New Year, New Job
Again and again I apologize for my lack of Bloggin’s.
Christmas was fun; we had a midnight one, where we opened what we got each other, plus the boys got to open theirs. Or, Hunter got to open theirs, and then Diesel just played with them once they were open. We had a nice Christmas dinner full of fillets and merriment.
Scott’s parents came into town by Christmas afternoon, and we had a good visit with them for a couple days. Scott again cooked us fillets, and we ate mounds of Boar’s Head roast beef from Publix. Then, we had a couple days off from guests, where I worked and he worked. Then, my madre came in town on Saturday, New Years Eve. She stayed for a week, and we really didn’t get to do much.
The highlight of the trip would have to be Busch Gardens… Where I have to show of some nice pictures… For more, check out my facebook… eventually…
Love the little guy playing with the tub!
Felt like I was in the Lion King!
We nicknamed the Meerkats Hunter and Diesel, because that's what they do when they're keeping lookout for us. Sleepy kitties!
9 month old cheetah cub and pup. They're a "pack"
Cuddles!
Interested to see what this cuddle session turned into? “Like” my Facebook page on the right! (www.facebook.com/blueberriesbythesea)
Lastly, I started my new job today at State Farm, and I’m exhausted!
Hiatus
I promise I’ll be back to this in a few days. I apologize for the lack of updates! The main reason is because I have pictures that I want to share, but I have been too lazy/busy (it’s a wonder how those go together!) to get them onto my computer, and uploaded! Also, Scott’s parents were in town for a couple days directly after/on Christmas, and then my Mom flew in last Saturday. Lots of fun adventures to talk about soon!
Is Christmas Really 3 Days Away?
One thing about Florida. You lose track of time. It doesn’t feel like Christmas at all! While having the sun and warm weather is a welcome switch to cold and snow and ice and rain, it just doesn’t feel right. Being in Central Florida is different as well. You have the heat and the sun. But no beach. Which always make me happy.
Not much has been going on. Work this week is crazy, and it’s the first week of my 2-week notice. Which means. December 30 I’m done! I’m getting excited to start the new job, and learn new things.
Tuesday I ran down to Cocoa Beach to get lunch with Caitlin and Rob, who I haven’t seen since high school. It was a good time minus the headache I acquired on the ride down. What I get for not eating breakfast! Very excited for them and their soon to be move! After lunch, I headed on back to Kissimmee, and had two very excited boys waiting for me. I was only gone 4 or 5 hours but you would think it was a lifetime! We decided that since I still had a little headache and they had been cooped up for the afternoon, we should take a little nap. Lately I haven’t slept so much in my life. I’m not sure what’s going on. Again, can’t wait for the new job and insurance again, to maybe figure out what’s wrong with me 
Christmas presents have arrived from most of our families. Mom’s box got down here yesterday and we’ve been getting things periodically from Scott’s family. He got his bow the other day; we made a quick trip over to Tampa; and is quite excited about it. He’s also been tormenting the boys with his toy helicopter.
Really that’s all that’s been going on; while wanting to keep everyone updated on what’s going on in my life, I have not had time or energy lately to do it in a creative manner. So you get a “what I did today” post.
Slackering
I apologize for the lack of updates. Things have been quite busy with work, Christmas shopping, etc. Inter-mixed with me not feeling well lately.
Where to start where to start…
I guess first it’s safe to announce the big news. I will be starting work as a Claims Representative at State Farm at the beginning of the year. I start the week after my Mom visits. And that all means that I get to give my notice to Belk. I need to get that typed up today. Scott and I are both very excited, as he won’t be paying for everything all by himself… I hate that he has had to for this long. Excellent pay, insurance again, a regular Monday-Friday work week, AND there is no dress code. Well there is, but it includes jeans. So all around, YAY!
All of our Christmas shopping is done. I just spent 45 minutes in line today at the post office to get my last package of stuff sent up to Maine. This included my photo with the Grinch for my dad. Scott had the first half of this week off, so we took Tuesday and finished everything. His Aunt Maureen was up here Monday, so we had a little mini- Christmas with her.
I’ve spent all morning cooking and shelling lobsters. Mom sent them down from Maine, 5 of them, and we were going to cook them last night, but we were both so tired. So I cooked them up today! I shelled them all so we wouldn’t have to deal with that later, and so the shells could make it out on trash day, so as not to stink up the house.
