Well, I guess nothing interesting has been happening since last Saturday! I can't post at work and sometimes at night I am just too tired. It really has been a low key week. I went to watch the Mavs on Wednesday night with Michelle. We lost, but that is okay. I get this feeling this series will come down to the last possession on the 7th game. It will freak me out and stress me out! I watched last night, but it was the last few minutes. I seem to be in a movie weekend now though. I just finished watching "Fun with Dick and Jane". It was very cute. I do recommend it. And it was very timely with the Enron juries returning guilty verdicts this week (in the movie, Dick's company goes under due to some seriously unethical leadership). And the last line of the movie was pretty freakin funny. I also watched "Derailed". I was kind of disappointed in the movie, but it did have some twists that I didn't see coming.

No Ryan today. He is on vacation this weekend so I got somewhat of a break. He wasn't sure I could survive without him, but I convinced him I'd be fine. Actually, I just think he didn't want to drive to Houston..... Probably had nothing to do with me :-). I did do cardio this morning. I hate cardio though. I would much rather be but through a booty kicking for an hour than 30 min. on that elliptical. But I am getting closer to my goals, so I have to keep it up. Darn swimsuit season....... Speaking of which, I do have to go buy a new one this weekend. Monday's plan is to hang out by the pool all day with Michelle and her friend Megan. I have already bought the sunscreen in anticipation. But that is also why I will be on the elliptical machine tomorrow and Monday morning. If I just go when I wake up, I will have it done for the day and I can go on with my life.

Later!

Great Accomplishment

I did another assessment today with Ryan and the push is actually paying off. It doesn't seem like it is toooooo much but any progress toward a goal is a good thing. I was down 3 lbs, lost some inches in the hard to budge hips and even lost a little more in the neck (that one always makes me laugh when he measures it. Seems like he is trying to strangle me). I dropped a percentage in body fat. I didn't gain any muscle, but that is okay. So, this is a good platform to remember that my goals are attainable and that it is all in my control. I have even cut down the alcohol consumption because those are evil calories. We had a good workout today, but it was my third time to see him this week, so we did kind of take it easy (well, as easy as he will let me get away with :-)). There was no holding me down in a lunge position while I tried to hit him........

Work is going great. I am soooooo happy now. Everyone is very nice and I actually feel like I can use my brain. And, again, it is HR stuff. Wow, what a concept. It was kind of slow this week, but I am sure once everything gets into full swing, I will not have moments in my day where I am actually bored. I have this feeling, beginning next week, I am going to be just trucking along. I have done a lot of reading on the government and their HR policies, grievance procedures and all the intricate things I need to remember. It definitely will be a challenge, because there are so many things to consider and consequences to each action we propose. I have a good resource in learning this stuff and you can bet I will take full advantage of it. I have learned more about the government in this past week then I have in my entire life (and I have a Political Science degree!). Really, those .gov websites are full of very interesting things (and this is all the stuff that is available to the public). You really should check that stuff out..........

Well, I am going to rest and then take Mom to a movie this afternoon. Since I had to leave last Sunday (Mother's Day), she kind of got gipped in the mommy day stuff. So, today is movie and dinner.

Oh, Michelle's birthday was on Thursday, but I didn't post that day, so happy belated birthday to her!!!!!!! We had sushi last night in honor of the big day. :-)

Later!

Ouch, Ouchy

Okay, I have never said a bad thing about Ryan even though he kicks my booty every week. Today, I actually got as close as I have ever to hating the boy. He HURT me. He was holding me in the lunge position and while it is a "good burn" it still hurt like freakin heck!!!!!! I was seriously close to actually crying (I had to hold it for 25 seconds. Doesn't seem long, but trust me, this hurt). I liken it to the 10 mile hike. Yes, I feel a sense of accomplishment, but I won't admit it that same day. I made it through, tried not to curse him out and made it home in time to watch American Idol. I think I might need a bubble bath before the season finale of Law and Order:SVU. That and lots of ADVIL!!!!!!

I went to VA on Sunday and orientation was on Monday. I was very impressed with the orientation process. It was one of the best I have sat through. Even better than those I have created......... And while I didn't see a lot of the area, it was very much in love with all the trees on the way from the airport to the hotel. I flew back last night and was actually rather nauseous. It was a smooth flight too. I don't know what happened. I woke up feeling much better. And I had full access to the computer today. All is good. I have meetings this week with the OASAM (don't ask -- I can't remember what it means). They are the HR department and I will be working closely with them. It is good to get in good with them!!!!

