SNOW DAY!!

Today was my first snow day...with no snow. *raised eyebrow* Actually, I may talk smack cause I'm used to Denver's snow (2 feet or less and you are expected to work on time, 15 minutes late if you work for nonprofit) but I would never in a million years dare to drive the steep hills of Seattle in snow or ice. Plus it's humid here, so that combined with slick roads and low tempuratures (it RARELY gets below freezing here) = lots of scary ice. Having said that, it was a good day for a snow day today. If y'all caught the fooseball game on Monday night then you saw the "crazy" snow we got.

So I slept in till 11 and then got some Cmas shopping done and spent about $120 I didn't have. I've locked away my credit cards, so I paid for them with debit. I'm not sure how I will manage that since I have no savings, but something will save me I'm sure (I'm hoping for the health appraisal $50 bonus and Cmas bonus to come in this or next paycheck). After shopping I made my first tofu dinner and have to say that I suck. The food was edible (barely) but it was a good lesson in tofu cooking. After the tofu fiasco I finished up my payroll so today wasn't a total loss for work. If I stay on top of things over the next few weeks, then I wont be so behind when kettle season kicks in. Hopefully everyone saw the kettle kick off during the Dallas Cowboys half time show. Maybe you even saw Owens donate his touchdown ball to the Salvation Army. :-)

In other news, HG and I are "officially" accepted to UOP. We can go online and see our schedules. It's got me excited for the next step already. I checked up on the CPA exam requirements, looked at Seattle University Evening Law school, peeped the bar exam requirements and then pondered what PhD to go for. Maybe education so I can teach accounting and law. Maybe something completely different. Who knows. By 2015 though, I will be all I can be, whatever that may be.

I've also decided to make the transition to vegan once and for all. I've been on the fence about it for years and finally (after reading Skinny Bitch - good read) decided it was time. I've been struggling to lose weight for years and a vegan diet will allow me to "pig out" without looking like a pig. Plus it's just better for me healthwise, environmentally and of course for the animals. Depending on which study you look at, if one person does not eat any sort of meat or animal product, they can save more than 50 animals a year (goveg.com). I've immediately stopped eating meat and am weaning myself off cheese and dairy. By January 1st I anticipate being 100% vegan. I've also decided to quit diet soda. I've always known it sucks for your health and teeth but didn't care. Now I do. So it's out the door w/ the soda. Eventually I plan to be 100%organic vegan, but that will take a lot of time, patience, and money. I can't justify throwing out all my old food, so that's why this is a transition - otherwise I'd rid my pantry of evil things. Dane is, of course, supportive but not a good motivator. How can he be? He lives off of everything that I am giving up: meat, cheese, soda. Maybe someday he will switch over to a more balanced diet. I hope so before he is forced to. *frown*

What else....I have the wedding invites worked up but I am waiting for a few things before I send them out. OH! I have my annual review tomorrow at work. I've decided that the best thing I can do is take notes and keep my mouth shut. I really, really need to not be so cocky and defensive. *sigh* Anyway, I'm not anticipating anything more than the standard inflation raise (3%) but it would be nice to have more. I haven't decided if I will voice my disappointment about not getting more of a raise (since I was told upon being hired that I would be eligble to make more once I actually obtained my degree - well, I've obtained it). Probably not because RBMBA knows that I am counting on that and she has told me she would try for it. If I don't get it, there's no sense putting RB through the ringer.

I have an appointment tomorrow at 6 to get my first session of laser hair removal. There are new laws in WA for laser technicians and my clinic where I'm getting my tattoo removed is offering a 50% discount on all procedures from now through the end of January. Hair removal takes at least 6 - 10 sessions, so I will get 3 for half price. I'm going to try to hussle an extra 20% for the final sessions since I am a returning customer (there policy, not my idea). If I can get them talked down to 50% each session, then I will get my junk lasered AND my lower legs. If not, then I will just get my junk lasered.

