Jupiter Parade and Jam

It is Mardi Gras time in South Louisiana!  Mardi Gras has grown over the past decade here in Baton Rouge.  No longer do we have to go to New Orleans for "big" parades.  Last night was the Jupiter Parade and their after party, Jupiter Jam. We had so much fun!!!

I went with my friend Joy, her mom, and her mom's friends.  We had so much fun!  We caught the parade twice before heading to the party.  Caught a bunch of beads that we have absolutely no use for!  But, it is still fun!!! 

It was so cold last night!  We were bundled up.  I lost count of the number of layers that I was wearing.  It was even more cold because we were right off the river.  The wind coming off the water was wicked cold!!!  But with the help of a "little" bit of alcohol, we didn't feel much!  :)

Last night was just the start.  There are a few more parades next weekend and then on Mardi Gras weekend we have the big parade for Baton Rouge, Spanish Town Parade.  This year the parade is being followed by a new parade, Poseidon.  So it will be full day of fun on the 13th of February in downtown Baton Rouge.

Here are some pictures from our fun time last night!

This pic was taken by a cell p hone.  We were so cold waiting on the parade! Me, Elke, and Joy

Patty and Elke on the levee before the parade.

Joy and I on the levee.

Joy taking a nip of the whiskey!  Trying to stay warm!!!

One of the floats of the Jupiter Parade

Joy and I after the first time ctaching the parade.

Joy (her back is to the camera) and I dancing at Jupiter Jam.

Joy and her mom, Elke, at Jupiter Jam

7 out of 16!!

As of last night, I have completed 7 out of 16 pages of Dragon Knot!!!  Now I should be a good girl and put it to the side to start working on the 2 baby blankets I need to finsh by this summer, but I'm on such a roll.  So I will work on Dragon Knot till January 31 and on February 1 I'll start on the baby quilts!  Sounds like a plan, right?

I've had a few questions over the past few entries on the updates of Dragon Knot.  I'm going to try to answer the ones I remember:

1.  I am stitching this 1 over 1 on 25 count lugana or jobelan (I've been working on this pattern for so long I can't remember exactly which fabric it is but those are my two favorite).

Hmmm, now that I am sitting here I think that is the only question I remember! :)  If there are others, drop me another comment and I will try to answer it! 

Warning!!!!

I preface this entry with a warning.  I am going to be self-indulgent, whiney, cry-babyish, etc.  Writing things down in my journal is just not getting it done these days so I am going to put it out to the universe.  So I apologize for this posting BUT I did issue the warning.  If you continue on reading, that is up to you!

Work
Work is supposed to get better now that my convention is over. I was hoping to get out from under the mounds of paper piles that are on top of my desk and around the desk. However, that may not be happening anytime soon. We are still short-handed.  Well, guess whose hands are being used to pitch in?  Yep, that's right.  Mine.  Last I checked, I only have 2 but I'm being asked to pitch in another 2.  Hmmmm, let's see me pull that one (or two) out of my butt!!!

I am also supposed to be taking lead on an upcoming convention for an association that isn't mine.  Why?  Because the person who is in charge of that association cannot get the work done.  She cannot get her "normal" day-to-day work done in a normal 40 hour week, then to add on to that a convention?  Yep, she might abandon ship.  So instead, the little man's solution is to have me do the work. 

And yes, I am supposed to do all of this and keep my association up and running.  While I do enjoy the money that the overtime is generating, I am so stressed, overwhelmed and exhausted I don't think the benefits are outweighing the negatives! You know, I think I might have to try being incompetent and see where that gets me!

My Sailor
Remember, I said this was going to be a self-indulgent, whiney post!  I have been missing My Sailor a lot lately.  Most likely because I am so tired and my "defenses" are down.  But I miss him telling me to stop worrying so much or in his words "stop sweating the small stuff." The way he listened to what I had to say and actually hear it (well, as long as I wasn't complaining about something he did.) He was never in my life on a day-to-day basis, but he did impact me.  Still does.  The lessons I learned from him are helping me today.  I just wish he was around cause I could really use his comfort right now.  Like I said, I'm so exhausted, my defenses are down. I typically am very good at repressing all feelings in regard to him!!!

Ok, those are my two biggest complaints in life right now.  Other than that, everything is peachy!  I have a ton of stitching projects to wade through (always a good thing).  I have a stack of books to read (another good thing). I have Mardi Gras parades to look forward to starting this Saturday.  I have a trip to see my grandparents coming up.  Then before I know it, spring will be here and I will be headed to Houston for my babies' birthdays!!!! 

See, I feel better already.  I just had to put it down for everyone to read and to realize that things aren't as bad as they seem in my head!

Now, I am off to tackle my stitching. I am almost done with the current page of Dragon Knot.  I want to get that finished and pics posted soon!

We Now Return You to Your Regularly Scheduled Program

Whew!  What a week it has been!  Convention is finally over!!!  4 days of non-stop activity!  I am just plain exhausted!!!  It always amazes me how I manage to pull off a 4 day conference!  And this year was especially tough as the schedule was so tight!  But it is now over and time to start working on the summer convention.

