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Thursday, December 23, 2004

The day before Christmas

One day and is going to be Christmas! (Navidad, Navidad, llega Navidad)

So, as activity of the day in the blog, let's trade stories.
Give us your funny/tender Christmas story and we would give you ours. Feel free to share any story, they all count.

And if you still have the spirit of the season:
What's the gift you're waiting for Santa to get you?
And what gift are you most excited to be giving?

Finally remember you can post your wishes to the Hansen's family in think link:

Christmas messages for the Hansen Family

PS: Michelle is still teh boss.
PS 2: Voting is not over. Keep voting!!

posted by Lena at 12/23/2004 06:14:00 AM

85 Comments:

  • Well, I don't have any funny Christmas stories. However, my favorite Christmas memory is of the last Christmas everyone on my dad's side of the family was together. I believe I was a sophomore or junior in high school. We all got together on Christmas Eve at my uncle's house. One of my uncles dressed up like santa and gave gifts to the smaller children. It was just nice being together, a house full of people enjoying each others company. =)

    As for my personal Christmas wish list:

    1) A post from Hottie McCutie =) (I have to try!)
    2) Silver mini iPod
    3) For all of the bloggers at BHO to have a safe and happy holiday. =)

    And as far as giving gifts, I can't pick one specific gift I am most excited to give because I love giving to everyone, especially when I know its something they really want.

    Merry Christmas, everyone!! =)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/23/2004 6:38 AM  

  • One of my unusual stories is from when I was about 8. To give some background,my dad was in the Navy for 23 years so it might explain this a little. We actually had to compete that year to open a gift on Christmas Eve. How crazy is that? We all had to lay on our backs and keep our feet a couple of inches off the ground. Whoever did it for the longest got to open a gift. Of course,I won because I am the best child after all...lol. Actually,we all got to open something but it was the fact that I got to open something first. :) Do you think that had any impact on the weird person I am today? Probally.

    I just looked outside and the snow is as high as my hood where it's been pushed off the road by the snow plows. I live in an apartment so I have to park on the curb. If it doesn't melt a little I might not be able to make it home for Christmas. :( You would think I would own a 4x4 by now. I have to go off and pout now.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 12/23/2004 6:48 AM  

  • Here is a link about the storm. I live about 10 miles from Evansville in Ky.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6746622/

    I guess we are all getting a white christmas this year.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 12/23/2004 6:55 AM  

  • I'm off the door to something called work... but I'd be back in a few hours with my story: it includes a Xmas tree, plastic cups and rain.
    As for what I want, that includes a tattoo and a polaroid. ;)

    Keep voting in the meantime. Team Leader has to go negotiate to see if she can get Swimphilly more info on her target. Let's see what I can do for you, girl.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 6:58 AM  

  • As I've said so many times before, I am a Christmas fool. I revel in every minute of the season, from the beginning of December until January. And it is a huge deal in my country. You know how spring is the time when you overhaul the house in the U.S. (I think), well in T&T we do it at Christmas. There's lots of cleaning and painting to be done at my house still, but we'll get there.

    Anyway, it's the only time of year when I get to see all the members of my family together in the same place with no yelling and screaming. This is a big deal to me. I didn't really appreciate it when I was younger but as I've gotten older, I actually look forward to the peace that Christmas brings. Even my parents act civilsed towards each other and for me that is the best thing of all. Not having to play referee.

    I have to say though that my best Christmas was actually last year because I pulled off the Christmas party of the decade all by myself. Now everyone's actually looking forward to it this year. All my friends and family come over - I feed them, we have fun, take pictures...it's just very mellow. i really love being able to be with everyone that I love at Christmas.

    Ok. I'll stop now because this post is long enough.

    By Blogger Dana, at 12/23/2004 6:58 AM  

  • Here's a story that my mom tells every year, and will probably continue to tell... oh, forever.

    I've always loved Christmas carols. When I was two years old, I already knew the words to Silent Night. (All three verses!) Except that instead of singing "shepherds quake," I sang "shepherds squeak."

    By Blogger Angie, at 12/23/2004 7:12 AM  

  • This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Verbal, at 12/23/2004 7:17 AM  

  • Now I'm going to be hearing squeaking shepherds in my head all day. THNX.

    By Blogger Verbal, at 12/23/2004 7:18 AM  

  • Now I'm going to be hearing squeaking shepherds in my head all day. THNXAwesome!! I live to torment. Especially during the Christmas season! I spread love, joy, and torment.

    :)

    Back on topic... I'm usually more excited about the giving than the receiving. This year I was pretty broke, so I made all my presents. I'm giving baked goods and mix CDs. I also made my cards! I'm actually more excited about the cards than I am about the gifts.

    By Blogger Angie, at 12/23/2004 7:23 AM  

  • morning ladies -
    stephie, stephie, stephie... I was supposed to meet them out at the w/onion last night(with the intentions of kidnapping your H-Mc and getting him to the nearest computer, if it meant i had to tie him up and he had to type with his feet!) but alas, I couldnt make it. but there is still tonight!!
    and lena- aunt k is right, we will get you here for WC...start packing your suitcase now with alfahores, quilmes, and Mauro!! i have a friend in Arg. who can possibly get a discount for your airfare...let me know, i can start asking!
    Dana- are you in philly?? too bad you couldnt make it! i would love to meet one of you ladies from the blog!!!!

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 12/23/2004 8:17 AM  

  • No, this Dana doesn't live in Philly or even the U.S. I'm the one who lives in the Caribbean. But believe me when I say I'd jump at the chance to met you guys. Caribbean vacation anyone?

    Oh and can we please distinguish between the Danas. Maybe when refrerring to Dana Cara you can type Dana C. Cuz I'm confused with all the Danas being thrown around. It's like high school all over again!. :-(

    By Blogger Dana, at 12/23/2004 8:25 AM  

  • oh and xmas stories...every xmas eve, the adults get together and sit around drinking and playing games.
    last year xmas eve, one of my crazy aunts brought a bunch of nerf arrows(the ones with a slingshot at the end so you can fling them at record speeds, hurts like heck if you get hit) all 20 of us(including grandparents, new girl/boyfriends)start flinging them around. mind you, this is after a few hours of drinking... well yours truly here hits grandma's crucifix with my arrow, and it comes crashing down. BIG no-no. especially since she is Italian, and this is Christmas. End of game. although we were finding arrows under the couch, in plants, up until easter!!

