Business as usual...

Well sort of. I get to go on my first business trip ever. It is a 3 day trip (2 night) for implementation training on a new software we're going to be using very soon. It may not be as exciting as some trips, but it will definitely be a new adventure for me.
I have been thinking a lot about my post on resolutions. This year, I have one HUGE resolution that definitely will alter the course of my life forever, but I can't divulge to much information just yet. Let's just leave it at I have a plan, I have a 'completion' date set and arrangements are being made (wow, it sounds like a secret wedding, doesn't it? Not to worry - it isn't) but I am resolute about my resolution and I am so excited to see the outcome. As the year wears on I will spill some more details, but too much to too many people too soon probably isn't a good idea.
And lastly on an entirely too happy note - I'M TAKING A VACATION! I am going to Utah for 10 whole days. I get to hang with Lori and go to class with her (like I'll know what they're even talking about) and most importantly, I won't be at work. Believe me when I say I love my job, it's just that I love not being here more.
Until the next time...

Resolutions...

So, it's a little early for this, but I have been thinking a lot about New Year's resolutions. At the beginning of each new year we always set resolutions, but for some reason they always end up being more like goals. This year I have made it my goal to not set goals, but to set resolutions. The definition I like best for the word resolution is the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure. I have things that I want to do with my life and this year I will make them happen. I often find myself waiting for the right circumstance or situation; I think things have to be a certain way before I can make a decision or take a risk. This year my decisions are my own and I will not wait for anyone else to make them for me, nor will I let them. I know who I am and who I want to be and I will do whatever it takes to get myself there. I love life and I am going to live it to the fullest potential and discover a new part of life. I am going to act instead of being acted upon.

I love my job...

Seriously! How many people do you know that get to surf the internet, go shopping and plan events on a daily basis? Well luckily for me, I do! I hate to admit it, but I have lived here for almost 2 years and until today I had NEVER been to the mall - a situation that was just remedied, all because of work. I can't believe I waited until 2 1/2 weeks before Christmas to get there, but it was fun. I was on 'official' work business so it wasn't a trip just to leisurely stroll (although I did take a wrong turn and saw a bit more than planned), but I did some VERY quick window shopping and can't wait to make my return. The other reason I love work related shopping trips is I get to cure my need to spend, without actually having to pay for it myself - in other words, I love to spend other people's money.
The gift receiving season has also landed at our office. Considering we send practically nothing out at Christmas we get quite a bit - really great stuff. Today the first batch of Christmas cookies. The fruit should be coming soon. I'm going to have to break out my cookie recipes soon and get to work. Ahh, I love Christmas.
The countdown to Lori: 15 days (just a quick count so that may not actually be correct)
Happy Tuesday

The new addition...

I bought a new laptop today (mom and dad paid for half as an early Christmas present). Now I am completely set and ready for EVERYTHING!!
I also polka - dotted my plastic case for my makeup - it looks awesome!
Have a great evening!

Looking forward to...

I thought now was as good a time as any to list what I am REALLY looking forward to in the next several weeks:
1 - Ortho appointment: 1 week from today - only 6-8 weeks until I get my retainers, the end is near :)
2 - Thanksgiving: 1 week from tomorrow - we are having friends over for dinner and my 'brothers' get to spend the day with us. We'll probably even be putting up our Christmas decorations too.
3 - 4 day weekend: begins Thanksgiving day - who needs a vacation when you can have 4 day weekends?
4 - Christmas: 5 weeks from tomorrow - OBVIOUS
5 - Lori comes HOME!: also 5 weeks from tomorrow - WOO HOO!!
6 - Christmas shutdown: 8 days off - who wouldn't love it?

I think that's my list as of this moment. I'm SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!

Just a thought...

"People can't live with change if there's not a changeless core inside them. The key to the ability to change is a changeless sense of who you are, what you are about and what you value." --Stephen Covey

One more thing...

In case you haven't figured out yet, I love food. I love to read all recipes, I love to try new recipes, and occasionally I'll even try the new food (as opposed to fixing the new food, and going for the norm while everyone else tries it). The other night I finally got to try making my own batch of Apple Cider Donuts. I got the recipe for Home Made Simple. So Yummy! We got through frying half of the batter and realized that there was no way we were going to be able to eat them all and didn't want to waste the time frying them (besides - the oil was getting icky). We cut out the rest and then baked them. I highly recommend trying them this way. The texture and flavor are quite a bit different, I personally loved them. The baked ones were definitely better for reheating in the microwave. Try it - I think you'll love it.