I survived....

....the first Christmas hosted at my house! My parents and brother came over to our house on Christmas Day to celebrate with us. When we dropped my brother off at my parents on Christmas Eve on our way to Wilkesboro, it felt a little weird to know I would not be coming back there to celebrate this year. Since we both had to work today, we asked my family if they would mind coming to us, and it worked out great! Mom helped me cook, so it wasn't too bad, and Brandon helped me clean everything up after they left last night. Chelsi really enjoyed having everyone here - so much so, that she had to be on a leash while we opened presents! Since I was determined to sleep in my own bed each night this year, we came back from Wilkesboro on Christmas Eve night, and then my family came over about noon on Christmas Day. Everyone loved their gifts, and we love the ones we got too! My in-laws (with help from their son) helped me get up to to date in the technology world by getting me an iPod nano. I loved having it at work today to block out noise! I won't bore everyone with tons of pics, but here are a few from our celebrations.

About 20 pictures later, we finally got a pretty good shot of the Inscore family. Derek just has a funny look on his face because he was trying to get everyone to smile by saying something funny. I love the time-delay function on my camera!!

I love hanging out with the kids. They are really developing their own personalities, and it is so neat to see how much they change each time I see them. They are usually hanging all over me, but that is ok! I just can't believe how fast they are growing up!!

Chelsi was very excited about the chews she received from my cousin in Boston!

My family loves games! We played the new game Brandon got for XMas after dinner - "Origin"

Host and Hostess :)

Oh yeah, does anyone know what frostbite feels like? I think I might have it on my thumb! My thumb got really really cold when I was serving up ice cream last night for the fam, and I tried to warm it up my sticking it in my coffee mug (I know, weird, but it was hot and convenient). But today, it has been really sore, red and a little swollen. Why is it that the small cuts, burns, etc seem to hurt and bother you more than larger ones!?!?

Merry Christmas Eve!

Presents are all wrapped, cookies and bread all baked, dishes done, dog walked, showered and ready for Christmas! We are leaving in about an hour to head towards Wilkesboro to be with Brandon's family. My brother came in town yesterday and stayed with us last night. His roommate and he drove up from Charleston together, and we met them in Winston to pick up Andrew. We pretty much just lounged around last night, but it was nice to have him in the house. I fixed the boys left over Ted's Kickin' Chicken wings for an afternoon snack, and then we had pulled pork sandwiches last night (I Love Let's Dish!). I asked my brother if his sister was domesticated enough for him, and he said, "yeah, it's a little weird." I guess other times he has been here, we have just been on the go and I haven't really taken the time to make meals. And he couldn't believe all the baking I was doing either. What can I say, I am turning into my mom! We went for a walk around the neighborhood last night to check out all the Christmas lights. Some people just don't have any taste when it comes to decorating! One of the houses in our neighborhood is all decked out, and they even have Christmas music playing when you walk by. Needless to say they are a retired couple with lots of money and extra time :) I just did the usual wreath on the door and candles in the window. Nothing special. Well, I better finish getting ready and load the presents in the car. I am always a little nervous that everyone will like what I got them - especially my niece and nephew. Merry Christmas Eve everyone!!

Brandon and I headed up the mountain last night for a get-together with his high-school friends. It was a lot of fun, and great to see everyone. Of course the boys were back to their old tricks of giving one another a hard time, playing pool and darts, eating Ted's Kickin' Chicken wings, and watching their annual Christmas movie "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation." Gene and Michelle hosted everyone at their house in Ashe County. Aaron & Kristen were in town from New Orleans visiting with his family, Chad & Anna came from Wilmington, and Lucas from Raleigh. Although the guys have gone in completely different directions in life, I know they will always remain in touch.

Santa's on his way!

It's Friday evening, I am home from work and excited because my holiday vacation has finally started! I wouldn't say I have not been in the Christmas spirit this year, but it just hasn't really felt like Christmas. But, now I am really starting to get excited about spending time with family and of course, presents!!! It is going to be a busy weekend, but just glad we have the long weekend with Christmas Eve and Day falling on Monday and Tuesday. At work today, my cubicle neighbor, Amy said to me, "You know, I should have put Merry Christmas on my signature for outgoing emails." As we have already been over that I am in the corporate world, my first comment was, "Yeah, but you may want to just put Happy Holidays, instead of Merry Christmas." Well, she didn't like that idea - she wasn't mad at me, but led to a discussion about how we both are sad at what the world is coming to, and she said "I dare anyone to say anything to me about saying Merry Christmas. If they don't like it, they can just ignore it." So, even though I was the one that originally suggested Happy Holidays over Merry Christmas, I have to agree with her. I am excited for Christmas, and excited to be celebrating the reason for the season, and want to share that joy with others. So, Merry Christmas everyone!! And not only is Santa on his way, but a Savior was born!