From what I could tell, there were only minor mishaps at the convention.  We received many compliments, which is always nice to hear!  And there were a few events that will probably force me into therapy as I get older!!!  One being dancing with the little man.  Yep, being pulled out onto the dance floor by the boss man is always terrifying!!!  Second one is bumping booty with your veterinarian on the dance floor.  Yep!  Another event to cause me nightmares!  But if that is all that happened, I'll bear with it!!!!  :)

I was able to officially clock out at 10:15 am on Sunday morning!  I went home, put on comfy clothes and sat on the couch.  I had every intention of doing laundry but ooops!  I fell asleep in the middle of Nip/Tuck.  I saw the beginning.  I saw the ending.  I have no clue what happened in between.  LOL  That is how tired I was!  I then jetted over to my parents house for tacos and football!!! I cuddled up on my parents' couch with Duke and watched the first game of Colts vs. Jets.  I was pulling for the Jets.  I do not want to be facing a Manning in the Super Bowl!!!   Then we had some yummy tacos.  Ok, maybe more than just some.  I hadn't really eaten in the 4 days of convention so I was STARVING!!!  Then it was time to settle down for the Saints game. 

Settle may not be the best word for that game.  There was nothing settling about it!  I swear I was going to have a heart attack or stroke out by the end of the game!  But I had faith!  I believed that the boys could win it!!!  And win it they did!  They won it for the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.  It was the best feeling in the world!!  I can't even describe it.  I had very little voice by the end of the game.  My mom and I were jumping around the living room and screaming at the top of our voices at the end of the game!!!  It is just the best thing having the Saints in the Super Bowl. 

Today is my day off.  Trying to get back into a normal routine again.  I paid bills.  I went grocery shopping. Doing laundry.  Just normal, every day activities.  It's so very nice!!!  ; )  I slept like a baby last night.  I have a feeling I will sleep that way again tonight!  But back to the grind again tomorrow!  But at least it will be a normal 8 hour day!!!

I'm off to finish some household chores, love on Duke, and do some stitching!

Will hopefully have another stitching update soon! 

I apologize if some of this post makes no sense!  The brain is still not quite working correctly after last week!  It just needs some rest!!!

3 down, 4 to go!!!

Now, that title could mean 2 things!  It could be the countdown to the NFC championship game on Sunday between the Saints and the Vikings or it could be the countdown till my next day off! It's BOTH!!!

It is convention week for me.  Between that and having to fill in for the empty position in the office and do other people's work, I have been working like a dog!!!  I've already got 5 hours of OT this week.  By the end of the week, I will have almost 30 hours of just OT.  I love my check after convention!!!!  :)  Time and a half rocks!!! That's the only thing that keeps me going! 

I did take off this upcoming Monday.  Woo hoo!!!  One day off!  Then back to the office to start on the next convention which is in early March.  Not my convention, but someone else's.  I won't go into details as to why I am doing the work.  It just gets too frustrating.  I just keep telling myself "extra money, extra money".  The extra money will be helpful for all the upcoming trips I'd like to take this year!!!  Or for maybe another Coach purse!!!  (yes, I admit it.  I have a Coach purse problem! lol)

Sunday the Saints play for the NFC championship.  I am very exciting.  I get off at 12:30 that day so I have time to get in a quick nap before the game.  I can feel it!  Good things are going to happen for the Saints!!!

I hope everyone is having a good week!  I am stitching but not as much since I am so pooped!!!  I am very close to finishing the page I am working on for Dragon Knot so I hope to have that update for you very soon!

Hugs!

"Relaxing" Weekend

Hmmm, not sure how relaxing this weekend was.  I was told by several people, including family, friends, and work, to go home this weekend and relax.  Sleep in late.  Do nothing.  Not sure if I accomplished that.

Saturday morning I woke up at 5 a.m. instead of 3 a.m.  I dozed and daydreamed until 8:30 a.m. Does that count as sleeping in?  I went out to the bookstore and spent 30 minutes just browsing.  Found a few books I would have been interested in buying but I couldn't decide on just one and I also couldn't remember if I already had the books and they were just in my "to be read" pile!!!  That's sad, isn't it?  I also went to Hobby Lobby.  I actually didn't find anything there.  But I just went in browsing, I had nothing specific in mind. Then off to Papa Murphy's to pick up a pizza for the Saints playoff game.  Had a nice afternoon/evening watching football with a friend, munching on pizza and drinking beer.  For dessert we even had a black and gold king cake.  We were in the spirit!!!!  So one game down, one more next Sunday!  Thankfully it is on Sunday since I have to work the weekend but will be home by 1 p.m. on Sunday!

Now it is Sunday.  Same as Saturday.  Slept till about 5 a.m.  and then dozed and daydreamed till about 8:30 a.m.  The big decision this morning was pancakes or waffles!  I've spent the morning stitching and catching up on shows.  Now it is time for football!  The remaining two football playoff games.  Time to see who will meet the Saints in the Dome next Sunday!  I'm not sure who I want it to be, Cowboys or Vikings?  All I want is for the Saints to win!!

I have a big week ahead of me.  Convention starts on Thursday and I have a TON of work to accomplish in the next 3 days.  I hope I can handle it with some grace and dignity.  On site work at convention really isn't hard, just time consuming and physical.  But I really will be glad when it is all over.  I am so thankful that I have my parents to help me out. They do little things like shopping, making me dinner, walking and taking care of Duke.  That helps me tremendously!!! I'm very  lucky that they are willing to do that for me!!!

I hope everyone has a good week!  I hope to have another update on Dragon Knot up by the end of the day or by tomorrow.  I just want to get as much stitching done on it as I can!

End of week update

I've been working quite steadlily on Dragon Knot this past week.  I love when I can get on a roll with a project.  Seeing more progress makes me want to work on the project more and more.