I have another appointment on December 15th...I hesitate to put this on this forum, but here goes. I'm strongly considering plastic surgery. I've been hemming and hawwing on it for years, quietly doing research and talking to people who've had it done. There have been a few signs recently (some that are so blatant they can't be ignored) and I've found a doctor and clinic that I am very interested in. My 12/15 appoinment is to meet him and see if plastic surgery is right for me, if it will fall within my timeframe, my budget, and my expectations. For now I am pretty much set on one procedure and still considering another. I'd like to get breast augmentation. My boobs are in pretty sorry condition after pregnancy and breastfeeding. They look nothing like what they were when I was 18 and I intend to fix that (outside of the bra I mean, it's amazing what a good Victoria's Secret bra will do for you). I want boobs that look at themselves in the mirror and not stare at the floor in shame. I want areolas of "normal" size and shape, not bigger than silver dollars. And I figure since I'm under the knife I might as well get B-O-O-B-S. Not porn star worthy (they wouldn't look like that on me anyway, I'm a big girl), but enough to fill up a C (maybe D) cup. The other procedure I'm considering is a tummy tuck, but this is a much more serious surgery with permanent scaring from hip to hip. It really depends on the following factors in this order: 1) can I get the surgery at the same time as the boobs, 2) can I get the sugery in time for and recooperate for the wedding, 3) can I go back to work after a week and a half, 4) can I afford it. Obviously I'm financing this, otherwise I wouldn't even be able to consider it. Dane is uneasy, he doesn't think we can afford this. I know I can't, but I'm willing to make it happen. Anyway, I'm still in thought about the plastic surgery. I have a lot of questions that need to be answered first. Then I will see if things line up. I have taken the first week of February off for random time, maybe I can get the surgery done and recooperate that week. If the surgeon has any openings that week, I will take that as a sign. In case anyone is interested, here is the doc I'm considering: http://www.egrari.com/standard.html

Back in the Day....

Deck the halls with bows of holly!!! Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra!!

Crystal as Pepe Le Pew

Or how bout this crazy, gun-slinging Western for you....

Awe the great pictures of childhood....

Traditions

As taken from Sarah's blog:

In Colorado we used to throw a Thanksgiving dinner and late night party for all our friends because many did not have family and/or enjoyed getting together. Looking back those parties were a lot of fun! I miss hosting those events and getting everyone together and all the goofy stuff that would happen. Since living in Washington we don't really have the demand for a Thanksgiving party, so instead we are going to be the guests at someone elses house. The tables are turned! In exchange for eating all of Rebecca's parents grub (we are going to their house in Tacoma) we are going to help string the Cmas lights and decorate the outside of the house. I'm actually looking forward to it.

For Cmas, we will host a small party at our house for HG, the Hub, RB MBA, and TJ. I'm looking forward to this because we are going to make a big ol ham dinner and make egg nog from scratch. This year we are all strapped for cash, so we are doing a secret santa (to be picked from a hat at Thanksgiving) that we will open gifts for on our Cmas party night.

Actual Cmas celebration between Dane and I has evolved into a game. Since we never did agree on Cmas eve or Cmas opening of gifts and we couldn't come up with a satisfactory formula for opening "half" on Cmas eve, we decided to play a game on Cmas eve. The game:

Adapted from Cranium
1) Select gift from under the tree, any gift.
2) Roll dice to see which type of question to answer, if blue, you get to chose another gift from the open floor.
3) If you answer the question correctly, you get to open your gift. If not, the gift goes to the discard pile.
4) A player can chose to sacrafice opening their gift and pull a gift from the discard pile for the other to open.

That's basically it. It's pretty fun for us and makes the time go by fast. I wonder how this tradition will adapt over the years and if we can even adapt it to play different games.

This year for New Years we plan to go to a Sonics-Celtics game and then watch the fireworks on the Needle. It will be a relatively inexpensive way to celebrate as Dane and I have no T&E money till April and I have a very limited play budget. So far I've stayed under control, though not under budget. And my Old Navy trip on Saturday wasn't in the budget. Oh well, I got some cute stuff.

If You....

I've actually had the idea about this blog for awhile now and finally got around to asking Dane the questions. So read on and contribute...if you dare. :-)

If you...were a member of the opposite sex for a day, and could feel/see from the opposite sex's perspective, what five things would you want to do?

Dane:
1. Experience the female orgasm
2. Experience cramps
3. Nurse a child
4. Win a fight with an illogical argument
5. Experience chivalry

Crystal:
1. Experience the male orgasm
2. Pee my initials in the snow
3. Get in a bar fight
4. Experience getting kicked in the balls
5. Be on the male's side of an "illogical argument" to see if I could follow it

If you...could be any other race, what would it be and why?

Dane:
1. African black because it is such a contrast to what I am (white and nerdy-Google Weird Al's newest song)
2. Native American - because I would not have facial hair

Crystal:
1. African American - cause I know my life would be very different
2. Asian - to be beautiful in a way that only Asians are

If you...could go back in time, where would you go?

Dane:
1. Medival Europe to learn the times technology such as herbology (?) and iron work.

Crystal:
1. Egyptian times, and I'd want to be either Cleopatra, or around when the pyramids were made.

