Reasons To Love The Season

So I was at the gym yesterday (after not going for about 2 weeks) and as you go around the Curves work-out circle, they have little signs on the floor with quotes and health tips - you know, something to read so you don't get bored doing the same work-out day after day.

Anyway, as I worked my way around the circle I noticed a list of "Reasons To Love The Season". There were things like "Because its rude to not take seconds of Mom's apple pie" and "Because you are expected to go shopping". While this is true, the thing that got me was the number one reason to love the season...

"Because when else are you allowed to wear musical jewelry."

That was the number one reason to love Christmas? Really? Who are these people?? I almost took that as my cue to leave and never return, but instead I rolled my eyes and then laughed very hard on the inside as I continued my work-out.

When I started my walk home, I laughed very hard on the outside and couldn't wait to tell people this story. I honestly can't say I've never worn a piece of musical jewelry, but I'm pretty sure the last time I did, I was about 6 years old. And I'm almost positive you're not allowed to wear it again until you're over the age of 70. But I haven't seen that many 70-year olds at my gym.

So I don't know who wrote that list, but I veto their number one reason to love the season! Come on!

I Have What You Might Call A "Problem"

Don't get my wrong. I still bought everyone Christmas gifts and didn't have to leave anyone out to satisfy my own cravings; But I spent so much money on myself this Christmas!

I will be out looking for the perfect gift for someone and realize it's also just what I wanted! Even though I've never necessarily needed it before, I definitely need it now. So let's get two. And maybe one extra in a different color - just in case someone else pops up on the shopping list. While inside, I have every intention to keep it for myself. The next time I go shopping, I tell myself "OK. Only gifts for other people. You don't need anything." And I walk out of Macy's with the same problem. Probably because there was an amazing sale. But there is an amazing sale like once a month!

My husband just laughs at this point - until I start cleaning out my closet. I do that about every 6 months. I love that cleansing process. And he understands when I get rid of the things that are outdated or things that don't fit. But it drives him crazy when I get rid of things I never wear and now realize I never will. That makes him furious. And I completely understand why. It makes no sense and is so wasteful. But I can't stand to hang onto things that I don't like. Gotta make room for the stuff that rocks!

I have thought many times about where my shopping addiction comes from and I think its a variety of things. First, its just the fact that I can shop. Growing up, we never had very much money so I mostly lived on hand-me-downs and thrift store goods. Which isn't bad. I had a lot of great stuff. But I have just grown to love a real store. Secondly, as a teenager and young adult, I was never comfortable with my body and felt that nothing ever fit. So shopping was just a major frustrating challenge. Now that I know my size and what works for my figure, I find things that fit more often than not. And when it fits well, I get all excited and feel like I've got to have it! Thirdly, living and working in L.A. and seeing all sides of the fashion triangle, I like to try and keep up. I have never been one to really care too much about image and what people think, but I do like to leave the house feeling good about myself. It makes a big difference in your day. And you have to admit when you respect yourself and the way you look, other people respect you too.

The excessiveness has also spread to other areas of my life - make-up, music, movies, jewelry. Just overdoing it across the board. Probably because that stuff ALWAYS fits.

So, there ya go. It all makes sense. But that doesn't mean its a good thing. I still need to relax my debit card. I think I've literally almost worn through the plastic! I guess there's always that New Year's Resolution to make...

How The JOB Stole Christmas...

The holiday season has always been a favorite of mine. It all starts with that big Thanksgiving dinner (what is better than a holiday that is centered around EATING?) and ends with a party to ring in the new year. The weather changes and you feel that chill in the air. We obviously don't get snow in L.A. but it's exciting when you can see snow on the mountains and it gets down in the 30's at night. It actually starts to feel like winter. We turn the heater on and I get to wear all those cute jackets and boots I've been storing the whole year.

Well, there is nothing that puts a bigger damper on your holiday spirit than a stressful job, where you are the MOST busy

this time of year. I work in the liquor business and people love to drink during the holidays. The last few months have just been insane. And the last few weeks have just gotten more and more crazy. Working a lot of 15-hour days and not getting enough sleep. I hadn't put out any of my Christmas decorations, sent out any Christmas cards, done very much Christmas shopping (highly unusual!). I began to curse my job and curse the holidays in general. So I was actually counting down the days until the season is over.

But after last weekend, Paul and I retrieved our Christmas stuff from storage and I began setting up the lights and the tree and

my pretty nativity scene. When I was through with the living room, I realized how bad the rest of the house looked in comparison. So my husband humored me and spent his day off helping me clean. Like, REALLY clean. Now the house feels so warm and cozy and happy that you can't help but be in the Christmas spirit.

I still have plenty to do, but at least I'm in the right mindset to have a Merry Christmas. I just gotta remember to slow down every once in awhile and the best way to do that is to park myself on the couch and enjoy my cozy living room.