Money, money, money.....

.....in the insurance biz towards the end of the year, this is the only word you hear. And being as I work in Finance and that I am in charge of disbursements, I am getting hassled constantly by coworkers on when they will be able to pay out money to their clients. The holidays are not only stressful in making sure you get all your Christmas presents bought and wrapped, baking, Christmas cards, making plans, but work is stressful too. I am doing my best to stay up-beat, and not let it get to me, and I must admit, I am doing much better this year than in year's past. Part of that has to do with the fact that I am more comfortable in my position now, and feel I have a little more footing in denying some requests by colleagues. But, I have also taken an oath with myself that I will not let work get to me anymore. It just isn't worth it. I still have a strong work ethic, and of course want to do a good job, but just don't seem to be as career oriented as I used to be. I used to bust my butt, work crazy hours, and dream about work. Of course that panned out and helped me get promotions and then get selected for my current position, but I am content to stay where I am for now. Of course, if an opportunity comes along, I have to keep my options open, but I am hoping I can just stay under the radar for a little while, and enjoy life. Most people, not even Brandon, truly understand my job and what all I do, but my friend, Jess started working at Willis a few years ago, and so it has been nice to be able to talk to someone who knows what I am talking about. I am looking forward to a long holiday weekend (when Christmas falls in the middle of the week, it isn't as nice), but I know work will really start to become stressful on the 26th and won't let up until January. At least working in reinsurance, we are not dealing with people's personal lives as in primary insurance, we just deal with other companies, but when you hear that an insurance company is going to incur a penalty on their schedule F if they do not receive the 2,000,000 you owe them by the end of the year, it is a hard burden to bear - just times that by about 10 and that is what I am dealing with at work :) I am just glad that I am in Finance now, as opposed to my old department, when I had the clients actually harassing me personally looking for funds - now I just have to deal with the harassment of my coworkers (I say harassment in the nicest of ways!). Anyway, I am off to finish baking - we have "goody day" tomorrow at work - more reasons to pack on the pounds during holiday season!!

Cubicle Land

I saw my new cubicle for the first time this morning. Our office was running out of room for new hires, and I guess they thought we just needed a change, so we have been involved in several phases transitioning the cubicles over. This past weekend was my area's turn to reconfigure. So, below are some before and after pics. It is hard to tell from the pictures, but let me reassure you, it is very different!

Before Pic #1: All packed up and ready to move.

Before Pic #2 - at least we got to leave early on a Friday afternoon :)

After Pic #1: At least we got a nice new chair.

After Pic #2: Hello Neighbor!

I don't want to be negative and say I hate it, but it is going to take a lot of getting used to!! They are about a foot smaller on two sides, and the walls are half as high on one side and pretty much non-existent on the others. I have already purchased earphones, and I am sure I will be putting them to good use soon (more on reasons why another time). To top it off, we received an email Friday afternoon from Human Resources with a notice about restricting strong fragrances in the office. I feel for those with allergies, but just seems crazy that they can tell us not to wear perfume, not to use lotions, or eat at our desk. I know everyone is not going to adhere to it, but just another one of the joys of working in the corporate world and in cubicle land!! At least I get along well with my co-worker and cubicle neighbor :) Her daughter just got engaged this weekend, and is hoping to get married in August, so you can guess what I will be hearing about for the next 8 months!

I found the below link. The sad part is, I can attest to knowing someone who has broken all 10 rules, including myself on a few!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Etiquette-for-Cubicle-Land!-10-Tips-for-a-Happier-Office-Environment&id=343971

I had some "Friend Therapy" this weekend. My friend, Jess and I headed to Raleigh on Friday afternoon to visit our friend, Amanda. Amanda just recently moved back into the area after living in Knoxville, TN for a few years. So, we took advantage of all being close by around the holidays, and had a much needed "Girls Weekend." We went to dinner Friday night at this really neat sports bar, and then headed back to her house for our gift exchange, Christmas movies and spiked hot chocolate. On Saturday we battled the crowds and headed to Crabtree mall to finish our Christmas shopping. I had never been to that mall, and really enjoyed the day of shopping and hanging out with friends. We spoiled ourselves at the end of the long day of shopping and walking at the Cheesecake Factory. Again, another first for me, and it was wonderful! We started out with fun girly cocktails, then the appetizer sampler platter, and last but not least, we each got a dessert. It was awesome! Amanda had a company party Saturday night, so Jess and I headed back to Greensboro (slowly and cautiously in the rain). I needed this girls weekend more than I thought. Just a time to giggle and be silly with friends - no negative talk or drama - just three girlfriends catching up. Here is one of our silly pics - I love it! - we are already in our PJs and getting ready to enjoy our hot chocolate. (Just ignore my double chin please!!)Of course with our busy lives, it is hard to find time to get together with friends as often as we would like, but I know I can count on some "Friend Therapy" each month with my church circle girls, and that is awesome! I love hanging out with Brandon and being with my family, but friends have always been and always will be very important to me. Friends are with you through thick and thin, and even though sometimes your lives are going in different directions, you know they are there for you. It hurts when you can't be as close as you used to be, or just don't understand what one another is going through, but sometimes I just have to accept that friends will float in and out of my life, and every one of them will leave footprints on my heart!