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 12/23/2004 8:26 AM  

  • swimphilly78 - You're so sweet to think of me! =) It's much too early to be putting these thoughts in my head though. =)

    I am still hoping for a post. It is my #1 Christmas wish, after all! I have faith that you'll help make it happen! Hottie McCutie won't let me down! ;)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/23/2004 8:28 AM  

  • postin fool today - no prob. stephie! i can make no real promises, but we'll see...
    Dana in the Caribbean - sorry about that! :)

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 12/23/2004 8:32 AM  

  • Hey Dana in Caribbean - I am so sorry about this. I hoped Dana Cara (part of my last name) would help but being that you were here first, and are a high commander of the whole enterprise, maybe we can call you Queen Dana, and me Dana in Waiting? ;)

    Swimphilly78 - I live/work in NYC now, but I grew up with a house @ the Jersey Shore (first LBI, then Stone Harbor, then Cape May). Do you remember those days of going down the shore and making random friends that you'd see every year, and riding bikes with your siblings everywhere, and begging to go to the boardwalk? Ya well I was the little tomboy blonde girl with the Jersey kids who made fun of the Philly kids, but they forgave me and now we're close ;) After HS, my first-grade boyfriend (and still close buddy) went to Haverford College and lives there now, plus I went to college in Mercer County NJ, had Main Line roommates, and then my two best friends from childhood moved to County Line Road and started at Nova Law and in PR, so I'm down there for one reason or another a lot. I'd love to meet a girl from the blog, let's set something up in Jan or Feb.

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 12/23/2004 10:15 AM  

  • Mistress and Commander would be fine. I do lurve me a power trip :-)

    By Blogger Dana, at 12/23/2004 10:21 AM  

  • I thought I would share with you all a very funny Christmas memory. I have two older sisters (33, and 30) and an older brother (who is 32..I am 21 and yes my parents are insane!)My brother's birthday is Christmas Day, so he thinks he can do whatever he wants and get away with it. One Christmas Eve (I was about eight or nine) he got up at 3 am, went to the gas station and bought a bad of charcoal. He came home took all of the candy from me and my sister's stockings and put it in his. He then filled our stockings with the coal. So Christmas morning I'm walking down the stairs excited to open presents, and I run to see what is in my stocking. I look in there and what do I find...COAL, and a note that says "Kimmy, I had to give Mark all of your goodies this year since you were on my bad list. Try to be more like your brother next year. Love Santa." My sisters both got the same note. That jerk was just sitting their laughing, and of course my Mom and Dad thought it was the funniest thing. I am here to tell you, as mad as I was at 9 years old...my 18 and 21 year old sisters were livid. They still can't talk about it without getting mad all over again. LOL! That was a pretty random post, but I guess I miss those good old times! Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, and that no one gets coal in their stocking!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 12/23/2004 10:25 AM  

  • That is truly funny. Sounds like something I would do but I'm the baby so I got picked on alot. Kind of like when my brother and sister used to tell me I was left on the doorstep or maybe when they broke it to me that santa claus wasn't real. I guess I got my payback when I got away with everything...hee,hee.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 12/23/2004 10:36 AM  

  • My mom has four brothers, one of whom is a Green Beret in the US Army. He brought M80s. We shot them off in the backyard, Christmas Show! One of them zinged straight left when it was supposed to zing straight up. It set our neighbor's landscaping on fire. Whoops, Merry Christmas. I think it was 1992.
    Merry Christmas to you all, too, may your holiday be safe and happy and your landscaping non-flammable. :)

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 12/23/2004 11:02 AM  

  • swimphilly-That sounds just like my family, we all sit around, have a couple of drinks, and play games and just act silly together. Thats my favorite thing about Christmas! And me and a friend might be in Philly on the 29th (*coughhockeygamecough*) so if you go it would be awesome to meet!

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 12/23/2004 11:16 AM  

  • Well my holidays are usually pretty simple. I have a small family and what extended family I do have is across the country in California or across the ocean in Norway, so the rare years that I get to spend the Holidays with them are always extra special.

    One kind of humorous story about the holidays involves my little brother. My parents always gave the two of us those Advent calendars with the little chocolates in them for each day of December. Well early in the month, my mothers finds that my brother has gone ahead and eaten ALL of his calendar. She wasn't quite sure what to do, so she told him, "well I suppose now you have to deal with no chocolate for the rest of the month while Kristina still is working on hers." My brother of course pouted his chocolate stained lips, and lo and behold the next day, MY calendar had been eaten. He's 20 now and we still give him a hard time about that every holiday season.

    By Blogger afadingvoice, at 12/23/2004 11:31 AM  

  • One of the worst Christmases I've ever had was in 1992. My boyfriend (now husband) came down to visit me for Christmas break. The next day he got a call from the Tuscaloosa police dept. saying his apartment had been broken into, so we had to drive back up there to survey the damage. Then we drove down to his parents' house in FL for Christmas Day, but they were at his sister's house in GA. The house was empty, and there was nothing to eat. All the stores and restaurants were closed (this was back when many stores and restaurants were closed during the wintertime), and the only place open was the Waffle House. So that's where we spent our Christmas dinner. With the crazy people and awful food at Waffle House.

    By Blogger BeachGirl, at 12/23/2004 11:45 AM  

  • Well, I'm back from work. One would think they can do a layout of a book without me (a freelancer supervisor of translation) there, but apparently, they cannot.

