Oh Snow!

I'm over it.


Here I am early in the AM getting ready to leave for work (with Bennyboo at the wheel) with my bags packed just in case I had to spend the night tonight. Luckily we had a break in the snow and the commute home was much improved. It is currently snowing again and through the early part of tomorrow.

I know the almost foot accumulative in southern Ohio isn't much compared to other areas of the country....

But I'm bored with it.

Spring time anyone?!?

Much Love Always,

Miss Amber Lane

Christmas 2009 Recap

Well guys, I'm officially off for the holidays! Today was my first of 6 blissful days at home and I couldn't be happier!!! I have no real plans to speak of (nope not even for NYE) but plan on plenty of R&R with the Bennyboo!

So what was my Christmas like?

Well I decorated plenty of Christmas Cookies With My Residents:


And heard more Christmas Carols than I ever imagined I could stand:

But I also managed to sneak in some quality time with the ones I love.

I managed to make it out for a couple of Holiday Time Birthday Parties:

(Celebrating Emily's 27th with drinks, a comedy club, and dancing)

(And Ben Celebrating his 26th by opening a Christmas present- a sweater, shirt, and cologne)

There were pictures in front of the tree:

(BG snuggled on a present)


(And Rennie snuggled on the Tree skirt)

(Boo and I in front of our tree)

(And a tree at my sister's church)

And Pictures of the tree (and other decor):

Then there was the opening of the gifts with just Boo and I at our house Christmas Eve:

(It may sound boring to some but I mostly got things from the registry this year- like our garment steamer )

(And our down alternative comforter <3 style="text-align: center;">I also got a new robe, Yankee candle paraphernalia, a MAC gift card and holiday kit and other stocking stuffers from Ben

Then we were off to his parents for Christmas Eve dinner:

(The Smith Family Tree)

Since I was working Christmas morning I was the only one to open presents:

(The carry on from my luggage registry)
(PS I HATE this picture but I wanted to show the bag)


(And the cookie jar from our casual china collection)

(Moe the cat wanted to prove that a cat in a box is cuter that a cat in a jar)

(Ben and his brother Casey trying to get Moe out of the box he loved so much)

(The boys got to open their annual ornament: This year was a Waterford dove)

I had to work Christmas morning but Christmas night we were off to my sister's for Christmas with my family:

(Boo and I with my sister Denise)

(The nephews)

(My sister Diana with the sweater I bought her)

(Boo in his new hat)

(Niesie with her new movie)

(Boo with his new movie)

(Calvin with the new (old) game I bought him)

(Modeling my new winter ensemble)

(Boo got a new robe too)

(Boo and I with our new convection oven)

(Ma Mere got a new Thomas Kinkaid painting)

(And because she refuses to spend hardly a dime on beauty for herself; I bought her some Aveda hair goodies)

(Dinana got new jammies)

(And so did I...and I look like I need them! My work day definitely caught up with me here!)

(The boys filled mom's purse with wrapping paper)

(And I got a new Willow Tree figurine to add to my collection)

Ben and I also brought home between the two of us: 2 friends seasons, a new Christmas CD, A new luggage set, two pairs of pajamas, two passes for two for movies, a sweater, 3 video games, and probably some other little things that I'm forgetting.

I have to admit ladies; this Christmas didn't really feel like Christmas. It was probably all the working I did- I absolutely DO NOT recommend 8 days straight over the holidays- no way!

But its all behind me now and I'm super happy to be spending the next 5 days relaxing at home and gearing up for 2010!

And honestly - soooo ready for the holiday season 2009 to be behind us!

If I don't return before: I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year!

Much Love Always!

Miss Amber Lane

No Freaking Out Allowed

So after my last post wedding freak out officially commenced.

I am trying not to let it take over but when I start thinking of certain things I feel a sudden surge of panic start to clench my chest.

