Here Are Some Pictures

If you take a look out of my balcony, this is what you will see. There is another apartment building that is right in front of my balcony for my viewing pleasure. Pleasant, isn't it? I will have to admit that it does block the cold north wind and cuts my heating bill in half during the winter months. My bill is usually never over $60.

It did begin to snow today. I was out on my balcony and decided to take this picture as the snow was quickly coming down. This is the parking lot that I park in. My car is the fourth one on the right.




I decided to take some pictures of the park where I walk sometimes. Swanson Park is the name of it. It winds down and is heavily wooded. The area still has deer and other country animals living in it, even though it is in the city.


Here is one of the twenty-two stores I must go and visit each and every day to make sure we are on the "up and up". This is one of the newer ones located way out west of town. It's bigger than the picture shows. I need to work on the zoom on my camera.



Well, that is a little peep into my life. The pictures are not glamorous and bright. It was a gloomy day today. It snowed for about four hours but was mostly wet and melted quickly. There were still some of those dumb commuters who never slow down on the overpasses. I saw two wrecks on my way to one of the stores.

Well, it is new year's eve. I just want to wish everyone a safe and happy new year. I will post my resolutions tomorrow. There are only a few and they will be attainable. Have a great night.

Wow, two more days until the new year. I have only a couple resolutions. I have already started them.

I am off to work and then I am going over to the house to get some cleaning done. There is a lot of work that will have to go into the house. It's pretty old and needs just about everything done to it. At least it will keep me busy on my "down time".

I have to laugh at that one. I never really get "down time". I work so much that when I come home, I work there also. Work, work, work! One bright thing is that I can plan for my trip to NYC next year as well. I think we are planning to go in late September or early October.

Well, gotta take off. Good day!

I'm really tired tonight so I won't be posting much. Talk to you all tomorrow...

I've Been Tagged! Your Turn!

I have been tagged by Phelan.

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the ‘6 weird things about you.’ People who get tagged need to write a blog post of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says ‘you are tagged’ in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I work best under chaotic situations.

2. I cannot eat or drink after other people except for my kid.

3. I love the music group ABBA.

4. Every time I hear an ABBA song, I get giddy and must sing along.

5. I used to have an eating disorder.

6. I am allergic to alcohol.


Here are the six individuals that I am tagging. Have fun!

Becky

Cheryl

Austere

Michael C

Melon

Andrew

FYI

I have to laugh because some of my readers are getting mixed up with the names. Here is a list:

Josh - my boyfriend
My kid - my kid
Diva - boss
Diva #2- boss (sort of)
Miss Marnie - another BIG boss

The names have been changed of course. Hehehehe...

Here We Go Again

Well, a new day dawns. I have to meet with some co-workers to go over a plan of action for Miss Marnie. She is coming to our division this next week. It's not going to be fun. Mystic gave me some insight about what kind of impression I would have on her. I didn't like his answer. :) I know that she could have a significant impact on my life. So, I will just do my best and not worry about it. Yeah, right.

I am meeting Diva #2 at a store this morning. Won't this be fun. I can't wait for the work day to be over with already.

I will be picking my kid up this evening from my parents' house. I can't wait to see him. He is anxious to get home as well. He has a couple of more presents to open on Monday. We will be celebrating with Josh's family on New Years Day. Oh, for those of you who don't know, Josh is my boyfriend. That's not his real name. I will never say my kid's name for privacy reasons. In fact, all of the names I have used so far have not been the real ones. It's to protect the innocent - me.

Well, I will try and catch up with all of you later. Have a spectacular day!

Andrew from 4th Avenue Blues has inspired me to try and post pictures on my blog from ny digital camera. I am computer illiterate. I am going to try and post a picture of my nephew. He's such a cutie!

Hey! I did it!!! Yeah!

It Was A Fast Christmas

Okay, so I worked until 12:30 in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. I went home to do laundry and wrap gifts. I was not going to get my kid until 1:00 on Christmas. We ended up going to Josh's aunt and uncle's house in Colwich. They have a huge house south of town and share a dirt road with two other houses. It's quite a beautiful home.

We arrived home around 8:30 and Josh decided to go to a poker game with his brother in Park City. He didn't get home until 3:45 in the morning.

I got up on Christmas around 8 and started to clean up. I packed the kid's bag for the week he would spend at grandma's and grandpa's house. I got everything ready and we loaded up the truckload of gifts. We went to pick up the kid at his aunt's house (I can't stand her). He gets to the truck and has no coat. I asked his dad where his coat was. He left it at his job. Great! This is one of the reasons why I left his dad. Totally irresponsible.