    Anyway... best memories on Xmas are when I was 12. We lived for 3 years in Chile and we just got back to Argentina. The moving arrived on the 24th at noon. The house was a mess, boxes everyone, it was like 35ºC in here... terrible. Then my mom lost it. She surfed all the boxes and made us put up the Xmas tree and then she went to made some cool appertizers as Xmas dinner. Later on the evening, we see her surfing the boxes again. She kept opening one after another and cursing. "Mom, what's going on?" And she replies "I don't mind eating on the floor, but I'll be damn if we're gonna toast on plastic cups. I'm finding those glasses and I'm doing it before midnight"
    Later on, it started raining and there was a leak on my bedroom ceiling. So I ended up sleeping in a mattress in the living room.

    Last year it was even funnier. I'm a huge fan of a mid 80's cartoon show "Robotech". And I mean, big big fan. So, last year we got both Generations 1 and 3 on tape and on Xmas day, me and my cousins (ages range from 24 to 29) we all sat on the couch watching the whole thing, screaming from the top of our lungs that we wanted varitegs and ciclos, fighting over which generation was better, which character was the coolest, verifying old theories about whether or not they could be Latin American Guerrilla, etc.
    At one point, my dad looked at us and says "Aren't you a little older to be watching cartoons?"
    "Hell NO! It's ROBOTECH" was the main reply.

    As for my Santa list... Can I ask for some health? Cause tomorrow morning I'll find out if I have viral mono or not.
    A tattoo pic? A post from Sean for Steph?

    As for giving, I jsut want to give my family some quality time. Life is so hectic these days that I just want to sit there and be with them.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 11:49 AM  

  • I come from a HUGE Italian family, so you would think Holidays would be great. Well I mean they are, But all of them live in Florida while we lived in Jersey. So only 2 years ago we started going down to Florida for Christmas. Since the family is so huge we have a grab bag.

    It goes like this:
    If you have 15 people participating they each bring a gift with a set dollar amount. (We have a $50.00 limit) You make slips of paper numbered from 1 to 10. Each person takes a number from the "hat". All the grab bag presents are in a pile and the person who has Number 1 goes to the pile and picks a gift. They open it up. Person #2 can then pick from the pile or "steal" the gift that #1 opened. Then Person #3 goes and can either pick from the pile or "steal" what #1 or #2 has and so on......until the end.

    I know im missing a part there, or it would go on forever. But y'all get the point. Anyway the 1st year we went the 2 big gifts everyone wanted was a Smoothie Blender and a small Stereo System. It was crazy! It went on for a good 2 1/2 hrs "stealing" from one another, before my step dad and I ended up with the Smoothie Maker and Stereo System ;) Go Us!

    I cant wait until this year!! Something like 25 family members will be @ my cousins house. Its gonna be pretty complete with all of us, except for my one cousin who just got married, She'll be spending it in Texas with her Husbands family.

    By Blogger Kim, at 12/23/2004 12:06 PM  

  • I have a big family too so we usually do something similar to your family Kim. We pick names out of a hat and we buy that person a present. it is much easier than buying 30 people presents plus it would be expensive.
    as far as funny christmas stories there is really nothing too unusual. My favorite part is getting together with my mother and her sisters (my aunts) and gossiping. we are all together and it is hilarious hearing everyone joke and tell what has been going on with them. we are like a bunch of school girls gossiping about nonsense but i love it. my mother has 4 sisters. the men ususally are watching sports or something. good times!!!!
    oh and I am at my parents' house now for the holidays in Southeast Texas. (a small town called Groves. its where i grew up) and i think its going to SNOW which it NEVER does. we ususally dont get much of a winter. i am soooo excited.
    anyway this post is going to be long enough. Happy holidays Pumpking and all of the Hansen fam. keep POSTIN Bren

    By Blogger jenny, at 12/23/2004 12:30 PM  

  • OH MY GOSH! i was over on michaelphelpsonline.com and they were talking about the voting and why michael was so far behind in the polls. anyway, i guess the person running the site was like "dont follow the brendan hansen and aaron peirsol fan's example" "it is not fair" and what not. they were talking about how we vote more than once.
    i dont know if i should feel BAD or not?
    what do you think?

    By Blogger jenny, at 12/23/2004 1:37 PM  

  • Heck no!! Don't feel bad, I mean I like Phelps and all, but its time that the Trio starts getting the recognition they deserve..Phelps has won enough awards and what not. Plus..its more about the fans...and who ever has the most dedicated fans (ahem..Bren does!) and who gets the most votes..there are no rules that say you can only vote once:)

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 12/23/2004 1:45 PM  

  • I can't recall many Christmas stories but this one came to mind where my friend (at the time she was a sophomore in high school) got drunk at her parents Christmas party and she kept sitting on the top of the couch falling off it while she was wearing a short skirt and it would show her thong each time. She also told everyone repeatedly that she loved them. It was pretty funny especially since the drunk old men at the party were hitting on her in front of her parents...

    By Blogger Anna, at 12/23/2004 1:58 PM  

  • I'm not feeling bad.I'm sorry, the way I see it, there's nothing wrong. If soemone would have wanted it to be just one vote they would have fixed the poll not to clean with different cookies.
    Besides, I'm tired of this whole attention to one swimmer. Sportmanships are more than just a number of medals.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 2:36 PM  

  • Yea, definately. if i wasn't a fan of swimming i would think phelps was the only swimmer in the world the way the media goes on about him. When Brendan wins the fan poll it will show everyone that there are other swimmers that are just as good if not better. Unfair? I dont think so.

    By Blogger jenny, at 12/23/2004 2:40 PM  

  • Besides, you can all blame it on me. Tell them your Mean Team Leader forced you to vote.
    I'll take the heat...
    I'm all teh way down in Argentina. Who's gonna come get me?

    (Well, Brendan, you can come if you want...)

    *knocking on the Hansen's door with an innocent smile*

    Mrs H. Can Brendan and Sean come out to play and post?