When we got home from everything Tuesday, we had a package from Scott’s uncle, John and his lady friend Patricia…. it included these:
LL Bean Christmas stockings for us and the boys!
It also included monetary presents for Scott and me. Which I (we) really appreciate. I was actually speechless-ish because they didn’t have to get me anything. But then Scott pointed out that I have to put up with him, and they want to thank me for that
Speaking of putting up with Scott… Diesel has learned a new trick… He waits until Scott and Hunter are passed out snoring, then squiggles his way on to the pillows. This was taken in the middle of the night after I had pulled 2 pillows out from under him for me to sleep on….
Stealthy little shit...
Last of the entertaining pictures, I think…. Tuesday at Universal Studios, we found this fat little squirrel nom nomming on a french fry. This explains why the duck we saw earlier was so fat, too.
What a Fatty!
Also Tuesday, Scott got my Christmas present for me. I already know what it is, as he didn’t want to spend a lot on something without knowing that I like it. I’m quite happy with it, but waiting for Christmas to open it. He said I could have it early. But I’m a small child and need gifts on Christmas day. To the Coach-lings at the Coach store: I know you want to make a sale. Like, REALLY badly. But hovering over us so we don’t even have a minute to discuss, is irritating. Telling us it’s the last one in the store is also really shady, and I can assure you scare tactics don’t work on us. Scott said, bottom line, “Do you like it? Do you want it? Are you going to use it?” My response: “Yes, but are you sure, like grrrr.” Him: ”Good enough, wrap it up.”
I have really bad buyer’s remorse on things like that. Which I have to give the Coach-lings props on this. It’s kind of hard to question it when you have one Coach-ling grabbing other things for you to try, her side-kick telling me that it’s amazing and goes with my outfit (jeans, v-neck tee, and Sperry’s, no joke; we were gonna be walking all day long) so well, and the manager popping out to say “Oh that one right there? That’s the last one we have of that!” So kudos to them for putting up with me for an hour, taking the time to side track me enough to give the OK, and kudos to my boy for wanting to make me happy! Kudos to me for finding him and winning over his dog’s heart so he pretty much can’t get rid of me.
The boys have also racked up quite a bit of loot, between dog treats from family, and doggy toys from us (and Santa). I wrapped all of their toys when we got home on Tuesday, to put under the tree. Hunter went and found the one under everything else, that was to him. And started pawing it open and sticking his nose in it. I finally removed them all from the tree yesterday before work. Because I knew we would come home to find 6 toy carcasses and wrapping paper all over the place. My dog would also miss all the fun, being locked in his crate. So they’re hidden in my craft hole, until Christmas morning.
So busy lately I have had no time (or energy!!) to crochet. I have severely neglected my etsy store as well. I have finished a snowflake scarf, started on a hat from a pattern my mom found, and still looming a scarf. Today I’m making a little person doll for one of the ladies I work with. The fun part of this… it needs a face… I suck at sewing/embroidering. Wish me luck!
Adult Truths…
I totally copied this from Facebook, but it’s so true….
What would you add to this?
1. I sometimes have to look at my phone after looking at my watch 3 times, to confirm the time is correct.
2. That’s about the time I end the argument with “Bite me!” or “I’m going to bed!” or I start talking to the dogs.
3. For real. I miss the college days when I made/had time for an afternoon nap.
4. That’s what emoticons are for I use them often to emphasize the fact that I’m joking/ am being sarcastic.
5. It’s tricky, but I can at least make it flat, even if it’s not a perfect square. I’m more concerned with how the crap people get the sheets back into the package, to return or whatever.
6. No. The only time I write in cursive is to sign my name. I have a good time reading older people’s handwriting, however, that is in cursive.
7. Same with the GPS. Though if I have to go out the other entrance/exit of the neighborhood, I do get turned around.
8. Some of them do. If they don’t… that’s what Facebook is for. If you don’t know the person, then you probably don’t need to know how they died.
9. Everyday when someone asks me how I am, I always reply “tired.” Doesn’t matter if it’s 8:00 am, or 1:00pm.
10. Those are still my favorite stories, to tell about myself, and to hear from friends.
11. This generally happens to me the day before vacation. Thankfully, at the bank, I had an amazing boss who was just like “get your hours in and go home.”
