secret holiday pals

In an attempt to get into the Christmas spirit I've decided to enter into the "Secret Holiday Pals" at work (this is the activity formerly known as Secret Santas). The problem is this: I don't really know that many people on the faculty outside of the English Department. My theory is, I'm not at work to make friends, I'm at work to expand the minds of tomorrow's leaders.

Now, not knowing anyone has back-fired on me because I don't know who I have. I mean, I know him, I see him in the copy room and we timed a few swim meets together, but I don't really know him. I had to even double check on the school's website to make sure that it was the right guy ... yeah, that's how little I know about him.

Allegedly we got the names of our "pal" on Friday, but I didn't check my mailbox at the end of the day, so I didn't get his name until this morning. [Did I add that we were supposed to be giving a gift every day this week?] So I'm already the worlds-worst Secret Holiday Pal because I didn't get Mr. Snyder anything for Monday.

I needed to trudge all over the greater Phoenix area after work for some random things, and on my way home I realized that I had forgotten that I needed to get him something. I know that he used to coach basketball, but I don't know anything other than that. So, I headed to my favorite store, Target. And in Target I headed to my favorite holiday aisle, and what I have dubbed as the "I-don't-know-you, therefore-don't-know-what-to-get- you-aisle"

The I-don't-know-you Aisle

I settled on a small lighted Christmas tree (I hope he celebrates Christmas) and some chocolate. Also, I'm going to re-use the bag that my secret pal used on me ... HAHA! I think for Wednesday I am going to get him a purple Nalgene (the water bottle that is perma-fixed to me) and fill it with candy. Thursday I'm going to bake these fabulous Andes Mint cookies and for Friday I'm going to get him a gift card to Cheesecake Factory.

In other news, I got my hair did! This rediculous Arizona sun lightens my hair, like-whoa. So I've gone dark. Like daaaaaaark. Hopefully the color is still entact by the time I come home for Christmas (which is in a mere 8 days!)

Our friend Melissa was visiting in town this weekend from California. Saturday night Kristie had a date and so Nanette, Melissa and I headed over to Sonic for some grub. Little did we know that Tolleson was having their annual "Light Parade," which involves turning off the street lamps and having a parade in the dark, with everyone wearing Christmas lights. It was pretty cold (I'd say upper 40's low 50's, which I remind you is chilly here).

Melissa, me, Nanette at Sonic, America's Drive-In