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 2:51 PM  

  • I belong to the Aaron MSN group and a few of the people were saying they couldn't keep up with all of us over here at BHO. I am an equal opportunity fan, I enjoy everyone (except Gary Hall Jr. sorry but I can't stand him..don't hurt me please!). I LOVE Michael Phelps, I really do. I want Brendan to win this one though, because after a while it get redundant to say that Michael and Thorpe are great swimmers. WE all know that, and I'm not trying to take that away, but other people deserve to have their accomplishments rewarded too. Again, I LOVE me some Phelps...and Thorpe (and Peirsol, and Crocker, and Ry Ry, and everyone else except cheatajima, oh no I forgot Pieter...LOVE HIM!)but seriously Bren-Bear, Pumpkin, Brendan whatever your nickname maybe, deserves to win this. You've had a great year Brendan and darn it, we are not giving in! Now I am off to delete my computer cookies, and eat some Christmas cookies, wish me luck!!!!

    PS what are they going to do, go to video of us cheating....YOU ALL know they won't do that!!! GRRRR!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 12/23/2004 3:23 PM  

  • Fair...schmair, When Phelps is on a big poll -- other websites are like "Michael is in second! C'mon guys keep voting" So they just need to shut up :-x If you cant handle the heat, get outta the kitchen! ;P

    Gotta agree with Jenny, that if I wasn't a fan of swimming, I would also think Phelps was the only "good" swimmer the USA had. Sad but its true how amazing everyone else did and Phelps is getting all the media attention. Im not saying its a bad thing, but spread the wealth around. He wasn't that only one representing the USA in swimming. Now all of this is coming from a HUGE Phelps fan, but I even know the media went a lil overboard on it all. Its time for the light to be shining on some of the other swimmers now!!

    We are doing nothing wrong and I don't think we should feel bad. We are simply showing our support for Brendan!! :o)

    By Blogger Kim, at 12/23/2004 3:46 PM  

  • Word, Kim. oh and i didnt want it to seem that i wasnt a phelps fan. but yea, what Kim said. hehe

    By Blogger jenny, at 12/23/2004 4:15 PM  

  • I agree with what you said. It's time to recognize other swimmers. Brendan won the 200m breaststroke for the US for the first time in history in Indy. He broke world records, he proved to be an honorable person with the way he handled the whole Cheating Fiasco.
    Tis is more important than just medals for me. So I'm voting for him. So sue me. I have no money left anyway.

    Off Topic: Do we have a byochemist in the blog? I got my test results and something might be wrong but I'm not sure.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 4:26 PM  

  • What a bunch of whiney babies. They're just mad they didn't think of it first. I'm all about the positive so I say we just ignore them. We love our Brendan so we can vote anyway we want.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 12/23/2004 4:28 PM  

  • I'm going to be a mean admin and ask everyone to get back on topic. Enough about the poll, I want more heartwarming (and hilarious) Christmas stories. I'm about to go to the office Dinner Party but I'll post something quick for now...

    What I want most for Christmas - NO DRAMA and to sleep in.

    What I'm most looking forward to giving this year - I got my son his DREAM amplifier (a Traynor 410) and have managed to somehow keep it a secret. He's going to freak out. Also, about 4 years ago when my mom was in the hospital and I was trying to pay my bills and hers I had to take a pretty substantial loan from my uncle, money he never expected to get back. But this year I get to pay him back and it's going to feel really good. I guess that's not technically a Christmas present, but he'll love it anyway. :D

    By Blogger Michelle, at 12/23/2004 5:43 PM  

  • Ok, being Jewish, I'll post my most amusing Hanukkah story.

    Back when I was 11, my parents moved me into my big sister's room, b/c she was out of college and never used it. We repainted, remodeled, etc., it was all very exciting, even for an 11 year old.

    So, for Hanukkah, my mom gives me this HUGE present all wrapped up and I'm dancing around the room all excited, b/c it's a big package and I'm a little kid. I open the package, all in anticipation, and what do I find?

    Sheets.

    I almost cried, because although I would love a new set of sheets now, I'm an adult, not an 11 year old. No 11 year old wants sheets as a present. But it gets better.

    8 years later, I'm rifling through our linen closet trying to find some sheets to take with me to college. I find these sheets and start to pack them. My mom says, "No! You can't take those!" And I'm all, "Uh, you gave them to me as a gift, why not?" And she says, "They're for your room HERE." I was like, "Are you serious? These were a gift. A gift I almost CRIED over, I might add." But she wouldn't let me take those damn sheets to college.

    Nowdays, I buy my own sheets. And that set from age 11? Still on my bed at home.

    By Blogger crackinup, at 12/23/2004 6:08 PM  

  • Michelle I'm glad for you...

    What I want to give my family for Xmas is time. I don't know how long I'm gonna stay in Argentina before having to migrate to friendlier work enviroments for me... so I'm trying to spend quality time with them, so they knwo that I love them and that my decision of leaving is based on a need of putting my degree to work.

    List for Santa
    -a tattoo pic
    -a post from Sean for Steph
    -a post from Pumpkin for me (ok, us)
    -a Jr curator position in a museum
    -plan B Jr editor position in a Book's publisher company
    -a black Mini Cooper

    One can wish right?

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 6:12 PM  

  • "I almost cried, because although I would love a new set of sheets now, I'm an adult, not an 11 year old. No 11 year old wants sheets as a present. But it gets better."

    That reminds me that I find amusing that as a kid you regret getting clothes or shoes for Xmas and as grown up women we'd die to get them.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 6:15 PM  

  • So, for Hanukkah, my mom gives me this HUGE present all wrapped up and I'm dancing around the room all excited, b/c it's a big package and I'm a little kid. I open the package, all in anticipation, and what do I find?

    Sheets.    Hey crackinup, are we related? That sounds like my family. I think I told this story on OG, but now I'm not so sure. Anyway my parents always gave me and my brother 2 or 3 "good presents" and then 5 or 6 "filler" presents for Chanukkah. When my brother was about 4 or 5, he grabbed this little nicely wrapped package the first night. My parents asked him if he wouldn't rather have one of the larger presents instead. He said no, he really wanted this one, and no matter how my parents tried to convince him he wanted to save this one for later, he refused. Finally my parents gave up and my brother tore into it.

