Hoppy Easter

We hope you had a great Easter! We sure did!






After a lovely Church service, we spent some great QT with the Fitches at a brunch and then went bowling to celebrate the holiday with my side of the family. It was a little sparse this year: Kalin living out of town, several relatives in Austin celebrating with Todd, Olivia and Micah (also celebrating Micah's first birthday with a surprise party!) and my other cousins were busy/traveling/etc. My mom, dad, Trevor and I decided to do something different and fun so bowling was a natural choice. (Their friends Mike and Susan also tagged along.) The new Thunder Alley in Elkhorn is awesome. In addition to bowling it has an arcade, laser tag, go-karts and a very large restaurant. The best part is the entire thing is smoke free! I just wished I would have bowled a little better. My mom on the other hand did great. She got four strikes in a row! She beat my dad who was NOT all that impressed (nor thrilled).


And now for a shout out to Kalin - hope your first (and last!) Easter in D.C. was fantabulous.

Burger and Fries, Paw-lease

I love the store Land of Paws in Kansas City. Since Macy has a birthday coming up and the Easter bunny was coming to visit, I decided I needed to make a stop there while in KC last week. Macy got several items but the one thing she got when I returned to Omaha was an edible burger and fries. It was one of the funniest things I had ever seen. Totally worth the (Trevor stop reading) $7.50.

The Cellar

Sun Dee and Matt Larson were way too generous and gave us a gift certificate to The Cellar for the baby shower we threw in November with the McKenneys. We just visited The Cellar and it was so fun and tasty! If you live in Omaha you should try it. It's in Cherry Hills (Irvington Exit and I-680). Here's a photo of us at The Cellar. (Honorary spot between Shannon and Denise reserved for Mike Shearer who was at a bachelor party that night).



Later that night we went to the Fitch residence and played "SingStar" on PS2. Have you played? It's so fun! I highly recommend it!

Happy Birthday Emilie

We went bowling in honor of Emilie's birthday (and Ashley, Regan and Sarah's). It was a super fun time. What might have been even more fun was the photo booth we all became obsessed with. Here's the photos I took with the hubby and the birthday girl.

Kalin's big move

Kalin and Ronnie made the 16 hour trek to Virginia and have arrived safe and sound. Kalin will be living in Sterling. This place has got great oulets (I'm talking Williams-Sonoma outlet, J. Crew outlet, Burberry outlet, Crate & Barrel outlet). It is my idea of a great mall! It's also...WINE COUNTRY.

Free place to stay + outlet mall + vineyards + MLB (for Trevor plus I like watching baseball and drinking beer) = trip out east. Blow up the air matress, K, 'cause we're coming to visit.

Peep Show

There's nothing better than a pun 'bout Peeps.

Just a spoonful of cinnamon

Josh told us how it's nearly impossible to swallow a tablespoon of cinnamon. Trevor, Shannon and I tried it over the weekend and I encourage you to, too! In fact, I double dog dare you!

Happy Birthday Pops!

The newly-50 Ron Hicks through the years...

And we've decided dad and Macy look a lot alike in this last photo...

Blogging from Behind

A little (lot!) behind! Here goes!

Lotsa travel:

Feb. 22
United Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time

Feb. 24
United Airlines
Depart Denver On-Time

Feb. 27
American Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time

Feb. 27
American Airlines
Depart DFW On-Time

Feb. 28
American Airlines
Depart Atlanta On-Time (HOLY security line though!)

Feb. 28
American Airlines
Depart DFW One Hour Late

March 4
United Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time

March 4
United Airlines
Depart Chicago O'Hare 30 minutes late

So, uh, yeah! That sums up a lot of what I've been doing. The trip to Denver was a vacation trip (well kind of - we had Trevor's annual meeting Friday night). We hung out with Kristi and Andy Saturday (I got to hang with Kris Friday-day and see some wedding stuff like her dress and where the ceremony will be!). Saturday we went to Boulder, hung out, wine-tasted (Cherry wine = GOOD!), ate "Modern Mexican" twice and I sure did karaoke "Baby Got Back" in a crowded bar. The cop at the bar looked like Dwight Schrute (minus the glasses) and can you even believe this guy had never seen "The Office?" I also was reminded that Andy's sister was a Kappa (and Prez at that!) hence the photo of me and the KKG koozie. I can't wait to give her the secret handshake at their wedding in August!

Two other things about the party

It was hilarious because all night my mom kept saying "thank goodness I showered" and "I'm in my hockey game clothes. I am not even wearing heels!" It was funny. She made it quite clear she was not excited to go to the game.

