The Kat House » holidays

A Christmas Miracle

Tish — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:15:43 +0000

My phone rang just before 4 AM on Monday. As I stumbled to get to it, I knew the news couldn’t be good. As it turned out, my brother Jake’s house was on fire. I rushed over, expecting to find a small fire that had been extinguished, with little damage to the house. Instead, I found the entire road blocked and fire trucks everywhere! I told a cop I was a family member, and he allowed me to go through. It was dark, only 12 degrees, and water used to extinguish the flames had frozen all over the road. I was quickly taken to the fire chief’s truck to keep warm. Jake and my mom were inside, and Jake’s wife and kids were with my dad in his truck.

We don’t have many details as to what actually happened. The fire broke out in the laundry room, with an old wall unit heater suspected as the culprit. The house had central heat and air, and the wall unit had not been used in years, so there must have been a wiring problem. The fire quickly spread through the house, and my brother woke just in time to get the family out safely. Unfortunately, the family cat, Tinkerbell, perished in the fire. A pet goldfish also didn’t make it.

Jake believes that an angel, or perhaps a spirit, is the reason he and his family are alive today. Apparently a woman came to him in his dream and warned him of the impending danger. You can read the news story here. It’s certainly comforting to think that we have guardian angels looking after us, but I can’t honestly say why my brother woke when he did. But we certainly thank God that everyone is safe. The fire inspector said that if it had taken even a minute or two longer for my brother to wake up, it is likely that the family would not have made it out of the house.

It was hours after the fire was extinguished before we were allowed to walk through the house. It was absolutely heartbreaking. With the exception of a few items stored in the garage and the sun room, it was almost a complete loss. Even the kids’ Christmas gifts had burned up.

It really is true that every cloud has a silver lining. This tragedy has allowed the family to find the true meaning of Christmas. They are alive and well – and completely overwhelmed by the generosity of the community. Friends, neighbors, and complete strangers have stepped forward, donating gift cards, cash, clothing, and toys. The entire family would like to extend their thanks to everyone who has thought of them during this difficult time.

Here’s a recent photo of my nephews, Carter and Aiden. I just saw them this morning at my parents’ house. They were having a great time, eating cookies and playing with their many donated toys. Their parents are currently getting settled into temporary housing. They should find out more about the status of their homeowner’s insurance claim in the coming days. Please keep them in your thoughts.

Barry’s Halloween Costume

Tish — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:45:38 +0000

A while back, my friend Barry commented that he hadn’t dressed up for Halloween since he was in college. I promised to compose a list of the top 10 costumes he should consider this year. But as I sat down to work on the list, I came to a startling conclusion. I’ve known Barry for 14 years now, and I’ve seen him in costume lots of times! In fact, Halloween may just be the only day during the year that he doesn’t masquerade as someone or something else!

He has been a rock star and an insomniac. He has toured the country as part of a pop sensation. He has been an Olympic swimmer. And we certainly can’t forget the time he wore his birthday suit, which promptly landed him in the dog house.

I could go on and on, but you get the point. This man is the master of disguise! So Barry, I regret to inform you that I will not be posting a list of 10 costumes for you to consider wearing tonight, because there is only one that comes to mind. I think you should be…

Barry.

Now there’s an idea!

A Memorable Halloween

Tish — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:52:44 +0000

As my favorite holiday quickly approaches, I can’t help but reminisce of Halloweens gone by. One particular Halloween stands out among all the others. It was 2001, and I had been invited to a coworker’s party. She had a huge spread of land in the country, and the decorations were amazing. There was a graveyard, and a tent complete with a fortune teller. There was a cooler the size of a small house, and it was overflowing with every kind of alcohol imaginable. There were dozens of people both inside and outside the house. I knew only a few of them, but had a fabulous time making new friends.

I was dressed as a flapper that night. I had entirely too much to drink, and though I was having a blast most of the night, there was one seriously embarrassing moment. There was a bathroom with two doors. One opened into the house, and the other into the garage. My friend Deborah had warned everyone that whenever using that bathroom, they should lock both doors. After a few beers, however, my bladder was in dire need of release, and my brain wasn’t functioning on all cylinders. I went to the bathroom, sat on the toilet, and just as the urine started to flow, a long line of people paraded through through the bathroom right in front of me!

I now die of embarrassment just remembering it, but at the time, I’m pretty sure I just laughed it off and said hello to everyone! Oddly enough, no one seemed to pay any mind to the fact that I was sitting on the can.

My Halloweens are now much more tame. I load up on candy for the kids who never seem to show up at my house, I make dinner, and I sit down to an evening of horror movies. My house is always heavily decorated for the occasion. Sometimes I dress up, sometimes not.

