It snowed last night - all the more reason to stay home. Since I was sick and Kristen was sick we called off the New Year's festivities. Jimbo and I ordered pizza and drank champagne in bed with my laptop and "The 40 Year Old Virgin." Jimbo had to pause the movie at one part because I was laughing so hard I was crying. After the movie we made cookies and ate them in bed while chatting and waiting for the new year to come. At midnight we kissed and made a toast to the new year then fell fast asleep. It wasn't what we had planned, but it ended up rather lovely and quiet.

This morning we're just hanging in. My cold is still lingering. I hope to get rid of it soon - I want to enjoy the long weekend! I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's Eve as well!

Something about not leaving the house for a few days just makes me want to do something. So, instead of laying on the couch and loving my DVR, I decided to be productive. I've been such a slacker lately with my web design stuff with the holiday and being sick and everything I decided to get back to that. And boy did i!

I made quite a big of progress on a new weblog for one of my clients as well as Janey's new photoblog. Not only that - I was finally able to get some motivation to work on my new web design site. I bought cards for it but wasn't able to actually give them out since the site wasn't done, yet. Stacker.

Well it's done. Well, not completely done - there's a whole bunch of things I want to add to it - but it's up and running. I even got motivated to make a designed by button and a small ad. Feel free to copy the code and use them on your own blog ;)

<a href="http://www.webundance.com/" ><img src="http://www.webundance.com/images/wblogo.jpg" border="0"></a>

<a href="http://www.webundance.com/" ><img src="http://www.webundance.com/images/webad.jpg" border="0"></a>

That's about it - I've got plenty more geeking around to do today. Hope you're enjoying the new year!

woke up
sniffle, cough, blownose
looked out the window
went back to bed

woke up
sniffle cough, blownose
logged on the computer
working at home

work work work
I work much harder when I'm working from home
really

logged off for a half hour at lunchtime
took a long hot shower
did laundry
ate mac n cheese

logged back on
peeled buddy off of belle
made three cookies
ate tree cookies

logged off

logged on to second jobby
did some magic for janey
made dinner
drank cocoa

tiiiiired

Because I heart Michele

Four jobs I've had in my life:

1. web designer
   
2. marketing writer
   
3. jewelry salesperson
   
4. dry cleaning clerk
   

Four movies I could watch over and over:

1. You've Got Mail
   
2. Pretty Woman
   
3. Frensh Kiss
   
4. When Harry Met Sally
   

Four places I've lived:

1. Chelmsford
   
2. Lowell
   
3. Dracut
   
4. Nashua
   

Four TV shows I love to watch:

1. Gilmore Girls
   
2. 30 Minute Meals
   
3. cheesy VH1 shows
   
4. Tom & Jerry
   

Four places I've been on vacation:

1. Sanny Fran
   
2. Montreal
   
3. Vegas
   
4. Toronto
   

Four websites I visit daily:

1. gmail
   
2. bloglines
   
3. flickr
   
4. intranet@work
   

Four of my favorite foods:

1. dark chocolate
   
2. cool whip
   
3. the rolls at Texas Roadhouse
   
4. Ice cream
   

Four places I'd rather be:

1. Any five star hotel w/spa
   
2. In bed
   
3. on a massage table
   
4. in Janey's car
   

Four albums I can't live without:

1. Shawl Mullins, Soul's Core
   
2. Alanis, Jagged Little Pill
   
3. Dave Matthews, Under the Table and Dreaming
   
4. Charlie Brown Christmas
   

1. I get rid of this cold
2. I lose 30+ pounds
3. I get [edited for content]
4. I go off meds and stay sane
5. Janey takes a lover
6. Krista gets her divorce
7. Michelle finds peace
8. I find my tube of vanilla bean noel cream
9. Everyone stays healthy and happy
10. My seeeeester falls in love
11. Jimbo continues to be his wonderful self
12. I get a nose ring and maybe another tattoo
13. Luke & Lorelai finally get married ;)

1. What did you do for New Year's Eve?
2. Did you make any resolutions?
3. If you had to change your domain name, what would you change it to?
4. What was one thing on your wishlist that you didn't get for Christmas but you wish you had?
5. If you could be granted just one non monetary wish (for yourself; so world peace doesn't count) what would it be? [Thanks Michelle!]
6. Full day at a spa (manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, hair cut and color, waxing etc.) or $750 cash. Which do you take? [Thanks Michelle!]
7. What's your creative outlet? [Thanks Heather!]
8. What was the last thing you dreamed? [Thanks Krista!]
9. What was the last nice thing someone did for you. [Thanks Krista!]
10. What are your plans for the weekend?

That's what the guy behind us was saying as we sat down.