My parents had another surprise that evening. When they got home that night they opened their garage door and they had 50 cases of Busch Light waiting for them. It was a gift from two close couple friends of theirs. The scary thing is how long it will actually last them.

A few more shout outs to give:
1. Woody & Rhonda, thanks for having the difficult task of getting Ronnie & Mary to the party. You did a great job! And Woody was super sick Saturday night so he got out of bed for that elemend of the night and then headed out before we got on the Trolley. He was a trooper.
2. Kalin and Trevor: Thanks for your help. I joked about "how fun and esay it was to plan a party with two boys." I wsa kidding of course. Can't wait to plan something else with you two. Maybe Macy's birthday party?

Happy 50th Birthdays and 30th Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Last weekend Kalin, Trevor and I threw a surprise 50th birthday party and 30th anniversary party for my mom and dad. I am a little let down that it is over! It is probably a good thing I am blogging about this a few days later because I had entirely TOO many stories to share Sunday!

They thought they were going to a hockey game with their friends Woody and Rhonda and Trevor and I. Guests were arriving at our house at 6 and my parents were to "pick us up" between 6:30 and 6:45. Well, my dad was being very difficult and wanted to pick us up a little after 6. We had to keep lying to him and tell him I wasn't ready. He was not a happy camper.

When they arrived my dad rang our doorbell about 10 times. He later admitted he was going to chew me out for making them so late to the game :-). When they walked in and saw 50 of their nearest and dearest they were shocked. I truly believe they were surprised. My mom's first thing out of her mouth was "Kalin's here!" Kalin drove to Omaha Friday night and didn't tell them. Then they proceeded to the back of the room greeting all of their friends and family. I could really see the excitement and surprise in their eyes. I loved it.

Our friends from Michigan, the Hartfelders, that we met on a cruise in 1991 came in for the surprise. It was fantstic. According to Kalin, when my dad saw Dave Hartfelder at the back of the room he said, "you're shittin' me." Priceless.

We snacked, looked at the memory book made for them, and outfitted everyone with a made-for-the-occassion koozie. Around 7:30 Ollie the Trolley came (which my dad and mom were surprised about too) and we went on a trip down memory lane: by their old houses (most of them), their high school, where they got married, my dad's company, their hangouts (with a stop for a few beers and a round of shots at Alpine). It was just so amazlingly fun!

Thanks to everyone who atteneded and a special thanks to the Shearers and the Hites who did SO much work the night of the party from picking up after us to refilling the food and coolers. Thanks to my grandpa and grandma for 1. planning the route and being the conductor and 2. for making a bunch of food. Thanks to GG for letting Macy hang out at your place during the par-tay. Thanks to the Hartfelders for making a special trip to Omaha. We hadn't seen them since Trevor's and my wedding in December 2005.

Photos from the par-tay can be viewed here.

PS: Invitations created by the fantabulous Sabrina Ahern.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm lucky my soulmate is an awesome dude named Trevor. But if that wasn't the case, apparently I'd be celebrating today's holiday with Will Smith. Now that's what I call the pursuit of happyness. Take the quiz and let me know who your celebrity soulmate is!



Take the Quiz

Photographic Proof

Here are some photos from the Neal baby shower and a photo of the AMAZING print Annie painted for our room. She is so talented. It looks great; Mike thinks so too :-).

The on-time skies

Apparently the airlines got wind of this awesome blog (readership: 6) tracking their efficiency. They’re not doing an awful job.

Sunday, Feb. 2
Southwest Airlines
Depart Omaha (and Midway): On-Time

Tuesday, Feb. 5
Delta Airlines
Depart Regan National Airport (Washington, D.C): On-Time

Thursday, Feb. 7
United Airlines
Depart New York LaGuardia (and O’Hare): On-Time

A trip out east

I was in NYC for work the past few days. It was a great time to be in the city as Fashion Week was taking place! They days were pretty busy and their was work to be done during the evenings, but today we ironically enough had reservations at DB Bistro right by Bryant Park – home of Fashion Week. (DB Bistro was fabulous, BTW.) After lunch we had some time to kill before our last appointment of the trip, with Ladies’ Home Journal, so my friends from Blue Bunny and I strolled over to check out the fashionistas. It was pretty cool. Paparazzi just hanging out waiting to capture someone. We didn’t see a celeb (DARN IT!) but the atmosphere was fun to be in, nonetheless!

