Magic Fingers

I went to get a massage this morning. The lady I go to has absolute magic fingers. And now that I am a regular, I get that extra attention to the areas that really need it. I also broke my "No talking during the massage" rule today. My mention that my legs hurt because of dancing lead to a pretty interesting discussion, so I got to know her better as well. Really, insurance companies should cover massages in their policies. The amount of stress related illness would surely go down. And that would reduce the costs. I am sure a $65 massage will cost lest to the insurance company than thousands and thousands in medical costs that could have been prevented. In any case, this will have to be a regular thing for me. I would be more than happy to sacrifice something like cable to make it fit in my budget!!!

This afternoon, I am trying to do research on marketing in the UK but I can't focus. I think I will just read Harry Potter and then come back to the computer later. A nap might also help. I did do some dancing last night -- still kind of tired. Did get some research done -- so it isn't a total loss!

have a great weekend!!!

FINALLY

I finally got my badge today. I don't feel like an orphan anymore. I don't have to call people to come get me at the door. And I can go through the campus gates without having to stop by the bank teller looking things and begging for entrance. May not seem like that big of deal to the rest of the world, but I am so happy right now. :-)

However, in light of that happiness, I still feel very incompetent today. We all have those days when we really just need to crawl back to bed and try again in the morning. And, when emailing Michelle with my "I feel incompetetant and fat", she sweetly replies, "Your not fat"........... Gotta love friends. :-).

Okay, think it is time to go find something small to eat.

Still Surviving

It has been one month since I started with my new company. No, I still don't have a badge...... However all has come back clear and we are just waiting for the security department at EDS to call and say I can get the picture done. I can't wait. I will feel finally official...... And I can get into the gate without having to go through the visitor area. Let's pray it is tomorrow.

I finally bit the bullet and bought a new laptop. I don't have it yet -- ordered it and it is being built for me. Tee, hee. It is time to move from the desktop. I like the idea of taking my laptop (a Dell, btw) to Starbucks and writing my papers there. All will know when I get it and do my first blog :-).

Tonight is the most intersting of the week... laundry and research for school. Laundry is important since I need something cute to wear dancing tomorrow night. And my cute top was dirty.......

Doing the Doggy Paddle

All new jobs require an amount of adjustment. Usually you aren't thrown into them feet first and asked to doggy paddle your first couple of weeks out. This job, while very challenging, is making me very tired. I go home at the end of the day just exhausted! I need to work out after work, but usually I just want to lay on the couch and watch whatever is on. I can't do that too much more since I have to kick into gear for the last few weeks of class. I will eventually get over it and back in the routine. But for now, if I am asleep when my friends call, they will know why :-). It is going well though. I don't want anyone to think it isn't! Now if I can only get the darn access badge!!!!! (just a couple of more days, I am told...... I am clear so that is no issue.)

So, I need to stop break time and get back to work. Actually, since I had a conference call through lunch, I might just take a stroll outside in the sun. And then come back in quickly because my makeup will have streaked.........

Simon and the Vet

Today was Simon's annual visit to the vet. Nothing is funnier than my fur babies trying to run when I am trying to get them in the carrier. I have gotten craftier in my old age and lock them in a room to ambush them. I feel so mean. He was actually good today. No scratching the vet, no scratching mommy. He even had the receptionist fawning over him. Afterwards, we made a trip to the Starbucks drive thru. And he got fawned over when I got to the window. So, all in all, lots of love for Simon. I think it was worth a few shots for him :-). And you know Sierra was back home just laughing (in the way kitties laugh.......).

Really nothing too fascinating today. It has been cleaning day. Watching movies too. I bought "Garden State" yesterday. It is a great movie! If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. I love listening to the commentary on DVDs.

Oh, and in wonderful family news, we found out my cousin Katie and her hubby Kenneth are expecting! (I have full permission to reveal this bit of info!!!). It really seems like they have been married forever. I am so happy for them. They will make great parents. And Gail, what is your Grandma name gonna be :-) (nana, granny, etc :-)).

One Thing to Report

The only thing that I have happily to report today is that I ended up with an A on the mid term. Oh so happy. There was a collective sigh of relief in the class, because we all thought we did horrible! So, that is a relief off my shoulders. :-)

Same Ole, Same Ole

I am settling in well here at my new company. I don't have my security badge yet, so when I get here in the morning, I have to call my co-workers to come have mercy on me and let me in! Hopefully soon. Luckily they are easy going.

I went to Sam Moon for the first time ever today. That place is amazing!!! I only ended up with a pair of sunglasses, but you know I would have gone a little crazy had I had more time. The scarves alone were fantastic. I have to see what colors I have in my wardrobe before I buy more scarves and earrings (need more of those......). Next time I will take a bundle of money, a few hours and go to town!