Let me start from the beginning. My dad doesn't get out much. He had a stroke quite a few years back, which affected his speech and left him on disability. My dad's from Canada and is very much into hockey. He even played in semi-pro back in the old CA. So, for Christmas, Jimbo and I bought my dad tickets to see the Bruins.

We had a nice dinner at the Beerworks where dad has his first beer in oh, seven years. The smile on his face was incredible. We got to the game on time and quickly found our seats in the nosebleed section, the second row from the top. Not the best seats, but they were better compared to the obstructed view the old Garden offered.

As we sat down we noticed that we were sitting in front of a very loud, very obnoxious group of young ‘uns. The first thing I heard was "hey, after we get kicked out let's go to [the name of some bar I can't recall]..." followed by streams of curse words and more yells. We put up with this through the first period and then they left, only to come back as the second period was beginning, all double-fisted with beer.

The obnoxiousness continued to no response from us until Boston got the first goal and the crowd went wild – as did the group behind us. So wild, in fact, that one of the guys behind us spilled beer on me. Of course i was miffed and turned around and gave the guy a piece of my mind. He was a jerk of course, and offered to wipe it off for me. I turned around and ignored the guy just as Jimbo started giving the guy a piece of his mind. Jimbo sat back down and things were fairly peaceful for a bit…

Until they started saying stuff about Canadians. Oh dude. They don't know my dad. He's got a wicked short fuse. You don't want to mess with my dad. He stood up and told them to be quiet and lifted up his coat and told them how proud he was to be a Canadian and that they should stuff it (or something like that!) They loved it, of course and started arguing with my dad who I couldn't get to sit down.

I finally sent Jimbo off to get security, who came up and asked them to behave. They didn't even ask them to leave but they got up and left anyway, calling us snitchers (!) and making rude hand signals.

After that the game improved and Boston actually won! We had a great time despite the drunken cotton-headed ninny-muggins!

Having a hard time falling asleep last night I mentally put together a list of things that made me happy yesterday:

• seeing my favorite coworker
• eating leftover pad thai for lunch
• going to the gym even though I didn't want to
• Jimbo's pizza
• warm cookies
• cudding up with the kitties and my DVR
• hugging my Jimbo
• fixing a bug on Leigh's blog
• listening to "a year of pleasures" in the car

Memoirs of a Geisha: A Novel (Vintage Contemporaries), Arthur Golden

The Ha-Ha : A Novel, Dave King

A Long Way Down, Nick Hornby

Blessings : A Novel, Anna Quindlen

The Pact: A Love Story, Jodi Picoult

Being Perfect and A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Anna Quindlen

I listened to this in the car the other day. It's only an hour or two - a short read - but defintiely well worth it. It reminded me to live in the now and appreciate what I have. I'll keep it in the car and listen to it when I'm out of sorts.

Open House : A Novel (Oprah's Book Club (Paperback)), Elizabeth Berg

I loved this book. I listened to it on CD and I loved the author's voice and her skill - she was amazing. The book was pretty cool. Very funny. Kind of reminded me of Good Grief by Lolly Winston.

The Amateur Marriage : A Novel, Anne Tyler

It was OK. It was kind of depressing in a way, because the characters are unhappy most of the time and there's lots of arguing. But I understand the point of the novel.

Multiple Choice, Claire Cook

I liked her first book better. The daughter in this book is practically evil and her mother lets her treat her with disrespect. I feel like any issue in this book wasn't really developed and thus not resolved in the end. I don't really see what we r the main character learned from anything. This wasn't clearly identified.

Black and Blue: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club), Anna Quindlen

The Mermaid Chair: A Novel, Sue Monk Kidd

Keeping Faith : A Novel, Jodi Picoult

The Probable Future, Alice Hoffman

Vanishing Acts, Jodi Picoult

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, David Sedaris, Author

Brother and Sister : A Novel (Trollope, Joanna), Joanna Trollope

Harvesting the Heart, Jodi Picoult

A Question of Attraction : A Novel, David Nicholls

Truth & Beauty : A Friendship, Ann Patchett

You Remind Me of Me, Dan Chaon

Sweet Caroline : Last Child of Camelot, Christopher Andersen

Good Grief, Lolly Winston

I thought this was going to be a really sad book, but it wasn't. It was a hoot. Imagine that - a book on grief that's actually funny. The book is about a 30-somethign woman who lost her husband to cancer and her struggle to cope and get through the grief. Hilarious!

What to Keep : A Novel, Rachel Cline

The Anxiety of Everyday Objects, Aurelie Sheehan

1. Okie doke. Today I weighed in for the first time at Weight Watchers at work. I have never weighed so much since my fat period in high school. It's all good, though. Points are my friend.

