The Best Day at Work Ever!

Tuesday was my best day of work ever. I might be exaggerating slightly, but it truly was a great day at work. Nike declared yesterday, Tuesday, January 29th, Roger Federer Day.

Roger Federer was with the people nearly all day. He was totally accessible to crazed fans everywhere on campus. My fanagers in crime and I did not miss a single event. (A fanager is a crazed fan who is unable to restrain themselves in the presence of a celebrity.)

Roger (we are on a first name basis now) started his day at the Bo showing off some tennis training moves. We stood and happily watched. Roger and his entourage then went to the cafeteria. He played cashier.

Teri and I grabbed whatever we could. We didn't want to waste time in the food lines. We wanted to get in Roger's line. I proudly walked up to him carrying an orange and a bottle of water. Teri was carrying a bag of Kettle Chips and a thing of milk. I told Roger we were eating healthy and I shook his hand.

The highlight of the day came when my fellow fanager, Yen Ly, competed against Roger in a Wii tennis match. Teri made stickers that said, "Yen Ly Heart Wii." I handed out the stickers to everyone. The MC wore one and small children were asking for them. Yen handed Roger a sticker at the start of their match. He wore the sticker while she took him down!

It was fabulous to be a spectator. They talked trash while playing. Roger was merely feet away. So much fun!

I really needed a day like yesterday. I walked away from work on what felt like a sugar-high.

Just a few comments about Roger:

He never stopped smiling. He truly looked like he had fun every stop he made.

He has incredible hair.

He is incredibly real and is truly a nice guy.

Our Fabulous Trip Back East!

Chrisotpher and I were able to fly back east to visit the Dunn's. You may or may not know the Dunn's. "My Jenny" as I call her is my oldest, dearest friend. Her husband, Brian, is completing his Master's of History and African Studies at Penn. She has two fabulous daughters, Wesleigh (8) and Frances (3). The girl's are the apples of both Christopher and I's eyes. Jen just completed her culinary training at a school in Philadelphia. There is nothing that comes out of her kitchen that isn't amazing. We ate and drank well while we were in Philly. I have posted photos from our trip.

Time for Holiday Cheer with Food

Christopher and I hosted a holiday open house a few weeks ago. Having people over really helped me get excited for the holidays. I spent the day shopping and cooking for the festivities. We had a great time. See the photos to see the aftermath!

I cooked an amazing dinner for Christopher's family today. We are doing Christmas with the Forrester's tonight. Scheduling conflicts, busy lives and people spread too thin forced us to host Christmas a few days early. I didn't want to do the traditional Christmas dinner items because it's not really Christmas.

The Menu:
Meatballs in red sauce
Baked Ziti
Salad
Pies by Christopher's mother

I will post the ziti and meatball recipe at some point this weekend. So yummy!

By the way, so far no holiday breakdown!

Three Inches from My Annual Holiday Breakdown

Those who know me well know Christmas is not my favorite of holiday. It started the Christmas I was 12 and received a spoon rack. First, who gives this to a 12 year-old? Second, who still collects spoons? And, finally, why did I need to get a spoon rack? I wasn't travelling the world at that point and needed a souvenier from everywhere I visited.

From that year on, I would find myself in a fit of tears at some point each holiday season. I am trying not to get there this year. I have found myself close on several occasions in the past two weeks.

I need to remind myself I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have my health, my husband is healthy and my parent's are healthy. I have the best friends anyone could ask for. I have a lovely new sister-in-law.

I have watched two dear friends go through hell this fall while they deal with sick parents. I can't imagine being in their shoes. My temptation to cry over expectations not met or frustrations over work has to be put in prospective. I am trying hard, though it is not easy.

I hope this is the year I break streak of holiday breakdown. I will let you know after the holidays.