Lighthouse Tavern

"Elon Lighthouse Tavern & Deli owner charged with buying date rape drug"

http://www.thetimesnews.com/articles/elon_8130___article.html/lighthouse_tavern.html

The Lighthouse was the place to be when you were a freshman at Elon, because it was one of only a few bars within walking distance of campus, and you could get in under age 21. Well, imagine my surprise when I heard about this headline from Burlington's TIMES NEWS today. Understandably an investigation is underway, and I don't want to judge before all the facts come out, but I honestly feel sorry for anyone that feels they need to use a date rape drug in order to have sex. Why would you want to be with someone that doesn't want to be with you? Girls have always been reminded not to accept drinks from random guys, but now you can't even trust the bartender? I swear, sometimes I really worry about what this world is coming to. A sorority function was taking place the night the bust took place - so luckily lots of innocent girls were hopefully spared.

This story just makes me sick to my stomach. Luckily I still have my memory of my previous blog's news story involving Brad Pitt to cheer me up :)

Charity and a hottie

I love "The Today Show". I feel I get the major news by watching for a couple of hours each morning, and on day's like today, I also get to feast my eyes on some "hotties" like Brad Pitt. He was on this morning talking about his "Make It Right" campaign to help families start over in New Orleans. How can one man be so hot (besides my husband of course!)?!?!I wish I had lots of extra money to do awesome things like this. Brandon and I try to do our part by giving each year to charitable organizations, but sometimes wish I could do more. When I day dream about becoming a millionaire, as I often do, I wonder if I would be selfish and keep the money for myself, friends and family, or if I would do the "right" thing by giving to those really in need. I mean, I could definitely find ways to spend the million on myself, but would that really make me happy? Just one of those questions I find myself asking - and of course daydreaming that one day I will find out the answer since I keep buying those Lotto tickets!

A Proud Aunt!

Just because I got some really cute pics of my niece and nephew over Thanksgiving, I thought I would write a blog to brag on them :) Ashlyn & Weston are Brandon's brother's kids. Ashlyn is 6 and Weston is 4. They live in Wilkesboro, and even though it is only an hour and a half away, I wish I could see them more often! But, I tell you, after visiting with them, I am pooped out! They are all about "Aunt Ginny" right now. I hate it for Brandon, as I know he would love to interact with them a bunch too, but there will be a time when it will be all about "Uncle Brandon." Whenever we go out to eat (which is what we do every time we visit) it is always fun trying to figure who is going to sit where. Jana and Derek have gotten to the point that whenever we get to the table, they say "Ok, Ashlyn & Weston, where is Aunt Ginny sitting so the rest of us can sit down." I am always right in the middle of Ashlyn and Weston, and spend the rest of the meal like I am at a tennis match with my head going back and forth, back and forth between the two of them. Most of the time, I have both of them talking to me at once, which becomes quite entertaining. But, all in all, I wouldn't trade them for the world! They are really great kids, and I just hope I will be so lucky one day!! Ok, now for some cute shots of my sweeties!!

Their favorite restaurant is "Fire Mountain" because it is buffet style and you get to make your own ice cream cones!

Ashlyn just lost her first tooth! She told me that the "Tooth Fairy" came to visit her. I asked her how much she got, and she said, "oh, I got a dollar - I would have liked ten, but that's ok". Hey, at least she is honest!

And Mr. Weston might as well be "Brandon Junior"!! It is amazing how much he looks like Brandon. I wonder if that means my kids will look like Derek!

At least the game boys they got last Christmas entertain them some so the rest of us can actually eat and talk. I tried to play Mario, and I forgot how bad I am at video games!

Lots to be thankful for.....

