Goodbye, Old Friend

If you've been a faithful reader, you may know that New Year is not my favorite celebration of the year. While others are psyched to look forward, I find myself sullen and sad at the thought of great times ending. Oh, sure, I should be a glass half full kinda gal, and look forward to all of the great times to be had, but I still get a pang of sorrow at saying goodbye to another 12 months. Well, this year, it'll be even harder to mark the closing of 365 days.

For the past 12 months, I've been able to say hello and goodbye to "my" Doctor as I've walked out my back door into another day. I've loved seeing the cocked eyebrow, my favorite companions, and seeing the greatest stories of Mr. Tennant relived in the 12 month calendar that hangs to the left of my exit. Tomorrow will be the last day I get to do that, so thus officially ends the run of my Doctor. For most of you, it ended over a year ago, when he said goodbye and Matt Smith took over the driver's seat of the TARDIS, but I've had the calendar to cling to. That will soon end.

So if you see me on the street in the next few days, looking even more bummed than usual at the beginning of a new year, that may be the reason (or it could be the fact that I have a lot of baby weight to lose in the first few months of the year...yeah, or it could be that...). So long, Doctor Tennant. The ride's been phenomenal.

Rumination

Another Christmas has come and gone, and I confess that this Christmas did not see the best of me. I am completely ashamed of myself after this Christmas. I took my most favorite day of the year, the most joyous and blessed day of the year at that, and wasted it stressing about things and stuck in a semi-depressive state instead of reveling in the reason for the season and the simple joy that is family. I guess everyone should have one Christmas Carol experience, and this Christmas was mine. Why waste time worrying about things when God's watching and everything will turn out as it should be? Even worrying and stressing about important things, like two wee babes, isn't as important as enjoying the day that God sent us His only Son. Cause, guess what? God's going to provide the babes, too, and make sure I have time to give them what they need.

You never know what could happen tomorrow. You never know who could be with you next Christmas...or who might be without you. I don't say this to be a downer, but I say this to encourage you to spend everyday living and laughing to the fullest. Make your heart burst with joy and thanksgiving everyday. Cause, it really is a wonderful life. No more worrying on Christmas. No more stressing about things on that wonderful day. I may have screwed up yesterday, but I'll be hanged if I let my pety worries and fears and disappointments get in the way of another Christmas.

RayRay's Newest Competition

Everybody's been doin' it since RayRay started it almost 10 years ago, but she might have some real competition now.

Jamie Oliver's newest cookbook, Jamie's 30 Minute Meals, has just broke records in the UK, and is now the nation's fastest selling non-fiction book. Can you blame the folks, though? I'm sure Jamie will have a lot more to offer than 28 different ways to do a fake lasagna or 15 different chili recipes. Don't get me wrong: I love me some Rachael. But seriously, you can only do so many things with ground beef before you want to throw up at the thought of it.

I can't wait to get my greedy lil hands on this new cookbook. I hope others are trying to cook more at home and eat out less. It's a constant struggle, even for me, especially in our society when it's so easy to hop in the car and get food so quickly. Just remember: the extra time you spend in the kitchen will always have so many more benefits for your health, walet, and family time spent together (to name only three).

Keep an eye out for Jamie's book when it hits the states, and for now, don't be ashamed to dabble in some RayRay fine cuisine. ;)

Lost in Stars Hollow

OK! I KNOW! I'm 10 years late! But, I can't help that. The same thing happened with Smallville. I got on the bandwagon too late. The only trouble is, I got on this bandwagon WAY too late...as in the show's been canned for years too late.

My good buddy, Matt Hollabackhollenbeck, always told me I'd love the show. He said my mind would reel at the number of pop culture references, and he's absolutely right. So, what is going on with me? I'm watching at least two episodes a night when doing late night feedings, and I'm totally...well...obsessed may be too strong, but it's close enough just to be right.

The more I watch the more I appreciate the numerous pop culture references, everything from the Brady Bunch to Dobie Gillis to NSYNC. It's a dream come true for me. I make it a game to try to figure out all the references, but even this pop culture princess has trouble from time to time. (Note to self: Must read some Dorothy Parker.) The writing's impeccable: fast, sly, witty, with a pinch of sardonic sarcasm. Love it.

At this point, I still don't like Jesse, though I'm told his just misunderstood (right, Cori?). Sookie's absolutely adorable. Michele is divinely catty, and Luke Danes is THE best. Perhaps my favorite character in any WB/CW teen drama. Although I firmly believe this one goes beyond teen drama, and I will defend its honor to my husband (who is to blame for all of this, since he actually got the entire series for me for my birthday).

A Christmas Present You Don't Have to Wrap

FINALLY! This year for the first time since its regeneration, BBC America will air the Doctor Who Christmas special ON Christmas night. We here at BBB! are tres excited. This news was actually released several days ago, but being with the new babe in the house, we're just getting around to it now. Also, the Christmas season wouldn't be complete without at least one Doctor Who post on BBB! Hope you get a chance to watch! :)

Tis the Season to Be...

JEFF BRIDGES!!!

Wouldn't you want to be the Dude, too, if you had two stellar films arriving in time for the holidays? TRON: Legacy opens this Friday, December 17, and I confess, even with a brand new, bright, cuddly bundle of joy at home, I just a leeeeeeetle bit jealous of those of you who get to view this film in 3-D at your local cineplex. (I, of course, have the better present, but still, I'm being honest with my twinges of jealousy I feel everytime I see a preview.) And, only Jeff Bridges could make me want to see a John Wayne re-make...well, and you add the Coen Brothers, Matty Damon, and Josh Brolin to the mix, and I'm pretty much putty in your hands. These will both be at the top of my Netflix queue when they are available on DVD. Let's be honest, though: I might just go straight to the Amazon shopping cart to purchase TRON: Legacy on Blu-Ray.

Have a Merry Christmas, Jeff Bridges, and I hope everyone enjoys your awesome performances on the big screen for me. CHEERS!

And, Baby Makes FOUR :)

Our newest addition, Kean Malcolm, entered our hearts and lives on December 2, 2010. Just as with the first wee one, this one has caused a delay in blog reports, but what better excuse could there be for a delay than a new bairn? We love him madly already. Now, if I could only figure out what to do with him when I go see TRON: Legacy.