How many holiday movies can I watch?

Now that Christmas is over, so are the nonstop holiday movies. It's one of the things I miss most about December -- the ability to find a Christmas-themed movie on virtually any channel at any time of the day.

For some reason, I love these sappy movies -- many of which are found on Lifetime, Hallmark and the Family Channel -- need I say more about the level of sap? My mom also likes these movies so maybe it's genetic.

The plots and endings are ridiculously predictable but I just can't help myself. I'll record a dozen or more of these movies and watch them up through New Year's (today's count: I have three left).

Maybe it's just because these movies represent all that's beautiful about the Christmas season -- peace, joy and goodwill toward men. We don't always encounter that in real life so it's fun to get sucked into a pretend world where it always snows on Christmas, the gifts are beautifully wrapped and couples never forget to kiss under the mistletoe.

Hmmm, I'm already looking forward to next year's round of holiday films.

What are you worth?

Check out this interview with Kelly Love Johnson. I worked with Kelly with I first started with the Charleston Regional Business Journal. She was the managing editor and I really enjoyed working with her. She later left to become an editor with Skirt! magazine, a women's publication that started in Charleston but has since expanded to various locations around the country.

Kelly has a new book out called "Skirt! Rules for the Workplace." I'm hoping to pick up a copy soon because it sounds very interesting. One of the topics it addresses is asking for a raise - something I admit I'm not good at doing. I just accept whatever salary increase I'm given and don't ask for more - even when I think I deserve it.

What sort of message does that send to my boss? My personality is one that doesn't like to rock the boat or deal with any kind of confrontation or uncomfortable situation. That's probably one reason I'm hesitant to ask for more money. Plus, what happens if my boss simply says, "No, we can't give you that much." Do I let it go? Do I press the issue? How far is too far?

What are your tips for asking for a raise?

The ups and downs of fostering

This fall, Clint decided we should become foster parents with Lowcountry Lab Rescue. The organization was in dire need of foster families and would not be able to rescue any more Labs until more volunteers were found. Nothing like the thought of poor homeless Labs being sent to the animal shelter and probably euthanized to tug at your heart strings.

Cut to present day: We have two foster dogs for a grand total of four dogs at our house. Yes, four dogs. I now know why most people have only two children. Once you surpass two, life becomes just a little more chaotic. Now don’t get me wrong, our foster dogs are sweet and most of the time are relatively little trouble as they spend much of the day playing in our backyard (thank goodness for our large backyard and a warm climate!).

But as we approach Baby Day, it’s becoming more critical to find homes for our foster children. So, here’s a photo and some info. If you or someone you know has “Get a dog” as a New Year’s Resolution, fill out an adoption application with Lowcountry Lab Rescue.


This is Dixie, a 9-month-old black Lab ready for a loving home. She's incredibly sweet and loves to play. She is spayed, house trained, crate trained and knows basic doggie commands (sit, stay, heel). She loves to retrieve the ball and would make a wonderful pet.


This a Faye, a 3-year-old chocolate Lab. Faye has been through some tough times but is really thriving. She would do well in a home where her family would give her lots of attention and love. She is a puppy at heart and enjoys playing in the yard, chasing the ball and wrestling with her foster sister, Dixie. She is spayed and knows some basic commands (sit, heel).

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Clint and I spent a very quiet Christmas at home this year. We suspect it will be our last once we introduce a baby to the mix next year! It was nice to have a few days to simply rest. The last few weeks of my pregnancy have really worn me out. I find I’m spending more time sleeping or just lying on the couch watching television. I suppose I should enjoy it – I may not take another nap for 18 years!

I’ve posted some photos to an online baby photo album for anyone interested in seeing ultrasound photos, baby shower photos and pictures of me as I grow. Coming soon: nursery photos. It’s almost complete.

More motherly advice

I continue to be amazed by people's willingness to share their various parenting advice, birthing stories and generally inappropriate words of wisdom.

Last week a co-worker and I attended a Center for Women event to hear the managing editor of the New York Times speak. After the talk, a woman at our table was asking me when my baby was due (I should just tatoo Feb. 6 to my head). She then proceeded to tell me I should have a C-section.

She had one C-section and the had her second child naturally. "It (natural child birth) was the worst thing I could have done for my body," she said.

OK, thanks for sharing.

The only thing that would have made that situation more awkward would have been if she rubbed my belly.

P.S. Do let me note, I have received some very helpful information and advice from friends. And I am grateful! What's odd is getting baby war stories from people you don't even know.

A pregnant me

I swear if someone had told me a year ago I would be 1) shopping for baby items 2) researching daycare centers 3) attending baby showers - for ME 4) looking like a chubby polar bear, I would have laughed hysterically. But here I am doing all those things.