Okay, bubble bath time. Later!

Still going good!

Yes, my second day was as good as my first. I still don't have computer access, but really, who does on the first or second day on the job! I got my space a lot more organized today and kind of feel like it is my cube now. Plus, I might was well get everything organized now since once I get going I might be begging for time to make files!!!!

This will be short since I need to go get ready for dinner with Mia and Jen. It will be very nice to see the gals! I know they will appreciate baby pictures :-). I did my cardio so I am now more awake. It is amazing how tired I was today and yesterday after working all day. Being off for a week kind of throws you out of the rhythm of working 8 hours a day. I am lucky I had 2 days and then a weekend!

Well, off to decide what to wear!!!!

Oh, I am so happy!

My first day is officially over and I am home and happy. I think this was a good move and I will be there for a long time. I did a lot of reading today (good thing I know how to do that :-)). I met everyone in the office and they all seem very nice. And I started trying to figure out how it all fits together. It might take a few weeks (months maybe) but I will get it all down. And the commute is pretty nice. 18 minutes, door to door. I might not even take the train -- that would take longer really. And apparently there is a program where I can take parking money out pre-tax and save money. I will know more about that next week. If I get off work at 4:30, I can drive to the gym, get my cardio out of the way and then be home by 6ish. Very cool!!!

Other than that, nothing much to tell. I am kind of tired so I think a nap is in order. The Office has its season finale tonight and so that is my only big thing planned :-). Don't worry, I will do the cardio after that is over.

Later!

No, Really, I have an excuse!!

I know it has been forever since I wrote, but I was on vacation. Yes, my cousin had a computer, but I was on vacation from everything!!!

Baby Chloe was absolutely beautiful in person. It was fun to see her and the rest of the family. It was a pretty nice trip to CA. I went hiking on Saturday. Um, 10 MILES!!!!! It was a pretty view at the top, but 5 miles up hill takes it out of you. I was proud that I had the stamina, but body parts were trying to revolt. I still won't admit to Aunt Gail that I had a sense of accomplishment though :-). The hike caused an outbreak of the hives, but I kept popping allergy pills.

Aunt Gail, Mom and I went to the wineries in Jackson, CA on Sunday. I had always gone to Napa Valley so it was cool to see new ones. The first winery, which thankfully I don't remember the name of, was kind of bad. The first few tastings I did the "icky" face. You know, when you taste something bad. Gail reminded me that I probably should have turned around (away from the winery workers) if I was going to do that face. It wasn't subtle :-). All the other wineries we hit were great! I stocked my wine rack and I am good for awhile. I kept finding things I liked!!! The best name for wine that we saw was the "Brayzin Hussy Red". The winery was called the Bray. It has the best label too!

I start my new job tomorrow. I ran errands today and cleaned the apartment. I do feel ready for this next chapter in my life! My old job has already called me for 2 different things..... Okay, I think it is nap time. I already worked out today with Ryan, so I am all good. He was bright and early this morning. I thought when I set the time, I would get to sleep early enough the night before. Not so much. I couldn't fall asleep but really needed to see him this morning, so I went anyway. Kicked my booty, but it was worth it as always.

Later!

Getting Ready

I have my exit interview in 20 minutes. Not sure what they are going to ask and I am not sure exactly how honest to be :-).

I am also getting ready for my CA trip. I truly can't wait. I haven't been out there in a long time. And I swear, Chloe gets cuter every picture I see of her. I just want to hold her for the days I am out there.

Funny thing happened at the gym yesterday. I was training with Ryan. In the middle of our session, the electricity goes out. Apparently the entire block was out. Since I was in the middle of a shoulder press, I just kept going. They weren't kicking people out yet, so we just kept going. While it was getting a little hot (no air), I actually had a good workout. I even got a shoulder rub. He hit some good pressure points and I was a happy camper. I did, however, accidentally hit him with the leg machine. It was dark -- we'll blame that. I felt bad, but he swears I didn't hurt him. They finally started kicking people out right as we finished training -- it was really getting hot in there so I don't blame them. I am sure the liability rises during times like that!

Well, I have got to run. I think I have finally finished all the projects that need to be done for Mary and I have Wanda comfortably sitting in my chair. I might actually get to do the "I am leaving" slacking for a bit.

Later!