I was in D.C. before heading to New York. (It’s been a week on the east coast.) I haven’t been to the Capitol city in years. What an awesome place. All of a sudden I’m driving by some of the most notable places in our country: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., the Pentagon, the Washington Memorial. My brother is actually moving outside of D.C. in March – to Reston, Virginia, and I am excited to visit him and get back to the area. My friend Lizzie lives in D.C. now so I was able to catch up with her (and pooch Henry) Monday night over some vino and very, very tasty pizza. I haven’t seen Lizzie since September or so, and one of the things I love most about my friendship with Lizzie is we can not see each other or chat for a while, but when we do get together or talk it’s like we just were together the day before.

Baby Mania

The Fitches, Shearers, Segers, Millers and Hites threw a couple’s baby shower for the Neals this weekend. What a great time! We are so happy for Annie and Sam and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby girl Neal with them. Like Annie said during the shower, which subsequently made most people tear up, it wasn’t an easy road to get to where they are today, but they know baby girl Neal is the result of many prayers from friends and family. It was just such a happy night and once again made me so, so happy for the close friends and family I am blessed with.

Also - welcome to baby Magnus! Our friends Sun Dee and Matt Larson welcomed son Magnus Mills Larson to the world last week! He is just PRECIOUS! I’ve seen one photo and can’t get over how cute he is. I can’t wait to meet the little fella in person. Congratulations to the Larsons!

I always knew I was above average

Class average of test number one = 86.8%
Wendy's score on test number one = 95%

Operation back to school is off to a good start.

I'll tell you what is not above average. The temperatures. Brr! Baby it IS cold outside!

Good Travel Day

Tuesday, Jan. 29
American Airlines
Depart Omaha: On-time

Tuesday, Jan. 29
American Airlines
Depart DFW: ON-TIME EVEN IN 40 MPH WINDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really did not think I was going to get out of there on-time. Oh me of little faith!

Clearly I am not a doctor because I have zero patience.

This blog post (well the text anyway, not the actual posting because of the lack of Internet access) comes to you from seat 10A of American Eagle Flight 3930 with service to Omaha. Let me tell you about my experience with American Eagle Flight 3930 with service to Omaha. I left a meeting early to make it to O’Hare in time to catch American Eagle Flight 3930 with service to Omaha which was departing at 4:55 p.m. Checked in, made it through security, grabbed a bottled water and yogurt parfait and sat down at my gate with about 20 minutes ‘til boarding time. I made a few phone calls, sent a handful of emails, and looked up at the screen expecting it to be time to board. Instead we were delayed five minutes. “No biggie,” I thought to myself. I people watch and hang out for a few more minutes. Then an announcement comes on the American Eagle Flight 3930 with service to Omaha had a change of gates and we would not be boarding downstairs at gate G14. Again – no biggie. I head downstairs and we’re delayed now until 5:15 p.m. Okay. Send a few more emails (blackberries are life-savers in boring situations like this) and then decide it’s time to crack into the yogurt parfait. I finish the yogurt parfait. I get up and walk around. I grab a new seat. I hear “this is a gate change notification for American Eagle Flight 3930 with service to Omaha. You will now be boarding out of Gwhatever upstairs.” Lots of people moan. I feel like moaning, but it could be worse I tell myself. This O’Hare AND American Airlines and we’re getting out of here with only a 20 minute delay. Not too bad.

Make that a 35 minute delay. Oh wait 40 minute delay. Oh, it’s been five more minutes? Time to update the departure time. Guess what; we’re now departing at 6 p.m.! I skim through a Cooking Light. I call Grandma. I go tinkle. I browse Hudson News. I come back and we’re now leaving at 6:30. I get mad.

I was supposed to LAND in Omaha at 6:25 p.m. I send a few more emails. They make an announcement that our plane has left Rochester, Minnesota and is en route. At this point, do I really care that the plane just left? I think it might add fuel to the annoyance fire.

We boarded American Eagle Flight 3930 with service to Omaha at 6:50 p.m. But not so fast says the captain – we need to get de-iced which will take 15 minutes. What he neglected to say was 15 minutes from the time they start de-icing OUR plane and since O’Hare apparently only has ONE de-icing machine, we’d be sitting there for about 30 more minutes.