2. Ever since Jimbo got us DVR I've turned into a leetle TVwhore. Yes, me, the one who is very vocal about how TV rots your brains. I think I just said that because all of the good shows are on past my bedtime. I've been recording Gilmore Girls (of course!) and House (Which Heather shares me love of and I first heard about on NPR) and The Closer (I love Kyra!) and Daaaaaaavid Lettterrrrmannnnn and a whole bunch of other shows which I haven't got around to watching (Oprah, Ellen, My So-Called Life). I watch TV every day now. But I don't watch commercials!!!!!!

3. I bought a Mary Engebreight page a day calendar for my desk. Inspiring!

4. Busy, busy, busy at work! If i survive tomorrow I am sooooo treating myself this weekend to lots and lots of rest and web work!

5. This weekend is a long one! Just in time, too!

6. It's cool being a professional. Yesterday I met a client at a little coffee shop in Chelmsford and discussed plans for a new web site and changes to an existing one. Work is coming in at a wonderful pace!

7. I still have seven left. How will I finish this today? I finally got my order from Vickie's semi-annual sale. Lots of bras and even cottom pjs! I'm thrilled!

8. I must remember to pack up and mail that package for Michelle!

9. It occured to me today that I'd be alot happier when I'm busy at work if I could wear my slippers. I think I'll bring them in tomorrow. Tomorrow is official "wear you slippers to work day!"

10. I've got to finish this up or I'm going to be late to the chrio

11. Belle bites Buddy's whiskers off

12. Belle doesn't meow; Buddy does that enough for the two of them

13. Buddy lets us pick him up. He's really soft, too. Belle's been a little timid lately. But she'll sit on my lap if I'm at the kitchen table.
    

1. Do you lie about your age? Why? [Thanks ME!]
2. How many resolutions have you broken so far? [Thanks ME!]
3. What's your best attitude adjuster? [Thanks ME!]
4. Do you have any vacation plans this year? Where are you going? [Thanks Sky!]
5. I'm looking to buy a new purse...what would you recommend to me? [Thanks Janet!]
6. nail polish or au natural? do it yourself or manicures? [Thanks Liz!]
7. what was the last thing you searched for on the computer? [Thanks !]
8. whats your fav go to recipe, ya know the kind thats good and tasty everytime? [Thanks Liz!]
9. tea or coffee, and how do you like it? [Thanks Liz!]
10. some people always feel cold in bed and others are always hot...which are you? do you sleep with lots of covers, or just one? [Thanks Liz!]
11. What are your plans for the weekend?

I'm glad to say that I survived last week. By Friday I was so overwhelmed that I was ready to cry. Of course I did, but that was Thursday night!

Friday night after sending out the most evil proposal that has ever crossed my desk, I went home, had some potstickers and made myself a dirty martini and two cookies fresh from the oven. That's exactly what flexpoints are there for - evil proposals. I can't handle my alcohol anymore (like I ever could before), so I was in bed before 9:30. I seem to recall Janet calling, but I'm not sure if that was a dream or not.

Saturday I was up ridiculously early - even earlier than the early hour of 7am that I had to be up at in order to meet up with Kristen for our mall walk. I was even there before the mall opened. We walked around for over an hour then shopped. Target, TJMaxx and Trader Joes. Jimbo I went to see a movie later that afternoon. We wanted to see the Gay Cowboy movie, but alas everyone else wanted to see it to so we went to see Munich, instead. A good movie. The lead actor was hoooooooooooooooooot. After that we went to Chilis where I had a guiltless chicken sandwich and a 5-point margarita which also succeeded in sending me to bed right after nine.

Sunday, up early again, obsessing over points and recipes then off to the gym with Jimbo. Home and then off again to Janey's Mom's memorial service. It was a touching service and it was nice to hear everyone say such nice things about Betty. We helped Janey clean up then dragged her kicking and screaming (no, not really) to the Emerald Rose for nummies and drinkies. Not having learned my lesson the previous two nights, I had a glass of wine and was in bed before 9:00.

Today we stayed local. I worked on web stuff and planning my food for the week, did a little design stuff and then headed out grocery shopping with Jimbo. I felt much better about points and such after I talked to my mom (who also does Weight Watchers), Krista, did more research on the web and wen grocery shopping. I am now armed with 1pt english muffins, cereal, fudesicles and 2pt snacks galore. I think I might be getting the hang of this. Well thanks to this little thing on the WW web site called "Cook Once, Eat All Week." I spend three hours tonight cooking dinners for every night this week. Tonight was 5pt stir-fry! Even Jimbo loved it. I've never seen him eat so many vegetables.

I was very good today. I even have 4.5 points left so I'm going to treat myself :) I heart chocolate dot com

Yesterday I got some not-so-great health news about a good friend/coworker of mine. She's waiting to hear back on some results today so think good thoughts. Last night Jimbo and I trekked into the deep woods of Townsend to bring her and her little girlies chicken parm and ziti.

