On the menu tonight:
Broiled Rib Eye Steaks
Salsa Shrimp (Matt Rocks!)
Steamed Brocolli
Beer and Bubbleh!
I hope your New Years is safe, warm, and most of all….FUN!
Us Trescotts are hunkered down between rain/wind storm surges and plan on feasting and DVD/Gaming ourselves right into 2006!
(I’ve even got a batch of cookies finished!)
See ya next year!!
Who’s Your Happy Bunny?
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Dan and I made the brave decision to do some after Christmas returns/shopping yesterday. Boy, what a LONG ass day that turned out to be! But, the bargains….so totally worth it!
The kids had gone on a shopping spree a month or so ago, as you might recall. They each were assigned a “Personal Shopper” that was given their sizes for all types of clothing (shirts, socks, bra’s etc.) The folks that had Teej, they did a pretty good job. He’s an odd body type, very much like his birth father. Wide shoulders, skinny ass waist. Hence, he’s a 10/12 on top, but only an 8 around the middle. We had a few pairs of pants to return and a couple of tops, but nothing major. Haley faired much worse. The gal apparently decided that the sizes we had written down, and Haley’s own adament comments, were not enough. Haley is a solid 14/16 for pesky split sizes and a 14 for most others. The gal decided that she was a 10/12 or a 10. * blinks * So, everything except the shoes and bra’s (thanks to Haley’s insistence) had to go back. I’ve been putting off going as I knew it was going to be nuts with holiday shoppers, but since we had a few other things to return, I figured I might as well get it over with.
So, Mervyn’s was the first stop of the day. Once all the clothing was returned, we had a store credit of $167. My Mom had purchased TJ 4 new pairs of pants for Christmas, so all he needed was a couple more shirts. Haley was the one that needed a few more things. So we hit the girls section first. Its been years since I’ve really shopped in a Mervyn’s. I think the last purchase I did was for some Sketchers, and that was pre-Claire. The stuff….it sucks. Its like old lady, (75+) living in S. Florida playing bingo kinda of stuff, shrunk down to Haley’s size. Bright, tropical colors, all covered in glitter or sequins. Yes, I was in the right section. It was bizzare. We found a “normal” rack of jeans and long-sleeved tee-shirts and got 4 each, plus a snuggly bathrobe that she’s been wanting. There was not a long sleeve shirt to be found in Teej’s size, other than flannel…and he is not a lumberjack. So, we pondered what to do for awhile, as we still had a chunk of money left. We ended up in housewares, finding some awesome deals. A pasta pot (the kind that has the colander that slips inside), a mini chopper and a hand held mixer, all for $9.99 each! Toss in an over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder for me, and a new pair of sneakers for Claire, and we walked out having paid a whopping $6.50. :)
Next it was off to Big Dog to find comfy pants. Dan and I both are low on the clothes (can’t buy our size without sequins at Mervyn’s apparently) and have been wanting some lounge/sweat pants. We found a lovely, buy one, get one for a DOLLAR sale. SCORE! Those are 30 buck pants! :) Then we found out our local Big Dog store is closing * tear * I was not happy. We LOVE that store…and its so close! Now we will have to drive to Folsom (about 20 minutes) or shop online. Blergh.
Next it was Costco. We ended up with duplicate copies of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Madagascar and Robots. So after much hemming, hawing and purusing without finding SHIT. (I so am a Sam’s Club girl) we ended up with a full set of bathroom towels, and an Carmel Apple Pie. (Gotta find that recipe OMG!) Yes, I know that towels are SO not as fun as DVD’s…but seriously…we’ve pretty much stocked up our DVD/Game list for the time being…and there is more than one ass in this house that can appreciate a nice, new, pretty towel! ;) We left Costco paying…$2.75. : )
Off to E.B. We had two PS2 games that were reading funky, so that was just a one for one swap. I made Dan stay IN the truck…they were having a buy two get one free sale. Dan + E.B. Sale = OUCHY. ;)
After a mad dash through Starbucks we were off to Wally World as our final destination. Can I just mention that we were brave enough to have Claire with us the full day and she was AMAZING! I swear, we have the best behaved baby, ever. She’s such a good sport about in and out, stop and go. * beam * so cool. Without a nap even! :)
Dan had told his mom the wrong set of Limmony Snicket books, so we had to swap those out, as Haley already had the three she sent. She was bummed, but very good natured about it. :) We found all sorts of nice deals at walmart. Discounted Christmas ornaments and some more beads for the tree next year. Some gifty basket type things with bath/smelly things, tee-shirts for Thomas (no glitter or sequins!) and more hamster supplies. Oh yes, and a plastic tote for Thomas’ new collection of Legos. I think we spent about $60 bucks.
