A few weeks ago, I sat down and wrote about 30 blog posts. I planned for each of them to automatically upload because I knew that life would be too busy for me to post everyday. Major fail.

I can’t seem to figure out why WordPress automatically posts once or twice but then says “post failure” for all subsequent posts. I utterly fail at both technology stuff and NaBloPoMo. Oh well. I’m planning on keeping the rest of the posts for days when I’m feeling lazy need to focus my writing attention on things like term papers and correspondance to my local politicians. 

So quick updates in Sara-land. Rent is going well. If you live in the area and haven’t heard that I’m doing costumes for it by now, you live in a cave.

In that case, call me. I can sew you some lovely cave curtains.

The show is phenomenal and the cast is uber talented. Dan and I are going to see it on Saturday, (provided I can find someone to cover for me,) so hit me up if you want to join us!

In other news, we have two foster kitties that we need to find another home for. My highly-allergic-to-cats sister is coming home soon. I want to be sure the room she stays in is free of cat fur. The holiday festivities might be dampened if we’re visiting Amy in the hospital as she recovers from a near fatal allergy attack.

Also, we’re decorating for Christmas on Monday! Don’t tell Dan. It’s a surprise.

I normally pick two colors and everything is themed around those colors. The tree ornaments, the presents, the decorations, EVERYTHING. You have no idea how happy it makes my OCD heart to see a silver and white adorned tree, with silver and white wrapped gifts nestled underneath the branches and silver and white home decor surrounding the entire display. It’s almost enough to not hand out or accept presents until Christmas Day, just so the picture perfect scene remains intact.

Almost, I said. I like getting stuff. Don’t judge.

When Dan first realized my Christmas obsession, he made me promise that we would start with two colors and then buy only one color each year. After a few years, I’d have a wide rainbow of colors to choose from. 2006 was blue and white. 2007 I bought silver. 2008 I got red. And this year I had planned to choose a lovely shade of lilac to go with the brilliant silver. I had everything planned out in my head as far back as July. I was pleased to discover that Michaels and Joanns had read my brain and were offering lilac Christmas decor. It was meant to be.

But then The Layoff happened. Dan told me we could either cut our Christmas gift budget in half or go without a new color this year. I have to admit, I was torn for a full week. Part of me wanted the cheerful feeling of shopping and seeing the beautiful new things as they slowly gathered around our house. In the end, Christmas giving won out. It’s not about the beaded decorations or the scented candles. It’s not about the glittering lights or fluffy pillows. Christmas is Christmas because of the season of sharing, the good will towards man. Our gift budget remains whole and I am recycling red and white this year.

But when you open your gifts from me this year, I’d like you to think about my lovely lilac and silver beaded ornaments. It’s the thought that counts.

I’ve been working on a few fun projects lately that are tapping into my creative side. One of them is the costumes for Rent. The other is Christmas cards. Both of these projects involve a lot of glitter and gemstones.

I ran out of small gems and went to Michaels to pick some more up. As I turned into the aisle, the employee nodded at me. “Back for more gems?” I must have given him a questioning look because he said “you’ve been in here 3 times in the past 5 days and always buy at least one pack of gemstones. You must really like shiny stuff.”

Great. The Michaels guy is making fun of my purchases and knows me as the girl who like shiny stuff. I need a new hobby.

My music tastes are akin to a 15-year-old girl or a 21-year-old gay guy. As Dan has said on numerous occasions, no one has ever accused me of having great taste in music. Whenever we go on a road trip, I pull out my iPod only to be greeted with his sighs.

Husband: “Please no pop music, musical soundtracks or country.”
Me: “But I don’t think I have anything else on here.”
Husband: “Awesome. Let’s listen to the silence of the road.”
Me: “That’s boring.”
Husband: “I’d rather listen to radio static than Britney.”
Me: “Ok. Let’s listen to Daughtry then. Compromise.”

Dan will grudgingly agree and I silently whoop with joy because I know if Britney “happens” to “accidentally” pop up on the playlist, Dan will not object. Well, at least not loud enough for me to acknowledge it before the song is over. Lately, my iPod has been updated with a few new gems from Britney, Miley and Taylor. I also have added multiple songs that became Target commercials and a song by Owl City that I adore.

“Cuz I get a thousand hugs from ten thousand lightning bugs, as they try to teach me how to dance…”

You’re singing along, I know it. Don’t pretend.

Last week, I came home after a late rehearsal. Dan had his back to me as I walked in the room and he was bobbing his head. An ear bud was in, which normally means he’s playing WOW and doesn’t want me to overhear their conversations and make fun of them.

Seriously, it’s like listening to a frat full of computer geeks. So weird.

Just as I’m about to announce my presence, I hear him quietly singing to himself.

“I’m nodding my head like yeah, moving my hips like yeah…”

Thanks, Miley. You managed to accomplish what I could not. He’s a pop music fan.