Its that time of year! The time of year that I actually LOVE something about the Government. Why?

TAX REFUND

TIME BABY!

Thanks to the wonders of Teh Technology, I’ve submitted our taxes, and I am so very pleased! We will be getting about $3200 back this year! *dances* Some of this is going to our much overdue trip (to Vegas), half into savings and to our moving-the-fuck-out-of-California fund. The other portion will FINALLY finish our bankruptcy stuff so we can finally be rid of that dark cloud! We have a few things around the house and for the kids to do/get as well. 

*sigh of relief*

Speaking of overdue vacations. I was rather irritated the last week or so. I’ve been bubbling over about the trip to just about anyone that will sit still long enough for me to tell them. I’m finding that a good lot of the people that I have talked to, or that lurk/read here are not quite as understanding and mutally excited. At first I didn’t understand. Now, its just moved to plain irritated.

I understand that we are not the most destitute of people. I realized we could be FAR worse off. Thank the Goddess we have been blessed with a stable income and a roof that shelters us. But GEEEEZ. The remarks I get are like…disturbing. Why? They come from people that own/rent/live in decent size homes, that drive nice cars and might even own more than one, that have credit card/s and a nice income. They are people that have taken numerous vacations/trips/adventures and don’t ever really have to ‘want’ for anything. All things we can only DREAM of, on most days.

I feel like stamping my foot and screaming.

But I won’t. I will simply say this.

People Bug.

Anyway. Work is good. I’ve worked a shitbuttload of Overtime, but I think its paid off. Quarter 1 ends this week, and it looks like I might actually be fully caught up with JDIS. *shock* I’ve got a few things out in “pending”, but all signs point to near completion and a rather stabalized account! Woo! *more dancing*

Its a good goddamn thing I’m taking that RIDICULOUSLY EXCITING AND MUCH DESERVED vacation soon, cuz I’m POOPED!

Dan and I are finally going to take our “HoneyMoon”. Now that I am not pregnant, nursing and we will have “extra” fun money from our Tax Refund, we decided to take an adventure!

*dances*

I am so excited I cannot even see straight! We will leave Roseville Saturday the 18th of Feb., and drive down to my Mom’s house in San Clemente. We will visit and stay the night. Then, the next morning, we leave THE CHILDREN *HEEEE* with my Mom and Allen-Dad and take off for VEGAS!

*bounces*

We’ve got an upgraded room at the Mirage, overlooking the famous Volcano! King size bed, gorgeous bath, WONDERFUL view! This hotel has more restaurants then we have meals…INSIDE! *ish such a dork*. *bounce. There is an Tropical Atrium (free!), the White Tigers from Siegfried & Roy (we will be careful to go AFTER they have had lunch…) and best of all, its right in the middle of the strip. So we can literally park, drink, gamble and have FUN!

So far we are planning on seeing the following *sights*

Art Exibits,  Botanical Gardens and Water Fountain at the Bellagio

The inside of The Venetian

All the Mirage has to offer (Dan wants to see Dolphins! :) )

The Star Trek Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton

We are having our “anniversery” dinner at Emeril’s Delmonico

I am sure there is a host of other things we will want/see to do. We have a good portion of the day Sunday, through most of Tuesday before we head back to San Clemente to get the kids. We will stay another night with the ‘rents and then head back to Roseville on Wednesday, leaving only TWO days to work! Somehow I am sure I will end up working Saturday…but who the hell cares, I’m going to VEGAS BABY! Yah! (Austin Powers style). Heh.

As quite a few of you know, I lived in Vegas for a few months before moving out to Florida. However, I only went to the strip twice. Really only once, as the other time was only to Quark’s bar in the Hilton. I’ve driven up/down it a handful of times, but thats just NOT the same. So to say I am excited, is a complete understatement!

I just booked the hotel tonight, and got a fanTAStic rate to boot! Mirage is a 4-star hotel. Most of the hotel’s in its range as regards attractions/dining and such are running in the high 190’s to low 220’s per night. We got two nights at $169 each! We will even get a 10% AAA discount! :) *soooo pleased*.

