Monthly Archives: December 2005

Holiday montage

Dec. 30, 20055:04 p.m.

It’s another bizarre time of year in the seasonal aisle of local stores.

Earlier this week, I passed a Valentine’s Day display while purchasing clearance Christmas cards as I was making New Year’s Eve plans …

Posted by  Lori O’Toole Buselt

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Holidays, Shopping | Comments (0)

New Year’s speed partying

Dec. 30, 20054:00 p.m.

It has occurred to me that tomorrow night is New Year’s Eve (my, how time flies). I’ve received at least three invitations to parties, and I’m feeling a bit stressed.

Why am I stressed? Because I would really, really love to attend all of the parties. If only I had the gift of bilocation, or in this case, trilocation (is that even a word?). I know, without a doubt, that each of these parties would be loads of fun. And they’re all totally different, too.

There’s the wild, drunken soiree that will most likely result in a serious hangover. There’s the New Year’s luau, complete with a plastic lei and all sorts of tropical drink concoctions. And then, there’s the bash that will likely include many of my co-workers and where I’ll likely be the youngest person in attendance.

What’s a girl to do? I’m sure I’ll end up wherever the wind blows me. I may even make an attempt to drop by all three. I have a sinking feeling that I might ring in the new year all by my lonesome, sitting at an intersection in my car while I’m madly dashing to the next party.

In any event, I hope everyone has a very happy and safe New Year’s Eve, spent in the company of good friends and good fun. See you next year!

Posted by Missy Good

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (0)

What’s your baby step?

Dec. 29, 200511:57 a.m.

Hug your significant other four times a day. Tell your kids thanks. Paint a room in your house. Local experts said these small things can make a huge difference in your life in 2006. Get more ideas from our WichiTalk story, "Baby steps to a new you."

I have a few baby steps of my own planned for ‘06:

  • Take my dogs on more walks.
  • Read outside on beautiful days.
  • E-mail friends who live out of town more often.
  • Attend a gym class at least once a week.
  • Take more photos.

What small thing are you planning to improve your life in the coming year? Post your comments here.

Posted by Lori O’Toole Buselt

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Harry Potter fans, rejoice!

Dec. 28, 20054:36 p.m.

The final Harry Potter book should begin taking shape next month and be out later in 2006, according to some news reports. Check out this story. I have only read the first book, but my husband and sister are hooked. My sis was thrilled to receive for Christmas a fresh copy of every Harry Potter paperback that’s out. She better get to reading.

Posted by Lori O’Toole Buselt

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Random thoughts | Comments (0)

A piece of history lost

Dec. 28, 20054:26 p.m.

I was saddened to hear about today’s fire that destroyed Twigs, a cool little gift shop on East Douglas. It was located in a neat shopping district featuring unique stores in old brick buildings. When I passed it at lunch, the building was only a shell framing a pile of smoldering rubble. I hate to see Wichita lose places of character like that.

Posted by Lori O’Toole Buselt

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Y not?

Dec. 28, 200512:22 p.m.

I can’t believe how much sugar and fat I’ve eaten over the past couple of weeks for Christmas. I must get to the Y. But I’m afraid to see how crowded my favorite aerobics classes at the North Branch are as everyone else realizes the same problem and revs up their New Year’s resolutions.

I’m afraid I’ll get an elbow in that tender part of my forehead or slap somebody across the face when I’m caught grape-vining in the wrong direction! This is what happens when it’s been too long between trips to the gym.
Posted by Annie Calovich

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Health & Fitness | Comments (0)

Quit sleeping on the job, Mother Nature

Dec. 27, 20059:43 p.m.

Earth to Mother Nature: It’s winter. It’s supposed to look like that icy, snowy image to the left here. I’m supposed to be able to wear that beautiful black scarf and hat I got for Christmas. It is, after all, late December. I actually took off my winter coat when I went to lunch today. And I see that New Year’s Day is expected to be in the 60s? Tsk, tsk.

Check your calendar and quit sleeping on the job.

Posted by Lori O’Toole Buselt

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Write to someone who cares

Dec. 27, 20059:34 p.m.

People, please tell me that you’ve sent a greeting card or thank you note sometime in the past month. Think of all those holiday messages you wanted to share, of the nice holiday gifts from generous people you need to thank.

Several of my friends and coworkers have told me that they hardly send or receive holiday greeting cards any more. I must be old school. I hauled more than 100 Christmas cards to the post office this season and eagerly read the dozens I received. I’m a girl who loves to send e-cards and e-mails with the best of ‘em. There’s just something about a hand-written note, though, that can’t be replaced.

Just when I was getting depressed about the lack of mailing going on, I saw this USA Today story on the decline of thank you notes. Sigh. I think I’ll go write a thank you note to Grandma for my personalized mouse pad right now.

Posted by Lori O’Toole Buselt

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Random thoughts | Comments (0)

Everything you need for New Year’s

Dec. 27, 20059:11 p.m.

If you’ve missed the helpful New Year’s installments in WichiTalk so far this week, be sure to catch up. We’ve given you stories on:

·        all you need to know to plan your New Year’s food and drink

·        weight loss tools, with the lowdown on how to lose a few pounds easily in 2006

·        how the holiday is celebrated differently around the world

·        resolutions for pet owners

Wednesday’s section features a package on celebrating the holiday at home, whether you’re planning on a family fiesta or a quiet, romantic night for two.

And still to come are stories on how to take baby steps to a new you and what New Year’s events are scheduled throughout town this weekend.

Consider it our 2005 parting gift to you.

Posted by Lori O’Toole Buselt

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Post holiday shopping

Dec. 27, 20058:51 p.m.

Along with some Christmas cards straggling in, today’s mail (as in snail mail) included a post-holiday catalogue, its cover screaming: "The big sale: up to 70 percent off." But my favorite you-didn’t-get-enough-under-the-tree-so-come-spend-more-money marketing stroke of genius so far has been from Red Envelope. I received an e-mail today advertising the company’s 50 percent off sale, a campaign headlined by the witty phrase, "Stiffed by Santa?"

Posted by Lori O’Toole Buselt

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Shopping | Comments (1)