Christmas Came Early!!

Black Friday, I heart you!

Thanks to a crappy economy, getting up before the sun, and lots of research and planning by my brother, FP and I are now the proud owners of a fabulous HP Slimline computer with awesome 19-inch monitor and even a new printer AND 2 GB EXTRA of memory, since the memory cards at Circuit City were over 60 percent off.

I expected Circuit City to be out of control, but when Brian and I got there at 6 a.m., it really wasn't too bad. There was a line to check out, but we walked right to the back where the computers were, found the bundle I wanted, found it for 50 percent off!!, found a sales guy right away, and within 10 minutes I owned the computer.

This is very exciting -- two years in the making. Two years of a computer that took anywhere from two to ten minutes to load one web page. Two years of no music, not really being able to do anything with the pictures we took. It really is pretty freaking awesome. I am sad the economy is so sucky right now, and sad for the retailers who bank on Black Friday to bring them some serious cash, but I am not sad for some of the cheapest prices I have ever seen on electronics.

I also decided it was time, like Kelly Taylor on one of my favorite 90210 episodes, to Take Back The Night.

I have had a plan for a while now to combat FP's snores, but I needed to wait for the perfect moment, i.e., the moment when shit went on sale since we are budget central at our house.

I had heard of the wonders of this product from friends in similar, snore-filled situations I am in, and how this product saves the day. And since I only heard of this product being sold at a store like a Brookstone, I needed to find one that was a.) cheaper and b.) around here because I am pretty sure Brookstone is out of business. Or at least I don't know where one is, so whatever.

Brian convinced me to go with him to Walmart after I had dragged him to Circuit City because he just wanted to see the mayhem there, and I knew that the product would be there. After a time spent searching, we found it:

A White Noise machine. And not just white noise, but ocean, rain, summer night, heartbeat, rain forest, and waterfall. Holy shit, it works! I listened to the soothing sounds of rain last night instead of being consumed by the grating sound of snores!! Granted, I turn it up so loud that it sounds like the levy might break in our room because we are in a torrential downpour, but still!!! It is amazing. No one had to leave the room last night and we both slept really well.

So Christmas came early in our house, thanks to Black Friday, hurray!

The Pepper Prescription

I have always had pretty bad allergies and asthma, since I am pretty much allergic to everything living. Pollen, pine trees, dust, mold, you name it. Also, dairy! So, yay! All that stuff is one of the reasons I always take good care of myself because I can manage it pretty well and don't ever NOT do things or anything like that. And unless you know me, you wouldn't know I have all of these allergies -- it's not like I walk around sneezing all over the place or freaking out about it or anything.

In New York, I knew the allergy season -- Spring. I knew that when Spring came around, it was time for Zyrtec and Flonase and usually a round of antibiotics because the sinus infection would arrive. And it was fine and I got over it.

And then I moved to Florida. The land of eternal allergies.

Now, you don't think Florida will have allergies. It's hot. And humid. But guess what? Everyday, we hear about what is in the air pollen, mold spores, other awesome things. Because in 100 percent humidity, there is a lot of mold. And when it is not 100 percent, it is 0 percent (we are a land of extremes down here) and then it is pollen and dust. And therefore, it is a constant battle of allergies.

I was fine-ish in the beginning, but as I have been here for almost four years now, my sinuses have had it. I hate taking medicine all the time, but after having this six-week long sinus infection that I am getting over now and being on antibiotics and steroids along with Zyrtec and Flonase (and also not being able to drink that whole time? Not worth it.), I have come to the conclusion that unless I want to have a pounding pressure head and face, everyday I will take that stupid allergy medicine. Ugh.

But, I also want to try to do it naturally, which led me on a hunt last night. I did lots of research about supplements to take and I am going to go back to acupuncture, which I had done up in NYC for a while and it really helped. But then I also found this thing about cayenne pepper.

Snorting it.

There were all of these accounts about snorting cayenne pepper and how it clears you up and you will never believe what a miracle cure. I read this out loud to FP and he was all, "Get in here right now and let me watch you do this, because this is going to be hilarious."

He has been congested, too, so we decide that we will both snort the cayenne pepper. Now, I have never been one to put anything up my nose at all, so it was bizarre to be arranging the pepper out on a plate to get ready to sniff. We decided we would just put it on our pinkies and inhale.

Holy shit.

It burns.

We did it, and immediately, your whole sinuses are on fire and your eyes start to tear like crazy. FP started sneezing right away, but then the most amazing thing happened. It was like the sinus floodgate opened up and everything just pour right out.