So, for under $70, (though it took 8 hours of shopping) we came home with a literal truck-load of stuff, something for everyone! I took my shoes off last night and just collapsed. Soooo tired, but in such a good way. Dan and I don’t get to go out and do that kind of shopping often. Granted, not all of the money came out of OUR pocket, but still. We fulfilled all current needs, plus got “extras” for everyone, I think thats what counts, right?
Can I just say, as I’ve just mentioned Legos and I am now reminded of this, finding Legos for Thomas before Christmas was like pulling teeth? Why is that? Was there a sudden surge in marketing for Lego? Were there no other toys other than the infamous xBox 360 this year? We went last week to Wal-mart fully expecting to get a couple of the city sets. (Fire Station, Hospital, Gas Station, etc) that my Mom had purchased the vehicle portions for via Amazon. We got to Wal-mart and walked up and down ALL the toy aisles atleast twice. There were NO Legos. Not a single box, big OR small. No Bioncles, no legos. Zip. Zero. Zilch. Whats up with that?! So we headed off to Toys R Us * shudder * to find next to no selection. It was creepy almost. Parents were wandering around, with blank stares, as they tried to comprehend the utter lack of Lego sets. One lady said that BOTH Wal-mart AND Target were completely out. So we ended up getting a couple from the Exo-Force collection (mech looking things) and called it good. I was VERY disappointed. Then I talked to my sister Christmas Eve (lives in WHOLE NOTHER STATE) and she said they had the same exact problem in Boise, when they went shopping for my nephew (year younger than Teej). It was strange.
Annnyway.
Today we took the kids to see Narnia. We had the day off, and Kinder Care was open, so it was perfect. Even though Claire is the best baby/toddler ever, even SHE can’t make it through a full length movie without screaming something like woov woov WOOV (woof woof) or DANK YOU or something. :) It was a good movie. Its been forever since I read the books, and given I know the allegory side of it, I was very interested to find out how I would react/think. I think the Directors did a very good job, considering the book itself is actually quite short (in comparison to something like Harry Potter). A few of the scenes were a bit laggy or seemed disjointed, but thats really more on the molecular level. I cannot think of a child that would not enjoy it. It had action, fighting, a bit of magic, and animals…what more could you want? :)
Cookie Box Update: Mini Banana Loaves have been baked and wrapped. Molasses dough is chilling and ready to go. ETA? Don’t even ask. I WILL send them, if its the last thing I do * grin *
And we didn’t even have to stay up to ungodly hours finishing everything….even with the fact that we did next to no shopping until Thursday of THIS week. This picture doesn’t do justice to the amount of gifts shoved under Herman’s ample boughs. He literally looked like he was being supported by packages! Stockings are leaning up against the entertainment center, therefore out of range for the shot. Besides the overwhelming amount of blessings captured in this shot, we’ve got many items still enroute or sitting over at our apartment office (durn thing is closed till next week)… we are truely amazed and blessed to have so many loved ones in our lives!
Christmas morning began about 730, with Claire being the first to awake. Seeing as we now share a room with her, Dan and I were up in no time. Well, we were coherent, functioning is an entirely different story. The kids were in bed till close to 9. Claire had some breakfast, Mom some coffee and we finally set Claire on to go get the kids. She burst in their room, babbling at full speed and got them up to help her dismantle the pile of goodies.
Chaos ensued…and its the best kind of chaos there is. Tons of ooooh’s, ahhhh’s, coooool’s, and WOW! NEAT! :) I can think of very few things that I enjoy so much as I do watching my family open gifts, ones I bought or otherwise. Its a small moment of joy that lights up their face…I cherish that. Claire quickly figured out how to rip and tear into gifts and did a fine job. The kids were good at keeping my anal retentive side happy, by stowing away the empty boxes and paper scraps as good as any Mom could ask for. Dan seemed to really like the stuff he got, and was pleased with the purchases I made for him…so all is well :)
Since everyone else is doing it over in LJ, and because I can, here’s a run down of our new goodies : )
And…the best? Canon Powershot A520 4MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom and a super cool, posh camera bag with tons o’ pockets!!
