Not a normal Monday

It's been way too long. Sorry I haven't posted in a few days...I'm just twirling around in a state of bliss while I'm home in Kansas. :)

I'm happy to say that while most of America is headed back to work today, I'm still sitting in my p.j.'s at home. I don't go back to work until FRIDAY (yes, I know I'm crazy for taking two weeks off and then going back on a Friday). But I have loved every moment of being home. So much family time. Seeing good ol' friends I've known since kindy. Eating everything in sight. Relaxing. Going out to the old school hot spots. I'm not ready to leave.

However, all this excitement at home has COMPLETELY removed me from my routine. My healthy eating routine is completely shot. Working out? What a joke. Even my sleep patterns are so different. There is so much excitement all around us, Mr. Ruby and I have really only gotten a few hours of sleep every night since we've been here.

Well, I'm off to my next visit with family. And then more family friends after that. Pictures will be posted soon!

Everyone have a fabulous Monday!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all have a fabulous day spending time with family and friends!

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Literally. 

I travel a lot. I've experienced many traveling nightmares. But yesterday was by far one of the worst! (What intensified the pain was the fact that I just wanted to get HOME for Christmas!!!)

I'll spare you all the painful details, but we really did take every form of transportation you can possibly imagine to get home yesterday. And it was a NIGHTMARE! I had a feeling when I saw that our layover was in Chicago at O'Hare...this alone is a nightmare when it's snowing and it's Christmas Eve Eve. 

I will say that after a stressful flight from Boston we almost missed our connecting flight in Chicago. We were "those people" running through the airport - bags swinging everywhere and sweat dripping from our faces. Haha. We were a sight. Well, then we had to take a shuttle (in the blizzard) to our next terminal. We made our flight just in time...and then sat on the runway for 3 hours...on a tiny plane. I thought I was going to have a panic attack. 

However, we finally made it to Wichita by 2:00 a.m. We were greeted by our exhausted family...and no luggage. 

Oh well, at least we made it HOME SWEET HOME!

P.S. My mother in law is amazing and left us little gifts on our pillows. Mr. Ruby got cigars and I got a cute little ornament of Ruby Red Slippers!

We had ourselves a merry little Christmas

Last night Mr. Ruby and I celebrated our little Christmas together. We figured it would be best to give each other gifts here rather than trying to fit them in our luggage on the flight home to Kansas...TOMORROW!!!  Besides, my suitcase is DEFINITELY already going to be over the 50 lb. limit. oopsie.

We gave ourselves a $200 limit this year. However, I went a little over. About $1,100 over. Mr. Ruby has been wanting the new Macbook forever now because his hard drive fried on his old one. Needless to say...it was PRICELESS to see the look on his face. It went from shock, to guilt, to pure glee.

Making him that happy was by far one of the best Christmas gifts I've ever been given.

When I said let it snow, I didn't mean for 3 days straight

Well, the weather outside is STILL frightful. We have about 2 feet of snow, and there are no signs of any relief.

However, the weather hasn't stopped us yet!  We threw our tacky Christmas sweater party last night...because let's face it, it wouldn't be Christmas without a tacky sweater party.  And since we'll be home in Kansas for the holidays, Mr. Ruby and I are going to celebrate our Christmas together this evening. (I can't WAIT to give him his gift)! We're going to have a nice relaxing evening listening to Trans Siberian Orchestra, sipping on some wine and opening gifts next to the tree.

The countdown until Home Sweet Home is TWO DAYS!!! I can't WAIT!

Thanks Mom!

I'm always telling my mom to check out my blog. I tell her how therapeutic it is and how much I LOVE my new hobby. (This little tidbit is important to fully grasp the end of this story).

All week I've been looking forward to our Tacky Christmas Sweater/ Ornament Exchange party Mr. Ruby and I were going to throw tonight.

However, due to this blizzardy mess...we had to cancel because there is nowhere for our guests to park (thanks to the foot and a half of snow).

One of our friends graciously decided to let us throw the party at his house. Thank goodness! I've been dying to show off my tacky Christmas outfit.

So, I asked my mom about 2 weeks ago to send me this specific Christmas sweatshirt that she always used to wear. It has a picture of 3 cows making Christmas cookies and it says "Santa's Milk and Cookie Club". Tacky-Mc-Tackerson and a perfect GEM for the party.

