Poppin' In

Hi all! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I certainly have been enjoying myself. I'm, thankfully, home all week. It has been great.

I will catch up soon, but am off to bed right now. We took the tree/inside decor down tonight. What a relief! Now, I don't have to stress about doing that after Nathan gets here.

Went to the doctor today, no real change. My blood pressure is still not where it needs to be, but no one seems to be overly concerned so, I'll just hang out.

Will check in with you all soon!

Friday! WoooooHoooo!

It is early Friday morning and we are exchanging gifts here this morning. Later, we'll have a fat pizza lunch and most likely goof off the rest of the day. You know how it goes right before a holiday. :)

I've got lots to do to get ready for the big Christmas dinners early next week and I am just hoping it will be edible. :) I will do my best to conjure Paula Deen, ya'll. Wait...I think it is working.

Well, I'm so sure you'd love to read my rambles, but I'd rather be catching up on some of your blogs. I have been unable to visit much this week. So, I'm off.

Have a great weekend!

Tagged

I was tagged by Jess G, which is a bit funny because I had actually filled this out to post for fun a while ago, but never got around to it. I think mine is a bit different, but since I'm short on time and I wish to comply, we'll run with it. :)

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both
2. Real tree or artificial? Fake
3. When do you put up the tree? It is different every year. This year, WAY early.
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually the first week or two of Jan.
5. Do you like eggnog? It is okay.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cabbage Patch Bicycle
7. Do you have a Nativity scene? Yes
8. Hardest person to buy for? I have to pick one?
9. Easiest person to buy for? Fran and Grady
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Home Alone
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Depends. Usually after Thanksgiving.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fried Oysters, Chex Mix and Ham
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I like clear, Marc likes colored. So, we have both!
17. Favorite Christmas song? All I want for Christmas is you.
18 Travel at Christmas or stay home? Sadly, travel.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Traffic and the credit card bill
23. Favorite Christmas tradition? I don’t think we really have one.
24. Up early or sleeping in? I’d rather sleep.
25. Who hands out the gifts? Usually my sister and I.
26. Does Santa wrap your gifts? Yes, I think. This is the first year we are officially doing the Santa thing.
27. Do you tell the Christmas story? Yes, Sydney loves loves the story.
28. Do you leave cookies for Santa? We will.

Thursday Already?

Wow! This week is really passing me quickly. Typically the office is quiet this time of year, but I suppose since I am planning to be out for a while I am just trying to tie up all loose ends. Sadly, this post will be VERY short.

Yesterday, I went to the doctor. All is well, but my blood pressure was pretty high so they said they wanted to keep an eye on that. I'm sure it was just a fluke and I'm not overly concerned. Surprisingly, there is already progression, which I did not have with Sydney until the day I went into labor. Wonder if he'll arrive early? Who knows?

Wes came over last night and we decorated a gingerbread house with Sydney. I'm not sure who was the biggest kid of the bunch, but I can tell you it was NOT Sydney. :) It was a lot of fun.

After covering the kitchen table in candy and icing, it was time for Sydney to go to bed. Every night, I always ask her if she has had a good day and what was her favorite part. Typically, the responses are mixed and range from "Daddy" and "Grandma" to "Madison," "Candy Canes" or "Tigger." This has been going on for months and not once have I been on the list, until last night! :) Last night, "Mommy" was the favorite part of her day. I was so excited. I know it is such a little thing, but it just thrills me that I finally made the cut. :) I'm so thankful for that!

My list is weak this week, I know. I know I have many more things to be thankful for, but I just don't have the time to type it out right now. :) Maybe later.

Have a great day!

Keeping My Fingers Crossed!

I have a new young lady sitting at the front desk this morning. I agreed to bring her in this week for a trial run. I'm hoping it works out, but if not, nothing lost. So far, she showed up twenty minutes early for work; was dressed appropriately; appeared to absorb all of the information I gave to her quickly; and has properly directed calls this morning. WOW! :) I'm not ready to hold by breath just yet.

