Holy Cow.

Wow. It's been busy. Insane. I don't know where my mind is . . . so if you find it, please let me know.

This time of year is bittersweet. Bitter because work is crazy. Too crazy. Mental asylum crazy. End of year close, forecasting next year, account recs, rep letters, auditing, new computer . . just to name a few. Sweet because I do love the holidays. So fun. And my mood instantly lifts when listening to Christmas songs and snuggling with my family by the glowing fire with the Christmas tree all lit up.

I am kinda happy with the Christmas shopping progress this year. I am about 90% done (including the wrapping), and that also makes me one happy camper (I won't lie that also about 90% of that was done online - it's something I like to call smart shopping).

Also, one of the best things about the holiday is that I get to see all my friends and family!

Next weekend we are having a girls weekend and the weekend after that is Christmas already (holy cow)! I thrive and live on my family and friends. They are my #1 priority in life, and I love it. I love them. Which is a good thing since we are going to have 10 different Christmas gatherings.

For now I leave you with some pics of our pup, Bria snuggling with our kitty Nina, and Bria with her new friend Daisy (KC's pup):

Bon Voyage . . . for 3 Years!

Oh man . . . this post is both sad and exciting. Shane's brother, Dan, and his wife, Marissa, are heading off to Germany tomorrow . . . . for 3 years!!! They are going for work, and I know we are all very excited for them, but we are also very sad knowing that they are going to be so far away. But I mean, this is an awesome opportunity for them, and they are going to grow closer together and have so many unforgettable experiences and awesome memories.
Us all together one last time before the journey to Germany @ Marissa's parents Memorial Day picnic (Shane, me, Rita, Bry, Sommer, Don, Bryce, Dan, & Marissa)
Dan and Marissa, you are such a great brother and sister to us, and we are so proud of you and excited for you! You are so lucky to have this amazing opportunity, and we wish you nothing but the best. Don't worry, you can't get rid of us this easy . . . we'll be sure to come visit a couple times! You'll be our tour guides, so you better start planning! ;-) We will miss you so much, and so will our kitties (and Behren too)! You better start a blog so you can blog about everywhere you go, and to help keep in touch! Have a safe "trip", and don't have too much fun without us! We love you so much!

P.S. - Bryce says no cousins until you get back ;-)
P.P.S. - She said kitties are okay though.

This Weekend!

Welp . . . it's been another one of "those" weeks at work. But I really should not complain . . . at least I have a job. It's so sad and depressing to see so many people that I love and care for . . and even people I do not know . . . lose their jobs. My one friend at work just said that her dad lost his job today, and I've never even met him, but I almost started crying. So for all of you out there that are struggling to find a job (my husband included), I will pray for you. Hang in there.

In case you forgot . . . tomorrow is FRIDAY! I love Fridays! . . . in case you forgot that too! Friday . . . I have plans to go to work, then workout, then go out to dinner with the hubs! We haven't gone out for dinner together since we were in Virginia (about 3 months ago or so) . . . we used to go once a week.

Saturday, (hopefully if my mom is feeling better), we are having her 28th birthday celebration! Yes. .. she is only three years older than me. ;-) My dad, mom, and Behren are planning on coming over for breakfast, then my mom and I are going to the spa! She's getting a massage and mani and I am getting a mani & pedi. Then we will probably have some pizza and cake while watching Mamma Mia and drinking some of my new favorite wine (Almonderia). Then play some games and off to dinner! I can't wait!

Sunday we might go skiing again, and of course . . watch the Steelers kick some butt!! Here is a fun song that my friend KC sent to us. Get pumped!

Keeping my Chin Up . . or Trying to . . .

Ugh . . . I have been working sooo much lately . . and I don't get it . . I thought our busy time was over . . but anyways . . I have had no time (nor patience . . since it takes friggin forever to upload any pics) to post some more cruise stuff. But since I am so stressed and depressed, I've decided to list a bunch of things that are coming up that I am excited about (to try to look at the positive things):

• Visiting Dan & Marissa (brother & sissy) this weekend w/Don & Rita & my hubby! Dan & Marissa got an awesome opportunity to go to Germany for 3 years for their work, so we need to get in as much visit time as we can before they go! We are so bummed they are going to be so far away, but know it's an awesome opportunity they can't pass up. . . plus . . . we can visit them and Germany and have a free place to stay! Yay!
• Celebrating my Grandma's 80th birthday! I love my grandma and I love cake.
• Celebrating my Mom's birthday by doing a girls day out (nails, lunch, movie, etc) and a family night out (dinner w/the hubs).
• Celebrating my birthday by eating more cake.
• Going skiing in Salt Lake City, Utah in March with Dan & Marissa and Chelsea (Marissa's sister). Chelsea lives there, so once again we are lucky and grateful for free boarding.
• Brian & Bibi's wedding in April. I looove weddings (they usually have cakes there too).
• KT & Mike's wedding in July . . I am in the wedding along with my BFF's.
• Nikkie & Matt's wedding in September . . also in the wedding with my BFF's.
• Selling our house in Virginia . . . pleeeeaseee God. Help.
• Getting involved in a volleyball league somewhere
• Eventually deciding where we want to get a gym membership . . and maybe thinking about actually going to work out again
• Spending more time with my friends and family

I'm sure there is more and stuff that I am missing . . . but it's late, my brain is dead, and I have a terrible memory as it is.

Anyway . . . tomorrow is Thursday and the day after Thursday is Friday . . and that means the weekend. :-)

Ugh. . . .

Ugh . . . I really have several things to post about, but I just don't have the time or energy right now to do it. . . . so you just get a recap of some things.

I had my first "closing" at work today . . . I thought it was going to be a lot worse than it was . . . only worked 10 hours!

The cruise is only 10 days away!!! AHHH!!!!! So exciting and so nerve wrecking! I just hope I can relax a little, because I feel like I won't be able to, and I need to. . . . also found out that KC will be my roomie! Yay!

And since moving home (which I am still excited about, don't get me wrong) . . . I feel like I get to see my family (especially my hubby) and friends less than I did when I was in Virginia. . . I don't know why . . . I just feel like I have been going and going and not getting the time or have just been too stressed and overwhelmed to appreciate the time I do get with them. I just really want our house to sell . . . ASAP . . . now. . . and we haven't even had any showings. :-( In time I guess . . .I hope . . . I pray.

p.s. check out the beautiful pics of my niece, Bryce! and sister, Sommer!

it must be something in the air. . .

ok. . . . so everyone knows how great my work place is, but it's even better when gi-normous spiders and prehistoric turtles lurk around . . .

check out this nasty spider that was blocking the entrance to the front door:
p.s. --> you have to click on the image to enlarge it, b/c these small pics just don't do it justice


then today . . when i pulled into the parking lot i was greeted with this "little" thing:



and although the nails on this thing are bigger than my head, it does have a cute little waddle:

stay tuned for more animals from the jurassic period . . .

p.p.s. --> everyone makes fun of me for carrying around my camera EVERYWHERE i go . . but i wouldn't have gotten these sweet pics & video to show you