Wow, What a Month - December

I know, I know it's been way, way to long since I've written. Not even sure if I still have any readers.

The month of December was one busy, busy month as always. The first weekend Jason and I were still sick with colds but managed to head out to Irish Channel in Crofton for Karaoke on Saturday night. We, of course, did not sing and I can't say much for some of the people who decided to sing. The place might be, ok, definitely is a bit more upscale than Jim's Hide-away in Odenton, but the talent is a little lower on the scale. Ok, ok, and I actually do believe this, I have to give props to the people who did get up because I definitely would not be doing it myself and it does provide me with lots of entertainment - so, props to the people who sang even if poorly. On Sunday I went to a Tastefully Simple party and stocked up on a bunch of goodness - I am in love with the bacon, bacon and the cheese ball it can make - not to mention the chocolate ugly cake mix - yummy goodness.

Then a week of work....

The second weekend had us boarding up the pups and heading into DC for Jason's office holiday party. They held their party at the City Club located in the Columbia Square building. It was very, very nice. They had a buffet set up with carving stations for prime rib, salmon and turkey and numerous additions for them. The dance floor was hopping to the beat of the DJ they had spinning. Oh, yes and the most important thing - Open Bar!!! This was the first time I had met Jason's co-workers and I truly enjoyed it. He seems to have found a great place to work and with a great bunch of people - Way to Go!

We headed out of that party after about 3 1/2 hours and caught a cab over to Jen's house for her Christmas party in Rosslyn. Where we continued to party and drink (wonderful hostessing job!!) into the wee hours of the morning topping off the night with a game of Cranium - don't exactly remember who won - I'm thinking my team, but I could be wrong - feeling pretty good by that time :) [Must remember to post a link to pictures - or they are on my facebook page] And then a cab ride back to our hotel in DC - The Jury's - to pass out.

and another week of work.... Oh and what a week this was - I had my review on Thursday and let me tell you - it wasn't the nicest review I've ever gotten. Let's just put it this way - I have known that I was targeted by the new manager almost from when she started as not being someone whom she would want in her department - or that she would want the responsibility for. (background: I had been promoted the beginning of the year to a position which would entail mentoring and teaching by the manager in order to get me up to speed in the position fully. The manager at that time then switched departments and we hired a new manager "NM"). NM was not - in my opinion - willing or didn't make an effort to mentor/teach me. I began to seriously dislike my work and I'm sure that I did not accomplish some things as fast as I should or actually could have because of this reason. Mid-year I was seriously thinking about returning to being a legal secretary and after the review at the end of the year, it was decided more for me, but also by me to do so. (I do admit I am much happier than I have been with work in the past 11 months). I love working at my place of employemnt and am happy to continue to be a part of making it run smoothly and efficiently :-) - enough about that - blah, blah, blah

The third weekend had us once again boarding up the pups and heading into the city for my work holiday party. This year's extravaganza was held at the Corcoran Gallery. Once again another very, very nice party. Jason and I arrived at the party I would say a little after it started and meet up with our friends. Debbie and her date were there first and had gotten us a table to hang out at - low and behold, who would have the nerve to sit down at the table with her knowing she was one of my good friends and I would be more than likely sitting with her, but the NM who just stabbed me (dramatic, huh). Another couple then came along and took two other seats at the table - actually sitting in the chair where Debbie's date had his jacket - they had both gone up to the bar to get drinks and bring us back to that table... When we noticed this we decided not to sit there any more and to gather their stuff in order to find a table which would hopefully accommodate our group. I did say "Happy Holidays" to the NM, but I cannot say what my facial expression was - I've been told it was a little chilly - I've actually heard that I can look quite like an absolute *itch even - opps - ha.

Ok, enough - I swear I'm over it!! Anyways, we had a wonderful array of food to choose from and drinks to drink (loved the peppermint martini which was the drink of the night!). We danced to some great music and all and all had a really wonderful time before heading out to our next party of the evening.

The next party was the annual Lisa and Ken (J's cousins) Christmas Party. It is always a great time. Wonderful to see all the cousins and other friends. Playing some cards, drinking Indian Blanket Juice (deadly) and shooting Jell-O shots (made by yours truly - so potent). Must say don't remember a lot towards the end of the evening - very sad - the last thing I remember is we were playing A**hole and I was President, I think for the third time in a row and that was all she wrote - I was done - Jason says he doesn't think it was a graceful exit for me either - Sorry to all who had to witness it - we caught a cab to the Sheraton National where we were staying (another nice room) and that's where I remember a little regurgitation going on and passing out in the bed until the morning. Children - do not do this - it is not a good thing!!

Then more work - making transition to new position - moving desk - setting up shop and meeting attorneys I would be floating for - very, very nice people. Going out with the "gang" to Eddies for $1 beer night and Karaoke - fun, fun, fun!!!

The weekend of Christmas was upon us - this entailed another night out with local friends on Friday to celebrate the holidays and then a bunch of mad dash shopping for gifts and food as we were hosting my family over for Christmas Day. Christmas Day went well and I believe that a good time was had by all - what more could be wanted than presents - ham, turkey, pasta and sauce, sausage bread, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, brown and serve rolls, asparagus, corn, pie and cake!!!

more work - well very slow days at the office - relaxing and catching up on things - nice!!

Last weekend - aiming for New Year's Eve. Bruce came up to hang out and after a few games on the PS3 we all headed out to Jim's for a little Karaoking. Bruce and Jason sang their soul man duet, sillie girls spilt a little bit of beer on Jason while they were dancing - had to give them a little bit of a talking to about the merits of apologizing - daggers being sent to them afterwards - rearing for a fight - HAHA and then back home sleep for me and more PS3 for the guys.

New Year's Eve was a quite occasion, but nice for Jason, Lucie, Kira and I. We rented movies and toasted the new year together in anticipation of our next year together as a family!

Happy New Year to all and hope it's a great 2008! WOW, could you imagine if I did one of those letters in the Christmas card - yikes.