So, in case you were wondering what a pregnant Holly looks like, here's a photo.

Play money

What is the world coming to? Last night I saw a commercial for an electronic version of Monopoly. In this version of the classic game, you use a debit card instead of cash. What?! Why must everything be modernized? I always loved playing Monopoly -- all the fake dough. As a child, those hundred dollar bills are the closest you get to hundred dollar bills. Oh what's next? No "Get out of jail free" card?

And baby makes three

The biggest reason I’ve been away from the blog is that I’m pregnant and that has sort of consumed my life for the last three months. Blogging seemed completely unimportant as I lie on the couch for an entire weekend sure I was going to toss my cookies at any second. And blogging seemed utterly exhausting as a complete lack of energy overtook my body.

Well, here I am in the second trimester and feeling better. The waves of nausea have passed and the exhaustion comes and goes. I’m hoping to post more regularly and will try not to bore you to tears with tales of a new mother-to-be.

I will offer up this bit of insight: Here are a few comments you just shouldn’t say to expectant mothers:

Person One: How are you feeling?
Expectant Mother: Better, but still really tired.
Person One: Just wait, it gets worse. You’re going to be tired for the next 18 years.


Person Two looking at EM’s high heels: You won’t be wearing those shoes for long.


Person Three: Oh, look at your belly and cute clothes.
EM: Well, I just couldn’t breathe in my regular clothes.
Person Three: Just wait, it gets worse.


Gee, thanks for the advice. I feel much better.

Debating in Charleston

I’m currently watching the Democratic presidential debate taking place right here in Charleston at The Citadel. I probably should have kept a tally as to how many candidates actually answered the questions that were posed. You have to love politician question-dodging. Having personally interviewed quite a few political candidates over the years, some of them are quite skilled in giving flowery answers that say nothing.

I will say Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama do seem to be leading the pack. Haven’t completely made up my mind about Hillary Clinton yet but it is cool to see a woman as a serious candidate for president.

We’ve seen so many debates and news coverage, I feel like the election should be THIS November. Oh, campaign fatigue.

I'm back

I’m embarrassed I haven’t posted anything in so long. Spring was full of travels and then a myriad other issues that kept me from taking a minute to update my poor, neglected blog.

In May, Clint and I spent a few days in San Diego. He was there on business and had to stay over a weekend. So using some of his frequent flyer miles, I hopped a plane for California. We had a great trip, visiting Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. We even crossed the border into Tijuana, Mexico, where I took part in my favorite vacation activity: bartering in Mexico. I managed to haggle with the shop owner for a great bracelet.

We visited Old Town San Diego, which had some wonderful shops filled with pottery and other Mexican items (it was like heaven with chimineas).

San Diego is beautiful. I just love the West -- big skies, little humidity, mountains. It's just so stunning.

Here’s a photo of us in La Jolla. You know how it is when just the two of you are traveling—you have to ask a stranger to snap your picture.

The Money Pit, Part III

It's been some time since I posted a house update. We have wrapped up 75 percent of our interior renovations. We still have to tackle the bonus room over the garage, the kitchen and a half bath downstairs. The house has really come together. Check out our online photo album here.

Benefit for Micah

Back in November I posted some information about friends who have a young child with cancer. Micah is scheduled for a stem cell transplant Monday, April 16. A friend of the Crimmins' has put together a benefit for Micah and the playroom at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, where Micah is being treated.

Purchase books from Usborne Books for the little ones in your life or purchase books for Micah (his wish list is available on the Web site). Micah's mom, Jacque, said she would share many of the books with the hospital. The friend organizing the benefit plans to donate her commission from the book sales to the Crimmins family to help with medical expenses. Click here if you want to help.

And do keep praying for Micah and his family. God does work miracles!

Sweet Marley

I realize the bestseller Marley & Me by John Grogan has been out for quite some time but I finally just got around to reading it. Several people had told me how great it is and it's been on my "to read" list for months. If you're not familiar with Marley & Me, it's the story of life with a crazy yellow Lab named Marley. Marley is goofy, loveable, crazy and fiercely loyal to John Grogan and his family.

Well, over the last few days, I read Marley & Me. It's a funny, sweet, beautiful and heart-wrenching book. If you have a dog that brings immense joy to your life, you must read this book. Just be sure you have a box of Kleenex handy. And you might want to schedule reading the final chapters when you're home alone so you can blubber uninhibited.

This evening I closed Marley & Me and laid the book on the end table. I crawled onto the floor and just let my dogs lick my face. I gave them hugs and petted their faces.

Mocha once chewed a hardback book autographed by the author. Belle has destroyed more items than I can count. They both shed--a lot. Sometimes they stink. Often they embarrass us by trying to jump on strangers and sniff friends' private areas. They dig holes in the yard and wallow in mud puddles.