It's Official Part Deux!

Today was the last day to post anything for the fiscal year ending 2006. I'm very, very happy to report that not only was I able to finish with all my unit's assigned duties, including some extra duty clean up, I was able to lightly help out a few other CFA's. Even though one of them dogged HG and I trying to make it seem like we don't do our job when it took HG to figure out the mess in 2 minutes (something that according to the other CFA she spent "all day Friday toying with"). I think this person is one of those "it's always something" people. She couldn't get her work done because of the "nasty" books she inherited (author's note: she inherited books that were a lot cleaner than the rest of us inherited, right HG!). She couldn't get her work done because she was sick and took time off (the rest of us took a day off here and there too for a variety of reasons). She couldn't get work done because she doesn't understand the process (even though DM or RB are happy to help out anytime). It will be interesting going into this new fiscal year with a clean slate to see what the newest round of excuses will be.

Enough cattiness though, I'm happy with my portfolio, I seem to be getting along really well with my units, in fact the one that I had the most recent drama with is already happy and looking forward to my visit out there. I am too - I think a lot of good will come of it. I'm all caught up and if I continue this way, then I will be ready-set-go for Cmas.

In other news:

Dane, HG, The Hub, and I volunteered at SWC this last Saturday for the Toy 'N Joy. The coordinator was nice and let the men volunteer by doing manly stuff like making barrel brackets, cutting PVC pipe for the signs, and renting/playing with power tools. HG and I made "protest signs" as we fondly called them. Then we had to paste the actually cutie patootie Cmas posters on and they were no longer our angst for a cause. It was actually really nice just hanging out and having a good old fashioned time in a nice community. It even got HG and I thinking about attending church now and again. Our men wont go, but we decided it would be good to get to a service now and again.

We saw Borat yesterday. OMG - hee-haw-larious!!! The BEST movie I've seen in a long time, I was laughing non-stop even at the overly played out scenes. Definitely a must see.

I voted. I voted for a law to enforce utilitie companies to convert 15% of their power resources to au natural by 2020. I voted to appeal a law that taxes estates. I voted for the extra 1/10 cent tax to improve public transportation and roadways. I voted to compensate farmers for lost/damaged land due to the government. I voted for an increase in a personal property tax exemption clause. I voted for a "constitutional law" that would allow King County to use monies from a bond for capital purposes. I voted for all the democrats (not just because they are democrat), but because I have followed all the campaigns and my ideas are inline with theirs. I didn't vote for any of the judges because I think this essentially votes them out but also because I don't know enough about them to make an educated vote. I didn't get the chance to vote on the new Seattle city (I live in Bellevue - outside city limits) stripper law which would prohibit customers from touching the gals and make them share all their tips. #1 - the police have better things to do than monitor the strip clubs, #2 - it won't make the strip clubs disappear (which is what the people who created this law wnat) and #3 - the girls make their money on their "talent". The bucktoothed stripper shouldn't have to share with the silicone stripper. :-)

Finally - Dane is going to his mom's fourth wedding this weekend. I've opposed it due to the fact that our own wedding is coming down the pike and we can't afford it. Personally I find it a mockery that she should place so much importance on this wedding when she didn't even tell Dane about her third till after the honeymoon. Additionally she put the stank on the wedding date (after we had already set ours) due to a psychic (yes, you read that right) telling her she must get married in 2006. Not to mention she didn't consult with people about a date and time that would work. Hear me out: if you deem it imperitive that Soinso be at your wedding and if Soinso isn't there, you will be devastated, then chances are you've spoken with that person about that more than 3 days before the wedding forcing them to have guilt or take action and spend extra money just to be there. Case in point, there are a few people (you know who you are) that I have said "your presense is a necessity at my wedding." Now I've been in contact with these people since the beginning and have made it clear to them that I am willing to do what it takes to get them there, hands down. Dane's mom is offering $200, which is conveniently the same amount it would cost her to ship her cat (same cat the pyschic said she had to get - yes, you read that right) to Utah. Now, Dane gets to take the kitten with him on a 6 hour plus flight, not including transfers, to Virginia, not including the trip BACK to Utah and the time inbetween in a chaotic, unstable environment. I think this will be a lot of stress for the kitten and I'm not happy about it. I fought with Dane for a while actually and even contemplated reconsidering our own circumstances but in the end I decided (with help from my mom and dad) that it's just not worth the drama, guilt, and eventually blame I would wear for fighting so hard. In the end it won't be a big financial blow to us, but Dane will have to work that much harder, which it sounds like he will do so good for him. Bon voyage.

