Xmas Decorations

I don't usually get too excited about Xmas. I don't usually decorate too much. But this year, I can't wait to put up my tree and get lights on the front porch. I know, Thanksgiving has yet to pass. And James' words of wisdom that we need to celebrate one holiday at a time have made me refrain from putting up the tree (which is new and pre-lit and I can't wait to see it).

While James was at work today I cheated a little bit and put up lights on our front porch. I couldn't help myself. While I was at Wal-Mart earlier today I saw a light up raccoon and it spoke to me. Not literally, of course. But I couldn't say no to the weirdness of a light up raccoon wearing a Santa hat. I didn't have a choice really. I had to put it up today.

So this is my weird raccoon:

With the flash on, you can see my weird metal french bulldog that is always on the front porch regardless of season:

I think I'm going to get the metal frenchie a Santa hat to wear. Just to add to the weirdness that is my front porch. The day after Thanksgiving, my Xmas tree is going up. #sorrynotsorry  

Military Ball

My unit had it's annual Military Ball yesterday evening. Yes, that made the Ball on a Thursday. Attendance at the Ball earned you a day off the next day. But I don't work for the unit-- I am borrowed military manpower (BMM) and they still had daily operations to conduct on Friday. No biggie. I asked for a late start (0900) so I could try to sleep off the copious amount of booze I knew I would consume at the Ball.

And I did not disappoint. 

I am glad that we took our photo before I got completely hammered. But I wish someone would have told me I looks 105 years old with my shawl on. I would have removed it for the photo. Since no one informed me, I absolutely hate the photo and I won't make the Internet look at it. 

Look at this instead!

Completely hammered I did get though. I made it through the receiving line to greet my Battalion Commander and Battalion Command Sergeant Major sober enough. The grog ceremony was memorable. But after I drank the grog, it was all down hill. I sort of recall dinner. James had ham on his plate and the mashed potatoes were off the hook. That's really all I can say about dinner. 

Me and my battle, Tracy

We had to leave before 2130 (9:30 pm). I told James it was time to go because it was time to vomit and I did not want to vomit at the event venue in a $200 dress. I would much prefer to vomit in the privacy of my own home in Nike shorts and a hoodie. Which is exactly what I did. Oh there was so much vomiting, 

And so much working the next day. 0900 was not late enough. I was pretty much worthless at work today. The Ball was fun though (from my booze hazed recollection). 

Fall Doggie Photo Shoot

I got out the good camera today and tried to take pictures of the frenchies. Picasso is more cooperative all around when it comes to things like this. He doesn't mind wearing ridiculous sweaters, and he has no problem standing somewhere and looking thoughtfully off into the distance. Gertie, on the other hand, was embarrassed to wear her sweater and just wanted to eat grass. 

Out of the 85 pictures I took, here are a few winners:

Maybe we will try again at Christmas....