Brandon and Chelsi

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for many things, but most of all I am thankful for my wonderful husband, Brandon, who picks me up when I am down, makes me laugh, is a wonderful listener, cute, loving, strong, smart, great with my family, understanding, laid-back, patient, affectionate, full of random knowledge, handsome, and makes me feel "at-home". Recently someone told me how lucky I was to have Brandon, and that what we have is not as easy to come by as you would think. These words rung true in my heart, but also opened my eyes to the world around us. All I have ever wanted is for my family and friends to find true happiness, and when some of them have their ups and downs, I seem to have them with them. Brandon has told me several times that is the reason he feel in love with me, for my big heart. But, sometimes this big heart can get in the way of my own happiness. I get wrapped up in what is going on with everyone else, that I sometimes forget to appreciate what I have. I am doing my best to step back and realize that life is not always "peaches 'n cream", and that all I can do is stay true to myself, pray, and smile. I truly believe that God will only give each of us what we can handle, and sometimes when the world feels like it is crashing down on you, you just have to take some time to pray, find the little things that make you happy, and your roller-coaster of life will have an upward slope again soon. I find myself taking my own advice, and so this holiday season, I am going to appreciate all the little things and try to get out of this "funk" I have been in recently. On a lighter note, here are some pics of my Turkey day with my wonderful family!

My Mom and me

My Dad and brother, Andrew

Brandon with his parents, Barbara & Rex

My niece, Ashlyn and my sister-n-law, Jana

My nephew, Weston and me

Brandon and his brother, Derek

Auto damage and a Deer

So, I hit my first deer last night. I am ok, and the damage to my car really wasn't that bad. But honestly, what has got me the most upset is that there is an animal out there hurting because of me! Sure, it ran out in front of me and I know there is nothing I can do, but it still doesn't make me feel any better. It was about 5:30pm last night, and I was on my way home from work (only about 5 minutes from work actually) and I tried to call Brandon at home to see if he needed anything from CVS. I couldn't get him, so I hung up, and made the left turn onto Birch Creek Road. Less than 30 seconds later, the deer (a doe) ran out in front of me. I hit my brakes but it really was too late. I just hit the butt of it - shattering my front left headlight, and it continued to run into the woods. There was someone behind me, so he stopped to make sure I was ok and said, "That thing came out of no where!", and I said, "Yeah, well that is how they roll." I was amazingly calm, and no idea why that phrase came out of my mouth, like I am Mr. GQ or something. Anyway, I called Brandon (after 10 tries, he finally picked up), and then called Highway Patrol. They asked me if I thought the damage to my car was more than $1000, and I said I didn't think so, and they said in that case I wouldn't need a report, but if later my insurance company requested one, I could call them back and get one. So, I continued my trip home (slowly and more cautious this time). Brandon was really sweet, and offered to come and get me, but I said I was fine. Again, amazingly calm (especially for me). When I got home, he was waiting for me with a flashlight and camera, and took in the damage. Of course when the boy looks at the car, he sees more damage than the girl, but still isn't too bad. Brandon said he called his dad to ask if what the Highway Patrol told me was correct, and his dad said, "Tell Ginny that it happens to the best of families, because it has happened to me." So, I guess I am officially on the "Inscore Roster" for deer killing, even though I didn't want to do it! Brandon has never hit one, but he sure has shot one or two - something I will never understand. Anyway, we came back inside, and Brandon gave me a big hug and said it would be ok. He said he would stay home from "Theology on Tap" (men's group from church), but I told him no, go ahead, I am fine. The rest of the night I proceeded to bake, clean up, and pack for our Thanksgiving weekend away, but my mind just kept going to the poor deer that was suffering in the woods somewhere because of me!

The good part about the night, was that I had that feeling that someone was watching over me. I don't get it very often, but when I do, it really is a cool feeling. I think that is why I was able to stay so calm. Just little signs when I look back on the night - the fact that Brandon didn't pick up the first time I called, or I would have been on the phone with him when the deer ran out in front of me, and may not have been as aware and could have done more damage to the car and myself. The fact that someone was behind me (but not too close for following distance) and nice enough to stop and make sure I was ok. The fact that where the accident took place was not a busy road, so I felt safe pulling on the side of the road. The fact that where I pulled over, there were two horses at the top of the hill just looking down on me (I work out towards the country in McLeansville) - I know it is corny, but I thought of them as my guardian angels. And most of all, I feel lucky that not more damage was done and that I am ok. So yeah, someone is watching over me, and I know exactly who that is, and that is a really really cool feeling.

Sometimes you just gotta let go!

