Brief Update

Well it' s been more than a month again. And I can't say I haven't visited this site during that time; I have been catching up on your blogs! I keep checking the website and reading other blogs and thinking "wow I'm boring". But you know what? I've never been happier. I recently got out of a bad relationship. It's like a breath of fresh air. I spent almost 2 years being miserable, but now only have to think about ME finally. I recently moved into my "own place". Granted, my parents own it, but now (again), it's finally all about ME and what I want. (On a side note, I went out and bought a combo modem/router So, as I promised over a month ago, I will update you all on the remaining "topics" I had listed:

• Recently, the lady who runs our employee events and employee newsletters (things going on at work, weddings, babies, etc.) moved to another department in the hotel. So her role was open. It was filled briefly by someone else at the hotel, but she then decided to go back to her original department, so it was open again. Basically, I was handed all of the newsletters and any kind of graphic design stuff that the position used to do! Another lady I work with got the party planning stuff (which is fine with me) and now I get to be much more creative. It's GREAT!


• At the time I wrote my last entry, a Hungarian named Luca was living with my parents. She came to the US a year ago to work at the hotel, and my parents became her "host family" - basically, when they come work in America for a year, they're away from all their friends and family, and my parents would have her over for dinner, and to do laundry and basically be there for her. It was like having a roomate! She's my same age, and we talked about boys and family and life. She went back to Hungary, but it was nice having her around!


• My New Year's resolutions (Yea, they're pretty much all broken by now). Not much else to add. But again - I'm just happy.


• Don't remember about my reading list - but I haven't touched a book in a month. I should really start reading again!


• Phone Saga - I switched to a Samsung Instinct back in October. I hated it. Other than the phone calls and texting, it didn't do a single thing I wanted. So I switched back to a Blackberry over a month ago. Again, another breath of fresh air. I LOVE it!!! And I have 2 sparkling rhinestone-type cases. HEAVEN.


• Necklaces - for about a month back in Feb/March, I was making beaded necklaces like nobody's business. Well, that has slowed down a bit, but it was creative and sparkly and it felt good.

Whew. Well, that was my list. Hopefully another month won't go by before I blog again.

What happened?

Well...I feel like I should really blog, because it's been almost a month. But at this point, it's already 10 pm, and I have to be at work at 7 am tomorrow. And it's a very hairy day ahead. So I think instead I will watch some Netflix and doze off. But I have every intention of blogging a REAL blog soon, so to help my anal-retentive and somewhat spacey mind, I have to make a bulleted list so I remember.

• I had a dream last night that someone walked up to me and just cut a huge chunk out of my hair for no reason. I did some googling, and I think I have the answer.


• A major change in my life that happened a few months ago, and another one coming up in a month or two. (*Disclaimer - no, I am not pregnant!)


• A promotion that I'm stressed/excited about at work.


• A Hungarian student named Luca (pronounced "Lootza", like "pizza" but starting with "loot")


• My New Year's resolutions (Yea, they're pretty much all broken by now)


• My reading list


• My phone saga


• My necklaces

On second thought, maybe I should space those out into other blogs. Yea, that might be good. For the 8 followers!! :) Maybe I could get to 10 if I posted more??

And on that note, I wanted to share a picture that makes me happy:This is the cover of this month's Texas Monthly magazine. I may be in Colorado, but I'm still in love with Texas!!

Work? On A Saturday?

I have to go into work today - A Saturday! My work week is supposed to end on a Friday! But that's ok I guess...It's only an hour and a half and I just have to give a tour of the property, which I could do in my sleep. So at least it's an easy day.

Plus, then a co-worked and I are going to his place to make homemade hummus and turkey burgers!! And he is an AMAZING cook! So I'm really excited to reward myself with food after going into work on a Saturday.

Sorry this is such a short, sad blog. But I have to go get ready for work! Have a good weekend!!

Quick Update

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged, hasn’t it? Part of it is due to the fact that I discovered this wonderful website – Veoh.com where you can either watch tv shows or movies online, or download them and watch them later! (Which is great because then you don’t need an internet connection to view them if you download them to your computer!) And part of it is that I’ve been spending almost the last week watching my parent’s dog Baxter, while they’re on vacation! I’ve spent most of the time at the house with Baxter and my dog Bailey and they’re a handful!

And I guess another reason why I haven’t blogged so much is because of this Weight Watchers thing. I spend a lot of time tracking points and foods, which will ultimately pay off in the end because once I know the points, I know them – I only have to find out once. It’s just all this legwork early on that’s tiring. But it’s working – I’ve lost some weight and hopefully will lose a little more.

