Hello 2010!!

2010 started great for me. It wasn't the most exciting New Year's ever, but it was really, really nice. Bill and I decided to stay home with the puppies. We went to Whole Foods, and got two gorgeous steaks and two nice lobster tails. It was a delicious home cooked surf and turf dinner with asparagus. No crowds, no noise, but great food.

We slept in in the morning, and had a really nice breakfast together. I went to meet a dear friend for lunch, movie, and shopping. After a great afternoon, I headed home to my hubby. We went out to our favorite bar for a few beers and met up with another dear friend. What better way to spend New Year's Day than with good friends, doing the things you love. That's the way to start off the year.

Random Ramblings

1. Bill did reach 200 beers last Wednesday at The Flying Saucer. We are going to see what that means tonight. I am guessing he will get to fill out what he wants on his plate, then in a week or two we will get our $100.00 tab. I am very excited!! I still have about 42 more to go.

2. My office mate moved out today. A single office with a window became open. Since she has seniority, she had the option to take it. I guess it all works out, cause now I have a double office to myself. No window, but a lot of space. I have had my speakers on today. It doesn't make up for losing my friend, but it is nice to have music again.

3. I tried a modified Galloway run yesterday. I ran for 10 minutes and took a 1 minute walk. I think it worked pretty well, and I did feel good. A walker who I often pass even mentioned to me that I was really slimming down. I don't know if that is true, but it sure was nice to hear!

4. I am wearing my new shirt that I bought at the Nordstrom sale today. I have received several compliments on it. I hope I can wear my new shoes soon!

5. Guess experience trumps youth as the Red Wings are leading the series 2-0 (heck, Pittsburgh has not even scored a goal in the finals yet). I hope Pittsburgh can win one in the Igloo tonight. Go Pens!

Half Yearly Sale for Women & Kids

Guess where I will be tomorrow morning at 7:00am?

Yes, I will be at my favorite store, Nordstrom, for the famous half yearly sale. It is my favorite place to shop for shoes (among other things). I love getting there early and checking out all of the merchandise on sale. Maybe I will see you there!!

What a Weekend!!

We had a packed two days this past weekend.

Bill and I went to the APS of Durham's annual gala event on Saturday night. The event was held at The Washington Duke Inn in one of their lovely ballrooms. There were tons of silent auction items (Bill bid on a pack of gift certificates for a local go kart racing place and won! I will have to practice my driving) and even a few live auction items. We saw a friend there and I ran into one of my old neighbors from the townhouse. It was so good to see her and to catch up on neighborhood events. We drank, ate a nice dinner, and did good for the animals. Who could ask for more?

On Sunday,we went to visit Bill's dad who is in rehab (he is recovering from a bout of pneumonia and fluids on his lungs - he is not a drug or alcohol addict). We visited with him for about two hours, then saw Bill's mom as well when she came to visit. We had to head home pretty quickly because we had tickets too see Spamalot.

Spamalot is a musical loosely based on the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It had all the best parts of the movie (the Black Knight, the migrating coconuts, the Knights who say "Ni", the killer rabbit, "fetche la vache") mixed with great songs and new characters. I really enjoyed myself and laughed quite a bit. I would highly recommend it.

We also managed to watch a movie (The Wedding Singer which I had not seen), drink a few beers at The Sauce before the show, and go to the grocery store. Bill rode 41 miles on his bike (yes, 41 MILES!) while I went shopping (got 2 great skirts, new jammies, earrings, and a top) and had my haircut. I also managed to work on the newsletter a little bit, and catch up with my dad and dear friends Devi.

WOW - I can't believe we got all that done in TWO DAYS!!

Yet Another Boy

My sister-in-law is pregnant with her second child, and we found out yesterday that it is a boy. For you folks keeping count, that's my fourth nephew. Yep, we are 4 for 4 on the bot count in this family. I am pretty disappointed. I really thought the odds were with us this time. Oh well.

It is a lovely Good Friday here, and I am getting ready to enjoy my day off by heading to the mall. Hope everyone else is having a lovely day!

Things in my Life

It has been a busy week. I feel like I don't have much to say, but there are a few things that have happened.

1. I got a beautiful new purse for the spring. It is a gorgeous pale blush color, and the leather is soooooo soft.

2. The Canes have been playing really, really well lately. They spanked the Thrashers Wednesday night in Atlanta, and looked really strong and tough (in the multiple fights) last night at home against the Minnesota Wild. I am really, really looking forward to seeing them play Buffalo on Saturday.

3. I think I may quit the Junior League. I know I keep going back and forth on this point. We had a meeting this week, and I really do not feel connected to anyone or anything there. I have a few more days before I need to make the decision.

4. I went to dinner with my office mate, Rebecca, and her girl's night out group last night. It was fun to meet new people and get to know the folks that Rebecca talks about all the time.

5. I am still running - did 7 miles so far this week. I would like to run Sunday, but there may not be enough time. Bill's sisters and their kids are coming up for a visit, so we will be heading to the in-laws house for the day.

6. I have something really special happening on Saturday, but I will blog about it later.

7. I can't believe Clinton pulled out the big wins this week. It seemed like she was all but done. Maybe my primary vote will count for something come May!

I think that's about all for now. Have a great Friday!

Ready for Spring

I think this past weekend made me very ready for the spring. One thing that always makes me think of the changing seasons is when the new merchandise hits the stores. When I saw these lovely shoes in the new Nordstrom catalog, I knew I had to go out and get them for my spring wardrobe. I am ready for all of the bright colors that will be the rage this spring - yellow, orange, fushia, and lime green. Bring it on!!

Of course, we might have to wait awhile to wear our new spring duds - we have a winter weather advisory scheduled for tonight!

