Happy April

I'm back at an old temp job and this time around it might stick.  Love it!  I've been back for a week and it flew by. I've been given the keys to my office and encouraged to bring in personal stuff.  And it is 15 minutes from home.  (I will keep the company to myself though).  So, that is awesome.  It pays less than what I really want, but hey, I will get Pure Romance off the ground and have two sources of income.  :).  (Shameless plug:  Pure Romance just launched 25 NEW products.  Check out my website: kimberlywhitford.pureromance.com for details.  There are new scents for our bath products.  (Pink Cupcake in all the bath products!!!!! I'm so in love with Body Dew -- I am going to have to try the new items.) ).

I just watched a show on Discovery Health about strange addictions.  Some woman was addicted to eating cat hair.  I love those two critters -- everyone knows that - but I refuse to lick the cats to clean them.  Um, that is a tad cuckoo.  Fuzzy watched it with me.  He wasn't impressed either....

And more change

Well, just when I thought I was going to get to stay put just a bit, things change.  Oh so shocking!  It seems I should always keep expectations low because when I don't, when I have them all up and huge, I get disappointed and full of resentment.  That is another topic for another blog post but rest assured I am over the resentment and large expectations. My days are full of positive energy and great thoughts. Now, great thoughts don't equal great expectations.  They equal, in my mind, openness to what the Universe has to offer.  So, now I will just sit back (well, put forth the effort I need to put forth) and let the Universe take care of the rest. That being said, any job leads would be great :).

Moved!

Stuff is here, just not unpacked.  But baby steps!!!  Love it :).

Moving!

In a week and a half, I move. I am sooooo excited.  Life is getting back to semi-normal :).  I LOVE the floor plan and the cats will enjoy having their own cat room (aka: the office).  And Jimmy is going to help me turn a shelf into a Tardis :).  I will post pictures once that happens.

Shameless promotion!!! Pure Romance by Kimberly is offering a March Special. Book a party (and keep your original day), and earn an extra 25% off your order.  This is in addition to the already awesome Hostess perks offered.  Book now - spaces are filling up!!  If you can't hold a party in the month of March but would like to order some products, just go to my website:  www.kimberlywhitford.pureromance.com.  Same fabulous products, delivered directly to you.  :)

Everyone have a fabulous week!!!

You know your man really loves you when he doesn't mock your singing along to the Doctor Who theme song (well, humming along. It has no words!!!).  I needed my Doctor Who fix. I am so excited - I will have cable when Doctor Who premieres in March!!!  Warning you now - no calls or texts. I won't answer. I will even be ignoring Jimmy. He's already prepared for this.

It's birthday week!  I don't feel like I am turning 41.  Or, celebrating the 11th anniversary of my 29th birthday :).  I will go with that. I do feel pretty grown up in the fact that I discussed Life Insurance with my insurance agent on Saturday.  Dang, what a grown up decision :)

Nothing too new to report these days.  I have Friday off and am really looking forward to that. For some reason I thought today was Wednesday. No idea why.  Maybe because it is my short week. Who knows. I even kept looking at the wrong date on the menu in the cafeteria.  I was pretty scattered though -- running around in 3 inch heals all day will wear you out!

In one week I celebrate a birthday, in 3 weeks I move (yay!!!) and start a new scope in my consulting job. I will be working with e-Learning and LMS.  I am so excited to learn some new skills and utilize old skills I used in past jobs.  And it extends my consultant agreement about 6 more months :).  That is always a good thing. Especially since I am moving to a new place!!!  I am so excited about my new apartment and look forward to decorating and making this new space my home. And I know Sierra and Fuzzy will like finally being the only 2 critters in the place (until I get my hedgehog, but that is a little bit in the future -- and a whole other story.).  My two kitties have been fabulous over the last year or so. And pretty adaptable. Sierra had a brief moment were she peed outside the litter box, but a quick trip to the vet put a stop to that.  Fuzzy is just ornery.  But that's what makes him Sir Fuzzy Butt.

