so so sorry.

things have just been nuts. I'm sorry. today is day 3 of my new job.

yes. I have a new job. I didn't really see a whole lot of forward motion in my last job, not to mention that I work with my boyfriend and it looked like our boss may resign, meaning one of us would be in the position to be promoted. if it were either one of us, the other would likely have to find a new job anyways (because though it's okay for us to be dating, it's not okay for us to be dating and reporting to one another) so I figured I'd go. plus, I got a killer job description from a recruiter doing something pretty much totally different than I did before. and the money is better. and I can move up. so it's good all around. only thing is, I had to start dec 20...just days before xmas. and now I have to work a few days next week. but it's working out so far, I suppose.

it's hard starting a new job. makes me feel for trent when school starts. it's scary. everyone here seems nice though so I'm not feeling as nervous as I was before I started.

in other news, bella LOVES santa, but not enough to get close to him. we stood in line for over an hour to see santa a few weekends ago and trent and I coached bella on what to say when she got up there. you know, "santa's going to ask what you want for christmas. what are you going to say?" she wanted to ask for a baby doll, the barney movie, happy birthday, and presents. hey, I wasn't going to correct her, she was adamant. so we wait, and wait, through lunch and a diaper emergency, and get up to santa. she won't sit with him. so she makes me hold her and positions me so that I'm between her and santa before reaching her head over my shoulder and shouting to santa, "A BABY DOLL! BARNEY MOVIE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" see, she wanted santa to make sure he knew what she wanted, but she didn't want to get too close. we got a picture with her on my lap and me next to santa.

so she's very excited about santa. in fact, at home, she dons her santa hat and tries to get the dog and cat to sit on her lap and tell what they want for christmas. and the first time she saw our tree decorated, she said, "mommy! it's christmas ALL OVER THE PLACE!" so she's into christmas.

she's been a little sick lately, and I hope that it goes away before sunday and monday. she's been cranky, but a sinus infection will do that to you. the medicine is giving her horrible diarrhea, too, so she's got a sore butt.

trent and I have been butting heads alot lately but I think we're okay. after the holidays, it's time to worry about his birthday. not so much his birthday but the party. I think I told you last year how he hates having a party for himself. I hope he wants one this year.

well, happy holidays to you all. I hope santa gets you happy birthday and presents. I won't be back online until next thursday, but I think I've trained everyone not to look for an update from me until several weeks have gone by, so we should be good.

love, peace, happiness
-patrice