FIFA Fakers

Experienced for the first time the FIFA World Cup of Soccer. Manny is big into soccer, especially since he played it in his younger days.  As for me, have never watched it or been a fan. However, after viewing several 2022 World Cup games, it's clear the players should not be winning matches but instead be awarded Oscars for their acting!

Could not believe the sheer number of "injuries" on the field, be they accidental, intentional, or self-inflicted. These guys were jumping into each opposing player then falling to the ground, holding back tears as they gripped their legs, arms, or faces. They looked pitifully toward the referees with cries of penalty, faces contorted with pain. Replay is shown and it was obvious no physical contact was made. Miracuously, the player is healed, bounces up, dries his tears, and returns to the game.

These injuries were not one-time events. These choreographed scenes were repeated over and over in all the games by all the players. They had their fake injury moves down to a science!  Manny said this behavior is par for the course for soccer games. 

Soccer games still aren't my cup of tea but they are definitely entertaining!

Haul Out the Holly!

Last weekend the Shepard family party, held at Arlene's place, went off without a hitch. Always wonderful to catch up with the siblings and cousins, although there is never enough time to fully fill each other in on our activities. We need to hold a gathering such as this on a quarterly or bi-annual schedule to catch up.

Food was awesome and abundant. I brought taco dip and spinach dip along with cardamom bread and cardamom shortbread. Tons of leftovers along with goodies, which included Arlene's addictive, homemade carmel corn.

As always, we played the white elephant gift game. Wound up with a lighted lantern that fit perfectly with my standing snowman.

Unfortunately, it seems germs were shared too as I wound up with a winter cold the following Monday. Took a few afternoons off from work to nap and am on the upswing now.

Friday the 16th was the annual  company employee party in Tacoma. Sipping mimosas, rode the party bus to the convention center with the Portland office. Abundance of swanky food, open bar, and raffle prizes. When the opening ceremony started, a couple of big wigs ran through the crowd, shooting bills with air guns.  I wound up grabbing $105 so that was exciting and made up for not winning a raffle prize! Cheered sis Erin on when she was selected as a member of an elite group of high performers. Way to go little sis!! Was a fun event but boy was I tired when we were dropped off by the bus upon our return.

Christmas is almost here, which means finishing the shopping for gifts. Have done quite a bit of Amazon purchases this year and need to submit my final, guaranteed delivery before the 25th items. Also took 12/23 to 12/27 off from work so this will give me time to finish shopping then time to recover!

Merry Christmas!!

Nativity and UberEats!

Last weekend went through the boxes of holiday decor and spread some cheer throughout the living room. After being in storage for three years, I was happy to see only a couple of tree ornaments were broken. 

Set up the tree then dug out the Goodwill brand new nativity set, which reminded me of mom's, found a few years ago for $5. Googled the display and found it goes for $249!  The bonus was the set included every character,  even baby Jesus! Sadly one king lost his head but that was an easy fix with E-6000 glue. 

Wrapped the barn in lights, added the animals, angel, kings, shepherd boy, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Just love it! 

The great news this week was I received a surprise $200 gift certificate from one of producers in appreciation of my work. The bad news? It was for UberEats! Ugh. Put my thinking cap on and used the funds for grocery store delivery along with antifreeze from an auto store. 

The hummingbirds have been out in full force once the weather turned cold. One in particular seems to have just discovered the feeder and has staked it out as his own.

Speaking of cold, woke up Wednesday to the sight of snow!  Normally take Sam to work but had to bow out due to all the white powder on the road. Happy to report it melted quickly.

Poor Manny has been sick with a winter cold. The couch has become his second home where he's kept himself entertained by watching the FIFA World Cup. I've been using hand sanitizer and Lysol to ward off the germs. 

*Any resemblance to real life is purely coincidental!