Happy Thursday! Happy Christmas Eve Eve Eve!
Finally, a chance to post. The report I was rushing to finish and get approval for so that I could present it for the preliminary round of implementation review didn't get finished. The business users "clarified" (meaning, changed) the requirements at literally the last minute, which messed up the entire report. So it's being pushed out until the 3rd week in Jan. So first priority today, I have to finishing up all the documentation for another report that is being implemented the first week in January, and then try and fix what's broken in the report that changed yesterday.
No stress though...NONE AT ALL...it's my last work day before 11 glorious days off, and even though some of next week will be spent resting after my procedure at least I'll be forced to relax.
BTW, for weeks, I've been asking Mother Nature not to have any snow until the 22nd, so I wouldn't have to drive in it. Well, as if on cue, I woke up to it snowing this morning...big fluffy flakes. It's sticking on the ground (about 1-2" so far) and coating the trees beautifully. DMIL said it was snowing at our house yesterday while we were at work, but she was disappointed that it melted as soon as it hit the ground...so now she has her Christmas Winter Wonderland.
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Annie - I'm so sorry to hear about Sam and Chris' financial troubles. I think this year is a tough year for just about everyone...and it's gotta be even more difficult on only one income and having another mouth to feed (albeit an adorable one).
I hope her insurance covered all the hospital expenses, including the extended NICU stay. So sad that she's going to be losing her insurance soon. I don't understand how so many people are allowed to cheat and steal from the system, but the ones who really, really need the assistance can't get it.
Thank you SO much for the Humana Healthwise book! Lots of good info there.
So nice of your Secret Santa to get you a lovely table runner and kitchen linens!!
I'm so glad to hear that Curtis is not only helping you with everything, but also spoiling you (as in treating you as wonderfully as you deserve to be treated).
Glad you had a nice evening with your DD, Chris and Jake. So sweet that the lil guy fell asleep while you were holding him. Enjoy your lunch today from Maggianos and the happy hour at Champps!
Happy - I loved what you wrote the other day about the true meaning of Christmas and the gifts of ourselves. Time with those we love, making cherished memories, is the best gift we can give. We got about an inch of snow last night/this morning. I hope you have good traveling weather. I totally know what you mean about Pinterest...it's a fun way to pass the time. That's awful that you've been paying for high speed Internet and getting dial-up speed at best, and that your internet and TV service is so spotty up there. Does it have to do with being so far out in the country or the weather or is that just how it is for everyone all the time up there? I'd love it if you would share the recipes for amaretto brownies, Harvey Wallbanger cake, and your coffee cake. That sucks about your new freezer being dented. If it's not one thing, it's another.
Dang, I missed you before you left for the state to the south. I hope your travels are safe and the time with family and friends is wonderful! Love ya, sis!
Mel - Bummer about the budget woes...as I said to Annie, I think $$ is scarce all over, well almost all over. Wow, you really had your hands full trying to help over 250 seniors get to their busses for their party! I can understand Jen wanting to reminisce about her dad and his mother...and I can totally understand about your not wanting to. I hope you, Jen and Richie are able to have a nice Christmas...and that the kids are too difficult to deal with. Bummer that you weren't able to go to the office party, but it sounds like the party was a let down anyway and you didn't miss much. I hope you're feeling better now.
Ceejay - I hope that your diverticulitis has calmed down. A friend of mine is getting over that, but was in quite a lot of pain for several days. So nice of you to help your uncle declutter. I wish you lived closer so you could help me.
Shad - So glad you've been enjoying your time with Chris and your family!!
I checked out the website for the Weta Cave. I think I'd like going there as I'm a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies.
Laura - Big game this Christmas night. Are you going to be somewhere you can watch it? We'll probably be at DH's aunt and uncle's, but I'm sure they'll be have the game on TV there. I hope the day goes quickly for you so that you can enjoy your long weekend. I love the photos from the botanical gardens. Great photo of you with your friends. And I love the Chicago skyline done in plant materials. DH and I really have to get down there one of these days. We have several botanical gardens in Milwaukee which we enjoy, but Chicago's looks really spectacular. How was the movie last night? I don't even know what movies are up for awards...but then the last two movies I've seen in the theater are "Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2". I've never heard of Books a Million, now I wish we had one closer! The closest one is in Chicago!
But at least I have the library.
Good for you for finding the secret santa gift. How great that you got Peanuts DVDs and candles! I love White Elephant gift exchanges and truly sometimes what one person thinks is a White Elephant is actually something that someone would like. I got an adorable snowman statue for example. But I'm not sure who would want your plaster castings! No offense.
Wishing you ladies a fabulous day! I'll try and log in tomorrow!
Much love and many hugs,
AND EVEN HAPPIER TO HEAR ABOUT NEW PANTS & BLOUSE!!! GO CURTIS!!! TIME AT NIGHT IS PRECIOUS WHEN YOU HAVE FAMILY & 2 JOBS STILL.....MORE OR LESS. 
JUST HAVE A GOOD TIME NOW WITH THE SISTER LA FAMILIA!! 
THE HOBBIT PLACE LOOKS GREAT ON THE COMPUTER AND I SAW A BIT OF IT ON TV ONCE. YOUR TRAVELS SOUND GREAT. 
This sight is slow today.
HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A HAPPY THURSDAY.
Hope you enjoyed your breakfast this morning and the lunch and drinkies to come, and that it's all worth sitting through the rah-rah stuff. I could spend tons of time in any bookstore, but I usually limit my browsing to the library because it's cheaper, lol! 
Doc had decided he didn't have the space to store them anymore and was giving them back to his patients. 
