'Tis the Season

I have a thing about starting Christmas before Thanksgiving. I don't start shopping before Christmas (unless I can get a really good deal on someting) and I think there should be a law against having Christmas lights on before Turkey Day. It makes me sick to see stores putting out Christmas trees before Halloween.

That being said, Thanksgiving is over and that means the Christmas season is officially underway. While many people are finished Christmas shopping, mine is just beginning.

This week Nate hunted every day. He's shot at quite a few deer but still hasn't gotten one. I'm not a huge venison fan, but I wouldn't mind a few sticks of summer sausage. We spent Thanksgiving at Nate's grandparents, and Nate's cousin and her new husband, Christina and Jeff, were our house guests Wednesday and Thursday night.

I did something a little out of character Friday morning. Nate's mom and I left home at 5:45 a.m. to shop with all the crazy people. We only hit one store, the local Kmart. I was actually surprised. There were only about 20-25 people waiting for it to open. When they let us inside at 6 a.m. we hurried back to electronics with almost everyone else. Nate's mom was lucky enough to get the gift she wanted for Ryan (better not say what it is in case he's reading). I picked up a DVD player, a new winter coat for the kid, a few stocking stuffers. We were done by a little after 7 a.m. Despite my previous thoughts about people being nuts to go Black Friday shopping, it was actually fun here. Crowds were small, selection and prices were good. I suppose the diehards go to the bigger cities. I'd definately do it again next year.

I had a vacation day Friday, so now I'm just hanging out at home. I dug out the Christmas decorations, but I'd like to get a tree before we do too much. I also bought lights for outside yesterday, but I need Nate to help me cut some pine boughs to go with them on the porch.

Overall, it's been a good week!

Yes, I'm still alive.

But barely. It's been a hellish last two months, and I haven't had the chance to do much of anything except work and the bare minimum at home. It's been 50+ hour weeks for a while now, but the great news of today is the new guy started now. I'm learning I'm not as good with change as I thought. I like my routine. Seems like I finally got used to working alone, now it's back to sharing again. I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Not much new on the Nate and Jacob front. Nate's excited to go deer hunting this weekend. He had me pick up "groceries" for him today: ham and salami for sandwiches, beef sticks, pickles, candy, etc. I also got him some string cheese for good measure. Something about trying to make the other hunter's envious of his lunch?? Must be a guy thing.

I'm working Saturday, Sunday is off, then Monday-Thursday. Yes, Thursday is Thanksgiving and I'll be handling a photo op. The good news is I'm taking a vacation day Friday. I think I deserve it.

That's leaves two vacation days for when Kirsten is home for Christmas. She's seeking donations for her plane ticket fund, if anyone would like to contribute. Time for bed now. I'm beat.

Update long overdue

I've been completely crazy busy: 50-plus hour weeks, meetings every night, weekend stuff, etc. Sorry I haven't updated, but I'm pleased to announce the Eckert household has stepped into the 21st century. Since last week, we now have a phone line, a laptop AND internet service. I'm still working on the new computer, but hopefully I'll be updating more often and even putting up a few pictures, if our dial up can handle it.

We're still reviewing resumes and have gotten some promising ones, so I'm hoping we will hire soon. I've been thinking some about the editor job, and I just don't know that it's for me. It just doesn't in to my long term goals, which are to raise my (hopefully expanding in the next few years) family, be a good mom and wife and an active part of the farm. These last few weeks have taught me that its impossible to give one 100% without neglecting the other.

On a happier, not so deep note, Nate started combining today, so he's all excited. Until something breaks then he'll be crabby. Jacob's babysitter had surgery yesterday, so he's home with me this afternoon. We had a substitute babysitter, and he seemed to get along great with her. I guess it helped she had a kitty.

I've been cooking a lot lately, much to Nate's delight. Strangely it usually helps me relax, even though it means I have to grocery shop for more than just frozen pizzas and hamburger helper.

This weekend I have a few photo assignments but will mostly be around home. Next weekend we're heading to Racine for Nate's cousin's wedding. Yay for a roadtrip and getting away from work!