Well, really nothing too fabulous today. I have school tonight and get to see how great I did on that test last week. I will try not to cry too hard if it is not up to Kim standards.

Time to wrap up. Later!

The Week Update

My test on Wednesday went fine. Not sure how I did, but I think I at least passed. It was harder than I thought, but I figure that was the least thing to be stressed about. After the last 2 months, I really couldn't find it in me to panic about International Business. I either knew it or I didn't.

I ended the first full week of work at the site. It was pretty good. I think this will work out just fine. At least I will have experience being the sole HR person and that will transfer very well on a resume.

I finished Friday at a CAT (Choice Action Team) meeting Friday night. I love this group. This past one was more strategic than the last 2 I had been to. We learned more about what NARAL ProChoice was doing on the national level and what we could transfer to the local level. I also had to concede that Albert Gonzales might actually be the choice for Supreme Court that might do us the best. No matter what I think of his past, he might actually respect legal precedence and keep in tact personal freedoms and responsibilities. Michelle and I had to leave a little early from the meeting (it went longer than normal!) and to a place called Spirit Grille. They had Karoke night and we were meeting her friend there. It was rather fun. We had a hot waiter and I got a phone number :-). Probably not someone I will want to date in the long run, but if we go out, that will be fine. Michelle and I laughed and danced around and I actually got up to sing "Achy Breaky Heart" with another gal. Fun evening in all!

Last night I attended a workshop called "The Art of Exotic Dancing for Everyday Women". I tell you what, this was the best thing I have done in a long time!!! You all know my favorite new workout is the Carmen Electric Strip Aerobics. Well, I found this class in Dallas and thought what the heck. I tried to get my friends to go (yes, Jen, Mia and Michelle, I am talking to you :-)), but I was going anyway. I am so glad I did. Not only is it a great workout, I was able to be in my own little world, watch myself in the mirror and actually watch myself and like myself. It really does raise a woman's confidence level. I can't explain why, but I know any self consciousness that I felt was gone at the end of the 3 hour workshop. We learned to walk, eye contact and move to what our body felt like doing. It really isn't about performing for another person, it was all about me! I HIGHLY recommend it to all women, even if you don't have a dance background. Heck, I am the clumsiest person I know and I was dancing around in high heels -- not falling down :-).

I could talk about this forever, but I have to go get ready. I am meeting an old college friend and her family for lunch. I haven't seem Lisa in FOREVER. She was having a Mary Kay party on Friday night but I already had plans. So, we decided just to get together today. It has been too long and I have no excuses not to see her. And even if I had tons to do, I need to make time to see my old friends! I was in her wedding for crying out loud!!!! It is easier for me to go to her since she has the kids and the hubby and I just have me. :-).

Have a wonderful Sunday!

The Joys of Caffeine

I am rather hyper now and that is all due to the joy of diet coke. I am a tad hyper and I guess that is somewhat good since I have bills to pay and a test to study for. Just finished paying the bills and already did most of the learning of international finance.

I started at the EDS office yesterday. All I had was an empty cube and a laptop. It was a tad overwhelming due to the fact that the new circumstances were setting in. I believe all people go through these mixed feelings when they start a new job. You feel useless and somewhat lost and very impotent. I know that soon I will be stressing over how much I have to do, but we all know I am very impatient :-). I explored the office a little. Found the cafeteria and it is huge! I guess you would expect that from EDS. I meet my new co-workers as well. I am now in a small cube with all the action. The lady next to me is a loud mouth. I need a white noise machine, my radio, or maybe an anvil to drop on her head to shut her up. I don't think her mom taught her "inside voice". She is a recruiter so she is on the phone ALL DAY LONG. Someone might die if I ever have to miss my coffee in the morning. Okay, she isn't that bad, but I really don't miss her when she is away from her desk. But, as each day goes on and I claim what I want to do and reject the stuff I really shouldn't be doing, I feel empowered each day. Fake it until you make it -- my other motto :-).

Well, back to studying. I need some more review of exchange rates and the financial environment of international business. Maybe that will help me sleep...........

Man, I actually have to study

I have a mid-term on Wednesday night and so I actually have to study all day. Don't worry, I have kept up with the reading but there are broad concepts have to learn. I'd just rather write a paper..........

Michelle's mom is doing much better. She is awake and as of yesterday breathing on her own. She is even bossing everyone around, so we think that is a good sign.

Off to study!!!

Nothing New

Nothing new today, so I have a picture of Sierra to share. Enjoy :-).

