Saturday, December 31, 2011

Year in Review 2011

When I rang in 2011 I had plans for a trip to Vegas and after that trip I waited 2 weeks and broke up with the guy I went with.

I had a week or 2 and Valentines was approaching and I was bored. I got one of those free weekend communication emails and decided to check it out. I figured out that to see pictures you had to pay so I paid and I had 2 dates from that round. My first date was with Mr. Clean, my next date was with the guy who reminded me of my High School English teacher and I politely declined future dates.

Mr. Clean and I had a whirlwind 4ish weeks and on March 19, 2011 he proposed. Planning started when we set the date. April I traveled to DC, my CA family came to visit and I picked out my wedding gown. May I took my CIC test and had a bridal shower.

June I had a yard sale, temporarily moved to my parents and had a wedding.

July and August are rather blurred they were not easy, nor pleasant and I was floundering. Then I figured out that I am stubborn and strong and more then capable and I pulled myself up and started reading and researching.

September my friend Lisa visited Charlotte for work and stayed to run the Hit the Brixx 10K we had an awesome weekend hanging out!

October we had our first guests over for dinner. I met my friend Dr. MG at the zoo. Jack and Mr. Clean had a stand off, we agreed to get a dog trainer, Halloween came and went. November I took a trip to DC to visit Jess, we had our first Thanksgiving together, the trainer came.

December my friend Margs came up with her little boy and we decorated cookies. The next weekend we made more cookies and had lunch with Girl Clean's mom. Then Christmas was upon us and what  Christmas it was!!!

2011 has been full of joy and not so easy times, and I have no regrets I am absolutely where I'm supposed to be. I'm blessed. I'm thankful and I look forward to what 2012 holds!!!!

Friday, December 30, 2011

A-Ha

I had a conversation yesterday with FRB that left me thinking. She and I made amends, that was an additional positive that was a result of my wedding. I haven't mentioned her in a long time because while there are still occasional traces of awkwardness for the most part all is well between us. We will never be friends like we were but I'm fine with that, I just like having peace at the office.


We were talking about Christmas and NYE plans and life. My new gym (that I have yet to get to) and her gym came up and she mentioned that for the new year she's going to be going pretty much to just fresh fruits and vegetables and cutting out the junk. She got close to her goal weight last year and now if she can just lose that last 5-10 pounds she will be set.

I'm looking at her listening, and something she said was an a-ha moment for me. If I can just lose this weight I'll be happy. I know that this is not the case. She has a great shape, she's very physically active. She has a wonderful job, and she works hard. For as long as I've known her she has fluctuated 5-10 pounds but for the most part she has been the same size and she looks great. She doesn't see it. I don't know what she sees when she looks in the mirror but I know she's not seeing what I see.

I started following Weightless a few months ago. I've read a lot about body image, healthy self image, and most importantly that just because the numbers on the scale read a certain way this does NOT equal happiness. When FRB made the statement if I could just reach my goal weight I would be happy my immediate thought was no you won't.

Our society tells us this lie. If you just weigh this much, have plenty of money, plenty of clothes, the latest car, phone, computer, then you will achieve success and happiness. I call BS.

I read a quote by Martha Washington this morning "I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition."

I believe that it is important to be healthy and active. I believe that it is important to take care of our bodies. I believe that it is important to work hard and contribute. I have been incredibly blessed in life and I am so very thankful for all that I have. A husband who loves me, a precious little girl, an awesome baby mama, wonderful families, 2 fantastic jobs, friends that I love who love me, intelligence, strength, I wake up every day able to do all the things that I need to do. I have made significant strides this year in refusing to allow the numbers on a scale to dictate whether or not I have a good or bad day. My happiness certainly does not revolve around a number that can change up or down depending on a week. My goal for 2012 is to remain active, and healthy. I will try not to focus on the negative but rather appreciate all the races I run and all the fun I have!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Opportunity

What do I want to be when I grow up…

I had my monthly one on one meeting with my manager yesterday. She mentioned that when her bosses boss was in town I really impressed him during our meeting. I simply asked relevant questions and made sure to keep the conversation flowing. Apparently not everyone is comfortable with speaking up in a group. I believe it's necessary if you want to know the answers to important questions. I also believe it's important to present professionally. Apparently not everyone understands this concept.

