Merry Christmas to all...

I hope this finds everyone happy, well, and enjoying the holiday season. I am on vacation from work and loving spending the time with the family. We've done a lot of baking - followed by a lot of eating. The traditional New Year's resolution of diet and exercise is looming around the corner and my sweet tooth is working overtime in anticipation of Slim Fast and lettuce.

It's been wonderful having all of the kids (including my soon to be daughter-in-law) at home. Everything feels right with the world when they are all under my roof.

Gifts were a huge success this year. There have been laser tag games through the house constantly since presents were opened. Jayme liked her gifts, which I was thankful for. I'm not sure of her tastes yet, so I was uneasy about my choices. Hubby liked his smoker and the painting I bought for him. Jacob is thrilled with his police scanner. My husband knows me well and got me a new digital camera with ultra zoom. Love my photography and love the gadgets.

Now...if the Hawkeyes cooperate and win their bowl game it will complete a perfect holiday!

Filled...

Well, the job opening has officially been filled. The offer was accepted right away and my team will be up to speed as of Jan 3! I really hate the process of finding someone new and am glad it's over - well, almost. I still have to make the "sorry" calls. Those are the worst, especially when they cop an attitude about it.

Technology...

Love it! I am a complete gadget girl.
The latest in the arsenal is a 40 inch HDTV. It's a beautiful thing, taking the art of couch potato to a new level.

Quest for a programmer...

Well...the search continues. I have made my first cuts and the top candidates are being asked back for second interviews.
I hate this part - the whole "I'm sorry, but..." call that must be delivered to all the rest of the applicants. Those not interviewed get a flush letter, but the rest get calls. It is really a tough call to make because no matter the reason you are telling them "no", you realize that they truly had hopes of getting this job. Thank goodness that most of them are currently employed. To tell someone without a job at all that you are not hiring them is hard at any point, but especially around the holidays.
Wow - I had better be careful - I sound like a softie.