Tomorrow Jimmy and I celebrate our 10 monthiversary :).  Tonight was sushi night (so yummy!  It had been a while since we had sushi).  I see this weekend being very low key and chill.  And no matter what the forecast for rain is, I have to get my car washed.  Seriously, no amount of rain will wash the crap off my car. It needs help. I am sure traveling down the construction zone that is 820 doesn't help at all.  But it will all be taken care of tomorrow.  Or Sunday. Depends on if I want to get out of bed tomorrow :).

Everyone have a great weekend!!!!

One Week Into the New Year

I've made it so far into 2013.  The best thing so far is that A&M is now #5 in the nation for College Football. Man, I am going to miss College Football.  I will have to pout until September.  This season went beyond my wildest thoughts for our team.  And I loved every minute of it.  Our switch the SEC was the best thing ever (and I will admit, I was concerned!).  Can't wait to do this all again!!!

I was just now trying to download some pictures from last weekend's Chinese Lantern Festival but they came out sideways and random.  I will have to work on that because there are some very cute shots. The Chinese Lantern Festival was pretty cool and way more than I expected.  It was held at Fair Park and was just beautiful. They had Longhorns and Dinosaurs that moved.  It was all super amazing and took a lot of talent.  If I can figure out how to get the pics from my cell to my computer and looking nice, I will post.

I found an apartment and will be moving March 1 (if all goes according to my plan).  I love this place and can't wait to move in. It will also be nice to stay someplace for at least a year!!!  I am in the process of submitting my paperwork and all that fun stuff.  And since I am an independent consultant, my income proof is a little weird.  I don't have check stubs to show net and gross.  She said I can just submit a bank statement (luckily it can be filtered to just show deposits). That is cool by me!  The fun part will be hitting Walmart and Target to get some new stuff for the place!

Okay, that is about it.  Nothing too exciting but nothing to complain about.  :).  2013 is still shaping up to be an awesome year.  Because I say so!!!

And Christmas is over!

I like to think I had a good holiday spirit going this year.  It was a lot better than last year -- tree was up, lights were out, we even went driving around looking at Christmas lights (I was trapped in a car with Jimmy mangling Christmas Carols.).We even got pictures of the cats with antlers and Fuzzy with a Santa hat (pretty sure they are still plotting revenge).

Instead of killing myself and my very slim bank account, I decided to do homemade gifts this year. For the mothers (mine and Jimmy's), I made sugar scrubs.  Not a hard thing to actually make, but not many people think to pamper the skin with a sugar scrub.  With my Mom, it is always easy to get her a gift. I just think of what I would want.  And this year, if I was to get a homemade gift, I would want something to make me soft and smell good :).  Dad's homemade gift was fudge.  Okay, my fudge NEVER hardens. No matter when I make it or how closely I follow that silly recipe, it is just a gooey chocolate blob. Not that gooey chocolate blobs are bad. It is chocolate -  that is never bad :).

But I am glad Christmas is over and the year is coming to an end. It's been rough but I've learned a lot and gained some great knowledge for the future.  I also nabbed my future husband, so it wasn't all bad :).  Over the next few days, I am going to make some goals for 2013. I am currently learning the ins and outs of my own Pure Romance business and that promises to have a lot of potential in 2013.  I am looking forward to where it will take me.  I am all about any organization that teaches and promotes the empowerment and education of women. My sponsor is fabulous and she will be there as much or as little as I need her.  I told her I will need her a lot in the beginning!  The first few steps will be to get those initial parties booked and the products learned.  Love it!!!  Some goals I will share, others I might just keep for myself.  But I know that 2013 will be bigger and brighter.

Monday!

I felt like Grumpy Cat today. Do you like the snow flurries? No.  That was my whole day :).  I hate being cold, that is all. But since I am inside all day, I can deal.  It wasn't that bad a day otherwise. Nothing too note worthy to mention. I did get a new cookie recipe today.  Jimmy just proclaimed them "awful" (they aren't - he was kidding.  They are freaking yummy!).