This was last week's update:

After working on it for a week:

Close up of the area I am working on:

Life Update
I've got another full week ahead of me at work.  I am two weeks out from my convention.  We are still down an employee.  More overtime up ahead for me this week.  Just thinking about it is exhausting.  This weekend was entirely too long and too short.  Too long because I'm still struggling with a heavy heart and looking for a little direction in life and too short because I don't want to go back to work (ok, I'm sure very few people want to go back to work!). I find it so frustrating to know what I want but no clue on how to get it!!!  Especially when other people are involved!  Learning that I can't control others has been one that has taken a long time to learn!!!

It was an extremely cold weekend which lent itself to a perfect time to stitch.  I spent a majority of Saturday snuggled on the couch with Duke stitching away on Dragon Knot. Sunday I was able to spend a little bit of time stitching but not as much as Saturday.  I attended a babyshower for an old family friend.  It was nice to see childhood friends from the old neighborhood.  We so rarely see each other except at life events like this. 

Well I am off to finish laundry for the week and put some more time into stitching.  The stitching is much needed therapy at this time!

Looking for some sanity...

Only four days into the new year and I am already looking for some sanity to return to my piece of the world!!!  As stated in a previous post my world has been turned upside down beginning on January 1 with LSU's loss and proceeding downhill from there!  Today the world continued to be topsy turvy!!!!

Work
I expected work to be busy starting this week.  We are down an employee and I have a convention in 3 weeks.  I was actually looking forward to being busy!  (GASP! Did I say that?  Looking forward to being busy at work?) But work has gone from being busy to INSANELY busy.  I am working on a total of 3 associations, my convention which is in 3 weeks and another employee's convention which is in March.  How much can one person do?  I put in 9 hours today.  I'm thinking there are going to be  nights where the old laptop will have to come home with me. I know it will all get done but right now it is just overwhelming. All I can do now is keep reminding myself of all the overtime and extra money.  I'm thinking a trip or a new Coach purse (yes another one!) will be well-deserved at the end ! :)

Weather
What is up with this weather?  I live in South Louisiana!  It should maybe be in the 50s.  Not in the 20s.  There shouldn't be any advisories for wintery mix.  What is that anyway?  Wintery mix? Poor Duke was literally shaking to the bone with cold today when I took him for his walk.  I don't think he actually pooped, he shook the poop out!!!!  I bet he'll wear his sweater tomorrow when I take him out!!!

Stitching
Well, with the cold weather comes the perfect excuse to cuddle up on the couch and stitch!  So off I go to put some more work into Dragon Knot!

Stay warm everyone!

First Update of 2010

One of my goals this year is to complete Dragon Knot.  Yes, that is a very ambitious goal.  Which is why I decided to start stitching on it.  Won't get done just sitting there!!!  Haven't been successful in teaching Duke how to pick up a needle, thread it and stitch!  Now wouldn't that be something!

So far today I put about 3 1/2 hours of stitching into it!  I plan on stitching some more but I wanted to take a picture while the sun was still out.  It's getting harder to get a really good picture as it is getting bigger and bigger!

I haven't stitched anything significant in about a month.  Today, it was much needed therapy.  And I hope to continue that into the month of January because this month is going to be insane and I will need all the therapy I can get!!!

The whole overall view of the project.

Close up of the section I am currently working on.

Rough Start

2010 blew in like a hurricane for me.  Full of destruction! 

January 1
The year started off with LSU picking right up where it left off in 2009.  LOSING!!!  That was one of the worse games I've seen.  The team just can't seem to get their acts together.  I hope they regroup before Fall and come back as the winning team they can be with the talent they have.  Thank goodness baseball is getting ready to start!!!

Had a visit.  From My Sailor.  Yep.  Been a long time since I've talked about him.  No, we aren't together. We are friends (?).  I don't know.  I don't think there is a word to classify our relationship. I'm full of confusion, hurt, and anxiety about it all. Seeing him was great. Comfortable.  No awkwardness. But then he left. And I have to remember that.  He is always going to leave.  And it isn't me that he is coming home to. It's always sad when you find that one person that you love with all your heart but you can't be with him/her. That is my struggle everyday. It isn't fun, but it hasn't killed me yet.  I'm still hopeful, most times, that I'll end up with the happy ending.

January 2
This day was a complete waste.  I was still reeling from My Sailor leaving.  The day was spent moping, crying, thinking, reflecting. I did apply for a few new jobs as that is one of my goals.  I also completed one of the numerous books I have sitting by my bed.  But other than those 2 things, I mean, the day was a complete waste. Complete breakdown of all senses. I cried for so long and so hard, I didn't think I had any more moisture left in my body.  I didn't eat, the thought of eating made me nauseus. I hadn't slept the night before so that added even more to the confusion I was feeling. I'm not writing this to have anyone feel sorry for me.  I think that everyone needs to just break down occasionally to get out all the emotions.

January 3
Still struggling today.  I did get some sleep last night with the help of medication. I had to otherwise my thoughts would have kept me up.  I don't know what the future will bring, but isn't that the fun of life?  Not knowing what is around the next corner? I'm going to try my best to not dwell on the "what could have been." I need to focus on what I have now. I did what I had to do with the My Sailor situation.  He knows where I stand and how I feel. The ball is in his court but also in mine!!!  I can let this beat me down and make me miserable or I can pick myself up and keep moving.  There's always hope.

