Author: Nikki J.

My cries for #chocolate yesterday did not go unheard. Walked in to this giant bag of #Hersheys this morning! They must think I’m the most high maintenance employee ever #lovemyjob

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2012 sure was one heck of a year, filled with highs and lows, joys and woes, and everything in between. I feel silly saying lows and woes, because I really am such a blessed girl. It’s been more a year of adjustments, and I’d say we wrapped it up considerably more adjusted than I anticipated.

I am just so happy Chuck and I had a full year (minus one month) to live and grow together in NC. I found a job, some friends, and now have a niche to call my own before Chuck leaves for the better part of 2013. For that much, I am endlessly grateful.

With the exception of coming down with a nasty cold to shake things up, my holiday break was delightful. Plenty of old friends, generous gifts, lively parties, comfort food, and even a pretty snow shower. We got home last night and I must say that despite the good times back home, I am LOVING being back in my own bed, and not living out of a suitcase. It’s nice to be back at work too 🙂 Despite my constant sinus headaches and stuffy nose, 2013 is off to a fabulous start!

I don’t typically do much to celebrate my birthday, but this year it was really special. Chuck was gone for my actual bday, so my girl friends in the area took me out for dinner and drinks at an adorable French restaurant downtown called Caprice Bistro. It was delicious and so much fun. Then my co-workers surprised me at “staff meeting” with tiramisu cake and sweet (but embarrassing) fanfare. Then Chuck came home, a gift in and of itself. We drove home to NoVA, and he took me to the Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker and gave me some beautiful diamond earrings. 28 may not be so bad 🙂

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You Can Tell I’m From DC When…

… I make an unpatriotic ass of myself here in the South.

I was doing some last minute Christmas shopping at the Cotton Exchange downtown last night, when another young professional-looking girl stopped me to ask for some advice on her White Elephant/Secret Santa gift. She had a number of paper weights in front of her and couldn’t decide which to get.

I pointed at the red, white, and blue frog that said “Proud to be an American” on it, and without even thinking, said “Well I wouldn’t get that one.”

“Why?” she asked.

Just as I said something along the lines of “Someone may get offended,” I realized how ridiculous I sounded. “Oh…” she said, clearly dumbfounded, and slightly offended herself. “I would never think of that. You think so? I don’t think so.”

“I’m from DC,” I said defensively. “We’re overly PC up there…Sorry…You’re right.”

I was so embarrassed and scuttled away. Definite heartless Yankee moment. I’m disturbed that I’m actually that brainwashed!