Last night was so silly and fun. First, I went to Michael's and bought more ribbon. I made ten bows, which are pitiful compared to my mother's, but they will suffice. We had leftover ribs for dinner and I just had to make potato cakes with the leftover mashed potatoes. YUM! Sydney was our DJ last night, as always. She loves the Christmas music and I've grown fond of it myself. This year has been unlike any other. So on to the funny story...

We were sitting at the dinner table, listening to "Baby, it's cold outside." If you don't know the song, you are nuts! I love this song and it is one of my favorites. If you are from another planet, the duet is between a man and a woman. The woman is trying to leave ("I really must go...") and the man is trying to convince her to stay ("Baby, it's cold outside..."). So, last night Sydney announces to Marc and me, "She needs to go potty." Marc and I were confused and asked if she was talking about herself in third person or perhaps, the dog. "No, the lady!" We see she is pointing to the stereo. I just love things like that! She cracks me up. My silly girl.

Well, "I really must go..," and not to the potty, but back to work. I hope you guys have a great day! :)

Monday Monday

Wow! This is my last week of work for the 2007 year. I'm very excited!! :) I'm so fortunate to have time off next week and the following. I hope to use it to rest up before Nathan arrives. Of course, he could have other plans.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. I did and, of course, it was way too short. Friday night, we ordered Outback takeaway and hung out with mom. Saturday was, for the most part, errand day. Mom was nice enough to tag along while we picked up items for a few friends and holiday dinners. We did managed to squeeze in a pedicure and lunch. Oh and finally my car is clean!! I hate dirt and little rock bits in the floor of my car. Sydney also likes to decorate the backseat with shreds of paper, stickers and who knows what else. :)

On Saturday night, Marc and I attended my company holiday party. It was great and the food was awesome. I only wish I had the room to eat more!!! Check out our menu:

Apps

Lemon Thai Tuna Tartlets (THE BOMB!)

Sushi Tuna Cups with Wasabi Cream (I heard they were good. Boo hoo!)

Seared Tuna Skewers with sauce (Again, I heard they were good. Bummer!)

Sliders (These are the BEST!!! We had them last year and they brought them back because they were so good.)

Crab Cakes

Baby Lamb Chops

Sweet Potato Tempura

Dinner

Spinach Salad with Apples, Walnuts and Bleu Cheese

Scalloped Potato Casserole

Lobster in a Citrus Marinade

New York Beef served with Fried Onions and a Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Dessert

Fresh Berries (Toppings: Carmel, Chocolate and Creme Fraiche)

Chocolate Bread Pudding and Carmel Ice Cream

YUM! YUM! YUM! You know how much I love food!

Sunday, my dad made a surprise visit! :) It was very exciting and I was, thankfully, prepared. We had ribs, green beans and mashed potatoes for lunch. It was so great to spend some time with him. Although, I was very tired from having stayed out too late the night before.

In other great news, the Skins kicked butt yesterday and we have a small chance at a wild card spot!!! Come on, boys! You can do it! Since we won yesterday, we had celebratory doughnuts in the office this morning. I also made it to Starbucks!! The week is off to a great start.

Have a great day!

My New Favorite Place!

The beautiful view from my office window is completely blocked by fog this morning. Lucky me, I can see only the McDonalds. It is kind of amusing. How are you supposed to stare into that and day dream? Hmmm?

I'm very hungry this morning. I have been very good all week, at breakfast anyway, and have eaten fruit and LIFE cereal for breakfast. This morning, I decided to dial the deli downstairs and make a small request for mozzarella sticks. Yes, I know it is 8:00am, but I want them and if they will make them, I'm on the way. I thought for sure they would say that I needed to wait until at least 11am. Lucky me! I always like to knock the deli downstairs, but it really isn't that bad. In fact, there are a few things I really really like (i.e. meatball subs and kabob). This morning, they are winning the heart of this very pregnant woman!

