100 hours. . .

until my two weeks of glorious, relaxing, restful, fantastic, fabulous, self-serving vacation begin. But who's counting?

Other totally random thoughts:

And, if you haven't added yourself to the list of Ragged's Worldwide Friends, please do so. (It's really, really buggin' me that they wouldn't let me put an " ' " in my title. So, for all of you grammar fiends out there, I know it's not right. I know it. Leave me alone.)

Here's another little challenge: Post a photo of your favorite Christmas ornament. (Well, it's not that challenging, but it does mean you gotta get the camera out, take a photo, download it, post it and then let me know you posted it so I can see it too. Maybe "challenge" isn't the word. Maybe "hassle" is more like it.)

Cynical wraps better than me. Are they going to take away my license to be a woman?

Have you seen "The Chronicles of Narnia"? Anyone want to join me in reading the CS Lewis classic this winter? (Another "challenge" of sorts.)

Please, please, no more baking. I don't like preparing food that other people have to eat. There's too much pressure. No more cookie exchanges. No more "bring your favorite" dish or appetizer occasions. Just don't invite me or ask me to bring the drinks. Put me out of my misery!

My brother and girlfriend asked to stay with me over the holidays. I had extended the invitation, so it's my fault. We love guests, but these guests are let's say, a little trying. First and foremost, he's a slob, sloppy just to push my buttons: leave nasty dishes in the sink, wet towels in the floor, push your pets off the couch, leave the front door open, wet shoes on the ottoman, wear your favorite sweatshirt to change the oil kinda sloppy. Secondly, he takes over the entire domain and I mean every inch of it either with his stuff or his bad vibes. (He's incredibly bright and that means his verbal barbs sting like heck.) Thirdly, I don't have any food. So, here are my questions: Can I lay down some ground rules? Do I have to have food in the house to fit his picky diet? (PS: Totally love his girlfriend, so no qualms there.) My disfunctional family did not end with my parents, they chose to spawn.

The following brought to you via Cate's site: (I am also honored to apparently have the same temperment as Emily. Found part of it true, but don't tend to be lazy and I wouldn't call me "laid back".)

You Have a Phlegmatic Temperament

Mild mannered and laid back, you take life at a slow pace. You are very consistent - both in emotions and actions. You tend to absorb set backs easily. You are cool and collected. It is difficult to offend you. You can remain composed and unemotional. You are a great friend and lover. You don't demand much of others. While you are quiet, you have a subtle wit that your friends know well. At your worst, you are lazy and unwilling to work at anything. You often get stuck in a rut, without aspirations or dreams. You can get too dependent on others, setting yourself up for abandonment.

What Temperment Are You?