Anyway, if you can think of any other MUST see’s, please, give me a poke! We are wanting to relax a bit..but mostly we are there to have a hell of a time and forget our daily stresses for a couple of days! :)

I’ve added something to one of the links up there in the header, see *points* If you are interested in being a supportive and kind Cheer Leader as I inch (ha!) my way towards my Resolution of 100 pounds lost in 2006, then thats the place to see how I am doing :)

Ugh. Its been a long time, I know. Quarter 1 for HP ends 1/31, and for some reason, HP seems to like to make Q1 and its results the END ALL. So, we are being hammered with reports, tasks, cleanup, more reports and frantic Business Leads and Managers running up and down aisles waving spreadsheets and data reports around.

OK, maybe not running, but you get the point.

Annnyway. If it were not for this fact, and the fact that I am not 100% caught up on backlog, I would be spending the entire weekend in bed. As, on top of things, I’m fixin’ to have my “ahem” and I am durn tired! So, I will work tomorrow THEN come  home and pass out until Monday.

Take a look at this bed, can you blame me???

This is the GORGEOUS, HAND STITCHED AND QUILTED, quilt that my beloved Mother-In-Law sent me for Yule. I have to say, its in the top three of favorite gifts. Its realllly hard to beat the Garth Brooks Box set *grin*. My Mother sent us a set of the softest most cuddly flannel sheets. So between the two of them, sleeping is absolutely the BEST!

Here are a few more closeups of Ma’s handywork.

Isn’t she fantastic! Of course she is! Heck, I’ve even seen her do more intriquite stuff than this! GIVE HER LOVES AND COOKIES…..NOW.

 Ok, maybe not the cookies bit, but you get the point :)  

 But anywho. I am alive. :)

 And? I’ve lost 13 pounds since 1/1 :) YAY!!

I took this picture when I got “The Package” last week. I’ve been contemplating whether or not I wanted to post it. When I first launched it in Photoshop, I was not super thrilled. Even after putting it in B/W, I can’t help but see how….un-me this looks. I really ought to start wearing makeup again, or something. I look dreadfully tired and worn out, eh? Hopefully the continued weightloss will help, cus I honestly don’t recognize myself these days.

 Anyway. :) On to happier things! I LOVE the new toy! My Cannon is light, compact, and its got TONS of buttons! I’ve managed a few new types of shots for me, and thought I would share them :)

I had to take a picture of this, as it quite amused me. After Dan dropped off the girls, he saw there was a box, and told me about it when he got back to work. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. When I walked in the front door, there was this HUGE box sitting on the craft table. I blinked, looked around, and said, “where’s the box with the camera?”. Dan replied that, THAT, was the box from Amazon. Eh? But its so HUGE!? Inside the box was like 50 feet (OK, maybe 5…) of that weird blown up plastic bag padding stuff and this tiny box that you see sitting on top. I put one of Dan’s DVD’s next to it for perspective purposes. The camera itself is about the size of the one on the box…about 3/4 of an inch longer. Crazy, no? And yes, that would be the stack of cookie packages under it ;)

 First this is my inital attempt at a “Macro” shot. I don’t know if I’ve quite got the hang of it, but I suppose its not a bad first go. The idea is to take a very small object as your point of focus and have it be the center and as much of the frame as possible, as well as crystal clear. I saw one the other day that was of a rivet on a baby size pair of Levi’s! It was quite amazing…could even see the slight fuzz from the stiching on the jeans!

 Just a random shot of the instruction book as I sat and fiddled. I thought it was kinda “artsy” looking LOL. :) The camera makes me giggle, it makes noises! Not just a nice little beep when you turn it off, either. I’m talking like, a shutter sound when you take a picture, a little tune when you turn it on, kinda crazy :)

Of course, I had to post a picture of the cutest baby on the whole friggin’ planet! Don’t her eyes just KILL YOU! *loves* She’s such a character, and much fun to catch on film. The other kids get their shots as well, but they are more in the “cool” stage and like to “pose”. I rather like to catch them off guard, like I did here with Claire. It seems to put a different feel to the picture. This shot was done using the camera’s portrait setting. Putting the main point of focus in the forefront, and fuzzing out the background. Lighting and such determines how clear the background is, or so I think….so far :)

 Anyway. Thats about all for me.