Goals for this week:
- Continue tracking points
- Lose at least 2 pounds
- Try to eat more fruit
- To not “cheat” and check on my weight before Thursday’s meeting

I need to post more pictures. I’m sure people see my wordy entries and think “maybe I’ll check back later”. I do tend to ramble, so I get that. I like to think that the more pictures I post the easier it is for people to read it. So since I still haven’t replaced my camera cord (since Bailey destroyed it) but my parents let me use their computer, here’s a visual recap of the last few days:

I had a "I need a BIG Starbucks morning".
Taught my first "official class" last week - Word for Beginners

Reached my first Weight Watchers milestone - my first 5 pounds!
My co-worker Kearstin was on Wheel of Fortune!
We made homemade parfaits at work on Friday for our weekly meeting - YUMMY! (Darn those granolas - they were 7 or 8 points!)
It snowed a few times - the dogs love to go out and "eat" the snow.

Holiday Hodge-Podge

This is me and my niece Emma, last year on Christmas Eve.

I would be the first to profess my love (and maybe obsession) with the Christmas and holiday season. But, I can honestly say I’m surprised at how early Christmas is being advertised this year. I know the economy is in a slump, and retailers are trying to get people to start spending money earlier so that they can maximize their profit and stimulate the economy again…but still - It’s like there’s no such thing as Thanksgiving!! No one’s even talking about it! We just all skipped over it and jumped right into Christmas. I can’t even find any Thanksgiving decorations anywhere. Back when I was looking for a door hanging in early October, the store I was in had approximately 70% of it’s merchandise as Christmas decorations. But even though I’m shocked, don’t think I’m immune to the “attack” - even I’m guilty of buying materials for my Christmas wreath in early October!

I liked when things were spaced out a month or so before they happened. Halloween decorations came out in early October, and Christmas used to come out right after Thanksgiving. And what’s so wrong with Thanksgiving anyway? You get to cook and eat great food (and buy tons of it, for all those retailers out there), plus all the money and costs associated with family traveling around the world to spend the holiday together. And yes, the time spent with family is priceless. Which is why I’m so pumped that my sister and her family gets to make it up here for Thanksgiving this year! I still miss my brothers though…

This is a picture of my two brothers and my sister and I in November 2007.

It looks like I’ll be staying in Colorado for Christmas this year, so I’m looking around for places hiring extra staff for holiday hours to earn a little extra money, but so far no bites. I’ve applied to a few Blockbusters in the area because I have experience, and they’re pretty close to my apartment. Plus, that job in high school was actually one of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had, so I would love to do it!! I’m thinking I may start just walking into places close by, whether I’ve worked there before or not, and seeing if they’re hiring. Extra money is extra money! (And a few free rentals a week never hurt anyone!)

And since I’ll be staying in town, I get to dog sit for my parents for a week! It will be a week-long Weimaraner slumber part for the holidays! It may get a little tricky if we visit Justin’s parents at all because they already have 3 dogs and none of them like either 2 of “my dogs” and vice versa. So we might leave the big guys down in the Springs for those visits. But my favorite part is cuddling with both of them at the same time because they either get on either side of me to divide and conquer, or try to beat each other to see who can get closer to me!

And this one is of Bailey (on the couch) and Baxter (on the floor) the last time I dog sat!

Tonight is going to be Game 6 of the World Series, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a looong night at my house. Justin is a rabid Phillies fan, and I mean RABID! He puts any loyalties I (or any of you) may have to shame! But, it would be nice to see them come back and win Game 7 and keep another Championship from the Yankees, and get a “repeat”. So I guess you could say I have become a Phillies fan myself! (Just probably never at Justin’s level!)

Have a great night!

Cheers and Jeers

Cheers:

- Bailey has made it almost a full week not being locked up in his cage and he's doing great!
- It snowed yesterday and it's supposed to snow again on Wednesday!
- I'm really getting into both of my books, and that really excites me!
- Family is coming to visit for Thanksgiving and I have the day before off to help cook, the day of Thanksgiving to enjoy food, and the day after to watch the UT/atm game!

Jeers:

- For layoffs at work (not me; not yet, anyway)
- Neighbors playing their bass really loud every night for 2-3 hours.
- I don't think I'll be able to go to Texas for Christmas.
- I think I've bruised myself in approximately 3 places in the last 24 hours.

Blog to catch up on (boast about?) current reading progress coming soon!

