Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Some of you are already well into the Christmas festivities whilst here at the HOchieS', it's bed time.  We will update the blog later today for the Christmas loot but for now, Merry Christmas!

We hope it'll be a great day for all.

A Trini Christmas in Food

What Christmas would be complete without some pastelles.

Thanks to Frass this year for bring us pastelles from Brooklyn.  H1 has decided they were little too hot which made them not as enjoyable as they could have been.

Mom and I loved them.  Please bring more soon.  Bwahahaha.

We also thank Frass for being this year's designated caper and olive boy for the batch of pastelles that The HOchieS churned out.

We bought a tortilla press this year to assist in the making of the pastelles and it is now universally acknowledged that H1 is the Master of the Tortilla press.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

The Christmas Monkey is off boozing it up with some ponche-de-creme made fresh by Papa HOchie and vows to return some time this week to dole out New Year's Resolutions to you guys.

In his absence, The HOchieS are taking the opportunity to wish all our frenemies and everyone a very Merry Christmas!

We hope St. Nick's Express delivered all the toys, joy, best wishes and the presents Kyle, the presents...to your homes.

We will post the Presento-Pyo List later today once we open ours.

Momma HOchie is working today and will wait for her to return before busting open the good times.

Lots of love and Merry Ithmus!

The HOchieS.

Adieu, Autumn! Bonjour, Christmas...Monkey...?

It's not officially Winter yet but it is officially 6 days until Christmas and so we are bidding adieu to the happy Scarecrow friend with mute crow.

Warm, sunny days were full of fun.  Rain showers were just a few but welcome all the same.  The sometimes chilly air made us remember the what time of the year it was and the leaves were late to fall off the trees.

Thank you for the wonderful Autumn days.  Thank you for the smiles and thank you, until we meet again!

Today, we say hello to a cheeky Christmas monkey.  He's got a crystal ball full of glitter and happiness but he's got his eye on everyone.

I think we better be really good less we end up with coal.  Or um, Monkey... poopies.

Who knows with these monkeys.

Saturday Disappointment, Part II: Foodie Misadventures and Not on Target

Our trip to the city was not all sheer disappointment after the Mario 3D Land event last Saturday.  NYC and its fantastic self managed to produce a random Holiday Fair somewhere on 9th Avenue or so near 48th St.

It was such a random thing but it was nice to see, as part of my checklist that day was to start getting into the Christmas spirit by going out there and getting some wrapping paper to begin the ever long task of present wrapping and obtaining ornaments for our very pink Christmas tree we want to style this year.

Christmas List

Maybe it's due to the fact that I am home sick today and at the mercy of Momma HOchie's tv viewing habits that include a lot of Fall cooking shows and Christmas adverts at every chance but I am getting a tad excited for the Christmas season.

Perhaps it's the knowing that in a month from today I will be one day closer to some days off and fun times with  frenemies for Thanksgiving.

Or maybe this is just how I am.  I'm always thinking of the presents, Kyle, the presents.

I've also been thinking about the menu for Thanksgiving and what sort of treats to make this year for friends at work.  Any suggestions? I have the cutest little tins in which to house them.

Anyway, this list is not for you to see! It's for me to remember where I am at with shopping for pyos.  Why am I making public then? I am a Contrary Mary.

1. Momma Hochie - a stocking stuffer has been purchased.

2. H1 - Done

3. Luuuiiisssss - Done

4. BooHead - Done

5. A'Face - Done

6. MC - Done

7. Beetchie - Done (and birthday too, bwahaha)

That's 7 people out of 14? 15? 16? Not bad, I guess....

I have to fix up my wish list though I think I might just need amazon gift certificates for Christmas.  All my games are coming out next year.  So sad.

100 Days

It's 100 days until Christmas and I have presents for 4 people.

Some may say I am an over-achiever but I think that's just slacking!

The time of lists fast approaches.

Everyone! Update your Amazon wish lists before Black Friday, mkay?

Thanks.

Merry Christmas to All My Frenemies

Christmas morning is here! I am in my new reindeer very red Christmas Eve pajamas, gifted to me by my Boobey.