Life is nice without homework. I got to watch the entire Broncos game - GO BRONCOS!!! Did you see the intercepted touchdown pass for the Steelers (may they rot) that we snagged! Not mention the other beautiful plays they made. AND I got to watch the Seahawks woop the Raiders (may they rot as well). I think coming up here soon the Broncs will face the Hawks. That will be a fun game to watch, but we all know who gets my vote. BRONCOS!!!!

It's Official!

I have filled out my UOP application, my TSA education grant application, and my student loan deferment application - I will start my MBA program on January 27, 2007. The first few classes and maybe even all of the FlexNet classes will be at the Renton campus as opposed to the Bellevue campus, which means I will have to wake up slightly earlier on Saturday school mornings, but it is a small price to pay considering the advantages of on-campus learning and saving $600 per class. Because I am a continuing UOP student I did not have to pay the $45 application fee, I got three classes waived, and I wont have to pay any fees for books or resources the entire program! YEAH!! So the $30,000 out of pocket student loans I've racked up at least paid off in that I save about $3900 in class fees, the $45, and about $1500 in book fees. Not bad at all if you ask me.

I'm really excited to begin and I'm so so happy that HG is doing this journey with me. I'm looking forward to the Friday nights that she and the hub may stay over doing homework, watching movies, and just plan hanging out and making school fun.

OH! Unfortunately HG was only able to waive one, maybe two courses instead of the available three. Bummer for her, but our admissions counselor is working on a "creative schedule" that, if worked the right way, will give me the 6, possibly 12 weeks around the wedding and summer off. That would be a great wedding present to not have to worry about classes while I'm focusing on the wedding.

I've transferred funds on my credit cards in an effort to take advantage of 0% APR specials and consolidate my/our debt. This will really help with all the financial woes we've been hit with recently and will help prepare for the wedding. The downfall is that T&E has been stalled till April, leaving Dane and I on a "cash only" entertainment budget. For me that means I have $50/week of play money till April. Hopefully this wont be too hard of a transition though I fear it might as I've gotten to be pretty wanton with my spending. Thanks to the 3 paycheck month in December though, I will at least have a spare $600 or so to spend on Cmas. Dane and I decided our "big" gifts to each other this year will be a contribution to our wedding save fund.

In other news, I made through fiscal close!! There were some casualties and definitely some hard times. I made an ass out of myself more than once and learned a lot of lessons. What I've taken out of this fiscal close:

I don't handle stress well AT ALL and need to learn how to better cope with it for the sake of my family, friends, coworkers, and peers.

It is so, so important to stay on top of my daily work in order to be prepared for the bustling times.

I should not try to prove myself to people who a) don't need to be proven anything, and b) wont be satisfied.

Not to take myself and situations so seriously or personally.

Stop and breathe and make sure I do things right and not in haste.

Appreciate those who I have to call on for instant action and return the favor when others ask it of me.

Not to gloat or be prideful of what I do accomplish while others are still struggling.

All in all I think it was an awesome learning experience and though it was tough, I got a lot out of it and I think a lot of good things are still going to come out of it. While the fiscal year is closed, we are gearing up for Cmas and the kettle season and the actual audit of the fiscal year. So the worst, for the most part, is over, but I still have several different monsters to conquer. IF I stay on top of things, I should manage to stay afloat during the tough times (now that I am comfortable with my new units) and be ready to go and in a good place at the end of January when I start my MBA program.

It's hard to believe, but slowly my goals, career and personal, are coming to life. I will be 27 when I start my MBA program (OMG - 27!!!) and will finish in/around March 2009, which puts me right at my goal to have my MBA by 29. Then I will study for 4 - 6 months for the CPA exam. My goal is to have my CPA by 2009 year end. It seems so far away and then I think "wow - that's just over 2 years". If I think back to 2 years ago November 2004, it seems like only yesterday! 2 years ago I was only half way through my BA program, 2 years into accounting, living at Lameria, 2 years into my relationship with Mr. Man. Time really does fly.

I will say that I'm beginning to back down on my dreams to be so BIG. I'm thinking I might just be happy with a MBA and CPA. But who knows where I will be in 2 years, maybe I will still consider a law degree or PhD. I know that right now it has been WONDERFUL having time to watch tv, go to the gym, exercise in the morning, blog, catch up w/ friends, email, and just have good old fashioned down time. I'm somewhat as loss as what to do most nights, but it does feel good. Dane says I'm not happy unless I'm running a million miles an hour with my hair on fire. :-)