random bits and pieces

[floatingleaf]

So, we had this other holiday party at work today, and then they let us go home early. Oh, and the boss gave each one of us a nice bracelet with a South American design that she had bought during her trip to the Caribbean. Each one of us women, that is. Mike (the only guy on the team) got a pair of gloves instead.:)

I have pretty much finalized my Christmas shopping - and while I was at Barnes & Noble last weekend, I couldn't resist a beautifully packaged CD of traditional Irish music performed by Loreena McKennitt (The Wind That Shakes the Barley). I love Loreena. She has such amazing feel for traditional music, and for mixing traditional elements into her own compositions. And then there's her voice. Pure magic.:)

So that's my "holiday music" this year (or every year, for that matter). Loreena McKennitt. Enya. Folk songs/traditional carols from various places around the globe. Not the crap they play at most American retail stores, thank you very much.:P

As for holiday decorations, I got me a bunch of lovely new winter-themed icons. *points at the top of the post* Found at roxicons. That girl makes some truly gorgeous stuff, let me tell you. I am severely tempted to purchase extra icon space, just so I could upload more of her pretties.

Speaking of purchases, though... looks like I won't be getting my new PC until after the holidays. My parents are going to give me a few hundred bucks in cash, but since I was going to order online, I must do it either by PayPal or credit card - and my credit card balance isn't high enough either.:/ I could try to do the "Bill Me Later" thing, but I just didn't feel comfortable signing up for that. It seemed... too easy. There must be a catch somewhere, and I have a feeling I'm not going to like it. I'd rather wait till I have the money, and then pay full price in one go and be done with it. (Looks like my mother's anti-debt upbringing did leave a mark.:P) So the cash my parents give me is going to cover everyday expenses for a few weeks, which will allow the account balance to rise a bit - and then I will be able to place the order. I was originally aiming for a very reasonably priced model - but when my dad said how much money they're willing to give me, I realized it made sense to get a slightly better one. Even though I probably could order the "reasonably priced" one right now and have it delivered before Christmas... *sigh*

But patience is a virtue, and the old laptop is holding up surprisingly well (hasn't crashed in a while), so... let's hope it stays functional for another month or two. After all, it only randomly refuses to play some DVD's. Not always the same ones, either. Seems to depend on the mood. For example, lately it likes the first part of Anat Baniel's exercise program, but doesn't like the second one. Oh well. It could be worse, I guess.;)

Enough rambling. I am behind on emails and stuff. *shuts up*

Comments

[samtyr.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'll have to put that new cd on my list. I love Loreena McKennit's music too. Thanks for the heads up!

[floatingleaf.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. I had no idea that CD was even out. I just saw it on my way to the checkout, and once I grabbed it, I couldn't make myself put it back.;)

[taelyn-sass.livejournal.com]

Loreena and Enya are two of my favorites. Glad to know there's new material out there.

Hope your patience continues and you get the laptop you want. A slightly better one will be good for you; spoil yourself a little!

[floatingleaf.livejournal.com]

Hope your patience continues and you get the laptop you want.

Actually, it's going to be a desktop. With a nice, big-ass 21" monitor.:) Since I don't have a TV, that's what I will be watching movies on. Plus, a regular keyboard is better for typing. And I don't really travel enough to actually NEED a laptop - even if my back/shoulders were still up to lugging it around airports and stuff.:/

[taelyn-sass.livejournal.com]

That's cool! The big monitor is a great feature. My husband has a 24" iMac and I love all the real estate on it.

Lugging around a laptop can be hard work. Best not to do it if you don't need it.

:-)

[dissonant-dream.livejournal.com]

I ♥ Loreena! And that's the kind of holiday music I like too.

You should not have posted the link to that icon comm. I now need to have a whole bunch of them - they're gorgeous! ;D

Your new PC will be worth the wait. :D

[floatingleaf.livejournal.com]

You should not have posted the link to that icon comm. I now need to have a whole bunch of them

LOL! You have no idea how many I saved into my "icons" folder. Plentiful nature motifs for all seasons - especially the ones featuring a single leaf, which will be absolutely perfect for my journal.:) *excitedly rubs hands together* ;)

[dissonant-dream.livejournal.com]

I heartily approve. :D I'm also sad because I had to renew my extra userpics subscription today. I was on 70 and wanted 140 but had to force myself to stick to 70. It should be enough, but it isn't! ;P

I love the ones I've seen you use so far and I am sharing my single leaf one now. ♥

[floatingleaf.livejournal.com]

had to force myself to stick to 70. It should be enough, but it isn't! ;P

Hah! 70 stopped being enough long ago.:) I may be flat broke as of right now, but I do have lots of pretty icons.:P

(That's a great metaphor of my priorities, btw. Sad, really. *shifty eyes*)

*tosses another leaf onto the pile* ;)

[dissonant-dream.livejournal.com]

Well, know that you're not alone. Besides, pretty icons make me happy. Sad but true. ;) And life is all about the little things that help, right? I'm not helping either of us here. Shutting up now. ;)

*hugs*