Just Call Me An Avon Elf

Last night I found myself waiting in a church parking lot for a stranger to pick up their Avon.

Here I am, sitting in the family van, waiting in the dark, until a large man approached my window. If a police man was there to witness us exchange envelope and bag, you would think it was a drug sale. No, just some Skin So Soft and lipstick. My customer was in a class at the church, and her husband came out for her to pick up the goods.

I left the parking lot and lost my sense of direction. I live in a fairly large city, and I still don't know my way around the streets of San Jose. I've lived here over five years, and I still don't know my way around very well, so for the next 10 minutes I was driving in circles until I realized I where I was. Pretty sad, I know. Well, at least I saw some nice Christmas light displays! :)

Christmas is coming, and I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. Thank God my cousin, Tania has volunteered to be my Christmas gift wrapper Elf. She loves to wrap presents, and I think she wrapped about 10 last night. Thank God for Tania Elf, because I was busy bagging 50 more brochures for my son Andrew to put out through the neighborhood. They are extra brochures from an older campaign that I should not keep in boxes in the closet like they have been for the last 3 weeks. I offered him $20 for him to take out. He promised me he would do it, and not just throw them in the river.

Since the Christmas Boutique extravaganza, I do have more customers-a lot more older ones. I was calling my contacts the other day, and my daughter could tell. Apparently I talk louder when I'm with an older customer. I also have some customers who just want to shoot the breeze. I found myself talking to this one woman for over 15 minutes the other day. Oh well, nothing wrong being friendly, but it can be kind of draining.

Today is Tuesday.. Still haven't gotten the kids to take the photo around the tree. I hope to do this tonight. I have cards to send overseas! Wish me luck!

Monday Drilling...Paul Bunyon...Decorating Done

Since early this morning, there has been about a half a dozen workers drilling the cement stairs in front of this run down office building. They have been drilling non-stop since, and it's slowly driving me insane. It sounds like a dentist office, but the sound is magnified 100 times. It sounds like they are drilling the teeth of Paul Bunyon.

Are you all familar with Paul Bunyon? Well, here he is---he is a tall drink of water:



When we were younger my parents used to take my brother and sister and I to the Trees of Mystery. It's a place up Northern California. Paul Bunyon and his Blue Ox was there. Their huge statues were at the entrance of the redwood tree trail. Every now and then "Paul" would talk to the tourists walking in the entrance and the parking lot. He also enjoyed answering questions to anyone willing to ask. Let's just say that "Paul" must have been pretty bored. Well, of course my siblings and I had a lot of fun with Paul. We asked him a lot of silly questions. I remember asking what sized shoe he wore, and my brother dared me to ask where his mother was. "Some big kitchen in the sky," was Paul's reply.

The next day I remember walking around in the parking lot, when suddenly I heard "Paul" shout out: "Hi, little girl in the yellow shorts!"

It caught me completely off guard, and being the shy girl I was back then, I immediatey hid behind the car. Suddenly I heard a big laugh coming from Paul... It was kind of scary to tell you the truth.

Why I got sidetracked and told you about this, I have no idea. The memory just popped in my head.

Anyway, I'm happy to say that my house is decorated, as well as most of the house. Hubby put up all the Christmas lights outside, and our home looks like a candycane house; very cute. By Saturday night however, I was exhausted. Decorating is quite a job. I'm not looking forward putting everything away any time soon. I accomplished a lot, but I still have to take that holiday picture of the kids. Wish me luck. As usual, they had "better things to do" at the time.

Back to the drilling. Oh my God..it's terrible. They are putting a ramp in front of the building. Why they aren't fixing the toilets instead is beyond me. They will probably fix the toilets when it starts raining again. That way, we can all go outside and use the Porta Poties they promised us while it's pouring rain. Lovely-I just can't wait!

Another Meme

Another Meme

I stole this Lyn -

Thank you, Lyn! :)

Four jobs I've had -


1. DATA ENTRY CLERK
2. PARKING LOT LEAF BLOWER (No, I'm not kidding.)
3. AVON LADY
4. SECRETARY

Four movies I could watch over and over -


1. LOVE ACTUALLY
2. BRIDGET JONE'S DIARY
3. MOONSTRUCK
4. DIRTY DANCING


Four places I've lived -


1. SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
2. CAPITOLA, CALIFORNIA
3. WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA
4. SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

Four TV shows I love -

1. AMAZING RACE
2. DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
3. LOST
4. BOSTON LEGAL


Four places I've vacationed -

1. MAUI, HAWAII
2. AZORES (PORTUGAL)
3. MASSACHUSETTES
4. NEVADA

Four of my favorite dishes -

1. CRAB CAKES
2. MY MOM'S PORTUGUESE STEWS
3. VEGGIE BURRITOS
4. EGGPLANT

Four favorite drinks -

1. STRAWBERRY MARGARITAS
2. DIET COKE
3. KAHULA & CREAM
4. LATTES

Four sites I visit daily -

1. MY EMAIL
2. BLOGGER
3. FACE BOOK
4. MY AVON WEBSITE


Four places I'd rather be right now -


1. WALKING ON THE BEACH
2. HIKING IN THE REDWOODS
3. MAKING A SNOWMAN
4. SITTING IN FRONT OF MY COMPLETELY DECORATED CHRISTMAS TREE (I need to put up the tree today!)


