PICTURES!!!
Mood:  energetic
Okay I finally got the pictures loaded from Sunday. Sorry I didn't get pictures of any eagles but I think the sunrise was quite beautiful. Enjoy!

Are you kidding me? Do I honestly look like a terrorist!!!!
Mood:  caffeinated
So yesterday morning was our annual mid-winter bald eagle count. I had to get up at the crack of dawn to drive to my station, which ended up being a little bridge over Beaver Dam (not "a" beaver dam...it is just what that area of the lake is called.) I got to my site a little early so I pulled my car off the road close to the bridge, grabbed my coffee and a donut and walked onto the bridge. It was so quiet and peaceful. It was at that point in the morning, just before dawn, when the moon is still shining bright and the sun is starting to rise somewhere low in the east. There was just enough light to be able to see where I was going without a flashlight. I have to say I like this location much better than the one they sent me to last year. I didn't have to step over any trash or broken glass.

I stood there on the bridge and just listened. I heard a Great Horned Owl calling in the distance. I love the sound they make. It, for some reason, always makes me smile. I then heard a sound I had only heard on TV. A coyote called somewhere close to the water's edge. I searched the shoreline but it was too dark to see anything. I finished my donut and headed back over to the car to start filling out my paperwork.

As the sun started to come up, I scanned the sky in search of my beloved eagles but only saw some Canada geese, seagulls (okay Mark...they were Laughing Gulls...see I am doing better), a Great Blue Heron, and some ducks) I am pretty sure I heard a Cooper's Hawk but was unable to find it perched anywhere to verify it.

As I sat there traffic started to pick up on this little road. I saw surprised at the amount of cars that passed by me. I was also a little annoyed because the sound of the cars took away my ability to concentrate on the bird calls. *sigh* At one point a red corvette passed by me. He would drive a little ways and stop, turn around, drive a little ways and stop, He did this about 5 times apparently checking me out and trying to see what I was up too. Ten minutes later a State Trooper pulls up behind me. Now before I replay what he said to me, keep in mind that I am wearing my Park Ranger Parka with my Corps of Engineers patch on the sleeve.

Trooper: Ma'am is everything alright?
ME: Yes!
Trooper: Can I ask what you are doing out here this morning?
ME: Looking for Eagles.
Trooper: Is this a normal occurrence for you?
ME: Nope, I just do this once a year. (The trooper then looks at me perplexed) We are conducting our Mid-winter Eagle count today. (I show him my paper)
Trooper: I see. (hands me back my paper and then just stands there looking at me)
ME: Is there a problem with me being here?
Trooper: I suppose not. We just got a few calls about a strange person just sitting in their car on the bridge with a pair of binoculars.
ME: (laughing) I know I look bad first thing in the morning but I wouldn't say that I am strange.
Trooper: (smiles) I think they just thought you were up to no good.
ME: Yeah I guess I can see how they would got that. Here I am sitting in my little silver Scion with my ranger jacket on, drinking coffee and watching the sky with some binoculars. I SOOO look like a terrorist.
Trooper: These days you have to suspect everyone. (He then just stands there staring at me in uncomfortable silence before he finally speaks again) So how did you get roped into doing this bird count thing?
ME: It is part of my job.
Trooper: Job?
ME: I am a park ranger (God this guy is observant...I am in a ranger jacket with the word RANGER displayed on my name tag)
Trooper: Are those donuts? (glancing at the passenger seat)
ME: Yes, would you like one?
Trooper: Thanks! (he grabs 3...WTF I said he could have ONE) You have a nice morning ma'am. Hope you get to see an eagle. I will make sure I tell people that you will be gone soon. (He then walks back to his vehicle and leaves.)

Note to self: Next time do hair and put on makeup so I don't look so threatening to people and hide valuable donuts from the police.

I didn't see a single eagle but I did take a few pictures of the lake just as the sun came up. When I get some time I will post them. I hope everyone had a great weekend. Till next time...

Sex shouldn't be comfy!!!!
Did that get your attention? LOL No this isn't going to be an ex-rated entry. It just happens to be a line from the movie Kinky Boots which I watched 3 times this weekend. I love that movie and thanks to my sister who got me the DVD for Christmas, I can now watch it anytime I want. My favorite part of the movie is when Charlie shows Lola (the transvestite) the new boots he has made for her/him.