I was talking to my great-aunt (my deceased Nana's sister) on the phone today, and she is in the process of cleaning out the house she has lived in for over 50 years and moving into an apartment at a nearby retirement community. I had a business trip in New Jersey over the summer, and took advantage of work paying my way and was able to visit with Margie. While I was up there, she was just in the beginning stages of the move - she had put the down payment on the new apartment, and was starting to interview real-estate agents to sell the house. This has been a long and difficult process for this 88 year old woman. Well, I thought the hardest part was over, but now the hardest part is here. She has sold the house, moved into the new apartment, and is now going through the process of trying to weed through all of the stuff in her house. She closes at the end of this month, and so she doesn't have much more time left to go through and decide what to do with all the furniture, "nick-knacks", clothes, pictures and other memorabilia.

Margie and me - May 2006

While I know it must be painfully difficult to go through all the memories of your life and decide what is most important, I also do not understand why old people hold onto so much stuff! I can understand pictures and sentimental things such as that being important, but what is it with all the furniture, and every piece being so important. Sure, I enjoy some of the furniture in my house - the couch that I have fallen asleep on many a nights before dragging myself to bed (I am turning into my mother!) - the red recliner in my bedroom that used to belong to my Nana and every time I see it, I think of her rocking away. But, every piece?!? Honestly, I can't wait to get rid of some of the pieces I have now - like the new kitchen table I am hoping to get for Christmas (if we can find something we like), or the new bedroom suite I hope to have some day. The pieces that these new items will replace hold no sentimental value, and I can't wait to get rid of them!



Is that the difference between our generation and the ones before us? They hold onto all of these pieces of furniture for generations, and we throw out the old and can't wait to buy the new. I guess one reason is that older generations, such as Margie, lived through the depression, and so they remember how lucky they felt when they were able to bring such nice pieces of furniture into their families homes. And a part of me feels guilty for not wanting to accept it all into my home. But, I am just not an "antique" fan. I do not like all of the really contemporary stuff, but I do like something in between.



To top things off, I called my Dad (Margie is his aunt) tonight, and was telling him about my conversation with Margie. Of course he was concerned with how she was doing, and I told him that she sounded frazzled but overall, she was still the funny Margie we all know. I then started to tell him about what she is doing with some of the pieces of furniture she has - giving the dining room table and chairs to her friend's son and daughter-n-law, and the china cabinet and china to her friend Sylvia, whose daughter can't wait to use it as well. How she found someone who could sell all of her Coca-Cola memorabilia on EBay, and how a lot of the other stuff is going to a salvage place that will give it to families who can't afford anything else. I told him how I comforted Margie by saying that it is so wonderful to hear that people who really need and can appreciate her things are getting them. That I wish I could take more, but I just don't have room in my house, and with the distance between us, it is hard to transport it here. Well, this just sent my dad into another one of his guilt trips, where he said he just doesn't know how Margie can be getting rid of all her things, and that he can't stand the thought of my brother and I just throwing away all of his things when he is gone. I told him once again that we will hold onto a few items that hold special memories for us, but that we just can't keep it all. I have to remember I am talking to the man who rearranged his whole house so that he could make room for all of his mother's things when she died. My mom is a wonderful woman to let him, even though in some cases it meant not having room for things from her family. My dad is just very attached to anything having to do with his mother (another story on that topic to come), and just attached to everything in general. My parents had a flood in their basement last year, and when I went to help them clean everything out, we came across my dad's filing cabinet full of high-school papers. High-school papers!!! What does a 60 year old man need with his high-school papers?



So, once again, I can understand wanting to hold onto your memories, and how it must be difficult to down-size, but you just have to learn to know when to let go!

Football

Today is the last Elon football game for the year. We have had an awesome season! The best yet!! The Southern Conference better watch out next year :)

This was also our first year with season tickets, and already, I can't wait for next year. Tailgating and cheering on our team has been lots of fun! We even went to our first away game at Citadel last weekend, and had a chance to visit with my brother, Andrew. I grew up going to football games and watching sports, but the past few years I went through a spell of not really being involved, so it has been nice to get back into it this season.

Go Phoenix!

Why to start a blog?

Well, everyone else seems to be doing it for one thing. Secondly, I find myself for hours upon end in front of a computer, and what am I really doing? I am just sticking my nose in everyone else's business! I am addicted to My Space, FaceBook, InCircle (AOII network), E2 (Elon's network), and blogs. I rarely update my own listings and just search everyone else's. Is this healthy, I ask? Well, my first thought is that people will not find my postings very interesting, and I enjoy seeing what is going on in everyone else's lives. I guess that is the caring part of my personality coming out. But, at the same time, I have to remember my life is important too! Even though I may not have children yet, and not the in the crazy dating world, I still have things to say. So, for anyone that reads this, ENJOY!