Wednesday Night Watch Party

Tonight's one of the nights Red Wings fan and I have been looking forward to for a few weeks.  In fact, we both put calendar events in our phones to make sure we didn't miss it and Sunday we decided why not have a watch party together for the Season 3 premiere of Duck Dynasty.  You won't find cooked squirrel or duck at our party but I am making dinner (perhaps even Louisiana themed!).
As far as the rest of the night is concerned, well I guess you can say we'll...

Gotta love the Robertson clan!!

Productivity at its best

I had to take the afternoon off of work today to go to court about a speeding ticket I got about a month ago.  Unfortunately, it wasn't one of those, "plead guilty, mail your fine to the circuit clerk."  No, it was a "take an afternoon off of work, sit in a jam-packed courtroom and wait for your name to be called to face humiliation."  Luckily for me, it only took about an hour for them to call my name, me to ask for court supervision, get my fine and take care of paying the courts.

I knew today was going to be busy at work with month-end close on Friday and export invoices needing to go out so I decided even though I was taking a half day I'd bring my laptop home, see if I could get it to connect to my new wi-fi and spend the rest of my afternoon taking care of anything that came up once we received info we needed in order to invoice our customers.  Sure enough at 4:15 the info required for our billing came through.  I sent MW a quick message telling him I was online and I'd get it squared away before 5 pm.  He was surprised but thanked me for staying on top of everything given I had the afternoon off.  A few minutes before 5, I received a response from our customer, they received our invoice and have the multi-million dollar payment set for next week.

This just may have been the most productive work afternoon I've ever had while being home. 
 Oh and I vacuumed and cleaned my bathroom on top of it.

Ms. McGyver at your service

At the company holiday party I finally met the River Terminal manager I work with on a regular basis.  I'd talk to him at least a few times a week the previous 8-9 months and it was nice to finally put a face to the voice.  When he met me, he informed me that I was probably one of the nicest people he's ever worked with.  I'm always pleasant whether he calls or emails me and I've always been helpful.  I was appreciative for the compliment and really thought of it nothing more than just trying to help a fellow co-worker so we both could successfully do our jobs.
A few weeks ago he asked me to send him more mailing labels so that he could get his invoices and other paperwork to us in a timely manner.  I sent him sheet after sheet after sheet of mailing labels in hopes that I wouldn't slow him down should I not be able to send more before he ran out again.
Today I received a package with one of my labels on it.  I was surprised since typically he send me just normal envelopes but this was in a bubble pack.  In the bubble pack was a box with a note saying, "Lindsay, Thanks for all you do!"
My gift you may ask:

I opened it and smiled. And since the girls call me Ms. McGyver, I added it to my keys right away.
Sometimes just being nice has its rewards and I'm now set with my handy dandy key chain tool.
 

As promised

The winter weather came through the 'Lou as promised yesterday and while this picture looks blurry and out of focus, this is actually how bad visibility was yesterday afternoon.  For some of the work fam it look anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours to get home for regular commutes that usually take 15 to 45 minutes.  Luckily for me, I stayed about 8 blocks from the office and didn't risk driving any further in this mess.  It also saved me from a crazy commute into work this morning even though a lot of the roads did get plowed overnight.  And to top it all, I was lucky enough to have my car cleaned off for me this morning and gullible enough to believe that it all melted off my car even though the car parked in front of me was covered with 2-3 inches still.  Hey...in my defense it still was early in the morning, my brain wasn't fully functioning.
Hopefully this is the last of the winter weather around here, I'm ready for spring and warmer temps already!

State of Confusion

In the last week I've received notices from both Missouri and Illinois reminding me that my license plates expire next month and I need to renew my tags.  Missouri sent my notice to my old address and it was forwarded to my new one.  Illinois sent the notice only to my new address.

Correct me if I'm wrong but if I surrendered my Missouri plates and Registration and Title when I moved to Illinois and re-titled my car, shouldn't Missouri know this?

It's nice to know the State of Missouri says on top of these sorts of things.

And don't worry, I'm renewing my tags in Illinois in March.