Cozy Weekend Update

I’ve been having a deep desire to be “cozy” recently. There’s just something about being home when it’s cold, putting on the PJ’s and curling up with hot coffee. I must admit, I didn’t really read any of my books this weekend, and I’m actually disappointed in that. I think if I blogged on my “progress” on the books, that I’d be better at holding myself accountable for reading them. But I digress.

We currently have a large group staying at the hotel, and though they don’t do it often, the managers at the hotel asked those of us in administrative positions to help in the operation over the weekend, since they would be very busy. So I was supposed to work at our outdoor pool from 7:30 am – 3 pm Saturday. But, guests don’t really like swimming outdoors in 19 degree weather with freezing rain falling down at high speeds apparently, so they closed the pool officially Friday night when the ice storm started. I knew before I went to bed that I didn’t have to get up early so that was awesome!

Saturday – I was able to sleep in, which is great, because I was supposed to work all day! So, I got up around 10 am or so, while Justin slept later (curled up with Bailey, by the way – so sweet!) and made myself a nice breakfast of toast with jelly, bacon and an egg sunny-side up! Then as the day went on, I watched a Hindi movie and really was just a couch potato all afternoon. (Hey – it was sleeting outside! The dog park was out of the question.) Instead of reading, I’ve been watching a lot more of my Hindi movies lately. I recently got the urge to watch my movies, or to find one or two new ones. They just put me in a good mood! I decided to watch one movie Friday night that I just haven’t seen in a while, “No Entry”, and then I downloaded new movies that sounded really good. Saturday morning I watched “Kambakkht Ishq” (that has my favorite male actor as the lead).



I ended up really enjoying it, and the songs were fun too! I did have to go in to work around 5 pm, to help direct guests to late meetings and dinners, but fortunately only had to stay for about an hour and a half, and came right home. Justin and I looked around for some firewood, but everywhere was sold out, because it had been sleeting all day, and was freezing. Bummer – but at least I had my blanket and my big dog to keep me warm!

Sunday – Again, I was supposed to work at our outdoor pool, but it was still only expected to hit the high 30’s or low 40’s, so we found out Saturday night that the pool was closed again. I got to sleep in again - sweet! I watched the other movie I downloaded, “Kuch Naa Kaho” (with my favorite female actress in the lead), and loved that one too!

I worked again Sunday night, just directing more guests, and made it home in time for the Rockies/Phillies Game 3. I started to watch another movie, “Shabd”, with the same lead actress, but that stopped 30 minutes in, as Justin asked me to watch the game with him, until the very end. I’ll have to watch my final movie tonight then. But it was a pretty close game – so I’m glad I didn’t miss it! Go Phils! (I have to say that now, hehe…) The game didn’t end until 12:45 am or so, so needless to say, I’m exhausted this morning. I wish my lunch was long enough to take a nap, but it’s only an hour, and that involves a least 20 minutes of driving round trip.

On a high note, the pool was closed AGAIN today, and tomorrow, so I get to spend time inside, warm at my desk. And I didn't have to work at the pool at all! I do know that I have to come in at 6:15 am to direct more guests, rain or shine, so no 1 am bedtime for me tonight!!

Is it Christmas yet?

We get a certain number of paid days off based on how long you've been at my work. You must use them all before your Anniversary Date (date you were hired) or they're gone, and on your Anniversary Date, you get your paid days renewed. You use 'em, or you lose 'em. I only wish we had a "rollover" policy. But, alas, we don't, and I had to use my remaining days before October 10th.

So 2 weeks ago, I took a Friday and Monday off, resulting in a 4 day weekend, filled with lots of shopping and time with my mom. What made it even better was the fact that she took me to Michael's and I bought materials to make my very own, very first Christmas wreath! All the Christmas stuff was 30% off (hey - it was September) and even though Christmas was still a few weeks away, I couldn't resist the sparkles and the sale and can't wait to put it all together!

No, that's not mine, and I didn't buy that many accessories for my wreath, but it is red/white/silver, and I'm SUPER excited to put it together. I'm trying to fight my temptation to put it together ASAP, but I don't want to finish it too early and then lose the "buzz" from being "crafty" - especially since it involves Christmas.

And on a guilty note, it was actually so cold at one point this weekend, that I almost played Christmas music. I had my iTunes open, and I could see my Christmas playlist, and I fought it - and didn't play anything. But I can't wait much longer. Check out the weekend forecast coming up:

Yes, that's a forecast for a mix of rain and snow showers. So we'll see. BUT - if it snows, I'm going to have to play "Let it Snow". I just have to.