Today is the day I have scheduled to get all my Christmas decorations done! Wish me luck! I also have to go to the grocery store, and drop off some brochures to another Avon lady recruit. I've recruited two ladies to sell, and believe me--it has proven to be a lot of work. I have another woman who is interested, and I will call her tomorrow. Wheww...

Rich and I are going out today to the toy store to find a new bike for Nicholas. That will be fun. He is the only child I will be buying toys for this year. It is kind of sad.. The rest of the kids just want clothes and money and makeup-they are growing up. At least I still have Nicholas with years and years more of toy requests. Furthermore, he is probably going to be the only child of mine that will WANT to help me decorate the tree. Usually, Rich puts up the tree, helps with the lights, and then it's just me and Nick.

I also want to take a picture of the kids in front of the Christmas tree. That will go well. (I write this sarcastically.)

Christmas Songs

I changed the playlist on my blog quite recently, but I've noticed it doesn't always work. Oh well--I like it when does work!

They are playing Christmas songs on the radio now, and they have played two songs that I cannot stand. One of them is the Dolly Parton and Rod Stewart version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside." OMG. Could they have picked two people any more different to sing that song? It creeps me out--literally.

Another song that I cannot stand is Christmas Shoes. Don't get me wrong-it's a sweet song, but it depresses they hell out of me. Have you heard it? Here are the lyrics....it makes me cry EVERYTIME I hear it! It drives me nuts!!

It was almost Christmas time,
There I stood in another line
Trying to buy that last gift or two,
Not really in the Christmas mood.
Standing right in front of me
Was a little boy waiting anxiously,
Pacing round like little boys do,
And in his hands, he held a pair of shoes.
And his clothes were worn and old.
He was dirty from head to toe,
And when it came his time to pay,
I couldnt believe what I heard him say.

Chorus:

Sir, I wanna buy these shoes for my momma please.
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size.
Could you hurry, Sir?
Daddy says there's not much time.
You see, she's been sick for quite a while;
Know these shoes will make her smile.
Want her to look beautiful if Momma meets Jesus tonight.


He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said Theres not enough here.
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me.
He said Momma made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without.
Tell me, Sir, what am I gonna do?
Somehow Ive got to buy these Christmas shoes!
So I laid the money down;
I just had to help him out.
And Ill never forget the look on his face
When he said Mommas gonna look so great!

Chorus

I knew that I got a glimpse of heavens love
As he thanked me and ran out.
I knew that God had sent that little boy to remind me
What Christmas is all about.
Chorus in childrens voices

Young boy:
I want her to look beautiful
If Momma meets Jesus tonight.

Where are my tissues?!! BAH WAH WAH!!!

December, Already?! Bad Boy George & Terra do Bravo!

Okay, I think I'm officially OLD. Like my father used to say, when you get older, the years just fly by, and he was right. I cannot believe it's already December. Thanksgiving caught be off guard, and in about 3 weeks it will be Christmas. Wheeww...

Have you put up your Christmas tree yet?

I haven't. I'm hoping to do it on the weekend.

Have you sent out your Christmas cards yet?

I haven't. I still have to take that photo that the kids just "LOVE" to participate in. You know the photo where I ask all the children of the house to dress decently and pose? When I say "ask" it usually involves begging. I have to beg for the kids to stop for 10 minutes from their "busy" schedules so I can take a picture of them before Father Time comes around and they leave the nest. Perhaps this year I and Rich will be in the picture..we shall see.

Are you done with your Christmas shopping?

I haven't, but I put in a big dent into it---it will happen--hopefully soon.

Santa has already granted my Christmas wish: New reclining couch and loveseat! Yay!! I love Santa! Now Rich won't have to use my son's old rocking horse as a foot stool, and I can fill the other half of my front room. I'm happy---hopefully it will get here soon so I can figure out where we are going to put the tree...

I haven't written in here for what it seems ages. My Avon selling this month has been pretty busy, and I've recruited two people to sell. It's a lot of work. They are both smart ladies and I'm sure they will get the hang of it, but it takes a lot of my time. This is the best time to start selling with the Christmas season. I wish I had made more SSS gift bags-but I don't think I have the time to make anymore---I'm just too busy!! Oh, here is where I insert my shameless plug:

Visit my Online Store! http://julielangley.avonrepresentative.com/
Order now, and get your products before Christmas!! If you want free shipping, enter this in your coupon code: REP815 (For orders $15 or more).