Here it is:
beat the ever living heck out of Oreos (place in a bag first). Mix this Oreo mix with Cream Cheese.  Roll that into little balls and put those in the fridge to harden a bit.  Once that occurs, dip these balls of awesomeness in chocolate (my co-worker suggested Ghiradelli). Put those back in the fridge to harden those up.  See, super easy and very yummy. I may or may not have had 4 or 5. I lost count.  Totally worth the calories.

That is it for the night. Just going to get in the habit of updating this more often than I had been!!!

Later!

Welp, I know it's been too long

I have spotty Internet at my apartment so I don't always think to come online to post to my blog!  But I am still alive and kicking.  And doing pretty well.

This past weekend was a great one. Johnny Manziel won the Heisman (WHOOP!!!), got to see pictures of my friend's new born baby boy (that made me very happy), learned a secret that I can't tell but it made me very happy as well.  And I got some laundry and cleaning done.  All in between copious amount of napping. Loved the naps.  Fuzzy and Sierra loved nap time too!

Friday I attended my friend's 4th Annual Cookie Exchange.  While Jimmy wasn't too thrilled he couldn't attend (girl's only party!), he did get to eat the results and that made him happy. I forgot the recipes though - I might need Sandy to mail those to me.  There were some yummy treats.  I did Christmas Tree shaped rice crispy treats.  They were supposed to be green, however the green gel food coloring did not take in the marshmallows.  Not sure if I just used the wrong kind or not enough. They were still yummy and still looked like trees once the M&M decorations and almond bark tinsel were added.  (Yes, I got the idea from Pinterest.) And really, rice crispy treats in any form are freaking yummy!

Jimmy got the Christmas lights up on my apartment balcony last night and they look pretty good.  I will have to get a picture and post here.  It is nothing compared to my next door neighbor though. She has gone all out and it looks fabulous!  I had to get some lights up just so I wouldn't be the "Grinch next door" :). With the weather FINALLY turning, I am getting more in the Christmas spirit.    I don't really like cold weather but I really don't like 80 degree weather and the radio playing let it snow.  Um, no.  (I sound like Grumpy Cat there.  Love Grumpy Cat.  Although anyone who knows me knows that fact now :)).

PS - I love that Starbucks has free wifi.  Blogging and Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  Always a good combo.  And yes, with all the napping and caffeine this weekend, I will still be able to go to sleep at a reasonable hour this tonight.

Sunday Funday

Actually, it is Sunday Chill day.  I am okay with that.  Me and the critters are going to nap the day away.  It was a  busy weekend, so I really don't feel too bad.  The new job gets every other Friday off.  This was our 3 day weekend.  By Sunday, it just feels very weird!!!  But a good weird.  I really like it :).  In November, we actually will only work one Friday.  Between the already scheduled Friday's off and the Thanksgiving Holiday, that leaves only the 9th.  It will be a busy month though.  They start Open Enrollment soon.  And for someone who never had any interest in specializing in Benefits, I am now full speed ahead.  See, you never know where the world where take you!!!  It's been an interesting journey, to say the least, this year.  And it is very weird that it is already November.  But time flies when you are learning life lessons :).

The fun news is that Jimmy finally comes home the week of Thanksgiving   His job is winding down and I will get him back for the holidays.  So happy. I LOVE Thanksgiving and this year will be a best one ever :).  And  we got tickets to go see A&M play Missouri the weekend after (Nov 24).  We are going to road trip with my Aggie friend Adrienne.  I love that it had been about 10 years since I had made it back to Aggieland and this year, I will have gone twice!  It is still a magical place and even though it has changed (A LOT!!!), the spirit hasn't.  That spirit is still the same from when I started in 1990.

And speaking of the Aggies. Holy Toledo  I never expected this type of beginning in the SEC.  I admit, I was scared when we announced we were going over. I never imagined this type of season, this type of coaching or Johnny Football.  But I LOVE it!!!!  I would have been proud either way, but I am truly blown away by this team.  SO HAPPY!!!!  I thought Mississippi State was going to give us fits yesterday.  Yeah, why do I even question it anymore.  The way we are going, A&M could possibly upset Alabama next weekend.  I really won't doubt that will happen anymore!!!  So, Gig 'Em!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, time to wrap up.  Everyone have a great Sudnay!!!