I don’t yet have a costume for this year, but I’ve been browsing the selection at Moon Costumes. They have over 10,000 costumes and accessories, so there’s guaranteed to be something to please even the most choosy customer. There are deeply discounted Halloween costumes for adults, children, and even pets. Moon Costumes is a family owned business that takes pride in its prompt shipping and excellent customer service. During most of the year, orders ship on the same or next day, but during peak seasons such as Halloween, it may take slightly longer. Shipping is free for all orders over $100.

The Moon Costumes website is extremely user friendly with a handy dandy search feature that lets you narrow down the thousands of available items so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. There are sizing charts, shopping tips, and even a costume blog. Signing up on their email list will give you access to special discounts and promotions offered throughout the year. If you have a website and would like to promote their business, you can even sign up for the affiliate program.

If you’re still looking for your perfect costume, be sure to check out the selection at Moon Costumes. You’re sure to find something that will make you the envy of every other party goer.

This post has been sponsored by the fine folks at Moon Costumes.

Molly and Cruella Will Love These Costumes!

Tish — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:42:16 +0000

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. I have such a blast putting out the decorations – tablecloths, candles, bowls of candy, and even a spooky door wreath! I never have any trick-or-treaters, but the night is still a great one. I make chili dogs, watch scary movies, relax on the couch, and make goody bags for my friends and the kids next door.

I stumbled across the perfect Halloween costumes for Molly and Cruella today. Loving Rescue Me as much as I do, how could I resist these adorable outfits?

In addition to these and dozens of other pet costumes, BuyCostumes.com offers hundreds of infant, child, and adult costumes. They also carry makeup, accessories, and party supplies. Prices are very reasonable. The dog costumes I have picked out are only $12.99 and $18.99!

BuyCostumes.com is committed to providing the best costumes at the best prices on the web. In fact, If you can find your costume for a lower cost, they will refund you 110% of the difference. Most orders placed by 4 PM CDT are shipped the same day. Halloween is still more than four months away, but it’s never too early to start looking for that perfect costume.

Liza’s My Valentine!

Tish — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:05:06 +0000

I thought I’d be without a Valentine this year, but Liza of Vanilla Soup made sure that didn’t happen. A few weeks ago, she asked if I’d be her Valentine. Just how could I say no to such a gorgeous and charming woman? Anyway, my morning got off to a great start when I found a Valentine’s Day card waiting for me on Liza’s blog! It even came with a warning for my potential suitors!

Thank you, Liza! Happy Valentine’s Day! You’re the best Valentine ever!

I wish all of my readers a wonderful Valentine’s Day – whether you have a special someone or not. It’s still a great day to be alive! I wish you a day of all things lovey!

Be My Valentine!

Tish — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:16:25 +0000

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I’ve been reminiscing about Valentine’s Days gone by – particularly as a child in the 70s. Valentine’s Day was a big event back then. We picked out those really cool little cards and spent an entire evening addressing them to our classmates. And though there were some exceptions, most of the kids had been taught to recognize everyone in the classroom – not just their best friends. We each went home with a bag full of cards and candy and a heart full of love.

Somewhere along the way, things changed. We grew older, and Valentine’s Day was no longer about sending cheerful messages to our friends and acquaintances. It was about spending time and money on our significant others. And for those without significant others, it was just another day on the calendar.

2008 marks my 9th year of being divorced, and for most of those years, I’ve been without a significant other. But Valentine’s Day has never been just another day on the calendar. Each year, I send cards to my family, friends, and acquaintances, giving special consideration to those without love interests.

To me, Valentine’s Day is about showing friendship, love, compassion, and appreciation for all those who have made a difference in my life. It allows me to feel like a child again, while giving others a little unexpected smile that day.

This Valentine’s Day, I challenge you to be a child again. DoodlebugDezigns.com can help you with custom Valentine photo cards. And if you have the need for wedding or birth announcements, they can help you with those too.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

2007, According to my Blog

Tish — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 21:59:40 +0000

In honor of the rapidly approaching new year, I decided to participate in this meme that Osbasso recently posted.

What was the first line from your first post each month in 2007?

January - “I had such a difficult time getting out of bed this morning.” (First day back to the real world after spending the holidays with my boyfriend of the time)

February – “Tish: Brico, it bothers me when we’re having a serious conversation and you end it abruptly to go to bed.” (Excerpt from a conversation with the boyfriend)

March – “I got some bad news during Cruella’s ultrasound today.” (Vet discovered large mass in Cruella’s abdomen, originally thought to be on the spleen)

April – “One of my biggest passions is music. ” (A post about my love of country music and some of the memories it brings back for me)

May – “I closed on my new home yesterday!” (Preparing to move into my new house)

June – “I just got my eyelash perm last night!” (Details and photograph of my eyelash perm)

July – “It has been quite an eventful weekend.” (Post about my birthday weekend, which included two plays and a baseball game)

August – “Big Orange Michael has been participating in the August Happiness Challenge for several years now.” (I joined Michael again this year by posting a happy thought on each day of August.)