I hear he has been awake since before 6 a.m., and I will go over to see him soon.

The cats are sleeping, and Momma HOchie has gone off to work.  We will not be opening presents until she comes home but in the meanwhile, Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope your day is full of all the good stuff - food, family, friends and presents, Kyle.  Presents.

I will be sure to put up the Christmas Pyo List later complete with updates as to the festivities.

Oh yeah, and the Doctor Who Christmas Special is at 9 p.m. tonight.  As if today wasn't awesome already...

Update @ 7:40 p.m.:

The Present List! Thank you to everyone - for well wishes, for love, and for presents.

Almost Here

By this time next week, if all goes according to plan, we would be stuffed up on pastelles, ham and homemade bread.

It's been a really long friggin' month, what with my crazy cough, cold and stomach issues.  Yeesh.  I am really hoping I am 100% in time for Thursday evening.

There have been zero stories to write because well, I've been sick, damn it.  And who wants to come around to see another complaint about how I didn't sleep because the cough jolted me out of sleep and out of bed.

Who wants to read that now?

I am however, finally ready to decorate the blog a little for Christmas.

So here you go!

Say hi to Jack, as he stalks some unsuspecting fools riding a polar bear.

Now go forth everyone and stalk whatever's hiding under your tree while the family's out! But please, try to be discreet and no tearing open presents until the 25th!

Sissons in Every Room? UPDATED

Today, Boobey and I had secret plans and clever tricks.  We wrapped presents for some and had a good time!  Now I need to re-evaluate who on my list I am finished with and who needs presents still.  No peeking!!!!!

Update on 12/11/2010 - yep, last week was a success but there should still be no peeking!!!! X, stop it.

Ruining Christmas

How old was I when I ruined Christmas?

I must have been pretty young when I was gifted that doll.

I crept my way to the presents lying all pretty under the Christmas tree, and tried to unsuccessfully garner a peak inside at this rectangular box that captured my eye.

Back then my secret planning and clever trickery skills were not developed, and fumbled my chance at a clean escape.

I ripped the wrapping paper - a long strip of it actually, right on the front of the box.

"What is it? So what did you get?", a stern familiar voice called.

"I don't know...?" I replied.

"You don't know and the big dolly eye watching you?" was the retort from Momma HO.

I reminded her of this story this past week and she told me that she should have slapped me for opening the present.

"Wait," I said, "you would smack me for opening the present...."
"Yes! You ruined the surprise for Christmas morning!"
"...but you wouldn't smack me for lying?"
"Oh...uh, Yes! For lying!"
"Seriously, Lady! Where are your priorities?!"

Hilarious.

Also! Happy (Yesterday) Birtday, Momma Ho! I wonder if your sons remembered your birthday...hrrm? TD5, Frass, and MC?!?!?!

Sissons in Every Room?

How is it possible that today is already the 22nd day of the 10th month of year?

Christmas will soon be upon us! And I haven't shopped yet! Well...I guess that's not completely true.

It's time for a list which I will hide...just like last year!

He Likes Her Christmas Gift

Well at least it is getting used but is there any wonder why Jazzie hates me and why she insists on beating Pumpkin's ass out of jealousy?

It was as if she got nothing at all for Christmas...

She's going to kill me whilst I sleep one night.

Oh yes, she is.

Merry Christmas and Happy Decemberween, Everyone!!!!!

I hope everyone has a great time this day with lots of prezzies, food and of course, family fun.

Prezzie lists to come but thank you all so much for being the best frenemies we could have.

Edit on 12/25/09 @ 5:51 p.m.:

Thanks to everyone for the goo'd times! I hope you all enjoyed your presents as much as we did (except you, TD5.  What happened there?! We are stunned you did you not like your print... stunned and depressed.  In our mind, we're still convinced you were fascinated on some level by that movie and not disturbed as you pointed out.  Now it looks like you will be disturbed for the rest of your life! Even so, a storm trooper...surrounded by petals...American Beauty style.  It's funny!).