So Christmas - are you here yet? Please hurry! In the meantime, I will have to decorate my apartment with fall things.

Dog Days at the Broadmoor

Today was the 2nd Annual Broadmoor Dog Days - an event for all of our employees and their "fur" children. It is held at a dog park that is less than a mile from my apartment, and I normally go to this park several times a week. So for this event, I walked there! It was right around this time last year that I was moving into my first apartment, so I didn't stay too long at that event, but I also had a 6 month old puppy that I was trying to wrangle. Enjoy some pictures of my co-workers and I enjoying a nice day out! (I also posted a new blog on Bailey's page - so click here to see more pictures of the "Bailey Monster"!)

Stress Reliever

What a pretty nice way to end a stressful, frustrating day at work.

I have just gotten an urge to watch old movies all night tonight. And I’m talking the black and white ones.

It’s been raining for the past few days on and off, with occasional instances of hail. Today, the high was only 54 degrees, and the location of my desk is nowhere near a window. I just love watching rain, especially big storms, where I can see lightening and experience those loud booms of thunder. You know those kinds where the floor shakes and you can feel it in your chest? Yea, I love those!

So if I could only curl up on the couch with some hot coffee, a warm dog and some nice black and white movies with a raging storm outside…it would make my day!

Was this Friday a “case of the Mondays” or what?

5:40 – woke up and couldn’t turn off radio: broken – the music wouldn’t turn off no matter what I tried. Turned volume down so it wasn’t annoying/blaring.
6:24 – woke up again. Oops, fell back asleep. Took care of the dog, took shower and got ready.

6:45 – started drying hair. (this is when I normally need to leave to be at work by 7). Hairdryer broke, halfway through. Have 1/3 dry hair, 2/3 wet hair. Tried looking for a travel hairdryer. Definitely didn’t have one.

6:55 – finished getting dressed. Left for work with hair half wet.

7:10 – arrived to work and turned on computer, checked voicemail, got coffee and oatmeal.

7:21 – finally started checking e-mails.

8:15 – went to breakfast meeting.

11:30 - went home for lunch. Stopped at Walgreens for new hairdryer to prevent another wild hair day.

1:00 – got back to work. Covered our reception desk for our out of town receptionist.

4:00 – Left work, fed the dog, let him out, unwound from the day with Seinfeld on TBS.

6:00 – packed up car with camping equipment and left with Justin to Woodland Park to go camping at his parent’s house.

8:00 – after dinner realized it was too dark, foggy and wet to set up the tent. Watched Dog Town with Justin’s mom.

9:00 – headed home.

10:30 – bed time!!

I must always have sparkles.

The people I work with know this and know it very well. We've sort of done an Annual "HR Awards" show once a year, where we each have to pick another person's name and create an award from them.

There's about a $5.00 price limit, and you have to make it yourself. It can be something about their job (a professional award) or about their personality (personal award). You can be as serious or as cheesy as you want. You obviously can't pick on anyone in a mean way, and you're supposed to stay away from inside jokes, but otherwise, it's all up to you!

One of my closest friends at work picked me, and she could not have made me a better award! (And I'm not saying that because it was an award for me, but because of what the actual award was!)

Um, yea. I'M KEEPING IT!!!!!!!!!! FOREVER AND EVER! It's on my desk right now, because I spend more hours awake at work then at home. I will only move it if I am told it can't be up there anymore! Thanks, Heather!! :-)

Birthday Sparkles!

I had a GREAT birthday!! I really happen to be surrounded by people that want to make me happy and enjoy seeing me happy. It all started off at work...

This is how my office looked when I came in...sparkles everywhere!

I had a banner taped to the front of my desk!

These little shiny stars were EVERYWHERE!! People were tracking these all through the hallway...even into the bathroom!

All of the handles on all my cabinets had curly ribbons.

The other angle of my office, with stars and balloons!

My boss brought me my favorite Starbucks - Raspberry Mocha!!

The stars even made it on my keyboard!

Messing around with my shiny stars!

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!

Dinner at the Sunbird Restaurant, overlooking the Springs!

Another view of the city!

I got my favorite flowers from my mom, and Justin! I love tulips!!!

And Justin knew I liked flowers, so he got me a kit where I could grow my own!

And apparently it's not even done yet! My parents took me to dinner tonight, and Justin is taking me to dinner tomorrow!!! I LOVE my 25th birthday, and it was just amazing.

And to top it all off, Justin is willing to watch MAMA MIA with me tonight!!! :-) Gotta run!