We get to my parent's house around 3. We all sit around and make my kid wait until 6 to open gifts. Wow. Talk about an abundance of gifts. It was totally overwhelming for me. My son was very well behaved and thanked each family member for the gifts he received. Because he made out so well, we decided that we would take some of his old toys and donate them to the children's home. He takes really good care of his things, so we wouldn't be giving away junk. His last gift came as a surprise. He thought he was done, but my brother told him to close his eyes, as there was another gift for him that could not be wrapped. My brother placed the golf clubs in front of my kid and he opened his eyes. He stood up and all he could do was grin. I asked him if I got the right kind and color. Of course. Who's the best mom in the world? Uh yeah, that would be me.

It was also my nephew's first Christmas (he's 8 month's old). I went overboard with him as well. My parent's thought I spent too much money, but how many times do I get to see my nephew's first Christmas? My sister received a beautiful photo album from her fiance' which contained pictures of her pregnancy and birth. It also had the first pictures of my nephew when he was born till now. My sister started bawling. It was such a wonderful gift. Her fiance' is always doing things like that. They don't have much money, so he is very creative with his gifts. I was moved to tears and I was bawling when I was taping the whole thing.

We go into the kitchen to eat dinner. I didn't have to cook this time. My mom made the traditional pork roast that we have every year with mashed potatoes, homemade pork dressing, cream cheese corn, gravy, and garlic bread. Dessert consisted of pecan and apple pie and the lime chiffon dessert that I brought. It was a great dinner.

Josh and I left around 8 to head back. I fell asleep ten minutes before we got home. I was so tired.

I got up and went in to work today, only to find out that I would not get my Thursday and Friday off this week. I was told to go ahead and take today off.

Want to know what's for dinner? Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, steamed carrots, and apple pie. The apple pie is not homemade. Just didn't have time.

Well, this post is extra long. Oh wait. I forgot to mention what I received for Christmas. Knowing I love to cook, my family hooked me up. I received a white Kitchen Aid mixer, very nice silverware, and some china. I have been wanting that mixer for a couple of months now. I won't use it until I move.

Talk to all of you more tomorrow...

Thanks for all of the well wishes. But, I am off to work again. I promise to post later to let you know how the week was. Till then...

Too tired to post. You will get a bunch after Christmas, I promise.

Tiyerd!!!

My feet hurt. My neck is sore. My eyes are grainy from starting at 5 this morning and ending at 7:30 this evening. I am tired, but too tired to sleep. I am starving, but I am too lazy to make anything to eat.

The taping for Good Morning America went well. It should air sometime after Christmas. Our store was used because one of our customers had a recipe for bierocks (sp?) that will be featured on the show at a later date. I will keep you all informed as to when it will air. I could care less today though.

Did I say that my feet hurt? My back does as well. Sorry about the complaining. I wonder if I will get a day at the spa for Christmas. Oh wait, my boyfriend has no idea what a spa even is. His idea of a back massage is scratching my back in a circular motion for about a minute. Yeah, it sucks to be me.

Well, it seems as though most of the city has realized that they need to get all of their grocery shopping done. We finally started to see some business today. We will be humpin' tomorrow and Saturday. I don't know if Sunday will be big for us or not. It's hard to say, depending on the weather. If there is a snow scare, people feel the need to buy a month's worth of supplies. It's so funny.

Okay, this is going to be it for the time being. As you can read - I AM TIRED. Till' tomorrow...

Oh! I am finally home and I am soooo tired! We had the "big daddy" from our division in our zone today. Lovely. I had to ride around with our head deli/bakery merchandiser. fun. Tomorrow, the "little daddy" will be here and one of our stores is going to be on "Good Morning America". Great. Nothing like a dog and pony show right before Christmas. So, I have all of these people meeting me at this store tomorrow so that it will be PERFECT for television. I can't wait until Monday.

Came home from work early to finish Christmas shopping. Waiting on Josh to get here so we can go together. I need to find some leftie golf clubs for the kid. Anyway, I will chat more later...

Well, I didn't get home until almost eight. Twelve hour day and it is the slowest day of the week. Greaaat. I plan on turning in early. Hope everyone had a productive day. Talk at all of you tomorrow...

Monday

Aaaaah! It's Monday! This will be the slowest day of the week for us as it will only get busier. (Meloncutter, good luck to you this week, man!)

Still no snow on the ground. We are expected to get a little rain, but I haven't looked beyond that. Tonight I have to start wrapping gifts if I am ever going to get done before Christmas.

Hey everyone! Have a Super, Fantastic Day!!!

P.S. Andrew - Thanks for the song this morning. You totally made my day!!

The party at Diva's house was boring, of course. I only stayed for 45 minutes. All of the VPs were there. I like most of them, but I don't like the wives. Anyway, I left early and went home. I had a much better time. Till later...

