Thursday Thoughts with Jen - Vol 21

Happy Thursday! Lets jump right into it.

1. Awhile ago I mentioned I had a running list of baby names on my iPhone. Well I can happily say my top two girls names (I don't have favorite boys names because well, that just can't happen. I will have girls if anything) did not appear anywhere in the 100 Most Popular Baby Names of 2013. What are they you may ask? I'llllllll neverrrrrrr telllllllll (spoken in a similar creepy, sing-songy way to Brittany Murphy in Don't Say a Word). 
2. Speaking of children, why didn't Elf on the Shelf exist when I was a child?! Seriously. I feel like I really missed out. Luckily I have fun co-workers, and for the second year in a row we have some traveling work Elves on the Shelves. Jingle hasn't visited me yet this year, but I'm anxiously awaiting his arrival.

   

   Jingle chilling in a peppermint marshmallow bubble bath last year. 

3. Every company should have four day work weeks. No exceptions. Last week I only had to work Monday, Tuesday, and a half day Wednesday, and it was ah-maze-ing, and I'm not even asking for that! I just want one more day. Give me Friday. Give me Monday. I don't care. I'll stay as late as I have to Monday-Thursday, but that extra day off would be so fantastic. 
4. Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments are far superior to ALL other ornaments. While I hate shopping when there are large crowds, every year I make an exception the day after Christmas to go to Hallmark to buy ornaments half price. I have my eye on way too many this year. 

   

   photo from hallmark.com

   

   photo from hallmark.com

   

   photo from hallmark.com

   

   photo from hallmark.com

   

   photo from hallmark.com

5. I'm having major anxiety about what to get people for Christmas. Surprisingly C was the easy one to shop for even though he is ridiculously picky. My dad is a different story. His birthday is December 17th so I have to get him TWO presents. Does anyone have any good ideas? I think I've got one, but I'm at a loss for the other. Help me!
6. So I tried eggnog for the first time on Thanksgiving, and as much as it pains me to say this, I kinda loved it. I've always alleged I hated eggnog (although I can't even remember the last time I'd had it prior to last Thursday). Oh how I wished I would turn up my nose in disgust, but no. Quite the opposite really. I can't stop thinking about having more. Why oh why does it have to be so caloric? I mean 200ish calories for a cup before the rum is added?! That is just madness. 
7. On Tuesday morning my group fitness teacher informed us only 12% of Americans work out on a regular basis. Twelve. How sad is that? We need to get our butts into gear, and stop making excuses (myself included). Last week I only worked out once. This week I've gotta do better...especially I'm guzzling down eggnog. What are your favorite workouts to do in the winter? I'm such a baby so all my activities are of the indoor variety.

   

   Long sleeves are necessary even when I'm at the gym...at least for the first 5 minutes or so. 

8. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I am most definitely an early riser, and this list of 23 Signs You're a Morning Person proves it. I feel like such a failure when I don't get out of bed by 8:00 a.m. on the weekends even if I have nothing to do. Most weekdays I'm up and at 'em by 4:15 a.m. I realize I'm crazy, no need to tell me. I blame my mother. 
9. Lastly, I just downloaded an new iPhone app called QuizUp and you should ALL download it so we can play. It's really fun I promise.