Confirming suspicions

It's been official to us for a few weeks now, actually I'm guessing closer to 6 or 8 weeks but it became official with some of the work fam friends last night after I was sent a pic of Red Wings fan.
The guys were attending management meetings down south the last few days and in their spare time, found the time for dinner and drinks out together.  Of course, while Red Wings fan was gone, he was checking in and texting me as they had breaks in their agenda.  Last night, the guys were celebrating the end of the meetings and got a bit silly in the meantime.
This pic was sent to me by one of the guys with the caption.  "Red Wings fan is missing you"

Sorry for the super dark cell phone pic!

Little did he know at the time that yes, Red Wings fan was texting me while they were having drinks.  He spilled the beans to them last night (I can only imagine how that came out given the state they were in when they got back to the office today!).
But as they say, the rest is history....all of their suspicions have been confirmed and we've decided to give dating a go.

I'm still not totally accepting of the fact that he is a Detroit Red Wings fan, but I'm looking past that little detail for now.  He does get extra brownie points for being a hockey fan in general though and for liking most, if not all of my cooking so far.  :)

Happy Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras weekend in the STL...what an experience!!  The streets were packed and it was super chilly on Saturday but we had a blast.  From the 10 am drinks at the local bar and shuttle ride to Soulard to the delish hurricanes and afternoon get together at the local market and coffee shop and then hanging out at Red Wings fan's place, the day was one that involved a lot of laughs and so much fun.
I didn't get as many pictures as I thought I would but it definitely was great hanging with these guys!

Not the French Quarter, but....

With turning 30 this year and seeing how fast my life is going, I decided to start doing things I've always wanted to but never either found the time to do or was too busy or scared to try.  This weekend is a big weekend here in the 'Lou.  While it may be hard to believe, our city has one of the best celebrations for this time of year.  Sure, it's not New Orleans, but this Saturday you will find me in Soulard, watching the famous parade and celebrating....

The Red Wings fan, my bro and a few of his friends will experience the STL celebration.  It's a first for all of us but I can just about guarantee it will be a great time and definitely a memorable one!

Beads, Hurricanes and Cajun Creole Food....sign me up!

I guess I've waited long enough...

Since the start of the new year, I've taken a different approach to everything going on in my life.  Working as many hours as I do and now planning most of my weekends and free time after work, I haven't been nearly as obsessive or overly anal about every little detail of my life and I've especially not been as on top of it as in years past with finishing my taxes super early.  Crazy coming from a girl that used to thrive on calculating her tax return on January 1st.....
In any case, I decided that since it is February and my free time is few and far between, I better get to at least looking at my taxes.  My federal return was super simple but living in two states and working in the city, I had a bit more to do to file my state returns.  Luckily, after sitting here for a few hours, I got all of my credits and non-residency forms filled out and I think I'm good to go.  I'll review the state returns one more time tomorrow but its just about official...my taxes are finished!

Now, let's see how many people "remember" I'm an Accountant and ask for help this tax season. 

Really though, I think I just might "forget" that I'm an Accountant until April 16th

Scenes from a 30th birthday

Here are a few pics of what it was like for me to turn 30 yesterday....

Flowers and a balloon from my cousins

My decorated desk at work

Wearing the decorations my work fam left for me

Isn't this how every 30 year old celebrates at work?!?

The weekend birthday celebration was a success as was my actual birthday yesterday.  Fun with friends, time with family, celebrating a Blues victory on Sunday night and then a "low-key" birthday night in last night proved to be the best way to celebrate turning 30.

If you're reading this post...

....I actually turned 30 years old today.  The world did not end, I did not have a nervous breakdown for hitting another decade and I didn't go out and party like I was 21 again.  Nope, I took my birthday in stride and realized that turning 30 isn't as bad as I previously thought in my youth.  Nope, 30 is great!  I have amazing friends, an incredible family, a job I adore and overall a fantastic life.

Tonight I'm taking it easy, enjoying this new age.  Happy 30th to me....I can only imagine what the next 30 years of my life will bring!!

