Five for Friday - vol 14.1.3

The excitement of the new year has not faded on me a bit yet. In its honor, here's a Five for Friday about things I am looking forward to or hoping for in the new year, in no particular order.

1. A trip to Cali with my love to see FSU win the BCS championship. I am looking forward to the trip. I love to travel period and love to travel with John. He's such a good travel partner. I am hoping FSU wins the game. Even if they don't, however, I still believe this will be a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish forever -- the last BCS game, my team playing for the title, at Rose Bowl stadium. But let's be real..they're [hopefully] going to win.

2. One of my BFFs, Patty, having her baby boy. I am looking forward to my friend becoming a mommy and hoping to meet him sometime in 2014.

3. John getting a promotion. This is more so a looking forward to; it's just a matter of when. My hope for him is that it's sooner in the year.

4. My mom moving near me or my brother. This is a total hoping for. It's all going to depend on if she can get a civil service job in either of our areas to continue working toward her retirement. *fingers crossed* Even if she doesn't move where I live it would be so nice to go visit her and have my brother and his family (my niece!!!) close enough to visit when I'm in town.

5. Speaking of my brother and his family, I hope they have another baby in 2014! Obviously I am so in love with my niece I want them to have another one for me to love and play with. Good thing they hope for this too, it makes it a reasonable hope for the new year.

2014, I think you are going to be golden. I look forward to everything you have in store for me, my family, and my friends!

Well Rounded

Today was such a well rounded day!  I feel so accomplished!  And it feels great!

I have worked a good nine hour day at the office, full of productivity, a visit to Starbucks and some weekend small talk with co-workers.  Talked to my mom and one of my best friends.  Came home and prepared a home cooked meal of arroz con pollo -- my first time ever trying to make it by myself (It came out ok.  A little bland.)  I relaxed a bit on the tv and computer.  Cuddled with my pup.  Danced with her around the house -- I wish I knew what she was thinking as we were dancing.  And did a super thorough cleaning of the kitchen in preparation for my mom and niece's visit in a couple of days while listening to John Mayer croon on the guitar.

Now I'm off to shower and get feedback from hubby on his home cooked meal I had ready for him when he came home from work.

Domestic bliss.

Random Writings - Vol. 8

• My grandmother has been in the ICU for over two weeks. She's not doing well and I feel so badly for her. I went this past weekend with Mr. Woo and was able to take care of her for a bit during a few of the visiting hours.  Problem is because of her Alzheimer's I'm not sure she'll remember we came and I worry she'll think we don't care enough to visit.  :(
• I was surprised to see Dennis, Katlin and my amazing niece this weekend too.  Apparently it was our family's Thanksgiving observed since we're with our spouses' sides of the family for the real holiday.  It was a wonderful surprise - whether it was supposed to be a surprise or not.
• With Mama in the hospital I'm torn as to what to do for Thanksgiving.  I'm supposed to be spending it with my MIL in the kitchen which I was completely looking forward to but I don't know if I should go home or not.  Mom and Mr. Woo say no but I feel uneasy.  I guess I'll play it by ear and see how Mama's doing closer to when I have to make a final decision.
• I finished the last Fifty Shades book.  I was disappointed by the ending.
• I need to figure out what to make for Thanksgiving to bring to dinner with the in-laws if I do go.  Definitely a dessert.  But what, I don't know.  Any ideas?

Babies vs. Pumpkins

A few of my favorites from a great day at the pumpkin patch with Leedie, Angela, and Mallory to celebrate my birthday.

The girls trying to figure out what the deal with these pumpkins

Such a happy baby

Photographic proof of how hard it is to take a picture of this girl!

Old friends chatting it up

Happy girls!

With their pumpkins

Birthday Visit

Last month my brother and sister-in-law generously offered to meet me halfway so I could have Leedie for a weekend whenever I wanted and told me to just let them know when.  Well being that Mr. Woo is off this weekend for my birthday I suggested this weekend was the perfect time.  So Friday after work I'll drive (alone since John works a closing shift) two and half hours to meet them and pick up my niece! 

I am so very excited and nervous all at the same time! 

I'm most nervous about the two and half hour drive home by myself! 

I hope I can figure out what to do with a baby.  Or should I call her a toddler now that's she's thirteen months?  Either way, I can't wait to try! 

Roxy on the other hand will likely need lots of positive thoughts and good vibes for the weekend because knowing her she is not going to be so thrilled with all of this.  I'm pretty sure a baby (or toddler) walking around the house trying to get hold of her, stealing her [freshly cleaned] toys, squealing and babbling loudly is her idea of a plot for a horror movie.

My fingers are crossed and my camera is ready to capture it all!

Happy Birthday, Leedie!

My niece turned one year old today!  Here party was great.  She was perfect.  I love her.  That is all. 

I leave you with the best birthday picture ever.

Leedie Turns 1!

I am so happy it's Friday!  I always love the last day of the work week but today is extra exciting because it's the day before my niece's first birthday party!!!

That seems like the fastest year ever!

In preparation for this milestone here are some pictures of the soon-to-be birthday girl!

Random Writings - vol. 1

• I'm still recovering from my SPHR experience and trying to figure out a new groove.  It will come but I'm not rushing it.  I'm enjoying my "whatever comes my way" life at the moment.
• Thanks to my smart husband we're flipping a car to buy a new couch.  We sold our old one and have the new couch but not the new loveseat so there's a huge open space in our living room - perfect for a random dance party or our pup's freshly cleaned toys. 

• I get to see my niece this weekend and I cannot wait!  Mr. Woo is coming too which makes me even more excited.  Seeing him with her is just plain funny and cute.
• I need to figure out what direction I want this blog to go in, although, I suppose I did include a disclaimer that it's a blog about nothing.
• Even though I really enjoy my job, I kind of wish it was Friday.  It doesn't help that it feels like it is.

Day 20: In Motion

Taken today courtesy of SIL of Woo

P-A-R-T-Why? Because it's Friday!

A short list of reasons why today is awesome:

1. I am alive.
2. I am beyond blessed in life.
3. It is beautiful outside.
4. Two of my scheduled meetings got cancelled.
5. It is Friday.
6. My parents and niece are coming to stay at house of Woo this weekend and will be arriving tonight.
7. Left over pizza.
8. See reasons 1-7.

Happy Friday!

Baby Cakes

I think I get to see my niece this weekend and I am SOOO excited!  It's funny how much I love a chubby cheeked, 7 month old who isn't even mine.  But I do! 

Who wouldn't be excited to see this face?!

I hate that she lives a little over four hours and one time zone away - especially now that she's developing and is at such a fun stage.  I don't get to see her nearly enough.  But not this weekend!  I can't wait!