I work in a restaurant where I see important people, some real some only in their own head, regularly. I work a 2nd job because I believe in working hard and being responsible. Just because I've chosen a job that I enjoy, and it happens to be in the service industry, I understand that I am still relevant. Our best servers understand the dynamic of relationship, yes they might be serving Mr. Head of the company, but they have that persons respect and it's evident. This is not to say we don't have people who come in and treat us in a condescending and belittling manner. Those people are generally unhappy and unpleasant and I'm just glad I'm not them!

In conversation yesterday with my manager I realized that because of my years of experience working with so many different types of clients I have an excellent grasp of how to professionally present and contribute to a conversation.

I've been in my current position over 2 years now. I truly love what I do. Everyday is not perfect but when I interviewed for my job I looked at the man interviewing me and stated with absolute conviction that I was the one he needed and I would excel in my role. I knew that this was a position that would fit me perfectly, and it has.

I considered a position, and interviewed last year and it through me for a loop when the feed back came that I didn't seem to really want to work the hours required. What it boiled down to was that I did not really want the job itself. I had this internal knowledge that the job I was interviewing for would not be the right fit for me and while it would be a step up on my career ladder, it was not a move I wanted to make.

I told my manager that when it comes to my current position I love what I do. I also understand the need for positive growth and to continue on with my career journey. I just am not sure where I want to go. I told her that I have a swirling mass of thoughts in my brain regarding career future and none of it has been sorted out. I understand my strengths and I understand my weaknesses.

I've been so very blessed in my life. My journey in this career started as a data entry person in September 2003. November 2003 I was moved into an assistant role. I trained, did projects, and participated in order to achieve personal and career growth. 2 1/2 years later I moved to what I thought would be my next few years. The job went away after only a few months and I accepted a job that would be the most challenging, nightmare I never could have anticipated. Nothing could have prepared me and yet those challenges and opportunities allowed me to have an exceptionally broad understanding of what I do and what works and what does not work. This position also instilled in me gratitude, because once I was able to move on I would never look at another job the same. The ungrateful nitpicky young lady who started in September 2003 never had much good to say. The woman who started in this position in October 2009 had an excellent understanding that while no place will ever be utopia not having to go back to the old office was a wonderful gift and blessing!!!

As I move into 2012 I have the opportunity to broaden my understanding and network in order to learn. I know that now is the time to begin to plan my next move. I just have to capture the swirling cloud, sort it out, and start making sense of what my next step will be!  I know that as my 2012 journey begins I am blessed, and capable and thankful and I will learn and grow and there will be lots of prayers as I contemplate my career!

Thankful Thursday

I'm so thankful for the wonderful Christmas memories for 2011

I'm thankful that we were able to spend time with both our families and wake up with Girl Clean on Christmas morning.

I'm thankful I was able to help my mom on Friday and Monday and spend time hanging out with my parents.

I'm thankful that this year has been a year of growth and challenges.

I'm thankful that I have 2 jobs

I'm thankful that my car has new struts and new tires

I'm thankful that I have a husband who cooks and wants to do things for me

I'm thankful I have a new e-reader which means I will be able to have all my favorite books at my fingertips again

I'm thankful that I have amazing memories from 2011

I'm thankful that my Grandmommy will be ringing in another year

I'm thankful that I have wonderful friends!!!

I'm thankful that NYE only comes once a year

I'm thankful that my coworkers son will be home for a visit soon, currently he is sitting waiting to board the plan for the 18 hour flight home.

I'm so thankful for the men, women and families who sacrifice and serve our country so we can enjoy the freedoms that we have.

I'm thankful for the stories like the people who were going and paying off other peoples lay-aways for Christmas

I'm thankful for the generous man who gave Mr. Clean and I the Christmas card and the blessing of his gift.

I'm thankful that God had a plan and that He sent His Son to be born, and then to die so that we have the gift of eternal life with Him!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

December 22-26 recap

Last Thursday night I made pecan bars, chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookie dough. I also wrapped presents and listened as Mr. Clean and our neighbor put together the big Christmas present for Girl Clean. I was so very very thankful for our neighbor coming over to help. Mr. Clean needed help and having someone who knew what he was doing made a HUGE difference in the outcome of the project!!!