So I am up once again at the crack of dawn.  Need to head to Walmart to get lunch items for the week. Not exactly the best place to head when one is feeling blue.  Just going to that place can make anyone blue! 

Convention Time
Busy week ahead.  It is convention time! I was looking at the calendar yesterday and noticed that I only have 3 weeks till convention.  yikes!!!  I have gotten nothing done on it.  Plus we are down one employee starting Monday.  That means 2 more associations I have to deal with.  Oh, I am going to be a raving lunatic by Wednesday!!!  I see lots of overtime in my future unless I buckle down and get it all done in my 40 hours.  Which is quite possible because I don't like working over my 40 unless I absolutely have to.  I work so I can live.  I don't live to work!!!

Ok, off I go to Wally world!!!  I hope to also get some stitching in today while watching football!  Maybe I'll have an update a little later today!

Love to all of my blogger followers!

Happy New Year!

This morning I am quite reflective on the past year and looking forward to all the new opportunities that the new year brings!!!

While I wouldn't say that 2009 was one of my worst years, it wasn't the best.  But there were some definite high points!  I reconnected with many old friends and family!  Cassady became a permanent part of the family! I have a job in this current economic climate! I bought a new car!

But now I am ready to look forward to this new year.  So many possibilities.  I've been thinking about what I'd like to accomplish this year. I wouldn't say they are resolutions so much as they are goals. 

1. Pay off another debt.  I was really good this past year and managed to pay off 2!  I hope this year to do the same!
2. Put money away in savings! This wasn't exactly accomplished in 2009 so hope to improve upon it this year!
3. Get a passport.  I just think this is something I should have.  What if I want to go on a cruise or go to Mexico?  Need one for those these days!
4. Find a new place to live.  Be it a new apartment or maybe a new home that I purchase.  Ok, let's not get crazy!  Buying a home is a HUGE commitment.  Not sure if I am mature enough for that yet! :)
5. Be open to new things.  Be it love, a career change, a move to a new city/state.  Whatever it is, I want to be more open to the change!

Now for a few stitching goals:
1. To not buy any new patterns. (Now if someone else buys it for me, I won't turn it down!)
2. To buy only stash needed to complete patterns I currently have!
3. Finish Cassady's baby quilt.
4. Finish Jason's new baby (not born yet) baby quilt.
5. Finish HAED's Dragon Knot (that's an ambitious one!)
6. Finish 1 page of HAED's Mad Tea Party
7. Finish 1 page of HAED's Queen of Hearts
8. Complete Nora Robert's 'M'

I hope every one has a great day today!  A great start to the New Year!!!  I am off to watch the Capital One Bowl game (LSU) with my parents and have lunch! 

Christmas!

Merry Christmas To All!  I hope that you had a wonderful time with friends and family!

Christmas Eve
Christmas eve, thankfully, was pretty much as it always is for our family.  Although the day did start out very doubtful!  Here, in South Louisiana, we awoke to torrential downpours of rain and tornado warnings.  It was a great day to sit on the couch and catch up on all recorded shows on the DVR! 

I also baked a sweet potato pie.  Homemade!  It is for Christmas dinner.  I've done one before, last year, but I was still a little nervous about baking this one.  It "appears" to have come out ok.

This year, it is my dad, my sister and I.  My mom is still in Omaha with my grandparents.  Pretty much snowed in.  My dad, sister and I went to mass at 4 pm.  Then home for our traditional gumbo dinner.  It was quite yummy!  Then Dad had us open our gift from our mom.  Mom bought us these gorgeous tiger fleur-de-lis silver pendent necklaces.  Then we all settled in to watch "Four Christmases" with Vince Vaughn and Reese Weatherspoon.

Christmas
It has been a good Christmas day.  My sister and I must have been on "Santa's" nice list because we did get some really nice things.  I got a radio/cd player for my apartment.  Various books. The Bon Jovi CD (LOVE THEM!). Some sweaters. Snow White DVD and Dirty Dancing DVD. 

Duke had a good day.  He had a stocking full of new toys and bones for him!  He was even decked out in his "Feliz Navidog"shirt!  He was given a huge beef rib bone to gnaw on.  That kep him quiet for about an hour!!!

Duke tearing into his stocking.  He got 2 new toys and a bunch of rawhide bones! For those who can't see, his shirt says "Feliz Navidog".

Spoke to my niece and nephew.  They were so excited about Christmas.  I love hearing kids talk about Christmas!  Marly was up at 2 am!!!  Parker was up at 5:45 am!!!  However, they were both warned they couldn't come down till 7 am or they couldn't open present till 6 pm!!!  LOL!!!  They managed to keep themselves occupied in their rooms till 7!  They absolutely loved everything they received.

Spoke to all the family members. They were all figuring out how to get to my grandparents for Christmas.  There is so much snow on the ground that church services were cancelled!  I think my mom said the temperature was 9 degrees! Last time we spoke, everyone had made it to my grandmother's for dinner!

Had an opportunity to speak to my friend Jason today.  He is a good friend from college.  This is his first Christmas as a married man although he and his wife are not together.  He went home to Tennessee to be with his dad and she was out of vacation time!  So sad.  However, I think Jason has given me the best news today!  I am going to be an Aunt again!  He and Johana are expecting a baby this summer.  I can't wait!!!

We saw "Sherlock Holmes" this year for our Christmas movie.  I adore Robert Downey Jr. so I LOVED the movie!!  It is dark but does have many numerous funny spots in it.