Another funny thing about me is that I am always thinking about what I am going to eat. Always! I cannot blame the pregnancy for that at all. I was talking to my mom on the drive in this morning about what we were going to have for lunch today, which is still up in the air. It sounds like I will get to have lunch with her and my sister. :) I'm very excited about that.

Well, I'd better run and get my mozzarella sticks. :) I'm sure I'll get a laugh from my boss, but I doubt he'll be surprised at all.

Have a great weekend!

Thankful Thursday

First, I have to say that it is so dark outside, even though we are well into the morning. It is a bit strange.

Next, I have to tell Anonymous (yesterday's post) that you were right! Unbelievable!
Remember the prospective employee (PE) with the sick dad in Cali? I spoke to her reference again yesterday, the one that told me she was ineligible for rehire the day before. I repeated the explanation the PE had given me. I explained that, if the story was true, we would be able to look past the short notice. I said, "If she is ineligible for rehire for other reasons, you don't have to go into it, but you could just say, 'other reasons.'" She hesitated and so, I pulled out the "sister" card. You know the one..."I KNOW you know how hard it is to find good employees. I'm sure you deal with it all the time too...etc." She replied, "OTHER REASONS." {GASP!} Wait there is more!

While I was on the phone with that reference, I got a voicemail from the office manager of different office where the PE had worked. {The PE told me that this dentist office had split and that she was laid off.} So, I called the office manager back. She apologized for not returning my call sooner (I had called on Monday and left a message). Evidently, she had locked her HR file cabinet and lost the key. She had finally given up looking for the key and called a locksmith, but wanted to call me and let me know that the PE had at least worked there. She didn't have specific information re dates of employment yet. I had one question, "Is she eligible for rehire?" She responded with an emphatic, "NO!" {TA DA!}

This morning, I spoke with a reference of another candidate. It was amazing how this "Manager" responded when asked what tasks the candidate performed while she worked with the company. It was IDENTICAL to her resume, order AND wording. Give me a freaking break, Chick. Do I look like an idiot? What is wrong with people? Honestly!

On to the list...

Today I am thankful for...

1. A sense of humor. Interviewing, next to the tech support, is probably my least favorite part of my job. It can be quite hysterical though. Remind me to tell you the one about the candidate that literally beat her cane on my conference room table. Wes, I know that is your favorite. :)

2. my brother, Wes. Wes took us out last night to, don't laugh, Golden Corral! I loved it! I want to go back today. I just love their yeast rolls. I think the song goes, "I could've danced all night," but in my case, I could've eaten all night. YUM! We also took a ride through the Festival of Lights, which was a fun trip.

3. my hubby, as always. :) He took Syd to school this morning so that I could make it to work on time. I'm dragging a bit these days. I'm sad that I didn't make it to Starbucks this week so far, but I am hopeful that I will make it tomorrow.

4. my emergency desk chapstick! I usually have two or three lip balms between my coat and purse, but I've changed both so often the last few weeks that I forget to move them. It is amazing how addicted you can get to those little things.

5. the ability to check a few things off of my to do list. Finally! I'm starting to get my butt into gear, both at home and at work. Well...I'm certainly trying. I was able to check off several things this week, which always makes me feel better. There is still much to be done, but it is nice to see progress.

6. the 2008 holiday schedule that just came out. The partners approved four day weekends for Thanksgiving and Christmas! How lucky! :) This is great given that I will have to use leave for maternity leave.

7. my mom. Besides the obvious reasons to be thankful for your mother, she is coming up tomorrow afternoon to watch Sydney so that I can attend my firm holiday party on Saturday night. I'm really looking forward to it, but it sounds like we might have to deal with inclement weather. I hope it doesn't get cancelled.

8. my health. I heard another sad story this morning and it just makes me thankful that I am healthy. Little Nathan is kicking the crap out of me right now and even though it can be uncomfortable, it is such an amazing thing.

