Christmas Party '06

Friday evening, December 9, 2006, was the date of our Christmas party for Branson Getaways. It was a great evening having all of the offices together, and the food was delicious!

The Grand Ballroom

My assistant manager, Tia, and I

Pat from Reservations department

Robin from Leads department

Corporate Life Coach/Human Resources Misty and husband Don

Rod and Anastasia from Customer Service

Anastasia and I

Chalk Artist

Yesterday, we had chalk artist, Randy Davis, as special speaker at church. He did a beautiful job. As you can see in the photo there is a hidden image that appeared when he turned on the black light.
You can check out his website: http://www.chalkartist.com/

Click for Cans 2006

CAMPBELL SOUP HAS A PROMOTION FOR EACH CITY WITH AN NFL FRANCHISE. GO INTO THEIR WEB SITE AND VOTE FOR THE TEAM OF YOUR CHOICE. FOR EACH VOTE THEY WILL DONATE A CAN OF SOUP FOR EVERY POUND THE TEAM WEIGHS TO A SOUP KITCHEN.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Christmas Tree

I set up my Christmas tree a few days ago. Christmas begins on November 1 here in Branson so I joined in.

Happy Thanksgiving!

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP,
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS,
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.
Happy Thanksgiving!

News...

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am no longer with the Tommy Hilfiger company store here in Branson. I have accepted a position at the Bass shoes & clothing company store.

Should I Vote?

I scored a B+.

Halloween @ Work

Misty as Janice Joplin

Anastasia as Bonnie from "Bonnie & Clyde"

Pat as Julia Childs

Tanya as Box Car Willie

Angie, John & Tia as the Three Stooges

Halloween

Aren't these little guys the cutest trick-or-treaters you have ever seen?

Jessica and I visited the Halloween costume aisle at K-Mart last night. Like my new hair?

Visiting the Landing

Brenda at Whippersnappers

Dan & Taira at Whippersnappers

Dan napping during a round of indoor golf at Grand Country

Taira riding the "horse" at Brookstone

Brad & Beth at Whippersnappers

Several friends from Kansas came to Branson this past weekend for a mini-vacation. We started off with a visit to the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet at Whippersnappers. While there we stuffed ourselves with lobster, crab legs, gumbo, fried shrimp, and much more...basically eating like an unstoppable cancer. Following the meal, we toured the Titanic museum, made a stop at the Landing, watched the fountain show, and then ended our evening by partaking of delicious delights at Coldstone Creamery.
Saturday was filled with shopping, shopping, and if I remember correctly, some more shopping. We were also able to see "The Guardian" that afternoon. That evening we dined at famous Greek restaurant known as Papouli's, in Reed Springs, MO.
I finished off the weekend with a somewhat painful, yet humorous experience that I am not ready to share at the moment, but I will keep you informed.

Baby Akram Update

Growing like a little weed... :-)

Break Time

Snapped these shots while some of my co-workers and I were on break today. We are experiencing perfect weather here right now.

Misty and I were a little bored the other day and went outside here at work to chat and goof off. While there, we got a little creative with the hanging potted plants. Do you think a hairstyle like this is me?

Labor Day

My parents and my sister, Paula, came to visit over Labor Day weekend. It was really nice having them here for a few days. We visited the Branson Landing and watched the fountains, did some shopping, and also went to Silver Dollar City.

Mom & Dad at the Landing

Paula at the Landing

Bass Pro

Happy Anniversary!

My blog is one year old today!

Branson Landing

I visited the Branson Landing a few nights ago and took these shot of the fountain. I know the one looks like a bomb exploding, but actually it was during the performance of the "Star Spangled Banner" with the flames shooting behind the water. It's really more impression in real life than the photo makes it appear.

Seminar Update

Yesterday's seminar was a huge, I repeat, HUGE success! It was totally different than any other seminar I have ever attended. The morning began with a warm-up session of exercises and knocking beach balls around the auditorium. Next was the "Twist Off", as I call it. Each office competed against each other by doing the "Twist". My office took second place. We were also entertained by special guests Darren Romeo "The Voice of Magic", and the Blues Brothers of Legends. Our main speaker was from OTC and introduced the FISH! philosophy, which surprisingly, our office already incorporates to a certain extent. We finished the afternoon off by watching to movie "Rudy" which is based on the life of Rudy Ruttinger. We all came away motivated, energized and ready to take on the world....or at least the rude customers who come our way day to day. :-)

Darren Romeo performing a card trick

Darren concentrating on the card trick

Elwood, Owner John Wallen, Gen. Mgr. Tanya, & Jake

General Manager Tanya tries to imitate Jake's moves

Seminar

Thursday, August 24, 2006, our company will be holding a seminar at the College of the Ozarks' Keeter Center (See photo). I will keep you posted on all the fun stuff that happens tomorrow.

I think this kid gets cuter everyday!

Stacey sent me this more recent photo of Akram taken a few days ago.

I had the privilege of seeing my friends Brad, Beth, and Roseann this past weekend. We met halfway at the Outback Steakhouse and spent several hours eating, talking, and laughing. It was fun. Here's a photo of Brad and Beth before digging into our meals.

I visited Stacey & Ahmed last evening and had the privilege of holding the newest addition to their family. He napped the entire time I was there, even with me holding him!

Wedding Bells

My cousin, Amanda has announce her engagement and will be getting married this December. Click here to view the slide show. Don't they make a lovely couple?

It seems that all I ever do anymore is work and eat....with a little sleep thrown in now and then. Tuesday was no exception. For lunch, the company I work for treated my entire department to a meal at the local Outback. While there, we also celebrated Monique's birthday. We all had fun and over-ate, as usual. I had every intention of taking more photos but quickly discarded the idea once the appetizers arrived. :-)