At 30 you finally start to catch up to those dreams you’ve been chasing for the last 10 plus years.  ~Bonnidette Lantz

Princess for a day? Not for me!

The girls at work called me crazy for planning my birthday dinner with my Dad's side of the family and actually cooking everything myself and even baking my own cake.  They think everyone else should be letting me be a princess for a day and I should just sit back and enjoy some relaxation.  Yeah....in true Lindsay fashion though, that isn't what I want!  After a fun Christmas with my fam and wanting to show off what I can do in the kitchen, I'm once again cooking a Sunday afternoon dinner for everyone before going to the Blues-Wild game with my Bro and the "Former Red Wings turned Blues fan"  (Shhh! He doesn't know the Blues are his favorite team just yet!).

I'm excited to have everyone over to celebrate and equally excited to spend the evening catching my first Blues game at Scottrade this year.  The only thing that would make this day better is if the Blues could give me a win tonight.  That would be one awesome birthday present!!

Let's Go Blues!!

Yep, I'm hooked too!

One week ago, I called the cable company and set up my DVRs.  Tonight I'm finally getting around to using them and I picked a great show to record first....

Source

Yep, like much of the rest of the country, I've become hooked on this show and have been trying to catch up on the first two seasons before season 3 airs later in 2013.  After tonight I'll have 4 episodes to watch.  That will keep me occupied awhile considering all of the other stuff I'm also trying to catch up on at home too. 

And now, at least with the DVR, I can record everything I've continually missed on tv lately.

Oh when the Blues go marching in...

Found this posted on Facebook by one of my friends and all I could do is giggle....

Tonight's finally the night!!  And while I wasn't lucky enough to score tickets to this game, you can bet I'll be catching as much of the game as possible while out with the work fam.
I've been giving D. Rob trouble all week and the fun will continue tonight when we're celebrating KP's 30th birthday and he's rooting for the WRONG team.  He may be from Michigan but that doesn't mean he can't root for the Blues!  Hopefully after tonight's game he'll see the error in his ways and start rooting for the Blue Note.
In any case, you can bet I'll be chanting, "Let's Go Blues!"

Birthday Shopping with Dad

Yesterday afternoon Dad and I went shopping for my birthday present....

No, he didn't buy me Chef Robert Irvine, but he did get me a brand new 37" flat screen tv.  After being behind the times with my big boxy 27" hand-me-down, I'm finally accepting that its 2013 and embracing more of the technological advances.  Coincidentally enough, while we were out shopping yesterday, I also decided it was time to upgrade the 19" tv in my bedroom and bought a 32" flat screen for that room as well.  Once I finally make a decision to upgrade, I'm wholeheartedly moving forward.
Now I just need to call the cable company and get my new HD digital receivers.  I'll do that this week so I can take advantage the all the features my new toys offer which is perfect for the start of hockey season next Saturday night!

Ringing in 2013

Day 1 of 2013 and I've already caused a stir by falling out of my "Routine Linds" personality.  I ended up going out for New Years Eve and brought in 2013 with friends.  And unlike "Routine Linds", I decided to stay with friends rather than making the trek back home at 3 am.  The stir was caused when I wasn't home this morning and then didn't answer my phone (because it was in my purse on silent) for hours (I was a party animal and slept in far longer than I expected this morning) because this is not typical behavior for this girl..  I apologized for causing such worry and then tried my best to make the rest of the day less stressful on everyone else.

Another other exciting part of my day....my purchase off of Amazon.

Source

Yep, tackling a new culinary project via Coolio.  This started as a joke last night and then we decided why not try it out.  I'll keep you posted on the results of the recipes attempted

Oh and by the way, for those of you counting down....29 days until I turn 30.  OMG.

Adios 2012

I can't believe its already the end of 2012.  It seems like I was just reviewing 2011 and thinking about all of my goals and aspirations for 2012. 2013 will bring a brand new bunch of experiences for me and a 30th birthday to boot.  I found an annual end of the year questionnaire on the web and decided for giggles and grins to complete it just to put some sort of review together for this year.  It definitely was interesting putting this together, so here's my recap of 2012 in questionnaire form:...