But I wouldn't trade them for anything. They bring us such joy. Their loyalty and devotion is almost beyond comprehension.

Thank you, John Grogan, for writing such a beautiful book and for putting into words our love for dogs.

And, check out the book's Web site.

King George

Last night I want to my fourth George Strait concert and, like the others, this one was terrific. Opening for George were new singer/songwriter Taylor Swift (only 17 years old) and another country music legend Ronnie Milsap. Clint and I had a great time at the show.

Quote of the Day

"Isn't it strange what happens with old books? They choose you. They reach out to their buyer--Hello, here I am, take me with you. It's as if they were alive."

--The Nautical Chart by Arturo Perez-Reverte (2000, Harcourt Books)

Mats ain't movin'

A few days ago, a friend sent me a link to this news story with the subject line "My hero." I mean, really, don't we all feel this way somedays? Especially on a Monday.

Puppy Bowl III

Clint and I were just discussing how the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet is just as good -- if not better -- than the actual Super Bowl. In case you're not familiar with this, Animal Planet puts puppies in an enclosed area and for about seven hours just broadcasts them romping and playing around. It's beyond cute. Although I'm still saying Go Colts!

Writing is hard

Instead of writing this blog posting, I should be working on a writing "assignment." It's not really even an assignment but I feel compelled to complete it.

A few months ago, a few of us writer types started a writers group called The Deadline Society (sort of like Dead Poets Society, a fabulous movie). We started out meeting at Starbucks (where else would creative types meet but a coffee shop?) and just chatted about writing, work, families or any other topic that popped up. But in January, we decided to take our little group one step further and actually -- gasp -- write!

One of the members provided us with some writing prompts from a writing book in case we needed inspiration. We would distribute our work one day before our next meeting so everyone could read and critique.

It's supposed to be fiction because most of us write non-fiction for a living. It's supposed to stretch us. It's supposed to be low-pressure and fun.

I'm on my second writing attempt and the meeting is next week. As a journalist, writing about other people's lives is one thing. I don't have to make up stories, quotes or drama -- I write about what already exists. Now, I'm trying to write about what I see in my head. It's anything but low-pressure.

I suppose all of us who make our living with words harbor a secret desire to write a book. Who doesn't want to do a book signing at Barnes & Noble? I've come up with the beginnings of a dozen books. They are nicely filed in a part of my brain called "book beginnings" and never actually make it to paper.

Why? Because writing is hard. Good writers make it look easy but all writers know it's tough to string words together into something interesting. It's tough to keep people's attention past the second paragraph. It's tough to write something and then toss it out there for the world to read (and possibly even hate).

I'm hoping I can at least write 200 words for next week's meeting of The Deadline Society. I'm also hoping my fellow writers will be kind. For the next week, I'll keep at it, clicking away on the keyboard and all the while dreaming about how I'll autograph my books and what sort of questions Oprah will ask when my work is selected for her book club.

It's a sickness

Last night I went to bed at 8:30 and finished reading a book (already one book read in 2007!). I honestly had nothing else pressing to do.

Oh sure, I could have tackled some work-related tasks or got started on some SPJ project. But nothing was screaming, "I should have been done yesterday!" Particularly because I'm not teaching this semester at the College of Charleston, my evenings aren't filled with lesson plans and grading.

A friend called while I was reading and I admitted my guilt over what I classified as "doing nothing."

"It's a sickness," I told her. Truly, I have a tough time relaxing. I feel guilty when I do something that's just for me. But step one is admitting you have a problem and one of my goals is to get better about this. Last weekend, I watched a movie. On Sunday, I'm participating in a four-part mystery book club.

I'm also checking into a women's crafting circle, church Bible studies and adult swimming lessons with an equally water-terrified friend (this should generate lots of blog postings).

I'd say my 2007 is off to a pretty good start.

Christmas in Ohio

Clint and Holly enjoy Christmas in Ohio.

Happy New Year

Wow. I blinked and 2006 blew right by me.

We spent New Year's Eve with two close friends. I believe this was our fifth New Year's Eve with them. We enjoy having a good dinner, playing some games and watching the ball drop in Times Square. Each year we talk about how fast the previous year went. But, truly, 2006 really zipped by in a flurry of work, moving, home renovations and even more work.

I am ashamed to say I didn't ride my bike once in 2006. I camped zero times and I read a very tiny handful of books. While I had some terrific accomplishments, I really want to relax the pace a bit this year.

Goal for 2007: sloooooow dooowwwnn. I want to work hard but I want to play hard too. I want a little more down time, a little more quality time, a little more me time.

Considering I extended my vacation into Jan. 3, rather than going back to work Jan. 2, I would say I'm off to a good start.