~ SQUEEEEEE ~
I love my current Cannon, which has served me well for just over 3 years, the A40. Its a 2MP with 3x Zoom. But recently, if you notice…its losing focus. Mind you, we’ve been super harsh with it as we learned how to use it, and its had a couple of falls. I would LOVE a Rebel, but somehow 800 bucks for a camera…tis a bit much right now :) I think eventually I would like to take some JC level courses, and then I might be able to justify the rebel. My Cannon was purchased online yesterday and should be here sometime next week!! * dances *
Cannot.
Wait.
My Dad made this happen. He’s still not attempted to call or talk really, but shocked the shorts off of Dan and I yesterday with a huge online certificate for Amazon. Considering the kids had gotten just about everything they could want and need…Dan told me to just “do it”. So I clicked that button….wow. Too much for words really. It may seem silly…but yeah…I’m thrilled :)
So, on that note, if you are still reading this and awake, a happy, HAPPY Christmas from the Trescott-Cooper clan to you and yours. Our love and blessings and HUGE thank yous for your continued friendship, love and squishiness! We know that many gifts were not able to arrive on time, same goes for our cookies! Haley and I will be spending the next few days getting those out the door, inbetween a trip or two for returns (got THREE Madagascars LOL) and a trip to see NARNIA on Tuesday! :)
*squishes and smooches*
So, for those that follow along and remember the minutia of my life, this will make sense, for everyone else, I will try to not make your eyes gloss over or cause involuntary drooling.
Sooo. I work at HP. At that job I work with support contracts (XYZ company contracts HP to come fix their stuff). I work with mucho dollars. Mucho dollars = mucho stress, as is the case for most things that are associated with mucho dollars.
When I first got the job and went through training three years ago, I was assigned to share the JDIS account (John Deere Information Systems) account with the gal that is now my bestest friend at work, Tami. I learned ALOT from this amazing woman, and earned alot of respect, as this account requires alot of “hand holding” and specialized processing…cus…well they just do.
So then I went on maternity, and then decided to not go back to work. I had a 75% portion of this account at the time and that equated to about 1200 contracts that renew (and require work) annually, total worth, about $3M dollars. This was given to another guy when I resigned and that was that. Then when I came back in January, I was assigned fully the McKesson Corporation. Roughly 750 contracts annually and just under $9M in worth.
I loved working on JDIS. It was not super challenging, but it was busy…and busy is good. I also had a chance to get really good at the “ordinary” because it was pretty black and white account…save a few things..just TONS of volume. I have also come to love McKesson. Its been a bigger challenge, as their levels of support and contract types vary greatly…but its often tested my patience…and sanity.
Over the last year I’ve spent alot of time on clean up work and reorganizing…as the people that had it before me, pretty well butchered the account and that makes the maintenance of that many contracts…impossible. Recently I’ve started seeing the fruits of those labours pay off, and I’ve been able to relax a bit as I’ve finally gotten “caught up” and was in the black for all reports and all things important Managers like to be anal about.
Then, last week…I went and did something INSANE. The guy that took JDIS from me quit about two months ago, and the dood that replaced him…upped and quit..just disappeared for a week and a half, and when finally tracked down by our Manager, said “Yeah. I quit”. * blinks * whatdafuckity? Anyway. Long story and drama aside (there is always drama at work, no?) I ended up with JDIS back…along WITH keeping McKesson.
Math…. 1200 plus 750 contracts = ….. OWW. Yes, I’m also now responsible for renewing over $12M dollars annually for HP…but goddess bless! What was I thinking? I’ve spent the last three days finding out that Mr. Replacement has basically done NOTHING for the last two months…he had over 140 unread emails and that was just the unread ones.
Needless to say, I’m feeling VERY VERY overwhelmed. I signed myself up for this, and gave my boss the promise that I COULD do this…so I WILL…and I can…I just need to find my feet.
So on a semi-related note, due to these recent stresses, cookie production has been hampered severely as I’m finding myself to be rather useless by the time I get home. I’ve got about half of the dough baked up, and will have them to you that are due to receive them, but definately not by the weekend :( I sorry. But, DEFINATELY before New Years Eve ;)
So, on a rather disjointed end note, I will now go SIM myself into a coma for the night and call it good :)
TEN random things you might not know about me
1.- I’m very shy at times.
2.- My parents were Missionaries.
3.- My first husband was/is black.