Charlie: What do you think?
Lola: Burgundy? Please, God, tell me
I've not inspired something burgundy...Red....Red...RED Charlie boy!!! Rule one. Red...is the color of sex. Burgundy is the color of hot water bottles.Red is the color
of sex and fear and danger and signs that say, "Do Not Enter." All of my favorite things in life.
Charlie: But they're comfy.
Lola: Comfy!?! Sex shouldn't be comfy!!!! I don't know what you're used to makin',but now you're making sex. Two-and-a-half feet of irresistible tubular sex. I mean, that heel. For God's sake.
Charlie: It won't break.That's what you wanted.
Lola: Not if it means looking like
a Ukrainian peasant.

Most of my day yesterday was spent relaxing. I didn't manage to take a hike in the morning although it wasn't at my beloved Hanging Rock. That will have to wait for a day when I am not on call.

In the evening I started a book I had picked up at Starbucks during one of my many runs to grab a peppermint mocha. It is called For One More Day by author Mitch Albom (also wrote The Five People You Meet in Heaven and Tuesday's with Morrie). It is really good so far and I only have a few chapters left. This is the story of Charley, a child of divorce who is always forced to choose between his mother and his father. He grows into a man and starts a family of his own. But one fateful weekend, he leaves his mother to secretly be with his father - and she dies while he is gone. This haunts him for years. It unravels his own young family. It leads him to depression and drunkenness. One night, he decides to take his life. But somewhere between this world and the next, he encounters his mother again, in their hometown, and gets to spend one last day with her - the day he missed and always wished he'd had. He asks the questions many of us yearn to ask, the questions we never ask while our parents are alive. By the end of this magical day, Charley discovers how little he really knew about his mother, the secret of how her love saved their family, and how deeply he wants the second chance to save his own. (taken from Amazon.com) Check it out if you see it. It is a quick read and has made me tear up twice already.

I have two other books I got for Christmas that I need to start reading. Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen and Cross by James Patterson.

Well I am off to lunch. Later!!!!

Happy New Year!
Mood:  happy
Some of you emailed me to ask me why you got a message from me at 8:30AM. The truth is...I didn't go out last night. I stayed in and I LOVED it. I know...how lame it that? LOL I worked at the pub Saturday afternoon then came home to a sick cat. So I was up all night with him. I then worked Sunday morning at the pub and when I got home I was exhausted. I popped open a bottle of Asti and tried to stay up but sleep finally won out at about 11:30.

For those of you who asked...Fenwick is doing fine. The vet pumped what was left in his stomach, which wasn't much because he puked it all up the night before. The damn thing has learned to open cabinets. This morning I found what made him sick. He found an air freshener thingy that smells like apples and cinnamon. He thought it was something to eat. I must say I have a great vet. I went in yesterday to pick him up thinking I was going to have to use all the money I have been saving for my house, when she showed me the bill. $60 was all she charged me. How awesome is that? Fenwick slept on my bed through the night and never moved. I kept getting up to check to see if he was still alive. This morning he was back to his same antics. He will never learn. LOL

Today was spent taking down the tree and getting everything back to normal. My boss finally got back to me about the closure decision I made for Tuesday and gave me kudos for agreeing to be the call back person. Not that I do my job for the kudos but they are still nice to get. I do regret my decision somewhat...I really wanted to go to Danbury.

I am stealing this MEME from my sister and Nicole then I am off to bed. Enjoy!

.What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
Flew in a Helicopter
Learned to swing dance

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make one last year. But this year I resolve to take better care of myself.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not that I know of.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope...I was lucky

5. What countries did you visit?
*sigh* none...Unless you count Alabama as a country?

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A house of my own.

7. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The trip to Nags head with my sister and her friend Kate
The night Marie took me swing dancing

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Making the decision to buy a house. I am a commitment phobic so yeah that was big.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Losing contact with a couple of friends.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Thanks to Fenwick...I managed to break my toe.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A new crock pot

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mom and my sister for always being supportive.
Justin for always making me laugh.
Keith for finally deciding that marriage might be a good thing.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Too many to mention.

