Thanks for all the comments on yesterday’s post. It really did help. I get frustrated sometimes with folks who don’t understand there really ARE people who want to be single. Right now, I want to be single.

I’ve been down in the dumps for a while but I got a good bit of news yesterday afternoon. I have hope again. Hope was a really nice early Christmas present for me.

I’m on vacation starting today! YES! I have the Sweetie Boy with me, too, and we’re going to bake and shop and just have some fun.

Yesterday was the cook/bake off at the office. I entered my to-die-for chocolate cheesecake (pictured here - thanks, Jen, for the picture!). The Reddi-Whip kinda melted on top before the festivities began, but it was still good. It’s a chocolate cheesecake with this chocolate topping (sort of like ganache). I used chocolate graham crackers for the crust. I’m told it was delish, since I never eat the stuff. I just bake it.

Anyhoo, there were three categories: Most Sinful, Presentation, Best Tasting.

I won for Most Sinful. And I thought that was highly appropriate for me. hehe My friend, Jen, won for presentation. She made what’s called Dirt Dessert and it’s oreo pudding - you make it in a flower pot and then crush up oreos for the top, gummy worms, and stick in fake flowers. It was so cute! There was also banana pudding, which wone for Best Tasting.

So, I got a gift card to Target for my win. And then the office manager passed out gift cards to Targe for everyone. SCORE! So I told the baby he could pick out two movies at Target - and I’m getting a new hair dryer. WOOHOO!

I also have bank and post office errands to run. Sweetie Boy asked me if we were baking anything and I told him we’d do another cheesecake together - this one a New York style - and that will be for Christmas day at my mom’s.

Christmas has been good so far. Got some lovely gifts from some co-workers and good friends. I’m really really looking forward to spending my first Christmas in my new house with my Sweetie Boy. Thinking about it gives me the heart squeeze.

And with that, I’ll leave you to your Thursday!

Four days until Christmas!

Your True Love Is a Cancer

Why you’ll love a Cancer: Cancer’s loyal and sincere heart makes your own sensitive heart melt. Caring and devoted, a Cancer will take the lead in pursuing you - and not give up! Why a Cancer will love you: You’re laid back enough to deal with Cancer’s little mood swings and freak-outs. A fellow homebody, you know how to make Cancer comfortable and at home with you.

Yesterday morning I went to Sweetie Boy’s party at school. I am so glad I went, even though – for whatever reason – I was kind of dreading it. It was drizzling and rainy and just gross out so I wasn’t thrilled to drive in it. Anyway, it was fun – I got to read to some of the kids while a couple of the other groups finished up their activities. They are all so cute!

I helped the baby boy but a string on his ornament and use the glittery pens (got glitter ALL over me) and then I even helped two of the cutest little girls EVER at the same table – both blonde and both adorable.

I tend to shy away from talking to other parents; I’d rather hang out with the kids (which is TOTALLY weird because I’m really not a kid person). It’s not that I’m anti-social (okay, a little), but it’s just that I’ve found I get asked questions I really don’t want to answer. Example. As I was standing with one of the other moms, she asked me where I worked. Small talk. Okay, I’m cool with that. So I told her where I worked and what kind of company it was and what I did for them.

Then I get this question: “So is he your youngest or your oldest?” Immediately assuming I have more than one.

“He’s the only,” I said.

“Oh. Are you planning to have more?”

Okay, maybe it’s just me – and my current state of mind – but I was completely offended by this question. Why is it NOT okay to have just one child? But wait – there’s more.

“No,” I said. “I’m done having kids.”

“Well,” she said, a big hopeful grin on her face, “accidents DO happen you know! I said the same thing and then I got my second daughter.”

:censored:

“Well, his dad and I are divorced so I doubt that will happen.”

And PS he’s “fixed”. Not that THAT’S any of her business either…

Why did I feel as though I needed to explain that to her? It totally ticked me off after I thought about it all damn day and realized how incredibly RUDE that was. BUT WAIT – there’s more.

So then she smiles that pathetic smile. “Well, I’m sure you’ll get married again some day.”

I waited for her to pat me sympathetically on the shoulder. As if being single is completely tragic.

I SO wanted to say, “Men are bastards. I want no part of that.” But instead, I said, “No, I’m done.” And then I walked away.

