Happy Thursday, as usual, I am not working today and I was up at 4:30. I will admit, I don't really mind, since I can get stuff done and have time to do what I like.

Crystal, your plans for Christmas sound great.

Christine, Have fun this weekend.

Dawn, You can't go back to work, you are always so busy, when would you fit it in?

I do plan on watching Peter Pan this evening. No real plans for today except to clean house. I might make some special cookies that my girls like. It will depend if I have everything or not. I really don't want to leave the house today.

Hugs,

Hello everyone

I have successfully talked my controller to letting us have a potluck/ ornament exchange!!!  Yeah!!!  The first time here ever!!!  They always have a company wide Christmas lunch at a sports bar....but I wanted to do something fun and festive here in the office.  AND he agreed!!!  Yeah!!!

Lisa-  I am taking an extra long weekend and me and Greg are going to a B&B right outside of Galena.  It's a beautiful place.  I hope it snows because they have all of the winter activities....snow mobileing, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, and horse drawn sled!!!  Yep I never did any of those things!!!  If not there is shopping and of course just staying in and being lazy in front of the fireplace in our room!!! 

We were actually looking at going to Grand Caymans (because it would be nice and warm).  His parents own a home down there and it would only cost us air fair and car rental.  but even that was pretty steep.  And I want to visit Amanda in the Spring so I decided to keep it close to home and cheaper.

Well I better get going.  Have a good day all.  

Good morning Lisa and the rest of Illinois!

I am up and getting ready to head to Rockford to see my therapist then back to Freeport to see my sponsor.  Lots of driving today.

Portillo's for dinner!

We got a letter from Liv's University stating that each student will pay a $40 fee each semester going forward.  This fee is being assessed due to the Affordable Care Act.  The ACA requires that the university give employees who did not previously qualify for health care the option to have health care.  There are over 10,000 students at this university.  That is A LOT of money in a year.  I don't think I support this fee.  First of all, we pay 3 times the tuition as a student that has residency.  Also, since Liv IS from out-of-state, why does SHE have to pay for health care options for residents?  South Carolina has closed all loop holes and makes it near impossible for out-of-state students to achieve residency.  I do not think this is right.  Can anyone explain it to me?

That's all that is on my mind.  What's up with you?

Hello Everyone!

I cant believe how organized everyone is!  You all are making me feel guilty!  I have hardly begun to think about Christmas.  I am just now starting to think of ideas for presents.  Somehow I think I have plenty of time.  I am delusional!  

We had a very nice thanksgiving at my sister's Barb's house.  It was her 68th birthday as well.  My niece and nephew and their kids were all there so we had the two girls and Enzo there.  It was great to see the kids again.  I havent seen Enzo for about 2 years and the girls for almost a year.  Needless to say, everyone has changed!  It is so hard when they all live a distance!

Barbara is now a year older than when my dad was when he died.  That is really an eye opener.  So hard to get my head around.  I hate to think we are all getting old.  

Gage came just before Thanksgiving.  It was so good to see him again. He is doing so great.  He is still making all A's in college.  He will be going to Japan on a trip with his college in the spring.  We are so proud of him.  I keep telling Rick he is too good of a kid.  He just never gets into trouble, he always is either studying or working at a job.  This kid needs to loosen up and have fun!  

Work is a zoo and busier than ever.  It has not let up.  I guess we just keep loosing people and they are not replacing people so those left just keep picking up the pieces.  There is no down time anymore. 

The cats are doing their lovely entertaining.  They keep us laughing.  Claude is on the lam right now.  He escaped as I was coming inside from work.  He will stay awol for a couple of hours and then come home.  The onery devil! 

Everyone sounds busy but happy!

Have a good week.

Hi There,

I matted some Crostitch I made to take with me tomorrow. I am finally getting out of here. I'm going to Lake City first to see my friend. Then to Alabama. I'll get to Chicago on Saturday.

I hope the drive will be free of storms!!!

Carla