This year, the tree did not spew presents into the living room as it usually does...

Who lives in a pineapple in the Christmas tree?

But it somehow managed spew up lots for B'H.

Curse that kid! I'll never win the present war again!

Although H1 has been owning me the last few years...

Curse you, Luuuuuiiiiisssss.

The Christmas Day Massacre went down like serious buisness today.  I am waiting to get mine but I think a lot of us have it coming...

H1's LIST

1.   From Bughie J. : Breads of all kinds! And brownies! Yummy.

2.   From Sandy Cheeks: Moose Munch!
3.   From Faye: stylesque clips
4.   From Alex: a monogram tote bag.  Ooooo.
5.   From E. and A.: a baked goodies basket.  (I see some cookies in there that I might need to get into soon).
6.   From Luuuuiiiissssss: Hot pads, make-up gift certificate, clothes, Rachel Ray cooking book (let the REAL massacre begin), and a Nook (not Tom.  He's a biatch).
7.   From Boobey Head: a watch
8.   From Momma Ho and Papa Ho: a sweater, and a sweet emerald & diamond ring
9.   From MC & KIMPOSSIBLE: The Pioneer Woman's Cook Book (I'll have to send it away to be autographed), and Modern Art Appreciation Breath Freshner.  Ooo, you guys are in trouuubbbbllleeee.
10. From TD5: The Labyrinth Soundtrack (finally! One of those things I never got for her but always wanted to)
11. From X: An addition to the Christmas Day Massacre in the form of 4 ramekins (X, see the picture? Notice how she's clutching that popcorn stuffing in anger!!!!)
12. From Sons - Mons
13. From Or 2: Le Creuset cookware set with ramekins, casserole dishes, stock pot and 3 1/4 quart pot (sorry I didn't get a bigger pot, H1), J.R.R. Tolkein's The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún,Arctic Monkeys ticket (although she my argue that I forced her to go), and "Lunch Atop the Skyscraper" print by Mike Stimpson.

Added on 01/02/2010:

14. From Aims: Makeup and a pair of silver earrings
15. From Frass: A pair of blingy earrings (and an awesome skate tag with bells)

Or 2's LIST

1.   From Bughie J.: Lots of yummy breads and brownies.  Which everyone ate off! Curse them! The gift of music and space on which to store it.  Ooooo.
2.   From Gen' Frien': My very own awesome Lucky Bag complete with bento box, special winter edition snacks and stationery/pencil sets.  Ooooooo.
3.   From MUSE: Yes, I can always count on them to send me a digital prezzie of a video.  This year they sent a video of "MK Ultra" live from Italy.
4.   From Faye: Stylesque hair clips (for my hair that's always in a mushroom and the hair I'm constantly bitchin' about).
5.   From Sandy Cheeks: Skeleanimals! A Christmas style Skeleanimal, and a set of keychains.  They're so cute! But not as cute as Gen' Frien's Skeles.
6.   From Alex and J.J.: Manga! Wheeee! D. Gray-Man and Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles.
7.   From Luuuuuuiiiissssss: Manga! Wheeee! D. Gray-Man and xxxHolic
8.   From Boobey Head: an Invicta red-faced watch.  I was told it was to show off whatever displaced Trini was in me.  I'm not sure I am agreeable to this.  I also got Christmas Eve Pajamas that are not trying to trip me.
9.   From Momma Ho and Papa Ho: Space.  An awesome chest of drawers that I needed and am excited to set up so I can finally display all my things and clean up.  Oooo, can't wait to organize! And a nice sweater, as well as TWO tins of Royal Dansk Butter Cookies.  Oh yeah.
10. From MC & kIMPOSSIBLE: Hotel Dusk for the DS.  I hope this game doesn't drive me nuts., and bacon bandaids.  Ah, bacon.  Can't go wrong there.
11. From TD5: Monster.  Only the best Anime series, ever!!!!!!
12. From X: Bleach Season 2 dvd.  Oooooo.  Love that damned show.
13. From Sons: Mons
14. From H1: The Beatles Stereo Box Set!! (I did pay for half but it was the one thing I wanted most! Wheeee! Now I can educate myself!)
15. From Me to Me: Scribblenauts for the DS, Persona for the PSP, tickets to MUSE @ WS 2010 and tickets to MUSE @ MSG 2010.  Ugh, yes...already it has started.
16. From The Cheat & Diderick: Royal Dansk Season Tin Butter cookies.  I thought this was a recession!
17. From Gnomey-Gnome: The coolest gift of all- a mini-ornament shaped bottle of Diet Coke.  Greatness.