I mean, really. Just because YOU want to be married and have a passel of kids, doesn’t me I do. And I don’t mean to be offensive to ANYONE who is happily married with kids. The family unit is great – I came from a big family (I have three siblings) with parents who were married 40 plus years. I have NOTHING against it. It’s just not for me. Maybe not now. Maybe not ever. And I really don’t appreciate women looking at me as though my life is a tragedy because I’m single and a mom of one.

I’m happily single. I don’t miss the ex. Not a day has gone by I’ve missed the ex. OF COURSE I miss my kid. I miss him every second he’s not with me and wake up in the middle of the night and wonder if he’s okay. And if it’s thundering outside in the middle of the night, I worry about him. I wonder if he’s scared and if he’s being comforted. I wonder if he got to school okay and if he happy and having a good day.

Does that mean I want more kids? No. Does that mean I need to get married just to fill a void that’s the size of a Black Hole? No.

I’m happy being single. I’m independent and capable. I can take care of myself. I don’t NEED a man to help me live my life or “complete” me or any of that horseshit. What I do need, however, is my son, friends who love me unconditionally, a home to call my own, a job that gives me satisfaction, and a man who understands how important my independence is.

Hm. It seems I already have that.

I was tagged by Leigh – so here goes.

Six weird things about me:

1. I love crunchy peanut butter but I detest nuts in my ice cream or my candy.

2. I had to consult my Best Good Friend on six weird things about me.

3. I must have total darkness and silence when I go to bed.

4. I love to bake cheesecakes but I hate to eat them.

5. I’m a nonsmoker and won’t even date a smoker, but six martinis in, I’m puffing away.

6. I can’t stand for the toilet seat to be open! Drives me nuts.

I’m tagging Lara, Devon, Sophisticated Writer, and Sandy S.

Now for the Disgust part…

I am, by no means, a germaphobe (Best Good Friend can attest to this). However, there are times where I find myself completely disgusted by how people conduct themselves and live.

Case in point – Monday I moved to the cubicle previously occupied by The Broad. But first, it had to be cleaned up and the supplies there removed to make way for my stuff.

I really feel like I needed a biohazard suit to conduct the cleaning of this cubicle. It was completely filthy and disgusting. I don’t mind cleaning – really – but I despise cleaning after someone else. Especially when that someone else was dirty.

I used Lysol antibacterial wipes to clean the desk and when I got done, the wipes were black. I’m not kidding. There was hair everywhere. ICK. I was completely grossed out by the entire experience. Even the IT guy said to make sure I wash my hands frequently.

Yeah, no kid.

And since my previous monitor was a total beast, I decided I wanted to use the smaller one that went with her station. Um. Ick. And that’s all I’m saying. I cleaned it from top to bottom along with the desk surface of the area. I swear I must have washed my hands a dozen times AND used hand sanitizer – so you know I was thoroughly grossed out if I’m using hand sanitizer (right, Voodoo?).

I can’t imagine being that…unclean (I can’t think of another word for it). Okay, so granted my area was dusty. But that’s it! You won’t find icky crap all over the desk area! (Just a few dust bunnies behind the very large monitor.) And if her cubicle looks like that…I shudder to think what her house looks like…

Anyway… I finally got situated into my new cubicle and I have to say I really like it. Lots more storage space for me and I’m not in a high traffic area anymore. It’s greatness.

In other news, handed out my mini bundt cakes and they were an absolute hit. Woo! I didn’t eat any, but I hear they were to-die-for.

I went by Walgreen’s and got some stocking stuffers for the kiddo. I so want him to have a lovely Christmas this year. May I just say I love the Walgreen company? Sometimes you can really find some great treasures there.

In other news, today I’m going to the Sweetie Boy’s Christmas party at school. And then I get to pick him up on Wednesday and have him through the day after Christmas (with the exception of Christmas Eve where he’ll be with his dad for their Christmas festivities).

I’m looking forward to spending the time with him. I hope he’s not a horrid child this time around.

My chocolate cheesecake has been baked for the big cook-off at the office. Cross your fingers for me! I’m hoping I win something. I mean, how can it NOT? It’s just too sinful of a treat NOT to win.

Happy Tuesday, ya’ll!

Haven’t done one of these in a while…

You Are a Brownie

Decadent and intense, you aren’t for the weakhearted. Those who can deal with your strong flavor find out how sweet you really are.

