Spokane Snow

I built a snowman today!

Merry Christmas to All!

Hello everyone! I'm writing from cold, snowy Spokane, Washington. It's not snowing today, but since I got here on Saturday there have been a few snow flurries. My Mom has been here for two weeks, helping Meg and David adjust to parenthood. My Dad got here last week so we are all here now in a cozy house braving colder weather than we are used to in California. Spokane is a pretty town and Meg and David have had friends visit to meet Morgan and say Merry Christmas.

In our family, this holiday season is revolving around baby Morgan. She's super cute, although still in the mostly sleeping and eating baby stage. She is more alert every day. I've attached a few pictures for you to see how big she's getting, even after a few weeks! Morgan is going to be 3 weeks old tomorrow. She seems to like the baby papasan Aunt Ali gave to her. : )

I hope this day finds you and your loved ones happy and healthy. Here's to a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Burned Out

Hi there! Happy, happy, jolly, jolly time! Well... I haven't been quite feeling that way. I'm trying and I promise I will be more in the holiday spirit soon. I think there are a lot of reasons why I'm feeling this way, but this morning one sticks out to me. I'm so tired! I haven't been working out more than usual, so that is not causing me to be tired. I'm getting around 7-8 hours sleep at night, so lack of sleep is not the cause. I believe I'm burned out. I love my job, I really do, but I have to be focused from 9 AM (sometimes earlier) to 6 PM straight. Rarely any time to surf the Internet or write personal emails to friends. I have maybe a half an hour to eat lunch, often at my desk. I give it my all every day and I still don't get it all done. Normally, fitting in a good run was a way to relieve stress for me, but clearly that is not an option these days. The last two weeks have been even more on-the-go with vendors taking us out for holiday dinners. I've enjoyed them, but spending time in that "on" mode for work from 8 AM to 10 PM is draining.

I woke up this morning with no desire to go to the gym, grab coffee, and barely get out of my apartment. It dawned on me that I'm simply burned out and I need a break. I need more than two days to not think about spring in-store marketing, window cling sizes, and ship dates. I'm looking forward to next Saturday when I jump on a plane to wing my way to Spokane, WA for Christmas with my family. I realize being around my newborn niece Morgan will not necessarily be restful, but at least I'll be away from my desk, computer, and phone calls.

The one good thing about the last few weeks is that I've hit the gym a few times to lift weights. It's been a long time since I've felt sore muscles! Still, I haven't been able to go much. Hopefully, once the holiday gatherings are over, I'll be able to up my workouts to 3-4 times a week.

Baby Morgan

I am thrilled to say, I've become an Aunt! My sister Meg and her husband David are the proud new parents of a healthy baby girl.

Morgan Ann-Marie Allendorf
Born December 5, 11:48 PM
7 pounds, 10 ounces - 20 inches

I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with Meg, David, Morgan and my parents (first time grandparents!) in Spokane, WA.

Isn't she a cutie?

Happy Birthday to Me

OK, I'm a day late. My birthday was yesterday! It was a nice day. I got my hair cut... did some Christmas shopping... then had a nice dinner with my parents. Thanks for the creme brulee Mom and Dad! It's my favorite dessert. Those of you who are not familiar with it, creme brulee is like custard, but with a burnt sugar topping. So yummy. My Mom cracked the topping to put one little candle in it to sing Happy Birthday to me. I think one candle is plenty from here on out! : )