Phew. There’s movement. Holy cow I think this plane is moving! “Ladies and gentleman, we’ve been cleared for take-off,” the captain says. “We’re fifth in line.”I looked at my watch and when we started ascending it was 7:45 p.m. Nearly three hours AFTER I was supposed to land in Omaha. I could have almost flown to Chicago and back to Omaha in the time I sat sitting in the damn airport and idle on American Eagle Flight 3930 with service to Omaha. I could have done almost five 30-minute sessions of cardio – more than I do in a week! – in the time I was sitting in the damn airport and idle on American Eagle Flight 3930 with service to Omaha.

And I think that’s the part that annoys me the most. I HATE sitting and doing nothing. I am happy and content and at peace when I am doing something. Anything. But not just sitting.

I realize there are a lot of factors that play into air traffic. I do. But riddle me this. There was slush on the ground in Chicago and apparently a quarter inch of snow in Omaha. Why the almost THREE hour delay? If I booked a flight to leave Chicago at 7:45 p.m., I would have been FINE. But this was out of my control and screwing up my schedule. And I do not like my schedule screwed with.

I do a decent amount of traveling for work and I enjoy it. I am not complaining about that at all (and I am not just saying that because there are Barkley peeps that read this). I really don’t mind it. But when three useless hours are tacked on to your day – I don’t care if you’re traveling for business or for pleasure – it’s frustrating.

Sidenote: the cabin attendant just came by with the drink cart and oh how a beer sounds good. I decided if I was a pilot and MY passengers were delayed, I’d buy them all a around. But that’s just me.

So, new year’s resolution number four is to keep track of my travel for 2008. (This is the first trip which makes me a little nervous if this is any indication of my air travel adventures for the next 323 days.) On this blog, this very blog you are reading, I am going to keep track of my trips. I’m going to record the airports, the airlines and the departure times and we’ll get something out of this. We’ll see just how much time was wasted in one year sitting in airports unplanned. We’ll see if there is any correlation between airlines with delays (cough cough American) and others. We’ll just see. I really wish I could import Excel into a blog but I don’t think I can. So, here goes – my first entry for the year:

Wednesday, Jan. 23
American (Eagle) Airlines
Depart Omaha: On-Time

Wednesday, Jan. 23
American (Eagle) Airlines
Depart Chicago O’Hare: 2 hours 50 minutes late

So, there you have it folks. And I know everyone gets delayed. My colleague traveling with me today had her flight cancelled and she was mysteriously put on another one, thank goodness. She was delayed, too. I’m just fed up and it is therapeutic for me to share my frustrations.

Woo. I feel better. And no I did not buy a drink. I just vented. And now, I have a few other things I’d like to touch on in this post.

1. My desire to build even more parking lots. Guess where I parked this morning at Eppley? In a snow bank. I drove around the garage for 20 minutes and started panicking that I was going to be late so I just parked in what should have been a stall but wasn’t thanks to the wonderful snow plowing, so I rammed my Jeep into the snow bank as far as I could and called it good. I’m sure if I would have put it in 4-Wheel Drive it would have helped but I was also slightly concerned about driving OVER the side of the parking garage. A six-story fall in my Jeep was not in today’s agenda. So, the airport charges $12 a day to park. So, even if I lowered the rate (gotta be competitive you know) to $10 a day and had 100 stalls (to keep it in line with the parking lot I am building near UNO) I’d make $1,000 a day or $365,000 a year. You can add a grand to leap years. With that disposable income (cause of course I’d still work at Barkley; the parking lots would just be a side gig), I’d buy a plane and I think you know why.

2. Lastly, I just wanted to give you an update on my resolutions for this year (not including the one I just established today).

a. Church: We’re one for three (Sundays). The first Sunday we were in Lincoln so that doesn’t really count. The second Sunday we went. Last Sunday I drank too many Coronas the night before and didn’t eat enough dinner and just couldn’t quite make it. I have faith (ha!) we’ll go this Sunday though

b. Fruit or veggies with every meal. I’m definitely working on it and am doing okay. Last night my dinner was Blue Bunny Premium Light Double Strawberry ice cream cause I was a little stressed. Does that count as a fruit? Okay, okay – I need to work on that one.

c. Be financially responsible. I am doing very well on this one! I don’t even look at JCrew.com’s sale or go close to the mall. I’m making this budget work!

And with that, it’s time for me to turn off my approved electronic device and enjoy the ride. Hope you enjoyed the read.

If next time you talk to me I don't answer, it's because my ears froze off while walking to class.

Tonight was my first class. I admit I considered briefly logging into my ebrUNO account yesterday and just withdrawing. That sure would make life a heck of a lot easier than life with class. I'm so glad I didn't, although I have to admit the first ten minutes of my school adventure did not get off to the best start.