14. Where did most of your money go?
RENT!!!!!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Seeing Anne in Nags head.
Seeing Justin at Christmas
Finishing my dress

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
Better Days - Goo Goo Dolls

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
I. happier or sadder? Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? About the same
iii. richer or poorer? About the same

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Hike

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Watching TV

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it in WV with my family

22. Did you fall in love in 2006?
Maybe

23. How many one-night stands?
None

24. What was your favorite TV program?
LOST and HEROS

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
NAh...hate doesn't hurt anyone but yourself.

26. What was the best book you read?
Secret Society Girl and The American

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Frou Frou and Albannach

28. What did you want and get?
To spend time with my family and friends

29. What did you want and not get?
A house to call my own.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Kinky Boots

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I spent it with family and friend. I turned 32.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Buying a house.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Comfy!!!

34. What kept you sane?
My pets and my late night calls to Mike in MD. Who, like me, has no life. LOL Thanks for making me laugh.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
GERARD BUTLER!!!!!!!

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Too drepressing...next subject.

37. Who did you miss?
-My Mom, my sister, and Justin.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Annie

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you (re)learned in 2006.
Life doesn't alway turn out the way you expect it to.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

so let go...jump in... oh well whatcha waiting for
it's alright cause there's beauty in the breakdown
so let go...just get in... oh it's so amazing here
it's alright cause there's beauty in the breakdown

A 4 day weekend? Whatever will I do with myself?
Mood:  mischievious
This weekend was suppose to be a 3 day weekend for me because the holiday falls on a Monday. Well Bush declared Tuesday a National Day of Mourning in honor of President Ford. Which means my office will be closed. I got all excited thinking I could travel up to Danbury to go hiking but quickly realized I would be the one on call so I have to stay close to home. Oh well....4 DAYS OFF!!!!! Whoo Hoo. I know I should be mourning the loss of Ford and not thinking about going hiking but as we established in the last entry...I am already going to hell. I will be sliding into the grave sideways with a chocolate bar in one hand and a martini in the other yelling 'WooHoo! What a ride!'"

When I die. I don't want a big somber funeral. i want to be cremated, bag pipes playing "Caoineadh Cu Chulainnat" at some point, and a HUGE kiss ass party. I then want my family and friends to decide on the perfect place to dump my ashes and be done with it. I want people to remember me and laugh. Like the time I sucked a dress up into the vacuum cleaner or the time I came out of the bathroom with the back of my skirt tucked up in my underwear, exposing my white granny panties to the world. Life should be celebrated not mourned.

Okay off the death kick now...LOL

I hope everyone has a great weekend. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I should have paid more attention in creative writing class.
Mood:  caffeinated
I know I have been MIA for awhile. Even though I had internet access at Mom's I just didn't have time to update. Christmas is finally over with. I really enjoyed my time home in WV. Santa was VERY good to me. I got everything on my list plus some. *cheer* I even managed to spend time with my best friend Justin who I haven't seen since Oct '05. We met for lunch in Hagerstown and exchanged gifts. We then headed over to the mall to see the movie Eragon. After the movie we walked around a bit while we tried to figure out what Justin could get his dad for Christmas. We passed by this stand of hand carved religious figures. I picked up a figure of the baby Jesus laying on a heart-shaped cushion to show Justin, not realizing that baby wasn't attached to cushion. Down went the baby Jesus on to the floor where his right arm immediately broke off. I picked it up and placed it on the shelf and Justin and I ran away as quickly as possible. I know I am going to hell now but what else is new. It just felt good to be able to laugh until you cried. I can always do that with Justin.

I got home back to NC late yesterday afternoon. Only 2 accidents to deal with. All in all the traffic wasn't too bad. I love going home to visit. I just hate the drive. I am glad to be home and in my own bed again. Fenwick was happy to have me home as well. He has been so lovable. I just wish it would last. LOL

I don't have any plans yet for New Year's Eve. There has been a lot of talk but no one has made any definite decisions. Honestly all I really want to do is have a quiet dinner somewhere and then come back, pop open a bottle of Asti and watch a movie. Maybe watch Kinky Boots again which my sister gave me for xmas. I love that movie.