  

It’s Monday - and you know what that means! I’m over at ShoeIQ for my weekly entry with a letter to Santa.

Dear Santa -
If you can find room for it in your sleigh, please bring me THIS because I’m really missing having one. Thanks.

In other news… I did buy myself a Christmas present. I’ve been eyeing it for a while and I decided it was time to get one. It’s a personalized 14K gold necklace with my name in script. I won’t get it until after the first of the year, but that’s okay.

The weekend completely wore me out. A nice end to it, though, was watching Celtic Woman on PBS Sunday night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had to tape it since I was going to be out in the middle of it and when I got back and cooked dinner, I sat down and watched. The singing was lovely; the music was fantastic. It makes me want to buy the CD!

It’s hard to believe Christmas is in one week. I’ve baked and made my goodies for some my favorite folks at the office. The only problem was figuring out how to transport them. I didn’t want to smash the lovely tops of the cute bundt cakes - especally with the glaze on it. Besides, presentation is everything. Anyway, I got one of my extra large Christmas boxes out and put four of them inside. The other two will have to be delivered on Tuesday.

Aren’t they cute?

 

(more…)

My roasted pork loin with fennel was DIVINE yesterday. Very tasty. Of course, the Sweetie Boy didn’t like it but that was to be expected. Ah well.

Where has winter gone? It’s been in the upper 70s these last few days. I have the doors open! And there’s a nice breeze. Not good weather for flannel sheets, is it? I thought I was going to have to turn on the AC yesterday. Since I had the oven on almost al day, it heated up the house pretty good. At least my electric bill will be small for next month.

Made the mocha glaze for the mini bundt cakes - it was quite tasty. I’m wondering if I need to have one of these cakes as a taste test. You know - to just see if they’re any good before I give them away. I’m wondering how to transport them since each cake is on a pretty little gold plate (Walgreen’s - $0.99!). I sprinkled each plate with powdered sugar, the put the cake on, then drizzled with the glaze. They are so pretty! I took pictures. Will post tomorrow.

While I was at Walgreen’s today, I found some cute little stocking holders, 2 for $5.00. I need to get back there this week without the baby to get his stocking stuffers. I think I could get a boatload of stuff for about $10.

Didn’t sleep well last night. Had restless - weird - dreams all night so now the tired is hitting me. I have laundry to put away and a kitchen to clean so I better get back to it…

Okay… Okay…

First… the mortgage company doesn’t see fit to post my check until the 15th, so why the bloody hell am I bothering to mail it on the 1st? Forget that. I have one more paycheck this month and I’m going to use it to pay off two credit cards. That will allow me to start the year off somewhat out of debt. Right?

Second… Target was a beating! :dead: However, I did get my fennel and my fresh thyme. BUT I forgot to buy eggs and chocolate cookies for the crust on my chocolate cheesecake next week. I have about 230498 people in the store and Sweetie Boy to thank for that. On the other hand, I DID get a really cool decanter and a small food processor and I stayed under $50. :thumbsup:

Third… Made it to Barnes & Noble and bought the teacher a gift, a friend a gift, AND my calendars for 2007 - two wall calendars (one for work and one for home) and my Just The Right Shoe mini page-a-day calendar (for desk at work). Happy!

Fourth… I baked. Made devils food cake in my mini bundt pans. CUTE! I’m going to put a mocha glaze on them tomorrow and give them away to the ladies in the office. Nothing like a sinful treat, eh?

Fifth… Got my toll tag! This will allow me to drive on the toll roads without having to have change at the ready. This is also good because The Man is across town and I have to drive on three toll roads to get to him. NOW, I can do it with my handy-dandy toll tag. SWEET

And sixth… Am tired. But am about to go make my roasted veggies and pork loin. Already made the marinade for the pork loin and it smelled divine. Can’t wait to cook up this feast (just wish I had that roasting pan I want from Williams-Sonoma…)

Today has been one of those frustrating/annoying days.

First of all, I woke up at 6 am but managed to get back to sleep until I heard the coffee pot at 7. I finally gave up and got up, drank some coffee and made cinnamon rolls.

After the Sweetie Boy got up, we ate breakfast, I showered, and then we hit the ground running. We went to the post office first because I wanted to beat the crowd. WRONG. The line was already out the door so we left. Went to the bank which actually wasn’t a somewhat pleasant experience. The drive-thru was actually super fast. Still, it was kind of a beating. Then, because I still had a package to mail, I knew I had to either face the post office or find some other place. There was a Box & Mail place up the street, so I went there.