And you feel amazing. Not right away or anything, it takes a few minutes to have that fire nose go away and all, but this shit works!! My pressure head went right away and I was breathing better than I have in weeks. FP agreed, although he was so not into the burning sensation of it all.

In summary, try the pepper!! It is amazing! I still feel free and clear this morning! And if you have any home remedies for this stuff, please tell me!

What, What?!

Last night, around 11:20 a.m. I was sitting on the couch watching the news before going to bed. FP had already gone there about an hour and a half ago, since he unfortunately has to work all week. The door to the bedroom suddenly flings open and FP is standing there, his hair and eyes wild.

Me: What are you doing?
FP: WHAT?! WHAT?! What time is it??????
Me: It's about 11:30. Are you sleep walking?
FP: WHAT?! WHAT? stomps to the garage door and flings it open. He turns on the garage light and slams the door behind him.
Me: run out to garage, because I don't want him to open up the garage door and wander away. Hey, you're asleep. You need to get out of the garage and go back to bed.
FP: WHAT? WHAT!!! WHAT!??????
Me: OK, come back to bed. I rub his back and lead him out of the garage and back into the bedroom.
FP: WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT!!!!!!!! he strides past the bed and into the bathroom and closes the door. I figure he is at least safe in there, so I close the bedroom door and go back to the couch.
What?

The Plan

The time is finally, finally here.

The time in which we will purchase a New Computer.

I have had my Compaq for the past five years. Five years! I mean, that is so old in computer years, it is as if the computer is an ancient relic. I have been wanting a new computer for the past two years -- ever since the screen started to turn yellow. We did get my brother's hand-me-down fabulous HD computer screen, so now it is lovely and nice, but the actual computer? I am not even joking when I say it takes between 5-10 minutes to load a page on the screen.

It is a test in patience.

We use the computer for email, Facebook, managing money, and blogging. We used to use it to play music on iTunes, burn CDs, watch t.v. shows we missed, and do things with pictures we took, but all of those functions have not worked in quite some time. I want a computer that is inexpensive, easy to use, and well, works. FP wants one that would probably cost $5,000 and would also cook meals for us. So, we have to compromise a bit.

I enlisted the help of my brother, since he is pretty savvy about all of this stuff -- let's get the best for the least amount. I went over to his place yesterday to do some research (i.e., he would do the research and just tell me which one to get, because I really don't care), because I need to prepare.

For Black Friday.

Oh yes, that is when I am buying the new computer.

At Circuit City. When the doors open. After we stand in line for a few hours so we can get in FIRST.

I have only gone shopping once on Black Friday, a few years ago, when I needed a new phone and wanted the (at the time) brand new Razor phone. And I didn't even go at 5 a.m., but I got an amazing deal. So this time, I figure that I will be there super early, with all of those insane people you see running through the doors on the news that night and think, "What assholes! How dumb!" But this year, I will be pushing and shoving right along with them.

I mean, the thought of getting the new computer for something like $100 or $200 just for waiting in line and getting up early? This cheapskate is all about it. Also, i think it will be funny. Or, really, really annoying. It's a toss-up. And since FP has to work that day, Brian (my brother), will be coming along with me.

Wish us luck!

In Which I Write About Twilight AGAIN.

So Friday night, my two friends and I went and saw Twilight.

Oh my god.

What is it about this movie that has every single woman (myself included) and girl just swooning and lusting over a teenage vampire that also plays a teenage wizard in the Harry Potter movies?

I mean, he is just SO HOT.

The movie was totally sold out, and it was packed with people and genders of all ages, but when Edward stepped onto the screen, I am not kidding, every female in the room sighed. When he was telling Bella that she was, "like his own personal heroin," I could hear every heart skipping beats. When he kissed her, you could just see the hearts jumping in the air.

I don't know what it is about this story and series, or about this movie, but this author has hit on something all the ladies love. We love the bad boy who really has a heart of gold who we can save and also that needs us more than anything else. I mean, that is an irresistible package right there. One I have fallen for my whole life, and luckily my FP is just like an Edward, so phew. Of course, FP does not drink blood, but you know what I mean.

I even had to go buy the freaking soundtrack yesterday so I could revel in teenager emotions even longer, and my friend Tara and I have plans to see it again on Tuesday afternoon (since I am off all week for the holiday -- wooooooooo!) just to continue to love up on the story.

I cannot wait!!

