'Twas The Weekend Before Christmas

'Twas the weekend before Christmas and I got sick. It figures. I have no more available sick days left at work so this one went un-paid. Nice, huh? My body couldn't wait a week? Nope. Normally I would go in late and suffer through it, but I had NO voice, a pounding sinus headache, and my throat felt like it was on fire. I was really upset because Friday night I was supposed to hangout with Shannon for her birthday. So Friday I stayed home from work and got a lot of rest, drank gallons of hot liquids and saved my voice. Fortunately, I did make it out with Shannon and we had a blast as always. I wish I could have been more fun, but I was still not feeling good. We saw a play in Dallas at the Contemporary Theater of Dallas called the Santaland Diaries, a David Saderis comedy. It was a one man act and it was hilarious! We had quiet a time finding the place, but isn't getting there half the fun? Afterwards, we went to Nobu for dinner. We did eat there before the Britney Spears concert last March, but we were in such a rush we didn't get to really enjoy it. This time was much better, we took almost 2 hours to enjoy it! We exchanged Christmas presents and I gave her birthday present too. We both tend to gravitate towards themed gifts, which is great in my book! For Christmas I got her a large "S" monogrammed mug, Cachaça,(Brazilian Rum), and "S" monogrammed deck of cards. Shannon loves rum and playing poker. For her birthday I got her tuberose scented candle and a matching bracelet and necklace. This would be the girly, feel pretty theme. Shannon got me for Christmas the Julia Child Mastering the Art of French Cooking cookbook and a kitschy apron and towel that match the book cover. It's all super cute!

Shannon and I decided we will get together once a month or so to cook a recipe out of the book together. I am looking forward to it! I can see it now, lots of wine and burned food with a side of laughs!

Last weekend Fabian and Michelle were in town and we had a blast going to several parties and dinners. We went nonstop! This was my first time to meet Fabian's wife Michelle and she was so sweet and I had so much fun with her. She brought me some spa oil from Brazil called Natura Ekos and it smells amazing. I can see me placing an order with her to bring me some more back on her next trip home to Brazil.

And so the whirlwhind week begins tomorrow with dinner at my Mom and Dad's with my Dad's side of the family. I hope I am feeling even better by then. I made another batch of Italian Christmas Cookies as my contribution to tomorrow's dinner.