Back in Texas

Before I begin, prayers are needed for Michelle's mom. She is in the hospital on life support due to a massive asthma attack that just shut down her body. I believe she is in good hands and the doctors will be taking good care of her, but Michelle is understandably upset. I will keep all updated, but thoughts and prayers are much appreciated.

I got in at 5:00 this afternoon from my trip to Florida. I am kind of tired, but really can't go to sleep at this time. I guess it is time to check the bank statements and then watch a movie. Need to catch up on my netflix. The cats weren't as mad as I thought they would be. Simon just gave me a stern talking to!

I actually met someone interesting on the plane during this trip. A guy named Rob. Pretty nice guy. He is a young one, but it isn't like I am going to date the guy! He made me laugh and that made for a nice trip. He was also kind of fascinated about the fact that I am a vegetarian democrat in a Red State (who went to Texas A&M -- go figure). He was trying to convince me that a motor bike ride on the Great Wall of China was a good idea. (He is a bike rider, snowboarder, outdoorsy type guy.) He doesn't realize how clumsy I am (or how uninterested in motor biking on the Great Wall I really am!).

I don't have too much more to say. Still feeling kind of sick from the plane ride. I usually don't get motion sickness, but today I am feeling it. Tomorrow I get to take my drug test to gain access to the EDS site. You know how much I am really looking forward to that!!!!

I found a computer!!!

It is Thursday evening and I am ready to go home! I went to the bar in the hotel for a glass of wine (I love this bartender -- she is filling it to the top :-). She is getting a big tip). Found a computer that is actually free to use.

Training is going well. I actually learned everything I need to know yesterday. I really didn't need 2 days in the FL office. But it was great to meet everybody. It is a great group of people and I am very excited to be with them. I like the fact that I have access to the CEO and that the top executives are mostly female. I had dinner with 3 SVPs last night -- all women. The mentor possibilities with this group are great. They are very nice and I look forward to getting to know them further.

The London attacks have shaken me all day. Yesterday, I was in shock that they got the Olympics (although happy), but now I am in shock due to their tragedy. Jen reminded me today that we were there a month ago this week. We could have been on our way to London or in London when this happened. My thoughts and prayers go to everyone there. By the way, I emailed my friend Kevin today and he is fine (the one who showed us around London). His fiance was not in London at the time, so she is okay too. I the fact that I now have this horrible thing to add to my research paper for my international business class. That sucks!!!! But you know this will affect business in the UK so she would expect it there. I was just hoping to have to talk about the Olympics. God watch over everyone there and in the rest of the world.

Okay, I think it is time to head back to my room to prepare for my travels tomorrow. I also need to call a few people. I know my kitties will be happy to finally have me home for more than 24 hours! My mom emailed me and said they were kind of ed off right now! They have to get over it, but I always feel bad!

Keep safe. And hope that security isn't TOO bad when I go through it tomorrow.

Happy 4th of July!!!

I just spent the last 3 days in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Michelle's grandparents have a house out there and we went to visit. I had such a blast. It was nice to just sit back in shorts and a pony tail on a boat with no worries in the world! Plus, they like to card you up there when you buy beer. :-) I was in a convenience store before the firework show and the lady asked for my id to buy my handy six pack. Of course, being 33, I love it :-). Apparently I was older than this lady (you would NEVER have been able to tell!!!) and she was going on about how embarrassed she was to ask. Heck, never be embarrassed with a gal over 30!!!

Saturday night they had fireworks over the lake. It was nice to be out on the boat on such a beautiful night. The weather was perfect, it was not too hot and I just sat back and ignored the world. I guess it was a little easier with life falling into place, but it felt nice.

Yesterday we spent all day on the boat. I was there with Michelle, her grandparents, her friend Clay, and a few other family members (including a 3 year old who was as cute as could be!). We all loaded into the boat, set out for the dam (we still don't know what was special about this dam, but it was there anyway). We even pack a lunch for this journey. All in all we were on the water for about 5 hours. Needless to say, even with 45 SPF sunscreen, I still burned. And the burn is a tad blotchy. Oops!!! But that can be fixed!

I am back in Dallas today. We got back very early this morning -- left at 10 last night. Today will be a day for packing for FL. Leaving tomorrow morning - way too early. But since I am new to this job I don't want to come off as a diva just yet :-). I am actually laughing at myself. I was aggressive, found a new job and I really will only have a few days between jobs. Oh well. It was my decision to start so soon after leaving Canon. I am going to the parents house later on for a bbq. Well, they will have bbq, I will have faux Chick-N patties!

Have a wonderful 4th of July. It might be a few more days before I post since I will be in FL and do not know what access I will have to the computer. Have a wonderful week and I will catch you up next weekend!!!!