One more thing :) I just installed the newest launch of WordPress. *loves*. But, posting by email still eludes me? I’ve got a “secret” email address set up and ready to go, but I cant seem to get the settings quite right? Would one of you snazzy WP experts give me a shout? Thx! 

Its finished.

Haley and I have baked:

Triple batch of banana bread
3 batches of chocolate chip
4 batches of molasses
1 batch of butterscotch sweeties
1 batch of oatmeal

And due to how much each batch makes and how many boxes we had, not everyone has the same combo….sorry :( I also ran out of energy to make the popcorn balls I was planning on, and since I’m ridding my house of carbs, some of you might have a bag of popcorn as well!

Cookies are baked, bagged, boxed and sealed and going out Wednesday to the following: (have to get lables printed out work and such )

Kristen
Mom
Kathy
Nadia
Jen H.
Willow
Michael
Brendan
Blair
Debutant
Ma
Annette (My soldier!)

If I missed you…I sorry, I suck.

I will probably do another adventure in baking around Valentines day or so. Haley is getting really good in the kitchen, so the extra hands make it ALOT easier! :)

Again, I am sorry for them being so late…but know they come packed up in love and with our brightest and happiest hopes for a joyful and adventurous new year! :)

1. What did you do in 2005 that you’d never done before?
– Took a business trip

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
– I don’t recall making any….but yes, I’ve got plans for this year! :)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
– Yes! Sunny had baby Joy and Jen had baby Ava!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
– Close in relation? My Father’s Wife’s Father. Wow, thats a mouthful. But I wasn’t very close to him.
– Close in vicinity, the woman next door…

5. What Countries did you visit?
– Unfortunately I’ve been told Insanity is a STATE….so I guess I didn’t.

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
– Financial Freedom

7. What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
– Gosh, I’m horrible at dates. I think the hurricane’s, especially Katrina, will remain close to my heart and memory…such devestation and loss…

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
– Ridding myself of the “need” for recognition with a certain Game site.

9. What was your biggest failure?
– Not being able to give/get everything my kids wanted, needed and such.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
– Yes I suppose. Severe ingrown toenail? OW. Oh, and the more recent bout of food poisoning.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
– Oh my. Digital Camera (arriving Monday! Technically purchased in 2005 :) ) But, that was technically a gift…soooo
– I will go with my Gevalia Pod Coffee Pot. Caffiene Love. :)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
– Effie. A strong soul that has suffered and walked through enough hell for a dozen people, but yet, always manages to put on a smile and keep her chin up. (don’t mind the band aids on the knees, even the strongest of souls get an occassional scrape now and again) * hugs *

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
– George Bush
– Personal Level? My Father. His Wife won’t even get an honorable mention.

14. Where did most of your money go?

– I have three children * grin *

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
– As I sit and discuss the contenders with Dan (yeah, I needed a second opinion, deal) we’ve agreed that it was a “low-key” year. I think the most excited I got was about our trip up to Humbuldt to see my Step-Brother Graduate from college. Mostly because it was something “out of the ordinary” and a mini adventure.
– Having my In-laws visit is a decent tie for first.

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?
– Green Day - Boulevard of Broken Dreams

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
* Happier or Sadder?
– Happier (Dan had gotten laid off this time last year)
* Thinner or Fatter?
– Erm, Not sure, rather not think about it thanks.
* Richer or Poorer?
– Technically Richer, though its not felt at a daily level

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
– Enjoyed life and my family

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
– Stressed and worked my tail off

20. How will you be spending New Year’s?
– We had a fantabulous feast, some good beer and TV/Game time :)

22. Did you fall in love in 2005?
– No, not really

23. How many one-night stands?
– * looks at Dan * Not nearly enough.

What? Who says I have to have a one night stand with someone ELSE? * grin *

24. What was your favorite TV program?
– House
– American Idol (shaddup)

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
– Katherine (Father’s Wife). Yeah, I guess she gets an INhonorable mention afterall…

26. What was the best book you read?
– Harry Potter Books 1 through 6, waiting impatiently for 7

27. What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?
– Moby.
– Bo Bice is a tie for first

28. What did you want and get?
– Digital Camera of course!

29. What did you want and not get?
– A raise.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
– Hmmm. Goblet of Fire or Narnia, toss up.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
– I turned 32, and it was a rough start….but turned out ok :) (didn’t do anything exciting really)

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
– A better wage.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
– * chokes * Fashion? I’m all about comfy :)

34. What WHO kept you sane?
– Mike

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
– Duh. Toby Keith :)

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
– Politics? * shakes head* Nope, not gonna do it.