Awww, here's my little Gnome chittering away to the bottle of Coke. 

He makes friends easily.

Added on 01/02/2010:

18. From Aims: A marzipan piggyh, Rock Band: Unplugged (PSP), Bleach Season 2 Box Set - sadly, Amazon screwed up by giving me a duplicate to X's (har har) and I will have to exchange.  But for what I wonder...hmmmmm...

19. From Frass: Bleach Season 1, and an awesome box of cadburys goodies and a catch.  Saweet!

Currently: Feeling sleepy... and disturbed that we're having these random thunderstorms in winter.  They scare me.  Man, I hate Christmas Day sometimes - it always goes by so quickly.

Fall's Over! Winter's Here!

And is it ever... after a stretch of warm weather, we got blasted with coldness and a snow storm.  There's the freezing rain report for tomorrow Christmas Day, and bad weather for the Midwest but we're hoping everyone has a safe, happy Christmas.

So farewell Fall and farewell Scarecrow.

Bye Harvest Feasting and the crispy leaves.

Until next year...

Now we usher in Christmas with two friends in the tree...sparkling through the night whilst watching over the presents and waiting for Santa to come (Santa exists now, apparently according to B'H).

They will wait, smiling happily, telling snowy tails to each other way into the night and into Christmas morning until the HOchieS awake and celebrate together.

That Time of Year

This Season's first Royal Dansk Danish Butter Cookie.  Mmmmm.

Did I mention I'm addicted to those things? The order of butter cookie greatness -

1. Spirals
2. Pretzel Shapes
3. Sugar Rectangles
4. Sugar Rounds
5. Plain Rounds

Raisins should never be in a butter cookie.  Please remember that if ever anyone of you consider doing me a kindness, and keep those unkind raisin butter cookies in the store.

More Christmas related things this day (and I've been feeling rather un-Christmassy this year thus far) was the wrapping of the presents.  The picture is dark but y ou can guess who was all laid out on my paper as if he owned the place, or alternately, wanted to be wrapped up and put into my stocking.

I can assure him, no one wants a bottle-blonde for Christmas in The HOchie Household.

Treat Box Check List

It's December 1st, which means lists upon lists are upcoming.  I am not certain I am fully prepared for that and oo! that reminds me that I probably only have 7 days to finish Final Fantasy Tactics, huh? Well, THAT'S not going to happen with my poor, but-much-improved skills.  Oh 1998, I remember the slaughter...

The Pyo List is looking pretty good (my monies and I have been parting ways thanks to my obsession with Amazon...yeesh.).

And the Treat Boxes are going to be made soon.  What'll be inside and who's geting one?

Check

I do not know when this happened but blogger updated tools and just because I can, I'm going to use the strikethrough key! Pointless? Probably but it gives me a running list of everthing I should be doing. 

Oo, oo, and I'm also going to use the "read the rest of this entry" feature to.

I'm such a nerd...

Crooked

::Snip::

No matter how hard she tried, never could a straight line be cut.

Presents wrapped appear neat on the outside, but tucked away under folds in the back, the crooked truth revealing crooked lines and jagged pretty paper from an unsteady hand lay hidden until unwrapped.

Such is my life, and such are the stresses of my Christmas tasks every year.

Currently listening to: "Freedom" (Live) by Rage Against The Machine.

Merry Christmas, Beetchie.

She came and she looks cute. Her hair looks very stylin', as do her boots and I'm liking her bass even though I think the colour could have been a little bit better.
She's grainy like Zarnyx but as we've discussed, that's how they're made.