Work has slowed down a lot this week and I'm tickled pink. WW is going GREAT! I haven't even used all my flex points! Right now I'm drinking 1 point cocoa with marshmallows!!!! mmmm!

Still busy with the part time job. Am hijaking Jimbo's creativity on a projct or two - it's nice to have two creative minds!

Otherwise, same old same old.

1. Weight Watchers is going well. Today is the beginning of week two. I get weighed at lunch and I'm really nervous. Mom says she gained weight her first week because she didn't eat all her points. I ate all my points, got a handful of activity points, and still have 15 flexpoints left.

2. Fifteen minutes a day of doing nothing sounds really good to me.
   
   

3. I love The Paper Store. Last night I treated myself to Crabtree & Evelyn Gardener's Hand Therapy

4. This evil arctrainer kicked my ass last night

5. Sushi tonight. yes. Very few points.

6. T-minus two weeks until my bonus

7. Gilmore Girls was disappointing this week. Lorelai and everyone else in this world should just say how they feel.

8. I keep missing the last 15 minutes of The Closer. Must fix DVR.

9. I'm so looking forward to going home after work on Friday, getting into my jammies, grabbing some dinner and an ice cream sandwich and watching House.

10. Work is much, much slower this week. Almost acceptable. It feels good to get a hold of it all.

11. We finally took down the Christmas Tree.

12. I want to put up shelves in the kitchen

13. and paint the bathroom.
    

I just thought I'd check in to let you all know that I lost 3.4 pounds during my first week of Weight Watchers!

1. If you have a full-time salary paid job and are expected to work at least 40 hours each week, many hours do you really work.. more or less? [Thanks Jimbo!]
2. Which way does your toilet paper roll? Forward or backward? [Thanks MB!]
3. Whats your favorite candy? pick only one. [Thanks Liz!]
4. What book are you reading right now? [Thanks Liz!]
5. Are you jealous of anyone? [Thanks Liz!]
6. Laundry...do you sort it into colors and groups or just throw whatever in? [Thanks Liz!]
7. What smelly candle is your favorite? Do you have one that you just don't like one bit? [Thanks Liz!]
8. What is your best feature? [Thanks Liz!]
9. What are your plans for the weekend?

Quickie, because we're heading out to see gay cowboys.

Friday night I went out. I hit B&N and checked out a really cool and accurate zodiac book, then checked out WW cookbooks and hit le road. Next I hit Marshalls and picked up a pair of v-day socks, tights and three pair of silver earrings. Then I went to Shaws and picked up a whole bunch of one and two-point snacks!

Saturday I met up wirh Kristen for our weekly walk then picked up a few things at Target and went home. Jimbo and I then went for a walk on the boulevard where I got a bloody nose so nasty that we had to call Jimbo's nurse-mom for help.

Next we stopped by my parents to drop off our christmas stuff for storage and sat around and chatted it up. Mom rescued me with three WW cookbooks.

For dinner we got takeout from a new Vietnamese restaurant in our town. Yum! Then we both geeked it out working on web work (I've got Jimbo helping me out) ans watched My Name is Earl.

Bed.
Now movies with sister tot

• My calendar today
• Watching Jimbo brushing the snow off my car
• Buddy hopping right into shower after I turned the water off
• Sticking to (and actually liking) WW
• Seeing my sister positive and hopeful
• Making dinner plans with Jimbo's mom
• A new vietnamese restaurant in our town!
• Being able to pick up both prescriptions at the same time
• sheets and blankets fresh from the dryer
• snuggly kitties

1. What is your reaction to waking up and seeing snow? [Thanks ME!]
2. What's your favorite dessert to order out? to make at home? [Thanks Monique!]
3. Do you file your taxes early or late?
4. Do you usually get a big refund? If so, what do you do with it?
5. How do you handle your bills? Are you really organized, really laid back or somewhat in between. Describe.
6. How important is money in terms of your happiness?
7. What did your parents teach you about money?
8. What do you wish your parents had taught you about money?
9. What are your plans for the weekend?
10. bonus question. Jimbo and I want to go away for an extended weekend somewhere within driving distance and not too much money (but nice!). Where do you suggest?

I got antsy yesterday and talked Jimbo into rearranging our spare room. I totally should have taken a before picture but totally forgot.

Here's the finished product:

His side:

My side:

Now, onto the kitchen. Have no idea what to do with this:

help!

shhhhreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiikkkkkkkkk!!!!

It's bonus day, kids. Fat wads of money are literally falling out of my bank account. I spent the morning allocating and the evening taking my best boy out for nummies to celebrate.

I came home to an inquiry to PRESENT/INSTRUCT a design session at blogher.

I am floored. Shocked. Honored. Frightened.
Scared out of my mind.
Amazed. Proud.

But I leap!