Saturday
Saturday was an 8 hour shopping marathon with my sister.  I was exhausted.  We shopped 2 malls and one outdoor shopping center.  While we traveled less than 20 miles, I felt like we had traveled the state!  But it was a great day!   Shopping and lunch with my little sister.  Dinner with my dad.  It was an overall great day!!!

We did get some good deals.  Plus we "had" to start spending our gift cards!  They were burning holes in our wallets!!!  Dad sent me home shortly after dinner because he said I was "looking bad."  LOL  Leave it to Dad to be so blunt! 

These are two of the goodies I bought myself for Christmas.  They were my holiday retail therapy!!!  :)

My pretty new Coach purse!!!

A pendant necklace that says "Love Kills Slowly".  My sister also got one for herself!

When I got home, my new radio/cd player was set up and ready to go.  Dad had come over to walk Duke while I was out and just couldn't resist putting it together for me and testing it out!  LOL  I was just so tired the night before that I hadn't put it together.  But now I can listen to my new Bon Jovi CD!  Yay!!!!

I always dread the holidays because it reminds me of how alone I am.  But this holiday, I had a great time! I had a great 4 days with my little sister!  Dad was wonderful.  We did miss Mom but we know she was having a good time with her parents and shoveling snow (she's currently in the midwest where they are snowed in!).

I am not looking forward to this week.  But the bright side is that I only have to work 3 days then off for 4 days!  I'm thinking those 4 days are going to be a lot more quiet than the 4 days of Christmas!!! 

A Moment of Calm

At this moment, it is quite peaceful in my home.  Duke is sleeping on the couch. No tv. No radio.  Just the sound of me pecking away at the keys on the keyboard.

This weekend was hectic.  Hmmm.  Hectic may not be the word.  Stressful.  Stressful is more descriptive.  Two of my friends (may have to rethink that after this weekend) decided that it was time for me to get a cat again.  I had a cat for 10 years and he passed away a little over a year ago on the day Hurricane Ike decided to come through.  Anyway, so it has just been Duke and I since that time.  We've adjusted well.  Duke has especially liked being an only child and getting all the attention. 

My friends were at the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning and saw a rescue group showing cats.  One of the cats was a flamepoint himalayan.  He was beautiful.  Very laid back.  Declawed. Neutered.  1 1/2 years old. Sounds pretty good, huh?  They instantly thought of me.  So they both chipped in on the adoption cost with the condition that if I didn't like the cat, I could return him.  So, thus I became an owner, rather reluctant one, to a cat. 

He really was a good cat.  Didn't come out from under the bed for almost two whole days, but when he did, he made his presence known.  He loved to talk.  Meow, meow, meow, meow!!!!  And did I mention he was 13 pounds?  13 pounds of pure love!!  He had a way of making his presence known! On the second night, as I was trying to sleep, he came out of no where and landed on my chest.  All 13 pounds of him.

Duke was ok with him.  As long as he didn't get too close to me or his toys.  And other times, he enjoyed chasing him as he attempted to hump the cat.  You would think I'd never had him neutered!!! How do you explain to the dog that the cat is not his sex toy?

But the 2 main problems I had with the cat was I just am not ready to have another cat.  I actually think I will never want another cat again.  And the second was that, my mother is right, I am allergic to cats.  I've had this nagging cough for weeks now (and according to the doctor could last a few more weeks), then add a long haired cat who liked to sit very close to my nose.  I thought I couldn't breathe before, I really couldn't now. 

It was very hard to do but I returned him to his foster mom.  He really was a sweet loving cat and I think that Duke liked having a companion around.  Maybe in 2010 I'll get another minature poodle or a poodle mix dog.  But for now, no more cats!

Weekly Update

The week wasn't so bad at least until the end of the week.  That's when it decided to go "BOOM"!

Another Bites the Dust.....
And yet again, we have turnover in our office.  One of the newest employees has been offered a position that she just couldn't refuse.  I completely understand.  More flexible hours, a little bit more money, Friday afternoons off, and able to wear jeans or scrubs to work.  Awesome!!  Just really sucks because she was really good at her position.  She will be missed.  I better rest up!  This means more work for me!!!

And they keep falling...
This seemed to be the year for changes and for people to come and go in my life.  I guess that happens.  Each person serves a purpose and when it is time to move on, poof!!!  There they go.  I think that as a person I've grown a lot this year because with the latest departure of a friend, I'm not "devastated".  I am definitely learning to "roll with the punches."  Makes life much easier!!!  I worry enough as it is, don't need to worry more than is necessary!

The Return?
But as friends leave, others come to replace them.  Or rather swap out?  An acquaintance from the past has reached out to me.  Twice this month.  Indicating that a visit is coming at the end of the month.  I'm typically not a skeptic but I am not going to hold my breath.  I will believe it when it happens but I have to say, I'm looking forward to it and hope it happens.

There's also been a re-connection with friends with whom I've grown apart from.  We'll see how that goes.  Can't assume that it will be just as it always was in the past but it's nice to know that something is completely lost!

Classics and Zombies?

I was out Christmas shopping on Saturday morning.  I am terrible at trying to figure out what to get someone.  Especially if I don't know what they already have or what is on their list.  Anyway, I have a friend who doesn't really like horror or vampires or supernatural but she adores zombies.  Go figure.  Anyway, there is a book out "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies".  Yes, that is correct.  Zombies.  How perfect?  She loves Pride and Prejudice and add the additional element of zombies to it.  I hope she enjoys it.