All I have to say is I am going to buy land, pave it, paint some stripes on it and charge people to park on it. I figure if I am in a high traffic area, maybe 100 cars will park there a day. If I charge each even $5, that's $500 a day or $183,000.000 this year (it will be $500 less in non-leap year years). Now, this may come as a huge shock to you, but$183K is a little more than I am making at Barkley. And think about it. Paying for parking is the NORM. You can't park freaking ANYWHERE without having a permit or paying. It is so annoying! Plus, owning a parking lot comes with minimum expenses and low liability.

So, yeah. As you can likely imagine I drove around for quite a while before I finally parked in the visitor, non-permit parking garage. Only a visual will do justice as to where the parking garage was in relation to my class:

Which, will be nice when I am wearing flip flops and a tank top, trying to sun my arms. However, current conditions in the 68116 zip code are:

I

WAS
FREEZING.

Anyway, class was good. My professor seems great. He's an adjunct professor, which I love. They always seem more laid back. He's actually the math supervisor for Omaha Public Schools and used to teach at Central High School, where Trevor went. I was a little nervous because page one of the syllabus screamed in bold type, "ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY" and that the key to success in the class was being in class. However, after sitting in the front row, participating in class and wearing a sweater vest, I introduced myself to professor Harrington, explained my situation to him and that I had some previously planned business travel. I offered him my typed list of dates I would be missing and he eagerly took it saying it was helpful and that he would keep it in his attendance files. I am much less stressed about that.

So, after purchasing a $90 USED text book, I ventured back to my frozen car.

It's official. I am in school and school is COOL.

I keep thinking of things to blog about

1. I have a crush on Juno and Ellen Page. Have you seen the movie? It's my new favorite and I am pretty sure it will be best picture. I sure hope it is.

2. A new New Year's resolution I have is to eat fruits or veggies with every meal. I used to do it well, but I slacked.

3. My sister-in-law is studying abroad in Europe (I just got a g-chat from her; she's in Florence the lucky duck). Anyway, she has a blog if you want to keep up on her adventure: www.katiegoestoeurope.blogspot.com.

TGIF!
Wendy

Tasty Treats

Feline friend of Macy's, Sophie Neal, baked homemade doggie treats and Macy is just in love with them! Thanks, Sophie! (And your mom, Annie, who I am sure helped you an awful lot :-)).

Dinner Club

A few other couples and the Fitches have a "dinner club." We get together every other month for good food, good friends and good times. The host chooses the menu and assigns recipes. We've had a lot of delicious meals, from steaks to beef tenderloin to tuna steaks to homemade pasta. Dinner club is super. Anyway, our Christmas dinner club was supposed to be Dec. 1 at the Neals but because of the weather it was postponed until yesterday. We still did our holiday theme, had tur-duk-hen and had a gift exchange. It was a super night. I just love getting together with all my friends!
These are the pickled eggs Trevor likes to make for Sam. Trevor, you're a good cook, but these were nasty.

A new list for the new year

In keeping with my list theme, here's a great article I wanted to share. Trevor actually found this on CNN.com on Monday. Gotta love that the company payin' my bills leads the list!

Great work perks

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Some employers are offering lavish perks like posh vacations
Employers want perks that offer a way to make life easier for their employees
Perks can create a stronger tie between the employee and the company

By Rachel Zupek

Editor's note: CNN.com has a business partnership with CareerBuilder.com, which serves as the exclusive provider of job listings and services to CNN.com.

Where can you grab a cold beer from the company keg when the clock strikes four? Where can you take in a yoga class during your lunch hour? And where can you do laundry for free?

At work, that's where.

Years ago, such generous benefits were better fit for a utopian dream than real workplaces.Nowadays, while competitive salaries and advancement opportunities still rank high on the list of job priorities, lavish perks like posh vacations, gourmet cafeterias and concierge services are inching their way up the importance scale.

Employers want perks that offer a way to make life easier for their employees, says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.com.

By taking care of chores employees either dislike or don't have time for, employers create a stronger emotional tie between the employee and the company, as well as increase productivity and retention.

"Employers realize the best way to retain prized employees among the current talent crunch is to make them want to stay, often through first-rate perks," Haefner says. "In addition to the standard comprehensive benefits package, some companies are taking things a step further, offering unique perks to keep current employees happy and new employees eager to stick around."

The company perks we came across ran the gamut from widespread to unique to downright unfair.

Check out how companies, big and small, across the country are keeping their employees happy.

