Tuesday, December 30, 2008

We Welcome 2009 with Open ARMS!

Well, at least we can say 2008 wasn't boring. As we kick this year out the door, I'd like to do a Lynn time warp (cue wavy blurry eyesight) recapping the year that was.....

5 different jobs (We will have a total of 6 W2 forms... yikes!)
1 trip to Pine Apple, Alabama
20 lbs gained
1 new blog
2 friends who lost a parent
233 worried sighs
1 recession
2 different addresses
422 laughs
1 resting grandparent
13 rats, at least those are the dead ones.
116 bottles of wine
1 first anniversary
1 call to 911 (backyard fire)
1,000,000 neatos

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

What an Inspiration!

Although I am far from living a totally "Green" lifestyle, I do try to take responsibility for my foot print here on Earth. Mainly because over the past few years I've come to really appreciate nature as my place of peace and relaxation and realized that one person can truly make a difference. I've sworn off aerosol hairspray, use non-toxic cleaning tools, and done away with the plastic grocery bags. I've even managed to get James to recycle his beer cans and my mom to ditch her plastic water bottles.
But I am NOTHING compared to this guy. The article follows one family on their quest to eliminate garbage in their household for an entire year! Wow.
It's very interesting, please take the time to read it, and you will be blown away with his dedication to our great Mother Earth.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Send me an Angel

Today, along with all other Remington Hospitality employees, I went to work at the Salvation Army toy warehouse. My task was to pass the bag of goodies to the rightful parent or guardian. I wish I could say it was moving and heartfelt, a time that made me feel like a better person, but it wasn't. I wish I could say that I can't wait to go back and help next year, but I'd rather not. I was incredibly conflicted with what I experienced today. There were a handful of very appreciative families, who's tearful eyes and humble clothing made me thankful that I could help in such a small way. But then there were others, (a large majority of the group) who's clothing were nicer than mine and attitudes were far from grateful.

There were a few ladies that especially caught my attention. They were dressed to the 9's and their nails were out of this world. I came back to the office and did a little research. A set of psychedelic nails cost around $75. Huh, I wonder how many baby toys you could buy with $75? Due to my recent situation, I've come to CLEARLY realize the buying power of a dollar, and I definitely know that $75 would make an amazing Christmas for a child.

I know, I know, I'm jaded and it's Christmas and it's suppose to be all about the children, bla bla bla. It's not their fault their parents can't prioritize. BUT, what would happen if those parents were denied gifts to give their children at Christmas? Do you think they would maybe try to do something, maybe give up their fabulous nails for a month? And those children that are old enough to know better, what type of message are we sending them?

I know this isn't the message the Salvation Army is trying to send, but it was loud and clear today. I guess with the headlines constantly reading, "Bail-outs!", everyone's trying to get a piece of the pie.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Mental math is finally making some sense.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Here Comes Santa Claus!




I read about this book on CNN, it's hilarious! Scared of Santa by Denise Joyce and Nancy Watkins. Makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one who finds it a little suspicious to have a creepy old man, who knows everything I've done, break into my house. These kids aren't stupid.




Monday, December 8, 2008

A New Way to Hitchhike


I love carpooling, you can ask Sarah.

I ran across this website today and I thought it was genius.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Tina Tina


I totally want to be her when I grow-up.

I Got a Mattress!


I got a mattress, I got a mattress, I got a mattress, hey, hey, hey, hey!

For Christmas I asked for a mattress and today I finally ordered it! (I'm certain that excitement over a new mattress definitely means you're old) After inflating our old Sleep Number mattress over, and over, and over again; I finally broke down and ask for a new one. Thanks to my job and connection with so many hotels, I was able to get a fabulous one at a third of the cost! Yahoo!! Thanks for the Christmas present Kathy & Clark!
It's the little things that really make you happy these days!

Monday, December 1, 2008

It's Official

After sitting in a meeting this afternoon during which half of my department was laid-off, all I could think was, ''please don't faint, please don't faint.'' This 'official' recession has officially hit Remington Hotels. Those of us who are incredibly lucky to stay here are on a salary freeze, won't be having a Christmas party, will be learning new positions and most likely will have to turn in all blackberries and cell phones.
Although today was not a happy one in my office, I must give kudos to my employers who handled such a sticky situation so well. The decisions made were not personal, were not based on performance and the package given in severance is pretty amazing. I've witnessed the same situation handled completely opposite and it wasn't pretty. Even though moral is lower than normal, no one feels their incompetence or personality got them in this situation.

I'm lucky right now.