Friday of last week I took the day off. I have started a new tradition with my mom and I go over and help her get the house ready. She now hosts Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the house so naturally this is a bit stressful and it helps to have me come over to scrub toilets and do whatever else might need to be done.

I arrived with Jack and he was sooo happy to see the grandparents! My Dad had the day off so he was home and then I got the wonderful surprise of Bean and Jelly arriving! It was such an awesome afternoon hanging out and talking. I rolled out, decorated and baked the sugar cookies and helped with dishes. Mom and Dad had a wedding to go to so I stayed a little while longer talking to Bean and Jelly. Then Jack and I headed home where we hung out and relaxed.

Saturday morning I woke up early so that Jack and I could fit a run in to our day. It was such a gorgeous morning and a wonderful run!! I got home and showered and did my hair and makeup. I picked Girl Clean up from her mom's at 11:45. We had to be at Mr. Clean's parent's house at 1. I got the girl home and changed and we packed up the car and headed out. Unfortunately our time with Family Clean was a little rushed. Instead of waiting until after church we decided on 1, meaning we only had 2 hours and 25 minutes to eat and open presents. I received a new pair of boots, running clothes, and a very generous gift card to Marshall's as well as a WW online membership and gift certificate to get my toes done!

Girl Clean racked up on the loot!! She received a bag full of clothes and a huge tent as well as a lot of other really generous gifts. Mr. Clean's favorite was probably a tie between the Marshall's gift card and the complete set of seasons of The Big Bang Theory. We opened presents and gave hugs and headed out for church. The service was at 4 and we arrived in plenty of time. It was such a sweet service and they kept it right at an hour. We were home relaxing by a little after 5.

Christmas Eve night/Christmas Morning Mr. Clean was so excited he couldn't sleep. I woke up early Christmas morning and made sure I had my hair and makeup done for pictures, yes I am that girl. I went to make coffee and he said before you do that hold on let me give you one of your presents. He went and came back with… a Keurig coffee maker!!! I kind of thought this would be my present because he had asked me a lot of questions about them. I told him he did not have to wrap any of my presents. He had enough stress with a busy week and getting the big present put together I didn't want to add any additional stress. Knowing he had presents for me was enough for me!!! He purchased a box of k-cups to go with my coffee maker present and I thoroughly enjoyed my cup of coffee!!!

Girl Clean finally woke up around 8 and we had her dollhouse in her room all set up. She walked out of the bedroom and it was the first thing she saw. She literally kept shaking she was so so so excited!!! She was the cutest thing! It was so much fun to watch her and see her face, she LOVED it!!!

We went into the family room to open the rest of her presents and do stockings. Jack Banner got new toys in his stocking. Mr. Clean received assorted kitchen things, like a meat thermometer and spatula. Girl Clean got candy, stickers, lip gloss, headbands, etc. In my stocking Mr. Clean had given me a new jewelry set, and reusable k-cup that I can put coffee in so I don't have to keep buying k-cups.

For Mr. Clean's gifts I had purchased him a Marshall's gift card, I wrapped it up with socks so it wouldn't be as obvious. I also purchased a cooking class back in August. I printed it out and wrapped it with bamboo cooking utensils. He was so surprised and very excited about his gift!!!

Then he went back to get my other gift. I was not expecting anything else since I'd already been given the gym membership and the coffee maker. He shocked me with a Kindle Fire. I had specifically said I did not really want an E-reader because knowing myself I was concerned I would just let it sit in a drawer. Fortunately for me he got me one anyways. I sat down with it and figured out how to get on the internet and later that night I figured out how to download books for free from the library!

Girl Clean played with her new loot and I played on the Kindle for a while. Her mom was coming at 2 to pick her up so I made sure that she was ready and dressed when her mom arrived. I loaded up my car with my families presents and after Girl Clean's mom picked her up we headed to my parents.

Bean and Jelly and my Grandmommy along with my parents all waited to do presents until we arrived. We sat in a circle and took turns opening our gifts and admiring what we had been given. It was such a wonderful time!! My brother and sister in love gave me the exact set of curlers that I wanted. My mom gave me the exact pantyhose that I needed. I received lots of really awesome gifts and of course Jack Banner had a stocking full of goodies for him!!! My family was also super generous regarding Girl Clean and she had presents to open from them as well.