So, in addition to my Pinterest addiction, I now have a Doctor Who addiction.  Seriously, love that show.  I am not sure why I just now started watching it, but I did.  I just left my favorite Doctor and now have to get used to Number 11.  It will take a lot - I loved Doctor Number 10.  And man, trying to explain this love of Doctor Who to my new honey is pretty funny. He just smiles and nods, as he should. :).

PS - totally doing a Tardis Christmas tree this year.  Saw it on Pinterest (seriously, I have a problem!!!)

The Color Orange

In my new temp gig, we are doing Open Enrollment for 1000+ people.  Manually.  Meaning paper forms.  The system wasn't set up this year and well, you gotta do what you gotta do. It ended yesterday so I am now flooded with Orange forms (the color that was chosen, for some reason).  It is a pain in the booty, that is for sure, but it has to be done and there is no way around it.  However one particular person, we shall call Sunshine, will not stop complaining.  And she complains and complains. Total negative Nancy.  I've dealt with too many of those types in my past. I truly hope my happiness and positive attitude annoys her.  Because the more she complains, the perkier I get.  I spent 7 months dealing with whiny, complaining drunk people at the bar -- I can totally deal with her. She is a piece of cake compared to Twila (some of you have heard of Twila. You know what I mean when I say that!).  I am happy to be working.  The woman should be grateful she has manual forms to process!!!  But back to Orange.  I really never want to see that color again.  Which really isn't good since Fuzzy is all orange fluff.  But, you know what, he is the best ball of orange fluffiness the world has to offer!!!

The week is almost over!  I am definitely looking forward to the weekend. It is amazing the appreciation you get for Saturday and Sunday when you have a "normal" job.  Before those were just two more days (and I actually had to work them) but now I am off work when my friends are and that just adds to the fun!

I am trying to go through old magazines.  I have been doing this for about 2 weeks and it hasn't gotten done yet.  I really just want to go to bed :).  Sweet dreams all!  

I have a Beyonce!!

Okay, I got  Beyonce a week ago, but thanks to Mom and Dad, I have one now!!!  I have a picture, I will download later.  She isn't 5 feet tall like the original. I don't need a 5 foot chicken.  But she is mine and happily hanging out in my room.  (For those of you confused souls, Beyonce is a metal chicken that reminds me to do silly things and be happy, not the fabulous singer.  I doubt she'd want to hang out in my room.  Although she might enjoy Fuzzy's antics...)

Speaking on rooms, I moved about 2 weeks ago. I love Jen and David for opening their home to me during my time of need, but I needed to give them their guest room back :). (Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you!!!!!)  I moved to Euless and now live with a friend.  This is short term and I expect to be fully on my feet by year's end.  And I will spend New Year's Eve with a special someone... and yes, he does exist and I have already met him :).  His name is Jimmy and he is pretty much the most awesome man on the planet.  He doesn't know this blog exists, so I will keep talking about him.  He can't stop me!  Ha ha.  Like he would, I only say nice things. But back to the new apartment.  It isn't exactly home yet, however I think that is because this is just a "half way house" for me right now. Me and the kitties are settling in nicely and I am trying to spruce it up (I live with a guy- not Jimmy, he lives out of town for the time being --  and well, it looked like a guy lived here!).  Once I get that place I will stay, I will make it a lot homier and will go crazy at Home Goods (although, don't think I haven't made several trips there already. I do love that store.).

My friend Sandy had her Bridal Shower yesterday. It was a fabulous event -- small enough where everyone got to visit but a nice turn out for her.  The hostess had a candy bar set up (I was digging the gummy bears) and I am still enjoying that (she sent home parts of the candy bar with the attendees!!!).  I was happy she had such a wonderful event.  She is a dear friend and I can't wait for the wedding in Oct!!!