I received a package in the mail yesterday and ripped it open. There it was. The tacky Christmas sweater ready to be displayed. However, I noticed a shiny sticker taped to the sweater. It read:

 

I guess Mom was paying me back for making fun of her taste in  a Christmas ensemble. :)

Winter Wonderland

The snow saga continues.

Samson and Sienna do NOT know what do to with all this snow. Actually, Samson loves it! He runs around, buries his face in it and wags his tail so fast I think it's going to fall off. Sienna however, is miserable in the snow. She whines and yelps like she's being tortured. Then, she stands at the top of the stairs shivering uncontrollably looking at us like we need to be turned over to child protective services. Oh, and anytime there is bad weather outside, Sienna (somehow) decides that she is not going to use the bathroom for days. Literally.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it SNOW

We ACTUALLY got a snow day today! (Well, we were allowed to leave at 2:00). I couldn't believe it.

We NEVER have snow days in New England. But apparently last year, there was a snow storm so bad that people were stranded on the roads for hours at a time. Children were stuck in school buses for over 8 hours without being able to use the restroom or without food, people were running out of gas on the highway, and cars were being abandoned because no one could move. The reason for the chaos was caused by an oopsie from the RI government and late dismissal of the snow plows AND the fact that everyone left work/school/wherever at the exact same time. So many cars were on the road, that it took a few hours to go a few miles.

Now, everyone is overly cautious...thus everything shuts down when we hear it's going to snow. So my boss let us leave early today. I came home, watched a couple episodes of the Hills and took a 2 hour nap. It was so wonderful.

We're expecting to have around 9-12 inches. How in the world are Samson and Sienna going to go to the bathroom? They'll be buried! Pictures soon to be posted...

The Christmas-itis Continues...

I.am.so.antsy.

I can hardly STAND it!!! I can't WAIT to fly home next Tuesday. After all, there really is NO PLACE LIKE HOME! I'm so excited to hang out in my p.j.'s for days at a time, hang out with my friends I've had since kindergarten and of course eat LOTS OF DELICIOUS FOOD!

Needless to say, this Christmas-itis really is putting a wrench in my concentration at work. All I want to do is sing Christmas carols, eat Christmas cookies and swap Christmas tradition stories with my co-workers. (Rather than work on the HUGE project I'm to present in front of our top executives when I return from my trip...YIKES).

I am excited however because tomorrow we're having a Yankee Swap and Christmas luncheon at work. Although, they put a FIVE DOLLAR limit on the Yankee Swap gift...I mean really, five dollars? I couldn't even buy lunch for $5.00. I knew this was going to take some creativity. And I REFUSE to bring in something un-original like a) a coffee mug b)candy or c)a cheap-o candle.

So, I headed to Crate and Barrell...and they had TONS of stuff. I really think this may be my new favorite shopping stop! Check out these adorable gift ideas.

   

Cheeseballs

Oh, I forgot to share about our weekend.

We seriously had the cheesiest weekend ever...and I loved EVERY MOMENT!!!

Friday night, we went to dinner, rented a movie and set up the air mattress in our living room. We slept with the Christmas tree on. So cute. (Or nauseating...however you want to look at it.)

Saturday, we stayed at a friends until 3 am playing Scene It and Trivial Pursuit-Pop Culture. Wow. Are we 25 or 45?

And then last night, we went out and grabbed a bite to eat in  downtown Providence. Then, we went to go see a Christmas Carol. It was so amazing. It totally put me even MORE in the Christmas spirit. I really can't wait to go home.

Accomplishments

When I read other blogs and talk to my friends - I realize that I am one of the few people who doesn't check my gmail, facebook OR read blogs at work. First off, all of that stuff is blocked at work (yes I know, it's like Fort Knox) but two, I actually have so much to do...I can never imagine having TIME to check all of those things. Don't get me wrong, I love being busy. In fact, I usually work so hard that I look up at the clock and it's time for lunch, and then I look up again and it's time to go home! BUT, it would be nice to be able to have some web-surfing time. I would really like  to shop, blog and just SURF at work. However, that will never happen with my current responsibilities.

However, today was different. Today was just one of those days where I really just didn't feel like working. (I think I'm getting Christmas-itis). I did everything I possibly could to procrastinate and accomplished the following today:

1). Took the stairs to the basement (so that it would take longer) to get myself and co-workers coffee and hot chocolate. Although, I don't drink either one. I did this at least 3 times.

2). Went around the office and chit-chatted with everyone about their weekends,Christmas plans...and their life stories. (Anything to keep me from my desk). 