Annual End of Year Questionnaire

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
2012 was definitely a year of change for me – new job, new car, new friends, new place to live, but probably the biggest and only thing I’d never done before was buy a brand new car, fully financed by my savings account in March.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?  I didn’t have firm resolutions set but each year I try to just be happy with the life I’m creating for myself.  This year was definitely a major change to find that happiness and overall I think I succeeded.  As I head into 2013, I’m facing a 30th birthday and figuring out the next stages of my life.  I hope to increase the happy life I’m creating for myself.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? It seems many of my Facebook friends, mostly from my high school days had babies this year but I wouldn’t consider most of them close friends anymore.  My friend Joe did become a proud papa in January, I’d say that’s the closest friend I know with a 2012 arrival.

4. Did anyone close to you die?  Luckily for the first time in a couple years, no, no one close to me passed away in 2012.  Whew!

5. What countries did you visit?  The great country known as the United States of America.  I haven’t left the states since I was 17 years old.

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? I honestly don’t think I lacked much in 2012 after I made changes.  I have to say I have been fairly content with how the year panned out.  If anything, I wish I had more confidence in who I am but that’s a given every year.

7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? My birthday happy hour and karaoke celebration on January 27th; March 9th – the day I quit that horrendous job; March 26th – the day I met the coolest work fam ever

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Taking on this new position and actually feeling that I’m making progress in learning my responsibilities and being beneficial to the company.

9. What was your biggest failure? Letting people manipulate me and make me lose faith in most of humanity early in the year.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?  No and thank goodness!

11. What was the best thing you bought? My new car!  :)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?  My own! I definitely celebrated the highlights of my year!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?  Some of my former co-workers, no explanation required.

14. Where did most of your money go? Bills between moving and just everyday expenses, it definitely took a good chunk of what I earned

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?  Being off for two weeks before starting my new job in March, seeing Nickelback with Nicole in May and moving in July

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?  Because everyone used it one way or another, Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder?  Happier, I’ve finally accepted all of the unfortunate things that happened towards the end of last year.
b) thinner or fatter?  Exactly the same by some phenomenon! Worked my butt off for that too!
c) richer or poorer?  Richer, thanks to some very smart financial planning

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?  Earlier in the year, I wish I would have had the confidence to stick up for myself more with my “so-called” friends.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?  Crying over the things I could not control and just trying my best to live through them without melting down.

20. How did you spend Christmas?  At home on Christmas Eve with my mom and Michael and at my Dad’s and Aunt and Uncle’s on Christmas Day, I also spent time catching up with some really great friends via text throughout the day.

21. Did you fall in love in 2012?  Truth be told, I’m so scared to fall in love again after my dilemma last year.  I’m being very cautious when it comes to my heart.

22. What was your favorite tv show?  RestaurantImpossible

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?  Hate is such a strong word, yes there are people I dislike now, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say I hate them.  I hate their actions more than anything.

24. What was the best book you read?  Honestly, I didn’t have a whole lot of time like in years past to read, I have just about finished the 50 Shades trilogy and while others consider it a literary nightmare, I was alright with it.  It was an easy read and entertaining enough to let me escape and just read for enjoyment.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Gangham Style  jk!!  I would have to say the newest Shinedown album Amaryllis

26. What did you want and get?  My Step 360!

27. What did you want and not get?  My steel-toed boots, I couldn’t find a pair that I actually found fashionable and fully protective (yes, I’m picky!)

28. What was your favorite film of this year?  The only one I saw, All In-ThePoker Movie

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?  I had a happy hour with some of my closest friends and family and then did karaoke with my Bro.  I had a fantastic time turning 29!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?  I plead the 5th.  LOL

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012? I tried to be stylish but keep to a budget.  No off the wall purchases for me but I did make sure I looked professional for work and at least semi-fun on the weekends.

32. What kept you sane?
My friends, I’d definitely be lost without them.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?  Chef Robert Irvine, not only is he a brilliant chef, he’s a super cool guy who is down to earth and helps so many with his restaurant remodels and other good deeds. Top notch fella in my book and his arms are AMAZING!