    Socks and underwear (standard filler present in the JHD household).

    He cried for about an hour and begged to open another present instead. My parents refused, saying "We told you not to open that one."

    We still tease him about that, which probably explains why now he only gives gift certificates or donates to charities as presents.

    By Blogger JHD, at 12/23/2004 6:51 PM  

  • Awww Michelle thats really nice about your Uncle!

    Everytime Christmas comes around im always like "hmmm i dunno what i want" *shrug* But any other time during the year i could make a huge list. This time around, I made a list of just dvds.

    Although if Santa is good to me he will get me the *Olympus C765 4MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom*!!! Its like $340 though :x

    I did wish to go back up home to New Jersey for a while, and I am getting that :D !! And my best friend got me concert tickets for *Fall Out Boy* in Philadelphia on the 27th -- so im excited! (( Brendan if you would like to stop by, that would be another wish come true ;o) ))

    Its strange but this year i really dont care if i get nothing, im more excited to give this year than anything else -- and so far its been working out great ;)

    By Blogger Kim, at 12/23/2004 6:52 PM  

  • This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Kim, at 12/23/2004 6:52 PM  

  • Mean Michelle making us stay on topic...lol. You're right. Congrats on paying your Uncle back. I know it feels good to accomplish a goal like that. I just wanted y'all to know that I got what I wanted this Christmas. I made it home to my Mom's. Yay!!! It took 2 and half hours to make the 1 hour trip but it was worth it. So I'm happy and I hope everybody has a wonderful Christmas.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 12/23/2004 7:07 PM  

  • Can I share some good news? I just got off the msn with a friend of mine that is a doctor.
    I don't have mono... anymore.
    Apparently, I did have mono cause I have the antibodies as in recent infections. Hence, the last month and a half of constant sicknes...

    Leave it to me to stand up a disease that knocks you down in bed in to time. I guess I'm a little sttuborn, don't you think?

    I still have to recheck with my doctor tomorrow, but things looked much better now.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 7:17 PM  

  • Ok, I'll share a story if you promise not to laugh at me! I can't remember too many early ones, so this took place in the mid-late 90s when I was a teenager. I have 2 cousins from LA and their family usually comes up to San Francisco during Christmas. They're around the same ages as me and my sister and we're all pretty close. They stay over at our house and every night we do something fun like pig out or watch movies. But one year (when pop music was still really popular) we were feeling wacky and decided to try to imitate dances from NKOTB and Backstreet Boys! LOL. We did the "Right Stuff" dance and the hat dancing and all that. Haha, good times. (Rememer, we were young at the time!)

    There was also the time when I was young and kinda found out Santa didn't really exist. I had gotten wrapped presents from Santa, but a few days later when I was looking for something in my mom's closet, I noticed some wrapping paper that was the same exact kind that my Santa presents were from! That was when I knew something was up, haha.

    Anyway, since my sister lives in LA now, Christmas is usually a time for my immediate family to get together and go somewhere on vacation. This year we're going to Las Vegas and we're actually leaving tomorrow! So I'll wish everyone here a Merry Christmas now. Hope you all get what you're wishing for! (By the way, I'd like the Texas Trio wrapped up in a big red bow on my doorstep this year). Heh. I'm gonna go through some serious BHO withdrawal while I'm gone. Talk to you all later!

    By Blogger Janine, at 12/23/2004 7:29 PM  

  • Lena thats such good news!! :o) Yay!

    By Blogger Kim, at 12/23/2004 7:48 PM  

  • Your stories are all great. Michelle - Yay for getting to surprise your son and for paying your uncle back. I bet I will feel the same way you must be feeling if I pay off my student loans before I die!

    Lena - I am so happy to hear you don't have mono. I am moving you being healthy up to my list above. You are more important than an iPod! =)

    And I accidentally called Sean Hottie McCutie again instead of Cutie McHottie. So just to clarify, it is indeed a post from Cutie McHottie I want as my number one Christmas wish! I am just clarifying for Santa's sake. I don't want him getting confused. =)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/23/2004 8:05 PM  

  • Anyway my parents always gave me and my brother 2 or 3 "good presents" and then 5 or 6 "filler" presents for Chanukkah.This is the way my family has done Chanukah presents, too. My sister and I were also given the choice as kids if we wanted one or two good presents and fillers or presents every night. The year my parents gave us the choice one of the examples of the good presents was a trip to Disney World. Well, what's a kid in second grade to do? I took the trip, and it's been good presents and fillers ever since! (I think my parents sort of stacked the deck in their favor, but I'm certainly not going to complain. ;) )

    My favorite gift to give was a few years ago to my sister. I was VERY lucky and managed to find copies of the only three CDs the Traveling Wilburys ever made. My extremely laid-back sister flipped out and nearly knocked me over as she ran over to give me a hug to thank me. The only downside is that it's been a few years since I gave her the CDs, and she has only made me a copy of one of them.

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 12/23/2004 8:11 PM  

  • Okay, I am a cat girl. Big cats! Little cats! (Maybe that is why I call Brendan Toiger!) I used to even loved extinct cats, but not into sabre toothed cats so much any more ;) Oh, an I love dogs too, but that is a differnt story. So was 10 we lost the family cat that was in our household since before I was born. I missed her so badly aad was always asking for a cat. No. My parents really liked the "no cat" break. We went to my Aunt's house for Chistmas eve and of course there I was saying that I wanted a cat. My parents were getting a little tired of it by now. In the car on the way home I said one more time.. "But Daddy, I really really want a cat and I dont understand why I can't have one. Is it becasue you don't care that I am unhappy?" Oh No..... My Dad was so angry he yelled at me and said he never wanted to hear me say the word "cat" again! So I was really really sad. I was sitting between my parents in the front seat with my Dad fuming.... when my brother made a tiny little "meow" sound. I lost my tiny little brain! I flew into my brother crying and he kept on doing it. I said the most hateful things and my brother and sister were laughing..their faces glowing in the dark.. laughing in slow motion!! (It's my story and I 'm sticking to it.) So the next morning I open all my presents and I got a wonderful doll. And a game and a nice outfit. Great gifts. And I am very happy. Then my Dad says, "Wait a minute, looks like Santie left something under the tree for Lolly." And there was another gift way in the back, I can still remember the paper. I pick it up and shake it ... and it purred. I ripped the paper open and inside was the most beautiful kitten that was ever born. And he was purring and happy, and I was crying and feeling like crap! My very own pet. Only for me. We had gone to my Aunt's house the night before with the sole purpose of picking up that cat. And it was the kitten that mewed on the way home. Not my brother. He just made noise to keep the surprise for me. Writing this story touches my heart. I tend to take for granted how amazing my family is. I couldn't be more blessed. Well if Brendan would share the longhorns with me that would be a blessing too. tee hee!!

