Christmas is all around

My favorite Christmas movie is Love Actually. I've seen it over 20 times even though it only came out in 2003 or thereabouts. I don't see how someone can watch it and not like it; it's that good. In fact, every Cox kid (referring to me and my three siblings) likes it so much that we each have a copy. And, if you know the Cox kids, that says a lot because we are as different as night and day and it's hard to believe that all four of us would like the same movie that much. Anyway, it's really good.

So I'm driving home from work today and I hear the Billy Mack song Christmas is All Around. If you've seen the movie, you know that this song is an integral part of the movie and one of the funniest things about it. In the movie, Billy Mack (played by the excellent English actor Bill Nighy) is an aging rock star trying to make a comeback with the above-titled cheesy Christmas song. It is a play on the song Love is All Around Me by The Troggs. Words can't do it justice; you have to see it for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWjl80WFBzY

First, I had never heard that song played on the radio so I was pleasantly surprised. Second, it really puts me in the Christmas spirit. I'm already trying to figure out when I can watch the movie before Christmas; I've even made Ned sit through it before.

As if that wasn't enough good stuff for one day, I ran into one of Ned's former male swimmers at the VT Bookstore. Therefore, I copped a hug from a very handsome 22 or 23 year-old. When you're pushing 40, you would be surprised what will make your day. And for those of you shaking your head and feeling sorry for Ned, don't. Remember, this is a guy who makes his living around 18 to 22 year-old females in peak physical condition wearing swimsuits.

Bear, ever her Daddy's girl, has adopted his obsession with all things Beyonce. All we hear from her is "Play Single Ladies" or "Play MaBeyonce" (I'm not sure if she knows it's just "Beyonce" or if she's saying "My Beyonce."). She will sit and watch Beyonce videos over and over. Should I be worried?

Jack has decided he like's sleeping on his side or stomach. We always put him to sleep on his back but he turns himself over. According to the literature, you don't have to be too concerned about the SIDS "Back to Sleep" campaign because he should be able to turn himself back over. The only problem is he wakes up anywhere from two to five times a night on his stomach and starts crying. I'm assuming he's freaking out because he's on his stomach so I go and flip him back over. This usually works but it's getting old. I need to finish the Ferber book so I can find out what I should be doing.

Also, still no progress on the iPod. I'm such a loser.

Love,

Allie