MOOvers - 2011 Edition

[NAB]

Well I hope you get rain and not snow Pumba.

It is pretty mild here tonight too. We had a lot of rain last night.

Just got back from the crazy mall. Nicholas had to get his angel tree present done yet. Hannah did hers last week. They spend one weeks allowance more if they want or have it. Love doing this. Their class rooms at school also have a family assigned to them so we do that too.

Hannah helped me make my shaped sugar cookies this afternoon. She was a big help. Only ate a few, the other one stole some too.

I am done my shopping and on a good roll with my baking. Good thing because next week there is a Christmas party at the Church, the next day School Christmas mass , then next day a Christmas concert . Then before you know it will be Christmas.

 

[lalijack]

Heya Moovers. It's been an interesting week here. Shortly after I arrived at work on Tuesday, my boss came out of his office with a panicky look on his face and told my coworkers and me that he needed us to go home, and that he'd pay us for the day (VERY uncharacteristic!), and call us later on. He never called Tuesday, and Wednesday morning I couldn't reach him on his cell phone or at his house. I wasn't going to drive the 25ish miles to the office without talking to him first, so I hung around the house waiting for him. Then the UPS guy showed up with a box for me. Inside it was every one of my personal possessions from my office! Shortly thereafter, the mailman brought a certified letter with a check for me. It was handwritten by my boss, and he had noted "Final Paycheck" on the check's note line. The envelope also contained a piece of paper with instructions on how to file for unemployment benefits. My longtime coworker has still not heard from the boss, but has received no paperwork, check, or his personal belongings.

I worked there for just over SIX years, and things were very busy, so none of us are sure what's happened, except for the certainty that I no longer have a job. I'm still kind of in shock, but luckily my DH's job is secure, and he doesn't seem worried about things. He told me to go and file for unemployment and spend the winter looking for the right job. So I guess that's what I'll do.

Thankfully, I've set aside plenty of money for the holidays, and all the bills are paid, even the kids' activities are paid for a bit in advance. Just thought I'd poke my head in here and say hey. Looks like I may have more time to check in around here in the days ahead.

I read back, and was happy to see that NAB's kids did really well in school this semester, and that Marita enjoyed her cruise (except for the bad coffee!). Moo, is your computer treating you better now? And Pumba, I wish you luck with getting a good price on your new furnace....it sure WILL make your house a more attractive purchase in the spring. Oh, and Mony, good luck on your last 2 finals!

I'm off to FB to check my games.

TTYS!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

WOW, Lynette, what shocker! So sorry to hear that happened to you. Well, sh** happens, I can attest. Crappy it happened just before Christmas too. Hope you find a good job soon, but it's ugly out there
{{{HUG}}}

Pumba, yay for the new furnace. Sounds like you really got the house fixed up to sell, good luck!

Mony, getting hair did is always good I should have gotten my nails did today, but I hate it, so I procrastinated another week. Saves money, too

I successfully managed not to get any housework done yet again today. However, I did get stuff to make LeCellier mushroom risotto. EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!! 1 1/2 hours of cooing, mostly ladling and stirring. I thought it was very tasty, but DH said meh, so I dont think I will make it again. I have 4 containers of leftovers I doubt I will ever eat it all.

This weekend was very nice, 70's, but Monday and Tuesday going to be highs in the 50's and lows below freezing, BRRRRRRRRRR.
Lots of meetings and a couple of lunches this week, and then work 2 days next week. Vacation starting next Wednesday to get ready for the annual torture fest of Christmas Eve. Work 3 days the next week and take Thu-Fri off to use my last 2 days before I lose them. After that it will be a long stretch of work without a break, uggghhh. Thinking of going to visit DS in Montana late May or so and see his house, that;s about all I have to look forward to right now.

 

[Minnie_Moo]

Grrr! I just lost a long post. Hopefully, my posting problem is now fixed after clearing my cookies and logging out several times.

ETA: Yep, my Firefox issue seems to be fixed. I will just have to ditto Marita's post for now, except for the following.

Lynette - Hopefully your job situation is a blessing in disguise. Sounds like your boss must have done something sketchy - tax issues maybe? I'm sure your many talents will be much more appreciated elsewhere and will send up some prayers for a better job opportunity to come along soon

 

[monymony3471]

Lynt: Although the timing does stink, I always feel those things are blessings in disguise. The way he did it, sounds like a buy out to me. Another company perhaps bringing in all new people of their own. You get to spend some time with your children and be CBM free! I too will send out prayers for you to find your dream job. Until then, we can get some serious game playing in.

 

[NAB]

Wow Lynette hat is a shock for me and it isn't even me going though it. I too hope for you to get a dream job in the new year. For now enjoy Christmas with the family.

Marita-- I have never had risotto , but they always have it on Hell's Kitchen. That would be nice to go see your son's house in Montana , good choice in months too. Wouldn't want to get snowed in.

Christmas is coming fast but I still don't feel it this year. I am in a funk, worse then other years it seems. I think that funeral for my cousin's son did me in, Dec. was hard enough before. But I know Christmas has to come and the kids are excited and counting it down to the hour and second on the computer.