    By Blogger lala, at 12/23/2004 8:53 PM  

  • *drying tear from eye*
    such a tender lovely story lala.

    "Well if Brendan would share the longhorns with me that would be a blessing too. tee hee!!"

    See, Pumpkin? One pic and it counts as a gift for more than one person. You can save time and effort with just one pic. I think you should do it...

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 8:59 PM  

  • lala, that is such a sweet story!

    Since I already received all of my Chanukah presents, I can tell you that there seemed to be a common theme this year... handbags. I got five of them. No kidding! Each was a different size, color, shape, and material. So, really it was perfect!

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 12/23/2004 9:25 PM  

  • Michelle, I am so excited for you to give the gift to your son. It is definitely more fun to give, I think. One of our sons will be excited to see a new bike under the tree. And our 2 year old will squeal when she sees a big stuffed "Grover" (Sesame Sreet is BIG in our house).

    Lena, I'm so relieved to hear you have something identifiable. It explains a lot. You'll be fine, soon.

    Being one of ten (I was the 9th), I have to say that may parents ALWAYS made X-mas and birthdays so special for us. On my 10th birthday (12 days after Christmas) I had a swim meet. They gave me a new "Lycra" swim suit to wear for the meet. (Instead of a too big suit that had the straps tied in the back with a shoelace...seriously!) Anyway, at the meet I was unaware I'd be racing a girl who was 6 seconds faster than me in 100 free. My coach hoped I would stay with her. I not only stayed with her, but beat her dropping a whopping 9 seconds off my time. That suit was magic! When I got home I walked in the house and gasped when I saw the brand-new bike I always wanted with a "Happy Birthday" sign on it. I never understood, until then, why adults cried when they were happy...well, at that moment I understood. I had tears running down my face. What a great day...birthday/swim meet.

    Happy Holidays Everyone!

    By Blogger Aunt "C", at 12/23/2004 9:36 PM  

  • *Makes note of Aunt C's birthday* ;)

    Awwwwww !!! That is soooo sweet! My step-dad is # 7 of 9 kiddies and he too said that his parents would always try to make holidays and birthdays super special.

    Is like swimming in that family's blood or something ?! ;) I think so.

    By Blogger Kim, at 12/23/2004 9:56 PM  

  • Thanks Aunt C for the thoughts... I feel good in spirit (specially b/c I just watched the Athens Relay again... Crocker nailed that fly so greatly).

    "(Instead of a too big suit that had the straps tied in the back with a shoelace...seriously!)"

    I used to do that too! When I was 10 and swimming in Chile, starting to specialize on breaststroke, we used to swim with a double suit and tied with a shoelace... so funny. And I never won any fo my races (actually, I usually came last) but I did not care. I really loved to swim breast... there's something about it so... amazing, for the lack of a better word.

    I guess another great Xmas story is the one weekend camp we used to do with the swimming team in Chile before Xmas. A whole weekend to play games, get to know each other and what not. I don't think I've ever laughed so much in my entire life. We missed curfews for going to play cards with the boys and the coaches used to spent half of the evening tracking us down. And then we scared the little ones with tales of haunted houses and ghosts of murdered persons...

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 10:03 PM  

  • I go to swim practice for 2 and half hours and LOOK what i miss!!


    aww i adore you guys x a mil! :) happy holidays y'alls! :)

    By Blogger Christi, at 12/23/2004 10:06 PM  

  • Oh, Lena, mono sucks! I had it when I was 21 and it knocked me down for almost a month. Though I can't hear mono and not think of two things.

    1) the line in Wayne's World, "I thought I had mono once for about a month. Turns out I was just really bored.

    2) They call it "the kissing disease." Ooooh.

    :)

    But hey, at least it's not the plague, right?

    By Blogger Angie, at 12/23/2004 10:37 PM  

  • "2) They call it "the kissing disease." Ooooh."

    If only... but no. It was not from that.

    Funny thing is... I had mono and I was still doing things. I did not notice. Yeah, I was sick and tired, but I just thought it was a bad luck streak. Leave it to me to be so stubborn. I just told my mom and she was like "Well, you were always the strong one of the family".

    That's me, trooper number 1.
    Back to vote...

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/23/2004 10:45 PM  

  • I don't know that I have one particular Christmas that stands out, it's more just getting to spend the day with my grandparents, Aunt & Uncle, and cousins. However, one that does stand out is one morning when I was about 8, my sister and I came out from our bedroom and found a HUGE stuffed gorilla hanging on a rope tied between banister and the rail to the staircase. Now neither my sister nor I asked for a gorilla, but my dad saw it and decided we needed it. I think it was one of the most fun, unique gifts we got.

    This year on my wish list:
    -An I-pod to use in my car
    -For everyone to have a happy , wonderful holiday

    What I can't wait to give:
    My sister her gift that I've been working on since September!

    By Blogger lizook12, at 12/23/2004 10:59 PM  

  • Here's hoping to wake up Christmas morning and checking the blog to see the longhorns....yes we are all wanting them Brendan...please for Christmas; to all of us.
    Favorite Christmas story? I don't really have one but I know my families favorite was Christmas of 1978, my birthday is tomorrow and we had the entire family over tonight to celebrate and to let all the kids decorate cookies.(and the term "kid" is defined not by age but by spirit) So we were all decorating cookies and just like every year before they begin to tell the story of going to the hospital and waiting for me all night at the hospital and how that is the Christmas that none of them will ever forget.

