Councilwoman Melissa Head

Sounds strange yet official, I like it! Almost makes me feel important. Let’s hope I continue to like it for the next four years!! Kidding, as I know it will be an amazing experience and I am very excited for my first meeting January 11th. Last night was the official swearing in ceremony. Thanks Aunt Debbie for the photos. The mayor, myself, and Scott (the other councilmember elected this term) taking our oath of office.

Congratulating each other afterwards.

Receiving my official certificate. I have been informed it needs a fancier frame before it is worthy to be hung on the “I love me wall” (thanks to a co-worker for that term) in my office.

A short speech prompted by our Mayor.

Sadly no more photos – for some reason we didn’t take many. Kicking myself now that I didn’t get a few family photos at least. An evening I will remember for quite some time even if it was more causal than I expected.

Weston, Missouri

Did not disappoint. Such a lovely little town. It has improved since the last time I visited. So many fun shops with lots of affordable gifts for others or myself! We started off with a drink at O’Mally’s Pub which is the oldest bar and part of the pub is actually downstairs in the basement where alcohol was stored during the prohibition.






Then headed to the town center for shopping.


And photos with Santa!


Our final stop of the day was McCormick’s store for a bit of locally distilled liquor.

They had an amazing double chocolate vodka – perfect for winter desert drinks.

A very fun and relaxing Saturday. Would be great if we could develop our downtown area in Council Bluffs a bit more with shops and other attractions.

Nightmare or Dream come true?

126 Spruce Street, Niobarara, NE you have me intrigued. I am already imagining how I could “Spruce” you up and make you my oasis when I need to escape the hustle and bustle of life.

Lets Go Chiefs!!

I am braving the frigid temps to cheer you on so I expect a win Sunday!! I have a warm red coat, my cozy uggs, an army camo Chiefs hat (thanks Cole), and zone 3 Under Armor (borrowed from my brother) to try and prevent frostbite. Just need mega warm gloves. I must convince my super talented Mommy to whip me up a cowl/scarf that matches chief colors…On the way to Kansas City we are stopping in this lovely little town.

Weston, Missouri, a very quaint small town. They have their own brewery, several wineries, lots of great shops, and restaurants. The town is very festive at Christmas (they have many fun events throughout the year). I love small towns filled with charm. Once in KC we are meeting up with some of my favorite relatives – I imagine a cocktail or two may be consumed.

Can’t wait for the weekend to start so I can to enjoy the holiday season and my family!

My First Ugly Sweater Party

I had a Christmas lunch for Real Estate at USACE (I now work in Office of Counsel but most of my legal work is for RE so they invited myself and the two other attorneys that work RE) and we were told to wear an ugly Xmas Sweater. Fun to have new blood at USACE and laugh with co-workers. Our crew (minus a few that sat at a different table).

And those who participated in the Ugly Sweater contest (very low turnout but maybe next year will be better).

I didn’t win, tragic. My dress was sweatshirt material bought at the local Goodwill –bonus it was half off. Classic. I had plans to ugly it up more with crazy earrings, shoes, tights but ran out of time. Regardless it was a lot of fun. Are Ugly Sweater parties old news or still “in”? I realize it is pathetic that this is my first party, but I think I get a break as not usually in the US for holidays.

9 days and a wake up

Untill Christmas. With the Holiday Home Tours complete I can share photos of my Christmasy home. I love it – a huge thanks to my wonderful mom and Aunt Debbie for all their hard work - without them it wouldn’t look quite like this. I have ideas in my head but don’t always know how to execute. I tried to stick with ivory, silver, gold, bronze, and ice blue, but did end up with a few other colors through poinsettias.
Formal Living Room:



Dinning room:





Guest Bedroom:


Hallway:



Partial showing of my Grandma’s Holiday Barbie Collection:

Landing:


My Bedroom:


My Bathroom:


Casual living room:




So much fun to decorate for Christmas and enjoy all the improvements that have been made over this past year. Of course looking at these photos I realize I have a lot of projects left for 2010 and beyond! Aeisha has been amazing (knock on wood) and has not messing with many of the decorations.


The greenery is a mix of fake and real, one tree is real the others are fake. I prefer real over fake but not always possible for longevity purposes. Now its time to enjoy the holiday season with my family and friends.