I came into work today to a pile of crap on my desk. I started making some headway on it when I got a call from two other admin Rangers stating that we needed to have our performance objectives submitted by the 29th. *sigh* I hadn't even started on mine. Luckily we decided to work together. We split up the tasks and I only ended up having to come up with 2 of the 5. It is hard for me to be broad when writing my objectives. I want to encompass everything I do so I end up listing everything which is not what they want. I hope what I came up with will satisfy the higher ups.

Well I better get back to the pile-o-crap on my desk. Oh by the way..if you left me a comment on here and I didn't respond...i am not ignoring you. Angelfire for some reason stopped sending me a message when people comment. I have reported it so hopefully it will be fixed soon.

Later!!!!!

Santa Tracker
Mood:  happy
For those of you with small children or know someone with small children the NORAD Santa Tracker website is a great place to visit on Christmas Eve. The kids can log on and see just where Santa is and how close he is to their house. It is a great way to teach your children about geography. Check out the website below. The tracker wont be available till Xmas eve but there are some cool games and coloring books for the kids.

NORAD Santa Tracker

Holiday Eating Tips
Mood:  hungry
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.



2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of the year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an "eggnog-aholic" or something. It;s a treat. Enjoy it!!! Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!



3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.



4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.



5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello!!!



6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.



7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.



8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?



9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.



10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention.



Reread tips: start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:



"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO what a ride!"



Happy Holidays!!!!

3 days left until vacation!!!!
Mood:  hungry
Everyone knows that I LOVE my job, but I am in desperate need of a break. I have had so much to do and everything has had really short deadlines. It has been way too stressful. At this moment I am on a conference call. I know I should be paying attention but it is really boring and I don't have anything to contribute so I thought I would post an entry to keep me from falling asleep.

This past weekend wasn't bad. I worked at the pub Friday night. We were really busy and had a large party to deal with. But it made the night go by quickly. I was suppose to work the evening shift on Saturday but switched with the new guy so I could get off early and relax. No such luck. Shortly after I arrived home Andy, Richard, Bill, and two other guys who's names I have forgotten, showed up at my door to take me out for dinner and drinks for my Bday. We had a great time. I drank WAY too much and at some point in the evening I ended up with a tiara on my head. I have no clue where it came from. *shrug* Sunday morning I woke up and noticed how gorgeous it was outside so I got out of bed and went for a hike. I love hiking on Sunday's because everyone else is either still in bed or at church. When I came home it was cookie making time. I made about 10 dozen cookies. God bless my Kitchen Aid mixer!!! LOL And yes Anne, I made your Swedish Wedding Cookies. About 7PM I headed downtown to the pub. I was suppose to meet up with Annie and Lenny to go to Pete's (owner of Tir Na Nog) house for his xmas party. When I got there most of the people were already drunk. So we never made it to the party. Oh well.

There is still lots to do this week before I leave. So I better get back to it. Take care all!

Letter To Santa
Mood:  mischievious
Dear Santa,

I have been a good Girl.

It really wasn't my fault what happened at Justin's Christmas party. It was Tanya who spiked the punch with too much Gin. I can't help it if I drank 7 glasses. It was so good---smelled and tasted just like pine.

I thought it was funny when I put Anne's shirt on my head and danced the swing on the couch while singing `Silver Bells'. I didn't mean to break Justin's camera and don't know why Justin would sue me for shoplifting.

I don't remember calling Steve's wife a smart Cow---even though she looked like one with Green eye shadow and Black lipstick!

And when I threw up on Kirsten's husband's leg, it was only because I ate too much of that hamburger.

After all that fun, I admit I was a little tired. So I fell asleep on my way home and drove my Scion through my neighbor's kitchen. I don't think that was any reason for my neighbor to call me a new dog and have me arrested for prostitution!

So, Santa...here I sit in my jail cell on Christmas Eve, all beautiful and scary. And I'm really not to blame for any of this silly stuff. Please bring me what I want the most---bail money!