1. Barkley; Kansas City, Missouri- Great perks: This advertising agency has an annual "Kidnap Day," when the company shuts down for the day and workers are taken to an undisclosed location, like an arcade.Additionally, there are break-time activities, like pool and ping-pong tournaments, and free Boulevard beer on tap after 4 p.m. To top it off, employees are given birthdays off (with $25 spending money); on-site yoga; and a rooftop observation deck with gardens, Wi-Fi access and barbecue grills.

2. SAS; Cary, North CarolinaGreat perks: Along with amenities like an on-site hair salon, massage therapy and car detailing, this software company also features subsidized day care centers and a free on-site healthcare center, complete with doctors, nurse practitioners and nutritionists.

3. Homestead Technologies; Menlo Park, CaliforniaGreat perks: Talk about time off: Employees earn paid winter breaks from Christmas to New Year's Day; paid days off for birthdays; unlimited paid sick leave; and after five years with the company, a four-week sabbatical earning two-thirds of their salary.They also receive $100 gift cards for their birthdays, an all-expenses-paid retreat each year and use of a cabin in Lake Tahoe during the ski season (for a small fee to rent).

4. VistaPrint; Lexington, MassachusettsGreat perks: Employees who have been with this graphic design and custom-printing company for five years have the chance to take a one month, paid sabbatical -- to do whatever they please.

5. Creative Business Resources (CBR); Phoenix, ArizonaGreat perks: In addition to regular holiday bonuses in 2006, employees at CBR, a human resource outsourcing company, got a surprise bonus: a $150 shopping spree after the holiday team lunch.Employees received cash and were told to return with receipts showing how they spent the money on themselves.

6. Goldman Sachs; New York, New YorkGreat perks: Employees who get married or register a domestic partnership get an extra week of vacation at this global investment banking, securities and investment management firm.

7. Google Inc.; Mountain View, CaliforniaGreat perks: To name a few: Employees receive up to $8,000 per year in tuition reimbursement; unlimited sick leave; 27 days of paid time off after one year; on-site conveniences like medical and dental facilities, oil changes, car washes, haircuts, free washers and dryers, and three (free) gourmet meals a day.No wonder this search engine firm was voted No.1 in Fortune's 2007 "100 Best Companies to Work For."

8. National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association; Seattle, WashingtonGreat perks: Workers enjoy a "bring your baby to work" policy, which allows employees to bring their newborns to work until they're 6 months old or for a total of three months.

9. Digitas Health; Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaGreat perks: Free gym memberships (including lunchtime yoga); "Beer Fridays" during the colder months to kick off the weekends; and summer hours on Fridays to get out and enjoy the weather.

10. San Francisco SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)Great perks: If dogs are well-behaved, employees can bring them to work; they're also allowed one day off when an animal companion dies.

11. KPMG; New York, New YorkGreat perks: Workers for this audit, tax and advisory firm earned a five-day weekend around the Fourth of July this year, with a "Barbecue Bonanza" gift of steaks, chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers.The firm also runs seasonal contests, like "Movie Madness" (around the Academy Awards) or the "Summer Vacation Photo Challenge." Prizes include big-screen TVs, iPods, Nintendos and travel vouchers.

12. Adams & Knight; Avon, ConnecticutGreat perks: Perks are in the environment at this advertising agency.The center of the building is a full-scale replica of a 1950s diner, complete with booths, a jukebox and a Coca-Cola machine (which spits out free bottles of Coke and Diet Coke). Halls are lined with original, restored ads from the '40s and '50s, and there's a 60-seat theater used as a meeting space for clients and staff.

So much to catch up on

Because there's so much to catch up on over the past few weeks, I just decided this post is going to be full of lists. Yeah buddy.

The list of lists in this blog:
1. The list of lists in this blog
2. What I did over Christmas break
3. Gifts I received for Christmas
4. Reasons I love the holidays
5. 2008 New Year's Resolutions
6. Christmas photos I love