    Okay so Christmas list time:
    1) A Christmas post from Brendan
    2) A posting from Sean
    3) Longhorns :)

    By Blogger Kate, at 12/23/2004 11:22 PM  

  • Lena,you are lucky. I had mono when I was 19 and was misdiagnosed with the flu. It wasn't until I looked in the mirror to see my eyeballs taking on a yellow tint that I got scared. Turned out I had mono so bad it had turned into jaundice. I was told either go home,lay down and do nothing or I would have to be admitted to the hospital. I have the worst luck with that kind of stuff.

    Well,here is another Christmas memory. After these stories y'all are going to think I had a horrible childhood. Not true,I just have a weird family. Anyway,I don't remember what day it was but it was Christmas tree picking out time. This was when I was about 6,I think. I was so excited but we had to eat dinner first. Well,my dad wouldn't let me get down from the table till I finished my dinner. I told him I was full but he just thought I was faking so we could go sooner. So I stuffed my spaghetti in. We took off and the car was so packed I had to sit up front between my dad and his friend. Not ten minutes into the trip I puked all over both of the front seat passengers. Needless to say we didn't get a tree that night. It was still a great Christmas like all of my Christmas's have been. We always got more than we deserved ;p and we've never missed one where the whole family wasn't here. Sounds pretty great to me.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 12/23/2004 11:59 PM  

  • Aims, JHD, and Crackinup, I am sure we are related! Socks and underwear were often given as Chanukkah presents to me and my siblings when we were growing up. I still buy my sister socks every year, just to keep the tradition going. I should buy them for my mom, too. Growing up, our big Christmas Eve ritual was to go to a Chinese restaurant followed by a movie or a drive to Candy Cane Lane to see the elaborately decorated houses. Now its just a big party for all our Jewish friends who have nothing to do on Christmas Eve. My mom decided it wouldn't be good form to have a party for Jews on Christmas Eve since this year it falls on Shabbat!! Not sure when she got so religious on me, but the party is Saturday night! I was just thinking back to a few weeks ago when I was doing some holiday shopping. I called my sister to find out what sizes her boys were wearing these days. Didn't buy them socks or underwear, but shirts and sweaters. I guess this apple didn't fall too far from the crazy family tree.

    By Blogger No Good User Names Left, at 12/24/2004 12:07 AM  

  • I saw Santa the other day when I was leaving a restaurant. I smiled at him, like ya do. And he said, "Well Hello! And what would you like for Christmas this year?" I usually don't have an answer for that question. But the answer just popped out of my mouth, "I want the Word Swimming Championships to stay in Montreal." He looked at me like I had just asked him for something impossible like world peace adn said, "Where do you think they will move it to?" I said "Well they are talking about moving it here to Long Beach!" He totally dropped the whole magical Santa glamour and said/ "There is no way in hell that is goign to happen! Long beach lost a ton of money on that pools last summer." So I guess that is that, Santa said! I am excited to give my brother the DVD of Spiderman2 becasue he worked on it and it is so fun to watch his movies with him. When I spoke to my sister a couple of weks ago she she asked me what I wanted for Chritsmas and I said... "Umm you can give me this great ring I just bought myself while I was supposed to be shopping!" So she is giving that to me. So I guess that is a gift I am excited to give ;) And Black Peter came to my house once too and left these huge lumps of coal on all our seats. But before we could even really laugh at it my poor little Mommy was running around sayin, "Now kids, we are just teasing... We really got you something!" She was so worried that we would be upset that she ruined the joke! Oh and one more! Oh Christmas eve we sit around and wrap presents. Mine are alwaya done before I get home, but my sister's and Dad's arent. So I help wrap. Almost evey year at least one of the gifts that I have wrapped gets a tag slapped on it that indicates that I just lovingly wrapped a gift for myself! blahblahblahlala. I'll stop now. Happy holidays!

    By Blogger lala, at 12/24/2004 1:19 AM  

  • Lena - I hope you didn't try to swim the 1500! *g* Before I found out I had mono I went to work a couple of times, but as soon as I found out I went right to my bed and didn't emerge for a week or so. Because I am a big baby about being sick.

    Back on topic! When my sisters and I were younger, my mom would always bundle us all up on Christmas Eve and we'd drive around town looking at the Christmas lights. That probably won't happen this year (it's REALLY cold and people have work, other obligation, etc.) but I always loved the lights.

    By Blogger Angie, at 12/24/2004 3:35 AM  

  • I did swim the 1500m once, long time ago. Of course, by the time I ended they were already in the medal ceremony for the winners. I really like that race. I love swimming in general, but I'm really slow.

    I'm going to the doctors in like half an hour and I'll know everything for sure. I'm planning to get lots of rest b/c I just started my summer holidays and my work is freelance so it's done at home.
    Besides, my mom won't let me do anything else.

    I ran into a Santa yesterday "What do you want for Christmas?" "A Longhorn tattoo pic!"
    "UH?"
    "Brendan Hansen? UT? Hook 'em Horns?"
    "Nena, te sentis bien?" (Girl, are you feeling OK?"

    *sighs* Then I asked him for Mauro Boselli for swimphilly. That he understood.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/24/2004 6:48 AM  

  • Hey, if Grant Hackett can swim the 1500 in Athens with a PUNCTURED LUNG, I'm sure our Lena can swim it with mono with no problems! Glad you're feeling better, darlin!

    No Good User Names -- I guess we ARE related! And here I thought it was just my family that did that for Chanukkah, guess not. What movies are we all going to see tomorrow? Thanks to Aims, I'm already planning my Chinese feast, I'm thinking Wonton Soup and Hunan Chicken and Fried Rice. I better check first that they are open. I'll be SO disappointed if they are closed!

    By Blogger JHD, at 12/24/2004 8:34 AM  

  • lala - That was one of the sweetest stories ever! My brothers would tease me like that too!