3). E-mailed my husband to remind him to print our Christmas cards after work.

4). Checked my bank account. (This caused me to feel quite nauseous due to the dwindling amount).

5). Checked my text message from one of my best friends - it's snowing in Vegas!

6). Walked around the office to tell everyone it is snowing in Vegas.

7). Conducted a couple phone interviews.

8). Went to McDonald's for my afternoon D-Coke.

9). Spent two hours trying to figure out how to create a graph/chart in excel.

10). Went out to the middle of the office and sang the 50 States - in alphabetical order (this is not a joke...I really did this).

11). Received a couple of giggles after #10 above.

12). Received a couple of glares/ jaw drops from #10 above.

In all honesty, I really am procrastinating because I really, REALLY do not want to work on this super important project. When I get back from a wonderful Christmas with family and friends...I have to give this huge presentation to our Vice Presidents. I am dreading every moment. I keep thinking if I put it off, my boss will forget he assigned this to me.

All for a great smile

So, I really REALLY don't like going to the dentist.

Let me give you some background. I never used to mind going to the dentist. (Although I did HATE fluoride treatments as a kid. But I must say, the fun end-of-the-visit-treasure-chest always made up for those disgusting fluoride trays.)

Anyway, I never had a problem going to the dentist...until last year. That is when my phobia began. I went to my dentist for my routine 6 month cleaning when...gasp...I had two cavities! I was devastated. I had my first cavity the year before, but this time was completely different.

The hygienist came in and asked if I needed laughing gas and I replied "Nah, I'm a pro at this...I have no problems" (as I've had procedures done in the past). Boy was I wrong.

The dentist came in and gave me a couple shots of Novocain. Something didn't feel right. My mouth wasn't numb. So, the dentist gave me 2 more shots. He poked my mouth few minutes later and I shrieked "OW, I felt that!". Well, about 7 shots in, he realized that I was completely immune to the Novocain. He gave me another shot (of something I don't remember the name of) and said, "Well, this oughta work." So, he began drilling. After about 4 seconds of that horrid sound...I literally jumped out of my chair 3 feet into the air. I felt EVERY BIT of the drilling. They had to put me on Vicodin from all the pain.

That is when I began hating the dentist.

However, today I had a dentist appointment and it went great. No cavities and they said I have some great pearly whites. However, I must say how awkward it is when they're cleaning your teeth and start asking you questions. I feel rude not answering so I start talking and then spit, plaque and toothpaste start spraying everywhere. Awkward.

Oh well. At least I don't have to go back for another 6 months.

Thankfulness

I thank God every day for all that I am blessed with. Believe me, I have more than I could ever ask for, and I am truly so thankful for everything from my amazing job to my even more amazing hubby-pants. :)

But there are some moments in life when I am completely overwhelmed with thankfulness and feel so grateful for things that I don't normally think of. Today, I realized how thankful I am for my health and a for-the-most-part-very-easy-life. I NEED moments like today where I am humbled and realize how very lucky I am to be able to walk, see, hear, speak and learn with a full-functioning brain.

My company is sponsoring a telethon for Meeting Street, an organization that assists children with special needs. I was asked by our marketing department to participate with several others in making a commercial for the event. (To be aired in January on CBS...in Rhode Island only I believe). Well, I was given the wonderful opportunity to meet many of the children at Meeting Street some with minor disabilities and some with major life-altering disabilities. These children were so special and so sweet and truly touched my heart. It was all I could do to hold back tears (go figure). This experience also helped me to realize how easy I have it. I don't have to be fed from a feeding tube, I don't have to stay limited to a wheelchair for the rest of my life, and I am able to take care of myself without assistance from others.

It definitely makes me think twice about the next time I complain about the minor things...which really is everything compared to what these children have to deal with for their entire lives.

Meet Nelson.

This little cutie pie attends Meeting Street due to his developmental delays

Worst.Drivers.Ever

Ok, so I thought when we lived in Dallas that I would never live to see worse drivers. Nope. Couldn't be any further from the truth. I officially live in a place ranked and known to have the worst drivers in all of the U.S.

Rhode Island drivers are so AWFUL!

Today, I was entering the on-ramp to the highway when the car in front of me kept coming to a complete stop. Yes, on the on-ramp. She would go for a few feet, and then swerve a little and come to a  stop. I got nervous. So, I pulled up next to her to see if she needed help. She immediately did a U-Turn on the median just before entering the highway and went down the exit ramp. Wow.