What I did over Christmas break:
- Cleaned and organized my closet and took stuff to the Goodwill (twice)
- Cleaned and organized the storage room, kitchen cabinets, misc. drawers, etc.
- Took down all the Christmas decorations (except the outside lights) and the tree
- Hung a new light fixture in the kitchen
- Returned and exchanged Christmas gifts
- Accidentally exchanged a too-small belt Trevor got for Christmas for one that's too big so now we get to go back to Banana Republic for the third time in a week (not that I am complaining)
- Played wii. Kind of a lot.
- Organized my office and got rid of a chaise I'm been wanting to replace for a while
- Put stuff on eBay
- Got the Neal's baby shower planned
- Registered for class (Algebra baby)
- Met with a financial planner
- Started working on an '08 budget
- Laundry
- Ate at Cheesecake Factory, Hiro, Johnny's, Ruby Tuesday and more restaurants I am sure
- Partied at Barrett's (twice)
- Donated money to the United Way Von Maur Fund
- Scored a free cab ride to Amigos/Taco John's/home (thanks Hauptman O'Brien) with Shannon, invited our Jamaican cab driver (Muhamad) to Christmas with my family numerous times, gave him my phone number and hung up on him when he actually called
- Hosted a cookie and Christmas CD exchange party for some girls (and had hoot!)
- Went to Von Maur for the first time since the shootings and was kind of creeped out
- Went to Von Maur for the second time since the shootings and wasn't quite as creeped out as I was the first time
- Karaoked to "Baby Got Back" and shook my booty - believe it or not I was impressive and stayed on beat
- Slept in
- Had sushi. YUM!

Gifts I received for Christmas:
- New chair for my office
- Food processor
- Backpack
- Scrabble
- PhotoStamps.com gift certificate (Stamps of Macy should be arriving soon)
- US Weekly subscription
- Massage Envy Gift Certificate
- Radko ornaments
- Chef's coat
- Black North Face Puffy Vest
- Grey's Anatomy DVD's
- Cupcake carrier
- MONEY!
- Adverteasing
- Donation to Goodwill in our name

Reasons I love the holidays:
- Seeing family
- Yummy, fatty food
- No work (sorry!)
- Little kids at church in their holiday duds
- Get togethers with friends
- Goodwill amongst everyone
- Giving presents you know the recipient will LOVE
- Getting presents you love :-)
- Christmas cookies and music!
- Sales

2008 New Year's Resolutions:
- Church more often (which would be three times vs. instead of just Christmas and Easter)
- Be financially responsible (i.e. no careless spending! Stop shopping, Wendy!)

Christmas photos I love:

Celebrating the New Year

Just downloaded some photos from New Year's Eve. We rang in 2008 at Barrett's. Thanks for organizing, Mike! It was a fun celebration, and even nicer to not have to clean up after a huge party the next day!

Back from Paradise

Sorry for the lack of blogging - we just got back from a fantasticly fabulous vacation. We went with two friends, Josh and Shannon, and spent seven days not thinking about anything except whether we'd have a Pina Coloda or Strawberry Margarita. Here's a quick recap of our trip:

Saturday, December 8:

Arrived in San Diego early and headed straight to our totally awesome hotel, Hotel Solamar. We pricelined this bad boy and paid $120 a night (regularly something crazy like $289). The rooms were awesome and from 5-6 each night the hotel offers complimentary wine and champagne, and from 6-10 each morning Starbucks coffee and tea. Anyway, we took the trolley car deal to Las Americas outlet mall, which is right on the US/Mexico border. I mean right on the border - you could throw a rock from the mall over the wall. Anyway, we managed to find some great purchases. Steal of the trip was a Cashmere dress coat Trevor bought for $175 ish. Original price? $650.

Dinner that night was at Dussini. I'd HIGHLY recommend the Lobster Mac & Cheese here. One of the best things I have tasted in a long time. And some Top Chef contestant is the restaurant founder or something. Anyway, I have to admit the restaurant smelled a little funky when we walked in so I was a little sketch, but fear not. It was delish. While we were waiting for our table we popped into a nearby Aussie bar and had a beer from down under. It was really good and a cool place. I wish I could remember the name of it.

Sunday, December 9

Did a little shopping in the mall in the Gaslamp District then LIMO'd it to Temecula. Temecula is an up and coming wine valley and we just had a great time. We went to three vineyards: Hart, Briar Rose (where Jay Leno visited recently!) and KeyWays. The limo driver, Chris, was awesome. I'd definitely recommend his company if you are interested in doing this tour.

When we arrived back to San Diego (not sober) we did a sushi dinner and then had a drink at the new Hard Rock Hotel bar just down the street from our hotel. Crazy news: the hotel's grand opening was the next day (Monday, 12/10) and the Black Eyed Peas played. We missed Fergie Ferg by one day!

Monday, December 10

Happy Anniversary to Wendy & Trevor! Two whole years! We had breakfast at super fun and tasty Cafe 222. Then it was time to board the Carnival Elation!