12. Agreed. And to be honest, I can’t really tell the difference in clarity on anything flat screen. HDMI or no. However, the 3D tv is pretty fantastic.
13. Me too. Or to my resume…
14. & 15. They’re missing. Did you notice?
16. This is more true for college age kids, I believe. And adults who still think they are in college. It should say, every monogamous kiss after having dated for at least 2 years begin with “Kay.” (remember, emoticon = sarcasm)
17. Me too. At least a warning that I’m entering the ghetto.
18. That’s when I nap. And try to get Scott to not purchase snacks.
19. I do this all the time with the Spanish-speaking ladies at work. They talk in a Spanish-English hybrid, and really fast.
20. That doesn’t happen down here. It’s every person for themselves.
21. Not forever, but at least a couple times. I invite everyone to watch “Whitney” on NBC. There is a very nice episode about this.
22. Keys float to the bottom of my purse, as does my phone. And if I’m wearing a hoodie, I forget that I slip my phone and keys in it and then get hysterical when I can’t find them. I can turn my alarm off, and it’s on my touch-screen phone, without waking up. Scott sleeps through his until I wake up and elbow him.
23. This is my favorite. And not very surprising.
What are your favorite “adult truths” and why? What do you think needs to be added to this list?
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‘Tis the Season
Yesterday was perhaps, the last day that Scott and I will have off together until Christmas. For our “Sunday Funday” we were going to go Christmas shopping, etc. It didn’t happen.
I woke up early yesterday morning, and got some pork into the Crock-pot that he is now a fan of, to start making some pulled pork for supper. I also decided to make a cake, since we didn’t get any brownies, courtesy of Diesel. The boys helped me cook, while Scott slept in a little bit. When he got up, we got ready to go, getting a relatively early start on the day, considering most stores don’t open until later on Sundays.
After stopping by Wal-mart for some more decorations, we headed to Ikea. We’ve decided that if we’re going to continue eating at home like we have been, it might be nice to do so with out being eye level to two deprived puppies. However, there was just not much there. Any table we kind of liked, was more than we wanted to pay for something that we just kind of liked. We also didn’t wind up getting the rest of the drawers to the other little stand in my closet, or a book case for my books and DVDs.
Next was food at Chiptole, which kind of broke our Sunday Funday rule, but since this was my second visit there, and we really wanted it, not really. I learned, however, that they are not allowed to cut our food. I found this out because out of the two times I’ve been there, both times, my chicken quesodilla has not been cut. The first time I ate it like a small child. Yesterday I brought it back and asked them to cut it. I felt bad for the grown boy who had to answer “we’re not allowed to cut things here.” I was thoroughly confused, and asked for a knife. They told me that plastic ones were located with the drinks. Okay then. Never heard of that before.
After that, was Bass Pro. Scott has been looking into taking part in some archery, and bow hunting. While I’m not against hunting things, and I love a good steak, I hate thinking about him killing Bambi, or his kin. For his Christmas/birthday present (his birthday is a week after Christmas; I always give him the choice of a couple okay presents or one big present, he alwasy chooses the latter), he would like me to contribute to his bow hunting experience. However, like I said, I don’t like the idea of him shooting Bambi & family. So for the first year he said he will not. I’m also worried about him sticking with it. We’re rather busy lately, and it’s only going to get busier, I fear. Also at Bass Pro, we got to see a new baby gater, and watch a very small baby try to pull one of it’s legs off. It was kind of cute, because she was so young. When small children do it, however, I kind of want to take the tape off its mouth and see what happens.
All of these places, and we didn’t get a single thing. We stopped by Petco real quick to see if they had any doggy-tree toppers, but that was also a fail. Before stopping there, Scott suggested going to the mall this morning. I was game. Until I because soooo tired during/after Bass Pro, that I just wanted to curl up in a ball and go to sleep. We were home by 2:00 again, thanks to my sleepiness, and essentially got nothing accomplished. However, after swinging by the Loop to go to Petco, and seeing how busy it was, he was thankful I didn’t want to go to the mall. He has no idea what to get me for Christmas now, still.