Off to church ....maybe they will sing Christmas carols, I do love to sing them.

 

[pumba]

nab, we are having the monsoons of all monsoons .......raining like there isnt going to be any left......
we went to Richettas for a pizza buffet.......I first got ceasar salad with anchovies........and then cheese on top of that......I love the FISH.
this place had ten or so different pizzas, then three types of salads, a few types of soups and hubbies favorite CHILI, rolls, and then canolli and cream horns and apple pizzas......the pizzas are cooked in a big brick oven with the wood burning in the back of it.....it is amazing....I love to watch the guy toss the dough in the air when he starts the pizzas......CAN YOU TELL ........rain doesnt bother my appetite.....

I guess I should do something constructive now.

We did send the cedar chest to my daughters.....it is a beaut.....and I think that she will enjoy it and then our granddaughter will enjoy it......it was my great grandmothers....always has been in this house too.....

 

[lalijack]

Thanks to everyone for the good thoughts and wishes. That's kinda how I'm trying to approach the whole thing: Everything happens for a reason. Sounds trite, but I have absolutely found it to be true in the past. So I'm trying to focus only on the positive aspects of having some extra time with the kids and DH.

Plus, it seems that so many people around me have unfortunate things happening to them -- much worse things than losing a job -- so I'm counting my blessings!



We spent the day at my BIL's house today (DH's younger brother). He turned 40 yesterday, so SIL had a small family get together for him. We decided to exchange Christmas gifts with them today as well, since they live far enough away that we won't be seeing them for the actual holiday. DH's 2 1/2 y.o. niece is a HANDFUL! By the time we left this evening, we were all exhausted from dealing with her. BIL and SIL don't discipline her at all, so she's pretty used to ruling the roost. A house run by a 2 y.o. is nowhere I want to be for any length of time, I tell you what!

 

[Minnie_Moo]

Lynette - It sure helps to have a great attitude! We'll keep sending up prayers for you

Nabbie - Sorry to hear you're in a funk. Some holiday seasons are definitely harder than others. I spent the afternoon crafting, eating, and drinking wine with some good girlfriends. It was nice to spend time that way because it is such a spirit lifter! The only downside was driving in the snow, but I just kept it slow and steady and didn't end up in the ditch!!! We made some really cute reindeer ornaments.

Pumba - We had a bunch of rain last night and then came the snow. We have a few inches on the ground. Heavy and wet to start with, but the temp dropped and the snow's pretty fine and blowing out there now. NOT looking forward to my drive into work tomorrow but we have a retirement party for my boss after work so I need to get in there.

Mony - Hope you get your snow day!!!!!

 

[Minnie_Moo]

Ack! I killed the thread again!

We managed to pull off the surprise retirement dinner for my boss tonight. Since it was his wife's birthday today we had the perfect set-up to get him to the restaurant without him having a clue! It was a very nice party

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Moo, stop killing the thread

Lynt, yay for attitude!

Freezing here tonight, low in the mid 20's and a mean wind, brrr!

I have a resort orientation at Port Orleans tomorrow, I sure hope they don't make us walk all over the place in this weather, BRRRR

Well, I'm up way late, 8;30 meeting tomorrow

 

[NAB]

It is cold Marita...we are really in a deep freeze up here as well. I am guessing it feels the same to you as us since you are not used to it. Why do you have to do an oreintation of Port Orleans? It is a big resort it you have to do the whole thing...

I told Hannah yesterday morning why do I have to walk to school in the cold ,cold weather I did my dues when I was a kid. She walked backwards the whole way while I got the the wind in the face making sure she didn't run into anyone or thing.

Finished my Christmas shopping. Now to wrap it all. I think that is what I will do today while the kids are at school. That is my plan anyway, hubby might have another one since he is home all week.

Off in to the cold windy weather. My windows are all frosted up inside, that is not a good sign.

 

[pumba]

we're having a heat wave....A tropical heat wave.....34 already......YIPPEE...yesterday I did take Ava for a quick walk in between monsoons..So no Ava today and I am sitting here in my housecoat......I had better take a shower and get dressed in case the furnace man calls......he was supposed to get the furnace today but dont know if he is putting the furnace in today or tomorrow.......oh well..at least it is warm enough in the house and outdoors .

HOpe you all have a great day and probably will see you all LATER...

 

[lalijack]

Hi y'all! Poppin in to say hi.

This jobless thing is pretty convenient, I gotta tell you! My house is sparkly clean AND I've got pretty much all my Christmas shopping done! I am hoping to start wrapping things and doing some baking tomorrow. I am also enjoying puttering around the house tweaking the Christmas decorations and enjoying my morning coffee at home instead of dashing out the door with it. I've also gotten to spend lots of time with my mom.

Not sure how long the bloom will stay on this rose, but I'm gonna soak it up while it lasts!


Marita, I feel for you about the weather! It's bad enough that we have this kind of hideous cold around here...I'd be pretty darn ticked off if I had to put up with it in Florida! Hope your resort orientation goes well (indoors!).


Moo, it's nice that you like your boss enough to attend a surprise party for him. Glad it worked out!