9. not being on bed rest. I was just, ahem, kinda complaining to a relative that I don't like being sequestered to my area for the remainder of my pregnancy. Then, I stopped myself when I realized that I could be on bed rest. That would be torture! I get cabin fever like crazy. So, the fact that I cannot drive more than my general area is NOTHING to be upset over.

10. a scanner. Our office has now decided to go completely paperless on a few things, which is going to save soooo many trees. I'm so excited they agreed to it.

11. my new cell phone charger. We had ordered an extra one that has been sitting for a while. I thought it was silly, but mine broke and now I need it. Good job, hubby!

12. hole punchers and binders. Seriously, what kind of disorganized world did we live in before someone invented them. I especially love the hole puncher on my copier. You have no idea!

13. mozzarella sticks, a craving of late. I brought my lunch today, which I will eat, but I'm going to order mozzarella sticks from downstairs. I just have to have them.

14. Friday. I will be so happy to NOT have to wear hosiery tomorrow. I really really detest them. Also, my hubby is sending me to the spa for a pedicure and an eyebrow wax tomorrow. Isn't he the best? :) Another fun part is that mom is coming too. Also, I think I might get to see my sister for a few minutes tomorrow.

15. Thursday night tv! Tonight, Survivor and Grey's. I know I'm a big dork. I love Thursday tv! This, of course, means that I have to seriously kick my butt in gear tonight to get chores done BEFORE they come on. Although, I do plan to do some wrapping while they are on. Now THAT is what I call multi-tasking. :)

I hope you guys have a great great day. Even though it is now lunch time, it is still cloudy and yucky outside. That is why I am THANKFUL I have my lunch already in the fridge, no need to venture out. :)

Cheers!

Wednesday Already?

We are just moving quickly through the week. I cannot believe it is Wednesday and the 12th! WOW! I have so much to get done before the holiday. I said I wouldn't get stressed out over it, but I think I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed. That means, it is time for a list! :) I cannot think without one. I have them all over for different things. I've actually had one for a while, but it is time to actually look at it. Ha ha!

Yesterday was busy busy. I had six scheduled interviews, but only about half actually showed up. It is looking grim. I'm trying to convince the partners to give yesterday's candidate a chance (the one with the ineligible for rehire status). The reference bothered me all day and I finally decided to call the candidate and see what she had to say about the reference. Her story is that: 1) she had no idea the company would list her that way; 2) she knew she left very suddenly, which left them (specifically, the office manager) in a bad spot; and 3) it was absolutely necessary because she is an only child and she had to go to CA when she found out her father had cancer. Seems plausible right? I've gotten myself into big trouble when I let my heart lead the way. My heart says, "give her a chance," but my mind says, "too risky." Actually, I've gotten burned just about every single time I've used my heart to make these decisions. So, why do I want to do it again? I'm a softy, I guess.

So, speaking of checking off list items, I did drop my car off for an oil change, emissions and inspection yesterday. This was on my list! I can actually cross that off. The emissions and inspection were not due until the end of January, but with the upcoming arrival of Nathan, I decided to get it done early. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Then, the shop called to tell me, in plain English, I had two broken bushings and both had to be replaced for the inspection to pass. So, how much do the cute little plastic pieces cost? Well, they only cost about $41, but with labor and the cost of the inspection, oil change, anti-freeze flush, blah, blah, blah, the bill was $494.72. Merry Christmas! :) Doesn't that always happen? :) Oh well, it could've been much worse. Next item on the list...Madison's vet visit.

The day ended well, after getting past the very late start on the home journey. I met Sydney and Marc at the mall. Sydney got to see Santa again this year and she certainly had much more fun this year than last. We've got photos, but, as always, I'll post them later...maybe by spring. :)

Well, I hope you guys have a great day! It is so warm here. I didn't even need my coat this morning. Odd!

Tick Tock Tick Tock

I started my weekly visits to the doctor yesterday. Don't you know I love them! :) NOT! All went well during the appointment. Nathan has already moved into position and has started to descend. Hang in there, buddy. I'm not ready just yet!