We came home, I napped, he played video games and got the rest of the lights on our 9-10 foot Christmas tree. We got it decorated last night, with ornaments that his aunt had given us, and a few of our own. Came out quite well! The guy cut it higher for two reasons I believe. 1) I had made a comment about being able to crawl my ass under it to be able to water it. 2) Scott made a comment about his dog peeing on it. The guy was nice enough to cut it a little higher so neither of these would occur. Though today will be the first day Hunter is left alone with the tree, and he’s a smart little nugget.
I’ve found myself lately, neglecting my etsy. I’m not doing this on purpose; I just haven’t had any time, and the projects I’m working on are more detailed so are taking longer. The damn loom is kicking my butt as well. Hopefully with the next couple of days off, I’ll get some more things completed and up…
Now I must wake my tired side kicks up and leave them for 11 hours for work…
Happy Holidays!
Left: our Christmas tree, lit with LED Christmas lights. 9-10 tall. Middle: the boys' feeding station, all festive. Right: Our stockings; Mine and Scott's, Hunter's and Diesels. The ones one each end, I made, My REAL stocking is being sent to Maine tomorrow for Santa to fill and mail back.
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Hair Cut and an Early Trip to Jo-Ann Fabrics
Since my post the other day, a few things have happened.
1. My dog ate a batch of brownies. Scott’s dog didn’t tell me until I heard him break the plate. He’s fine. Peroxide apparently doesn’t make him throw up, though. Satan dog.
2. Scott had a long day yesterday, and passed out on the couch. He told me that I was evil, that I have broken 32 of SOMETHING (he doesn’t speak clearly when he talks in his sleep), and that he loves me. But not as much as Mac and Cheese. I’m surprised. I figured Hunter would be #1.
3. I FINALLY got my hair cut. It’s been over two months now since I got it cut. Which is a long time when you have short hair. I found a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon outside of the Disney area that was able to do a good job. Could not believe how much hair I lost.
4. I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics. I’ve been to Michael’s. In Johnson City. Never been to Jo-Ann’s. Holy CRAP. There was so much yarn! Aisles of it! I managed to get out of there without spending any money. Reason why: I am not spending $6.00 on a skein of yarn that I yet to have a project for. Maybe if I find a project, I’ll go back. It was good for me, though. I’ve been wanting to visit some Local Yarn Stores here in Kisismmiee/Orlando, and a couple down in Winter Haven. I’ve now discovered that might well be pointless, if I don’t have a specific need in mind. Jo-Ann also had Susan Bates crochet hooks, up to size N. I didn’t purchase any, but I’m happy to know they still exist, since Walmart only carries Boye products.
5. I’m still looming a scarf, and also, Martha Stewart’s Lion Brand Knitting loom and pieces look like fun. This time, it’s a chocolate brown, super soft yarn. It’s going to be amazing, if I ever get it done. I always put at a stitch and wind up having to take rows and rows off. It’s nice to be able to do while I’m sitting down, watching televsion.
6. I stayed up super late looming last night, and got up relatively early this morning, at least for having the day off. The boys and I are going to have an afternoon nap before Scott gets home.
I’m off Sunday, and it’s Christmas Shopping day!
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Things You Don’t See On Etsy and Black Friday Horrors
Very clearly, I’ve only got a few things up for sale on my etsy site. However, I’ve been in a crafting mood here lately. So I’ve tried a few things that I’ve not posted on there, for whatever reason. The main one is that these are “first tries.”
Left: Crochet snowflake, Rather misshapen, or maybe pictured upside down. Middle: Knitted fun fur scarf. I'm rather proud of this, as it was the first thing I created on my knitting looms. Not the best fiber to learn to use it with, but came out quite nice. Right: Crochet necklace. I love the buttons I found for this. However, I've found the flower is too heavy for just the chain stitching (especially with button on there), so the necklace won't stay put, and flower falls to front, instead of to staying to the side.
