Until this morning, I hadn't posted in quite a while.
I haven't stopped thinking, though! So, I guess this means I'm finally catching up!
I've written before about what could be, as well as what isn't my dream job.
Well, I wouldn't want this guy's job if I were paid all the money in the world!
POTUS has all the weight of the world on those buff shoulders!
BTW, who'd have guessed that was under the suit?

'Cause I can't afford to BUY any!

Saturday, GF Liety and I put on our recessionista hats. It was my idea to go to the free concert at the library. It was more than wonderful: it was moving and soul-stirring, with the heavenly sound of the harp, and angelic women's voices. I caught up with a couple of public librarians, as well as Carol, a good friend, librarian, and one of the choir. I even won a CD, and survived almost being run over by a fellow winner. She must not have been a fan of live music, as she bagged as soon as she collected her winnings!

I admit I've been feeling pouty and rather glum, even kind of blocked when it comes to writing here. So I kicked myself into gear in order to get into the spirit of the season.

After the concert, I definitely felt less Scrooge-y. We walked over to Mission Houses Cafe for a light lunch - sandwiches and coffee - even a free cookie! We looked across the street at the decorations at City Hall, and caught up on each others' lives.

Liety had lots more shopping to do, so we headed for the mall. After several hours and purchases, we stopped at my favorite coffee house - Honolulu Coffee Company - and I got us both some caffeine. We weren't the only ones amping up, sitting back, and watching last-minute shoppers.

After we promised to get together again, Liety left and I met the DH for dinner at Kakaako Kitchen. We finished by picking out a few things at Borders - DH doesn't know it, but I got him a book as a gift! - and he found some music.

Back at the car, I put the CD I won into the player - Christmas music, played on the harp! Not as good as our talented young local harpist, Melody Lindsay, Hear a selection here. (Scroll down and click to play the video.) Still, Christmassy enough to prompt the DH to suggest we drive back toward town, to see the City lights.

Last year, I didn't bake for Christmas. The spirit wasn't there. Last week, I still wasn't feeling it, but I bought pears, ginger and a new bottle of vanilla, and made a double batch of pear ginger butter cake to share with Liety, Carol, and DH's office ladies. And Audrey and her family, who will be in HNL tonight, thawing out from a foot of snow in CT. I couldn't afford the yummy Mission Farms cake from the Laser Monks, so I tried to recreate it.

It's only 3 more days until Christmas, but I got more powdered sugar, and there are more than enough ripe oranges for Barb's Orange cookie recipe.

And the tree will go up today. Better late than never, and it can stay up longer in January!

While money helps, it''s not necessary for a good time - for smelling the roses! If Audrey and family are up for it, we're going to walk around Waikiki like them - like tourists! The Christmas decorations at the Halekulani and the Sheraton are great. Another day, we'll hit the streets of Chinatown for the variety: art galleries, River Street, fruit and vegetables, char siu and dim sum.

Stop and smile at a child who's not your own, hug your loved ones and hold them close!

Happy Holidays to all.