[stylist] Christmas Greetings from Shelley

[Shelley J. Alongi]

Good sunday morning to all of you, Shelley's Bells,

Yes it's a few days before Christmas and there is a Christmas tree in the house, not much rapping paper, no loads of tencil, and not very complicated plans this year. This molrning in church our pastor asked us how many have been affected by the economy and two thirds of the congregation responded that they had been affected. I haven't really been affected by it that I can tell, and certainly not my feelings about Christmas. I've moved into the two bedroom apartment this year that takes more of my money and maybe I've paid off a few credit cards and have decided not to use them for the holidays. So maybe I have been affected or I am affecting it because I'm not maxing out my credit. I do have two credit cards that have balances and that beats last year when I have six or seven with balances. If I wasn't paying higher rent I'd probably be spending that money on little trinkets but frankly the last four months have seen me writing profusely, working a lot of hours, and concentrating on the chatsworth train wreck for a point of intest, extending to getting aquainted with the Fullerton train station. So I can't really say I've been affected by the economy because Christmas in the past few years for me has been a simple thing: an artificial but nice tree, a few friends, some presents for family, and that's about it. What has mattered is the memories I suppose, quiet time with friends, not rushing around like a mad girl, and just being contented. 

This year is a little different only because I'm not sure what will happen. For some reason I thought my family was getting together for Christmas this year, but we're not. We're getting together tonight and then all going our separate ways this Christmas. I am not working this Christmas and so my plans may have me at a friend's house or having my own impromptu party. Whatever the choice is it will be a good one. I thought about working Christmas after all but decided that since I had requested the day off I wanted to keep it that way. So it will be simply fun and delicious, relaxing and well worth it. So here's to my "I'm not sure yet" Christmas. I'll know more by Christmas Eve. 

I did buy a wreath entirely made of bells and you know I would do that didn't you? The lady who knew the Metrolink engineer in the chatsworth train crash said I would have bought that even if I did pay full price for it. "You would have paid $14.95 for it wouldn't you?" she asked in her response to my email telling her about the purchase. How did she know? I guess my obsession with bells is obvious. I guess I don't really hide my interests very well. Anyway, a person up in Riverside County that I correspond with by email, I'm still talking about Lilian, even figured it out, so it must be obvious. Yes I did buy the wreath made entirely of bells and it was seventy-five percent off. I will probably keep it up after Christmas, too. 

So here's to all of you having a wonderful Christmas, and a happy new year, too. My year has been full of unplanned surprises, most of them positive. I'm still working for disney, I'm still enjoying the apartment, and now I'm finally getting back into some social things I've been involved with over the years. Probably just as I get them all lined up again we'll be slammed with hours and I'll be working full time, over time, all the time. So far we've kept up a steady business there at the Travel Company. If you want to come, do your homework there are some great rates. People are coming. 

So when the last present is rapped, the last piece of garland is put away till next year, the last candy cane is eaten, and the last Christmas card opened, remember to make it a merry one and most of all, keep it simple. The simple christmases are the best. Don't get caught up in the fact that everyone can't buy as much as they used to, focus on the fact that Christmas is about the best gift of all, God's gift to all of us.

Oh yeah and remember that pearl and Brandy really run the house around here so what matters is that they have a good Christmas, too. I'm sure they will. 

Till we meet again in person or online,

Have a very merry Christmas!

Shelley, Pearl and Brandy 

Shelley J. Alongi 
Your Lifelong Pampered Chef Consultant With Bells On!
Home Office: (714)869-3207
Start your holiday shopping now with great quality tools from the pampered Chef
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/shellbellskit
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Read my latest instalment of Flirting with Monday 
http://www.storymania.com/cgibin/sm2/smreadtitle.cgi?action=display&file=newtitles/AlongiSJ-FlirtingWithMondayChapter14.htm
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To read essays on my journey through Metrolink 111 or other interests click on http://www.storymania.com/cgibin/sm2/smshowauthorbox.cgi?page=&author=AlongiSJ&alpha=A

updated Dec 7, 2008