I’m also ready to talk about Black Friday, a week (almost) later. It can all be summed up in one statement. For it being the “kick off” of the Holiday shopping season, customers (and associates) are generally not in the “holiday” spirit. Especially if they can’t do something they think they should be able to do. Stories from my own perfect hell day:
1. Customer telling me that the price on the sign, and in the computer is not “right,” that she was in the store since whenever and we have to honor the price it was then. First off, she is right. However, she’s not worked with the company for 3+ years, so telling me how to do my job and what company policy is, is not the way to go about getting that price. Just say “hey, I was here since whenever, when I picked this up it was this price. I noticed it changed. Is there any way to get it for the lower price? Sorry for the hassle” The last part is very important, because you’re acknowledging that I potentially have to do a little more work while there’s a line of 30 customers behind you and fitting rooms with clothes in them up to the ceiling.
2. Customer complaining about the customer service provided from another associate. Again, our goal is to provide exceptional customer service. We want to make you feel special, and come back and shop with us. However, there is not a damn thing I can do about someone else’s attitude. Also, understand, that it’s hard to make everyone feel special when they were just behind the last customer, rolling their eyes about the time it was taking to check out. IT’S BLACK FRIDAY. I also don’t care if you just spent $100 on clearance items that you’re then going to palm off as gifts to your grandkids (that they will likely come back and return, appalled that they could only get $9.98 + tax on a gift card). You shouldn’t have been treated rudely because that’s not acceptable, not because you gave the store money.
3. Customer is mad that coupon won’t work on hardly anything. I can assure you, I know it’s frustrating. However, the coupon rules and exclusions are not my rule. I didn’t hole up in a fitting room one day and thing “how can I make people yell at me more after cleaning up their nasty tried on clothes?” And then right to company headquarters and urge them that this is a good idea. I’m sorry it won’t work. But all the signs on all the racks that you got this stuff from clearly says, “Coupon Excluded.”
In fairness, most shoppers understood the deal with Black Friday and all that it entails. They were nice, friendly, and patient. Unfortunately, their gestures get eclipsed by the one, or six, nasty, inconsiderate folks.
Did you find any good deals on Black Friday? (I shopped on line Thanksgiving day, and received the same deals. Two pairs of Sperry’s showed up at my doorstep this morning! The fed-ex lady ran away when the boys started barking…)
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Happy Thanksgiving a couple days late
If you know me, you know that I’m never on time. Except to work. But if it’s getting ready to go to the movies. We’re going to be late. or right on time. Unfortunately with blogging, it’s easier to be late. Though I feel I have good excuses.
Thursday was mine and the boy’s first Thanksgiving (on our own). We got up at 5:30, got our turkey breast into the crock pot. Two things about this. 1. The turkey breast was free, since I got a $15 gift check from work. 2. The boy did not trust the crock pot cooking, like deep-frying it was a safer idea.
Pants! And two boys who think their plates are going to be fixed before ours!
After the turkey, the boys’ morning feedin’s, and their shenanigans (they think right after they wake up it’s play time), we sat down on the couch to start our own Thanksgiving traditions. Playing the Zombies mode on Call of Duty 3, Modern Warfare. We sat in front of that tv for two hours playing video games. And drinking hot chocolate, pretending that it was cold out. I decided at this point, it was time to go back to bed. The boys agreed, leaving the boyto his own devices. I woke up. He was still playing video games. I went to my craft hole. Came out around noon. He was still playing video games. In his boxers and camo shirt. I started cooking the rest of the fixings, as the turkey was due to be ready at 1:30ish. He decided that he needed to dress up for Thanksgiving. The camo changed to a polo. But there was still no pants. I yelled, kind of. He pouted. Put jeans on. And then told me that now I had to go do the same.
The dinner was quite tasty, and I have converted him on the wonders of a crock pot. He’s currently finding other things he can slow cook.
We got the boys’ plates ready and the kitchen cleaned up (much easier when you
Our tastey meal! To be enjoyed in the living room, on the coffee table in front of the tv so we could watch the latest episode of Dexter
have help with opposable thumbs.) Then it was nap time for us both. Since it’s his mom’s birthday this weekend, and parents’ anniversary the day after. He decided that he was going to leave in the evening with Hunter and drive on up to Tennessee. It was a very successful Turkey day. It’s needless to say for my last “Thankful Thursday” of the month, I’m thankful for the three boys, our families, and good friends. Was not thankful that I work retail, but thankful that I have a job. I’m still recovering from Black Friday and my 13 hour day (includes an appointment, drive time, and a longer-than scheduled-work day.) However, I’m formulating a post in my head about the ridiculousness of it all.
