Unexpected pleasures....

there was a surprise in the post for me--a pay slip with more than an extra £1000 on it!!   

WOW! 

Very, very nice! It is great you are being compensated for all your efforts! 

WOW! 

I feel like I won the lottery!  But I worked my butt off for it.

The great nephew arrived at 11:24 Central Time Saturday night, weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces and was 18 inches long. He has a head full of strawberry blond curls, just like his dad. They named him Braxtin Xavier. I suppose it will grow on me, although I have known that would be his name since they found out they were pregnant. Funny thing is, Shelby only picked out that name, and never once considered a name for if she had a girl. She just knew.

The great nephew arrived at 11:24 Central Time Saturday night, weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces and was 18 inches long. He has a head full of strawberry blond curls, just like his dad. They named him Braxtin Xavier. I suppose it will grow on me, although I have known that would be his name since they found out they were pregnant. Funny thing is, Shelby only picked out that name, and never once considered a name for if she had a girl. She just knew.

Congrats!!  It is a name with presence--like a famous serious author's name!

Andee, that is absolutely awesome and incredibly well deserved!!!!!! You've been working like a mad woman!!!

Congrats Tama!

My UP is: I've been booked to play in December in 6 piece 1920s band with some of the best players (I'm not kidding, they're coming in from all around Scotland)  - for a 1920s Night- Christmas Prohibition!!!  Playing at Ft. George's Officer Mess Hall for the Black Watch!!   Getting wined and dined.  And I get to dress as a flapper!! And I get paid!! 
Holy cow, I'm not sure I'm even close to being a good enough player, but holy moly!! 

Congrats!!  It is a name with presence--like a famous serious author's name!

I hadn't thought of it that way. Now that you mention it, the name does command attention.

Monday I was home sick and was trolling ebay for potential dresses for a couple of upcoming parties. I needed something for either a "Red and sparkly" theme and/or a "Gatsby" theme.

On a whim, I bid on a dress that: 1. I was unfamiliar with how the brand would fit me 2. technically should have been too small 3. no one else had bid on. I won the dress for £10.

The dress arrived today and it fits like a glove. Although it's not red, it is beaded (sparkly) and has enough of a 20's feel that I can accessorize it for both parties. I've had some disappointing ebay purchases recently so I am thrilled that this gamble paid off. 

We were given a gift box with three rolls of summer sausage, some sausage sticks, two packages of cheese, a jar of honey mustard, and a package of crackers today. It will make for some great snacking during the Christmas season.

I found a box of Roses candies at a kitchen shop in Colorado! They also had caramel digestives and some of the Coleman seasoning packets I've been looking for. There was more, but I had to stop myself. 

Hope no one minds if a newbie contributes...

Had a job interview today and have already heard back even though I wasn't expecting to for a few days. They want to see me again and said I had a good personality and my interview style was effortless.  Feels so nice to be complimented and talk about boost in job hunt confidence!

We love it when newbies contribute!  Compliments like that certainly do help boost confidence.

We have a free night in a hotel tonight. Granted, we are at work, and it is because we are currently getting freezing rain, with about 4 -8 inches of snow expected tonight and tomorrow, but hey, it is a free night. There are three of us staying tonight, to ensure we will be here, because we are the three that have to be here before the roads would be cleared very well, and all three live on streets that are usually last to be cleared.

We came home from work to find a bag over our doorknob containing a box of Belgian chocolates and a note from the guy next door thanking us for clearing and salting the steps outside. I know what we will be enjoying after dinner! 

Lunch with my aunt, cousin and her daughter.

I saw a snowbow this morning! It wasn't actually a bow, but more of a straight up and down line that appeared to be about 10 feet tall, but it was fantastic to see! I can't remember ever noticing a rainbow effect from snow, although I am sure they happen quite often.

Santa came early! Hubby wanted me to let him know when I was leaving work. I didn't think anything of it because we were both starving and planned to reheat the Indian takeout we'd gotten yesterday. I thought he would start heating it when he knew I was on the way. He met me outside, looking quite self satisfied, and insisted I came in with my eyes closed. When I was allowed to open them, I was standing in front of a cage with a two month old cockatiel. Knowing how much I still miss Moe, mom's cockatiel, he knew the perfect gift.

I then found out this has been a couple months in the planning, and Jay and Chris have been in on it together.

He still needs a name, and so many come to mind. I want to give it a bit of time to get the right one for his personality.