Already have Spring Fever!

I've already started coming up with ideas for the spring growing season (I'm sure my mom is giggling with delight about winter coming to an end soon). I've seen these succulent wreaths before and I'm really thinking of trying to create one of my own in the spring. I've heard that they look fantastic as a centerpiece for outdoor furniture or even just hanging off of a fence as a focal point. I'm so excited, I may just jump the gun and create something like this before the crocus even bloom!

I love my iPod Nano

I bought my 5th generation iPod Nano not that long ago, but never really played around with it's features that much. Well, lately I've been on a jogging kick (which I hope to keep up). I've figured out some awesome features that this thing has. I've had the Nike+ (said Nike Plus) sensor for a while and it's also a great little gadget to help you keep track of your running. I highly recommend the iPod Nano and the Nike+ for anyone that is wanting to start walking, jogging, or running. I also love that the Nano has FM radio and a video camera. So fun!!!

Cute Keegan

Heather and James gave us these cute photos of our nephew Keegan. He's going to be four in just a couple of weeks!

More on the Peahen........

Anthony and I went for a walk the other evening and I stopped and spoke with the neighbor that has been feeding the peahen. He told me that he had called the Tracy Aviary as well as the zoo and no one is missing a bird. He thinks it may be from "hobbitville" however, there isn't really a way to get in contact with the owner. I told him he should make sure and feed her cat or dog food to supplement her diet (since they need extra protein, especially in the winter since there aren't any bugs). He told me that the neighborhood has given her a name.... Penelope. We saw her again yesterday as she was hanging out on someones porch. I love this crazy bird!

Peahen Update

So, I contacted the Tracy Aviary to see if they were missing a peahen. No response, so I guess this bird is a permanent resident of our little neighborhood. The other day I saw her try to go into someone's house (she was following a woman). More to come later........

The Neighborhood Peacock

Yes, you read that right... we have a neighborhood peacock. I thought I was going insane the other day when I went outside and heard the distinct sound of a peacock. Anthony and I were on our way to church the other day and saw it hanging out in someone's yard. Well, today, I was out walking Rocko around the block and saw the bird up close (I went a different way than I normally do). It's a female peacock (called a peahen) and it's white (which I've never seen before but is quite pretty). It has a small blue patch of feathers on the top part of it's neck. It's definitely not afraid of people (or Boston Terriers for that matter). The peahen proceed to follow me and Rocko down the block. It finally stopped following us after we got to the corner house where apparently, the people living there have been feeding it. I took about five pictures on my cell phone and still need to figure out how to get them off so I can post the photo. Once I figure that out, I'll post it. In the mean time, here's a photo I found to show you what she looks like. I secretly want one as a pet (they are as big as the dog so I think he was intimidated).

Decision Made

So, it was a hard decision, but I made up my mind. I'm staying with 3M. I let the Waterford Institute know today that I wasn't accepting the job. I decided that it would be best for me to stay with 3M because I've only been there for about seven months and it wouldn't look good on my resume in the future- I'd look like a job-hopper. Plus, they are willing to pay for certifications that will help me down the road. Thanks to all those who posted comments. They really helped!

Decision Time

I have a decision to make and would like to seek the advise of my friends and family. I've been offered a job with a non-profit company called The Waterford Research Institute. They create educational software for preschool, kindergarten, first and second grade children. The software teaches Math, Science and English. Normally, I would jump on the opportunity however, as many of you know I just recently started my job with 3M back in August 2009. I'm not really getting a feeling one way or another (both seem like good options) so I need your help. Here are the pro's and con's for each job:

Waterford Inst.

Pros:

• Non-profit company which is doing something that contributes to society
• My old boss works there (he's a great guy and I'd love to work with him again)
• 3.3% raise- not huge, but something
• Commute = less than 10 minutes
• I'd get to do analyst work again, which I really like
• Building is the old building where they used to shoot "Touched by an Angel"

Cons:

• Their development team is in Romania and so I'd work weird hours sometimes
• They don't let me work from home as much as 3M would
• Possibly be more travel (I don't like to travel much)
• Would mean changing jobs after only working for 3M for 6 months (doesn't look good on my resume)
• Less schedule flexibility
• Would have to start vacation accrual all over

3M HIS

Pros:

• Stable, well-known company
• Commute isn't bad (15 minutes)
• I like my boss, developer and DBA that I work with
• Pretty much self-managed
• Schedule flexibility (am able to work from home on occasion)
• Possibility for growth within the company
• Already have 2 weeks vacation accrued
• All development staff is located in the US

Cons:

• No clear career path has been defined
• A little less money, but not by much
• Not really doing a BA role and have moved to more of a Project Manager type role again
• On occasion, I get bored even when I ask for additional work

I trust everyone's opinion and would love to hear it. I got the idea of posting a blog from my friends Kevin and Katie. Your input will help me to decide what route to take. Both are good and I feel blessed to even have these opportunities at all.

Family-O-Rama!

January was a great month and I feel bad that I haven't blogged about it. Here are some of the wonderful things that happened in January 2010:

• Wedding- Cousin Hailey Flinders and Andrew Harper: January 29th

Anthony and I had to both work so we were only able to go to the reception. Hailey was so beautiful and I had no idea that Brandon could sing and play the guitar so well. I love the Flinders family and feel bad that I forgot my camera. Someone, please do share your photos with us... I'm begging!

• Birthdays Galore!- Dad, Mom and Zach!

We celebrated the birthdays as a family at FatCats in Ogden. It was fun (but also a bit embarrassing) to see my mom dance at the bowling alley to "Baby got Back". It reminded me of where I got my "weird" gene. From what I can tell, she takes her dancing very seriously:o). We went to my parents house after bowling and proceeded to watch Zach "eat it" in the back yard on his cross country skis. I hope he's ok!

• Special Visits- Dawnell, Kimberly and Angela January 28- 31

What sweet little girls. Seeing them playing in the snow being pulled around on a sled by my dad on a four wheeler was a blast. Dawnell must share photos! Again, I forgot my camera. One of these days I'll just leave it in my purse so that I'll have no excuses. Kimberly has turned into such a sweet little girl. She was very complimentary to everyone at the bowling alley. She was the best cheerleader anyone could have. She also told me that she's good at bowling because she practices in her backyard. Angela was just as beautiful as I remember her. What well behaved little girls! It was so great to see Dawnell!