Sincerely and quickly yours,
Rebecca (Really a nice Girl!)

P.S. It's only 5 bucks!

You too can write you very own letter to Santa at http://www.wtv-zone.com/LadyBoheme/dearsanta.html

Christmas is almost here and I still have tons to do....
Mood:  celebratory
They finally fixed my computer yesterday afternoon. So I have been playing catch up all morning. There is a huge pile of stuff on my desk to get through. *sigh* oh well I guess it will keep me busy.

Christmas will be here before you know it. I still haven't sent out cards or baked cookies. I am hoping I can get both of these accomplished this weekend. Monday night I had a meeting to go to. Tuesday night I worked at the pub. Last night I went to see the movie "For your Consideration" which was okay but I think "Best in Show" is still my favorite. Tonight I am suppose to go bowling. Haven't been bowling in AGES. I suck at it but I always have a good time.

I have already received two Xmas presents. *cheer* One was from my best friend Justin. He adopted a gray wolf in my name and they sent me a little stuffed wolf. SO CUTE!!! The other gift was from Tanya. She got me the Celtic Woman Christmas CD. The music on it is so beautiful. It has quickly become my favorite holiday CD. LOL And I have only had it for one night. I have also been promised a Bday dinner at Firebirds (one of my favorite restaurants) but it may have to wait till after Christmas.

Well I should get back to work. I probably wont get a chance to update tomorrow so I hope everyone has a great weekend. And remember if you are in Raleigh stop by the Sunday for their Celtic .

Day Three and still have computer issues
Mood:  don't ask
I am all about making our government computers secure but when I can't get into the software to do my work I think we have gone a little overboard.

I have been unable to get into our accounting software since Friday. Our IT people told me that I needed someone to use their security card to unlock the program for me but it can't be anyone in my office. So I have called 2 different offices, one here in Raleigh the other in Sanford and they have sent me three people with cards to unlock my machine. None of them worked. My computer is still locked. So here I sit not able to pay our electric bill or issue payment to our contractors. *SCREAM* This whole thing infuriates me. I just want to be able to do my work.

On to a different subject. I realized last night that I haven't made any cookies. Normally by now I would have made at least 15 dozen cookies. With working two jobs, I just haven't had time. *sigh* I am hoping someone else in the office will take up the slack.

Well I better get back to trying to fix my computer. Later!

Insert catchy Monday Morning title here...
Mood:  hungry
Did anyone happen to catch the sunrise this morning. Probably not seeing as I seemed to be the only one on the road at 6:30 this morning. Well anyway the sky was a beautiful shade of dark pink. Almost the color of a ruby. I know...I know..."red in the morning sailors warning." but it was still beautiful.

What a hectic start to the week. My phone has been ringing off the hook. I am hoping that I am not getting a reprieve...nope wait...phone! BRB

Okay I'm back. Now where was I? Oh right manic Monday. Not only is my phone going crazy but I am having computer issues as well. Maybe I should just pack up and go home. *sigh*

The weekend went well. I worked at the pub Friday and Saturday night. Saturday was crazy busy. We had some Irish Dancer preform so their families all showed up to watch and took up several tables for hours. By the end of the evening I had just about had enough. There is a waitress there named Dierdre and normally I can tolerate her passive/aggressive personality but at one point I really wanted to haul off and punch her in the face. Thank God for Lenny the doorman's smile and jokes and the nice guy who brought me a cup of coffee. It really helped to calm me down. See here at the park when I get upset I go take a walk on one of the trails. At the pub there really isn't a good place to get away and breathe.

I managed to finish all my Christmas shopping on Sunday. I even bought a few things for myself. I know I am not suppose to but we all know how selfish I am. I can't just shop for other people without buying a little something for me. :) Now all I have left is to write my cards. *sigh* I love to receive cards but hate to send them. Well it isn't that I hate it. It is just I never know what to write in them. I did type of a little letter to go inside but I always feel I have to put some sort of personal touch in my cards instead of just signing my name.

Okay I am off to get some lunch. Oh by the way...

If you live in or close to Raleigh and you are looking for something to do this weekend. Check out...

Celtic Christmas!!!!

