want this year to be different…what to do?

I guess I should slow down, and not hurry,

Things will still get done. I shouldn’t worry.

My intentions are good, to make it a wonderful year,

But I miss the wonder, in the rush and fear.

What makes this season so special? One thought comes to mind,

It’s simple really. You may already know it, it’s “Time”.

Time spent with loved ones, who may need to know,

That they’re worth my time, and I love them so.

Time baking goodies to give to a friend,

Time is worth much more than money I spend.

Time sharing with others the truth of the season,

Time reminding myself that Jesus is the reason.

I don’t want this holiday season to pass by,

In a flurry of hurries, and worries and sighs.

So instead of rushing like I normally do,

I want to take time, and make a memory with you!

What? She's alive? No way!!!

It's true, I have been MIA for a while, and the only excuse I have is BUSY BUSY BUSY.  I have been offsite in training for an application I support, and the time just has flown by.  The class site was less than 40 miles from home, but it took over and hour and a half each way to get there.  Sigh...gotta love the Bay Area traffic.  I really enjoyed the class, though, and hopefully will have another class coming up soon, though that one I may get to actually go out of the area for (now that would rock, but I know better than to get my hopes up). 

Anyway, now that I am back to work, I should have some time to post, either from work or home (now that I'm not away from home for more than 12 hours each day).  I am catching up on projects, but soon I will have some pictures and stories to share. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween, and Happy November!  Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks and 2 days away???? Whoa!

Ok, so till next time...Always believe!

Love is in the air!

This past week was a total blast!  My hunny and I got to go to two concerts and a wedding, and then had the surprise of having a day together, just the two of us.

I'll be blogging about the 2nd concert a little later (when I have the pictures actually with me!) and I've already blogged about the first (Genesis...awesome), so I will share the wedding pictures that I have. 

In actuality, my Hunny and I only made it to the reception, due to work obligations (ick!), but wow, it was amazing.  This was for my mom's cousin Angie and her new groom Curtiss.  The Reception was amazing.  It was onboard a ferry that is docked in Stockton, CA.  Her colors were lavender, white and silver, and they spared no expense during the evening. 

We had a delicious meal that started with a yummy salad, followed by a family style meal of tri-tip, stuffed chicken breast, pasta, roasted veggies and roasted potatoes.  Wow, yum-o!

I got to visit with family I hadn't seen in years, and my hunny got to meet a bunch of the McCoy clan (mom's side of family).

After the meal, the dancing began, something I usually watch from afar, but my hunny got me to dance for the very first time in my life (yes, I was a 31 year old Dancing virgin...oh my!...I guess I was just waiting for the right guy....AWWWwwww!).  He even got mom and dad on the floor, too...I've never seen them dance, either. 

It was a very special evening.  The bride and groom were adorable and so sweet.  We all enjoyed ourselves, very much.  We capped the evening off with a round of "Self Portrait" shots of my hunny and I, which I have tacked on to the end of the slide show below!

It really was a very special week!

Another concert, another amazing night!

Last night was the concert we have been waiting since March to go to.  I have even had the tickets since then, and trust me, even though this year has been flying by, it has been a LONG time in getting here, but well worth the wait. 

One of my hunny's favorite singers is Phil Collins, so when we heard that Genesis was going to be coming to San Jose, I knew what would be a perfect birthday gift for my hunny. 

I know of Phil Collins and Genesis, but I am constantly saying "Oh, THEY sing that?" and wow, last night was an amazing display of just how many great songs they actually sing!  I'm hooked!  They performed many of their songs and some of Phil Collin's, as well, and let me tell you, I have never been to a show like that.  Actually, I realized that this was my first "Non-country" concert I'd been to, and there is quite a difference...from the start, even, there aren't cowboy hats, boots and wrangles in sight ANYwhere!  Weird!  LOL! 

All I keep saying is "WOW!".  My hunny enjoyed the show immensely, and was kinda even speechless when I asked him what he thought of it.  Phil Collins and the drummer Chester Thompson "Brought it on" with an amazing drum spot that lasted at least ten minutes.  I gotta give it to them, the show was non-stop action.  I don't know how they all did it, just kept right on going without any breaks!  They literally ROCKED the joint!  I loved it!

Since I wasn't able to take any pictures (BOO!) I have added a YouTube link of one of my favorite songs that was sung!  Hope you enjoy!

 

What a weekend!!!

This past weekend was a "Collin Raye" themed weekend.  Originally my Hunny and I were supposed to have a weekend away, but he was unable to get the time off from work, so instead Mom went with me, and we had a good time. 

We left Friday morning to head down to Rancho Cucamonga (6 hrs away).  The trip was pretty much uneventful, but pleasant.  We checked into the hotel and got ready to go to the concert.  I was nervous as could be knowing that in a couple hours I would be meeting my favorite singer of all time.  Eek!

