Sunday, January 22, 2012

Do You Know What This Means?

And by this, I mean this picture:


This means that Noel is STILL not back from his job in Florida!  I've left the Christmas tree up and all his presents wrapped and waiting for him.  It looks like might be February before he gets back - we're still waiting to find out!  It's a good problem to have though, right?  Too much work instead of too little?

I've been busy too!  I just finished up my DDI certification last week (DDI is a world-wide training and development program).  It was an intense workshop with lots of rounds of feedback and practice, but it was great.  I learned a LOT. 

This weekend, after getting back from DDI (it was in Dallas) I got to work on January chores.  This includes: 


Yes, planting the spring garden!  Can you believe it?  The sugar snap peas were already there - they had managed to survive through the depth of "winter" here.  They look a little sparse, but they're still kicking!  Awesome. 

A few weeks ago, I went ahead and planted the seeds for the spring garden, and was shocked when they popped up WAY ahead of schedule and got really leggy.  So I had to go ahead and plant them, and just hope that there isn't going to be another frost!  What's in the garden now:

1.  Sugar snap peas (duh)
2.  Summer squash
3.  Okra
4.  Cucumbers
5.  Lavender

There will be some tomatoes at some point too.  I'm excited about the lavender.  It smells so nice!

And now, for your viewing pleasure, Kitty Cuteness!



Monday, January 2, 2012

Happy 2012!! (and also belated Happy Holidays)

So no, we didn't fall off the face of the planet.  Noel's been busy working in Florida since the beginning of December, and I've been busy working all over Texas! 

I've been dividing my time this past month between these spots:


And it doesn't end there - I get to go back to Dallas twice this month too!  Cool thing - I'm learning to get over my fear of flying, what with all the work travel!  Work is busy but very good.

Speaking of good, doesn't Noel look great in this picture?


This is from my company's annual holiday shindig.  (I made my dress and wrap, by the way).  We had a great time and danced the night away.  I think it would be really fun to take a ballroom dancing class, don't you?  Noel and I can salsa well, but I'd love to learn tango, waltz, etc.  Fun fun!  Maybe for next year's party.  :)

So Noel had to spend Christmas and New Year's in Florida - sucks, but he's making a lot of money and we can celebrate when he gets back.  Also, we have the miracle of Skype, so we were able to talk face to face (kinda) through the miracles of the innernets!

I went to North Carolina for Christmas with the family.  Mom took us to see the Biltmore House all decorated for the holidays, and it was just beautiful!  It still amazes me that a small family actually lived in that house.  How did they not lose each other all the time in that gargantuan house? 

http://www.biltmore.com/

We also did a wine tasting there.  Woo hoo!  And it snowed!  Not much at all, but some tiny little flakes that didn't stick to anything.  Anyway, it was exciting.  :)

Also, for the first time in memory, I actually finished all my Christmas presents ON TIME.  Will miracles never cease?

Our landlord kindly looked after the kitties, who have been extremely cuddly since I got back.  And also spoiled. 

So some of my New Year's Resolutions for 2011 included these:

1.  Get a permanent job.
2.  Move to the midwest.
3.  Learn 1 new skill per month.
4.  Do 1 charity action per month.
5.  Smile every day!

I'm proud to say that I accomplished all of these!  Go team!!!

There was one in particular that I didn't finish in 2011, so I've moved it to my 2012 list.  Some of the ones I did accomplish I moved over too - the last 3 work well for any time, right? 

So this year's list includes:

1.  Finish my first book (this was the 2011 one that I didn't complete YET).
2.  Slim down into my cowgirl boots (the fab turquoise ones Noel bought me a few years ago?  I can't fit in them right now.  I'm already working on this one - thank you Wii Zumba!).
3.  Finish another quilt.
4.  Save up a nest egg for home downpayment.  Woo hoo!

So that's about it for now - I have to get to bed because tomorrow is the first day back to work since December 22nd.  I might need to set several alarms for the morning!

Happy January!!