Twenty dollars later (ARGH), I was out of there and back home. Made grocery list and headed to the grocery store where the annoyance commenced. The child hung on my leg the ENTIRE time I tried to shop. I mean, HUGGED my leg. Made it damn near impossible to walk and shop. Drove me nuts. Told him to stop. So instead he gets in front of me to help me push the cart. Or as I paused to look at items on the shelf, he’d run the cart into my ankles. In the middle of my struggle with the kiddo, The Man calls and immediatley puts me on hold because just as I answered my phone, he got another call. Now, at this point my patience is very thin. I hang up.

Incidentally, I should mention that is FREEZING in the grocery store. Granted, it IS 80 degrees outside, but does that mean you have to have the AC on Meatlocker? HELLO.

So the kid is still cold and still hugging my leg as I’m walking and The Man calls me back. And I’m struggling with trying to follow the list, keep the kid off me long enough to push the cart, AND talk on the phone. I finally just tell The Man it’s not working and hang up. Then I had instant guilt becuase I was short and snappish.

Oh and WHY the EFF is there no Redi-Whip at the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market? Or fennel? Now I have to go to another effing store. :censored:

So I finally get through all of that nonsense with the kid at the store and get home to unload the groceries. Call Man back BUT as I’m trying to get to him the broad who answered the phone totally ticked me off. She decided she’d screen his calls and then she didn’t even give me to the right person! It’s like I got the assistant manager or something. So once I got The Man on the phone I, of course, bitched about the fact that (a) she screened the call, (b) I had to ask MORE THAN ONCE to talk to him, and (c) she didn’t bother to get me to the right person! :yelling:

So now I’ve made my list for Super Target so I can get the rest of the stuff for my roast pork loin for dinner tonight. I just hope I’m not distracted and forget something. Again.

Eff.

Another week has come and gone! And we’re that much closer to Christmas. 10 days!

Last night, I picked up the Sweetie Boy and he helped me cook dinner. Which he didn’t eat. But that was okay, it wasn’t that spectacular anyway. He wanted bologne, hard salami, chips, and a pickle for dinner. That was his order. So that’s what he got. And he ate every single bite. Then he counted his presents under the tree and shook them. He also got a letter from Santa complete with stickers and he thought that was pretty awesome.

I’ve been in a dismal mood, but the last couple of days have really been happy ones for me. Not only did I get to see The Man, but … oh, wait, I probably shouldn’t say what the but also is. You folks just use your fertile imaginations and all I’ll say is - WOW.

Anyway - I should have known it was written all over my face when the boss told me I was “glowing” this morning and asked what was up. “Nothing!” I say. Just happy. But then I did confess my date the previous night. “Oh! How is he?” she asks. “Cute,” I say.

:hehe:

Yes, it is a rather foreign thing … being happy.

Yesterday was spent in a very long meeting all afternoon. However, we got a lot done and I’m realizing my job is about to get SUPER busy. Which is totally great. My first thought is bring it on, baby. Because I love when the days fly by. And it makes me feel worthwhile in my job. I really do love it now, especially since the promotion AND I have a terrific boss and… THE BROAD is leaving. (For those of you who may not know - the broad is a current employee who is a total :censored: lunatic - no lie!)

In other news… one of my friend’s got her Christmas present today! She loved it! I’m so glad! Now I just have to get the one to Canada in the mail… and soon!

Called and chatted with a good friend of mine and we got so off course I forgot WHY I called in the first place. LOL

Downloaded new ringtones for my phone and have designed Best Good Friend’s as Enter Sandman by Metallica and You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC for The Man. It cracks me up every time they call me. I even added a picture to some entries in my address book. Okay, so I was bored, but I love seeing the pics next to the entry in my phone. (Incidentally, there’s a self portrait of Best Good Friend for her pic and a picture of chopsticks for The Man… bahaha). What can I say - I’m self-entertaining.

SO! This weekend I’m going to buy stuff for my chocolate cheesecake, a small gift for the teacher, and me and the baby are going to spend some good quality time together. I am so looking forward to it!

That’s it for me - I’m off to work. Happy Friday!

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