Tir Na Nog Irish Pub
218 South Blount Street Raleigh 27601

Invites you to join us on Sunday December 17th
from 3 until 8pm for the first annual
A Celtic Christmas
Music from Gerry Mc Crudden:
The Pipes & Drums of Wake County:
The Danny Tighe Irish Dancers:
plus open mike for A Celtic music session
Musicians please bring your instruments & join in. Celtic shops will be set up giving you a chance to shop for some lovely Celtic gifts for Christmas.
Plus Brilliant raffle prizes.

Tel Tir Na Nog on 919 833-7795
www.Irisheventsnc.com/www.tirnanogirishpub.com

59 Minutes???
Mood:  happy
We just got word from our Colonel that he is letting everyone off today 59 minutes early. Whoo Hoo. This comes as a complete shock. He normally does this on xmas eve. To do it on the 8th has everyone baffled. Oh well don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Whatever will I do with my extra hour?

I think Hell finally froze over
Mood:  cool
OMG!!! It is cold outside. When I got up this morning weatherbug read 22 degrees. I am early ranger this morning so I had to be out here before the sun came up. I don't like this weather at all. Where are the warm days we had last week?

I am feeling a bit run down. Not sick...just tired. If it wasn't just Justin and I in the office today I would have stayed home. I was snuggled in the covers this morning with Fenwick curled up by my side. He must have been playing in the Christmas tree all night because he smelt like pine. LOL He was worn out and sleeping as close to me as he could. I could have laid there all morning.

Oh yeah by the way...I put up my tree last night. My friend Bryan called me at work yesterday and asked if we could go ahead and get my tree instead of waiting till Sunday. Hoping to spend most of the day on Sunday shopping, I agreed. Bless his heart he is so patient with me. Anyone who goes with me to pick out a tree has to have the patience of a Saint. I am very picky when it comes to my tree. I made him drive to LOWES (you can get an 8ft tree for $40) in Wake Forest which meant we had to sit in rush hour traffic on Capital Blvd. We then missed the turn into the shopping center and had to turn around and back track. LOL Sorry Bryan! We finally got there and headed to the trees. They didn't have much of a selection. We must have looked at 15 trees before I settled on one of the first ones we looked at. It isn't the "perfect" tree but it will do. We brought it home and Bryan carried it up 3 flights of stairs and put it in the stand for me. I wasn't expecting all that. I would have been just as happy if he have left it by the front door. I thought about waiting till Saturday morning to decorate it but who are we kidding...I can't have a naked tree just standing there in my living room mocking me. I was up till 11:30 decorated the tree and my apt. It is done now and I can focus on presents and writing my cards.

Well I better get some work done. All I really want to do is crawl under my desk and take a nap. Maybe I will run to Starbucks and get a peppermint mocha. YUMMM! I some how need to find the energy to work at the pub tonight. I just don't know where I can muster some up. Anybody have any they can spare?

What a week!
Mood:  caffeinated
I know I haven't updated in awhile but this has been a crazy week.

I found out Friday afternoon that I was going to be audited this week. You would think I would be used to this by now seeing as I seem to get audited twice a year. I know my files are in order and I follow the rules so I really shouldn't have anything to worry about. But I still get panicked. So all weekend I worried. I kept running things through my head. Did I attach a justification to that file? Are my ledgers all intact and readable? Did I explain that weird purchase and credit? Do the receiving report dates match the ones on the invoice?

Well the credit card Nazi (as I like to call her) showed up Tuesday morning. I gave her all my files and she went into out conference room and stayed until mid afternoon. She came out and said, "I would like to speak to you and Tom about a few things I found." Uh oh...prepare for ass whooping. We sat down and she smiled. "Is that a good sign?", I thought to myself. She immediately commended me for the condition of my files and that unlike the rest of the people she audited so far, I had all the documentation to support my purchases. There were a few things she found that concerned her but Tom and I were able to explain them to the point that she was satisfied and gave me a passing grade. She then said she would like me to get together with a few field people who haven't seem to do as well at record keeping as I have. One of which is the woman who trained me. This shocked me a little. So all in all it wasn't a bad experience.

