Up & Coming Weekly

10 UCW DECEMBER 23-29, 2009 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Throughout the year Up & Coming Weekly's writers and staff spend a lot of time ensuring our readers get what they want, we decided to turn the tables and see what our writers and staff wants for Christmas. § A Christmas request and a Christmas want are two very different things for me. I have asked for a GPS for my car, new slippers and a few books. What I want is to have all three of my children home. I want to lose at ping pong and pool, even though I've been secretly practicing. I want to be "forced" to watch dumb movies half the night, cook their favorite foods and take walks with the dogs. I want to listen to them tease one another, lament and brag about college life and receive the unexpected hug. I want to fall asleep at night knowing that they are all home, in their own beds, and safe. - Melissa Niccum The main thing I want for Christmas is peace of mind, relaxation and some "me" time. I would also like clothes, money, gift cards, movies, romance novels and to spend a couple of days at the spa for some much needed pampering. I like to spend my Christmas holidays reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the upcoming year. - Shanessa Fenner What I really want for Christmas is to have my husband here in the U.S. to celebrate it with me. If I could make any wish at all, I would wish for every soldier in our military to be with his or her family over the holiday, even for just a day. However, since Santa needs me to request something more practical, my Christmas wish is for a portable fireplace from Overstock.com. It is a great invention for the person who loves fireplaces, but lives in an apartment. It is the size of a large picture frame and can be set against any wall, or even hung on a wall. Santa might not be able to come down my non-existent chimney, but he can bring the fireplace! - Shannen Dill Every Christmas my family (the kids especially) make long lists of all the things that they would like for Christmas. A large sum of money is spent to make sure the majority of the things on our lists finds there way under the Christmas tree. This year my family and I have decided to start a new tradition. We are forgetting the long lists of "things" and planning a family vacation. This year we are heading to Disney World. I think the idea of making lasting memories and spending some quality time with my family is a much betterpresent than anything that could fit under the tree. - Suzy Patterson I am a big fan of square-foot gardening. This year I put in a new garden, and what a productive little plot! Beans and squash and cucumbers were particularly abundant –– far more green and healthful things than my family would eat in any week –– or month. So I decided I'd like to try canning. I bought the canning book, The Ball Blue Book of Canning and Preserving, and found that I could can, freeze or dehydrate most anything. So for Christmas this year, I would like the big old Granite Wear 32-quart water bath canner and its matching blanching pot. And jars. Lots and lots of jars. And maybe a new canning book to replace the poor dog-eared copy I read like a favorite magazine. - Karen Poppele Since I was about 12, anything I really wanted for Christmas, I had to get for myself. So considering Barnes & Nobles' Nook — my most coveted electronic gizmo of 2009 — is already sold out until next year. I stand little chance of getting what I want for Christmas this year. Granted, I will be home for Christmas, which is a real luxury considering I'm in the Army. It would still be great to find a brand-new Nook under the Christmas tree. It would be one of those toys that would keep me occupied for hours, just like those original Transformers toys did back in the 1980s. - Dan Rangel This year for Christmas I'd love to see some tools under the tree. I've got my eye on a few fun hammers, an anvil, a bracelet mandrel and a dapping block and punch set. Throw in some new frit colors combinations, reactive and colorful glass rods and a 3/8 inch mandrel and I'd have enough toys to keep me pounding metal and melting glass well into the year. - Stephanie Crider I usually don't have much of a Christmas list. I'm happy with gift certificates because I like to pick out my own clothes and jewelry. A day at the spa is always a welcome gift. This year, I really wanted a rowing machine and my sweet boyfriend has already given it to me as an early present! I have another wish, but it's a secret. Santa knows ! - Joy Kirkpatrick We've already celebrated Christmas at my house, as my husband embarked on yet another journey for the Army earlier this month. What I wanted for Christmas — time spent with family and friends was what I got. I wish safety for our troops in harm's way and strength for their families at home. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and may God Bless us everyone. All I Want For Christmas ... a STAFF REPORT $2 Margaritas $2 Long Islands & Dom. Bottles $3 Sex on the Beach $3 Jager $2 Wells Latin Night with Guest Latin DJs! LADIES FREE B4 11pm LADIES FREE B4 11pm KARAOKE!!! $2 Pint Domes $5 Domestic Pitchers $3 Jack & Coke $3 So. Comfort WATER PONG WATER PONG Competition DJ VSMOOVE DJ VSMOOVE KARAOKE 500 CA$H PRIZE! Every Tuesday!

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