September – “The winner of our August BlogsWeLuv contest is Loretta of Just Not Martha.” (A little shameless promotion of one of my other sites)

October - “My friend Elliot and I spent the day at Dollywood yesterday.” (The first and only time this year that my season pass got any use)

November – “All the cool kids are doing it, so I’ve decided to start my own meme too.” (A meme designed to let your readers learn all about you through the words of those who know you best)

December – “Even though I spend several hours per day on my blogs, I am so far behind on memes.” (A meme that details the evolution of my blog)

If you’re interested in participating, please do. And let me know so I can check out your post! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Tish — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 02:26:21 +0000

I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas! May you be surrounded by family and friends and have lots of love in your heart!

Thank you for being such a big part of my life. I love each and every one of you!

A Christmas Meme

Tish — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:15:59 +0000

Thanks to Jack and Barry for tagging me for this Christmas Meme!

1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share Christmas facts about yourself.
3. Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of “Getting to Know Your Friends.”

1. Wrapping or gift bags?
It depends on just what I’m wrapping. I use wrapping paper for easy to wrap items. Otherwise, I use gift bags.

2. Real or artificial tree?
Artificial.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Call me Scrooge, but I don’t put up a tree. I used to put one up when I was married so many years ago, but since my divorce, I haven’t bothered. No one would see it but me and the dogs, so it’s a bigger hassle than anything else.

4. When do you take the tree down?
The great part about not putting up a tree is that I don’t have to take it down.

5. Do you like egg nog?
No. I haven’t even tasted it in years.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I honestly remember very few of my childhood gifts, but I was really into reading, so it was probably a book.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
No.

8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Getting dumped. Seems that guys always do that right before the holidays…

9. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I love sending real Christmas cards. In fact, I send cards for nearly every holiday – even St. Patty’s Day and Halloween! I’ve always enjoyed the dying art of handwriting, so I do my part to keep it alive.

10. Favorite Christmas Movie?
“Miracle on 34th Street”

11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Sometime after Black Friday has passed.

12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Ham. Mmmm…

13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Colored

14. Favorite Christmas song(s)?
“The Little Drummer Boy.” That song has always been able to move me to tears. Time to break out the Mannheim Steamroller CDs!

15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
I prefer to stay home. Nothing beats lounging around the house in jammies, eating yummy Christmas food, and listening to music.

16. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Yep. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph.

17. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Star.

18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
Christmas morning.

19. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
The crowds at the mall.

20. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color?
See question #3.

21. What do you leave for Santa?
Nothing – and he returns the favor.

22. Least favorite holiday song?
“Jingle Bells”

23. Favorite ornament?
The dog bone ornaments with Molly and Cruella’s names on them.

24. Family tradition?
My family isn’t very traditional.

25. Ever been to Midnight Mass or late-night Christmas Eve services?
No.

I tag Tommy, Mike, Groanin’ Jock, Graham, Mr. Fabulous, Max, and Choc Mint Girl.

Thanksgiving with the Rejects

chattiekat — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 20:58:47 +0000

About six months ago, my parents announced that they no longer wanted to celebrate the holidays with family. They told us to make other plans, as they would be doing their own thing for future holidays. Don’t worry; it’s fine with me. My parents live 10 minutes away, and I see them only a few times each year anyway. It will be even less now.

I have a sister who lives in Nashville with her family, and a brother who lives in Rutledge with his. They had holiday plans of their own. My other brother, Jake, lives with his wife and two children only five minutes from me. We decided to have Thanksgiving dinner at his house.

Jake and his wife cooked the turkey and tons of other food. I made a ham, rolls, and pumpkin pie. Several of Jake and Rebekah’s friends came as well. We had a total of 12 people, and a great time was had by all.

At one point during the evening, someone asked one of the guys there, “Is your mom doing anything for Thanksgiving?” to which he replied, “Yes, but she didn’t invite me.” In any “normal” family, that would be followed by exclamations of shock, but not in mine. Someone else said, “Yeah, my family didn’t invite me either.” And then Jake pointed out that we were in the same situation. As sad as it may be, we all started laughing when someone in the party called us a “bunch of rejects”.

Rejects we may be, but it was nice to be in the company of all these people, each of varying circumstances but with one major thing in common – friends who assumed the role of family. And for that, I’m thankful.