Parker's Present

I finally finished Parker's present this weekend.  It is a scrapbook which I covered and added the Buzz Lightyear crossstitch to.  It's the first time I've ever finished a cross stitch project any other way but framed.

Pampering

Saturday was a nasty day, weather-wise. But despite that, I went and had my hair colored and then treated myself to a manicure.  I went short with my  nails this time.  I can't tell you the last time I went short.  I feel naked! I also can't seem to pick up things now!  But it has made typing and stitching so much easier.  I did go trendy with the polish though.  I went super dark.  Not black.  I belive the color was OPI Black Cherry Chutney. 

I also bought myself a pair of new black boots.  I needed a pair with high heels.  Amazingly, they are quite comfy as I wore them to a Christmas party that night.

Now I must go and finish up the laundry and get ready for the upcoming week!  Besides work I have two parties to attend and a few gifts left to pick up.  Not to mention a trip to the post office!

Busy Busy Busy....

I feel like I jammed so much into this weekend, I need a weekend to recover from my weekend!!

Snow
On Friday evening it snowed.  The rain started at about 4 pm and by 5 or 6 pm it was sleeting.  Many people around the area were reporting snow as early as 5:30ish but I didn't see any till almost 10 pm.  Duke and I went for a walk and there were big fluffy snowflakes.  That makes two years in a row that we've had snow in South Louisiana.  The next morning I bundled Duke up in his Harley Davidson sweatshirt and we took a walk outside.  The picture below shows the tiny bit of snow that was left:

Shopping
Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOATHE shopping.  I just don't do it if I don't have to.  But Saturday was an exception.  I had a list of gifts I needed to get and I was determined to do it.  I started out at 9:30 am and didn't get home till 3:00 pm.  I was able to get everyone's presents with the exception of my mom's.  I visited 5 locations: Bed Bath and Beyond, Petsmart, Hobby Lobby, the Outlet Mall, and the Mall. I drove all over town!!!!  I can't remember the last time I shopped for that many hours!

Christmas
With most of the shopping done, it was time to wrap everything.  I spent a good portion of Saturday night wrapping presents. I'm still not done but a majority of it is done.  As I was wrapping, Duke decided that he wanted to get in on the action and do some snooping around:

Even Duke's presents are ready for him on Christmas morning!

Here is my tree loaded with presents.  Most of the presents will be gone by the end of the week though as they are for friends who live out of town. But don't forget, I still have other presents to wrap.  I spoiled everyone this Christmas!

Football
The SEC championship.  What a disappointment.  The one, and only time, I will ever root for Florida and they lose to Alabama. I'm still in shock!  But not as much shock as I was over Texas' field goal with 1 second left to beat Nebraska.  I do not think that Texas deserves to go to the National Championship game but I guess we'll all find out in the bowl selection show!

It was nice to find out though that USC is going to the Emerald Bowl.  Awwww, darn, it's their first non-BCS bowl game in 7 years.  That makes me very happy!  :) 

The Saints!!!  Woo hoo!!!  Can we say: UNDEFEATED!!!  12-0!  It was a crazy game with lots of ups and downs.  Pretty exciting up to the very end.  I liked what one of my colleagues posted on Facebook: "I always thought Tom Benson was the devil.  Now I just think he made a deal with the devil!"  What an exciting time for us in Louisiana to have our team undefeated!!!

Mexican Hot Chocolate
With the cold weather, I've been wanting something warm to drink.  I don't like coffee nor tea. So that leaves things like apple cider or hot chocolate.  Well, on my way home Friday, I stopped at the grocery store with the intent to purchase some hot chocolate.  The shelves were EMPTY!  There was no hot chocolate left!  With the exception of Nestle's Abuelita.  What is that you ask?  Well, upon looking at the box, it said it was "mexican" hot chocolate.  Now, how different can it be?  Chocolate is chocolate, right?  So I purchased a box.  I have to say, I like it BETTER than normal hot chocolate.  It has just a touch of cinnamon which I guess makes it mexican.  If you ever get a chance to try it, I highly recommend it!!!

Stitching
Oh, I've been bad.  No stitching update to report.  Just too much going on!  I do hope to do some before the New Year but major updates will probably have to wait until 2010!!!!

Off I go!  The Bowl Selection Show is coming up.  While LSU is not going to a BCS bowl game, I still want to know where they will end up and who their opponent will be!!!! I pray it isn't Iowa, as being reported, because that means the game will turn into a family rivalry.  My uncle is from Iowa and that is his favorite team.  I can hear the taunts already! LOL!

Tis the Holidays.....

22 Days....
til Christmas!!  This is what I stared at for about 5 minutes as I sat on the interstate this morning trying to make it downtown for a meeting.  Like I didn't have enough anxiety about getting everything done in time!  Thanks for the reminder billboard gods!!!

Snow
Hmmm, I live in South Louisiana.  Something we don't see much of is the "white stuff".  Last year we had a snow day.  First time in YEARS!!!  Well, we are once again having snow predicted for tomorrow night.  Should be an interesting night!!!!  Here are some pictures from our last snow day, which happened almost one year ago!!!