We decided to find the "Victoria Cultural Center" and then figure out dinner from there.  We soon discovered it is right behind a mall, so Mom and I shared some food from the food court, then wandered back to the Center to find out where to meet for the Fan Club Meet & Greet.  We were directed to meet around the Jack Benny statue around 7pm, so Mom and I found a bench nearby and waited (as we were about 30 min early). 

Soon another "Backstage" pass holder appeared and eventually I meandered over to her and we talked for a while as we both shuffled around nervously.  7pm came and went, and the nerves grew with each minute that passed.  Several more fan club members found us and we all chatted anxiously awaiting our time to go see Collin.  Finally around 7:45 Tim, Collin's manager came out and told us he'd be back in a few minutes to get us. 

As promised, a few minutes later Tim motioned for us to follow him, so we did, then he instructed us to line up against a wall, and within a couple moments, Collin Raye came around the cornere.  OMG...I was 2nd in line to meet Collin Raye.  I was so stinking nervous, but he is an amazingly kind man.  He talked to us all like he was just a normal guy (not an amazing singer), and signed the photos we had for him.  I had my picture taken with him, and then as I was walking away, I thanked him, and then he thanked me back by name...aaaahhhhh!  What a memory. 

I rushed to my seat in a daze and then enjoyed the best concert I've been to of his.  It went too quickly, but was great.  The venue was perfect (a small playhouse/theater that seats less than 500 people...intimate and perfect).  That night as we were headed back to the hotel I came up with a plot.  I wanted to do something for my hunny since he was so disappointed he couldn't make it.  When I got to the hotel I uploaded my picture with Collin to Costco's online photo processing (there was a Costco just across the street for the hotel) and was told that my 8x10 would be ready by 11:30am. 

Mom and I went to Costco the next morning and picked up the photo (Along with a few other things), and eventually headed over to Bakersfield for the 2nd Collin Raye Concert at the Kern County Fair. 

Now, you have to understand....I am not much of a bold person, at all...I am happy to be the wallflower, but I was determined that I was going to get something special for my hunny, so I figured I would walk around the grandstand at the fair and see if I could find where the Meet & Greet winners were meeting.  I thought I had missed them, but on my way back I saw two ladies standing near a tent, one with a bouquet of roses.  I then saw their backstage passes and determined that this must be it.  I mustered all my courage and then waited nearby, hoping to see Tim (Collin's Manager) and ask him if there was any way he could get Collin to sing my picture from the night before.  Tim never showed up, though, but one of the fairground workers came by and I asked him.  He said he would find out and to just wait where I was.  A few minutes later he led the two fan club members to some seats under the tent.  I waited around still, kinda thinking it wasn't going to work out, then the same guy came around the corner and motioned me inside the tent.  He told me to sit next to the ladies, and within a few minutes, I was shaking Collin Raye's hand again..OMG!  He did sign the picture for my hunny and commented on my Dodger gear and how he was disappointed they didn't make it this year.  WHOA!  Two meetings with Collin Raye in less than 24 hours...how lucky can one girl be. 

The one fan I met, Jennifer, was gracious enough to get a picture with me and Collin (I didn't have my camera this time) and got my address and is going to send me the picture when it gets developed.  She is a very sweet lady, and later, before the concert, we got a picture together.  Collin Raye Fans ROCK! 

Welp, this was long-winded, and I apologize for that, but here are the pics.

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Dreams Can Come True!(updated 9/20 @ 1:21pm PDT)

BlueRose has been by best friend, pretty much from the day we met. She was around for my wedding, in fact she was pretty much my maid of honor 3 months after we met. She was also there when I came back home, and she helped me through so many times in my life, and I can never repay her for that. She is a genuinely kind person, and I could find no better friend than her. I have always wanted the best for her!
Her dream is to be a Wife and a Mom and I know she will be awesome at both, but it has been a dream a long time in the making. She just got back from a week-long trip to Hawaii with her hunny, Panther late last night, and woke me up for a deep sleep, to tell me that she was engaged! YAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!
Her ring is gorgeous, but not as pretty as the smile plastered on her face! No details have been discussed yet, but I have a feeling within a year she will be sporting a new last name! She's on her way to her dreams, and I couldn't be happier for her!
I'll get a couple pics of the happy couple posted in the next few days, but here is an older one of BlueRose.
Congrats, my friend!!!

Update:

BlueRose shared some pics of her ring and the scenery from the "Site of Proposal"

First we have the view. Panther proposed to BlueRose at sunset on the beach in Hawaii...awwwww, how romantical!

Then there are the ring shots:And here is a close up/side view:All my best to my bestest friend and her hunny!!!!