I'm singing boo hoos this morning. I had been waiting since yesterday morning for a reference to call me back on my candidate. Sadly, they didn't give me good news. As you may know, you may not divulge certain information when giving a reference. The way we typically get around it is by asking, "Is the employee eligible for rehire?" She responded, "No." That's never a good thing. :( So, I suppose I will just continue on with my interviews today. Keep your fingers crossed.

I hope you have a great day today!

Whirlwind Monday!

I've been very busy trying to find a replacement for our terminated employee. I forgot how much I despise interviewing. I'm really just in awe of how people conduct themselves during the interview process. It can be quite amusing. Since I am getting close to my Christmas vacation and maternity leave, I am less amused these days. I interviewed a woman this morning that I really liked. I hope her references check out! Keep your fingers crossed.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We managed to make it to the National Mall this weekend to see the National Christmas Tree. It was a lovely evening and quite warm given the date. Sydney was very interested in the train and yule log displays. I must admit it concerns me a bit that she was so enamored with fire. Ha ha! We managed to take a few photos before my crappy camera, what a shock, broke. I'll try to post those a bit later.

The good news is that I got an early Christmas present! :) Sydney got me a brand new digital camera, which was given to me early because mine broke. I love it! I have got some reading to do. This one is much more advanced than my old one.

We spent all day at home yesterday. It was so nice. We did some chores and then made cookies. Sydney loved cutting out all the shapes. I think she liked eating them the best! :) Who wouldn't? They actually turned out fairly okay. I'm not much of a baker...at all!

Well, I've got to grab some lunch. I hope you all have a great day!

Jess

Thankful Thursday

Wow! Right now, I'm thankful for a few minutes of quiet. :) I have been going non-stop this morning and I still have to pack MK orders and write thank you cards before bed. Of course, this is a little chore when I get to watch Grey's at the same time. Right? :)

So, a very very quick list. I'm thankful for:

1. Playing in the snow with Syd yesterday. She really was cute.
2. The wonderful weekend I had with my parents last weekend.
3. My friend, Rachel. She's really been funny this week.
4. My fireplace! I love cuddling up in front of it.
5. My taco dinner. Mmmmm. The best part-my hubby cooked it! :)
6. My lipbalm. It is really yucky and cold out there this week.
7. My warm snow shoes from Lands End. I love love them!
8. My sister. She took me to lunch on Monday and brought me some goodies. Love you!
9. The fact that my laundry is almost finished.
10. The new clothes my parents bought for Nathan! I cannot wait to wash and put them away.
11. My new tri-ply clad pans! I'm adjusting to them, but they are so beautiful. I know, I'm a dork.
11. My new jewelry armoire. It is so nice to have somewhere to put your jewelry so that you can actually find it. It is so organized!
12. Terminating that employee. I had felt just terrible about it until I cleaned out her desk today. I found months of hidden filing/projects! I was sooo mad.
13. Finding the hidden stash of undone work BEFORE I left on maternity leave.
14. The positive response we have gotten to our ad for replacement. I hope to have someone in place before I leave.
15. Pretzels. Random, I know. I've been eating them all week. They are soooo good.
16. Pillows! I cannot imagine how uncomfortable I'd be without all of my pillows every night. Poor Marc. :) It is like a fort!
17. Chocolate Mousse Pie! I'm about to go eat a piece! YUM! THANKS MOM!!!
18. Ayr! I started using this stuff and it is just wonderful. If you have a dry nose or get bloody noses easily, you should try it. I've had issues with that nearly the entire pregnancy. Finally! Relief! It is amazing!
19. My Christmas Tree and the new James Taylor cd Marc bought.
20. My friends and family. Always!
21. One more day!

I hope you all have a great evening and a great Friday. If tomorrow proves to be as busy as the rest of the week, I most likely won't get to post.