Then yesterday was our Christmas Party. We had WAY too much food. I ate until I made myself sick. I took a spiral cut honey ham, Macaroni and cheese, watergate salad, and a chocolate peppermint pie which went over really well. I don't think it is as good as my red, white and blueberry pie but it is a close second. We had beans, rice, sweet potato casserole, salad, biscuits, fried apples, cookies, pies, cakes. I have never seen so much food. one of the rangers brought her 1 yr old daughter...such a cutie and our forester brought her dog Buster. He and I played Frisbee until his gums bleed. That dog is obsessed with Frisbees.

Last night was suppose to try this Italian place downtown. I had eaten so much at lunch that the whole idea of eating again made me nauseous. I was hoping I could rescheduled but no such luck. I sat there with a smile on my face but all I really wanted to do was eat a few rolaids and crash on the couch. It was fun though and the food was good. I just wish I had been hungrier so I could have enjoyed it more.

So now I am back to work today. I have a bunch of stuff to catch up on but don't feel like doing any of it. I took an hour off this morning and managed to get most of my Xmas shopping done. I can't believe I was able to buy 80% of my gifts online this year. Yeah Amazon and Overstock. I will have to venture out to the mall to get something for my great aunt. What on earth to you get a woman who has everything? *sigh*

Well I guess I should get some work done. Take care and if I don't update tomorrow...have a great weekend.

What's wrong with keeping things the way they are?
Mood:  irritated
I thought I would take a minute or two to write about something that happened over the Thanksgiving holiday that rather upset me.

Growing up in WV I used to feel such pride as we would cross back into the state from our visits to Delaware. The sign as you crossed the bridge over the Potomac read, "Welcome to Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia" It was such a great sign and describe the state perfectly.

One year we elected a man name Gaston Caperton as Governor. He thought the sign made us sound like a bunch of hicks so he changed it to say, "Welcome to West Virgina....Gaston Caperton, Governor." Everyone hated the signs but we dealt with it.

Advance to the present...

As I drove into WV for the Thanksgiving Holiday I looked up at the welcome sign as I crossed the border from VA. I was shocked by what I read

WELCOME TO WEST VIRGINIA
OPEN FOR BUSINESS!!!

WTF!!!!! Open for Business???? Admit it...when you read that you didn't think of commerce...you thought of strip clubs and cheap women. I know that is what came to MY mind when I read it. Open for Business? It sounds like we support prostitution. Come on in folks...our ladies legs are wide open 24/7!!! Open for business? I wish I could have been there to hear that sales pitch. This has to be the worst idea EVER in the entire history of West Virginia.

I immediately picked up my cell phone and called mom who sighed and said that most of the state is up in arms about the sign. They should be. It is awful. I know most of you are thinking I am making a big deal out of nothing. But West Virginians are a proud bunch of people. You can make up all the incest and uneducated jokes you want to but we are great people.

Christmas MEME
Mood:  lazy
Christmas Meme

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate!!!! Whoever thought that raw eggs would make a good drink should be shot. Yuk! It makes me gag just thinking about it.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? What nonsense is this? Of course he wraps the presents. It amazes me though how his wrapping paper is always the same as the stuff my mom uses. hmmmm...interesting.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White lights! They look classy. I think they show off your ornaments better.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? YEP!!! But it hasn't worked. :( But then again I have been using the fake plastic stuff. This year our Forester went and cut me a bunch of live mistletoe. Maybe I will have better luck.

5. When do you put your decorations up? They normally go up the 2nd weekend in December and come down New Year's Day. Speaking of which I have to locate someone with a truck because I doubt an 8ft tree will fit on top of my Scion. LOL

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? I love corn pudding. We only have it on special holidays. I don't know why...it isn't hard to make. I guess it just gives me something to look forward to.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: When my sister and I were little our parents took us to Montgomery Mall near DC. As with every year we stood in line to talk to Santa. But this year was different. The parents stood in on line and the kids stood in another. Finally it was mine and Anne's turn to see Santa. As we walked up the steps, Santa looked down at us and said, "Well if it isn't Anne and Becky. Our mouths dropped. Santa knew who we were!!! He knew where our rooms were and what we had written in our "Dear Santa" letters. I went back and told all my friends that I met the REAL Santa. It was years later that my mom told me the truth. There was an elf behind the scenes who asked my parents questions and she fed the information to Santa through an ear piece.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What? What truth about Santa? What are you all talking about?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? I sometimes open my Birthday Presents on Xmas Eve. IT drives my sister crazy. As for Xmas presents...they get open Christmas morning.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? First I put on the angel and then the lights. Next or the gold and burgundy balls. Then I put on my White House and my Island of Misfit Toys ornaments. Then I fill in with the rest

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I like snow if I don't have to drive in it.