My New Read

I have just started a new book called "Just Try It On! A Month by Month Guide to Shopping and Style" by Susan Redstone. So far, it has been pretty good. As you know, shopping is my favorite hobby, and I like to be good at what I do. So, I thought this book would give me some valuable information. It has.

I wish I could go shopping right now! I would like to try my hand at a few vintage/thrift shops. I just finished a chapter about them, and would like to go look for myself. In the past, I have not had much luck with them. I think it is because you need to slow down and really take the time to look. Just remember - try it on!! That is the key. And if you don't love it, put it back. So simple!!

Also, February is the month to buy undergarments. So, go forth and buy bras, panties, hosiery, and maybe a sexy piece of lingerie. The month of love and Valentines is the best time to do it.

I Love to be Pampered

Yesterday was a good day. I went to get my hair done in the morning, then met up with my good friend Lisa for lunch. We had a great time catching up and laughing. After lunch, we headed to a nearby nail salon for a mani/pedi. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy a good pedicure. It is the best!! I love to soak my tootsies in that hot water, then have someone scrub them clean. It feels so good when they rub your feet and legs, then paint your toenails a beautiful color. It is worth every penny. It was a great way for two busy ladies to slow down and enjoy a Saturday afternoon.

After we split up, I went to Macy's and bought myself a new dress and a new coat (on sale, of course!) I was polished and pretty for our dinner with friends last night. It is good to be able to pamper yourself once in a while.

Workin' is for Chumps!

5 1/2 days off and now I am back to work. Thanks goodness I only work today and a 1/2 day tomorrow. This working thing stinks!

Here is a brief recap of our holiday:

December 21 - I worked a 1/2 day, and Bill came to pick me up. He finally got to see our offices and meet a few colleagues he had not met prior to this visit. We ate lunch, went to the bike store to get his Christmas present (new pedals and shoes), then the museum. It was so wonderful to see a special exhibit when there was no crowd. There was no pushing, little noise, and we could really appreciate the landscapes at our own pace. We finished the day with a stop at Big Boss for a beer, dinner at Tyler's, and home for a DVD (The Simpsons Movie).

December 22 - We went down to Southern Pines to help Bill's parents. Bill cleaned their gutters while his mom and I supervised. I can't even remember what we did after coming home. I think we watched The Sting.

December 23 - We hung out at home, but did take our sweet puppy Christmas shopping at Pet Smart. She loves going there and picked out some treats for herself. We sent the evening at a Christmas party with friends. When we got home, we watched The Bourne Ultimatum.

December 24 - The entire Morrison clan was together for the first time in 2 years when the crew came up to our place. We met our new nephew, Ryan, and had lunch with the family. It was a nice day to play with the kids and socialize. That evening, we watched Christmas Vacation.

December 25 - We got up and followed the Krueger family tradition. We opened our stockings first, then ate breakfast before opening the remainder of our gifts. I think Bill really enjoyed the gifts I got him and I know I love the gifts I received. I got 2 new ornaments for the tree (a high heeled shoe and a handbag), a book, a robe, and 2 special surprises. Bill gave me a box filled with rocks. I thought it was part of another gift, but Bill said I should check the entire box. At the bottom, I found a gift card for a hot stone massage. I can't wait to get that - I have always wanted to try it. Bill also upgraded my diamond earrings. I have been wearing them every day since Christmas. I got running gear from Dad, Bunny, and Jamie, and chick lit books from my best pal in California. We quickly dressed after opening our gifts, and headed to So. Pines once again. The kids were already hyped up when we arrived, but seeing more gifts made them even crazier. They really liked the cars we got them, and played with them the rest of the day. We had traditional turkey dinner, and just enjoyed family for the rest of the day. When we got home, we watched the first half of The Holiday (which I received with Harry Potter 5 and a gift card from my favorite store, Nordstrom, from my sister-in-law) and will watch the rest tonight.

December 26 - I got up at 6:00 am to go shopping. Bill thought I was crazy to be wasting a vacation day. I got to the mall at about 7:20. It was not too crowded, except for the hundreds of people waiting outside of Crate and Barrel. I bought some holiday things at Pottery Barn, gift wrap and stickers at Hallmark, 2 shirts at Banana Republic, and a few other odds and ends. I was out of there by 10:00. I went to Barnes & Noble to exchange 2 books, then to Target and lunch. I got to the other mall, but did not stay long as I was very tired. The shopping this year was not as good as I expected. I think the fact that it was raining did not help either. I headed home at about 1:30 pm. Bill came home about 4:30 and we headed to a nice dinner before seeing the stage play White Christmas. It was a very nice way to end the holiday.

I wonder what we will do for New Year's?

Yes, I did it/Shopping News

I did go to running class last night and I did complete the 5 mile run. It was very cold and I was tired. There were times when I was alone, running in the dark, and kind of scared, but I did it. I am glad it did, even if I complained to myself the whole time I was running. I thought about dropping out of the 8K race on Thanksgiving, but I feel better in the new day. I think I will run it anyway.

In other news, the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale for Women and Children started Wednesday. I was disappointed with the selection (if was not nearly as good as Anniversary Sale), but I did manage to find a very cute pair of brown booties. I have been wearing my new boots all day. Thanks to my good buddy Melissa and my Nordstrom points certificate, I only paid $11.00 for them. It's Veteran's Day sales this weekend - hope I find more bargains!

Anniversary Sale

Today is one of the best days of the year - Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale!! You show not be surprised to know that I was in Nordstrom at 7:15 am this morning to enjoy the sale. I purchased 3 great pairs of shoes, a necklace, and some things for my dear husband. One of the sales people was telling me about another customer who said that her boss closes the office every year for the Friday of the Anniversary Sale. I asked which company it was - I would love to work for a boos who understands the importance of this event!!