Presents
Considering that I loathe shopping, I'm doing ok on the shopping front.  I am having some problems.  I don't know what to get some of my friends, especially the ones who say "You don't have to get me anything."  Yeah, right.  Like I'm not going to buy gifts?  I am also looking for a waffle iron for my dad's present.  Mom said that is what he wants so I figured, that's easy enough. NOPE!!!  Every place I've been to so far has been sold out.  Who knew that waffle irons were going to be a hot commodity this Christmas? 

30-4
I gave myself a 30 day deadline. In 30 days I hope to have established an exercise routine and have my apartment clean.  Why 30 days?  To be honest, an old acquaintenance mentioned that a visit might be in the works for that time.  I really want to look good. Or at least feel good because I've been trying to do something, anything to get back into shape.  I want to be "unforgettable". LOL! I also need to get this messy pig sty I call a home cleaned!  So embarrassed to have anyone over right now!!!  So, even if this visit doesn't happen, I see the good in it.  It has gotten me motivated!!!  And I am rolling with it!!!!

The -4 is the number of days that have passed.  Today is the 4th day.  I am happy to report that I have exercised for 4 days in a row now!!!!  Yep, the heart hasn't stopped yet!!!! I've also done at least one thing each night towards getting my apartment back to the immaculateness I know that it can be!!!!

I've promised myself a little treat this weekend if I exercise 5 days in a row.  One more day!!!  If I stick to it tomorrow, I can go and pick myself up a new book, or some girly treat!!!!  I'm going to do it!!!

Decorations
I've decorated my little apartment for Christmas.  I put up my little tree.  I have the stockings hung.  Below are a few pictures of these items.  Yes, that is a stocking for my dog!  Oh crap!  I forgot to put him on the list of presents I need to buy!  Yikes!!!  Can't have him waking up to an empty stocking on Christmas morning!!!  Isn't my new Eeyore too cute?  I've caught Duke twice trying to pull him down to play with.  He's only succeeded once so far. 

I love sitting in my living room by the glow of the Christmas lights with some music on  in the background.  It is so soothing!  And no, the music is NOT Christmas music.  I just can't get myself to the point where I can listen to carols yet.

New Experience...
This Christmas will be a new experience for me.  One that has yet to occur and well, that I am not looking forward to at all.  This Christmas, my mom will not be with our family.  Mom leaves on Monday to go home to be with her family (her parents, siblings and their spouses) this Christmas.  My grandmother is having minor surgery next week so Mom is going to be with her and has decided to not come back till New Year's.  I will still have my Dad and maybe my sister if she is able to make it but we've (my sister and I) have never had a Christmas without her.  This is going to be so weird.  I'm not sure how I'm feeling but I'm leaning to the "I really don't like this" side.

Stitching
Really not much to report on the stitching front.  I've been so preoccupied with everything else going on with the holidays!  I can report that I have picked up Dragon Knot again.  Not sure how brief of a return it will be but I have put a few stitches into it!!!

Ok, enough typing!!  I have things to do!  :)

So relaxing....

I have had six days of NO work.  I didn't go anywhere. I had no plans. But it was such a relaxing time to be away from the stress of work.

On Wednesday, Mom and I went to New Orleans for an afternoon of shopping, dinner and then a LSU women's basketball game.  We had a blast.  We went to the Disney Store (we no longer have one in our town) where I bought some gifts for the kids and then bought myself a brand new Eeyore!  He is so soft and cuddly.  That's my favorite Disney character. We also visited Build-A-Bear where we picked up the Darth Vader costume for my nephew Parker's bear.  It is too cute!!!

Thursday was a quiet day.  Just my parents and I.  My sister, who lives in Austin, couldn't make it home because she works retail and had to work on Friday.  She slept in and went to her District Manager's house for dinner and then to Old Navy for some shopping.  Can you believe the number of stores that were open on Thanksgiving?  It is just plain ole ridiculous!!!

Friday, Black Friday, was another quiet day.  I did do a little bit of shopping.  I was able to get a present for my aunt since it has to be shipped. I also bought myself a few things.  I've been spoiling myself lately!  Watched the Auburn - Alabama football game.  Good game.  Too bad Alabama won.  I also put up my Christmas tree and other decorations.  Pulled out the stockings for Duke and me. Spent the evening watching tv by the glow of the Christmas lights.  So peaceful!  I love it!!!  Friday evening was spent stitching (yes! stitching finally!) and watching episodes 1-3 of The Tudors.

Saturday and Sunday were somewhat quiet days.  Spent the time cleaning the apartment and wrapping a few presents. The LSU - Arkansas football was a close call.  LSU ultimately won with a field goal in overtime but it was strangely very unsatisfying.  Even after a couple of glasses of wine!!!  Even the new uniforms were not very impressive.  Nike used Notre Dame gold for our helmets instead of the usual yellow gold.  Not very impressive.

I have no stitching update.  I was too busy having fun and relaxing and just doing nothing that I didn't make any significant progress on any of my projects!!!  :)  But that's ok!!!

Returned to work today.  It wasn't so bad.  But I do believe that I have an aversion to work.  I was completely fine my week of vacation but at 7 pm last night I came down with a terrible headache and then woke up this morning feeling nasty.  I think it is psychosomatic. LOL! 

Tonight is Monday Night Football!!!  Saints are going for an 11-0 record!  Can't wait!

First Day of Vacation

Today is my first day of six straight days of no work!  I have to say, it is pretty overwhelming!  I am not used to having so much time off! I don't quite know what to do with myself!