12. Can you ice skate? LOL no. It God had meant for me to skate I would have been born with blades on my feet.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? It was a pink party dress that twirled up when I spun around.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Spending it with the ones I love and seeing the smiles on there faces when they open their presents.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Christmas Sugar Cookies and Birthday Cake ;)

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Well we don’t really do it anymore. When I was growing up my parents would take us to DC to see the National Christmas Tree.

17. What tops your tree? An Angel I bought at CVS the year I graduated from College.

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? Am I supposed to be honest? Oh okay....receiving. I know I am supposed to say giving but let’s be real here. Everyone knows I love to receive gifts. LOL

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? On Barbara Streisand's Christmas Album she sings a song called "The Best Gift" It is about receiving a child and how blessed she was. Since I was born on Christmas I feel like the song is written about me. Yeah I know...it is always about me. Deal with it!

20. Candy Canes? Yes I love candy canes as long as they are the regular peppermint ones. Don't like the fruity flavored ones.

US Army Corps of Engineer will be featured on Dirty Jobs
I just received and email from my friend Marci Montrose from NAE informing me that they are going to be on the show "Dirty Jobs" on the 12th of Dec. at 9pm (EST) on Discovery Channel. They came and filmed them during the dewatering of the hurricane barrier This isn't the project that I work at but just thought you might like to tune into something Corps related, but fun too!!!


Episode Guide:

Mike Rowe rolls up his sleeve and gets dirty making giant bells at the McShane Bell Foundry. Mike also gets down and dirty with the US Army Corps of Engineers as they conduct yearly maintenance on a hurricane barrier that was raised from the oceans floor.

Airs:

Dec 12 2006
@ 09:00 PM
Dec 13 2006
@01:00 AM
Dec 15 2006
@0700 PM
Dec 16 2006
@ 11:00 AM

I'm back...well sort of
Mood:  don't ask
Well I am back from my trip to WV. The holiday was great. Spent lots of time with friends and family. Mom and I even got a chance to see Crique du Soleil in DC. It was AWESOME!!!

The ride home yesterday was rough. Traffic wasn't bad until I got near Richmond. At that point I-95 turned into a parking lot. Not exactly sure why. There weren't any accidents or cars on the side of the road. I finally made it to I-85 then got stopped again. This time there was a major accident. I was lucky that I could get off and take a side road. I feel bad for the people that had to sit there. The trip normally takes me 5.5 hours...this trip took me closer to 7. I was so happy to finally see my apartment.

I unpacked, did laundry, then re-packed for my trip to Wilmington today. Not at all happy about having to travel again. I brought Merlin into the office today so that Dana can take him home with her tonight. It is actually nice having an office pet. Everyone has been spending lots of time up at my desk.

Of course my day back from vacation hasn't gone smoothly. In the morning I usually log onto the website of one of the local news channels and what do I see....Dead Body Discovered at Falls Lake...Fowl play suspected. (News Story - in case you want all the details)*sigh* Just what I needed first things Monday morning. Within seconds of reading the story I get a flurry of calls and emails from the District office wanting to know more information and wanting to know why we haven't filled out any reports. HELLOOOOOO!!! We JUST found out about it. Even though we own the lake, we lease it out to the the state to manage. More often than not when something happens...we are the last to know. Normally we have 24 hours to process all the forms. They want them ASAP and keep after us to get more information. We don't know any more than what was reported on the news. *sigh* So not how I wanted to start the week.

Well I better get back to filling out the forms. Take care and I probably wont be writing anything till I get back Thursday.