34. What political issue stirred you the most?  I try to stay out of the political discussions but with this being an election year, everything got under my skin in some way or another.

35. Who did you miss?  I still miss Broccoli.  I miss having someone to take care of and do nice little things for just because I wanted him to know I cared and was thinking about him.  He helped me through the good, the bad and the ugly for nearly 4 years.  This year I was on my own and I survived but it just wasn’t the same.

36. Who was the best new person you met?  There are a handful of them, all being members of my work fam.  I have formed some of the coolest friendships with them in just a short amount of time.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012? Nothing in life stays the same, roll with the changes, make the most of every situation and live the life that makes you happy.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.  This isn’t meant in the way she’s singing about but for me, it’s overcoming every obstacle this year and moving forward to be happy with my life.

From Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger:

You think you got the best of me
Think you've had the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone
Think you left me broken down
Think that I'd come running back
Baby you don't know me, cause you're dead wrong

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

I hope your 2012 was an eventful and pleasant one and that 2013 proves to be a healthy and  happy New Year too!

Jeopardizing My Gold Stars

Right now I'm watching the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl game -- TCU vs. Michigan State.  While I'm a huge NFL fan, I haven't watch a whole lot of college football and considering I went to McKendree, who until recently was not even an NCAA team (Division II), I never really paid much attention to the bowl games besides the fact that they had so many of them with a variety of sponsors.
Somehow, *someone* convinced me to watch this game tonight and not only am I watching it, I'm rooting for Michigan State.  They haven't shown much promise against TCU so far and I'm sure hoping me being a rookie bowl watcher doesn't bring the Spartans bad luck.  I don't want my gold stars retracted so they definitely need to win!
Let's go Spartans!!


UPDATE:  Michigan State came back and scored 17 in the second half to win 17-16 over TCU.  Woo hoo!!  And good news for me, I didn't lose my gold stars!  In fact, I think I even earned a few more!!  :)

Christmas Recap

With 6 out of the last 7 days off of work, why don't I put this time to use and give a recap of my Christmas.  Given how much this time of the year typically stresses me out, I was somewhat glad to have some extra time to prepare, especially since I had my Mom and Michael over for Christmas Eve.
So without further ado, here is my Christmas 2012 photo dump:

Christmas Eve Dinner - Garlic & Herb Pork Loin, Roasted Potatoes & Veggies

Christmas Eve Dessert - Whipped Chocolate Cheesecake

Present from Mom & Michael - Hot Sauces from Around the World

Dad's Gift from Ryan -- Ever Seen the Movie Paul?!? (It's Dad's Fav)

My present to Bro - Wool Peacoat

Remember when I asked for this? Santa Dad brought it!

Pepper Mill from my Aunt & Uncle - I'm modeling like on the Price is Right!

Nicole wearing one of her presents

Em getting into her tunes!

Annual Sibling Christmas Pic

My Appetizer for Christmas Day - Pepperoni Pizza Roll

Overall, I had a successful Christmas Eve night with my Mom and Michael and a relaxing Christmas Day at my Aunt and Uncle's house with my Dad, Bro and my cousins.  I was also able to take the day after Christmas off -- that typically never happens and while it was nice not to have to get up super early to head into work, I definitely paid for the extra time off when I got back to work yesterday.  It was a 12 hour day trying to get everything back in order for the end of the month and really the end of the year.  I toyed with the idea of stopping in for a bit today, but after careful consideration and a push from the work fam, I decided to keep today as a day off and just bust my butt next week.  (I do believe a deal was struck too and someone offered to help load my trains and barges from today and the weekend first thing on Monday morning.  I may or may not hold him to that!  LOL)
As far as the rest of the weekend goes, I'm playing it by ear and we'll see what kind of plans I come up with for New Years' Eve.  I have so many thoughts and ideas but we'll see what exactly pans out.
Hope you had a fantastic holiday and are enjoying this last week of 2012!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2010

From my family to yours, may your holiday be merry and bright!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!