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.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Although it's a little earlier than usual, James and I went and bought our Christmas tree!  It's just a little tree, but it's a perfect fit here in the apartment.  Look at all those presents already!! Ho, Ho, Ho!!!

26 YEARS OLD, damn.

Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes!  It was a wonderful day and a good way to start off a new year!

Hooray for James!

As many of you know for the past two months James has been included in the fast growing number of unemployed. But as of last night, he is back in the working world! He accepted an offer from Todd Events and starts work on Monday. He will be working as a production manager for events around the metroplex, as well as the possibility of travel.

I have to admit, living as a single income family is not easy, even without kiddos. I now understand how money becomes the root of many relationship problems and takes a strong hold on how you view your self value. I hate it, but I am human and also American, so it's incredibly hard to ignore. It has definitely opened my eyes to the small luxuries I have taken for granted and the ridiculous materialistic items that waste my time and money. Our families and friends have been a major source of support during these hectic times and we are so thankful. Whether it was 48 rolls of toilet paper, 50 lbs of ground beef, a bottle of wine or gift cards for cleaning supplies; we never even asked and you were there.

Although I am relieved that this uncomfortable period for James and I is coming to end, especially in time for the holidays, I pray that I don't forget all I've learned. Hopefully life's lessons stick with me a little bit better than college accounting. And if I do forget, you have full permission to give me a quick swift kick to the

The Parkers

How Much Do We Miss These People?  A Whole Hell of A Lot.

Please come back to Dallas, please?

Borador

I think we've finally figured out "what" Gussy is... a border collie/black labrador mix.  They call them a hybrid breed, but I think the more appropriate term for Gus is mutt.  I still stand beside the fact that he is 50% dog, 50% dinosaur and 50% pony; making the most perfect house pet ever.  Can you tell which photos are Gussy and which are pure-breed Boradors?

1 year ago today.... I became a wife.

Today is James and I's one year wedding anniversary.  

Thinking back to that amazing day brings a smile to my face.  James sent me flowers and took me to lunch, then once I got home he had remade our wedding dinner with pumpkin soup, stuffed chicken and of course our own wedding cake.  Needless to say, the dinner was amazing, but the cake.... uh not so much.  

What a year though, I couldn't have asked for a better teammate for this roller coaster of life we've been on.  

I love you James.