can't stop smiling...

Yesterday I kept staring at my feet. This is why:

Aren't they cute? I got 'em for a steal of a deal too...
AND they're super comfy and warm.
Merry Christmas, self...

I had a gift exchange with some friends on Sunday. I think I can honestly say that I could have a completely wonderful Christmas without gifts, as long as I get to spend quality time with friends and FAMILY. For reals.

Having said that...when someone gives me a gift from the heart, all neatly wrapped in pretty paper, something comes over me and I am like unto a child: I love unwrapping gifts, and sometimes I feel like it's hard to curb the child within. Oi. Anyways, I got some fun stuff; my friends know me so very well. For example, Brookie gave me my very own slow cooker! I love the magic of slow cookers! I also got a couple of stellar gifties from Brooker. I cannot mention one of them (not yet!) because Brooker did the same thing but different for most of her friends, and they haven't received them yet. But I can show you the super awesome necklace she gave me. Behold:

I love it for so many reasons...
Firstly, blue and brown are my fave colors.
Then there's the whole "O" thing.
You know what that stands for...(my last name)

Another thing that makes me super smiley? I had dinner with Uncle Shawn and fam Sunday night. They are the coolest people ever, do you know? I'm so lucky to call them family! I over-ate for the first time in several months (I hate that feeling!) and had myself a heated debate with Shawn over Phantom of the Opera and Alvin & the Chipmunks (the new one, not the original). Heated. (I try so hard not to care, but I can't not...you know?) Anyhoo, my heart bleeds for the Phantom (especially Gerard Butler's Phantom; I pull for him every time, even if I can't justify it). Long story short: the uncle and I came to an agreement: I'll watch Alvin and he'll give Phantom a shot. (I still think I'm getting the raw end of the deal, but whatev...)

Are you ready for something random? This morning, my client earned some coloring-time, and she chose to color a picture of one Sheer Khan. Suddenly it struck me how dang cool tigers are. And now, the tiger is probably my favorite animal. Because how could you not love the orange fur with black stripes?! That's Sheer Awesomeness!

Coo-uhl!

And HEY! It's the week of Christmas, did you know? How awesome is that?! Also, it's my baby bruddah's golden birthday today (Happy Birfday, Brent!). After I finish posting this, I'm going to finish packing (quickly!), then head back to work. Then I get to meet my good friend Cookie (who I haven't seen in years!) for lunch! Then I'm going down to Zion shortly thereafter to enjoy the heck out of the rest of the week. HERE I COME, FAMILY!