Finally.....the big news......

Today, I officially accepted a position at Ingersoll Rand in Davidson. I'll be a Team Leader in the Financial Services department. Translation-my department will be in charge of fleet and cell phone procurement.

I turned in my notice today which went better than expected. I just hate I'm having to leave Tori and Julie. We're worked together FOREVER!!! You have no idea how much I'll miss both of you.

First day is February 18th, I can't wait!!!!

P.S. Thanks to Ethan for getting me in the door!!!

Let me tell you who's not a "real American hero".

There's no point to the following story, really. I just happened to remember it earlier this afternoon...

When I was about 7 or 8, there was this older kid who lived on my block. Having been taught to respect my elders, I looked up to the guy - or maybe I was just easily influenced and I thought he was cool. Anyway... one day he convinced me to trade my highly-treasured copy of the first issue in the G.I. Joe comic book series for... a pack of bubble gum. To this day, I still think of myself as quite the fool for having been so easily played. The comic meant something to me. Still does... even if it isn't worth relatively much to collectors today. But the temporary enjoyment of the bubble gum ended long ago. Even more, I have no recollection of the boy with whom I traded.

Mom... dad... I don't think you knew this story. I was probably too embarrassed to tell you what a fool I thought I had been at the time. I may not have even chewed any of the bubble gum in protest of my own poor decision-making ability... or perhaps because I wanted the gum to last as long as I knew the comic book would have. But there's a part of me that wishes I still had that comic book. There were memories... there was a history... there's a part of my childhood that's all wrapped up in those pages. Sure, I've managed to live a fine life since the loss of my first issue of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. But it'd be nice to go back... make that one tiny decision all over again with so many more years of wisdom under my belt. Trade a part of my childhood? For a pack of gum?! No way.

The wishes worked! More details to follow.

Good News all around.

We've got so much good news to report, I'll just make a list. I'm good at lists (part of my inner Rory Gilmore......I really miss that show!!!!).

1. Moa got a good report from the vet last week. His liver enzyme counts are down. Yippee!

2. Reggie and Pam found out they're having a boy. Can we call this one Otis too?

3. Uncle Harold got a good report also last week. Keep the prayers coming!!

4. Congratulations to Flip and Mike on their engagement! Your personal party planner is ready to go, just give me the word. Flip, you only deserve the best! Congratulations!!

5. I got asked to be on the Executive Committee for this year's Race for the Cure in Charlotte. I'm really excited. I know it'll be more work, but totally worth it.

6. So far the wishes are working, so everyone keep it up. Hopefully I'll have more good news to post soon.

Until later.....

Thursday's Lunchtime Grab-Bag

I love my XM radio. Last night, I was able to "watch" three different ACC games at once on my way home.

This one's for you, Andrew. As of tomorrow, Lowe's will be operating in all 50 states. It's true... see? Oh... and you're going to have to update your party trivia topics even further, because I checked this morning and Wal-Mart has stores (yes, plural) there, too. I guess the state just hasn't been the same since Ben and Jerry sold out to Unilever, huh?

Sage advice from a most unlikely source: "If you don't like what's going down you need to change something 'round and what you can't change you've got to change the way you thought about."

Wish me luck.

Oh tidings of comfort and joy...

Except for the past few days of the stomach bug, first me and now Mike, we've had a busy, but very enjoyable holiday week+.
It all started with the arrival of Anna McKeegan.... on December 21, 2007 @ 5:05 pm. 8 pounds, 8 ounces. This little girl took her time getting here, but it was well worth it. Julie, you are my hero.






Please, no more pictures. It's hard being this cute. I went and spent some time with the new family on the 22nd and introduced Anna to the Tar Heels since Mike was at the game. Too bad her parents had to introduce her to the Wolverines and the Buckeyes later on the same day.




Moa had just about had enough at my Mom' house on the 23rd. He snored through most of the opening.







Izzy, age 2, couldn't get enough of Christmas, so she started opening up Abby's, age 1 month, (Habby to her). Izzy is on her 3rd Eeyore, so it's only natural I start Abby with her first Tigger.






And of course at the end of the day, all the "children" want to do is play with the boxes.







We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here's to a great 2008!!