Tuesday, December 11

Sea Day! Lots of fun aboard the Elation! This was formal night which meant Lobster for dinner. YUM!

Wednesday, December 12

Welcome to Cabo San Lucas! Man, I love this city. In fact, I think my next vaca will be to Cabo. We ended up going to a local resort for a few hours upon arrival to take advantage of the 85-degree weather and lay out. Once the boys got restless, we ventured to Cabo Wabo. LOVE the Lobster Tacos! Then we headed to El Squid Roe for a cerveza. Then we headed to the bar we fell in love with on our honeymoon, The Nowhere Bar where we met Estavan, out bartender, and Trevor bought his apron off of him for $20. After a lot of Coronoas (BOGO!) we took one for the road, headed to another bar to get one for the road (it was a long walk back to the ship) and luckily made it on the last tender. We didn't get on the ship any too soon. By the time we made it to the Lido deck, we were already pulling away. After making quite an appearance on the Lido deck (hot tub - Josh in a speedo - the waterslides and the girls getting fake tattoos), we decided we better call it a day and we all turned in around 8 p.m. It was a great, fun day!

Thursday, December 13

Fun Day at Sea! And surprisingly, we all felt well! I'll use this day to talk about a few Elation staffers we fell in love with. Damian at the Piano Bar was amazing. (The boys made a lot of fun of us because we called him amazing so much.) He sounded just like Elton John and Billy Joel. He could play virtually any song requested. He'll be a someone someday. We loved Lindon, our assistant waiter dude in the dining room who didn't speak enough English so he just made funny noises. Ronnie our waiter was great too. He was a macarena pro. Also LOVED Sayed at the bar near our room. He knew our names by heart! He was a dear. And finally, Ninoslav, the bartender in the piano bar, was great. Once Shannon was pretending to hold a lighter to Damian (you know, like at concerts) and then Ninoslav comes over and just says, "here's a real one." He also told Shannon to stay on the ship and never go home. Hilarious.

Friday, December 14

Ensenada, Mexico. Our ATV excursion was so fun! I wish I knew the company we did it through. (We booked it through the ship.) Our guide, Bernie, was hilarious. We each got our own ATV and we really "opened those hogs up," as I called it. I'll post photos when I get Trevor's - I didn't take mine on the excursion. We rode through wine country and at one point we were right next to cows - without a fence between us and them! We had lunch at some interesting Americanized Mexican restaurant and then Josh got some churros, and then we headed back to the ship. We lived it up that evening as the last night of our vacation - until our bodies just wouldn't accept another sip of beer.

Saturday, December 15

Home :-(

Absolutely Horrible

Today marks one of the most horrific events in my lifetime. 9/11 was absolutely awful. Columbine was devestating. Virginia Tech was terrible. But the shooting at Westroads hits so damn freaking close to home.

I was in Kansas CIty when the shootings take place. But if I was in Omaha, what if I had decided to run to Von Maur over lunch to pick up a Christmas gift? My mom wants to get a red sweater to wear and some nice, comfy PJs for a Christmas party Monday, and thought she better go before she gets to start dog sitting Macy Saturday. She considered going today.

Here's an email I recently sent to friends. I am sure I will post more about this soon. Until then, additional thoughts because I can't really focus right now.

Yes, I was in Kansas City. But I still don’t know that I have ever been this shook up. You guys this is awful. It’s horrible. It hits so damn close to home. I have presents under my tree from Von Maur. I spent three hours there Friday afternoon. A family friend works there and was standing next to a guy who got shot in the head. Right freaking next to him. Von Maur is the place to go. The jeans I am wearing are from Von Maur. It’s the Nordstom of Omaha. It’s where we got my mom that Sonicare face wash thing from Oprah’s favorite things (that we were talking about at lunch, LTD). One of my freaking best friends was in the parking lot going to go in and do Christmas shopping, but got a phone call and was chatting in the car. For SOME reason he decided he didn’t want to shop and left. As he was pulling out of the parking lot the cops started pulling in. When he got home he turned on the TV and realized what he almost walked into. Anyone I know could have been there.

I just can’t comprehend it. A woman on the radio said she was listening to gun shots and Christmas music at the same time. One woman’s young daughter told her mom she thought it [gunshots] was a hammer. I couldn’t even hold back the tears when I crossed into Omaha and then you can see the store from the interstate exit I take to get home and I just felt nauseous.

Normally the first thing I do tonight is turn on our Christmas lights plug in the Christmas tree. It was really hard to do that tonight. It’s just terrifyinh.