Random Thoughts Thursday: The Snow Day Edition

Ok people!

Here are all the updates you've been clamoring for from the land of Lori

1. the management retreat: I am deeply saddened to report that it was less retreat, more extended management meeting.

 There were some funny team building games and a great lunch, but my dreams of high bonuses and company secrets were shattered. 

 

2. My holiday to-do List

I am making some progress!!

 This has been such a magical Christmas and I really think it is because I am not letting myself stress, but just doing the things I love and trying to find joy in everything.

and last, but not least...

3. Today, I learned how to make bread. 

Left: mixing ingredients and listening to Pandora, center: my favorite part, kneading the dough!, right: It turned out pretty good, I think I took it out about 5 minutes early, because the bottom was a little undercooked, but not bad for my VERY FIRST loaf ever! 

Lori Ann

I get by with a little help from my friends

So, I coordinated my first office party...a Christmas themed Potluck/Baby Shower. 

Here are the FIVE things you need to know about what went down at the 1st annual Monroeton Office Christmas Invitational Potluck and Baby Shower Event:

1. I made up an award for everyone.

 Everything from "best smelling office", to "most infectious laugh".

 My favorite one was to Fred, my 61 year old staff member.

We gave him "the hottest in the office" and I gave him a coupon for a night of hot tubbing with management

. Oh yeah.

2. We talked a lot of trash about other departments, and speculated on high level company relationships. 

3. There was some evidence shredding.

That's all I can say.

4. I finally got to tell the whole office the story about the former tenant (Scott, a non complaint diabetic alcoholic) dying in my apartment before I moved in.

 If I haven't told you that story, you are missing out. 

5. It was a magical Christmas feast the likes of which none of us may ever have again!
 (or just a tepid holiday gathering that gave us a chance to gossip and eat)

Now..on to the management retreat tomorrow.

 Oh man, I feel like Alice in Wonderland.

 What happens at these events?

 Will there be insider trading?

Can you inside trade in social work?

 How much of a bonus is going to come my way?

 what kind of company secrets will be shared?

Fear not, faithful readers.

 We will be taking this journey into the unknown together.

Expect a full report on my management retreat tomorrow! 

Lori Ann

Feliz Navidad!

Wrapping dollar store gifts for my Irish Twin

Admiring the white trash glow of my tree at night

And crossing "watch Love Actually" off of my Holiday to do list.

Pure. Christmas. Magic.

Lori Ann

p.s.- Recibi una invitaction a comer posole con mi gente Mexicano el dia antes de la Navidad! Que emocion! 

There's not a thing that I would change

No one knows me really. Except my sisters.

They are my teachers, my cheerer-uppers, my defenders, my examples, my make me laugh until I criers, my best friends.

Today is one of their birthdays. 

Happy Birthday, Eri. 

You are everything that I wish I could be. 

A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double.  

Toni Morrison

Lor

Baby, it's cold outside

This is my second attempt at decorating my tree. Equally bizarre/trashy as the first time:)

I can't stop listening to and watching this!

I initiated an unauthorized Christmas themed potluck at work. 

It's going to be Monday morning at 11 am.

You are all invited!

Lori Ann

p.s.- Once again the South has had the last laugh.

 After an unseasonably hot and long summer, it is now unseasonably cold.

 Apparently there is no benefit to living here.

 You are going to be extra hot in the summer and extra cold in the winter. 

Well, there is the barbecue and hot accents...humm...maybe its worth it..

If only in my dreams

I think I may have just decorated the most bizarrely awful Christmas tree of all time. 

Too many lights on the bottom, not enough on top. 

Ornaments are strangely placed and the tinsel looks like a 3 year old was in charge. 

But, sitting here in my living room, with the lights off, listening to Oh Holy Night, that all fades away.

I feel almost at peace.

 I have fancy hot chocolate, homemade Christmas cookies, a strange little tree, and Matt Damon movies (my personal holiday tradition). 

There is just one thing missing. 

Well, four things really. 

Lori Ann

A Merry Christmas

You guys! 

Tonight was my office Christmas Party.

 It was hilarious and super fun.

 and INSANE.

# 1- I started and participated in a DANCE OFF!! 

(which was one of my life goals!)

Not me, but the starting team on the dance off!!

# 2- I was offered secret alcohol that was being passed around in green cups! 

# 3- I won the "Michelangelo Award" for the most creative person, for the 3rd year straight!

People were chanting my name!

 My company's Christmas party is the one time a year that I feel what its like to be popular.

 I don't know what it is,
 (maybe the alcohol they are drinking!)

but I genuinely feel like every one's favorite at this party.

 It's a nice feeling.

This party was the kick off to my holiday season, and it looks like it is going to be an amazing Christmas season!!

Lori Ann