Not to mention the infamous "Rhode Island Pull Out". This is where drivers who are trying to turn left just decide not to wait their turn but simply put their vehicles in the middle of the street so that the other cars are forced to stop.

Oh, and then of course there's the "Come to a stop for no reason". This is where drivers come to a complete stop (while going anywhere from 30 - 50 mph) for absolutely no reason.

And of course there's no such thing as a stop sign or a red light. AND they cannot grasp the concept that driving in the left lane is for PASSING and going FAST...not 45 mph!!!

Geez.

So Touching

 

So, call me a sap.

I hate to admit it, but yes, I'm emotional. I mean, just today, Mr. Ruby looked over at me because I was tearing up during a tribute to Britney Spears (the girl's had a tough year). I can't help it. I just get so overwhelmed and so touched by certain things i.e. babies, puppies, weddings...just about anything cute/happy/sad.

So last night, I returned home from a business trip in Chicago (I was so bummed I didn't even get to see my best friend while I was there!) Well, I had a looong day of recruiting and all I could think about was my bed. As I was walking down the stairs to the baggage claim, I saw a sea of people holding signs saying things like "Welcome Home Uncle Bobby" or "We Love Our Soldier"...

That right there is enough to make me well up. So, I kind of grin and think "how sweet" and "I'm so happy I don't have to go through that anymore". I head over to get my luggage.

Before you know it, I hear lots of happy screaming and clapping. I glance over and there are several soldiers walking down the stairs while their moms/sisters/girlfriends are running towards them and tackling them with hugs and kisses. So, then it starts. My entire body becomes engulfed with goosebumps, my eyes start tearing up, and then I lose it. There I am, in the middle of the Providence Airport bawling. I just can't help it. I can relate to that overwhelming feeling that completely takes control and you no longer have any sort of sanity.

I'm so happy Mr. Ruby and I no longer have to say goodbye to one another.

I leave you with my very favorite commercial. It's brilliant. (And you better believed I sobbed my way through this one a few superbowls ago.)

 

Get Me a D-Coke...Stat!

So tired. I mean really really tired.

Ever since, oh I started the real world, I find myself getting tired at about 8:00. Ok, fine, call me Grandma Ruby. But seriously, I really love to sleep, and nothing excites me more than getting into my amazing, memory foamed bed.

I can't help it. I go to work and have to be turned "on" all.day.long. I'm always traveling, recruiting, interviewing , training, giving presentations, or shmoozing with V.P.'s of the company. It's quite exhausting really. However, I can't complain. I love my job!

Sometimes, I feel like the only thing I can count on is my Diet Coke to keep me going...as long as it's from a fountain of course.

Can't you see I'm BUSY?

Every office has one.

You know that annoying,obnoxious, talks-so-much-you don't-know-how-she-isn't-turning-purple employee who has worked for your company for so long that no one questions why she spends all her time wandering around the office rather than getting any work done?

Well, I've definitely got one of those. In fact, no one even really knows what she does all day or even what role she plays in our department. All I know is I can hear her coming from about 200 feet away, and when I do, I DIVE for my phone. No joke. If I am not already on a phone call...I make sure to start dialing the moment I hear her coming.

She comes into my office and begins talking to me about anything she can possibly think of: plants, how she likes her green beans, how her son isn't making good grades his first semester of college, how she hates change and "things aren't the way they used to be", and of course how she only likes purses with little pockets on the side so that it's easier to retrieve her glasses. Yes she proceeds to talk and TALK even after I told her how swamped I was and have been staying until 7:30 every night. (Oh, and she is one of those that literally is out the door the second the clock strikes 4:15...not a minute later).

I mean seriously Ms. Obnoxious - can't you see I'm busy? Oh, probably not because you have no idea what the word even means.

I Love the 80's

I've been so excited for the past couple of weeks because one of our friends was throwing an 80's party. Yes, the 80's was by far the most hideous decade...thus why it is so appropriate to throw an 80's party. I mean really - Shoulder Pads? Geometric Shapes? Banana Clips? Thank goodness the 80's have passed us by. 

Mr. Ruby and I had a really good time. I found the ugliest 80's prom dress possible while Mr. Ruby sported the ever-so-popular  "Zubbaz" pants and slicked his hair to the side. I told him that this look should definitely not become a habit.