Holly Jolly

I love the holidays.

In particular, I love the beginning of the holiday season -- filled with anticipation about everything ahead. The fun parties, the delicious food, the time off from work, and the general craziness of it all.

This season will be very different for me, however, and I am most excited about that.

For the first time since I was 18, I will wake up in my own house on Christmas morning. It won't be a relatives house, and I won't be far from my year-round home. I cannot wait.

My fam is now down here in Jax from NY for half the year, so they will be here, but they are in driving distance (another first since I was 18). We can't see FP's fam until after the holidays because of his work schedule, but I am so looking forward to waking up in my very own bed, and opening our stockings in front of our very own Christmas tree.

I am a little bummed we won't make the annual pilgrimage back up to NYC, but in some ways, it is ok. I love seeing everyone and I miss them dearly, but it is insane when we visit -- trying to see a lifetime of friends in one week is overwhelming. This holiday season, we'll be chilled out at home, and being thankful for everything we have. I cannot wait.

I'm also looking forward because I finally, finally feel like myself. I think I have to admit that I have been depressed since about June -- just this feeling of exhaustion that would not go away. Because of that, I have been sick on and off that whole time, this last round of sick taking me out for about a month. Lots can contribute to all that, but the main point is that I woke up one day last week and finally felt like me after so long of feeling like something had taken over my body. So, indeed, I am feeling very festive and very ready to ring in a new year!

Just Saying....

If Obama doesn't win. I think I probably will have lost my faith in this country.

And then we will move far, far away.

Ghosts and Other

First, happy birthday to my mom! It's my mom's birthday today, so happy birthday! Also, I hope my dad feels better soon, because he hasn't been doing so well lately. BUT, they are slated to drive down next weekend to be in Florida until April or May -- wooo! My fam will officially become "snowbirds." Tee. I have to say, though, my parents are really young and look really young, and I think of snowbirds as really old, so maybe they are "snowchicks." No, "snowbabies?" I don't know.

Despite all of the "upgrades" we've been forced to make on our house, I really love it. I can't believe we have been in it for eight months already. It is just awesome to have a home and love it and come to it at the end of the day.

I was really excited to come home to our house last night and, for the first time ever in my entire life, give out candy because we would actually have trick-or-treaters. Growing up on 15 acres of land, surrounded by other houses with the same amount of land, with driveways that were very long and set back in the woods, did not really lend itself to ever, ever having trick-or-treaters. Then, living in NYC, in walk-up apartment buildings, not knowing neighbors, also didn't lend itself to trick-or-treaters. Even when I moved down to Florida, we lived in apartments for the first three years, and not one ghostie or goblin knocked on the door.

But now? Now we live in a neighborhood. With kids. And we had heard that our neighborhood is a prime trick-or-treat venue. And I was excited. This year there would be no parties or bars or anything like that because we were going to sit in front of the house and hand out candy (and if you didn't think I was a dork before, that probably cemented it for you)!

I raced home from yoga so I could be ready. FP called me on the way home to tell me that he had spent $20 on candy (along with my brother also spending the same amount, so we had about 15 or so bags), and we had already had a ton of trick-or-treaters. FP also said that he felt like a creepy guy, dressed like a pirate, handing out candy to kids by himself. Especially because he had been sitting in the garage smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer. I agreed that was creepy and weird. However, everyone in our neighborhood was sitting in their garages doing the same thing, so it really wasn't that bad.

When I got home, I jumped in the shower quickly, only to have FP rip open the curtain to scare me with a pretend bloody knife and scary pirate mask (he loves pirates). That was to get me in the Halloween mood. Or something. He also had gotten me devil horns to wear. So, we got geared up and headed to the garage with our wine and candy. Brian (my brother) came over and we hunkered down to wait.

It was awesome!! Tons and tons of kids -- a LOT of teenagers -- came by and we went through almost all of the candy! Also? The teenagers were so nice, all saying "thank you ma'am" and being so sweet. In fact, they had better manners than some of the little kids with their parents. It was just really fun and cute -- we were out their for a good two hours handing out candy.

And my neighbors? The ones that were on the floor? R walked by wearing a stripper outfit and very high heels, being chased by his girlfriend -- they seemed to be in a fight or something, and we have no idea where they were walking back from. It was interesting.

We decided next year that we need to make our garage into a cave, have a party, and FP wants to hand out cold beers to the adults for their treats. I predict we are going to become That House with the spooky music playing, and things that jump out, and all sorts of decorations. I love it!