At 5 my mom's sister, and her husband and my cousin arrived. They were in charge of the food for dinner, even though we were having it at our house. We sat down at 6 to eat fresh shrimp, baked potatoes and salad. For dessert, coconut cake, YUM!!!! We had a house full of people and love and Jack was on his best behavior. I was so pleased that he, for the most part, stayed on his pillow the way he is supposed to when we are eating.

Mr. Clean had to work the following morning so we didn't stay long past dinner. We got home and relaxed for a little bit before going to bed. Monday morning Jack and I went for another really awesome run!! Then I showered and put Jack back in the car. We picked up Girl Clean from her mom and went to my parents to hang out for the day. I helped my mom get the house back in order, Girl Clean got to open more presents, and we watched movies and had lunch. I took her back to her mom at 4:30.

I could not have asked for a more special, wonderful first Christmas. It was such a great time and the memories and moments I definitely treasure!!! Looking back over the pictures makes me smile!!!

2011 in Pictures

January 2011
The year started with snow and then ice, fortunately this did not last past January!

I escaped the cold for VEGAS!!!! It was a trip I'm glad I experienced!

February 2011
Valentines Night - the after shot

Fashion Friday, and my new jeans, that are not new any longer and I still think they are fabulous!!!

February brought this little girl into my life, this was the first day we met we went to the kid museum

March 2011
My friend NH ran her first 5K with me, the Corporate Cup

Jack Banner

Car ride nap, love the glasses!

March 19, 2011 I got engaged!!!!

April 2011
I started the month with a trip to DC I got to meet Lisa and Becky and I stayed with my friend Jess

Lisa and I ran the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler race
I went to an Easter Egg Hunt with Girl Clean

I traveled to Boone to pick out my dress!!!

May 2011
I picked Jack up from my parents after my 2nd CIC test, which I PASSED!!!!

We picked flowers for Girl Clean's Mommy for Mother's Day

June 2011

My sweet and extremely talented friend VB did the table decorations, yes by hand

Lots of yummy food!!!
Hanging out after pictures and before the ceremony

Saying our vows June 11, 2011

July 2011
I ran the 4 miler race

Had a day off to hang out by the pool

August 2011
We took a trip to New Bern

I hung out with Girl Clean and Jack Banner

Jack enjoyed walks and runs

October 2011
Pooh went for a swing

We had our first guests, my friend NH and her boyfriend came over for dinner

Girl Clean rocked her cowgirl boots

Halloween Fairy

November 2011
I took a trip to DC to visit my friend Jess

The drive was absolutely gorgeous!!! I had a wonderful time!!!

Girl Clean's mom sends me fun pictures of when they're hanging out!

Mr. Clean leaves me sweet notes in random places

December 2011
My friend Margs and her little boy came up to help us decorate Christmas cookies

Girl Clean and Daddy made cookies in her kitchen

We decorated the Christmas tree

Jack Banner and I went over to my parents on the 23rd so I could help my mom

Jack just hanging out at home

Girl Clean's big Christmas Surprise

The other side of the big surprise!

Girl Clean on Christmas Eve

Opening presents

I got new running clothes, Yay!!!!

Christmas Eve at church, we were dancing

My family Chrismtas Eve 2011
2011 has been an amazing year!!! I don't have Christmas day pics if I do get some I will be sure to do a separate Christmas post. I'm so thankful and so blessed, so very excited for what 2012 will bring!!!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

A girl moment

Girl Clean turns 3 in January. No secret I think she is just fabulous!! We don't have cable but we do have netflix so she has unlimited Dora and we've been introducing other programs as well. One of the programs, that she and I both really like, is Angelina the Ballerina. Last night Mr. Clean told me the following story.

Sunday afternoon Mr. Clean had her at the playground there was a little girl there who belongs to the family who live across the street from the playground. The little girl was sweet but kept doing all these things that GC couldn’t quite do since she was probably 4 or 5 to GC’s almost 3. One of the Angelina’s has an episode where they do pirouette left, pirouette right, and it’s this whole little cheer. So this little girl had bested GC a few times and my girl busted this cheer out complete with the moves, as best she could do them. Mr. Clean couldn’t laugh but he really wanted to!

I see dance lessons in the girl's future!!!