Well, according to the news I heard in the radio, I won't be seeing Boy George in concert anytime soon, or probably in my lifetime. To make it short, he actually confessed to kidnapping, and chained a guy to his wall because he thought the guy "hacked" his computer. Gee...that's a GREAT reason to kidnap. Sooo disappointing!!! He may go to prison for this. Boy George is a VERY BAD BOY. Sigh.... The picture above comes from a more gentle and simplier time. I am dressed as Boy and my friends are dressed in disguise. I will just have to remember those innocent years when I used to write my fan mail inviting him over for tea. Sigh..

Well, like usual, my plate is full for the day. I got to go and do stuff----

I got some exciting news yesterday--my cousin who lives in Lisbon was offered a movie deal. He wrote a novel a while back about his childhood in the Azores, and he was approached my a director who wants to make it into a movie. Very exciting... They want to film it onsite on the island!! So surreal, but yet so great!



Yep, that's written by my cousin, Carlos Enes.... (Yep, I'm feeling pretty proud.)

Happy Thanksgiving/Black Friday - Playing Catch Up

This is my 5th attempt to post an entry...

Yesterday my mouse was not working...today my pictures won't load... Hmm....

I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving Day!

We had a nice Thanksgiving yesterday--we had dinner at my sister's house.

















This morning, Lizzy and I woke up at 3 a.m. and did the Black Friday thingy. We arrived at the mall about a quarter to 4, and we were surprised to see people already heading for their cars to leave with bags and bags of shopping. CRAZY I tell you!! We covered a lot of ground and did a lot of shopping, but we are no where near done shopping. By 10 a.m. our feet hurt, and are toes were screaming. Poor Lizzy had to go to work at 5:30 today. She was able to get in a few hours of sleep, but I haven't yet. Since she works at the mall, she can't park in the regular parking lot, so we dropped her off. She get's out at 12:30 am, and here I am attempting to make this entry. Hopefully I will be successful, and go to sleep. I only got 3 hours sleep last night..



Here is Lizzy modeling her new Xmas pajama find we found at Target!

I am Alive :)

Hello!

Gee, it's been awhile since I've posted, hasn't it?

I've been a very busy, and sick woman.

I have been "under the weather" for almost TWO weeks and feeling this badly really sucks, BIG time.

Meanwhile, here is an update of my weekend:

The Christmas Boutique: It went well...and I had some very nice, and odd visitors at my Avon booth. When I feel better, I can tell you some stories... The gift bags that I failed to take pictures of to show you all sold! Half of them I sold on the last day of the boutique, and the rest was taken to work where I sold the remainder in 15 minutes. It was pretty amazing how fast SkinSoSoft (at the right price) sells!

Two full days at the church hall was a little overwhelming. Like I wrote earlier, there were a select few odd people. One included a woman who entered her parrot (his name is Milt) into my raffle. Luckily, I didn't pull Milt's name on the day of my raffle. If I did, I would have pulled another. I learned quite quickly that Christmas Boutiques attract a different array of people. I will not go into detail... I'm trying to block some of these individuals out of my memory-especially the guy with dark glasses who disclosed his large collection of Wild Country Cologne Avon dispensers. Luckily, my sister-inlaw drove down to help me on both days. I think when she how sickly and crappy I looked and sounded like, she felt she needed to be there.. No matter, I really appreciated the company.

I joined Facebook.. (Waving to Lisa Jo & Lyn) If you have it, please let me know! I reconnected with some old friends from school as well--it's pretty neat! :)

On a happier note, today was my son's first basketball game on his first team. Every since he has changed high schools two weeks ago, he has been playing on the Jr. Varsity Basketball team. It was nice to see him on the court actually playing!!! He has NEVER been able to involved in afterschool sports, so it was great seeing him out there playing. No, they didn't win, but it didn't matter to me.

Okay, that was a quick update. Tomorrow I will not "work" as in going to work, but I will be WORKING. Seriously, I think I work more at home than I do at my job. My work at the office is almosted considered a BREAK for me. I will spend the day at the grocery store, working on my desserts for Thanksgiving, and possibly buying already made pies and cakes. I'm not going to force myself to go beyond my capabilities especially when I'm not feeling well. I am no Martha Stuart anyway. Her "perfect" iced cookies still upset me. I swear that woman must be part alien or something---it's just not natural for anyone to make such perfect iced cookies... We are having dinner at my sister's house. I also need to clean my house. Last weekend it was not done, and I have toilet bowls to scrub.

I still have pictures to share... Hopefully in between cleaning toilets, I can share them with you...

Have a wonderful tomorrow.. I'm pooped!!!