I started the day off by sleeping in till 9 am!  It felt so GOOD!  Duke even participated.  In fact, he was still in bed when I got out of the shower!  I guess he was feeling lazy too!!!

Treated myself to a movie: New Moon!  I was so excited to see it!  I know there are many people out there who do not like the Twilight series, but I am not one of them!  I adore the books and have liked the movies.  I can so appreciate the depression Bella sinks into when Edward leaves her!  Although she goes on with her life, there is a hole that is left in her.  Ahhhh!!!!  Romance!!!!  True love!!!!  What a way to escape my reality!

Did do a little bit of Christmas shopping.  Can't say what I bought, someone who I purchase gifts for might be reading this and the surprise will be ruined!

Now on to a few household chores.  It always amazes me how just me and the dog can create so much clutter!  Mostly that I loathe cleaning too so it piles up and piles up till I HAVE to do it because I can't stand it anymore!!!!  Also made the cranberry salad that I am in charge of for Thanksgiving.  It tastes better when it has "sat" for a while!

I hope to get some stitching done later on this week!  So much to do and wow! the time to do it!!!

The week update

Not much to report this week.  Just a few things.

Ringing the Bells
This past Wednesday, my co-worker and I did our annual 2 hours of ringing the bells.  For those who don't know, this is for the Salvation Army.  We stood outside one of the mall's entrances for 2 hours and ring bells in the hopes that someone will donate some money.  I have to say, people were quite generous this year!  I think that this was one of our best years!!!

Closure?
Talked to someone this week who I hadn't spoken to in months. Falling out, lack of communication, growing apart, misunderstandings, dishonesty - that pretty much covers what happened.  Regardless, I'm always the type that I want to talk things through.  I want to know the truth. Even if it is ugly.  I can honestly say that in this situation it didn't help as much as I thought it would. It wasn't hurtful in anyway, just didn't end up being what I thought it would.  I'm not sure what I thought that ending would be. But I think now, I can move forward.  A little more wiser, a little more wary.

Fresh Market
Saturday was rainy and ugly which of course was not conducive to me having to run errands. But I did!  One of my stops was to the grocery store, Fresh Market. Does anyone have one of these stores?  I ADORE this place.  I rarely go because I ended up buying a bunch of stuff I don't need!!!  I wanted to make myself a nice dinner for Saturday evening (I've been craving some red meat!), so I went to buy a nice steak.  I ended up with a portobello mushroom and mozzeralla cheese beef pinwheel, a double stuff potato, and a greek artichoke heart salad.  Yummy!!!  But that wasn't all.  I bought cheese, hummus, nuts, cranberries (fresh!), cheddar cheese biscuits, dipping pretzels, pita chips, and olives.  I think that is it! LOL  This place is just awesome.  I love their prepared foods.

Football
I will have to honestly say that I have never been as upset and sickened by a football game as I was by LSU's performance on Saturday night against Ole Miss. We have a quarterback who knows only how to get himself sacked and a coaching staff (making really good money) who do not know how to call a time out. They might as well have just handed the football to Ole Miss with a red ribbon tied around it and say "Here you go. You win."  Today, Sunday, LSU is a complete joke to the rest of the football community because they spiked the ball with one second left instead of kicking a field goal which could have won the game for us.

Thankfully, the Saints had a great game on Sunday and are now 10-0!  First time in franchise history!  Awesome!!!  It is so much fun to watch them!

My Pretty Car
I am so sad!  On Sunday morning, as I was going through the parking lot, a man in a black Honda pulled out of a parking spot and right into the front driver side above the tire of my car.  My pretty new car!  I've only had her 6 months!!!  Now she has a big ugly dent in her.  I'm ok other being so very angry!  I saw him coming right into me but there was no where for me to go and I didn't have time to hit my horn. The other car?  A scratch.  One little scratch!  I can't even describe the sound of the car as it scrunched under from the impact of his car.  Made me sick to my stomach!

That was my week.  Definitely lots of downs but I haven't let it get me down!!!!  That's the important thing!!!! I have ahead for me a VERY short work week.  I only work Monday. Yay!!!  Then shopping, cleaning, and decorating is on the agenda!!!  Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Update of Last Week

Boxes for the Troops
Last week was Veteran's Day. In honor of the day, our little office of 8 put together boxes for the troops. Also, one of our co-workers is the wife of a Major in the marines who has done 2 tours of duty.  She knows first hand how much cheer a box from home can bring.  With the help of my friend Jill and my mom, we had enough stuff to do 11 boxes!  I LOVE putting boxes together for the military.  It's a way to do a good deed for others and to feel good about yourself without a bunch of hoopla!  We all agreed that this is something we would like to do on a regular basis.

Renaissance Fair

Saturday was a beautiful day!  Beautiful blue skies. Sunshine. Cool weather.  It was a perfect day to be outside!  I started the day out by getting my hair cut and colored.  Changed up my color a bit.  Went dark brown with lots of red in it.  You can really see the red in it when out in the sun.  I am so loving it. It was time for a change!!!

Celestine, Jill, Joy and I all piled up in the car and went to Hammond for the Renaissance Fair.  It was a great afternoon spent outdoors looking at the different booths, watching a Birds of Prey show, a joust and the numerous people in costume.  Joy and I had some fun at the hat shop trying on hats.  I swear that Jill and Celestine were there with us, they are camera shy!

Stitching Update

This past week I focused on the Mad Tea Party.  I was just on a roll and felt like I was making great progress so I just had to keep on with it!