Well, we went shopping, but not for long. Since I refuse to shop at Wal-mart, we went to Target instead. We also stopped by a couple of other stores that were in the vicinity. My kid got his dad a St. Louis Rams pennant and coffee mug. Josh will be receiving a KC Chiefs football and coffee mug. Cousin AA will be receiving a $15 gift card to Borders. Cousin AE will be receiving some fun stationary kits with stickers and pencils. Little cousin DL will be receiving his fair share of Hot Wheels.

My kid, however, will be making out like a bandit this year. He pretty much got everything that was on his list. I have a large family, so that helps a bit. One gift from everyone can mean a whole trunk load. We only buy for the kids. But this year, I am buying for my parents and siblings as well. Problem is, I don't know what to buy.

Well, I need to finish my laundry and then get ready for this little Christmas party at the Diva's house. I will post again when I return home this evening. Till' then...

My Future Home

Today should prove to be some fun. I am on my way out to help my kid shop for some gifts for his dad's side of the family, dad included. We are then going to the store to pick up a couple of things that I need for baking.

Tonight I am headed over to one of my boss' house (Diva) for her Christmas party. Of course, she probably didn't pay for anything. She is going to get fired one day for doing that.

Some of you asked about the house I am moving into. It is white with purple trim. We will have a nice size yard and there is a huge oak tree in the front yard. Next autumn will be a nightmare. The back yard is nice size. I would love to have a very small garden to start off with. We shall have to see what I have time for in the spring. There is a small peach tree by the back door. I am most excited about the kitchen. It is three times bigger than the one in my apartment. I can actually put out all of my appliances and kitchen gadgets. This means I can use them more often, which means I will be cooking all of the time. I can't wait!

The house has three bedrooms, one bath. Hard wood floors run throughout the whole house except for the master bedroom and the downstairs rec room. The kitchen and bathroom have tile of course. It's a nice size house for now. I do plan on either building a new home in around three years or buying a new house. Best thing about moving into this house is that I can take my time. I don't have to be out of the apartment until February 1.

Well, I better get going. We have a lot to do today.

The Rush Has Yet To Come

Ugh. When will it be over? Retail during the holidays. What a career choice. The stores have been coasting the past two weeks with the unseasonably mild weather we have had. What they fail to realize is come next Thursday, all H E double hockey sticks will be breaking loose. You see, all of our customers have been enjoying the weather. Motorcycle riding, golfing, even wearing shorts in this 65+ degree weather. They have not even started to think about cooking for all those family members who will be coming over to eat all of the food in sight. Kids will be home from college or coming home to in-laws. It's going to be so busy. If I could just get the stores to realize this and to prepare all this weekend. But, you can only do what you can do. I can only do what I can. I can't be everything to everyone.

So, I have off Saturday to finalize my own shopping. I won't have time to fight everyone else who are the "last minute" shoppers. I just won't do it.

Did I tell you that I am moving in February? Yes, I am moving from my apartment into a house. It's a rental. I plan on either building my own or moving into a brand new one in three years. I have already started saving. It's the three year plan. The plan also involves buying another vehicle, more than likely an SUV. I need one. Well, I don't "need" one, but I would really like to have one. And why not! I work hard for all my money. I work my rear off. Full time career and single parent. I should absolutely have one. Yes, people. I am trying to talk myself into it.

Okay, now I have started to ramble. It's funny. I have had so much to say lately, but some of my other online friends have not. I wish they would so that I would have more to read. I am selfish that way. Oh well. I need it, remember? hehehehe. Good night.

What Does Christmas Mean?

Today was a hard day at work. Not physical, more emotional and spiritual. I was working and encountered a situation with a customer concerning religion. Let's just say that it didn't leave me feeling well about the whole situation. I am so lost when it comes to different faiths. I was the kid that grew up knowing Christmas meant Santa Claus and nothing else. I don't blame my parents, as my father was forced to go to Catholic church his whole life and vowed he would never make his kids go. I don't blame anyone. It's just hard to talk about I guess, so I will just leave it at that.

Moving on. Actually, I really don't have much to say. I will say good night. Talk at you all tomorrow...

Barf! Where's the Toilet Paper?

Did you ever have that dream when you were little that reoccurred every time you got sick? I used to dream that I was in an airplane and the top of it flew off. Just like what happened in the show "Lost". Well, I had a bad case of food poisoning starting Sunday night going on into Monday evening. Let's just say that I crawled to the toilet a couple of times. I had chills, fever, threw up five times and a lot of "boo boo" as my sister would say. Yes, it was awful. Today I am still a little heavy in the head, but I should be back to normal on Wednesday.

