Graciously borrowed from (but never to be returned to) mathkiss:

You Are the Girl Next Door! You’re caring, warm, and the girl that nice guys want to marry. Uncomplicated and simple, you’ve got an easy going attitude guys love. But this doesn’t mean you’re dull – far from it! You’re a great conversationalist, and you’re an expert at living the good life. What Kind of Girl Are You? Take This Quiz :-)

As of last night, my shopping for the 2004 Christmas season officially ended. A round of applause, please. Matthew and I braved Sam’s Club and Oakview Mall for the homestretch.

Although both stores and their respective parking lots were packed, we managed to accomplish our shopping – plus a trip to the grocery store – in about two hours. Not bad on the eve before Christmas Eve.

Tonight, I’ll wrap my remaining gifts and clean my basement. I also need to paint my fingernails. I haven’t yet decided in the color, but I’m leaning toward a dark red or bright pink.

I’m working on a column for the next issue of Voice of the New City. It’s observations on my generation, how we handle jobs, relationships, money. I haven’t done much writing of this sort for public consumption, so I’m curious at the feedback (if any) I receive.

Here’s a little something to get you in the holiday spirit, or at least to give you a few cheap laughs before insanity ensues :-)

I haven’t posted since Saturday, but I’ve been rather busy with the rush of the holiday season. I must say, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the decorating and shopping this year. Although Frank the Cat destroyed the Christmas tree, it’s still pretty to look at when it’s lit.

My sister arrives from L.A. late tomorrow night. I’m so excited to see her! I imagine we’ll do some shopping while she’s her, get lunch, etc. I can already tell how quickly next week will go.

Margie, the woman who cuts my hair, trimmed my bangs shorter than usual yesterday, but I LOVE them. My hair has more of a “punk” look to it, which I love :-)

Nu-Trend gave me a $100 VISA card for Christmas. The Bellevue Leader gave me nothing. Go figure.

I still need to run a few errands before Christmas, as well as clean my basement. That’s where my sister will be staying next week. The whole process won’t take too much time, as my basement, although finished, is rather empty.

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it’s rare. In fact, it’s even more rare than single-malt scotch. You can’t find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by: “Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!”

The Gateway Alumni Group is now the Gateway Alumni Organization. If you were a staffer, join us online.

http://www.unogateway.com/vnews/display.v/SEC/Alumni

I should go to sleep. It’s nearly midnight. I have to work tomorrow, yet my mind swims tonight with professional possibilities.

It is impossible to say just what I mean!

[from The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T. S. Eliot]

Going online has never been so easy!

http://www.sree.net/tips/journosites.html