37. Who did you miss?
– Vikki…

38. Who was the best new person you met?
– Hmm. Dave (former co-worker) and/or Brad (assistant)

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005:
– Let Dan run the checkbook * thwaps Mike * NOT A WORD.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
– The Cure - Pictures of You:
I’ve been looking so long at these pictures of you,
that I almost believe that they’re real.
I’ve been living so long with my pictures of you,
that I almost believe that the pictures are all I can feel.

Five Resolutions for 2006
1. Restart Atkins - Hardcore
2. Lose 100 pounds (8-9 pounds a month, 2-3 pounds a week - average)
3. Finish Bankruptcy Paperwork and File
4. Change Kids last name to Trescott
5. Move out of Roseville/California

Five Things I’m Looking Forward to in 2006
1. Trip to Eugene to scout out things
2. Getting the debt demon off of our back
3. Our second anniv. and a trip/getaway to celebrate…withOUT kids even!
4. Dan’s surgery
5. Leaving 2005 behind us

Five Things I’m Not Looking Forward to in 2006
1. Packing
2. Work (unless they wanna actually give me what I am worth…and I will renegotiate how I feel)
3. Haley’s school drama (boys and such)
4. Spending so much time away from Claire every day
5. Cant think of a 5

Five Books I Want to Read in 2006
1. Harry Potter 7!
2. Ummm
3. Suggestions?
4. Help?
5. Can you believe I am married to someone with a Librarian degree, and don’t have a list of books to read?

Five Things I’m Going to Try to Cut Back On in 2006
1. CARBS
2. Crankyness
3. Depressed Days
4. Irritated/impatience at Kids
5. Spending so much time walled up in the house

Five Things I’m Going to Try to Do More of in 2006
1. Excercise
2. Get out and explore
3. Productivity in a timely fashion
4. Creative cooking
5. Sex?

The top ten major things I’ve done this year, in no particular order
1. Donated a shit load of stuff to the Katrina Relief Fund
2. Took a business trip
3. Spent more time with family instead of THAT site with pets on it
4. Major work accomplishments: Cleaning up McKesson and taking on/back JDIS
5. Got finances * as limited as they are * balanced
6. Rekindled relationship/strengthened with my Mom
7. Rekindled relationship/strengthened with my Sister
8. Became a “soccer Mom”
9. Worked two jobs (at the same time) and didn’t die
10.Adopted a Soldier to send love, support and goodie boxes too :)

Top ten major things I’ve experienced this year, in no particular order:
1. Haley’s first “crush”
2. Claire’s continueing list of “firsts”
3. The excitement of elementary level Soccer :)
4. Bonding closer with the kids than I have in…a long time
5. Frustration at work, wages, workload, idgits
6. Depression over finances/marriage and my inability to change them
7. Grief over the devestated hurricanes and the loss of life incurred
8. Elation that we pulled a fantastic holiday season off, despite how glum it looked at first
9. Pride that we made it through the year and no real harm done (finances, health, etc)
10. Passion and bonding of a few close relationships that I hold near and dear

Five things that 2005 taught me:
1. Never give up
2. People Bug (ongoing lesson) ;)
3. Haley is funny
4. I can do anything I want to…sometimes just not as fast as I want to
5. Speak your mind, no matter what.

Five personally significant events of 2005:
1. The business Trip
2. Kids soccer success (Proud Momma Stuff)
3. My relationship with Dan has now become my “longest”
4. Healing that occurred with my Mom and Sis and I
5. Negative one - My Dad shutting me out.

Five things I want to do in 2006:
1. Buy a swimsuit that looks good on me, because there is LESS of me
2. Take a trip
3. Visit someone far away
4. Get a new hairstyle
5. Love.

Five things I don’t want to do in 2006:
1. Relive another “2005″
2. Be broker than we already are
3. Lose anymore friends or family
4. Work (Ha! I can dream?)
5. Stress (Might as well throw that one in too)