So, I had an eventful weekend. Went to KC with the "co-workers" and had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. It was okay. Slightly overpriced if you ask me though. We went to the game and sat in the box suite. Of course, I didn't stay there and decided to sit in our seats outside of the box. It just isn't the same sitting in a room as the game unfolds in front of you. And the game folded the wrong way as the Chiefs got their butts spanked. Oh well. Sometime during this wonderful opportunity to see the Chiefs in a whole new light is when I ate something that would let me see my toilet in a whole new light.

I have one more day off (Saturday) before Christmas. It's going to be balls to the walls until the BIG day. Hope everyone had a great weekend. I am looking forward to baking up a storm on Saturday. It should be fun! Till tomorrow...

I am home. I have a bad case of food poisoning. Will catch up later...

Little Vacation

I am attending a graduation for our manager trainees today. I am a mentor for one of them. She has done an outstanding job in training. I am so glad to see this class finally over with though. It's tough being a mentor when you have so much on your schedule. I probably could have been there more, but I guess I did okay.

I am off work until Tuesday. I am going to Manhattan to see my brother graduate from K-State on Saturday. Then we are heading to Kansas City to go Christmas shopping. On Sunday we are going to the Chief's game. This time we will be sitting in the box suites. I have heard these are nice because you have your own bathroom, and all of the food and beer you could possibly want. Too bad I don't drink. We will then head home where I will have one day left to get all of my other shopping done for baking and cooking.

It's going to be a fast little vacation before the "World Series" of holiday work begins. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Be safe.

I Know It's Coming

I know I am about to feel the wrath. I have just done something that might piss off someone I care for very much. I felt like I had no choice in the matter.

To whom it may concern,

If you happen to get back online and read this post, please know that what I did today was because I was concerned for your well-being. I have not heard from you in days. I had to do it. Please don't be mad at me. If you want to talk about it, email me and we will talk about it. I am sorry if what I did caused you any stress or anxiety. Because I care, I will leave you with the words to one of my favorite songs by The Fray:

HOW TO SAVE A LIFE
Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it’s just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you’ve told him all along
And pray to God he hears you

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you’ve followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he’ll say he’s just not the same
And you’ll begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Time

Well, it seems as though everyone is still worried about Andrew. They have called, commented, and left messages. What people tend to not understand is that all of this "attention" about his well-being is added anxiety to him, I'm sure. People, he will come around when he is ready. As my favorite quote goes,

'Time heals all wounds.'

Home Sick

Well, it seems to be slow out there in Bloggerland. Meloncutter has also noticed that Blogger has been suckin' lately by taking all of the "extras" away. What's up with that?

Andrew is still not feeling well.
Professor is trying to enjoy some "downtime".
Becky is second guessing - quit it!
Annabel is kickin' some butt with her great kids in debate.

What is everyone else up to?

I am home sick today. Yep, took a sick day. I am going to the doctor later on. Right now I am listening to a conference call from home. It kind of sucks, but at least everyone won't see me in my blue/red plaid pajama bottoms. Also, no makeup and wild bed head are two things society can do without today. Don't want to cause any early blindness in anyone.

Well, that's all for now. I am sure that there will be more since I am at home today.

Well, it seems as though I have either a cold or a sinus infection. Regardless, it has not made me feel too bad as of lately. I have been drinking a lot of orange juice and water and I have been getting plenty of rest.

Moving on to other things. I have been told that I have to go to Columbus, Ohio in mid-January to visit a store. We are going on the company plane so that we don't have to stay overnight. Thank goodness. I was not looking forward to staying overnight. I hate having to take round trips as our city does not have direct flights to Columbus anymore. I am anxious to see what they have to offer.

And what the heck is going on with all of the celebrities in the world? Is that all of what the news coverage is about? It's either celebrities getting arrested, getting divorced, or getting kicked off the island (yes, Anna Nicole, you are not a survivor). It's shocking to watch the news, which is why I don't usually do so. Anyway, that's all for this evening. I am off to bed so I can get some rest to help kick this cold/sinus infection.

And I'm Off!!

Leftover spaghetti for breakfast with a cup of great coffee. Uh, yum! I am about to leave the house and try to make a difference in the world of the people I work with. I wonder what kind of "footsteps" I shall leave? Only the best is what I shall strive for.

Talk at you all later this evening. I am getting some small Christmas shopping out of the way this evening. I hate doing it last minute. I hope to be done by next week.

Not Much Here

Well, we went to the hockey game tonight and our team won. I am really tired and I am starting to wonder why. I have been getting about 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.

Andrew has not been feeling well. Sometimes I wish I could take it all away. I have said this before. He is such a good person.

I've noticed that the blogger has been acting up. Perhaps it is just me. Well, I do have a big day tomorrow. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Stay safe people...