Work Christmas Tree Contest

We had a Christmas tree decorating contest among departments at my place of employment. Our department decided to go with a "Hostess" theme (as in Hostess cupcakes, Twinkies, etc.).


First, we used Hostess Ding Dongs, which we spray-painted and used to make silver "Ding Dong Bells".

Then, we used Hostess Ho Ho's to make "Ho Ho Santas" (complete with eyeballs that had to be hot-glued on to the santas).

We also used Hostess Twinkies to make a "Twinkie, Twinkie, Little Star".

We used the boxes from the snack cakes to make the ornaments.

We even made a Hostess train and a Nativity scene from Rice Krispies Treats (even though Rice Krispies are not a Hostess product, the Nativity scene was still pretty impressive).

Last, but not least, we even rigged up a rented snow machine in one of the cubicles so that it would snow on the tree.

We even went so far as to campaign for votes. We created signs and stickers and distributed them around the office.

Finally, today at our Christmas luncheon, we found out that we had won the tree decorating contest. The prize was just a free departmental lunch, but I think we were just happy that our hard work and creativity were recognized. We pulled together as a team and had a blast working on the tree. I love working with this wonderful, crazy bunch of people!

Snow, Kenny Chesney and Hostess Cakes

Pictured Above: Me and Husband in February 2005 enjoying the snow in Colorado.


Leaving for work in the morning is a very routine thing. I put my coat on. The dogs get their dog treats. I grab my lunch, keys, cell phone, Ipod, day-planner and sunglasses and go out to the garage.

Lately, since it has been chilly, I wait until I get in my car before opening the garage door to minimize the cold air rushing into the garage. This morning was no exception. (I could tell it was cold out when my dogs were shivering after coming in from going potty.)

I got in the car, opened the garage door and glanced in my rear view mirror to see when the door had fully opened. I had one of those moments where I reverted back to my childhood. As the door slowly opened, it revealed giant snowflakes falling from the sky. I actually felt my face light up with glee. Really, I kid you not. I actually felt jubilant. I then thought, "I am 36 years old, why on earth do I still get excited about snowflakes?"

But I do get excited by snowflakes. I admit it. And if I hadn't had to go to work, I would have wanted to stand in my driveway with my tongue out and try to catch the snowflakes and give the neighbors something to talk about.

When I got out of my car in the work parking lot and walked towards the building, I savored the experience. I felt the biting cold wind against my face and sting of cold when a flake hit my cheek. Somehow, I just felt alive. Exhilarated. Awake. I took a moment and just breathed it all in and admired the beauty of first flakes of winter before walking into work. For a few minutes I enjoyed a little peaceful exhilaration, this morning. That can't be a bad thing, right?

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On a separate note, I met a friend ( The Eccentric Blonde) for dinner tonight at the Calypso Cafe in Franklin. It was kind of a funny choice of restaurants with it's island decor, reggae music and tropical island-type dishes, considering it is dark outside, December and it was about 20 degrees out when we went there. We love the food there, so I was thrilled to meet her for dinner.

As we were eating and talking, we noticed someone enter the restaurant. He was wearing a baseball cap and very casual clothes. I looked over and realized immediately that it was Kenny Chesney. We didn't say anything to him and he didn't say anything to us, but I just found it amusing that in the practically empty, island-themed restaurant in December, it just seems kind of stereotypical for him to be having dinner there.

You just never know what sorts of things you are going to witness, when you live in Nashville. Today, I saw the first snowflakes of the season and later I saw Kenny Chesney. I like days like this. Unexpected things happen to you, and they somehow add to the flavor of your life.

And this doesn't even begin to touch on the Christmas tree decorating contest that we have been preparing for at work at the moment. That's a whole other story for another day. But it involves Hostess brand cakes like Ho Ho's, Ding Dong's and Twinkies. Don't worry, you'll hear all about it, but I want to wait until I have photos to go along with my words. Words won't do it justice.

Plus, I had to take a co-worker to the walk-in clinic to get stitches in her finger after she sliced it open with an exacto knife (this was before dinner).

It's been a busy and great day. Right now, I have to get some sleep. I can only hope that tomorrow works out to be as interesting, but maybe with a little less blood.

Happy almost Friday, y'all!

It's Here to Pump Me Up

My work has recently gotten us a Flavia coffee machine. I have to say, I think I am a big fan.

There is something really comforting about knowing that I can walk over to this machine at any time of day and make a shot of espresso or cup of cappuccino or hot chocolate or whatever. It is fast. It is free. It has neat, little packets and makes cool whirring noises. It cleans up after itself. It is instant gratification and instant caffeination all with a really cool digital display.

The big plus side is that I had a shot of espresso at 3:00 and I had no qualms about coming home and doing 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. Normally, I am drowsy just thinking about it.

Is it possible that an afternoon espresso is the work-out secret I have been waiting for all along?