The holidays are a weird time that bring out all kinds of emotions in people. This year marks the first x-mas that I am away from my family. I have missed a couple christmas' here and there, but this is the first one living away from my home in Montreal. Seeing as how I am surrounded by my husband's family here, I thought that I would be too caught up to even notice that everything would be different. But low and behold I miss my crazy family and I miss the not so formal tradition that I shared with them. For us it really was about the time spent together and I find myself missing those feelings.
Here is a list of the things that I miss:
1-My mom, she always tries to do the right thing.
2-The relaxed vibe.
3-The food, so tasty and also good for you.
4-My own presence. I feel as though I have removed myself.

Christmas has come and gone and the recovery has just begun with the acquisition of a nice cold. First one of the season, so not too bad.





















The highlight of my holidays was the elfster gift exchange that I was a part of with the "cousins". My secret santa spoiled me with a pair of the most awesome winter boots
(will I even need them Global Warming?), an awesome cd and a talking Mr. T keychain, "Don't make me mad, grrrr!".
I was very sad though to wake up on x-mas morning to find that Mr. James Brown had died. What will we all do now without The Godfather of Soul? I look forward to hearing nothing but James Brown from everyone for the next little while.

As the new year approaches there is much reflection on what was accomplished this year. Although I don't have very much to be proud for this year (no awards), I do feel as though I have started a new chapter in my life. I still don't feel as though I know what I'm doing, or even what to do next. I am however forever optimistic.

'Sup Blog?


Now that the tree and the house are decorated (whew!), it is time to start brainstorming on Paula & Paolo's latest installment of holiday cards. I will take this opportunity to toot my own horn and say that each year we keep outdoing ourselves.

Example #1: Not bad (the early years)


















Example #2: (funny at the time)













Example #3: (we're so cool)
















Example #4: (by far the best, and tough to beat this year)















Just so you know these cards are not limited to the holiday season. This stroke of genius was made for Paolo's niece's christening. And as you have probably already gathered we are not jewish and I must point out that we aren't religious zealots.















Merry Everything and remember to stay warm!

Paula tha balla.

Hello Blog,


The christmas countdown has begun with the acquisition of the holiday tree and the mounting of the outside lights. There are many minute and uninteresting moments that are all part of the process, however the overall family vibe kinda warmed my insides.
I do have to share one of the minute details; while we were installing the tree in it's base, I was crouching and screwing stuff in, and my pants were kinda long so I was stepping on them and well they were getting pulled down a little. I realized that had I been a plumber, I alas, would definitely have plumber's butt.

The end result however is that the tree is beautiful (picture to come soon), I have to admit that I'm kinda excited to decorate it. I think that a big part of getting exited about christmas is the preparation. This was the first time that I've actually gone shopping for a tree, taken my time to choose the right one and all. So now, I would like to see the job through and decorate it. I'm corny I know.
Anyways, I hope that all of you are planning out the holidays in a fun and relaxing way , feel free to share your gripes or hypes during this particular holiday season.