4.- I love to crosstich, but my hands dont let me anymore.
5.- I have next to no connection with my extended family.
6.- I know what Albeskiever is, and how to make it.
7.- I have a horrific memory, seriously.
8.- I’ve been engaged 4 times, married twice.
9.- I’ve never broken a bone
10.- I’ve never gone sking
NINE places I’ve visited (not lived…just visited)
1.- Singapore
2.- China
3.- Hong Kong
4.- Taiwan
5.- Philipines
6.- Maine
7.- South Carolina
8.- Michigan
9.- Georgia
EIGHT ways to win my heart
1.- Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
2.- Starbucks….mmm
3.- Brush my hair
4.- Back/Foot Massage
5.- Cuddles/Touchie Feelie Affection
6.- Random Cards
7.- Art from kids
8.- All things Romantic
SEVEN things I want to do before I die (no particular order)
1.- Visit Europe. All of it.
2.- Visit Australia and New Zealand
3.- Return to Hawaii and see more of the Islands
4.- Own my own resturant
5.- See all three kids graduate college, marry and have kids (if they want)
6.- Own my own home
7.- Go on a cruise
SIX things I’m afraid of
1.- Ants. Really.
2.- Dark hallways/walkways
3.- Creepy movies when I am tired
4.- Not being able to provide for my family
5.- My children dying before me
6.- A slow (years) and painful death
FIVE things I don’t like
1.- Cottage Cheese
2.- Hypocrites
3.- Roseville (too damn expensive)
4.- Bruanwyn (the freak that sits behind me at work)
5.- Liars
FOUR ways to turn me off
1.- Smelling bad
2.- Speaking down to me
3.- Droning on about Movies/Games (I’m talking like addicted fan girl/boy level of droning here)
4.- Assuming
THREE things I do every day
1.- Work (home or HP)
2.- Play online
3.- Interact/Play with family
TWO things that make me happy
1.- Children
2.- Extra money in the bank
ONE thing on my mind right now
1.- Finishing Christmas Stuff (cookies/presents)
Another amusing conversation. This time, its centered around Haley and her “buddy” Daniel from school. Yes…sometimes conversations get a tad confusing around here, as *Daniel* is a near constant in her conversation….Daniel….the “buddy”.
So, a week or so ago, Haley mentions she’s purchased a “Candy-Gram” for Daniel for Christmas. This is a home room delivered Holiday Greeting that comes with a Candy Cane, with proceeds going to some fund of some sort. (yeah, I forgot that part, sue me). I thought this was cute, and havn’t thought much about it since.
On the way home from school today however, she had a bit more to tell Dan, and he in-turn, imparted to me…
Dan: I think Daniel got the better end of the Christmast present thing this year.
Me: Huh?
Dan: He gave her a quarter.
Me: * blink * A QUARTER? Like…a coin?
Dan: Yep, not just any quarter….a “2005 Kansas” quarter.
Me: * blink * ermm….why?
Dan: She says he collects them?
Me: So, she buys him a Candy-Gram, and he looks around for something in a panic, and gives her a…quarter? Men are SO clueless..
Dan: Well…it WAS a REALLY shiney quarter…
….. * Both Bust into Laughter *
Dan: Maybe he thought, she’s a girl, the quarter is shiney….girls like shineys???
Me: On second thought….I guess he did make out pretty well…
Yesterday was notsomuchfun.
It started the night before (Monday night) when TJ got up and made it across his room and almost to the hall before tossing cookies all over. FUN.
This was followed by Claire waking up at 3AM…..PISSED. She’s getting more teeth. Goddess bless….help me! I decided to take the 3 hours sleep I had and go to work as there was apparently no more sleeping.
6am or so Dan IM’s me to inform me that Haley has now lost her “lunch”, thankfully she atleast made it to the bathroom sink. At this point I’m slightly concerned, and have no clue whats wrong with either one of them, as we all had the same thing for dinner and Dan and I were totally fine, other than completely exhausted from not much sleep.
About 10:30 yesterday I had my “lunch” (considering I came into work at 5:15) which consisted of a Turkey-Ham and Cheese sandwhich, and a banana. By 11:30, I wanted to curl up and die. DIE I tell you.
I IM Dan and ask Dan what the kids had for lunch yesterday. Answer? He had cracked open the lunchmeat and made them sandwhiches. Ugh. I asked if he had, had any himself. To which he responded “a bit”, and when asked how he was feeling, found out he was spending oodles of time in the Men’s room. Joy.
