Yesterday was the 25th of November, which can only mean one thing! A MONTH UNTIL CHRISTMAS!
Usually I am a bit more prepared but I completely forgot it was so close. Thankfully I did my Christmas shopping for the family in June, I've just got to get a few minor Secret Santa gifts, the Christmas decor and the food of course. Today there was a special parade in our local shopping center to mark the arrival of Santa. There was a 3 peice martching band, bugs bunny, daffy duck, Frosty, Mrs Claus, Elves and Mr Claus himself. Because I was working I asked my lovely husband to bring the children down to see. I was very pleased with him as he doesn't always get 'into' the Christmas thing, and he seemd to genuinly enjoy himself. (hooray!)
So now my thoughts turn to early christmas preperations. I have a good friend who has made 3 Advent Calendars!!!! I haven't even made one yet! I plan on correcting this before the 1st of December. EEK! Not many days left!!!!
http://sonicempress.blogspot.com/2011/11/advent-calendar-number-3.html?m=1 (If you want to peek at her latest one!)
And Ideas to go in these little boxes? I went on a mini shopping spree at the $2 shop across from work. I picked up some really cute goodies! Stamps, cards, pens, patty cake liners, cookie cutters. I'm going to also write little notes in some cluing them into something unable to fit into the boxes like. "Today we put up the Tree!", "Check under your pillows!" (Christmas Pyjamas), "Daddy will put up the lights today", "Lets make some cookies", "Tonight we'll go to a Christmas Play", "Tonight we'll drive around to see the Christmas lights". Etc, etc, etc....
That's why I need to get this calendar done ASAP. I can do it!

I hope your Christmas preparations are coming along! Most fun and enjoyable time of the year, but only if you work for it!

Nya! =(^_^)= いってらしゃい！

This little Neko Mama turned one year older! Hooray! I was quite lucky to have a 3 day celebration. Due to work commitments we couldn't go out the night of my birthday, so I rounded up my friends to celebrate on Wednesday instead (Mr Neko's weekend is Thursday and Friday). We went out to town and I did things I haven't done in years! Like visit bars, drink cocktails, dance, sing karaoke and stay up past midnight! (I was very shocked to realise I had made it past 9pm let alone midnight!) Made me feel a lot younger and it was nice to shake off the responsibility hat for a night. We even had the children staying at grandma and grandad's house on 'holiday' so the next morning we got to sleep in and go out for breakfast. Just the two of us, lying in bed at 10am and not having little ones jumping up and down on us. It was peaceful! (Albeit the slight hangover I may or may not have had....)
So I had a leisurely morning, before heading to work on Thursday evening. Friday was my actual birthday and I was showered with hugs and kisses. We went out to the local shopping center and had a brunch with the family. And we picked up my birthday gift! An iPad 2! ^__^ I'm so very excited and very happy about it!
Another amazing feat this week has been the sale of my wedding dress! I wasn't overly sure if I did want to sell it so I put an add in the local gumtree just to see what offers we're out there. I guess I just met the right lady and it felt right to sell it to her. I am sure she will be beautiful in the gown and it will hopefully give her lots of luck and blessings. And, to top it all off, all the money I made from my gown is to go towards me. New wardrobe, laser treatments, anything I need to help rebuild myself. (for new readers I've recently had reconstructive surgery and as a bonus had a tummy tuck and breast reduction)

So here is to another year full of happiness, fun, love, cooking and self awareness!

xxx