See below for some of my favorites from the 80's!

 

 

Gotta love cassette tapes

Rainbow Brite was one of my faves

Slap Bracelets were super rad

 

Who didn't have a Trapper Keeper?

Does anyone else remember Popples?

Punky was my idol

I wore a banana clip at least 3 times a week

Which would you choose?

I've always had a fascination super heroes.

Mr. Ruby and I just got done watching Pixar's The Incredibles. Such a cute movie about a family with superpowers. And, one of our favorite shows we religiously TiVo is Heroes.

In light of all this superhero business...I pondered if I could have any power, which would I choose? 

I decided on teleporting. I would love to be able to teleport through time.

Newlywed Traditions

I LOVE the holidays. Everything about them: the chilly weather, jam-packed malls, Christmas music, the Salvation Army bell ringers, Yankee Swap parties, egg nog, and of course family traditions.

Although this may be Mr. Ruby and my's third Christmas together, this is the first year we have actually started a new tradition. Our first year, we were in the process of moving to Dallas, and last year we were driving across the country to move to Little Rhody. As this is the first year we actually feel settled, we decided to start a new tradition the day after Thanksgiving. (Note: this may be one of the most simple, boring traditions ever...but we were really excited). We popped open a bottle of wine, turned on some Christmas music and decorated our house. (There may have even been a little bit of dancing thrown in there somewhere). Again, I LOVE the holidays. It is the only time of year where I have an excuse and it becomes socially acceptable for me to decorate my house with lights and all things sparkly!

Although Mr. Ruby and I may have enjoyed this new tradition, our dogs hated it. They were terrified of the Christmas tree. I mean terrified.

Happy TURKEY Day!

Well folks, the tryptofhan has kicked in.

I have officially managed to stuff myself SILLY this Thanksgiving. I think after six months of trying to stick with Weight Watchers, I just went nuts. And let me tell you, it was so worth it.

We were pretty sad we weren't able to spend Thanksgiving with our fams - but we have the most amazing neighbors and they invited us over for a FEAST! No joke - we had 3 courses. I'm so fully, I don't even have the energy to type. So stay tuned...

The Joys of Working Out

Top 5 reasons why I really REALLY find no joy in going to the gym:

5). I have to wait about 3 and a half hours after eating (even if it is only 2 crackers) before I workout. Otherwise, I have a side ache that feels like someone is twisting a knife inside my abdomen.

4). I do not look like the other girls who wear their cute little skimpy gym outfits. Since when did going to the gym turn into New York Fashion Week?!?!

3). I turn hideously beet red. No really, I look like a beet.

2). I get so excited when I start to "feel it" and begin to sweat because then it means I've burned like 200 calories, right? Oh wait, nope. I really only burned 46. 

1). The absolute #1 reason why I do not like going to the gym: awkward naked moments. 

You know those women who have absolutely NO modesty? Yeah, the ones who walk around with EVERYTHING exposed but feel no shame sparking up a conversation about today's board meeting and how we can really bring change to the department. Seriously, enough to make me never want to step foot in the gym again.

Too short!

I live for the weekends.

Ever since high school, the only way for me to get through the week is to think about the upcoming weekend. Just as soon as the weekend arrives, it quickly evaporates...almost into thin air. And then, I begin my whole cycle all over again.

This weekend was pretty low key, however, we did head up to Boston for the afternoon to meet up with some old friends. One of our pals works at the top of the John Hancock and took us up there for a fabulous view of the city. See below for pics of one of my favorite cities!

Finally

Well, I finally decided to join my fellow generation Y'ers.

Yes, that's right, I have officially started blogging. Ok, so maybe I DID grow up in the early 90's during the technology boom. However, in no way did that prepare me to keep up with my technologically savvy cohorts. Believe it or not, it only took me 6 hours to figure out how to set up my layout. And it doesn't even look half as fancy as most of the other blogs out there. Discouraging? Yes. However, with plenty of practice and patience, I’m sure I will get this whole blogging thing down.

Why did I decide to blog? Well, it’s simple really. I have so many thoughts haphazardly racing throughout my mind, and I need a place to just let it all out. I’m one of those people who realizes about mid way through a sentence that I touched on 14 different topics within the span of 2 minutes all while using the same breath. I only become aware when the person whom I am speaking with looks at me as if I am speaking in a foreign language that only I am able to translate.

Hopefully you can keep up with my thoughts…because I sure haven’t figured out yet how to!