So, it seems we were struck with a mild case of food poisioning of some sort. I cleaned up my desk, passed off to my assistant what I could and let my boss know I was leaving. I had a convo on IM with my bestest friend here at work, and it struck me as funny…yeah in a sick way…but oh well, I aint June Cleaver, now am I? ;)
Me: I think Noon is my limit today
Me: I wanna go home and die
Tami: poor baby!
Me: blergh
Tami: FYI - I don’t do “ralphs” either
Me: lol
Me: yeah….I’m not there yet
Me: its the other one way street
Tami: actually, I prefer that over ralphing
Tami: but that’s just me
Me: I think I would have to agree
Me: and I’m so glad we have come to this point in our relationship
Me: nothing better than having a friend you can talk to about having the shits
Tami: yes, I feel SO close to you!
Me: I mean…thats quality right there
Me: :)
Tami: yep, no doubt about it!
Me: Ya know how sometimes you get into a stall, and there is like 2 inches of TP left?
Me: And you have to ask someone for TP?
Me: I would TOTALLY bring you TP
Me: I love you THAT much ;)
Tami: now THAT is love!
If you dont have a friend you can talk bowel movements with…you are truely missing out.
So, we went home and I passed out. I think I was out till 530ish or so. TJ apparently came home from school, dropped his backpack and coat, mumbled something about a headache and passed out. He remained so until about 5 this morning. Haley faired better, she was up and around, even ate a light supper. Dan was still pretty tired…but thankfully not having the stomach issues I was, so he was able to keep claire entertained and get her squared away for the night.
I spent most of the night in pain. Cramping, bloating, ewwness….ugh. I actually resorted to taking some Pepto…a sure sign I am a desprate women, because if there is a medication that I hate more, I dont know what it is. I HATE Pepto. HATE. *shudder* It kicked in, and I was able to atleast watch House before passing out again for the night.
We are all feeling MUCH better today. The house looks like a bomb hit it…but thats ok. Atleast the week is almost over, there will be plenty of time to get it back to normal again :)
And yes…the lunchmeat….is GONE. *shudder*
Life is not always rosy, but the trick is, finding the cherished moments that make it worth living.
This weekend my littlest daughter brought me one of those moments, and I thought I would share it with you. Over the last couple of weeks, when giving her snack, I’ve been trying to show her how to hold out her hand to receive an item/food…instead of just holding it for her to grab or putting it on her tray. I don’t know why, I’ve just been doing it.
Yesterday afternoon, after a lazy day of cartoons, naps and family video gaming, Dan and Claire and I were all curled up on our bed. I had just put pigtails on her, and the comb and bag of clips was still on the bed, which she always enjoys playing with. She’s become very good at recognizing “the right tool for the job”, and began to *attempt* a good hair combing on both Dan and I…several times. Heck, even our glasses and faces got a good combing. This was very amusing to both of us and we shared more giggles and tickling as we watched her practicing endlessly with the comb. I reached back and took my hair out of the scrunchie it was in, so that she would have more to comb, which of course she did right away. A minute or two later, she picked up the scrunchie and held it out to me. I bent my head down, thinking she wanted to try to put it back where it had come from.
Instead, she grabbed my hand, turned it palm facing up and placed the scrunchie gently in it. She then looked me square in the eye and babbled something in Claire-ish. I thought I would cry. I have no idea what she said, I can only imagine it was something very very important, hence the intended and very serious eye contact, followed by the usually goofy grin.
These are bittersweet moments for me. My heart aches when I realize how swiftly she is growing, learning, changing…I want to beg the keeper of time to pause time…just for a week…even a day. However, I know I just need to hold on tight and enjoy the ride. Every month it seems that we say, “If only she could stay JUST like this”, then the next month she brings us even more unspeakable joy and amazement that we don’t know how we lived without.
As we approach (way to quickly!) the time of year that oooozes love and kinship for all of human-kind, do me a favor. Take a small moment…just one, and look around you at the people (big and small) that surround your life. They don’t have to be near, they don’t have to speak English (any language or dialect of babble will do), they don’t have to be one of those you interact with every day. Just, love them. Life is so short, and so full of surprises and bends, you never know what future the fates hold. So, for that moment, love them, like they are the very air you breath and promise yourself to never forget the impact they have on you, no matter how small.