Remember this post about that gorgeous wedding dress I bought way back when? Ya know the one I bought at a sample sale knowing that it was a size too small and doesn't quite zip over the widest part of my (broad) back? Well tonight I started freaking out that putting a corset in is not going to work, and it will ruin the integrity of the dress , and its going to fit horribly even if it does fit, and I'm going to end up having a poo dress that I don't even like because the dress that I bought almost a year ago was not well enough thought out.

I've since googled "wedding dress too small" and discovered corseting a zippered dress is very common. I also discovered that though its harder to let out than take in there is usually about 2 inches of let out space in a typical gown.

Insert sight of relief here.

Pulling out my dress I realized there is extra space in the seams if my dream of corseting doesn't become a reality. I also unfortunately discovered that my sample sale dress needs some TLC - its not dirty per se but it looks handled and could use a clean and press and a little touch up in some of the beading. I'm going to do some research on cleaners while I'm off this next week and see about getting things in motion.

Lets see what else am I "not freaking" out about?

1. How the whole darn thing is getting paid for
2. My teeth not being white enough, my skin breaking out too much
3. Never finding a replacement photographer
4. Turning into bridezilla
5. Ben NEVER picking out his and the groomsmen's attire
6. Bridesmaid not following through with her financial obligations for herself and children
7. Planting my own ceremony flowers
8. Considering bridesmaids carrying something other than flowes down the aisle (that's a BIG post for another day)
9. Assistant not returning from maternity leave in time for me to get time needed off for wedding.....

And I could go on and on.

But I won't.

Just wanted to share these thoughts with the masses.

In case anyone was wondering- our Christmas was nice. It just didn't really feel like Christmas. I worked through the whole darn thing and I have to admit I am exhausted. Today was day 7 consecutive and tomorrow is the 8th and final day before 6 days off. Tomorrow my boss returns from nearly a week off and I haven't been off since before she left- I am praying that she doesn't morph into her normal demanding self tomorrow- I am not equipt to deal.

I am hoping that once the New Year commences there will be more time to resume reading and commenting and life returning to (nearly) normal.

If you are just starting to follow ABBHB I apologize for my neurosis of late. I'm usually much calmer and definitely more neighborly to new followers. I promise you are noticed and appreciated - I'm just trying to squeak through the remainder of the holiday season as an Activity Director - no easy task.

For now my dears ...

Bed.

Much Love Always,

Miss Amber Lane

P.S. Pics of stuff and things soon!

Blah Blah Blah

I can not even begin to tell you all how out of the loop I am feeling these days.

Christmas is 10 days away and I only have two more days off until then- well until December 29th matter-of-fact. I am off this weekend coming up and then not again until after Christmas has passed.

On one hand it was my decision to do so, on the other hand I didn't see any other way to handle the holidays and allow my assistant the time off that she requested: so I took one for the team.

Anyhow I digress. In order to get everything prepared for the holiday I've been spending time wrapping and decorating and getting in quality time with family prior to...that way I don't feel like I'm missing out when we actually get there. Hence my absence from blogger as of late.
I mean nothing out of the ordinary or interesting is really going on in Amber Lane world but just so you don't feel like your missing out on anything with me- my last couple of weeks have been as follows:

1. Decorating maniacly for my work- my boss is obsessed with Christmas decor. It looks like Christmas threw up in here and just when I think enough is enough here she is asking for more...I have to tell ya- I'm about sucked dry of garland, lights, ribbon, and the like. 10 more days Amber Lane, 10 more days.

2. Have had one hell of a time doing our registry at Target its been nothing like our Macys registry which was cake. The first day we went to register at Targer we had been at it for 30 minutes and our scanner died. So we went back and traded it for another- the very next thing we scanned it died again so we went back to the front and were informed they were all out of scanners and we would have to wait or come back later. We opted to come back later. Fast forward to yesterday- we scanned for about another 15 minutes and the scanner- though it didn't die- just wouldn't scan anything so we took it back and the lady played with it and a few more for a couple of minutes but couldn't get any of them to work. So we resolved to complete adding items by internet- which is what I did last night. I sure hope people don't have as much trouble buying us stuff as we had registering for it. Sheesh!