Pumba, if the furnace man is going to replace the furnace, does that mean you'll be without heat while the work is being done? Hope he can minimize the time it takes!


Oh, I also wanted to let Mony and Moo know that I can't get into any of my Lexulous games over yonder. I've been trying all day, with no success.

 

[Backstage_Gal]

nab, we didnt walk the whole resort, that would take days, lol. they drove us around to RS and FQ and pointed out the hightlights and took us to a room. the rest of the morning was spent in a meeting room. but that excursions still was COLD!

How come you had to go to the windy cold if you were going to do wrapping??

lynt, having those day off sounds great. My problem is that i have grnd plans for days off and end up spending the day sitting in front of the computer

pumba, good luck with the furnace, hope you stay warm1

Apparently my shift key to capitalize has to work only on occasion, so please excuse.

I finally found my deviled egg tray holder/carrier thingy in the garage today, whew, i thought it was lost forever after dd moved back home last january. i'm bringing some to the white elephant lunch and gift exchange on friday, so i need to get busy with that soonishly. im not bringing a gift this year though, just not feeling it.....

another COLD day tomorrow, then its supposed to slooooowly warm up again. 2 days of work next week, and then 3 days of WORK at home to get ready for the party. i guess we should call with invitations this weekend?????

Oh, big surprise today, my brother called tonight, he found an insurance policy for my mom for 3,500 euros (about $5k) and i think he said another 3 euros for bonus, not sure. he needs me to send in a permission to act on my behalf. i really think i should let him have all of the money though, he has been supporting mom all by himself all these years, especially the last year, that was 4,300 euro a MONTH alone for the home, so this wouldnt even put a dent into what he has paid, plus the funeral.

 

[NAB]

This cold wicked wind is not going away. This is pay back for last years mild winter.

I want to stay in but hubby says lets go and I go. I could say no but I get out of chores at home this way. He took me to the casino yesterday. I won $61. on top of what a spent and that was only $20. So that was ok. Usually I leave my $20 and go home.

My Christmas cookies were a hit at the party last night. I was the only one that brought anything, they had dinner catered in and some store bought sugar cookies for dessert. Wish I would have brought in more if I had known. I do have lots and a whole weekend ahead to bake more if need be.

Well today is the Christmas mass for the school so off to church I go this morning....back out into the cold.

 

[Backstage_Gal]

NAB, you're hubby sounds like he likes to go out and around a lot. sorry he's dragging you into the cold. things are finally supposed to warm back up here a little tomorrow and this weekend.

Pretty uneventful day for me today. i did all the dishes last night and came home to a kitchen full of pots and dishes, grrrrrrr. drives me nuts!

there's a thread 4 pages long about doing laundry at disney laundry rooms

 

[pumba]

Marita.......You are a good person.... I do understand the amount of care and cost for our elderly parents...If there is some monetary left over.......Ask for a specific amount and buy something for you or your house and that way you can always have your mama with you......then let him have the rest of the amounts........As I said you are a good daughter, a good sister and a good mama.......

The furnace is not here yet......makes me upset........

The night before last our neighbors called us at ten pm...someone had broken into their house while they were upstairs........Sonia was not quite asleep yet....she woke her husband and said someone is down there........He went and came face to face with the robber......they scuffled and Joe was thrown against the door and then Joe held onto him once more and told sonia to call 911....the guy must of been on drugs because he was able to pull the outside door off the frame and went thru the screen door....He stole their sons wii and about 15 or so games and also his ps2......they did find the guy yesterday and they were told the guy sold the stuff for 30 dollars worth of drugs.....sad world we live in...but main thing is no one was hurt ...let them take whatever they want.....being injured is not worth anything in my house..Besides Megara would tell them a thing or two....

Hope you have a good childrens mass Deb......

 

[NAB]

The mass was lovely, the kids sang there hearts out. They only get to go to the church a few times a year, most times it is in the school gym. The church just put up there too big Christmas trees and decorated the church for so the kids were pretty excited.

Tonight is the Christmas concert at the school. Must say I am glad I live close and can walk becasue parking is always crazy. Hannah is singing Jingle Bells with her class and singing Jingle bells with her French class. Nicholas is in band so not sure what they are playing.

We finally got snow. It is coming down in pretty big flakes right now. Well have to shovel after I take the kids to school.

Marita-- you are right when my husband is off work we are out. You think he would want to relax and do nothing but no, we go out. I think he is avoiding my to do list ...... He is happy just to wander around Costco or go to the casnio, got out to eat.....just out. Since all this is out of town for us it takes time to get to these places so he makes a day of it. I do love it too though.

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Pumba, scary about the break-in! One thing when you are out of the house, but when the owner is home, YIKES!

I spent hours today on deviled eggs. Mostly boiling them via "how to boil a perfect egg" recipe. Boil for 10 mins. let sit for 5. Cold water for 10 mins, then roll on surface, let sit 10 more mins, then peel and cool in fridge. I did that routine twice! Very anal, im sure. I mixed up the ingredients while the eggs were cooking, nd i think i put in too much mayo. Oh well, it seemed still ok. It's done, it is what it is, to quote my son.

YAY for Friday tomorrow!