    Keeping my fingers crossed that you get the "All Clear" Lena.

    swimphilly78 - WOO HOO! Better look for Boselli under your tree girl! haha!

    I'm off to sit in some guys lap, I mean uhh..see Santa, as a last ditch effort to try and get that Cutie McHottie post I keep asking for! ;)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/24/2004 8:35 AM  

  • Didn't Hackett swim in Sydney with Mono? Or "Glandular Fever" as those wacky Aussies like to call it?

    Am I just completely making that up?

    By Blogger Angie, at 12/24/2004 8:55 AM  

  • One of my favorite Christmas memories happened about 12 yrs ago when my daughter was 11 and my son was 10 (yes ladies another Hansen male). You see, my favorite things about the season are Christmas trees and the way people decorate the outside of their homes with lights. So every year we would take a drive looking at the lights. On this night, all of us (including Sean and Brendan)took a drive. Now the four of them are packed into the back seat of my car. We had the radio blaring to some rock tune (because the kids got sick of hearing Christmas music) and everyone started singing…..then swaying…..and pretty soon the whole car was shaking. We got caught at a red light on a busy street and my car was literally going with the beat of the music….before we knew it…..people in the cars surrounding us were looking, smiling, then started singing and clapping to the music blaring from my car.

    This Christmas I have already received one gift that I really wanted…..and that is my son being home for the holidays. He is in the military (Navy) and I have not
    seen him at all in the last year. With everyone being home for the first time in about 5 years, it will make for a very special holiday season with many ‘good times’.

    The gift I am most looking forward to giving is to my daughter. I got her a digital camera. She is a picture taking freak and is going to be very surprised because she is not expecting it.

    I want to wish all of you a peaceful and merry Christmas. May this Christmas bring each of you another special memory.

    By Blogger Aunt K, at 12/24/2004 9:11 AM  

  • No Good User Names, I forgot all about going to look at all of the Christmas lights! We used to do that, too. We would pile into the station wagon with our next door neighbors and drive all over town assigning awards, ie. Best House with Single Colored Lights, Tackiest, etc. The Tackiest award was always the favorite. But, you had to be careful not to hand it out too early in the evening, otherwise there were six houses who had that distinction.

    JHD, my regular Chinese restaurant is closed. Now I either have to find another one or cook... I think I'll try a new one. On the other hand, I'm all set with the movies.

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 12/24/2004 9:12 AM  

  • Aunt K - Great story!!

    Please do me a favor and thank your son for his service to our country. We can never thank all of our service men and women for protecting us day in and day out.

    I am glad you all get to be together for Christmas. =)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/24/2004 9:21 AM  

  • Aunt K, what a beautiful story. And another Hansen boy in his 20's? Why don't we have a pic of him?
    I foreshadow a quadruple date in here... We already have Sean and Steph, Crackinup and John, Me and Pumpkin, and any takers for the new one?

    BHO dating service: helping girls all over the world.

    Steph, can I give you a semi clear? I had the mono, I still have the virus. No alcohol, no fat, no chocolates, no fried food, no sports. No archery *cries* I cannot live without my archery.

    Hackett is out of this world, girls. How he swam 1500m like that is just crazy. But I'm not swimming anymore, so there's no way I'm doing that. I'd love to shoot my bow though and the mean doctor won't let me.

    Finally, I'm still contagious, so Pumpkin, I'm holding my Christmas under the mistletoe kiss for you for a while. I don't want to get you mono. You have to train hard and win. And I don't want to get in the way with that.

    I'm so bumped I'm not even asking for a tattoo pic.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/24/2004 9:36 AM  

  • Aunt K-that is like with our family. My brother is a Marine and he will be leaving in a couple of months for Iraq and since I will be away at school this will be the last time I get to see him for awhile. So I will definitely be soaking up every minute with him, along with the rest of my family.

    The gift I am most excited to give, actually I already gave it to my niece early. She is almost five and has heard from kids at her school that what she believes about Santa may not be true. So we tried to convince her that Santa was real and she wouldn't believe us. So we found this website that makes personalized letters to kids from Santa, and we had one mailed to her. My sister in law said that as soon as she read it my niece ran and showed all her friends and that she thinks she is the coolest kid now because she got a letter from Santa!

    I'm actually not waiting on Santa to bring me anything this year because I've just had an amazing year and a very awesome past couple of weeks! I'm just looking forward to seeing all of my family and then next Monday I fly to Maryland to spend some time with my best friend. That's all I need this Christmas!!

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 12/24/2004 9:37 AM  

  • Well its Christmas eve, and to be honest I couldnt sleep in much because mom was dancing around the house blaring christmas carols and getting the house ready for everyone tonight. She loves having everyone home for the holidays, I think we all do because we always have so much fun.
    My Cousin David is my Aunt K's son. Yeah he is in the Navy and doing really well. Its just tough because we dont get to see him that much.
    Well I will do my best to get Sean to post tonight. We will be hangin out at the house tonight.

    By Blogger pumkin, at 12/24/2004 10:58 AM  

  • Have a Merry Christmas, Brendan.
    And greetings to your lovely family.

    *low voice*get your brother to post for Steph*low voice*

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/24/2004 11:02 AM  

  • Lena,..Aunt K's daughter is getting a digital camera...maybe she'll let your pumpkin borrow it to take a picture! LOL!

    What I wouldn't give to see Mrs.H dancing around the house to Christmas music!

    Brendan, I woke up this morning at 5:30 (which is nice since I had only gone to bed at 3:00am) to our electric train whistle...my Mom said "I just wanted to make sure it worked before the grandkids get here." YEAH HI..it's 5:30 and they aren't coming for three days! Then she started playing *Nsync's christmas cd, which I love...just not at 5:30. Call me Grinch, but seriously I hit the "eggnog" a little to hard last night. Moral of the story, I don't know what it is I'm to tired to think.

    Hope all the Hansen family, and the whole BHO community has a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 12/24/2004 11:21 AM