Okay, that is enough rambling for now. I am finally getting tired.  Need to get some sleep! Now that I am happier, I promise to keep updating more often. :) Depression is a bitch and well, I just didn't feel like sharing anything during the past few months.....  But I am back.  Onward and upward!

2 hours for crepes.... don't mind if I do.....

Saturday night, I went to Bastille on Bishop. It was loads of fun and I got to hang out with a couple of friends I rarely see.  One is a fellow Aggie, so I will probably see her more come football season (come on, get here already!!!!!!).  We had a great time catching up and waiting for crepes.  The crepe line took 2.5 hours to get through.  Seriously people!!!  Pretty much, after the first hour, we were not giving up. It was our mission to get crepes.  Yes, we could have left the line, but dang it, what a girl won't do for Nutella.... :).  Also, if there had been more going on, we probably would have abandoned ship. But we were having fun. 

So, here is us, in line for crepes.

We smile because Nutella is at the end of the line!

Grrrr.........

I didn't get that job.  It really didn't help my mood any but that just means there is something even better out there for me.  That is the update.  I just feel like I am on the edge of something and it keeps eluding me.  Very frustrating but I will keep trucking along.

Happy Weekend!!!

till Midnight at the Nasher

On Friday, I went to this event with several of my girl friends.  They all live in Dallas and I haven't seen them in awhile.  Til Midnight at the Nasher is a free event held on the 3rd Friday of the month (beginning with this past one).  A Brazilian band played and then they showed the movie "Rio".  The weather was perfect for it and the music was fun. They even sold baskets for picnics and I can tell you, that was a LOT of food!  We were stuffed.

At one point, a group of us went to the Crow Asian Art Exhibit across the street.  They had an Indian culture night, with several demonstrations.  We got to feel the fabric on the Saris, drink some Indian beer and listen to a man play the sitar.  It was all pretty amazing.  I am just really surprised I never made it to the Nasher when I actually lived in Dallas.  Once I finally head that way again, I will make an effort to hit the cultural hotspots of Dallas. In the meantime, I need to hit them here in Ft. Worth. 

I can't say the rest of the weekend was anymore exciting - it wasn't.  I just chilled and played with the house felines.  Got some fresh air today by the pool, although I didn't get too much sun.  The fresh cottonwood flying in my face made for a lovely evening of sneezing and sinus headaches.  I love nature so........

Well, tomorrow should be the day I know whether I got the job or if I will be on the lookout again.  I know I have no control over anything right now (except my anxiety) and I just have to wait to see what door the universe is going to open for me.  Should be interesting either way. 

Update

So now I don't find out until Monday, at the earliest, about the job.  Argh!!!  I hate waiting.  But the good news is I am one of 3.  Pray hard that this is the right place for me to be.  I will pray for more patience.  Because God insists I learn that lesson........ 

In the meantime, here is a picture of Fuzzy being Fuzzy.  

Everything you wanted to know. (or maybe not).......

Please keep the good vibes going. I interviewed on Friday for a job that I'd be perfect for -- and probably won't find out until tomorrow morning if I got it.  I talked to my recruiter today and she said they still are interviewing but had good things to say about me (but of course........). I know what will happen is supposed to happen, but I really want this job. So, hence the need for more good vibes.

Congrats to Jen on her graduation! She walked on Saturday and it was wonderful!!!  I was so proud and know she will go far.  I didn't walk when I got my Master's so it kind of made me wish I had. Is it wrong I want to go get another degree so I can have a chance to walk across the stage again :). Might be a sickness........  The party was fun as well.  Fuzzy was a nut as usual.  A herd of children were in the house and he came out of hiding several times because he loves the attention.  He is not a normal cat............ And I love him for it!

Okay, that is it for now. Hopefully tomorrow I will have some good news!!!

Random

Apparently Sierra did not want to watch "Scorned" anymore. She placed one paw on the remote and the channel changed.  We are now watching Law and Order.....  It made me laugh at the time! 

Happy Saturday night!  Hope everything is well :).