3. Revisited my college Xanga journal and read a ton of my old entries. I quit writing there about a year before I started blogger. I am amazed how much time has passed since I began that journal 8 years ago and how much I have grown and changed. I plan in the future to share some of my most interesting posts from that era of my life. It should be good for a giggle.

4. The dress dilemma is (mostly) solved. Bridesmaid will pay me half of the deposit and I will pay the other half. Unfortunately this maid is out of town and won't be in until Christmas so I'm going to have to go ahead and pay the whole thing to start with just to get the show on the road. I'm ready to wash my hands of the whole stinking thing. But so long as this works everyone should be happy.

5. Our friend Chris came over yesterday with his 4 year-old step son and new baby. They spent an hour or so just visiting with us. Just long enough to make me realize that it won't be too long before Ben and I are ready for our own babies (I mean Ben actually asked to hold the baby this time!) - but its definitely going to have to be long enough that we have time to move into a bigger place. Two small children in our little town house- no freaking way!

6. Taking my residents to the Nutcracker Ballet tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to seeing it- its been many moons since I've been to the ballet and I LOVE to go! If all goes well logistically with the residents- it should be a very enjoyable time!

7. Just realized a few nights ago that Christmas Day will be 6 months exactly until our wedding! And February 14th will be a year since we got engaged! How has so much time passed already?! Honesty time? I'm ready for the wedding - I want it to be one heck of a shin dig and then I'm completely ready to sink into adult, married life with Boo. I am so ready to call him my husband!

8. Any one have any secrets to taking an awesome Christmas card photo? We are having a hell of a time getting a good one and we're getting down to the wire.....

9. Christmas shopping is about 60% complete. Will be finishing this weekend before having a night on the town for Bennyboo's birthday with friends. Its a good thing I wrap as I go because otherwise I would be in big trouble. Thankfully I have all the presents purchased thus far wrapped and ready to go!

10. Not going to beat myself up this year over not having time to bake cookies from scratch, make wreaths, or have a completely domestic home-style Christmas. I'm an engaged, 20 something, urban professional, planning a wedding, working full time + I can't be perfect!

11. Taking 6 days off right after Christmas and that's the only thing getting me through...

I'm way behind on my readings but feel free to drop me a line and tell me what's new with you!

I promise I won't stay away so long this time ... but for now...Ciao!

Much Love,

Miss Amber Lane

But- I am le tired

I am exhausted.

It seems like every couple of weeks or so my job just kicks my ass. Its like there is so much to do but not nearly enough time to do it in so I spend 10+ hours trying to squeeze it all in.

The last two days have been 9am-7pm + my 45 minute (each way) commute and you've got some hella long days. I've been getting home at 8pm and going to bed by 10pm and not waking until almost 8 am because I am so pooped!

Last night I bummed myself out because I failed Nablopomo because the laptop was turned off, I was ready for bed and I didn't want to wait for it to power up! Oh well though- it was getting so boring to try to think of something to say every single day and I'm sure it was getting boring to read.
Today at least there will be some relief. I am leaving here at 4pm and I'm not looking back! Then I won't be coming in until after 11am tomorrow but trust me I will be in the office until at least 9pm. We are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for our residents and their families tomorrow night and we have so many people that we have to do two seatings. One at 4:30 pm and one at 6:30 pm so its going to be a LONG day tomorrow even with coming in late.

But the end of the week is nigh- Friday should be a very managable day and the weekend will be much needed, much appreciated, and much deserved! Then only two "normal" work days one day at another community and four days of for Thanksgiving.

Whew!

I gotta be honest- I'm looking forward to the time off but this year I am not neccessarily looking forward to Thanksgiving. It just seems like there is never enough time to do what you want to do, the family things are always exhausting, and right now I just want to climb into bed and pull the covers up over my head.

