How is everyone? Are you enjoying your holidays so far? I’m sitting here listening to my husband crack the whip on our various nieces to clean their very dirty rooms and bathrooms. I don’t think they have ever been asked to do so before, or at least not to our standards, so we are definitely getting looks of evil. It’s actually pretty funny to watch, but at least the house is getting clean. It also releases some of the tension that has been building up around here, at least in me. Thirteen kids of various ages and eleven adults roaming around the house is beginning to take its toll. Trust me.
Did everyone get what they asked for from Santa? Jim and I decided not to exchange gifts this year because he surprised me with a new Mazda Miata a few weeks ago. Technically, it is our new toy, so that sufficed as our Christmas gift. His family did a not-so-secret Santa gift exchange this year, so my sister-in-law took my hint and went shopping using my Wish List from B&N. It’s the first time in a very long time when I’ve gotten books of any kind as a gift. It was great.
As gifts to the nieces and nephews, I bought gift cards to Barnes and Noble. I took advantage of the Buy-$100-in-GC-and-Get-a-$10-GC promotion and ended up walking away with $60 in gift cards. I knew the bill seemed rather large, but it was the last stop we made on our date night of Christmas shopping. Jim was texting me from the car telling me to hurry up, and I knew we had promised the babysitter that we would be home at least thirty minutes prior to me even entering the store. So, I walked out of B&N puzzling over how I could have spent so much on 17 $15 gift cards plus two books and a few other goodies I purchased for my Blogger Swap Secret Santa, but then promptly forgot about it. Then, one of my nieces went to B&N to spend her money. If you’ve done the math, then you know that those gift cards weren’t $15 but $50. Aunt Michelle and Uncle Jim were very, very nice this year, even though we didn’t mean to do so. Oops. The in-laws are very upset and keep trying to give us back the cards or buy us books, but so far, we’ve been able to stand our ground and insist that Christmas is about the kids, and the mistake is all ours. We have two more days here, so we shall see if they continue to make it a big deal about it. Our philosophy is that what is done is done, and it is a harmless mistake. Beside, I got $60 of free books out of the deal. I was able to do some damage to my Wish List.
It’s been an interesting vacation so far. While I have been able to get a lot of reading and sleeping done, and I love visiting with my brother- and sister-in-law, I don’t do well with this many kids around. I’ve been keeping my kids to a normal schedule, but that causes problems when the rest of them aren’t held to the same standards. We’re getting close to wearing out our welcome, I think, so it is a good thing we will be leaving in two days to go visit friends we knew in Germany.
I plan to write one 2009 Year in Review post and need to finish up those reviews, so that I can start fresh in 2010. I love new beginnings and the clean slate the new year affords. I hope everyone is able to get some rest and enjoy these last few days of 2009. I know I am!
I'm so glad others realize it was a good mistake!! I got very tired of having to explain to family members that I was not upset. Thank you so much for the well wishes. We shall see!
Holy smokes! That's a whole lot of bookishness you have going on there 🙂 YAY for beneficial errors.
As far as work is concerned I say look for something new and exciting. If you aren't being compensated appropriately and aren't even remotely appreciated what's to stay for? Unless you think enduring will et you further along in your career of course.
Ultimately, good luck to you in whatever decision you make. I wish you great success.
Jodie – That is exactly what happened, and it is frustrating. I agree that we give to give, and it is never a contest. So far, no one has brought it back up, but we shall see.
Thanks for your support on the pay raise. The sad part was that I wasn't questioning the industry data. I agree with what I was shown. I was just expecting some sort of financial acknowledgment for finishing my degree, adding extra duties, being forced to make business decisions, and so forth. My boss supported me in all of that but doesn't feel the need to show that I accomplished it all? Honestly, I am extremely hurt by even having to defend myself.
Hope – Thanks! The key is to find something that would pay me the equivalent of my current salary without any real experience. I honestly don't even know where to start looking. (Hence the hint for help.) And honestly, I love my job; I'm just very upset at the fact that I have to justify the need for a higher salary even though my boss has known and supported everything I've done in the way of personal development.
The parents were upset you got their kids such a cool present (even if by mistake)? I'd say thank you and goodnight, hate when people say 'it's too much' and I have to work really hard to match my gift giving with others so as not to 'embarrass' them. I give to give, not to receive equally y'know?
Good for you going after a pay rise by the way, bosses don't often recheck industry data after they offer you an initial salary, it all seems to go on years of service after that, so they need to be reminded of what others are getting paid and what else you've taken on that means you'd like a bit more cash.
Go for the writing job. REALLY. I can tell you love it. And really all the raises in the world won't make up for you having to trudge through each day doing something for which you have no passion.
PS give yourself and the family big holiday hugs from me =)
Diane – Yes, it was a very expensive B&N mistake, one I should have caught if I was really paying attention. I love the fact that they all get to purchase more books now. It makes me happy, even though all the parents are very upset. Oh well! And yes, I am definitely looking forward to getting back. I've now realized that no matter how hectic things are at home, because I only have two kids, it will never be quite as bad.
LOL! Sure, Kristy! Except don't expect that type of mistake again but you will always get something for Christmas! Thank you and have a happy New Year too! (BTW, we're going to be in Dallas for New Year's staying with our friends – Flower Mound to be exact.)
OMG…That was an expensive B&N mistake, but how great it must have been when those you love saw how generous you were. (Hopefully, it won't put you in the poorhouse…LOL)
Sounds like all was nice for you, and I bet you will be looking forward to slowing things down a bit in the new year?
Will you be my Aunt Michelle? It sounds like you got some great books there. Have a happy new year and a safe trip home.