Back in the swing

A week back into the swing, and I feel relaxed and settled back into regular life.  I have been playing catch-up at work, but didn't really feel overwhelmed until about Thursday, when I realized that deadlines were catching up to me.  I was also asked to take on a new responsibility that was asked of my boss's boss, so that was a bit nerve-wracking.  I did my best and met the deadline, so hopefully my efforts will be rewarded.  

This week brought our raise and bonus information--apparently the company enjoys having me work for them as much as I enjoy working for them!  Rick and I decided to put our bonus money towards finishing our basement this year, so we'll be talking to a contractor later this week to get the ball rolling.  We had shopped for contractors late last year so we had done our research, but we were waiting for the weather to get better and the bonuses to come in before we took the plunge.  We're not doing anything too fancy, but are putting in a bathroom, bedroom, and living area as well as some storage down there.  We plan on moving the guest room down there which will be really nice when Rick's parents come to visit; they usually stay for 4 or 5 days and this way they can have a whole floor to themselves, sort of like a guest apartment.  It will also be nice for us to stay down there on hot summer nights or evenings riddled with tornado warnings.  Plus, Rick has been planning his man den for the past year or so--he can't wait to move down there.  I'll be sure to document the progress and keep you posted.

My parents will be in Des Moines this week for the Iowa Beef Expo.  As you may know, my parents raise Polled Hereford cattle and have been selling at the Beef Expo since before I can remember.  Looks like they're lots 26 and 42 this year, a bull and a heifer, if you're looking to add some nice Herefords to your herd.  I don't think I'll have time to sneak away from work this year, but it's always fun even if I can't make it down there.  They bring the cattle in on Wednesday and after check in they have a parade where the sale order is decided.  The higher you are on the sale bill, the better the organizers of the sale think your cattle are, which generates some excitement from one day to the next.  The sale is on Thursday, and shows are on the weekend.  A few years back, Dad had the high-selling female at this sale and many people are interested in his heifers from year to year.  Anyway, it will be nice to have Mom and Dad staying with us and catch up.  Depending on who purchases his cattle, Dad may come back down this weekend to see them show.  We used to show at the junior show, but Dad has never really wanted to show in the open shows since we have grown up.

On a side note, the history of the Polled Hereford breed is pretty neat, especially if you have Iowa ties and/or are interested in genetics.  Both of these things apply to me, so I may be biased.  Long story short, Iowan rancher Warren Gammon chose mutant (hornless) Herefords and crossed them until they bred true (offspring no longer had horns).  The Gammon Barn ("Birthplace of  a Breed") was moved to the Iowa State Fairgrounds where it serves as a museum for the breed.  To be honest, I can't remember being in the Gammon Barn though I know I must have been in it at some point.  I'll have to revisit this year...

My sister and her husband are selling their house in Ames and are moving to Des Moines for a few years.  I'm so excited to have them moving closer, but it's still 20 minutes away since they'll be close to downtown. I spent the afternoon helping them paint and get the place ready before they move it.  Makes me realize how nice it was to move into a new place that didn't require any touch-ups.

I've been busy taking in entertainment this past week as well.  We went to West Side Story, which I had never seen live.  I must have seen the movie at some point, but was very excited to see this production as I felt like it is a Broadway staple.  Although the dancing was amazing and the acting was quite good, I wasn't crazy about the story line.  I'm a hard sell on the Romeo and Juliet whirlwind love.  I was impressed with the incorporation of the Spanish--it wasn't just like Puerto Rico, but it was more realistic than if all of the Puerto Ricans spoke English the whole time.  All in all, a great show.  I also saw The Vow yesterday which was very good.  Based on a true story, the young couple gets in a car accident and when the wife awakens from her coma, she does not remember the years that include her husband who is now a stranger.  He spends the movie trying to win her love back.  It's moving (I cried more than once), and very well done.  Highly recommend this one!

I hope you all have a magnificent Valentine's Day!