I'll feel better when the weather perks up and tomorrow night is behind me AND when my MUCH NEEDED Saturday hair apt. rolls around.

For now I'm off to slice apples for social.

Yeehaw

Miss Amber Lane

Roses and Thorns: Work Edition

Roses and Thorns in the Work Place:

Roses:

Veterans day in retirement community = spending extra time and attention on some very sweet, very proud world war 2 vets

Lunch out with said vets was so much fun and such a success

Danced with very cute residents this evening to some old patriotic tunes

Got reminded today why I love the 110 + residents I work for and was lit up like a Christmas tree with joy in stewardship.

Thorns:

Slipped in water spilled by a resident whilst flower arranging. Bruised my pride- twisted my knee - it hurt ll day - and still does now.

My decisions in regards to vet care for our house cats was brutally rebuffed and I was made to feel like a useless schlub by my boss even though I was well planned, meticulous, and clearly communicating my intentions.

Got into an email altrication with a co-worker after cc- ing my boss on an email I sent him requesting a meeting over a daily activity that we are jointly failing in. I received an email back from him today not to set up a meeting or discuss anything- but instead for him to tell me that I need to stop blaming him for not being able to do my job well - and he cc d that to my boss. How in the world is that appropriate?

His email succeeded in achieving its sole purpose- to make the young blonde activity director cry in her car on the way home.

This co-worker, myself, and my boss are having a meeting over this tomorrow. Not to "pass blame" my boss says - but to solve the problem. Yeah right.
I want the problem fixed and I don't want him to re-nig on covering my Thanksgiving weekend off but I'm not going to back down on this- I may have cried into my steering wheel tonight but I'm still super pissed and believe that I am right. How dare he chastise me - he has no business condescending me and I' m not going to take it lying down.

Ugh.

So this day has equally been rays of sunshine and shit.

And I'm exhausted. So I'm going to watch The Ugly Truth and go to bed.

And that's all she wrote.

With The Fishies

Today I really wanted to sit at home with my prescriptions and cranberry juice.


Instead I had one heck of a busy day. I arrived at work just before 9am and immediately began gathering a group of residents and loading them onto the bus to go to the Newport Aquarium. All together 12 residents attended and 3 team members including me. It was quite the adventure- let me tell you. Logistically speaking it was a nightmare with nowhere to park, multiple elevators, and a ton of walking. Bathrooms were also few and far between and there were school groups there that got some of my resident's feathers in a ruffle -but everyone seemed to really have a good time other than that so it was definitely worth it!

Here are a few pictures of the fishies and critters we saw. I wish I could show you pics of the residents- after all they are the best part- but unfortunately HEPA says no.

So instead I give you:

Fishies:



Turtles:




Alligators:




Froggies:


(My super cute assistant - you can't tell in this pic but she's almost 6 mos. preggo- she won't be able to lay on things like that for much longer- her belly will be too big!)

Jellyfish:


Penguins:



And one tired Activities Director with a monster headache (courtesy of antibiotic side effects and a stressful day!)



After the aquarium we all had lunch at Big Boy then went back to the community to finish up the day.

As soon as I got home tonight Boo and I hopped in the car and drove up to IKEA to buy a new desk for downstairs- its not the color I wanted and its a little bigger for the space than I thought would look good so I'm waiting to see how it works out.

Ben put the desk top together tonight but I have to wait for him to borrow tools from his dad to put the cabinet that will sit next to it together and tighten the legs enough for me to actually sit things on it. Once its all up and running I'll share it with you.

For the rest of the night I'm planning to revel in Wednesday night ABC shows and get some rest. Matter of fact- I may actually go to bed sooner than later- my aching head could use an early siesta.

Happy Hump Day All. Just two more work days before the weekend!

Hooray!

Miss Amber Lane