Wedding Pictures

I'll have to take some time later to catch up on the holidays and what's been going on the last couple of weeks, but for right now, I wanted to post that our professional wedding pictures are available. Our photographer (Azul Photography) posted them on Pictage.com.

I sent out an email earlier today with instructions for viewing all the pictures. If I somehow missed you, please send me an email, and I'll send you the information.

For those of you who prefer not to look through all 500+ images, here are a few of our favorites.

This one's great because it's Bryan grabbing some food before the ceremony!

Glory Hog

I'm a little disappointed by last night's finale of The Apprentice. I honestly think Randal was by far more qualified than Rebecca, so it doesn't bother me that he was ultimately chosen. What does bother me is his reaction when Trump suggested he also offer Rebecca a job. I felt Rebecca was a solid candidate and extremely well poised, so I had a hard time understanding why Randal was so adamant about being the "sole" apprentice. I just don't understand how it would have affected him if Rebecca was also offered a position.

Apparently, I'm not the only one.

For Bryan

Bryan ran across this photo somewhere and had mentioned it to me. He found it amusing, so I'm posting it here for his future enjoyment!

IBM Holiday Party

Bryan and I attended the IBM Global Services Holiday Party on Friday. We had a nice time, except for the fact that a few hundred people attended and I only recognized a handful. I guess that's just part of being part of such a large corporation.

There were some photographers on hand snapping pictures of the event. We got a few nice shots in:





Earlier in the week, I'd gone in search of maternity dresses to wear to the event. Unfortunately, places like Motherhood seem to think maternity is synonymous with matronly. I found a ton of cute party outfits at A Pea in the Pod, but overpriced does not even begin to describe what they charge for their clothing. I finally opted to get a non-maternity dress in a stretchy fabric.

I must have done pretty well 'cause a woman at our table caught Bryan rubbing my belly and commented "Are you expecting?! You don't look pregnant at all." She changed her mind once I stood up and showed her my profile. Nonetheless, I appreciated her compliments!

I Love IBM

IBM is always boasting about its position in Working Mother magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies. In fact, IBM's made the list every year since the list began 20 years ago. In 2005, IBM even secured a spot in the Top 10. As a working-mom-to-be, I didn't really value the importance of this ... Until today.

I met with my manager this afternoon to discuss my options for maternity leave, and more importantly my return-to-work options. I was granted 10 weeks of leave and the ability to work a flexible schedule when I return. We're hoping to enroll the baby in a local Spanish immersion day care program when I return to work. The only problem is the program is a half-day affair, meaning that after 1pm the baby would be under my supervision. Today, my manager gave me the go-ahead to work a standard shift from 8am - 1pm (5 hours) and the ability to flex the remaining 3 hours. Meaning I could make up the time at any point during the day as my schedule allowed.

I didn't think I'd have much of a problem getting this type of arrangement, but I thought I'd at least have to do some negotiating. I was all prepared to argue my position too, seeing how IBM had just launched an initiative encouraging managers to allow for more flexible schedules. But, I didn't have to break out my sales skills since my manager was agreeable to my request from the get-go. I really am fortunate to have fallen into such a forward-thinking and understanding company.

More Holiday Cheer

First of all, I should probably apologize for my significant lack of blog activity. It's been crazy busy around here, and I haven't made much of an opportunity to write!

We spent Thanksgiving in Williamsburg with Bryan's mom and sister. We had a great time. It's so amazing to me how much Williamsburg has grown up since I left. Off of Monticello, not far from the "new" Target and Ukrops, there's a GIANT movie theatre. We went there to see Walk The Line. Evidence that there's virtually nothing to do in Williamsburg: nearly every movie sold out both Thursday and Friday night.

What Black Friday would be complete without a shopping trip? The outlets have changed some too. There's a lot of neat new stores that I wish were there when I was in school. For one, there's a Gap Outlet now. What I would have given not to have had to drive to Newport News just to get to a Gap. There's also a BCBG outlet. Unbelievable. I wouldn't have had a penny to my name in college if that had been there then.

Over the weekend, we invited some friends over to celebrate what we're hoping to be the First Annual Tucker Holiday Party. Bryan bought a giant slab of Prime Rib and cooked in on his new grill's rotisserie. Bryan would be sorely disappointed if I didn't post some pictures of his creation, so here they are:

the prime rib all seasoned, prior to being cooked

prime rib, cooked and carved - it was delicious

Chef Bryan with his masterpiece


The week, we started decorating for Christmas. We went hunting for a Christmas tree. My ever-thrifty husband was astounded when I told him that I usually paid about $70 for a live Christmas tree from one of those vendor lots. After looking through a few lots, we ended up at Wal-Mart. Ever true to their slogan (Always Low Prices, Always), good old Sam pulled through with a 7 foot, robust, live tree for the unbelievable price of $30! Last night, we headed back to Wal-Mart to buy colored lights 'cause Bryan was unimpressed by my traditional white lights. Before too long our house will be nice and festive!