Thinking of you and hoping to catch up with you all soon! I'm sorry for being a slacker. Know I am thinking of you!

Hugs,
Jess

Quick Quick Update

Boy! Today has been nutty. :) We got a tiny bit of snow this morning and the whole metro area was in gridlock. My 13 mile commute (typically 45 min-1hr) took me FOUR HOURS! Wow! There wasn't anything to be done about it so, I just sat in my warm car and watched the snow.

By the time I made it to work, others were straggling in also and we had lots to face. Sadly, I had to terminate the employee I mentioned last week yesterday. So, I'm looking for a replacement. Always a fun thing.

I decided to pick up lunch from the deli downstairs so that I could just eat at my desk and work. A nice man in front of me turned around, looked at my belly and said, "You look like you are carrying a lot of weight there. Want to go ahead of me?" Now, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Had he said this to another pregnant woman, he might have been punched. I knew he meant well, even if he wasn't exactly tactful. :)

Sydney's school called a while ago, they are closing at 4pm. So, I'm off to fight the traffic again. Hopefully, the home trip will be easier. :)

I hope you all are happy and warm! :)

IPES! Is that me??

I'll admit I had a rough morning. Morning sickness started up again a few weeks ago, but thankfully it only hits three or four times a week and is usually over and done with by the time I get out the door. Small price to pay and it is NOTHING like it was with Syd.

Anyway, this morning was no different. Once I spent fifteen or twenty minutes in the car with the windows cracked, I felt fine. I had tried throwing on some powder this morning to rid myself of the "tired" look. Once I made it to work, I pulled out my pocket mirror and GASPED! I look absolutely dreadful today. I'm serious! My eyes are puffy, my face is splotchy and my hair, well, who cares! :) Downside to this? I open my calendar to see that my boss scheduled me for a new client meeting this morning. IPES! I cannot help but laugh. Doesn't it always work out like that? :)

So, I've got to whip out my MK face I've been storing in my desk drawer and get ready for a meeting. I hope you all have a wonderful and silly day!

Monday Monday!

Wow! What a wonderful weekend I had! I was spoiled absolutely rotten by my family and friends. Thank you all so much for the emails, cards and gifts. I am so very fortunate to have each of you in my life.

My sweet-tart husband took me to the Melting Pot for dinner on Friday night for a much needed grown up night. It was sooooo wonderful. I love that restaurant so much! I loved spending the few hours there with him even more. Thank you for babysitting, Wes. That was so sweet!

Saturday morning, Sydney and I got an early start. We finished packing, took baths, had a bowl of cereal and headed to Mom and Tom's for the remainder of the weekend. Mom, Sydney and I had lunch at Carlos O'Kelly's, another huge favorite. Then we skipped over to the Tarjay to spend a gift card a friend gave me. By the time we got there, little Syd had fallen asleep so, we went through the Starbucks drive thru and parked the car. We talked until she woke up. We spent nearly two hours in the car just talking. I loved it!

We managed to make it into the Target and I found some warm pjs for my hospital bag. I only had a few pair and I keep taking them out of the bag. I figured it defeated the purpose and I should buy a few more sets. :) I love pjs anyway.

We headed home and mom made me the BEST dinner ever (ham rolls continental and chocolate mousse pie). It was wonderful!!! There is always something about mom's cooking. Must be the love! Next, I opened my gifts from them. First, a cute little mug filled with vanilla lotion and hot chocolate. YUM! Next, a BEAUTIFUL jewelry armoire! I have been wanting one for quite some time and it is so beautiful. It has so many neat little features. I hope to have many many more years to fill it, but I've got a pretty good head start.

Yesterday, I had lunch with mom and Tom. Then, we went to visit my grandparents. Since I am now officially sequestered to my home area, I wanted to visit them before Christmas. I'm glad we made it.

The weekend went by so fast, but they always do.

Today, my sister is meeting me for lunch! What a way to start the week!

I hope everyone has a great day!